As an absolute total noob, stuff like this is pure gold. Shame you can only give 1 thumbs up.

@spekulatius1337

4 жыл бұрын

I vaguely remember when KZread used a five star system. Good old times.

@jhonyermo

4 жыл бұрын

Same. Great comment feel the same.

@bradjustbrad

4 жыл бұрын

I'll add a thumb. Darwin's stuff rocks.

@nagaviper1169

4 жыл бұрын

Same here.

@Jeremy-lh3lg

4 жыл бұрын

Here have mine ... 👍

this is a "how to" - so much more information than just packing, many tricks can be applied to other packs.

@longstrider461

4 жыл бұрын

Yep, I totally agree!!! I took a lot of notes. It's going to very useful for an upcoming trip, if we can travel again :-/

@charliekendall4288

4 жыл бұрын

Bring up Paul Messener for a true magician with packing a ENOS 58.

This was not only an excellent “how to”, but also a great reminder of “what to” pack. Thank you.

And next year: How to put all my stuff for a thru hike into a 32oz nalgene bottle.

@johnmcgehee5024

3 жыл бұрын

With a liter of water.

@robertwalter8949

3 жыл бұрын

@@johnmcgehee5024 Yes. He dehydrate the water to water instant powder.

@stalwart263

3 жыл бұрын

32oz is a noob size. Real thru hikers get down to the 1oz Nalgene.

@Jangmo_SC

3 жыл бұрын

Eagerly awaiting

@realityconformist424

3 жыл бұрын

Nalgene is 6 oz ...too heavy

I’m seeing it already: «How I Pack My Gear 2026 - 16L Pack (Full Comfort)»

@harmleyten4

4 жыл бұрын

Who knows, maybe they will have even better and lighter stuff.

@Charlie-yv3ib

4 жыл бұрын

@@harmleyten4 hopefully cheaper too

@kylestyer8240

4 жыл бұрын

@@harmleyten4 I suppose you could do it now ofcourse. SOL Bivvy instead of tent, cold soak/no stove, etc... but this video is totally coming

@fg1110

3 жыл бұрын

How to pack my gear 2030 - Naked with only a knife.

@clinclin1240

3 жыл бұрын

In 2026 you can just set up a waypoint and teleport all your gear to camp.

I use your packing strategies to pack my Ruck for the Army. While we do have to carry way more weight, cutting down on necessities and just organizing my Ruck has helped a ton to be travel ready faster and confident in my gear.

@LZ-un7ky

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service!

Great vid. I prefer to keep raing ear, hat and gloves in my big outside pocket, that way if it starts raining you don't need to open your pack at all.

This reminds me of Harry Potter when Hermione had that magic purse...this is Darwin’s magic purse

@SJ-vc2tz

2 жыл бұрын

Bottomless bag :)

@greyscout01

2 жыл бұрын

Yup... magic.

Egad! Fifteen years in Scouts, and you just did a PhD course I wish I could have gotten then. Thanks.

Now I want to know what you pack for 4 days of food :)

@GuilhermeBianeck

3 жыл бұрын

grass and insects

@cruzcooper213

3 жыл бұрын

Usually peanuts because they last a long time and you can get different ones like sesame seed coated honey coated up to personal preference though

@filippomarcon2786

3 жыл бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/hIagj9ylpMyuhKw.html

@andrewwolfe8742

3 жыл бұрын

Great plan on packing. I won't start if with this but want this as my goal. Great video!

@mischiefonthetrail8961

3 жыл бұрын

@67schueppi 29schueppi osm ?

Wow, so simple, you are always so thoughtful in your preparedness. As always, i learn something to make my hiking experience better watching your videos. Thank you.

OK yea I do pack like you, was a bit confused on the QA. I think I'll try the extra/night clothes in the quilt idea. Thanks man, great video!

I'm literally preparing for my first multi-day hike when this is all over, and was wondering how to pack my 40L pack in the best way. This is such a great coincidence! Thanks for the vid budd!

This video was SO helpful. During the COVID "stay home" order, I have been daydreaming so much about hiking and travel.

This is great, I myself plan on taking more and more gear with me in my 40L on my next hike so this is perfect -Thank you for this video, Darwin!

@DarwinOnthetrail

4 жыл бұрын

No Prob! Glad it helped!

That's EXACTLY how I pack my loadouts; Horizontally. Besides it being more convenient and leaving some space on the sides for me to insert odd objects into filling in voids, the loadout is also more balanced because the weight of each item is distributed evenly across the breadth of the pack instead of being all on one side or the other. Unless two similarly sized stuff sacks are identical in weight, one will always be heavier than the other leaning the balance of the pack in that direction if they are inserted vertically.

Twisting the liner (4:40) is a nice touch. I learn something almost every video of your I watch.

Love what you do👍 I’ve learned a lot over the years! Very grateful.. stay safe in these strange days!

@DarwinOnthetrail

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you, I will! ❤️

Thank you so much for being direct and getting to the point. I will definitely apply your "essentials" horizontal stacking method to my upcoming section/thru adventures and bicycle touring. Your vids are awesome!

Very helpful in downsizing and packing my warmer weather gear. I think I’ll move my rain jacket into the top of my pack since I’m toting an umbrella. “Darwin Off The Trail”, made me chuckle, yet, hope for better days ahead.

@JohnFisk-OHS-78

3 жыл бұрын

Totally agree about the umbrella - supremely posh bit of kit and not that extravagant in terms of weight. I've farmed in -30 F weather in the teeth of white outs and gale force winds. I don't mind the cold. But, I HATE getting wet... cheers!

folding the sleeping pad flat. genius! ima start doing that!

Anyone else notice the subtle Jazz in the background? It's calming LOVE It!

Really helped to me conceptualize how to do my pack better. Enjoyed hearing the reasons why you combined the things you did (like your sleep system w/clothes). Definitely worth it to be more intentional.

That was nice of you to make this video after me (28memco) and a few others suggested it. I really appreciate your videos and learn a lot from them. I just purchased the ZPack Arc Blast for the High Serria trail.

Hi Darwin great video. Ex military veteran and your packing and personal administration is spot on. Really love your enthusiasm and passion for what you do and the way you put everything so clearly across. Keep up the good work. Mick, Northern Ireland 👍👏🍻

Recently "downsized" from a 60L pack to a 50L pack and have made an extra effort to lighten up my gear this year (getting old sucks but you don't have to comply!). Have been trying to figure out a more efficient way to pack the gear in the "smaller" (as opposed to 35L!) volume and this vid gave me a lot of light bulb moments. Thanks for posting this!

I followed your packing advice for my 50-mile section hike of the Vermont Long Trail and it worked really well. I got rid of an extra bag for clothes and everything was really easy to find. Thank you for sharing.

I love the fact you're open to change and look forward to better ideas as you evolve. As we get ideas from you and evolve. I'm always evolving which gets expensive lol

I’m going to totally try the clothes in the quilt foot box! Genius! Thanks Darwin! - Chica

Ahoy! Another great tip for keeping your camera dry while attached on your shoulder strap is to use an inexpensive shower cap. The elastic banding keeps it tight around form of the camera body. Happy trails mate!

I'm definitely a serial over-packer! I'll for sure be using some of these tips to organise my next journey

I love your advice. Simple, well thought out and practical. I learn so much watching your stuff!

I'm going on my first hike later this month and your video was a great help to me. I am both a little bit puzzled and a little bit confused, when I think about what I shall bring and how to pack everything ..... I think the most important message from your video is, that you can let your self be inspired by others, but in the end you have to figure out yourself and you always have to re-evaluate your needs. You can start with a 65-liters backpack and end up with just 35. You can start with a butt-pad, get rid of the butt-pad and finally bring the butt-pad back again. So what I have learned from this video is, that it doesn't have to be perfect the first time. 😀

Going down to the 35L is really gonna put a dent in how much delicious Bud Light you can carry.

@I..cast..fireball

4 жыл бұрын

Bud light is piss, but point understood.

@XV250

4 жыл бұрын

Delicious and Bud Light do not belong in the same sentence.

@JMeara

4 жыл бұрын

That's what rum is for.

@GustoStCool

4 жыл бұрын

@@I..cast..fireball Bud Light is a slice of heaven!

@GustoStCool

4 жыл бұрын

@@XV250 Does so, jerk! Bud Light was sent by angels!

These are really helpful, not just for packing efficiently, but for ideas on trimming down your kit

Love the videos Darwin showin everyone you can be comfortable staying lightweight!

Great video! I never thought of folding my X-therm pad as opposed to rolling it. I'm still amazed at how small backpacking kits/packs have gotten over the years. I used to marvel at how small other backpackers' pack where compared to my 90 liter monster! It took me quite a while to catch on to packing less, and lighter. Now I'm at the very least a "lightweight" bacpacker. I actually have been using an external frame pack for the past year.....mostly for nostalgic reasons. Now that my packs are so much lighter, I actually enjoy the hiking part of backpacking! Here before too long I think that I'm going to downsize even further to a smaller, ultralight-type pack. It's amazing how little you actually need to stay warm and protected while out in the wilderness. I wish that I had figured that out 20-something years ago!

Nice stuff, Darwin. Hope you get to Canada and enjoy the GDT this summer.

@DarwinOnthetrail

4 жыл бұрын

I hope so too! 😬

@Charlie-yv3ib

4 жыл бұрын

Dumb question but I'm new to all this: what's the GDT? I'm in Canada and would like to start looking for trails and such

I completely agree on the backup rain protection for clothes and sleeping bag/quilt. You’re one of the few folks who mentions the potential for packing up damp gear ON THE TRAIL. Thx for sharing your techniques, glad it works well for you.

I just packed my bag almost identical to your way, holy smokes what a difference! The way it was loaded and is loaded now actually feels soooooo much lighter and while I always look like a kid over an oversized bag, it compressed down so much. Thanks for this awesome video!

I’ve got a 36L Kumo on the way from GG and this video is perfect timing for me. Thanks Darwin!

@DarwinOnthetrail

4 жыл бұрын

Glad I could help! 🤙

@brandythomas7928

4 жыл бұрын

Same! Mine should be here Saturday.

@timearchitecture

3 жыл бұрын

How do you like the gg Aaron? Im eyeing their 42L g420

In my considerable years of viewing UL hiking videos, never have I learned such a logical way to gear pack. You have brought just a bit more order to my scattered mind. IMO you have achieved your PhD with this! GK

I can’t tell you how helpful this video was. Thank you🤙

This is an awesome refresher for someone who hasn’t been backpacking since my first time last summer:)

My first reaction to the return of the butt pad was "it's hell to get old." 😎

This video was really helpful! Thank you! One question - How would you fit a bear can in the EVLV? Which bear can? And would you even, or would you switch to a bigger backpack for places that require a bear can such as the PCT? Thanks

Excellent video, one of best I've seen about gear packing, exactly what's needed

The little ditty drybag in the front mesh pocket is something I haven’t seen before. Thanks for that tip!

Damn your good. I’ve seen so many packing videos and this is the best. So quick, simple and logical. I definitely agree. I like my shelter on the outside but I like this method otherwise thanks 😊

Never thought of shoving my clothes in my sleeping bag/quilt

@k.whiking4372

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, me neither.

What a fantastic videos. I’m all about utilizing space and efficiency too. And my hubby and I are kinda new to hiking/backpacking and I’m usually the one who researches and packs our packs. So this helps tremendously!!!

Thanks so much for this video. I watched this video a couple of times and then pulled out all of my gear and tried your system. Once I was finished I had a pile of stuff sacks left on the floor had a ton of space in my backpack. I’ve watched several “how I pack” videos from other KZreadrs and yours definitely made the most sense to me. So thank you for sharing this and helping me be more efficient with a lighter pack. 😊

Nicely done. My pack is haunting me, sitting in the corner of my room all packed and no where to go, but I keep glaring at it wondering how I can get it smaller. I really like the folding the ground pad idea. Will have to incorporate that for sure. Thanks for the tips as always and be safe. Happy trails, soon.

@domo3552

4 жыл бұрын

Yup, me too. Staring at my pack, frustrated, but enjoying the community.

@anulbead4817

4 жыл бұрын

Take it to a protest! Totally peaceful and COVID restriction free!

@daano465

3 жыл бұрын

Folding the pad was the best tip imo. Kinda feels like it doesnt even take up space like that.

@tamie341

2 жыл бұрын

I'll give it some dat sweet sweet lovin if ya want me to, all sexy like bruh.

Feel like I'm watching Hermione Granger pack her purse... nice vid Darwin

such a seriously sick video! thank you for posting. so much great insight and experience here. I learned a lot!!

Thank you Darwin for this video. I’m limited to 20 pounds for the rest of my life due to a catastrophic back injury and subsequent surgeries, and I used your gear and packing vid to help assemble an emergency “get home/bug out” kit.

Hi Darwin, can you give your DCF bag size for quilt and food please? Thanks from France!

How do you like the cnoc trekking pole? How about a review?

Just downsized from a 55L to a 38L pack, this video was awesome!! Thanks so much 😀

Thanks Darwin I got some great ideas from your video. Really liked the idea of folding your sleep pad instead of rolling. I also use a tarp instead of a tent (DD 3X4.5) and folding it along with my sleep pad saves me a ton of space. Thanks again.

Now this was crazy I pack my pack the exact same way even the ditty and electronics on the outside I use a hilltops packs med long dry bag for that

@gwmtnbiker

4 жыл бұрын

mischief on the trail ...thanks for the recommendation on the ditty bag. What size is your dry bag for the quilt/clothes?

Good advice. I went from a 65 to a 40 pack after realizing I was carrying what I didn’t need. Focusing more on the journey than the gear.

@EspenFrafalne

4 жыл бұрын

Bikepacking is more ideal for packing a little extra. 10-12kg on my MTB is barely noticeable on a flat road. Great alternative for people who dont have $1000-1500 to spend on ultralight gear, or who want to bring their laptop or other luxury items, or for people who just want to cover more distance in a day :P

Thanks man. You are pretty much the go to for solid info on thru hiking on KZread. Props to you!

Keeping sleep clothes in the foot box of the bag/quilt and the gloves with the insulated jacket make so much sense that I can't believe I didn't think about it!

@leleprtk

3 жыл бұрын

Makes so much sense! I’m only gonna keep my sleeping clothes inside the sleeping bag quilt from now on

How many kgs all up with the 2 litres of water but without camera gear?

@hannahherrmann4921

3 жыл бұрын

I think between 7 and 8 kg?

@wav1366

3 жыл бұрын

He did a video about his gear and his base weight was ~4.5kg (~10lbs). I'm guessing w/ the food it would be an extra 4kg.

@shaqsoda9627

3 жыл бұрын

Water is like 2.2 pounds per liter

@mimimi2311

3 жыл бұрын

Imperial is weird ... metric: one liter of water weighs one kilogramm

@kildli

2 жыл бұрын

@@mimimi2311 you mean US is weird?

Love how you use the phrase ' arse pad' so British...you must have picked that up doing the WHW

Great ideas, I am trying to downsize my pack, as my gear has changed. This gives me some pointers to go a little smaller than I had initially intended👍

I think I've watched this video 5 or 6 times now and I have learned a ton but the most immediately helpful idea is NOT to compress and fold and stuff my sleeping pad into a tiny little stuff sack but instead to FOLD it and put it against my back for additional padding. What an AMAZING idea! (Why didn't I think of that myself?) I like the additional comfort on my back and my pad (Thermarest Trail Scout shortie) loves not being compressed to death. Thanks, Darwin!

Love the cloths in your footbox. Did I miss, TP, Toothbrush, paste etc?

@jmz1736

4 жыл бұрын

Ditty bag 9:57 has all those things

Clothes in the foot box! Stealing that one!

Thanks for ideas. Just went from a 70L that I thought was near full to a 57L with nearly 10L empty. Same stuff just packed better. Keep those videos coming I really enjoy them.

An oldie but such great advice. Going to take this on board now I’ve got my first frameless pack

Let me start with fitting all my gears into a 65L pack

@Adam_Outdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Why on earth would you do that?

inb4 Darwin sees the light and starts rocking a backwoods bidet rather than carrying poopy paper

Always enjoy watching these packing videos!!

This was a really great video! This is s very organized pack which I’m terrible at organizing anything to begin with I liked how detailed it was and very concise with explanation for everything 🙂 thank you for sharing

Great, and organized! Is this pack 35L overall (including front and side pockets) or is the main compartment the 35L?

@christophermagera8643

4 жыл бұрын

It is 35L total. So like a ~25L main pack with ~10L of external pockets

Who makes that ditty dry bag? I’m looking for one about that size.

@dennisdrewry5625

4 жыл бұрын

John Van Camp Zpacks

Thank for the tips! I pack my bag the same way except I put my food bag on top. I am going to try and put my food before my shelter. It makes more sence

Oh, man! That Peak Design camera mount is something I didn't know I needed.

but how will you fit the gallon bottle of lysol?

@DarwinOnthetrail

4 жыл бұрын

😳🤦‍♂️

Is there no special way to roll a quilt? I see everyone just cram it in lol. And is it ok to smash a down quilt into a compression bag? I like using compression bags

@DarwinOnthetrail

4 жыл бұрын

Yep! You just compress it into a bag. That's one of the advantages of using Down. It will Compress & then Loft back up! 🤙

@jt52193

4 жыл бұрын

Darwin onthetrail awesome. Was worried about it not lofting up again. Think I’m going with the EE enigma Thanks!

Anyone who doesn't know or recognise you must think your on a day hike !! It is amazing how small your pack is. Love this stuff !!!!

Thank you! I want to fit my stuff into a 36L back for my AT thru hike and now I know i'm gonna be able to do it! :)

4 days of food,how much does that weigh? How many calories a day? Sidebar ... do you use beard oil?

@DarwinOnthetrail

4 жыл бұрын

I have done multiple videos on the food I eat on trail. Go Check em' out! 👍

Still want to know more about the pack. A frameless with loadlifters is hard to find.

@DarwinOnthetrail

4 жыл бұрын

Mid May looks to be exciting... 😉

@jhonyermo

4 жыл бұрын

I know someone got a special order on the UAL CDT just for that.

@JadenLegate

4 жыл бұрын

I think the waymark lite has load lifters.

@leftycut1

4 жыл бұрын

ULA

@ScottKent

4 жыл бұрын

@@leftycut1 ULA weighs too much.

This is the most useful video I've seen on hiking and camping. You saved my from having to make a packing list.

Hands down most valuable video I've seen on packing. Thank you so much.

Where is your pillow? Did I just miss you putting it in ?

@DarwinOnthetrail

4 жыл бұрын

It was in my Footbox. If you check out the Full Gear List, you can see even item in specific. 🤙

How do I fit all my gear into my pack? Step 1: Have +$2,000 in UL gear. Step 2: Pack it up.

@MajesticSkywhale

3 жыл бұрын

exactly, his tent costs like 600

@arturskass4695

3 жыл бұрын

@@MajesticSkywhale You dont need a 600 tent to be able to pack it in horizontally. Any tent that uses trekking poles for support will be in similar dimensions. Jus look at LanShan 2 it is about 150$. Besides I have a tent that uses a rod system I just keep them out of the tent bag and that way the tent can easily fit horizontally.

Dude, this is a thoroughly thoughtful list of gear and packing video!Thank you!!

Wow...just now came across this video. Excellent and timely information. I'm in the process of downsizing from a 75L Gregory Baltoro and giving a hard look at the Zpacks line. Thanks for posting this.

2020 and we're watching a video on how to pack stuff in a backpack... Go figure.

Darwin Offthetrail. Funny and sad.

@DarwinOnthetrail

4 жыл бұрын

😕

Definitely needed to watch this. Now thinking of repacking my stuff.

WoW thank you for setting that benchmark in my head, hopefully we can all get back out there soon, stay safe

Get sintax77 on your livestream!

@DarwinOnthetrail

4 жыл бұрын

K...

I love how everything you put in there gets a loving pat 💙. As it should!

I've only recently begun preparing to be mobile, basically due to the way things are generally shaping up, and this vid is a real bonus. Thanks for creating & sharing. Peace ✌

Your system is so clever! Thanks for the info! I will sure do a thru-hike when my kids will be older!