Super Ultralight Backpacking Gear - Part 3

An in-depth review of the gear and equipment that makes up my system for Super Ultra Light Backpacking trips. In this 4 part video series, we take a comprehensive look at one style of lightweight backing which can reduce your overall base pack weight to less than 5 pounds. This style of hiking is technically referred to as "S.U.L." or "Super Ultra Lightweight Backpacking". After much time spent in the field hiking with packs weighing upward of 50lbs, the past few years have found me leaning toward a slightly more "minimalist" approach in regard to my backpacking style. This path first brought me to pack weights of about 20 pounds... ultimately arriving where I am now with a full feature pack weighing less than 5lbs. Don't get me wrong, I like gear as much as the next person. In fact, a variety of gear is not only necessary for certain outdoor pursuits, but mandatory in many instances. With that said, I have taken a serious look at what I actually "need" for certain activities, and have been adopting a "less is more" mindset. This has been a person challenge as well as a way for me to experience the outdoors in a new way... sometimes it's good to change things up a bit. Still, safety and comfort remain paramount. I am not advocating going into the wilderness under-equipped or unprepared. Significant experience in the field is essentially mandatory to find a balance of what is "luxury" and what is necessity. Even with this knowledge and experience, these types of gear systems are limited to specific conditions and circumstances. Of course, all of this is only my own opinion and personal experience. I remain open-minded and welcome any insight, experience, and advice that you may have to offer. Happy trails my friends!

SUL VIDEO SERIES CONTENT LIST:
Part 1: Introduction -- Philosophy/Application -- Pack Options (waist pack/backpack) -- Water Bottles -- Outwear -- Compass/Whistle -- Trail Snacks -- Alcohol Stove -- Cookset
Part 2: Water Purification & Filter -- Flashlight/Headlamp -- Hygiene -- First-Aid Kit -- Sleep System -- Raingear - Clothing
Part 3: Tarp Tent/Shelter -- Repair Kit -- Fishing Kit -- Carry Items (lighter, knife, multi-tool, survival kit) -- Backpacking Meals/Food
Part 4: Extras: Fishing Tackle (rod, reel, tackle) - Camera Gear/Equipment -- Misc.

NOTE: The final tally for the pack shown was as follows:
Base Weight = 79.2 oz. (4.95 lbs.)
Total Cost = $43.25
* For a complete breakdown and checklist of gear, weights, and prices which make up the Super Lightweight Lumbar Pack system which is at the center of this series (including the major "load out" contents for this trip, as well as personal carry items and add-on "luxury" items), you can click on the link below:
(pending...)

LINKS:
"Homemade Nylon Backpacking Tarp"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36qvT2WvL3E
"Emergency Fishing Kit"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iraU4N15ydA

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• super
• ultralight
• backpacking
• gear
• review
• ultra
• light
• lightweight
• equipment
• pack
• minimalist
• system
• backpack
• kit
• DIY
• homemade
• tarp
• tent
• shelter
• down
• sleeping
• bag
• pad
• repair kit
• alcohol
• stove
• cookset
• water filter
• backpacking tents
• hip
• fanny
• waist
• lumbar
• hydration
• inexpensive
• cheap
• lightweight backpacking
• backpacking gear
• mountains
• wilderness
• forest
• stream
• trout
• fish
• fishing
• rod
• reel
• tackle
• knife
• multi-tool
• survival kit
• trail
• food
• meals
• cooking
• camping
• trekking
• hiking
• how-to
• tips

[jakefreakinclark]

Also, I would consider using bicycle spokes for tent stakes. You can bend the tops, they're super small, etc.

[intenseangler]

@jakefreakinclark I definitely gotta agree with you man... could definitely stand to lose the stuff sacks. It's amazing all of the ways that there are to cut out weight, eh?

Brilliant idea on using wheel spokes for tent stakes btw! Thanks for sharing that one! Peace....

[topshotrhit]

I'm surprised with all the little things and backup items you have that your base weight was under 5. For another cheap DIY tarp, you might check out my vid on the LDPE tarp.

[intenseangler]

@topshotrhit Yeah, you know what they say about the "Big 3" comprising the majority of your weight... so right! Thanks for the heads up on your LDPE tarp... I'll go check that out.

[Gamermatt99]

woah you're friends with pharroah too!? i just met him recently to pick up a leatherman tool i won from him. i might go backpacking with him soon (using the homemade backpack)! crazy!

[intenseangler]

@Gamermatt99 No way man... that is crazy! Small world, eh? :-) Hope you guys have a blast on the trip!

[matthewjamesroberts]

Great job!  Thanks for all the ideas!

[mr911jyym]

@intenseangler how about using sticks from a tree?? then you dont need to bring anything.. if you take a Y branch you can get good hold and good strength.

[jakefreakinclark]

@intenseangler No worries, obv. there's an individual balance between losing weight (like the drawchord on the stuff sack even) and personal convenience/comfort. I'm learning far more from you! I was looking up superultra light stoves, and tea lights (container for wax) are and have been used before, with some remarkable success. Can't get much lighter than that, holy cow! I like the esbit cubes, but I'm skeptical on being able to get them throughout the trail. Cheers!

[jakefreakinclark]

A common theme through your video is your use of "stuff sacks".... Have you considered NOT bringing them? especially with your tarp, I feel as though you could roll/secure it without need of an extra bag.

[phrankus2009]

Just recvd an eno SingleNest hammock and an eno FastFly. VERY light and VERY compact ...

The Snugpak Jungle Bag is also very light and very compact and it has an integral skeeter net, that rolls up. An Adventure Medical Therma-Lite Bivy rounds out the basic system, with a USGI Gortex Bivy and a 48" RidgeRest and a Magellan Fleece Bag Liner, as optional augmentations. All these layers are very light, compact and can be nested, with leaves stuffed between.

Check Envirosponsible's stuffy.

[oregonmikes]

Great stuff, tips abound! Now what did you save for part 4?

[rileyphillip]

Excellent!

[flatblack300zx]

those tarps are really cool nice work they need to be sold at bps :)

[intenseangler]

@brgzz No problem Bro! And thanks!

[brgzz]

Nice rig, and very well thought out. Thanks for putting out the VDOs. Peaceout~

[intenseangler]

@AppalachianFreedom Oh yeah! I've missed out on too many good fishing opportunities over the years. Took me awhile, but I finally learned my lesson :-)

[Ggreenvideos]

@intenseangler Haha! Well we do have the cans :o) Better get up here...haha ;o)

[intenseangler]

@medicjimr Thanks Jim! I'm right there with ya... it's nice to go lightweight, but it's also great to have what adds to our enjoyment as well right... whatever that may be for each of us :-)

[intenseangler]

@saradreaming I think we're getting a little spoiled maybe, eh? I know it's definitely not because we're getting older... that's just not possible! ;-0

[intenseangler]

@TomsBackwoods The bad part is that I originally intended for this to be a 1 part video... just couldn't shut up! LOL. Thanks Bro! :-)

[intenseangler]

@Woodenarrows It's always those little things isn't it my friend? ;-)

[intenseangler]

@rondygal We gotta have our grills for that good campfire cooking, don't we my friend! :-)  Awesome score on all the gear for $20 btw... now that's a good deal!

[intenseangler]

@Ggreenvideos No Spam in the North?? That's it, I'm not visiting now ;-0

[intenseangler]

@ironearth701 Cool! Thanks for the heads up on that Brother!