Table of Contents:
Do This BEFORE You start your hike!
Video taken from the channel: Chase Mountains
Muscular Endurance Workout
Video taken from the channel: Uphillathlete
A Daily Movement Routine for Hikers
Video taken from the channel: Chase Mountains
Training for Hiking Using Stairs Sessions
Video taken from the channel: Chase Mountains
Base Weight & Why It’s So Important!
Video taken from the channel: Darwin onthetrail
A Bodyweight Strength Routine for Hikers || Follow Along
Video taken from the channel: Chase Mountains
How to Train for A Strenuous Hike // 5 ESSENTIAL for a Hikers Workout
Video taken from the channel: Nomads with a Purpose: Adventure Travel Family
Weight training will give you some of that but it won’t provide the really strong endurance over several hours that a good cardio aerobic program will provide. You need to get on the treadmill or bike or out on the road and get the heart rate up for 30 to 45 minutes several times each week.Quads/glutes: sumo squats.
Stand with feet three to four feet apart and toes pointing out at a 45 degree angle. Bend your knees until your thighs are parallel with the floor, making sure not to let your knees extend past your toes. 3 sets of 20 reps. 1 / 16.
Training Exercises for Backpacking Jump Squats. Squats are a staple of many exercise routines because they provide an excellent all-around workout for all Hip Roll Exercise. Most of your backpack weight rides on your hips. This exercise works the glutes and other muscles Step Up Exercise.The Workout: Hike Farther, Hike Stronger.
2) Stretch your hip flexors and eliminate leg pain. The new rules Tightness at the hip can cause problems all the way down your legs, making 3) Train like an elite athlete–harder. And easier. The new rules Monday run, Tuesday lift, Wednesday run.Training Exercises for Hiking.
Jump Squats. Squats find their way into many exercise plans because they provide an excellent all-around workout for all of the muscles in the Hip Roll Exercise. Step Up Exercise.
Heel Down Exercise. Squat Curl Overhead Press Exercise.As you train, try to hike with the pack weight you plan on hiking with on your goal hike. For example, let’s say you’re interested in hiking to Paradise Park from Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood.
This hike climbs 2,300 feet of elevation over 11 miles.Stairmaster is a great training tool! It is a fabulous and time efficient workout that builds essential uphill hiking muscles and aerobic capacity—it can be done in crap weather—or in the dead of winter. It’s a core element of our training. Work up to doing 45 minutes to an hour (or more) alternating between steady pace and faster intervals.
Ali Alami. Here’s a rough 6 week training plan to get in shape for hiking/mountaineering. This will is a good plan for getting in shape to climb Mt. St. Helens, Mt.
Hood, Kilimanjaro, Half Dome (make sure you check this resource if climbing Half Dome), or a 2 day back pack trip with less than 4500ft of elevation gain.Some things to remember when following this pla.Squats and lunges are an important part of strength training for hiking since you need leg strength. Here is what you should prioritize in order to get the biggest bang for your buck. Depending on how much time you have on hand add one or all of the following routines to your weekly walks or even better hikes to round out your training.
If you do a lot of weight training and have them handy and available, you can use weights. Steel plates, kettle bells, dumbbells, are all excellent additions to your weighted backpack training loads. Pad them well with pillows since they will have more inertia when you jostle in training.
Just be very careful when setting the bag down.Include these exercises to prepare for hiking. Here are a few exercises that you can start adding to your workouts. Remember, you don’t have to—and likely shouldn’t—do all of these exercises during every workout. I suggest trying each one to identify where your deficiencies are.
Exercises for hiking to keep soreness at bay These are some of the best routines to try if you want a better endurance during your trip, and to reduce the muscle soreness of the day after. You should be warned to start working out at least 2 weeks before, but 3 weeks before is even better.Do strengthening exercises three to four times a week to give your muscles at least a day off to recover. Always stretch after your workout to help muscles recover and prepare them for your next session of back-strengthening exercises.
Use proper lifting technique when hoisting your backpack.The more time you spend hiking and backpacking, the better prepared you’ll be for hiking and backpacking. But it never hurts to supplement your outdoor pursuits with exercises that’ll help you develop balance, strength, and agility where you need it most.
Add a few of these exercises to your gym routine to get you ready for your next outing.Pushups, lateral raises, and shoulder presse s are simple daily exercises. Pushups work the triceps and parts of the shoulder muscles in addition to core muscles, back and pectoral muscles.
Pushups are a stamina building exercise using your own body weight.
List of related literature:
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from Climbing the Seven Summits: A Comprehensive Guide to the Continents’ Highest Peaks | |
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from Trail Tested: A Thru-Hiker’s Guide to Ultralight Hiking and Backpacking | |
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from Boundless: Upgrade Your Brain, Optimize Your Body & Defy Aging | |
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from Encyclopedia of Sports Medicine | |
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from The Paleo Cardiologist: The Natural Way to Heart Health | |
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from ChiWalking: Fitness Walking for Lifelong Health and Energy | |
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from Strength Training for Triathletes: The Complete Program to Build Triathlon Power, Speed, and Muscular Endurance | |
| |
from Methods of Group Exercise Instruction | |
| |
from The Athlete’s Guide to Diabetes | |
| |
from Fly-Fishing the Rocky Mountain Backcountry |
122 comments
Sometimes we need a pissing competition just to have a conversation
And still not agree
Enjoy the outdoors, go for it
The most important thing
“Is Being There”
Love the video, I hike mostly on weekends so i have not thought about base weight until this year since i thought about doing the AT. Since i am an older guy i want to get my base weight down so my knees and back won’t hurtas much on the trip. Thanks for all the tricks and tips.
I decided to test my general fitness today based on the minimum you mentioned and after not doing any stair climbing for a month due to recovering from a hamstring and psoas injury I managed to do a 186mt verticle rise in 15 mins flat with a 5kg weight but the legs were definitely shaking and still are after an hour lol! I think I might keep going with that amount until I start finding it too easy and increase from there.
I’ve seen this amazing looking puffy in multiple vids now, what is it?!
Thanks Darwin, I always knew all of this, not a big deal for short regular hikes, a MASSIVE deal for longer hikes. Exponentially more important as distance grows. For me, a guy who at most does 3-5 day hikes (back to back days of course), I am comfortable at around 50 Lbs. I work out at the gym multiple times a week and am pretty fit, so its no big deal to carry extra, BUT DAMN I WOULD NEVER DO MORE THAN 70 miles or so with 50 Lbs, I would want to cut that in half for anything more.
I focus more on BUSHCRAFT, so we hike in, camp, build shelters, fire reflectors, etc, then hike out. We might stop in one place for multiple days too in a traditional bushcraft setting so we focus more on long lasting high quality gear, some of which are heavy like an axe. It would not be unreasonable to go up to 70 Lbs for bushcraft for a large man. I like to play it safe so I alway skeep a tent, even though we try to never use one in bushcraft, but for real survival you’d likely need one when in a pinch anyways.
So everyone’s needs are different. Bushcrafters LOVE UL gear, because its COMFORT, and its nearly free, in weight… expensive in dollars xD
Anyways, I love watching your videos Darwin even though we are technically in different niches. Your gear 80% of the time matches what we use.
Hike your own hike and learn as you go. For ME, when it comes to comfort and enjoyment, my philosophy is, “Hey, it’s only weight”. If the choice is between a good night’s sleep and 2 extra pounds? Well, that’s up to YOU. For me… hey, it’s only weight. I am 62 years old and thru-hiked the AT last year. I don’t know what my base weight was but I know I averaged between 35-40 lbs on my back throughout. So what does all that mean? Not a GD thing! Watch a bunch of videos, read a bunch of books, do a lot of hiking and figure it out on your own. Thanks for all your advice Darwin, I didn’t assume you were preaching gospel, so that allowed me to maximize your experience by knowing what to consider and making my own choices before I got on the trail for 5 months. Some people want to be told what to do, I guess, so they can blame someone else for their own decisions. Hike on!
Great video! Two questions though. First, how did you lose all that weight, that’s amazing and inspiring as I wouldn’t have imagined you were 275 at one time from your videos and interest in hiking big miles. Second, is there value in having a slightly heavier pack if it’s more comfortable, has better back ventilation, and can distribute the load better, like something in the 4lb range vs. the 2lb range, and then really counting ounces in the gear you put in said pack? Does that also give you more flexibility to load up with more food and water when needed while keeping UL gear?
I always say ounces add up to pounds and pounds add up to pain. You can’t enjoy a hike if your constantly in pain. So yesss totally agreed. I feel the lighter I get the better I feel. Long distance trails beats your body down daily anyways. I don’t care if your carrying nothing your body will still get beat to hell. I would guess some of those comments were made by people who have never done a long distance hike of many months on trail. Hike on brother. May you never run out of trail, Adventure and Wonder. Thanks again Darwin.
Great stuff, just had my first go in a while and i sure felt out of shape. starting this routine tonight to be ready to go next time
Base weight is important but being happy doing the hike is much more important than anything else
Maybe talk about water? Weight per gal. and food. Say for 5 days. Base weight plus food and water. What would you be looking at? Oat meal and cliff bars…??? Like your videos.
Hi there-new subscriber, just discovered your channel. Great videos! I’m wondering though, if on the Appalachian Trail it’s always uphill after every rest stop, why not just start at the other end and travel it in the other direction? Just wondering…
-6°C in shorts!
You might have done a pretty intense warm up
I have found this video really useful and the tests very inspiring when tracking my own progress in cardio. When i first managed to do 150m / 18 min / 5kg i found doubeling all parameters a bit too challanging so I’ve actually further developed your content and extrapolated the numbers given in this video to come up with my own “cardio rating table”, for a more incremental approach, which I have found pretty useful. Thank you!
My own “cardio rating table” looks like this, any thoughts?
Cardio rating [A-F] Elevation [m] Time [min] Weight [kg]
F 50 6 1.7
E 100 12 3.3
D 150 18 5.0
C 200 24 6.7
B 250 30 8.3
A 300 36 10.0
A+ 350 42 11.7
A++ 400 48 13.3
A+++ 450 54 15.0
A++++ 500 60 16.7
getting sick because of cold weather activity is not smart. hint: the body likes to stay warm…
Can’t agree more. I was in the Marine Corps for only 4 years and my shoulders and back still hasn’t fully recovered from all the times we humped with 90+ lbs of gear (and I’ve been out now for over 22 years). Now when I go on a hump I got a base weight of about 30-32lbs but I do short 5-10 miles. If I had to do a thru hike of just the PCT I’d definitely lighten my load with just the bare necessities. No gun, ammo, knives, redundant items like extra ferro rods but I’d still use my tactical bag because of durability since I tend to throw things around.
Well said man! There will always be haters! Respect from
When I have less weight, I go faster. It’s the same intensity, but I just go farther or get to the location quicker.
I love having more weight on short hikes but for exercise and to get myself ready for longer hikes, not really a base weight freak but at the same time should be able to carry large packs for long distance
I think that part of the deeply rooted ideas of ultralight vs the opposite, is that, until fairly recently, ultralight was significantly more expensive. Also, due to the lightweight gear, much of it wasn’t always reliably durable.
With that said, many hikers have adopted the idea that ultralight is this elitist thing that only those with more money can do.
You used to weight 275 lbs? Damn Boy, you come a long way! Congrats on being able to take care of yourself physically and achieved what you have achieved. Thanks for this video for those who may not understand, I think you are trying to say the following statement:
You should: Lower your Base Weight to the Lowest Possible weight YOU WILL BE COMFORTABLE WITH and AT A PRICE YOU CAN AFFORD (Period) –
This varies by every hiker (weight, shape, economic status, health issues, age, even height) and by the type of hiking mission at hand (day hike, weekender, section hike, thru-hike, flats, rocky, watery, 3 season, Summer, Winter, no climb, lots of climbing, wet, dry, East, West, North, South, Canada, Panama, etc).
There is no one combination for do-it-all. You’ll see eventually what works for you. The trick is not spending a lot of money for your desired goal, meaning not buying a lot of equipment that, once tested on the trail, will not be used anymore and may have to be returned if possible or sold or given away. You will also learn to love some equipment that you thought you would never like (as a did with hooped bivies) and leave behind what you thought was necessary (as I did with 4 to 5 lbs, 2 person tents).
When I did the first section hike of the AT, starting at Amicalola Falls, I was carrying a 45 lbs of total weight for 4 days and 3 nights R/T “test”….In late Spring and rainy weather!!!! A lot of things failed then. By mistake I went up the stairs and I cursed myself and asked myself “Why am I doing this?” A lot…..A lot also has changed since then.
I do mostly section hikes of 4 days/3 night on the AT (will finish in 20 years!) hiking from dusk to dawn. Currently I’ve gone so far somewhere of Damascus, VA (as a Nobo), waiting for this COVID-19 CRAP to blow over so that I can get back to the trail.
Been finding out that at the end of the day tiredness and laziness abounds, so out comes the OR Helium Bivy which is super-convenient, just roll it out, put in the hoop, air mattress and quilt and voila, you can even put it into the AT shelters is so small, otherwise it is as rainproof as any. Yes it is a bit confining and it feels more so confining on dark, moonless nights (like buried in a coffin when it is cold), but it does the job.
I am too lazy to cook so 5 oz fish pouches( salmon and tuna), flattened out Hawaiian Rolls and Vienna Sausages make my dinner. You see you can combine your hiking characteristics with your other traits and save on bringing the cookware!
I just want to finish the day, setup, eat, poop, refill water and then have time to hang out with any hikers around the shelter. 9 AM is lights out.
What gets me is the fact that those writing to you do not understand that many of the thru-hikers may carry some larger packs but those packs are very comfortable and most of them weight 2 to 3 lbs, light but not Ultralight or Hyperlight. Also most of their base stuff is on the light side, they have space to refill for food/water in town and they are never going to run out of space if needed.
How’s it going I really enjoy watching your videos very informational and it brings me to a question I do wildland firefighting this is my second year I just got accepted on the hotshot crew and I need to improve on my hiking so in your opinion should I not hike every day and instead incorporate workouts like these and hike a couple times over the week
Makes sense……I can see the use in a day hike as well for a 4 month hike. I’m old so for a day hike I may pack a Silverfire Scout to enjoy a hot meal and fire. BUT maybe I’m hiking a steep trail for a day hike. I’m not young anymore So I’d bring the Evernew DX instead. Same comparable to a warm meal and fire, but my BASE WEIGHT for carry is greatly reduced. There should be no argument, you pack for your hike, conditions, needs vrs wants and physical stature.
i think base weight is important because lower base weight means more room for my junks!
Always learning from you. Yes some of the gear and setup is more for thru hikes but everyone can take that info and modify to their own application and abilities. Good stuff.
While I completely agree how important it is to have a light base weight for long distance hikes…. I also absolutely have a pissing contest with my mates over our pack weight because that’s all part of the fun! Trying out new light tents, packs and cookers, cutting off tags and excess cordage, coming up with unique ways to give an object multiple uses etc. That final weigh in at the trail head is like Christmas morning haha.
It’s not just important what you do, it’s how you do it! So get the full detailed exercise vids here http://bit.ly/SnowStrength
Good points, especially about water in the west. Carrying 1g/4 L per day adds so much. Also, some of us, um, more senior hikers need lighter weight. Thanks!
I’ve watched most of your videos over the last few years, this one included. Somehow I missed or forgot the fact that you used to be a big guy. Did you drop weight to thru hike? As a bigger girl with not the lightest pack, I’m looking at dropping weight in any way I can without having to buy a ton of new gear.
Also, given that often lighter weight=higher price, do you think it’s still feasible to get lighter while still keeping a traditional pack? Thanks so much for all your videos, you are awesome!
Are you sure that you are really Australian? I mean like a 100 %? Naeh, I don’t think so!
If you really went through the hole in the ice, you must have a good deal of genuine vikingblood in your veins.
Hi from Denmark!
Do you include a bear canister in your base weight? My Bear Vault 500 is 2 pounds. And, really happy for your lifestyle change. You look great. I made a huge lifestyle change. I got old.
Thanks for the demonstration. I’ve just finished your new uphill running book and I wonder how long would you do this intervall? Was it like 2-3minutes and how many repetitions?
Dude I would really love connect with the subtle functionalities of my body to the point where it is part of who I am. I feel a loooooong way from that. I do yoga on and off, though if Im serious, I suppose I should practice every day. Thanks for the video you have a natural ability to inspire. x
Even for us weekend warriors the base weight matters. And, a lot. You might start off all energetic, hyped and what not, but 8 hours into a hard climb trying to reach the peak and you’ll be wishing your heart out for lighter *everything*.
Thanks Darwin. I’m getting a lot of my gear under your name ☺️
Enjoy your videos a lot. I’m not a thru-hiker but I like to keep most of my gear ultralight because I often carry 12-16lbs of camera equipment with me when I go backpacking. By being careful I still stay under 35lbs with several days worth of food. I get my enjoyment from being that little bit fresher at the end of a 15+ mile day so that I can still make it up to that next peak for a chance at a special sunset or astro shot.
Cheers!
Awesome video but wondering if you have done any videos on pure mobility improvements, yoga or stretches and the like. My joints tend to get stiff and my legs and feet seem to keep going but i sometimes find myself too stiff after a days long hike.
Best video, your examples are 100%
..after family camping with dad and mom fishing and photography, I got started with mountainclimbing.
I have been UL from the start.
For one thing, I could only borrow a canvas yucca pack without the frame.
Next, I got the smallest Kelty frame pack I never filled with gear.
I found creative ways to bring every system required, having everything I could serve dual purpose or more.
..and our group participated in making the 10 essential systems list.
It was never 10 items: the items were representative of the systems approach.
The point: I wanted my total carry weight to be about the food, and the extra food we carried for our margin of safety.
Bottom line: low base weight, more food up to your own comfortable total weight.
Let’s be real. If you just don’t sleep, you don’t need a tent, sleeping pad, or toilet paper. Let’s cut the bullshit and streamline this hiking thing.
Really like the routine and had to try it out immediately even though I just randomly stumbled upon your video. Will definitely do it more often to prepare for the upcoming hiking season and the timelapse projects I plan to do. Thanks!
Interesting as I went out today and had a 45 lb pack going up a bit less steep trail but my lungs were taking the brunt of it and I never quite felt the legs ever start to really react in the way I was expecting. Going to up it if I can weight wise and see if I can stress the legs to a greater extent, that or my cardio base is non-existent. Thanks for the vid and the idea to useI the water gallons as supplemental weight.
The example about the car just brought it to the point! It’s like cars used for really, any unnecessary weight is take away to make it lighter and faster!
Great follow along video to start the day. Makes a great combo with your Tibetan Rites video. Feels good to start my day with and it is encouraging to hear why certain movements are beneficial (also while aging 😉 ) that helps to motivate to do it regularly. Thanks!
The only hike I’ve done so far was a 9 mile hike through Manistee National Forest Trail, and my base weight was like 23-25lbs. I weigh 200lbs, and it was a chore for the last mile or two. I’ve gotten down to around 17lbs, and I’m a hammock camper. I never once said “I wish this was heavier” lol.
No “Base Weight” is not so important, civilisations have lived without this neurotic syndrome for milliners, but capitalist societies HAVE TO create new desires to sell their products… not needs, because you don’t need a $3000 ultralight “Base Weight”, but yes dealers need you to believe it… so their servile employees have to make you believe it… wake up! You just simply don’t, walk with what you have and yes you may be not as “competitive” as professional ultralight backpackers… so what? Do you think that enjoyment is measurable by kilometers per day (or miles)? Do you think that inner happiness is graduated in kilograms or onces? It is not!
I agree that the commenter was rude, but I do still think there is a fundamental disconnect between folks on YT and average people. These videos are suggested to anyone who is backpacking, but in reality they are from the perspective of a specific type of long distance backpacking. Even if you wanted to, most of us can’t take months, almost a year off to hike. And if many of us were honest a lot of us don’t even want to.
I’ve never had an issue with these videos, because I watch them knowing that I have no desire to be on the trail longer than five days and I want to spend at least half the day at camp enjoying nature. At most I’d be hiking 5-6 a day and I can being under that. With that is mind I take reviews with a grain of salt. I also know that as an occasional backpacker a $600 tent is probably not a good use of my money. $600 isn’t a lot for your home for 6-9 months, compared to taking 3-4 trips a year.
How long did it take you to loose weight? What do you weigh now? What did you do?
Thank you for breaking this down. I’m getting ready for the AT, and I appreciate this. Thank you.
Isn’t there another set of injury risks associated with base weight? Namely, fall injuries. More base weight should increase your risk of falling by raising your center of gravity relative to your body’s normal CG, while also making falls more dangerous because of the increased force of all that extra weight coming down with you. And note how this risk factor should apply even to short hikes, since all it takes is one misstep on an uneven trail to result in a fall which can seriously injure you.
I still don’t understand base weight Q.Q
Can someone make that in 1 or 2 sentences for my slow, overworked brain?
Great video thanks!!! I’m a weekender lol working up to start doing bigger sections so I have been investing in gear. I really appreciate your budget videos and so does my wife.
I did recently Upper works trail in Adirondacks. I went around 2000′ up and down thru hard trail cover with big rocks, mud and roots. My backpack was way to heavy I took to many unnecessary staff like ultralight chair and way to much food and water. I could’t get to Mt. Marcy by my original plan. so next morning I went back. After that I know how Ultralight backpacking is IMPORTANT! to go into rocky and muddy terrain. Next time for exampl, instead of two bottle of water and backpack bag of water I’ll take one bottle with 750ml. and Water pump filter! so after that all my joints knee and feet were in pain like a week and so! OVER BACKPACKING CAN REALY HURT YOU!
Just found your content, and WOW! Thank you for the effort and detail you put into your videos. I’m so buying your program on payday! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
Cudos that you just ignored the fact that the first comment was an asshole comment.
Hi! great video! I d like to ask..If I do it on stairs instead of a mountain do I have to modify something?
That’s wild. At 4:45 the river you’re looking at is the Lehigh river in Pennsylvania. I’ve hiked that section numerous times and kayaked that river countless times because I live a half hour from there. It’s just random because of the thousands of miles u hiked, that’s the shot you chose. What are the odds? lol. Small world I guess.
The language these Norwegian kids are using these days…
Great video though!
Comments by people who have never hiked 25+ miles for days on end….
Also…with ultralight base weight…easy to get to….just spend 2k.
How’s the new knee performing? Love seeing that Chaos still getting put to use. One of my favorite packs ever.
Save this video to your watch later list and comment below if you make it all the way to the end! Thanks for watching!
Yup agree. Definitely get your gear as light as you practically can. But… Carry the gear that will make you comfortable. Its all personal. I lost 60lbs in body weight then cut 15ish lbs of pack weight when I hiked the AT. The way I look at it is.. Every step I take….. that’s 75lbs less weight/impact on my knees/feet/body for every single one of the 30-60000 steps id take each day for 6 months. Also as a bonus, my shoes lasted longer.
Nice! I like to train some before I get out, that way I am less sore. Great video, and reminder too.
of course you want lighter gear. what are these clowns on about?
If you have the cash to go light why wouldn’t you?
There is so much that goes into what to carry and how much. You’re not going to please everybody. But the one thing that is a constant. How much time does it take to setup or prepare. As time is the one thing you’re not going to make more of. So if I can cook faster meals. Prepare a shelter. Refill water supply. Make a fire. I’m going to use it. Even if it cost more. As you waste energy the longer it takes you to accomplish a task..Why the distance you are traveling\terrain\weather\fitness makes a huge difference. And that comes only with experience.
I’m more into Bushcraft but I come here for a lot useful tips
Love your videos. Can I ask. I’ve scored 1 treking pole. Is one ok or should I get a 2nd one. Probably be hard to get a match. Does that matter. Or is just a similar weight ideal. Am on a budget getting started and would value your knowledge. Cheers. Happy hiking. From NZ:)
I got so distracted by the little skiing emoji at a certain point that I had to literally paused and went back 3 times watching it and LMAO. Really enjoyed the video
After reading Training for the new Alpinism, these Videos are great to actually start training the correct way!
I love how some people don’t understand literally the most basic physics. More weight equals more strain on your body. Obviously!
I find the obsession with weight a little amusing, and they way some people advocate UL as down right dangerous. The best advice is to go a number of trips and see what is used, and what things aren’t getting used (especially in the way of clothing and “comfort gear”). Having said that, if you’re out in the wilderness, there are some survival basics you must carry, even if they are never used (think a good 1st aid kit). The dangerous part is when people start cutting essentials based on what others are doing, ignoring that others are hiking in completely different environments. For example, no where i’d use a tent could be trek pole tent. The high alpine can be on solid rock, and a free-standing tent that can take serious wind is mandatory unless you’re going to try a bivvy bag even in heavy storms. The tents alpinists use down here weigh more than the entire base-weight many of you are talking about. Having said that, I’ve been modernising lately to save on unnecessary lbs, where modern gear is a big help in reducing overall pack weight.
If a person can’t understand the logic behind having a light backpack, they lack hiking experience and as moronic as possible.
What is fkt? Btw, my base weight is 240 and I add about six lbs of gear not counting my book bag because it sits in the front seat of my car as I drive the.4 miles to work. Am I ready for the AT or what?
If you’re stuck at home, that’s the view for it.
You are appreciated!
Hilarious that you explain the concept comparing it to a car. So American
Hilarious how weirded out your spectators were. I’ve gotta try some of these.
I carry 9 to 11 kg and don’t mind some times even 15 kg for about 9 km and I’m 13 it dose not matter
Ipad is more for drawing, if I want to read I’d just bring a kindle, because there is nothing like doing art in nature.
thank you for this video. i rlly appreciate that you also include option fr people who don’t have stairs:D
Perhaps a correction… There are some of us that love to trek through nature, spend even if just for a night, but have damaged vertebrae, poor circulation, arthritis, and have damaged or broken ankles (right twice, left once) and other joints (too numerous to mention in this comment) that need to minimize weight even if it’s for just a hike. Base weight and equipment selection are essential. Due to poor circulation I sleep very cold so I need a warmer sleeping system which weighs more. So, I choose as light weight as I can get without weighing down my budget $. I don’t want to just survive in the wilderness. I want to thrive, and that means being comfortable while traveling as light as I can afford, being ecologically responsible (leave no trace and bring out trash others left, repair damaged areas etc.), and have fun while doing it. Heavenly Father’s garden is beautiful. Enjoy it, respect it, love it. Thanks for your videos.
“If you’re a hiker, you’re probably not into going to the gym”…I feel so called out XD
An old video but one I’m glad I found. As someone looking to get into backpacking slowly, even the budget UL is too steep. Good to hear while important, it’s not the end all, particularly for shorter 1-2 day hikes to start with.
As someone thats wanting to improve their flexibility and stability this is exactly what I needed and was super easy to follow along to. Cheers Chase
For me, I choose ultralRIGHT vs ultralight. Ultralight means that concessions were made for weaker gear to achieve a lighter weight. Andrew Skurka has the concept down pat I think. If a 5lb 3 season sleep system will guarantee me 30 degree safe sleeping conditions without risking condensation and hypothermia over a 4.9lb 3 season sleep system, I’m going for the 5lb sleep system. That goes the same for everything. Anyway, if it ain’t under 10lbs for everything minus food & water, it ain’t ultralight (but I love how they never include the weight of their camera gear in the loadout weights that they carry! LOL).
Darwin, you are the BEST hiking channel. Thanks for your work.
I think about base weight and the big three ( PackSleeping Bag or QuiltTent or Hammock ) these are the heavy items. I know hiking around Roan Mountain TN-NC one does not want a lot of extra weight. Or like I just finished up a backcountry hunt where you not only have your gear you have to pack your game out. Can I do 70 plus Yes do I like it No. Every trip I put stuff in and take stuff out, gear is truly for the trip you are on and every place has its requirements.
This was excellent & your channel is full of exactly what I’ve been trying to find for a while. Just signed up for Elements fell in love with hiking this last year and been trying to figure out what to do to improve and learn. Will tag you a photo from a summit in the future & sending u appreciation for your work from the mountains in Donegal. ↟↟↟
Darwin you need to stop focusing on the people with negative opinions.
This is bring out a negative emotion from within you, and it not making you a happy individual.
Stick to your video on educating us and stop focusing on the negative comments.
Thank you
Got a question about weight trade-offs. I really just starting out hiking, but trying to keep my weight low. I am looking for light, low cost solutions. The maximum time we would hike is probably a week, but we have some hikes planned for this summer that have quite a bit of elevation changes such as the Maroon Bells, 4 pass hike.
I hike with my two sons, so we need a three-man tent. Would you make the tradeoff between a roomier tent if it cost you a pound more? For example, I am comparing the Big Agnes C Bar 3 Tent at 4 lbs 15 oz ( which seems tight for three people ) to the Marmot Limelight 3P at 6lbs.5 oz. The Marmot just seems more roomy, but is it worth the extra pound?
Plus, even if it is a pissing contest, there’s a lot to learn from it, and I never got the feeling like “it’s either I do ultralight like them or nothing” My baseweight is a little less than 7kg (15lbs) at the moment and I’m happy with that! I’ll use what I learn here when I replace something. Thanks for your videos!
I started the way of St James in 2015 at my home near Antwerp, Belgium with a base weight of 32 kg hahaha 2 villages later I dumped about 12 kg and went of to carrying about 20-21 kg. I hiked with that backpack for another 7 weeks. After that I returned home to be present at my brothers wedding and well… I immediatly started to roll in to my old habbits again and did’nt leave again to resume my hike to Santiago de Compostela. So I planned to resume my hike the next year in march. After this I met a girl and didn’t leave again as well. When I was going backpacking for a short week in the Ardennes in the south of my country last month, I reduced my weight again a little bit. This time I left with a 18 kg baseweight. Next march I will leave again from my home to Santiago de Compostela and this time… I really am going to put a lot more money into it! I’m watching a lot of your stuff the last few weeks and I must say it is inspiring and always are good topics at hand. Keep it up!
Well said..long distance. Definitely needed..but overnight…or just a few days. Not as necessary…its not YouTube vloggers having this conversation just for clicks…its through hikers that are making videos…so makes lots of sense to have super light equipment.
Timberline trails around M.t Hood its 41 miles ups and down hike my backpack weighs in at 26lbs included food and water.
Ricardo Charles 3 full years in the US army infantry )1980-1983 Berlin Brigade. I started as an assistant M-60 gunner carrying my rucksack plus the accesory bag and tripod besides my M-16. Not sure but around 70-80 pounds. Did I enjoy it? No. However, as a regular soldier with only my gear and M-16 I had a wonderful experience walking mountains in West Germany. Long story short, It is a big advantage carrying less weight. You will enjoy more the hike and will walk longer miles, which is the name of the game. Everybody has the right for a critic and don’t take it personal. Perhaps that person also admires as many of us do. Keep it up Darwin.
Ignore these trolls they obviously never hit a long trail. Can’t fix stupid!
I’m not a light weight guy, I’m a pack for comfort guy. Being said, I’m not a hike 2000 miles guy either. Usually like two days out two back, or over nighters.
Even though I’m a bit late to the party I’m glad to hear someone mention that yes there’s base weight but there’s also body weight. Since I’ve started hiking I’ve lost 10kgs despite never being a heavy guy. I’ve also managed to go from a very heavy backpack to heavy/medium. In total I’ve spared my feet from lifting 15-20kgs. Trust me, I feel a huge difference. But most of it was just trimming off excess fat from my body.
My point is: If you wanna help your body/feet out on the hike but is having a hard time cutting down your base weight, consider if you’re a person who could benefit from trimming of some of that unecessary fat.
I’m an older guy who wants to continue backpacking at 63 years. I grew up backpacking the Sierra in Boy Scouts and carrying an expedition pack that weighed 50+ pounds. The only way I can consider hiking today is to reduce base weight. I am investing in a lot of stuff like Sawyer water system, sub-kilo bag, light cooking stove and much more. It’s not that expensive. Weight will kill you and I’m really looking forward to being comfortable. One thing I won’t sacrifice is a padded Thermarest pad. My old bones just need the luxury of a comfortable sleep.
I’ve been having conversations with hikers on the phenomenon of earning a trail-alias, or hiking nickname.
How’d you get Darwin, and have you ever given another hiker a name?
Curious how this whole nickname game works.
Who named Jupiter?
Application is important here are you camping as a break from walking, or walking to a place to camp? I run about 30lb base(I include 2L water in my base weight as a reserve), because I do about 20 25 miles and then every 2 or 3 days, camp 2 or 3 nights for a full uncomplicated day of R&R. So, for me, Im walking between campsites.
Dude! Mad props for the big weight loss! I’ve been following your channel for at least a month now, and bee would’ve guessed that you had ever been anything other than the leanly muscular physique that we see in your videos!
Again, man, mad props!
Thanks for the great video! I am currently training for the Superior 50 mile trail ultramarathon, which has a lot of vertical gain (for a trail running race). I would like to use this workout in my training buildup, and I am wondering what I should shoot for in regards to the number of hill repeats or total training volume for a workout like this. Is it more time based than distance/elevation based? Unfortunately, where I live there are no real mountains so the best thing I have for climbing is a local ski hill which is about 250 foot of elevation gain. Thanks!
The people who think base weight doesn’t matter clearly haven’t been on any long trips
Hi, D2 here. (diabetic type 2) I have a start date of March 25 2020 for the PCT. I’ve done overnight hikes and a lot of day hikes. So being a gram weenie was never my thing. Now it is. I weighed my base weight and it was 18.4. I almost puked. I don’t have a ton of money but I’m thinking of Fly Creek UL2 and either REI magma 15 or the Nemo (forgot the name) it has the same price and weight as the REI. But that only brings it to a little over 15 lbs. Frustrating.
Love your channel! Over a year ago I was doing squats and started developing lower back pain. Even after discontinuing the squats and taking breaks from exercising, the lower back pain still remains to this day whenever I squat or crouch. Do you have any tips or suggestions for this?
This has quickly made its way into my morning routine thanks Chase!
Have you ever done a video about your weightloss journey? I would love to hear about your exercise/diet regimen.
I’ve done a few 7 day hikes with a 40-50lb pack. At 125lb, 5’2” person, I was still able to do it. I was exhausted but I still enjoyed myself. I want to keep enjoying myself on long hikes and that means I need to protect my knees and hips. Currently trying to decrease my base weight. Getting there. Slowly lol.
This was extremely helpful. I’ll be doing this daily even though I’m not hiking now. Really relaxing. Thank you. And you’re beautiful!!
Why is the American Discovery Trail less talked about. I see alot of posts by thru hikers on the triple crown but I see alot less about the ADT…I would think the ADT is the big one? I mean It’s Ocean 2 Ocean, East to West. Just curious about this. Thanks!
I’d love to start hiking/backpacking this summer and I’ve just started training for it. After my workouts I get on the treadmill and do 30-45 minutes of walking on a 20 degree angle. I’m pretty new to this so I’m still just doing it at a slow pace (5kmh), which gives me an elevation gain of 500-700m. Do you reckon this is good training for hiking?
Darwin, What do you thing about chest packs? I find that it balances me, puts things needed often at my fingertips, and a good place for light photo gear. I have never carried one on a long hike. Do you see these used often and what is your experience. Thanks..Texas Jack
Just stumbled upon your channel and liking your videos so far! Stoked to hear you’re from Tassie, living there myself now, lovely island.
Hello everyone ; I’m about to start hiking. I’m going to do an over night trip and I was wondering how light can I go in an overnight trip?
Hi Darwin,can I cadge some info from you please.near 2 weeks back I ordered on line some zepack items,a pack a tent and a variety of other bits,about 1300 USA,payed with bank card (PayPal)I haven’t had any order confirmation and have used there on line contact asking if they got my order?have had no response? What contact do you use with zepack? Sorry to bother you, thanks fred hammer nz,I’m using an American contact to bring products out to nz(under the name Casey jones in navarda,thanks,fred
Hello,I’m from Bangladesh. I’m very much passionate about mountaineering. Is 4`8“ height level ok for a female mountaineer???
I always think about core weight before base weight which to me, core weight is as light as you can possibly go and successfully complete in my case, a bike ride. So I weigh all of my very lightest gear, but then I decide what luxuries I am prepared to sacrifice weight for so for example, if I’m in a place close to towns, I might add in a heavier tent that fits my bike inside the vestibule, or a bit lighter, inside the inner with me same if it’s going to be raining heavily so it’s still there and in good condition the next morning. Sometimes I might want proper food, and I’ll switch out my dry food for the good stuff and my rehydration pot for a stove.
I always put a maximum weight though that I have to stay under, and I choose that based on the number of miles I want to complete per day, and the terrain I will be riding and it doesn’t matter how light we are (or are not) going, these lessons can apply for any of us, from full on military style 100L bags stuffed full of surplus gear through to the lightest of lightweight gear. The person who thought it was a pissing match was missing the wood for the trees, no-one expects then to get as light as you do, but the lessons you teach can still be applied!
Hey Darwin! Love your videos, just finished your PCT videos, congrats on finishing! I plan to thru hike it in the next 2 years. Ive been recently buying my big 3 slowly. I just bought from REI a gregory 62L pack. It weighs around 4lbs. I filled it with 30lbs at the store and it was extremely comfortable. Curious if i decide to keep that pack but stay extra light and safe/warm. Is there a weight for sleeping pad and tent i should try and stay under? Any tips are so appreciated! Thanks and take care!
I obsessed over my base weight when I got into backpacking mainly for health reasons having had a couple back surgeries.
That said I researched countless options ALL ON A LIMITED BUDGET..
I came up with a total base weight of 9 pounds using gear I bought exclusively off of Amazon
Total price for pack tent cooking sleeping and non consumables was 290 bucks and total pack weight I’ve been using for a 7 day trip/hike is 19 pounds…
Yeah it can be done..
Without breaking the bank
Hi thanks for your video. I think that I’m in pretty good shape but when we go hiking 10k I’m still feeling good but for longer distance my hips are getting in pain and my harmstrings are tight I’ve read a lot about it but I’m not sure is it a problem in the hip flexors or weak gluteus max or medius? Any suggestion? Thanks
Ultralight gear doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive at all…You just have to to shop around wisely. Remember to check out the prices on ebay, as they are often cheaper than Amazon for instance. The most expensive item that almost everyone eventually ends up buying in order to shed a chunk of pack weight is usually an ultralight down sleeping bag…My Marmot Phase 30 cost me a whopping £320 ($400), but it was worth it, as it is at least 1kg (2.2lbs) lighter than cheaper bags of the same comfort rating. Every other ultralight item I own has cost a fraction of that. My Marmot tent was the next biggest outlay (about £175 ($220)), then my DD Superlight XL ultralight Tarp, which was just under £100 ($125), followed by my Mountain Hardware Scrambler backpack (£85 ($106))….So most of my ultralight gear is actually very affordable, even for those on a low budget.
Love this warm up! Will definitely be doing this before my hikes… just started getting mild Shin Splints and a sports therapy friend of mine told me proper stretching BEFORE and after is the best prevention!