ultralight backpacking

I get a lot of questions about using a tarp when I backpack, rather than a tent or a hammock. Among the questions I answer in this video are these:

--What are the main advantages of a tarp? --What about rain? --What about bugs and snakes? --How do you set up without trekking poles? --How do you use a bivy sack and an umbrella? --How important is site selection to staying dry in the rain? --How can I get started backpacking with a tarp?

And here’s a FOLLOW-UP video titled “More Square Tarp Set-Ups,” featuring some of the ways I set up my tarp when I used it to thru-hike the entire Appalachian Trail in 2018–youtube.com/watch?v=zetBiNj9NMc

gear list: lighterpack.com/r/9zfaxn

I know that you've been kept up at night wondering, "will a poncho tarp work for me on my hike next season?" This comprehensive review of the functionality and features of the poncho tarp will set your mind at ease with clips of long term, on-trail use of the equipment, the ambient sounds of rushing creek water, and the soothing yet informative rambling of SongBird himself. (I feel better already - does anyone read these things?)

Build a DIY MYOG 1 person ultralight minimalist asymmetrical pyramid tent tarp shelter out of dyneema composite fabric cuben fiber.

PATTERN & DETAILS: 👉https://www.joshbukoski.com/dcf-ess-tent

Backpacking and hiking gear can be really expensive, but it doesn't have to be! You can get extremely nice things for extremely cheap if you would like to. In a lot of cases I choose the cheap gear instead of the really expensive gear! So all of what I am recommending here, I personally have used for hundreds or thousands of miles and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

If you're serious about ultralight backpacking, these shelters are worth knowing. In this video, I go over three of the most unique ultralight shelters available right now — the Gearswifts DCF Poncho Tarp, the Ounce Designs Abode, and the Meadowphysics Adobi.

Each of these shelters weighs under 7 ounces, and they’re built by small, passionate cottage companies focused on true minimalist performance. I’ll cover the price, weight, dimensions, and materials for each, so you’ll have a clear sense of what makes them stand out in the world of lightweight tents and backpacking shelters.

Whether you're into minimalist camping, trekking, or just looking for new outdoor gear ideas, these ultralight designs offer some of the best options for cutting serious weight without giving up real protection.

I bought two of these seat pads and I am hoping to use them as a sleeping pad. I have tried to use foam pads but don't sleep well and have back pain the next day. I am hoping that these inflatable pads will work when placed under the hips and shoulders. They are not large, only 14"x14", so they will have to be strategically placed and moved when switching from back to side sleeping. 2.6 ounces for each, so 5.2 ounces total. Compare this to 14 ounces for a short Static V pad.

I am still testing them. Ideally they would be the only sleeping pad, but I may use them together with a foam pad. I have no idea if this will actually work.

I've been wearing Xero shoes as my preferred every day shoe and my hiking shoe of choice for a while. I got a few pairs on a steep sale and now my last pair is starting to die.

I don't mind getting more, but I'd like to see what else is out there. I used to wear Altra and I've gotten Hobbart shoes, but those were weird shaped and rubbed on my pinky toes.

Any suggestions for foot shaped shoes? I'd prefer some cushion like Altras and bonus if there's a business casual looking variety

Last night I tried out a pair of Alpha Direct booties that I made. The low temp was 32F, 0C, and I was under an apex quilt rated for 30F. The booties were very warm and comfortable. The booties replace a thick pair of wool socks which I would usually use to keep my feet warm.

The design was a simple rectangle, folded over and sewn to make a tube, with the end sewn shut. I did not try to shape the booties into a foot shape, they are just a straight cylinder. The length is from the outstretched foot (toes) to the bottom of the knee. The width is the circumference of the calf plus an ample amount (50%) to create a loose fitting sock-like bag that fits over the lower leg. I inserted a thin elastic cord tied with a light tension to hold the top of the bootie above the calf.

The booties were very warm and comfortable, far better than a thick wool sock.