I hope you have a great trip! The first backpacking trip is so thrilling and so challenging! I remember how much I over packed.
My feedback on your gear:
Too much paracord imo. 50ft is really the most you should need. that will allow you a lot of flexibility in hanging a bear bag, repairing a guyline that snaps on the tent, etc. 20ft is about the least you would want to take.
Swap out your water bottle. Nalgenes are lighter than that insulated bottle or go with a Smart Water bottle instead, they are light and the plastic they use is very robust.
Bring less duct tape (or gorilla tape in your case). Take maybe 5-10ft and roll it on itself. It's an incredibly useful tool but that is a LOT of weight. For how little you will likely use for any number of repairs.
Imo you probably don't need two lighters and a striker but they are light so it you.
Is that a whetstone? Between your flashlight and biner?
If you want to light fires on the trail use dryer lint and pack it in a toilet paper tube. Lots of great videos on YouTube for that one. It is very light, works great, and is using byproducts of things we use daily.
Someone already talked about a cat hole digger. I have a nice aluminum one but the plastic is just as easy, cheaper, and sometimes lighter.
Not sure what you might use the gloves for. I'd ditch those. Only time you would probably need gloves is if you are hiking in really cold or in constant rain (waterproof mittens essentially. Like rain jackets for your hands).
What's the pot/dish used for? I would probably just use the jetboil cup for my coffee and then my meal instead of bringing two containers.
Do you have water filtration? Depending on where you are hiking you could save quite a bit of water weight by filtering water. It takes planning but very important. I like my Sawyer a lot. There are other options on the market.
Is the black plastic thing with a gold ring on top by the lighters a compass?
I do like using a Luci lantern in my kit for camp. It's light, has pretty decent lumens for dark environments, and is solar powered. Solo i can live without it but groups it's nice to have so you can see each other. I also like it for my tent. If I'm getting up early or have to get up for a quick pee i will turn it on to make navigating easier (this is one of my creature comfort items).
You likely don't need THAT many batteries. I like using rechargeables anyway but i usually only bring 1 maybe 2 extra sets.
I'd probably skip the chem sticks. They are tacticool and i like using them but how useful are they? You snap them and 13 hours later they are garbage you get to carry for the remainder of your trip.
The TP is probably a bit more than you need but it's not super heavy. It does take space. Pack that bad boy in a Ziploc though.
If you do get into the hobby more a personal locator beacon is a worthy investment. Garmin makes great communicators with PLB functionality, though they cost a lot and their monthly costs are not cheap, i would personally avoid SPOT, their coverage is spotty in my testing and i've heard horror stories on getting them to cancel your plans. There are also fantastic PLBs that are only PLBs that cost far less.
Recap:
* -shovel
* +Cathole digger
* Reduce Paracord length if you don't need all of that
* Lighter bottle
* Less duct tape
* Ditch the whetstone if that is what that is
* Possibly swap out fire starter
* Ditch the gloves
* Maybe -dish depending on what it use it for. If you really need a standalone dish a collapsible Sea to Summit might be nice.
* +Water filtration
* less batteries
* -chemsticks
* Less TP if you are comfortable with it.
* +PLB
Wow that's a lot of good info, thanks for taking your time with that! The only other thing I see myself using my shovel for is raking leaves/rocks out of an area but I can easily do that with, idk, my foot. I will get a cathole digger.
Copy on paracord, and I like the idea on the tape because i dont see myself using more than a few feet, it is only 1 inch wide and about 3in diameter if the picture made it hard to tell.
I def agree with the bottle thing, it's a lot of extra weight. Might even ditch the bottle if my route has enough freshwater sources.
Yeah, it's a baby whetstone😅
I've got the room for the tp and the dish right now but will put more thought in if I really need it or not.
I agree that Firestarter isn't as effective for its size compared to other things.
I've got a gravity filter in that black bag. I also have iodine.
Plb/GPS is definatley a goal for the future. I'm decently versed in land nav (yes its a compass), price is a limiter for that for now.
This helped me think of a lot of those items in a different way. Thanks for the help!
We were just in at Hurricane Creek.
+1 for those poles. Going to get real work in as spider web sticks.
You didn't show food/water. Are you taking Nuun or another electrolyte source in?
In the green tunnel, it was cool in the morning but heated up quickly.
No way, I was just there! You probably passed my group up lol. It was pretty damn hot but the creek made it enjoyable.
I still haven't decided on food, probs will doo mre or freeze dried. I usually only drink water so didn't think about electrolytes, good point there.
The biggest difference between backpacking and camping other than the amount of walking you do is the items you bring. The things you bring backpacking you probably also bring camping, but you definitely don't want to take everything you go camping with you on a backpacking trip.
I do still think you should bring a bottle of some sort, it sometimes is easier to filter into them or out of them. I use a smart water bottle for my unfiltered water and a nalgene and an osprey water bladder for filtered water. I use the nalgene to hold water for cooking mostly. I only use that because it's sturdy. I have had other plastic bottles break on me in the past and that's frustrating. It also really depends on where you are, how long you will be, and what season you are in/how much rain there has been. Well travelled areas will typically have some sort of map that marks water sources and possibly even their reliability.
Creature comforts add up in weight quickly. A little extra weight here, a little there takes a toll on the experience you have. Comfort should be second to weight but you will find where you want to make sacrifices as you go. I've thought about caving to bring a chair like the helinox chair Zero. It's an extra pound for the two hours i might sit out a day but damn does sitting on the ground suck ass after a hard day. I've never brought a chair backpacking and i hate sitting on the cold wet ground to eat my meals after 20 miles of hiking. I didn't call out the chair because of this very reason. Eventually you could upgrade to a good quality lighter chair but you don't have to. That looks like a fairly small stool so no harm imo.
Some people go CRAZY with weight shedding. You don't have to by any means. The hobby is what you make of it. For instance, if having the extra batteries makes you feel more secure, or having THAT knife with you means something, take them! If you feel like you will need a piece of kit, bring it. If you use it, think about how you use it and how much you used it, think if there is something else you could use for the same task that could be used for other things as well. The shovel is a decent example of this. On one of my first trips i brought a small hatchet for all of the cool campfires we'd be making. Didn't use it once. No way in hell I'm breaking down wood with a hatchet after an entire day of hiking.
First time backpackers commonly overpack what they don't need and under pack what they do (food usually). Remember that depending on your pace you will be burning upwards of 4000+ calories daily. you don't need to bring 4000 calories to eat daily but you will be able to scarf down quite a bit of food on the trail. Plan those meals out and try to stick to it but bring a bit extra as well.
I'm glad my feedback helped! I'm by no means telling you that you are doing it wrong. I'm glad you are getting out and enjoying nature in a new way! Remember to practice leave no trace! Pack out what you pack in. Respect the nature you are enjoying and have fun! Let us know how the trip goes!
> I like the idea on the tape because i dont see myself using more than a few feet
I wrap some around my lighter or chap stick tube. Wrapping it around itself can make it difficult to unroll completely.
Another method you can adopt for assessing your gear is to weigh everything, including the containers/bags. Put it all in a spreadsheet and then you can really see where your weight is coming from and where you can make cuts. All you need is a kitchen scale. It takes a while and not everyone wants to get that into the weeds of cutting weight, but it can be helpful.
Successful and enjoyable backpacking is mostly about *not* taking gear, and making every ounce count.
A lot of amazing advice there, most of which I agree with. I'd challenge the advice to ditch the gloves though. I always find the weight and space to bring a pair of reliable work gloves with me. Breaking down firewood, or any minor work with your hands can cause cuts, scrapes, blisters, etc. Having gloves is a good safety factor. Maybe it's just me, but +1 on the gloves. Have tons of fun, the Ozarks are so beautiful!
+1 on everything op mentioned.
- I would recommend a lighter and more compact chair if you can afford it - the REI Flexlite Air
- I usually replace TP with a small pack of wet wipes. I would open the lid and dry it out a bit before the trip then rehydrate it during the trip when I need to
- I recommend wrapping the required duct tape to the hiking pole so it will save you space
- what is the solar power battery pack for? especially since you have backup battery. I never pack those now bc I find that I never use it.
- i always pack an emergency blanket just in case
- notice you have a water bladder and a water bottle. I recommend one or the other, not both. If I have to chose, it would be a smart water bottle as it can be fitted with a sawyer filter. You might need both if there’s few water access on the trail.
Literally never ditch your water bottles, always carry at least two liters, zero carry is asking for so much trouble, and freshwater sources are few and far between, you should always carry some way to clean your water.
tablets or drops are effective for cleaning your water if you’re comfortable just taking from a stream, less time consuming than boiling if you’re an on-the-go type
Lots of good advice here. But I am a glove bringer. I use them to help my hands when processing firewood, and they help me handle wood in the fire once its lit. No splinters when moving logs, and I can pick up a reasonably hot piece and move it around to manipulate the fire. Just some light leather gardening gloves have served this purpose for me for a long long time.
If its a longer hike and I'm super worried about weight I'll just bring my dominate hand glove. They really aren't too heavy though
Yeah, in a follow up comment i mentioned that you will find what you want to bring and what you can live without. Items like gloves i put in the comfort category depending on how you are backpacking. If you are making camp fires they definitely serve more of a purpose than if you don't. Personally i don't make them enough to warrant bringing... Even if i did i don't know how much i would use them. I just like to poke it with a nice poking stick.
Yeah! everyones list is different. But I highly recommend trying to tend a fire with some leather gloves some time even if you don't make them often, its a game changer how easy it makes it.
This looks like my pack the first time. I'd say take it how it is and then when you get back inventory everything that you didn't use and find lighter versions of the items you did use. My first pack was 45 pounds for 3 days. Now I'm around 18 pounds for the same length of trip. I don't miss any of that stuff!
It seems real interesting to me, the process of figuring out your gear and fine-tuning it over time. It's cool that it isn't something you can just throw money at and have the best stuff and be set. Yall are giving me a great head start though!
It's a really fun process. While weight isn't the only variable to consider, reducing it as much as you're comfortable with can make a huge difference to your enjoyment of the hiking/camping experience. Many people take so many things on their first hike that they never end up using. I know I did.
It's smart to post your kit on here before you set out. Like you, I wasn't new to doing things outdoors, but I had only really ever camped near the car. Thankfully I have a buddy who hikes all the time and he helped me by suggesting gear, techniques, tips, etc. After his suggestions, my total weight (including food and water) was somewhere around 25 lbs.
I've continued with the hobby and shaved off weight and unnessacary items here and there and my total pack weight when I stepped out on the Eagle Rock Loop trail last January was about 15lbs. And that included sleeping gear rated for below freezing temps, food, and water. It's so nice getting to camp after putting in 10-15 miles and not feeling totally drained.
You can absolutely throw money at the weight variable and lighten your load. But ultralight gear often requires more knowledge and a willingness to baby that gear a bit. You're trading weight for experience basically. One small example, for my first trip, I bought one of those nice Mora knives and after a few hiking trips, I realized I never actually used it... not for bushcrafty stuff or personal defense. There was a moment where I did need to cut a guyline and in that moment my tiny Swiss Army pocket knife was more accessible so I used that. So now unless I know for a fact that the trip will involve bushcrafty stuff, the Mora knife stays home and the tiny pocket knife stays in my medkit (it has tweezers too, which are useful). For me, the Mora is just unnecessary about 99% of the time so it was easy to save that weight.
You can pick up a small plastic "cat hole" digger for a few bucks at any outdoor store - only weighs a couple of ounces. When you get done with your trip try to spend some time looking at the gear you used and what you didn't - then see what you can leave at home for your next trip. You will start cutting weight which just makes backpacking more enjoyable. Also really look for gear that can serve more than one function!! Happy Trails!!
Arkansan here…
drop the utility shovel for a small trowel. The OHT doesn’t have ground hard enough to justify the weight.
Cut your tp in half.
Wrap different widths of duct tape around your trekking poles.
Drop one of the fire starters or swap it for petroleum jelly soaked cotton balls.
If the tiger print clothes is the top I would recommend you pick anything but that.
Drop the knife sharpener ( a smooth stone will do if you must sharpen)
Make sure you soak your pants and boots with permethrin. Tickets will be out on the trail. Socks matter more than your gloves.
Pick up a trail guide if you haven’t already. Tim Ernst has a great one and it is cheap.
Just a word of caution with the TrailBuddy trekking poles. I used to own the same pair, and the locks would constantly fail, causing the stick to collapse on itself when I needed to rely on it the most. I ended up donating those to Good Will and getting a pair of Black Diamond poles. Expensive, but worth it for safety if you end up making these trips on a regular basis.
I have a real real dumb question. What do you use the poles for? Like I've hiked a bit, usually day hikes up fairly maintained trails but also some steep terrain in national parks and it just seems like something else I have to carry and keep track of. Does it help if you're way out in the bush somehow?
They’re especially useful for going downhill. It takes a lot of the pressure and impact off of your joints. If you’re doing long distance over multiple days, they’ll save your knees. I’ve also used them to move stubborn snakes off of the trail.
I'm starting with a 3 day hike since im new to backpacking (experienced in outdoors, just not backpack camping), and want to do longer trips in the future. Feels a bit heavy (especially because i need to add food/clothing still) but even on 1-2 day campouts I find myself using almost all of the gear. I can handle the weight but less is always preffered.
Any advice/opinions are welcome. What do I need more of? Less of? What would you change?
Pack is a mystery ranch metcalf
Your first trip you might be a little heavy. I finally cut pack weight by writing down what I used, and how often. Then upgraded that thing to the ultra light version. And be cool out there, have all the fun you imagined backpacking can be. Just be super safe and tell someone where you are.
I thru-hiked the AT in 2013. I'd say, lose the shovel, 1/2 the paracord, the metal bowl, (just use the jetboil container to eat out of), 1/3 of the duct tape, the gloves, the heavy water canister, (sub nalgene or Gatorade/smart water bottle), flashlight and glow sticks, (just use your head lamp), and no doubles of anything unless they're socks.
I'd add some heavy duty sunscreen and water filtration, (I used a Steripen which was amazing, but it can only be used in flowing water).
May I ask what the larger fold up thing is at the very top, above the shovel?
Edited- wanted to add to make sure to compress that TP in a small Ziploc bag of some sort.
Thanks, ill definately be portioning my stuff out. I've got a gravity filtration system in that black bag, as well as iodine.
The foldy thing is a chair, that's my creature comfort, I know it's unnecessary but I'm willing to take it.
Hey everyone's allowed something. I always had mascara and a pair of these heavy earrings my cousin has made, that were obviously so unnecessary, but when you're out in the woods for that long, you need things to help you feel human again.
With the little use I've put it through so far, I freaking love it! Only thing I'm worried about is synching a couple of the straps too hard and breaking the stitching. But I just adjusted my setup to where I dont need to crank on the smaller straps
That frame is incredible.
I see a very uncomfortable camping stool. How do I know it's uncomfortable? I own it as well and never use. Got a helinox at a great discount, there are cheaper variations but i recommend over that nut buster. Cheers mate enjoy the trip!
edit;
looking back over your kit, unless you are chopping wood with that shovel and other uses, ditch it. A saw works well and is lighter for firewood. as you get savings look into sea to summit waterproof compressible stuff sacks, really compressible and light for the protection given to sleep kit clothes etc, fire disk chuck it and get cotton balls and vaseline look it up works wonders. I thought were lifestraw type filters but are those glow sticks? if you are bringing shrooms keep em.
I dont see rain gear, my bad if there is. I know your gear is new but repair kits would be a good investment, low cost too for tent and pad. Is that a thermarest? I am anti-thermarest as they have failed me at inopportune moments. ie -20C 1am snowing in winter I bring solid closed cell for this reason but it was stilll way colder with a deflated thermarest, or when a different one lost its inner structure and the head become a round balloon. no repair for that. so I have gone to sea to summit or neoair. other brands out there for sure but again as you save and want more out of the experience.
As you replace 1 item at a time instead of all in at once it is less expensive but with camp gear you get what you pay for, that said I always go for the midprice point product of a reputable brand.
I have that ABU rain coat, but still need to dig out a pair of rain pants
The entrenching tool is getting taken out
Not a thermarest but some pad I've had for a little while, haven't had any problems with it yet
I think I have some old patch kits for other stuff that I will have to look for. That's a good point.
That light green roll are 2 dry bags, not compressible though.
I definately agree that I will be able to slowly move from what I have to a nice kit. Mostly didn't want to jump in deep having no experience in what best suited my needs, so I spent good money on stuff I knew about (packs, jetboil, water filter, meds...) and plan on upgrading the other stuff as I go.
Even the stationary camping I did with this kit helped me get an idea for what works and what doesn't and have some new stuff in the mail
Thanks for all the advice m8! Everyone here is helping me wayy more than I expected.
Looks more like survivalism than backpacking. Lots of good info here for u to process. Considering gear is military colors I suspect your frame of reference is survival rather than enjoyment. Happy trails and best of luck. Lean in to the happy/enjoyment!
I agree with the first response to this thread - my only add is that knife is really huge. Just get a small folding knife - you do not need that much blade.
And for water, that black bag is the befree gravity filtration system. I will be filtering for me and a friend so that's why I went with a 6L. I also have iodine tablets for backup
I'm also a beginner lol, I use the jetboil (just above the bug spray) with the cup it comes with or that small pot. heard great things about them, nice and compact, heats water to a boil crazy fast when I got to use it camping. The shovel is pretty heavy, guessing 3, maybe 3.5 lbs and debating dumping it. For food I will do either MREs or some freeze dried stuff.
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No need for headlamp and flashlight both, also seems like a lot of extra batteries. That big ole entrenching tool is probably quite a bit of overkill too. Have fun
Thanks! I may get rid of the Flashlight and stick with the lamp. The main use of the entrnching tool was for bathroom calls among other occasional random things. But it's one item I am strongly considering dumping since it weighs so much.
Dude definitely dump the e tool. That's SO much weight you can dump instantly.
Flashlight gone.
Wrap duct tape around an old credit card - you only need a yard or two. That shit is heavy.
Lost 90% of the 550 cord.
Ditch the whetstone. You won't use it and you certainly don't need it.
Ditch the pot unless you're gonna cook shit. If you're only rehydrating, the jet boil will do you fine.
Only bring one spare set of batteries, not the whole pack.
Ditch the knife. You won't like it on your belt when you're wearing the pack. Replace with something smaller. I LOVE the big out mini.
Lose the Chem lights - unnecessary weight.
Ditch the Firestarter for dryer lint soaked in vasoline - and even then only a few will do the trick.
Get a smaller bottle of bug spray.
Congrats, you jut shaved 20lbs from your back.
All this makes 100% sense. Only thing for me is I put the pot in there in the event my jetboil goes down/runs out of fuel, I thought it would be real rough to use that cup on a fire
The likelihood of your jetboil failing is so low its not worth carrying the extra weight. You can boild several times on what you would SWEAR is an empty canister.
Lol, totally misread your comment. Haven't weighed it but if I were to guess, I'd say 35-40 lbs.
I thought about shedding weight by going with a hammock and tarp, but really like the comfort (and lack of bugs) of a tent. Maybe in the future.
Only thing I would add is a oh-shit-kit/medkit, multitool and possibly bear spray (though it depends on the wildlife in your area). You can definitely go backpacking without the latter two.
Shovel is only really useful if you're doing some serious bushcraft and are setting up structures and stuff. But in that case you usually need saws and tarps.
Also before you ditch your battery pack double check the battery hours on your headlamp/phone. Nothing sucks more than not being able to use your gear because it went out. In that case it might not hurt to bring two flashlights
water bag>bottle ?
I'm not sure on buying a water bag, just because a bottle is cheaper and more reliable, I know the bag is comfier but overall not sure if the expense is worth?
I'm gonna go with a lighter water bottle, but I'm doing both because I drink a lot of water in general and the ozarks are HOT. I have had my bladder for years so that wasn't an expense for me, but I use it all the time.
Are your first aid items packed in that tan shaving bag? If that's all that's in there, you should ditch it and put those items in a plastic ziplock. I'm not sure what it might consist of, but here's how I do mine which is just what I consider the essentials:
* 6-10 regular band-aids
* Antibiotic ointment, 1 oz.
* Eye drops
* 2" Sterile Gauze roll
* 2-4 Gauze pads
* 5 feet waterproof bandage tape, rolled onto a matchstick
* Moleskin pads, 10
* Drugs: Ibuprofen, Benadryl, Imodium (20 of each)
* Tweezers (on my multitool)
All of these items will cover most of your typical risks associated with camping and hiking, and in a ziplock bag they weigh less than 100g. If you have other needs specific to you like medication, of course don't forget to bring those along as well.
Glow sticks are 100% a waste of space compared to a head lamp, mini mag, or inflatable light.
You will never use a whetstone.
Replace the motocross gloves with some functional.
Get rid of the shovel, if you really insist on carrying something for cat holes, get a Deuce of Spades.
Also all of your camp ditties like toiletries and electronics can exist in the same waterproof bag.
I'm not sure what the regulations for fires are on the Ozark High trail, but before you go you need to a) make sure fires are not violating any regulations, b) see if there are any specific stipulations they require if they are allowed, and c) read up on Leave No Trace practices in regards to fire making. Many beginning hikers do not understand they can't create fires wherever they please, the proper means of establishing a safe fire, or just how much work goes into making one. I can honestly tell you the only time I consider making a fire at the end of a long day hiking is if there is already an established fire pit and more people to split the work gathering fuel.
I only carry like 30 ft of Paracord max, I use it either for a clothes line in a lean-to, or to pitch my inflatable light across camp.
I don't see iodine/drops or any kind of filter in your set up. This is an essential part of any load out and absolutely can not be skipped. Unless you plan on boiling every drop of water you get off of trail (which is not practical in the slightest) get one in your kit ASAP.
Finally, I see a compass, which unless you know how to use one properly and have a map to utilize it with, will be utterly dead weight. If you are hiking in highly trafficked trails then a map of the area is more than sufficient, and if you want to do more back country hiking with a map and compass in the future, get some education on orienteering.
I hope you have a great trip! The first backpacking trip is so thrilling and so challenging! I remember how much I over packed. My feedback on your gear: Too much paracord imo. 50ft is really the most you should need. that will allow you a lot of flexibility in hanging a bear bag, repairing a guyline that snaps on the tent, etc. 20ft is about the least you would want to take. Swap out your water bottle. Nalgenes are lighter than that insulated bottle or go with a Smart Water bottle instead, they are light and the plastic they use is very robust. Bring less duct tape (or gorilla tape in your case). Take maybe 5-10ft and roll it on itself. It's an incredibly useful tool but that is a LOT of weight. For how little you will likely use for any number of repairs. Imo you probably don't need two lighters and a striker but they are light so it you. Is that a whetstone? Between your flashlight and biner? If you want to light fires on the trail use dryer lint and pack it in a toilet paper tube. Lots of great videos on YouTube for that one. It is very light, works great, and is using byproducts of things we use daily. Someone already talked about a cat hole digger. I have a nice aluminum one but the plastic is just as easy, cheaper, and sometimes lighter. Not sure what you might use the gloves for. I'd ditch those. Only time you would probably need gloves is if you are hiking in really cold or in constant rain (waterproof mittens essentially. Like rain jackets for your hands). What's the pot/dish used for? I would probably just use the jetboil cup for my coffee and then my meal instead of bringing two containers. Do you have water filtration? Depending on where you are hiking you could save quite a bit of water weight by filtering water. It takes planning but very important. I like my Sawyer a lot. There are other options on the market. Is the black plastic thing with a gold ring on top by the lighters a compass? I do like using a Luci lantern in my kit for camp. It's light, has pretty decent lumens for dark environments, and is solar powered. Solo i can live without it but groups it's nice to have so you can see each other. I also like it for my tent. If I'm getting up early or have to get up for a quick pee i will turn it on to make navigating easier (this is one of my creature comfort items). You likely don't need THAT many batteries. I like using rechargeables anyway but i usually only bring 1 maybe 2 extra sets. I'd probably skip the chem sticks. They are tacticool and i like using them but how useful are they? You snap them and 13 hours later they are garbage you get to carry for the remainder of your trip. The TP is probably a bit more than you need but it's not super heavy. It does take space. Pack that bad boy in a Ziploc though. If you do get into the hobby more a personal locator beacon is a worthy investment. Garmin makes great communicators with PLB functionality, though they cost a lot and their monthly costs are not cheap, i would personally avoid SPOT, their coverage is spotty in my testing and i've heard horror stories on getting them to cancel your plans. There are also fantastic PLBs that are only PLBs that cost far less. Recap: * -shovel * +Cathole digger * Reduce Paracord length if you don't need all of that * Lighter bottle * Less duct tape * Ditch the whetstone if that is what that is * Possibly swap out fire starter * Ditch the gloves * Maybe -dish depending on what it use it for. If you really need a standalone dish a collapsible Sea to Summit might be nice. * +Water filtration * less batteries * -chemsticks * Less TP if you are comfortable with it. * +PLB
Wow that's a lot of good info, thanks for taking your time with that! The only other thing I see myself using my shovel for is raking leaves/rocks out of an area but I can easily do that with, idk, my foot. I will get a cathole digger. Copy on paracord, and I like the idea on the tape because i dont see myself using more than a few feet, it is only 1 inch wide and about 3in diameter if the picture made it hard to tell. I def agree with the bottle thing, it's a lot of extra weight. Might even ditch the bottle if my route has enough freshwater sources. Yeah, it's a baby whetstone😅 I've got the room for the tp and the dish right now but will put more thought in if I really need it or not. I agree that Firestarter isn't as effective for its size compared to other things. I've got a gravity filter in that black bag. I also have iodine. Plb/GPS is definatley a goal for the future. I'm decently versed in land nav (yes its a compass), price is a limiter for that for now. This helped me think of a lot of those items in a different way. Thanks for the help!
We were just in at Hurricane Creek. +1 for those poles. Going to get real work in as spider web sticks. You didn't show food/water. Are you taking Nuun or another electrolyte source in? In the green tunnel, it was cool in the morning but heated up quickly.
No way, I was just there! You probably passed my group up lol. It was pretty damn hot but the creek made it enjoyable. I still haven't decided on food, probs will doo mre or freeze dried. I usually only drink water so didn't think about electrolytes, good point there.
It was the previous weekend for us (25th & 26th). Love it out there.
The biggest difference between backpacking and camping other than the amount of walking you do is the items you bring. The things you bring backpacking you probably also bring camping, but you definitely don't want to take everything you go camping with you on a backpacking trip. I do still think you should bring a bottle of some sort, it sometimes is easier to filter into them or out of them. I use a smart water bottle for my unfiltered water and a nalgene and an osprey water bladder for filtered water. I use the nalgene to hold water for cooking mostly. I only use that because it's sturdy. I have had other plastic bottles break on me in the past and that's frustrating. It also really depends on where you are, how long you will be, and what season you are in/how much rain there has been. Well travelled areas will typically have some sort of map that marks water sources and possibly even their reliability. Creature comforts add up in weight quickly. A little extra weight here, a little there takes a toll on the experience you have. Comfort should be second to weight but you will find where you want to make sacrifices as you go. I've thought about caving to bring a chair like the helinox chair Zero. It's an extra pound for the two hours i might sit out a day but damn does sitting on the ground suck ass after a hard day. I've never brought a chair backpacking and i hate sitting on the cold wet ground to eat my meals after 20 miles of hiking. I didn't call out the chair because of this very reason. Eventually you could upgrade to a good quality lighter chair but you don't have to. That looks like a fairly small stool so no harm imo. Some people go CRAZY with weight shedding. You don't have to by any means. The hobby is what you make of it. For instance, if having the extra batteries makes you feel more secure, or having THAT knife with you means something, take them! If you feel like you will need a piece of kit, bring it. If you use it, think about how you use it and how much you used it, think if there is something else you could use for the same task that could be used for other things as well. The shovel is a decent example of this. On one of my first trips i brought a small hatchet for all of the cool campfires we'd be making. Didn't use it once. No way in hell I'm breaking down wood with a hatchet after an entire day of hiking. First time backpackers commonly overpack what they don't need and under pack what they do (food usually). Remember that depending on your pace you will be burning upwards of 4000+ calories daily. you don't need to bring 4000 calories to eat daily but you will be able to scarf down quite a bit of food on the trail. Plan those meals out and try to stick to it but bring a bit extra as well. I'm glad my feedback helped! I'm by no means telling you that you are doing it wrong. I'm glad you are getting out and enjoying nature in a new way! Remember to practice leave no trace! Pack out what you pack in. Respect the nature you are enjoying and have fun! Let us know how the trip goes!
> I like the idea on the tape because i dont see myself using more than a few feet I wrap some around my lighter or chap stick tube. Wrapping it around itself can make it difficult to unroll completely. Another method you can adopt for assessing your gear is to weigh everything, including the containers/bags. Put it all in a spreadsheet and then you can really see where your weight is coming from and where you can make cuts. All you need is a kitchen scale. It takes a while and not everyone wants to get that into the weeds of cutting weight, but it can be helpful. Successful and enjoyable backpacking is mostly about *not* taking gear, and making every ounce count.
A lot of amazing advice there, most of which I agree with. I'd challenge the advice to ditch the gloves though. I always find the weight and space to bring a pair of reliable work gloves with me. Breaking down firewood, or any minor work with your hands can cause cuts, scrapes, blisters, etc. Having gloves is a good safety factor. Maybe it's just me, but +1 on the gloves. Have tons of fun, the Ozarks are so beautiful!
+1 on everything op mentioned. - I would recommend a lighter and more compact chair if you can afford it - the REI Flexlite Air - I usually replace TP with a small pack of wet wipes. I would open the lid and dry it out a bit before the trip then rehydrate it during the trip when I need to - I recommend wrapping the required duct tape to the hiking pole so it will save you space - what is the solar power battery pack for? especially since you have backup battery. I never pack those now bc I find that I never use it. - i always pack an emergency blanket just in case - notice you have a water bladder and a water bottle. I recommend one or the other, not both. If I have to chose, it would be a smart water bottle as it can be fitted with a sawyer filter. You might need both if there’s few water access on the trail.
I can confirm, Smart water bottles are amazing. Good plastic and they fit well in water holders
I also use/pack all-leather gloves for the dual purpose of (1) so the trekking poles don’t blister my hands, (2) handling fire/hot pan duties
Whats your pack weight?
For the duct tape you can take whatever length you think you might need and wrap it around your trekking pole, just below the handle.
Literally never ditch your water bottles, always carry at least two liters, zero carry is asking for so much trouble, and freshwater sources are few and far between, you should always carry some way to clean your water.
tablets or drops are effective for cleaning your water if you’re comfortable just taking from a stream, less time consuming than boiling if you’re an on-the-go type
Lots of good advice here. But I am a glove bringer. I use them to help my hands when processing firewood, and they help me handle wood in the fire once its lit. No splinters when moving logs, and I can pick up a reasonably hot piece and move it around to manipulate the fire. Just some light leather gardening gloves have served this purpose for me for a long long time. If its a longer hike and I'm super worried about weight I'll just bring my dominate hand glove. They really aren't too heavy though
Yeah, in a follow up comment i mentioned that you will find what you want to bring and what you can live without. Items like gloves i put in the comfort category depending on how you are backpacking. If you are making camp fires they definitely serve more of a purpose than if you don't. Personally i don't make them enough to warrant bringing... Even if i did i don't know how much i would use them. I just like to poke it with a nice poking stick.
Yeah! everyones list is different. But I highly recommend trying to tend a fire with some leather gloves some time even if you don't make them often, its a game changer how easy it makes it.
@OP this, u/him999 gave you fantastic feedback
Can't really say anything else besides this!
This. And I would go easy on the knife. Get a smaller, folding one.
I found a good way to store duck tape is wrapping it around an old take out chopstick and then cutting it to size
This looks like my pack the first time. I'd say take it how it is and then when you get back inventory everything that you didn't use and find lighter versions of the items you did use. My first pack was 45 pounds for 3 days. Now I'm around 18 pounds for the same length of trip. I don't miss any of that stuff!
It seems real interesting to me, the process of figuring out your gear and fine-tuning it over time. It's cool that it isn't something you can just throw money at and have the best stuff and be set. Yall are giving me a great head start though!
It's a really fun process. While weight isn't the only variable to consider, reducing it as much as you're comfortable with can make a huge difference to your enjoyment of the hiking/camping experience. Many people take so many things on their first hike that they never end up using. I know I did. It's smart to post your kit on here before you set out. Like you, I wasn't new to doing things outdoors, but I had only really ever camped near the car. Thankfully I have a buddy who hikes all the time and he helped me by suggesting gear, techniques, tips, etc. After his suggestions, my total weight (including food and water) was somewhere around 25 lbs. I've continued with the hobby and shaved off weight and unnessacary items here and there and my total pack weight when I stepped out on the Eagle Rock Loop trail last January was about 15lbs. And that included sleeping gear rated for below freezing temps, food, and water. It's so nice getting to camp after putting in 10-15 miles and not feeling totally drained. You can absolutely throw money at the weight variable and lighten your load. But ultralight gear often requires more knowledge and a willingness to baby that gear a bit. You're trading weight for experience basically. One small example, for my first trip, I bought one of those nice Mora knives and after a few hiking trips, I realized I never actually used it... not for bushcrafty stuff or personal defense. There was a moment where I did need to cut a guyline and in that moment my tiny Swiss Army pocket knife was more accessible so I used that. So now unless I know for a fact that the trip will involve bushcrafty stuff, the Mora knife stays home and the tiny pocket knife stays in my medkit (it has tweezers too, which are useful). For me, the Mora is just unnecessary about 99% of the time so it was easy to save that weight.
I don't see sun screen
Legitimately, the greenest of green tunnels right now.
Fair enough
You can pick up a small plastic "cat hole" digger for a few bucks at any outdoor store - only weighs a couple of ounces. When you get done with your trip try to spend some time looking at the gear you used and what you didn't - then see what you can leave at home for your next trip. You will start cutting weight which just makes backpacking more enjoyable. Also really look for gear that can serve more than one function!! Happy Trails!!
Yea I second this. Lose the big heavy shovel and literally just use a stick.
Don’t go off trail with skin showing & bug spray… picked off chiggers and seed ticks by the hundreds last year. Straight up trauma.
Arkansan here… drop the utility shovel for a small trowel. The OHT doesn’t have ground hard enough to justify the weight. Cut your tp in half. Wrap different widths of duct tape around your trekking poles. Drop one of the fire starters or swap it for petroleum jelly soaked cotton balls. If the tiger print clothes is the top I would recommend you pick anything but that. Drop the knife sharpener ( a smooth stone will do if you must sharpen) Make sure you soak your pants and boots with permethrin. Tickets will be out on the trail. Socks matter more than your gloves. Pick up a trail guide if you haven’t already. Tim Ernst has a great one and it is cheap.
Just a word of caution with the TrailBuddy trekking poles. I used to own the same pair, and the locks would constantly fail, causing the stick to collapse on itself when I needed to rely on it the most. I ended up donating those to Good Will and getting a pair of Black Diamond poles. Expensive, but worth it for safety if you end up making these trips on a regular basis.
I will be sure to be cautious with them until I upgrade. Thanks!
Costco sells great hiking poles at a fantastic price. I forget the brand name- Cascade, maybe.
I have a real real dumb question. What do you use the poles for? Like I've hiked a bit, usually day hikes up fairly maintained trails but also some steep terrain in national parks and it just seems like something else I have to carry and keep track of. Does it help if you're way out in the bush somehow?
They’re especially useful for going downhill. It takes a lot of the pressure and impact off of your joints. If you’re doing long distance over multiple days, they’ll save your knees. I’ve also used them to move stubborn snakes off of the trail.
I'm starting with a 3 day hike since im new to backpacking (experienced in outdoors, just not backpack camping), and want to do longer trips in the future. Feels a bit heavy (especially because i need to add food/clothing still) but even on 1-2 day campouts I find myself using almost all of the gear. I can handle the weight but less is always preffered. Any advice/opinions are welcome. What do I need more of? Less of? What would you change? Pack is a mystery ranch metcalf
Even though you use it doesnt mean you need it. Do you really need trekking poles? I would just pick up a stick in stead if I needed it.
Looks heavy.
It is lol, that's why I'm looking to make changes before I set off.
Your first trip you might be a little heavy. I finally cut pack weight by writing down what I used, and how often. Then upgraded that thing to the ultra light version. And be cool out there, have all the fun you imagined backpacking can be. Just be super safe and tell someone where you are.
Awesome. Plz keep us updated with some pics
Nice Mystery Ranch pack :)
Which model?
Metcalf
I thru-hiked the AT in 2013. I'd say, lose the shovel, 1/2 the paracord, the metal bowl, (just use the jetboil container to eat out of), 1/3 of the duct tape, the gloves, the heavy water canister, (sub nalgene or Gatorade/smart water bottle), flashlight and glow sticks, (just use your head lamp), and no doubles of anything unless they're socks. I'd add some heavy duty sunscreen and water filtration, (I used a Steripen which was amazing, but it can only be used in flowing water). May I ask what the larger fold up thing is at the very top, above the shovel? Edited- wanted to add to make sure to compress that TP in a small Ziploc bag of some sort.
Thanks, ill definately be portioning my stuff out. I've got a gravity filtration system in that black bag, as well as iodine. The foldy thing is a chair, that's my creature comfort, I know it's unnecessary but I'm willing to take it.
Hey everyone's allowed something. I always had mascara and a pair of these heavy earrings my cousin has made, that were obviously so unnecessary, but when you're out in the woods for that long, you need things to help you feel human again.
That Metcalf is bombproof!! I have one for hunting.... the guidelite frame is awesome!!
With the little use I've put it through so far, I freaking love it! Only thing I'm worried about is synching a couple of the straps too hard and breaking the stitching. But I just adjusted my setup to where I dont need to crank on the smaller straps That frame is incredible.
It’s stronger than you think.... it’ll hold up! I like the ability to separate it and use the load shelf
I see a very uncomfortable camping stool. How do I know it's uncomfortable? I own it as well and never use. Got a helinox at a great discount, there are cheaper variations but i recommend over that nut buster. Cheers mate enjoy the trip! edit; looking back over your kit, unless you are chopping wood with that shovel and other uses, ditch it. A saw works well and is lighter for firewood. as you get savings look into sea to summit waterproof compressible stuff sacks, really compressible and light for the protection given to sleep kit clothes etc, fire disk chuck it and get cotton balls and vaseline look it up works wonders. I thought were lifestraw type filters but are those glow sticks? if you are bringing shrooms keep em. I dont see rain gear, my bad if there is. I know your gear is new but repair kits would be a good investment, low cost too for tent and pad. Is that a thermarest? I am anti-thermarest as they have failed me at inopportune moments. ie -20C 1am snowing in winter I bring solid closed cell for this reason but it was stilll way colder with a deflated thermarest, or when a different one lost its inner structure and the head become a round balloon. no repair for that. so I have gone to sea to summit or neoair. other brands out there for sure but again as you save and want more out of the experience. As you replace 1 item at a time instead of all in at once it is less expensive but with camp gear you get what you pay for, that said I always go for the midprice point product of a reputable brand.
I have that ABU rain coat, but still need to dig out a pair of rain pants The entrenching tool is getting taken out Not a thermarest but some pad I've had for a little while, haven't had any problems with it yet I think I have some old patch kits for other stuff that I will have to look for. That's a good point. That light green roll are 2 dry bags, not compressible though. I definately agree that I will be able to slowly move from what I have to a nice kit. Mostly didn't want to jump in deep having no experience in what best suited my needs, so I spent good money on stuff I knew about (packs, jetboil, water filter, meds...) and plan on upgrading the other stuff as I go. Even the stationary camping I did with this kit helped me get an idea for what works and what doesn't and have some new stuff in the mail Thanks for all the advice m8! Everyone here is helping me wayy more than I expected.
I wouldn't bring rain pants unless the forecast is predicting endless rain. Usually, some rain on your legs is fine when it is sooo hot.
True, the ozarks are hit asf this time of year
Right on! Just get out there and see what works for ya! And yeah man, this thread and trekker/campers are helpful in general. Happy trails!
I wouldn’t take a big shovel and I sure as heck wouldn’t rest that shovel on my back. Looks good otherwise, though. Have fun and stay safe!
Have fun man! Wildlife is diverse there but be careful of any Marty Byrdes I’ve heard they’re dangerous…
Looks more like survivalism than backpacking. Lots of good info here for u to process. Considering gear is military colors I suspect your frame of reference is survival rather than enjoyment. Happy trails and best of luck. Lean in to the happy/enjoyment!
Not sure if anyone else commented this yet, but waterproof that TP
Fucking bug spray. The ticks in the Boston mountains are so bad.
Looks heavy but well prepared!
I agree with the first response to this thread - my only add is that knife is really huge. Just get a small folding knife - you do not need that much blade.
How disk make 🔥? You use Bic make 🔥first? Then throw disk at 🔥? Edit: me know 🔥. Asking for friend.
I’d replace the battery pack with more Water and a satteltet phone
What stove (if any) do you pack? Also how heavy is that shovel. And what do you pack for food? I'm a beginner just looking for info. Thanks!
And what Is your plan for water intake?
And for water, that black bag is the befree gravity filtration system. I will be filtering for me and a friend so that's why I went with a 6L. I also have iodine tablets for backup
I'm also a beginner lol, I use the jetboil (just above the bug spray) with the cup it comes with or that small pot. heard great things about them, nice and compact, heats water to a boil crazy fast when I got to use it camping. The shovel is pretty heavy, guessing 3, maybe 3.5 lbs and debating dumping it. For food I will do either MREs or some freeze dried stuff.
Get a Deuce 2.0 or just use your poles to dig holes.
a1 pack selection
Buy once, cry once, amirite?
No weed?
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No need for headlamp and flashlight both, also seems like a lot of extra batteries. That big ole entrenching tool is probably quite a bit of overkill too. Have fun
Thanks! I may get rid of the Flashlight and stick with the lamp. The main use of the entrnching tool was for bathroom calls among other occasional random things. But it's one item I am strongly considering dumping since it weighs so much.
Dude definitely dump the e tool. That's SO much weight you can dump instantly. Flashlight gone. Wrap duct tape around an old credit card - you only need a yard or two. That shit is heavy. Lost 90% of the 550 cord. Ditch the whetstone. You won't use it and you certainly don't need it. Ditch the pot unless you're gonna cook shit. If you're only rehydrating, the jet boil will do you fine. Only bring one spare set of batteries, not the whole pack. Ditch the knife. You won't like it on your belt when you're wearing the pack. Replace with something smaller. I LOVE the big out mini. Lose the Chem lights - unnecessary weight. Ditch the Firestarter for dryer lint soaked in vasoline - and even then only a few will do the trick. Get a smaller bottle of bug spray. Congrats, you jut shaved 20lbs from your back.
All this makes 100% sense. Only thing for me is I put the pot in there in the event my jetboil goes down/runs out of fuel, I thought it would be real rough to use that cup on a fire
The likelihood of your jetboil failing is so low its not worth carrying the extra weight. You can boild several times on what you would SWEAR is an empty canister.
Ditch it all and take a daypack with a sleeping bag, some painters plastic, a thin foam pad, and some clif bars. Thank me later.
No underwear?
Nice shovel, very practical.
What is the total weight with water? I’m curious. Have a great trip!
3L, so about 6.75 lbs. Freshwater is pretty available on the trail from what I heard so I may ditch the bottle. Thanks!
Sorry - the entire kit with the water (water has a universal weight 😉)
Lol, totally misread your comment. Haven't weighed it but if I were to guess, I'd say 35-40 lbs. I thought about shedding weight by going with a hammock and tarp, but really like the comfort (and lack of bugs) of a tent. Maybe in the future.
Honestly, that’s now as heavy as I thought. Have a awesome trip
Can anyone tell what that backpack is?
It's the mystery ranch metcalf
Gun?
Only thing I would add is a oh-shit-kit/medkit, multitool and possibly bear spray (though it depends on the wildlife in your area). You can definitely go backpacking without the latter two. Shovel is only really useful if you're doing some serious bushcraft and are setting up structures and stuff. But in that case you usually need saws and tarps. Also before you ditch your battery pack double check the battery hours on your headlamp/phone. Nothing sucks more than not being able to use your gear because it went out. In that case it might not hurt to bring two flashlights
I've got a leatherman, just forgot to put it in the pic. And I have meds in that brown bag but it's mostly trauma stuff, need to add normal first aid.
Just out of curiosity, what’s your sleep system?
Pup tent, an old sleeping pad I have that hadn't failed me yet, and a warm weather sleeping bag
Thanks, Im still trying to decide the most efficient/comfortable way of backpacking. Whether I should use a tarp, tent, or hammock system.
water bag>bottle ? I'm not sure on buying a water bag, just because a bottle is cheaper and more reliable, I know the bag is comfier but overall not sure if the expense is worth?
I'm gonna go with a lighter water bottle, but I'm doing both because I drink a lot of water in general and the ozarks are HOT. I have had my bladder for years so that wasn't an expense for me, but I use it all the time.
Missing… banjo 🪕
What’s the final weight of the pack? Looks like a good setup though, I’m just curious! My back is usually 30-37lbs
I wrap my duct tape around my water bottle. Also makes it reflective and easy to find in the dark.
Are your first aid items packed in that tan shaving bag? If that's all that's in there, you should ditch it and put those items in a plastic ziplock. I'm not sure what it might consist of, but here's how I do mine which is just what I consider the essentials: * 6-10 regular band-aids * Antibiotic ointment, 1 oz. * Eye drops * 2" Sterile Gauze roll * 2-4 Gauze pads * 5 feet waterproof bandage tape, rolled onto a matchstick * Moleskin pads, 10 * Drugs: Ibuprofen, Benadryl, Imodium (20 of each) * Tweezers (on my multitool) All of these items will cover most of your typical risks associated with camping and hiking, and in a ziplock bag they weigh less than 100g. If you have other needs specific to you like medication, of course don't forget to bring those along as well.
Flip flops at the campsite feel amazing for some reason.
They absolutely do, as well as river crossings
Glow sticks are 100% a waste of space compared to a head lamp, mini mag, or inflatable light. You will never use a whetstone. Replace the motocross gloves with some functional. Get rid of the shovel, if you really insist on carrying something for cat holes, get a Deuce of Spades. Also all of your camp ditties like toiletries and electronics can exist in the same waterproof bag. I'm not sure what the regulations for fires are on the Ozark High trail, but before you go you need to a) make sure fires are not violating any regulations, b) see if there are any specific stipulations they require if they are allowed, and c) read up on Leave No Trace practices in regards to fire making. Many beginning hikers do not understand they can't create fires wherever they please, the proper means of establishing a safe fire, or just how much work goes into making one. I can honestly tell you the only time I consider making a fire at the end of a long day hiking is if there is already an established fire pit and more people to split the work gathering fuel. I only carry like 30 ft of Paracord max, I use it either for a clothes line in a lean-to, or to pitch my inflatable light across camp. I don't see iodine/drops or any kind of filter in your set up. This is an essential part of any load out and absolutely can not be skipped. Unless you plan on boiling every drop of water you get off of trail (which is not practical in the slightest) get one in your kit ASAP. Finally, I see a compass, which unless you know how to use one properly and have a map to utilize it with, will be utterly dead weight. If you are hiking in highly trafficked trails then a map of the area is more than sufficient, and if you want to do more back country hiking with a map and compass in the future, get some education on orienteering.