What goes into a backpacker's backpack?

I shot this for a friend who asked what I packed when I went backpacking. This was filmed after I came out of Glacier National Park, Montana in July of 2009 and should give you a pretty good idea of what and how I pack, focusing primarily on weight, volume and essential vs non-essential. I also talk briefly about the different types of gear that I bring. Backpackers can be a finicky bunch when it comes to weight and I'll be the first to admit that I tend to pack heavy (went it at 41lbs and came out at 37) but I'm a bigger guy and don't really have a problem lugging around the extra weight.

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[1946hiker]

Do you realize guns are NOT allowed in any national park? In fact guns are not a good idea at all anywhere. I have been backpacking for over 15 years and have never felt a need for a gun. The rest of the things you pack are fine. There is also MaryJane's Organic Freeze dried foods. Good without all the preservatives.

[shanesworld]

@1946hiker  actually you are quite WRONG. Guns are perfectly legal in all national parks.

Accoding to NBC:

"A new federal law goes in effect Monday February 22nd, that makes it legal to carry a firearm in most national parks in the United States.

The gun law was passed by Congress and signed by President Obama in May."

I'm happy for you that you've never been in a situation where you've needed a gun. I have on two different occasions. I choose to be prepared rather than unprepared.

[shanesworld]

@ michyhaney

final weight was 41lbs and some change. I'm a bigger guy so I don't have a problem with the extra weight. But 8 days or more and I try to par it down to 35lbs or less. Where do you hunt? What / how do you pack your catch out?

[ThaiEgho]

what kinda gun do you carry? Do you bring extra ammo? Dont you bring like a shotgun with bearbags or such?

[shanesworld]

This trip was in a National Park and up until a little later this month it is still technically "illegal" to carry a firearm in a National Park. That's set to change, something I'm glad about. Yes, normally when in brown bear country I carry a .12 gauge. Here, I needed something I could carry discretely.

[MrJombo22]

That's one heck of a rope and carabiner. You could get by with much less for bear bagging. Do you like to have a more substantial rope just in case? that thing looks like it could support the weight of a person no problem!

I always enjoy seeing what other people take. Good choice of book, too!

[shanesworld]

The rope is fairly light, about 14 oz. With carabiener maybe 1lb. Figure some para cord comes in at 6 or 8 oz. Why not suck it up and have a rope I know will support me if I found myself or someone else in a bad situation. A strong all weather rope (along with a small fishing kit & waterproof matches) to me are one of the core survival items every backpacker should carry with them. In one of my other videos, Crossing The Teklanika in Alaska, there's an excellent example of why.

[andrewsheldonreeves]

instead of waterproof matches recycle a vitimin container and store 3 disposable lighters and some cotten in it. Wrap the bottle with duct tape. The duct tape will burn. The cotten balls have multible uses. Your ligters will stay dry in the container and float. Add some olive oil to your kit and you can make a lamp with the cotten balls that will burn for 20 minites on a tablespoon of olive oil.

[andrewsheldonreeves]

@shanesworld I also carry a gun on my trecks. Not because I want to use it but because a just having a gun and that level of responcibility makes me more aware of my surroundings. My 10 22 loaded with 25 round mag weighs only 5 pounds. I also carry a Cold Steel Kukri Magnum Machete because these days I find myself off trail often bushwacking. My favorite groundpad is the Thermarest Solar Ridge Rest Large. Weighs like a feather 1 lb, Bulky/has to be strapped to my ext. frame but very comfy.

[Subvert1024]

@1946hiker A gun is always a good thing to have everywhere. Why do you hate fire arms?

[r2Kd0ugernaut]

@1946hiker better to have it and not need it, then need it and not have it...

[afterthefox7]

very good video,too short though but, hurray for the big guys!!

[goldenscales]

I am amazed you carry all that. I sat shaking my head in wonder. You should do a vid on how you manage to pack all of that into your backpack. You got my admiration, dude. Well done!

[HBC258]

Good video thanks for the info. Glad to finally see someone pack a handgun besides me. lol

[bostonhoover]

@shanesworld were these experiences with animals or people? I really enjoyed your video which helped me pack.