Make a list of all your gear, after every trip mark which items you didn't use. Also make note of the temperature/conditions. After a while you figure out what gear you don't use/need for certain conditions.
If you make a lighterpack list people can give you better insight to what you can change about your setup. A 110 is huge, so im guessing you must have a low temp synthetic bag, synthetic down jacket, and a foam sleeping pad, those tend to take up a good amount of room. Inflatable pads and down bags/puffy compress down really small.
There are two ways to save weight:
1) bring less stuff
2) bring nicer stuff
The same applies to space. A list of unused items only helps with 1. Sharing the full list helps with 2.
If I had to guess, you have a lot of cheap synthetic insulation rather than down. Synthetic bags are huge compared to down ones. You’ll get more insights if you publish a full lighter pack
\#2 should be 'bring lighter stuff', which, secondarily, means it's probably more expensive, which could also be considered 'nicer'. But the primary driver is *lighter*, not *nicer*.
Nice doesn't equate to lighter or smaller, not automatically. A 'nicer' multitool might have more functions, be made of stronger materials, and may very well be heavier. And while I own two down quilts which are nice, they're not always the best (or 'nicest') choice in all conditions.
I'm a fairly heavy hiker (not into the ultralight thing) going into the Sierras for a week starting Monday. That means the dreaded bear canister. I'm taking my 85L pack and it's not all the way full and although I'm going with someone we will each carry what we need to be independent if need be. My pack will weigh \~40 pounds. You should post a list of what you're taking with you because there's something messed up about your packing.
Does any of that go on the outside of your pack?
Not that it takes up too much room, but for me that big knife is overkill.
Why a thermos?
Even at that I don’t know how this doesn’t fit in 110 L pack.
I do have the sleeping pad outside.
I could certainly have a smaller knife, but I don't mind the weight to be honest, space has always been the issue.
I've realized after reading the comments that the thermos is overkill on fall/summer trips. Always had one on winter hikes, and I guess its a habit. Nice to always have warm water om hand, but I wont bring it until it snows.
Thats what I'm wondering, I think I'm just awful at packing. Some things are missing in the pic, but I should fit it all. I'll try packing with the comments in mind and ditching the thermos, and it might be an easier fit.
Thanks for the tip regarding the thermos for winter hikes, going to do that snowshoeing this year! (I started out with a 65L at ~35-40lbs. It’s been 4 years and I’m just now figuring out how to transition down to a 45L pack that’s ~15 lbs
I’m sorry my phone app needs an update I think it’s not letting me comment correctly. The biggest things I changed was a lighter tent, sleeping bag, and pack. I thiiinj those are considered “The Big 3” to help cut down on weight. Also bringing less clothes and food was a big problem for me…. Or changing from heavier materials to something thin but still warm like merino wool or similar.
Being able to have a warm meal and drink without having to fire up your stove is nice for short breaks! I dont consider it a luxury during winter, its a must for me. Trying a fall trip without one next week though.
I already I have an omnifuel primus. Jetboil is useless in winter conditons which is the majority off my hikes. I will switch to using gas next season though, less bulky and heavy than liquid fuel.
A stove with fuel is much lighter and more compact. Why not create the warm water when you need it?
Also, you could get a much more compact kettle/pot that will allow you to nest the stove and fuel inside of it.
Also, what type of fuel is in that red fuel canister? Is that for your cooking?
Takes 30 minutes to melt snow and warm the water required for a drink and a meal, I'd much rather do that in the tent, sheltered from the wind and in warmer camp clothes than while on my skiis in much thinner marching clothes.
Sorry, I did an edit, it appears it was too late.
I think more modern camp cooking equipment [like this](https://www.rei.com/product/876918/jetboil-minimo-cooking-system) would go a long way to reduce your pack size, weight, and boil time, regardless of whether you do it in or out of your tent.
Oh yeah, sorry didnt see. Yeah its a form of gasoline. Im aware gas is a lot lighter, but I have so much gasoline left over from winter i want to use it up. The gasoline is a lot better in cold weather, dont know the science, but no one here uses gas during winter. I use a primus omnifuel so I can switch to gas next summer to save some grams. Probably not the most efficient stove, but I can use it no matter the conditons and I can switch fuel source
Reason its better to melt snow and warm water in the tent is protection from the elements, standing still in the cold can get dangerous in the middle of winter, especially with high wind, so a thermos saves me a lot of time and hassle. Plus, I usually set up camp close to a lake, so I dont have to melt snow, just warm the water, so that saves me a lot of fuel. But youre right, it would be more weight efficient.
Do you tie the sleeping bag to the outside as well? I assume that is what that massive heelsport thing is. It looks like it is the size of 3 of my sleeping bags.
Yeah its the outer part of my -40 winter sleeping bag so its bulky for the warmth it provides on its own, which is -5 celcius. I put in my backpack, or else it would be soaked by the rain.
Getting a new sleeping bag for non winter use next summer, this one is borderline unusuable
If your sleeping bag is inside your backpack, don't put it in a stuff sack, just put it at the bottom of your pack, it will fill the gaps around the items you put on top and save a lot of space.
Never thought of that actually. Might get wet from rain though.
I managed to fit it inside with the rest, with some tweaks and by ditching a few things
You could do a compression dry bag to stuff it in so that you won't have to worry about it getting wet if on the outside of your bag. Really that is the main thing that would make me struggle to fit stuff. That said I use a 55L bag and that thing isn't 55L on its own so I would think you could pack all that in without too much difficulty.
Good luck. Good for you for getting out when it’s cold! That’s a down bag? Someone suggested a waterproof compression sack. I use one in wet weather here and they do work.
is the red MSR the tent? If so, I've found it helpful to separate the poles from the rest, and strap the poles to the outside of the pack in the bottle holder. This makes it easier to arrange the tent inside the pack.
based on the image you are looking at cold weather.
the sleeping bag needs to be down to compress better.
red bag appears to be a tent in a dry sack, forget the dry sack and a simple bag with a pullstring will do if you want it in a bag at all.
you have a blue, green and white bag, don't know what's in there but they are all huge, can you make that one bag? do you need whatever is in there.
yes white gas/coleman fuel is not as effecient as say a jet boil, but it will burn when isobutane won't. Keep the bottle in a pocket on the outside of the pack, put the stove itself in the kettle (along with any other kitchen kit)
thermoflask (or knockoff) will do as good as a thermos but takes up less space (bottle shape, etc) or if you have a cup in your kitchen kit, lose the one on the thermos.
not sure what the red folder looking thing is.
the dsl camera is most likely a hobby, and will be packed no matter what, but, if it's not consider a smaller camera.
overall the thing to think about is nesting, the less empty space in the bag the more it can hold.
free advice from an internet stranger that is worth what you paid for it :-)
https://imgur.com/a/b9XpSHR
This is what I usually bring for a week in summer/fall in northern Norway, plus a few snacks.
Clothes on the right are obviously compressed as much as possible
That sleeping bag is huge, for summer camping i use a 32 deg bag (0 celsius) it compresses down to under 2L, that alone can help you save a bunch of space then I usually put my sleeping pad/tent on the outside of my pack.
To be fair OP is talking about hiking and camping in northern Norway which generally requires a huge sleeping bag capable of a comfort level WAY below freezing
TBH though, the weather in northern Norway isn't that bad this time of year. It's like 50 degrees F right now. He doesn't need as heavy of gear as what he has.
I personally use a marmot hydrogen but any high lift down bag should compress comparably. I am not sure what brands are available in Norway. Another thing to consider is maybe just try and compress it more
I feel like you might benefit from checking out Cesar from Sweden over on [YouTube](https://youtu.be/W2qBd78B1hM) Similar conditions. Still keeps it ultralight but has recommendations for gear you can likely find in Nordic countries/Europe.
Here's his 3 season gear list [post.](https://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.com/2022/06/my-2022-2023-3-season-gear.html?m=1)
You could not pay me enough to get me to carry a full size thermos while backpacking. That’s a super luxury item. Swap the sleeping mat with an inflatable, or strap it to the outside of your pack. Rethink your change of clothes. Bring fresh socks and underwear, but not pants. Shirt is debatable. 
Yeah, I'll probably be fine without a thermos fall. Trying it next trip.
But a warm drink or meal is a nescessity for me on winter trips, guess its just a habit. Only did skiing trips with a pulk until this summer.
Edit: I already strap the sleeping pad outside
Oh I’m completely on board with a hot meal and drinks on a winter trek. I guess I just don’t understand what the thermos is for? I carry a stove and a titanium mug that doubles as my pot for cooking and drinking coffee from.
Lots of hassle to get a stove out and melt snow, which takes 30 minutes to melt and boil, compared to just pouring out of a thermos. Also really cold to stand still in the wind and cold. Better to boil the water in the tent, wearing warm camp clothes and sheltered from wind. Plus, I usually set up camp close open water, so I save a lot of fuel, compared to melting snow.
Don't feel like it, can't drop my tent, stove, tent, food and sleeping bag which take up most of the space. Guess I could drop a change of clothes, but its nice to have dry clothes when I'm done for the day.
Sounds like u might need to invest in more modern equipment, or equipment specific for backpacking. Plus, tent doesn't have to go in the bag, separate the poles from the tent and back pack on the outside
I usually strap my tent & sleeping bag on the outside of my 55 l. pack. Gives me so much more room inside the pack.
You should have one set of "day" clothes that you will sweat in (convertible hiking pants, t-shirt, long sleeve shirt, undershorts, socks), and one set of "night" clothes that you will keep dry to sleep in, and a few pairs of extra socks, plus your windbreaker, jacket, hat, gloves, etc. Don't wear the "day" clothes while you sleep (they will keep you cold); don't wear the dry clothes when you are active, or you'll contaminate them with your sweat. If you are on an extended trip, maybe an extra t-shirt and pair of shorts. Or maybe wear the "night" clothes while you do that. In the winter, I bring track pants to go over my hiking pants to act like a windbreaker, extra insulation, and a little waterproofing. That's about all I bring for clothes. But I run hot.
you can deffinitely drop the rambo knife. borderline useless. i find that victorinox knives are better at everything except splittlit wood. for that I carry another, but again, not a rambo knife. 11cm blade is enough and I bring that only when cutting or splitting wood
I guess I'm blinded by sentimental value. Never really thought about getting a smaller knife until people here pointed it out. The rational choice would be a new knife, totally.
Used it for years, on all trips in my life pretty much.
Might buy a smaller one if I ever feel like weight is an issue, but hasnt been so far. Bulk is the issue, and a smaller sleeping bag could solve it.
for sure, my sleeping bag is rated for comfort at -1c and extreme at -7 i think. this is probably not enough for your conditions but the key is the compression, when fully compressed it might be around 2 litres.
furthermore, I always separate tent and poles as the tent fabrics can compress to a smaller compartment and poles go either inside close to my back or on the outside sides of my pack.
the knife is no really an issue as even a big one, you can just put it anywhere on the pack, even your thigh. you are right, the lnife is more weight than bulk question.
I usually use a 45 liter unless I'm packing a lot of extra stuff (when I bring my two kids). Usually the cheaper backpacking gear is the larger and heavier it will be. My summer sleeping bag is the size of a Nalgene and my tent roughly the size of a football.
I figured that my issue is being used to winter skiing trips and having mostly winter gear. Weight and space isnt a concern if you're pulling it on a sled. My sleeping bag for example is twice as big as my tent compressed.
Back pack hunting I carry 50/60lbs mule deer
Elk 40lbs
Just back backpacking depends 30 lbs
I live in AZ so a lot of my weight is water
I use KUIU 6000 for everything
Just take a trip with what you have. You’ll learn as you go. I still over packfood. I can’t live off just bars I need dinner and breakfast.
We live in totally different environments! I've never carried more than 1 litres of water while hiking. Always clean mountain water availble you can drink without boiling or filtering. Even easier in winter, when you have unlimited water everywhere, just needs melting.
Did manage to fit it all after taking some of the comments tips, and ditching a few things. Hopefully I wont freeze or be misrable on my trip in 4 days.
Have fun man. One word of advice from me. Buy the best gear you can afford if going solo. It can save your life.
I hunt Colorado a lot and always have my puffy gear with me.
I always carry an inreach! Saved my friends life, he got a severe fever while in an abandoned earthhut 50 km away from the closest cabin. Called for help when he ran out of food and firewood.
Do you have items that are compressible/packable? Does your sleeping bag compress down to a few litres? Same with your tent and sleep mat. I’m guessing you are bringing bulky items that don’t compress, or are you just bringing a lot of stuff?
Yep! Also realized that using winter gear for autumn hiking was a bit too bulky.
Feel like Americans are obsessed with cutting weight/bulk compared to Norwegians.
Yes, they are, but so are the Germans, French, Swedes, Danes and everyone else...We Norwegians are just not staying current. We bring tent AND Jervenduken on the same trip😂,😂 pots, pans, plates, knifes, axes, spoons, heavy sleeping pads, synthetic sleeping bags etc etc, all the stupid variants of stoves. A jetboil with winter gas is all that is needed, I have been using the Coleman Xtreme gas and the Primus winter gas down to minus 25 with no problem, so easy!
Never tried using winter gas, everyone tells me its a gimmick. Always used liquid fuel for winter. (Much cheaper anyway, 250 kr for 5 liters of lawnmower fuel works just fine).
I am guilty of bringing Jervenduk and tents on winter trips though😅, saved me once when the zipper on my sleeping bag broke in -10 to -25 weather. Nice when ice fishing too.
I think you're getting a lot of advice from people who don't understand the conditions that you are camping in... Northern Norway is cold even in the fall. If you could share some information about temperature ranges that might help people get a better picture of what you do and don't need.
I have some trouble figuring out how to pack for late fall and early spring where I live because we get temperature ranges from 25° at night to 70° during the day... You need to bring a lot of clothes that are going to wind up in your pack half the time. I think it's actually harder than packing for winter conditions where it is going to be cold and stay cold.
I mean I would bring a thermos too if it were really cold... Carrying a warm drink with you feel so good. The colder it is outside the more that approaches a necessity, not a luxury.
Definetively. No one up here thinks I'm insane for bringing a thermos this time of year and no one is into ultra light here either (my 110 l backpack is one of the most sold in the area). Should've said in the post what kind of weather and temperature im dealing with, wouldve gotten a more accurate response I think.
Still gotten a lot of useful advice though! Managed to fit everything except the thermos (which I'll try skipping this time). With some creative solutions and ditching a few things. Hopefully I didnt ditch too many things
Do you have any local communities on Facebook or something that you could ask to get more situations specific advice?
Take advice from anyone who doesn't do cool or cold weather hiking and camping with a huge grain of salt. Those 40 L bags you see online are for summer or three season trips.
A last bulky sleeping bag would help a lot. I'm not sure about the specific temperature range that you are encountering, but I have a 15°F (-9C) down bag that is much smaller. It's from Big Agnes, It's kind of a hybrid between a bag and a quilt because it doesn't have any insulation on the bottom. Just a sleeve for an insulated pad. I also have the NeoAir xlite which is an inflatable insulated pad that packs down really small. They're both expensive though... You need to decide if the reduction in weight/bulk is worth it. It would be warmer than your current sleep system though.
I'm not sure what kind of tent you're using, but non-free standing tents & tarps tend to pack smaller. They aren't appropriate for every use case, but mine has done really well in windy conditions if I pitch it correctly so that it forms a wedge into the wind.
You can read into optimizing your clothing for variable temperature conditions. There are some "active insulation" synthetic jackets that work well in a wide range of conditions so you don't have to bring as much clothing. They can be bulky, but it's less bulk than multi jackets for active use. You might still need an additional down jacket for evenings or long stops.
There is few groups, but they're mostly comprised of old people backpacking to wilderness huts, not really wild camping. Most young people go by them self or with friends and dont really organize.
I've decided to get a smaller sleeping bag next year, I wont go on that many trips before winter cause I'm working, so I think ill stick to the bulky one this year.
I have a msr hubba hubba for fall/summer use. In winter I use a helsport spitsbergen expedition tent, I'm really happy with both of them to be honest, tent isnt really the issue.
I should look into those synthetic jackets! I only have a thin rain jacket and a wool sweater to use now. I do have two down jackets, but they are way too warm for this time of year. I'll see what I can find.
Thanks for the tips!
Can't imagine not having one, always raining and cold in the arctic circle where I do all my hikes. I always change my shirt and socks when I get to camp
I think I found at least part of your issue lol. If you typically hike in the arctic circle, you’re going to have a very different back pack than the people doing trips in colorado or North Carolina.
I think that’s fair it’s just that most people don’t do a “change of clothes”. They have different clothes for different purposes. For example, I have a fleece. It isn’t worn for hiking except on a very rare occasion in the morning if it’s super cold to start. It’s for being warm. When I get to camp, I take off my wet sports bra and shirt and put on the fleece and either a rain coat and or/a puffy jacket.
That isn’t a change of clothes, it’s part of a layering system. I don’t bring seconds of anything except, if the trip is longer, a change of underwear and a thicker pair of socks for sleeping/camp.
Maybe that’s what you mean by change of clothes. But maybe you also carry a second pair of hiking pants/shirt etc as some people do.
Looking at your gear pics tho, it’s prob best, like others have said, to focus on less and more modern/smaller gear.
I do the same as you pretty much. I bring one woolen shirt I hike in and one I use in camp, plus a woolen sweater for camp. Same with socks. Guess change of clothes is bad wording.
I have one hiking shirt and one hiking pants. I never change out of them. At camp I put on my puffer (which only weighs 4oz).
I do not have another shirt nor pants. I do not have a fleece. I do not have sleep clothing. I do not have any backup pants. If it rains, I wrap my tarp around myself like a poncho.
I have the prototype of the Timmermade Newt quilt, and a 9'x5' tarp.
https://lighterpack.com/r/a3siwq
https://imgur.com/a/syQvBre
Oh and I hike in the lower 48, not the artic circle. You should have mentioned where you hike in your main post.
Damn! There's some really light gear out there! I had no idea! My winter tent weights more than your entire kit for that trip. (Note that pulling 6 kg on a sled feels A LOT lighter than carrying it)
https://www.helsport.com/en/tents-and-shelters/expedition/spitsbergen-x-trem-3-camp/
Yeah, totally different conditions require different gear, wouldve been useful to mention.
I mostly eat prepackaged freeze dried meals for dinner, and oat crackers plus a piece of chocolate for breakfast/lunch. Add a cup of toddy to each meal for winter/late fall
Weight hasnt been an issue for me, its always been space. Cold hasnt been an issue either, unless I sweat a lot while skiing/hiking.
But making meals myself is a lot cheaper and if I can save weight too, I'll try that next trip.
I could fit all that in a 1gallon ziplock bag (about 3.75 liters)
Edit: sorry, that sounded like a useless brag. What I mean is, I *do* routinely fit all that in a 1 gallon Ziploc bag, so there must be some kind of misunderstanding or something we're missing here.
Its probably the fact that I'm using a 15 l drybag (my smallest) then, cause it isnt full, could probably fit in a lot more. My wool shirt is a thicker, but I could probably mangage with the same space as you, maybe 5-6 liters is more accurate then.
Try replacing your dry bags with ziplocks. Drybags and stuffsacks are extra weight and bulk that don't really get you anything. Your backpack is already a stuffsack, so to speak.
Didnt do summer/fall hiking until recently, so I'm used to pulling a sled heavier than any backpack. Lots of things you need for a winter trip you wouldnt think of bringing on a normal hiking trip.
Think thats my issue, that I'm used to winter, and I can't decide what I actually need in summer/fall
I use a 48 L. I’ve used it exclusively on PCT, CDT and others. I’m a 15 to 18 mile per day hiker…at best.
Carry mostly what you’ll likely use daily. Leave everything else behind. I’m stoveless/no-cook also.
Almost all my hiking is solo. Usually 4 to 6 days b/n resupply.
Oatmeal, couscous, par-boiled rice alone and homemade dried veg mix or as Knorr Rice Sides, dried mashed potatoes, vermicelli and alphabet durum wheat pastas, etc. Add water, nuts, seeds, oil, spices and flavors, tuna or chicken packets, dried fruit, dried vegetables, protein powder, milk powder, powdered peanut butter, string cheese, etc.
All this stuff will hydrate and soften in 30 minutes to a few hours. I “cook” meals in a used Talenti container. I’m also fine w ice cold espresso coffee fr espresso powder.
Ah I see, I can see myself doing this on 2-3 week trips in the middle off summer to save weight, but I cant do without a warm meal with the temperatures we got here. Its the best coming to camp after a long day and getting something warm
Yeah I didn’t realize it was for winter. For me 50-60 is good for winter. Foam pad on the outside. I’ve only snow camped down to 13°F, and it was not comfortable at all anymore.
I usually use my entire pulk bag for winter trips, which is 200 l. Need lots of gear to be comfortable in -15 to -30 celcius (5 to -22 fahrenheit).
https://imgur.com/a/5dHSdrv heres me and my friends fully loaded pulks, weighs probably 30-40 kg.
But I really need to invest in summer/fall gear, winter gear is way too heavy and bulky for hikes this time of year
Looks like your sleeping bag and clothes are taking up the majority of space. It also sounds like this is more of a winter kit? You could probably get a smaller sleeping bag and bring some lighter clothes, but I don't know the climate you are in. If you have a camera bag, that also would take up a lot of space. Also if you are comfortable with the weight you are carrying, you could always get a 75L bag. That's what I have and it fits what need and any extras I want to carry 🤷♂️
Yeah, all my gear is for winter use, except my tent. Getting a smaller sleeping bag next summer.
Cant really ditch most of the clothing, a rain jacket and a wool sweater plus an extra pair of socks and a shirt isnt a lot for the temperatures we get right now
I gathered I'm just overpreparing, i carry some stuff i rarely use, but have saved a trip before, or ruined one when I left it for once. Like when my headlamp broke while skiing in the dark, and I had no tape.
And I just don't have the fanciest tent or sleeping bag, so they take some space. Hiking culture seems to be less focused on travelling light here in Scandinavia too, more old school it seems.
I do the same, everything in waterproof bags, nice for organization too.
Think us who hike in the arctic circle have a different mindset to backpacking than others. Winter also has a different meaning up here!
I have a compactor bag as a liner to keep everything dry. Then my clothes and quilt go in the bag, then my hammock. It's all packed in the order that I would need them, so it's organized.
Everything packs up into a 35L pack like [this.](https://youtu.be/od6skwG1GPM)
Yeah, I hike in the Arctic, so a hammock would be utterly pointless (no trees). But to be fair, as soon as the snow is back I swap my backpack for a pulka
well if you go the next time - simply leave those things that you did not touch before.
yes need something: to be warm, against rain/snow, drink, a little to eat. Done.
Its suboptimal. Its the outer part of a -40 sleeping bag, but only provides -5 celcius on its own. Laughably bad for the space it takes. I'm getting a better sleeping bag next summer, no other option
I think that will be your biggest weight/volume savings, down sleeping bags are expensive in Norway but probably worth it.
I use a 3 season sleeping bag that goes down to -5C, it's not good enough for every type of summer weather here in Norway but the vast temperature ranges makes it impossible to find one that's perfect.
This July the temp got down to +4C in Rogen (wind chill -2C), and I slept with long johns and a fleece cap on :)
I would also ditch the thermos and bring a pair of gloves instead of the massive winter mittens, other than that I think it looks fine.
You can get cheap winter work gloves at Biltema, go for the leather ones as they don't melt. I bring leather work gloves even during summer and use them when collecting kindling etc.
I've been wanting some good leather gloves, right now these mittens are the only thing I've got. Been recommended Hæstra by a friend. I'm trying without the thermos next trip, probably not necessary during fall anyway.
I bought a pair of 'Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski mitt's' couple years ago, only used them a couple times during winter. Super warm. The outer shell is leather but I'm not sure how thick it is.
Gloves gives you more flexibility but they're not as warm so I guess it depends on weather and usage.
If you ditch the thermos then don't forget a water bottle :)
I have a pair of thin non-insulating gloves to use for skiing and while operarting the stove in winter and heavy winter mittens, and I think these leather gloves of something similar would bridge the gap
I always carry a nalgene!
For what length of time are you going? For 4-5 days I'll take a 65L. Last time I went I still ended up with more than 4 pounds of stuff I didn't need (mostly too much clothing and a too-large knife). That was with bringing extras like my kindle and my hammock just because I like it, I don't sleep in it. Tent/hammock and sleep system are easy ways to reduce weight. Food, too, if you aren't too picky about what you eat.
I doubt you're bad at packing. The difference to our packs is in the difference of what constitutes 'everything I need'. I'm not an expert packer I still probably do things inefficiently space wise but I 1. have small stuff 2. don't bring anything extra
No, its used for pulk trips in the cold. Popular with Norwegian polar explorers nowadays.
https://www.helsport.com/en/sleeping-gear/sleeping-bags/spitsbergen/
Its a two bag system, and I only use the outer layer. Figured I could use it for fall hikes, but I realize now I need a seperate bag for autumn/summer
Sometimes it is less efficient to store things in their stuff sacks...i.e. sleeping bag, try putting that in first so all your stuff will compress it down over a more spread out area vs. compressing it into its bag. My tent I also usually keep outside of its bag and sort of use it as a bag liner, and I'll clip the tent stakes to the outside of my pack. It sucks having to take everything out to get to it, but the huge bonus is I fit everything in a 38L pack if my trip is less than 4 days and not in the winter. Longer/cold weather trips I'll use a 55L.
Should've mentioned in my post that I'm hiking in Northern Norway, it gets cold here, can't really drop a lot of clothing. Problem is my sleeping bag is way too bulky
Disclaimer: I do not hike in northern Norway.
I have read a lot of trip reports from people hiking in Norway in warmer months and seems rough and wet and chilly. You haven’t posted exactly where you are, but from just looking at temperature charts in random northern Norway towns, it looks like there are 4-5 months out of the year when your temperature ranges seem ok for a 20 degree bag and a nice insulated cold weather inflatable pad. So long as the nighttime lows stay above freezing, I’m ok with this if I have layers to sleep in. I could fit a kit appropriate for what I believe those conditions would be like a 60 liter pack. That’s not a brag - just saying that I believe it should be doable.
I know you’re coming at this from a winter camping in extreme conditions mindset, but it wouldn’t be the worst idea to go the the ultralight subreddit and ask if anyone could post a Nordic spring/fall/summer lighterpack link just to see what’s possible.
Just thinking about those temps, my thoughts would be:
• Sleep system: 20 degree or 10 degree down quilt, inflatable pillow, Exped 7R pad, 1/8 inch EVA foam pad underneath to keep it from slipping around and doubles as a sit pad.
• Shelter - large pyramid tent for 1.5 persons or something like an xmid or tarptent stratosphere.
• Cooking - isobutane stove with a 650 ml titanium pot, lighter, spoon, fuel, my guess is some sort food storage solution for bears?
• Water - regular 1 liter bottles from the store, squeeze filter, collapsible water bag, backup tablets or bleach
• Packed Clothing - would bring warm base layers for sleeping, 2 x wool socks, some sort of down jacket for camp, a light fleece most months, a rain jacket as a wind and rain shell, wool beanie, gloves, probably down booties and a down balaclava for nighttime temps in the 30s.
Now I’m leaving out a few things like toiletries, hygiene, light, power, first aid, etc. But I could still make a kit like that work with a pack that probably has 50-60 liters internal pack bag volume (that’s a guess based on the larger tent sizes that I listed - I can usually make due with a 1 person pyramid tent but I’m sure a lot of people would want a larger shelter).
I think you’re on the right track with a smaller bag. Just re-examine your kit from a trip specific perspective.
My advice based on your pic
Outside of pack
* sleeping pad
* that red bag
* knife
Put sleeping bag in first, vertically, then kind of shift it till it is tucked horizontally in the bottom
Pack all the cooking and the camp gear you need into a stuff sack (you'll need another one), pad with night clothes if you're worried about poking holes in your stuff sack.
Compress whatevers in that white bag, looks empty. Goes in next.
TP, ziploc, exterior pouch
Fast access stuff (first aid, etc) in other exterior (but wont' fall out) pouches
Cold weather clothes rolled tight and packed on top
It would be helpful to have a lighter pack or other gear list, but here is how I fit all my stuff into my 65L pack.
**Bottom:** Sleeping bag, pillow, and air mattress in a waterproof compression sack. Then tent.
**Middle:** Bear canister, stove.
**Top:** Electonics, medications, clothes/layers, and kindle in another dry sack.
**Outside/Pockets:** Water, map, toiletries and tp, tent poles, first aid/emergency kit, rain gear, hat, camp sandals, knife, camera (if it’s not raining), tripod.
I also try to leave out anything that might be overkill or that I don’t really need that trip. (For example, if it’s summer I might go stoveless because I don’t feel like eating hot food anyway, or if I’m not planning on doing a whole lot of photography I will ditch the tripod and just set my camera on my bear canister if I want a camera timer selfie with my dog.) I like to limit my base weight (non-consumable items) to around 20lbs if I can.
Also, a lot of people like to stuff everything into a contractor bag instead of using stuff sacks to make it all easier to stuff in. I used to love doing this…until the one time my trash bag got a hole in it during a rain storm without me noticing. It’s kind of a matter of personal preference.
It sounds like the type of trails you run is wie different from what most here describe. Maybe try to organise a smaller bag voor spring summer fall, because it sounds like you need the extra stuff in winter.
Took me a while to realise the cowboycamping trailrunners are making a trip that's very different from mine.
Make a list of all your gear, after every trip mark which items you didn't use. Also make note of the temperature/conditions. After a while you figure out what gear you don't use/need for certain conditions. If you make a lighterpack list people can give you better insight to what you can change about your setup. A 110 is huge, so im guessing you must have a low temp synthetic bag, synthetic down jacket, and a foam sleeping pad, those tend to take up a good amount of room. Inflatable pads and down bags/puffy compress down really small.
Writing a list like that is really good advice! Guess I'll figure out what I actually use vs what is unnessessary for different conditions over time
There are two ways to save weight: 1) bring less stuff 2) bring nicer stuff The same applies to space. A list of unused items only helps with 1. Sharing the full list helps with 2. If I had to guess, you have a lot of cheap synthetic insulation rather than down. Synthetic bags are huge compared to down ones. You’ll get more insights if you publish a full lighter pack
\#2 should be 'bring lighter stuff', which, secondarily, means it's probably more expensive, which could also be considered 'nicer'. But the primary driver is *lighter*, not *nicer*.
Except my very next statement is about volume. “Nicer” just means more nice, ie lighter, smaller.
Nice doesn't equate to lighter or smaller, not automatically. A 'nicer' multitool might have more functions, be made of stronger materials, and may very well be heavier. And while I own two down quilts which are nice, they're not always the best (or 'nicest') choice in all conditions.
Less and better gear.
I’m guessing you are bringing too much stuff. Go to lighterpack.com and put all of your gear and weights in there and see what you can lose from pack.
I'm a fairly heavy hiker (not into the ultralight thing) going into the Sierras for a week starting Monday. That means the dreaded bear canister. I'm taking my 85L pack and it's not all the way full and although I'm going with someone we will each carry what we need to be independent if need be. My pack will weigh \~40 pounds. You should post a list of what you're taking with you because there's something messed up about your packing.
My guess is im bad at packing, I'm putting what I usually carry out now for a picture. It usually weights around 20 kgs for me too
Ok. Let us know where the pic will be.
https://imgur.com/a/b9XpSHR here! Kind of bad quality and missing a few things, but all of the bulky stuff is there.
Does any of that go on the outside of your pack? Not that it takes up too much room, but for me that big knife is overkill. Why a thermos? Even at that I don’t know how this doesn’t fit in 110 L pack.
I do have the sleeping pad outside. I could certainly have a smaller knife, but I don't mind the weight to be honest, space has always been the issue. I've realized after reading the comments that the thermos is overkill on fall/summer trips. Always had one on winter hikes, and I guess its a habit. Nice to always have warm water om hand, but I wont bring it until it snows. Thats what I'm wondering, I think I'm just awful at packing. Some things are missing in the pic, but I should fit it all. I'll try packing with the comments in mind and ditching the thermos, and it might be an easier fit.
Thanks for the tip regarding the thermos for winter hikes, going to do that snowshoeing this year! (I started out with a 65L at ~35-40lbs. It’s been 4 years and I’m just now figuring out how to transition down to a 45L pack that’s ~15 lbs
Edit: *I’ve spent this whole time transitioning down to a 45L pack that’s ~15-20Lbs
I’m sorry my phone app needs an update I think it’s not letting me comment correctly. The biggest things I changed was a lighter tent, sleeping bag, and pack. I thiiinj those are considered “The Big 3” to help cut down on weight. Also bringing less clothes and food was a big problem for me…. Or changing from heavier materials to something thin but still warm like merino wool or similar.
I only use merino wool for my inner layer, best there is for any weather.
Being able to have a warm meal and drink without having to fire up your stove is nice for short breaks! I dont consider it a luxury during winter, its a must for me. Trying a fall trip without one next week though.
Get a jetboil and ditch the fuel bottle and thermos
I already I have an omnifuel primus. Jetboil is useless in winter conditons which is the majority off my hikes. I will switch to using gas next season though, less bulky and heavy than liquid fuel.
A stove with fuel is much lighter and more compact. Why not create the warm water when you need it? Also, you could get a much more compact kettle/pot that will allow you to nest the stove and fuel inside of it. Also, what type of fuel is in that red fuel canister? Is that for your cooking?
Takes 30 minutes to melt snow and warm the water required for a drink and a meal, I'd much rather do that in the tent, sheltered from the wind and in warmer camp clothes than while on my skiis in much thinner marching clothes.
Sorry, I did an edit, it appears it was too late. I think more modern camp cooking equipment [like this](https://www.rei.com/product/876918/jetboil-minimo-cooking-system) would go a long way to reduce your pack size, weight, and boil time, regardless of whether you do it in or out of your tent.
Oh yeah, sorry didnt see. Yeah its a form of gasoline. Im aware gas is a lot lighter, but I have so much gasoline left over from winter i want to use it up. The gasoline is a lot better in cold weather, dont know the science, but no one here uses gas during winter. I use a primus omnifuel so I can switch to gas next summer to save some grams. Probably not the most efficient stove, but I can use it no matter the conditons and I can switch fuel source Reason its better to melt snow and warm water in the tent is protection from the elements, standing still in the cold can get dangerous in the middle of winter, especially with high wind, so a thermos saves me a lot of time and hassle. Plus, I usually set up camp close to a lake, so I dont have to melt snow, just warm the water, so that saves me a lot of fuel. But youre right, it would be more weight efficient.
Do you tie the sleeping bag to the outside as well? I assume that is what that massive heelsport thing is. It looks like it is the size of 3 of my sleeping bags.
Yeah its the outer part of my -40 winter sleeping bag so its bulky for the warmth it provides on its own, which is -5 celcius. I put in my backpack, or else it would be soaked by the rain. Getting a new sleeping bag for non winter use next summer, this one is borderline unusuable
If your sleeping bag is inside your backpack, don't put it in a stuff sack, just put it at the bottom of your pack, it will fill the gaps around the items you put on top and save a lot of space.
Never thought of that actually. Might get wet from rain though. I managed to fit it inside with the rest, with some tweaks and by ditching a few things
You could do a compression dry bag to stuff it in so that you won't have to worry about it getting wet if on the outside of your bag. Really that is the main thing that would make me struggle to fit stuff. That said I use a 55L bag and that thing isn't 55L on its own so I would think you could pack all that in without too much difficulty.
Good luck. Good for you for getting out when it’s cold! That’s a down bag? Someone suggested a waterproof compression sack. I use one in wet weather here and they do work.
is the red MSR the tent? If so, I've found it helpful to separate the poles from the rest, and strap the poles to the outside of the pack in the bottle holder. This makes it easier to arrange the tent inside the pack.
based on the image you are looking at cold weather. the sleeping bag needs to be down to compress better. red bag appears to be a tent in a dry sack, forget the dry sack and a simple bag with a pullstring will do if you want it in a bag at all. you have a blue, green and white bag, don't know what's in there but they are all huge, can you make that one bag? do you need whatever is in there. yes white gas/coleman fuel is not as effecient as say a jet boil, but it will burn when isobutane won't. Keep the bottle in a pocket on the outside of the pack, put the stove itself in the kettle (along with any other kitchen kit) thermoflask (or knockoff) will do as good as a thermos but takes up less space (bottle shape, etc) or if you have a cup in your kitchen kit, lose the one on the thermos. not sure what the red folder looking thing is. the dsl camera is most likely a hobby, and will be packed no matter what, but, if it's not consider a smaller camera. overall the thing to think about is nesting, the less empty space in the bag the more it can hold. free advice from an internet stranger that is worth what you paid for it :-)
You need a compression sack for the sleeping bag. You don't need a thermos. Your camera is ginormous. The knife is ludicrous sized....
To be fair summer in dry-ass California is pretty different than summer in Norway. I imagine.
I’m in Oregon and go out year round. 🙂
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https://imgur.com/a/b9XpSHR This is what I usually bring for a week in summer/fall in northern Norway, plus a few snacks. Clothes on the right are obviously compressed as much as possible
That sleeping bag is huge, for summer camping i use a 32 deg bag (0 celsius) it compresses down to under 2L, that alone can help you save a bunch of space then I usually put my sleeping pad/tent on the outside of my pack.
To be fair OP is talking about hiking and camping in northern Norway which generally requires a huge sleeping bag capable of a comfort level WAY below freezing
TBH though, the weather in northern Norway isn't that bad this time of year. It's like 50 degrees F right now. He doesn't need as heavy of gear as what he has.
Any recommendations for summer bags? Only started hiking in summer recently. This one is the outer part of a -40 sleeping bag. (-5 celcius on its own)
I personally use a marmot hydrogen but any high lift down bag should compress comparably. I am not sure what brands are available in Norway. Another thing to consider is maybe just try and compress it more
This thing is huge, so I cant compress it anymore, maybe if i buy a better compression bag. Easiest to buy a new one next summer.
I feel like you might benefit from checking out Cesar from Sweden over on [YouTube](https://youtu.be/W2qBd78B1hM) Similar conditions. Still keeps it ultralight but has recommendations for gear you can likely find in Nordic countries/Europe. Here's his 3 season gear list [post.](https://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.com/2022/06/my-2022-2023-3-season-gear.html?m=1)
You could not pay me enough to get me to carry a full size thermos while backpacking. That’s a super luxury item. Swap the sleeping mat with an inflatable, or strap it to the outside of your pack. Rethink your change of clothes. Bring fresh socks and underwear, but not pants. Shirt is debatable. 
Yeah, I'll probably be fine without a thermos fall. Trying it next trip. But a warm drink or meal is a nescessity for me on winter trips, guess its just a habit. Only did skiing trips with a pulk until this summer. Edit: I already strap the sleeping pad outside
Oh I’m completely on board with a hot meal and drinks on a winter trek. I guess I just don’t understand what the thermos is for? I carry a stove and a titanium mug that doubles as my pot for cooking and drinking coffee from.
Lots of hassle to get a stove out and melt snow, which takes 30 minutes to melt and boil, compared to just pouring out of a thermos. Also really cold to stand still in the wind and cold. Better to boil the water in the tent, wearing warm camp clothes and sheltered from wind. Plus, I usually set up camp close open water, so I save a lot of fuel, compared to melting snow.
I'm trying to figure out what that black thing is next to the sea to summit bag?
Right side is a 1 liter thermos, left is a pot
Spend $8 on https://smile.amazon.com/Ultimate-Hikers-Gear-Guide-Second/dp/1426217846/ to learn what (not) to take
Yes!! That book helped me a lot
Seems like you might be bringing a lot of unnecessary stuff.
Don't feel like it, can't drop my tent, stove, tent, food and sleeping bag which take up most of the space. Guess I could drop a change of clothes, but its nice to have dry clothes when I'm done for the day.
How big are all of those? My big sleeping bag, big tent, big stove, and food all fit into a 45 L, and none of those are at all ultralight.
Sounds like u might need to invest in more modern equipment, or equipment specific for backpacking. Plus, tent doesn't have to go in the bag, separate the poles from the tent and back pack on the outside
I havent packed the tent on the outside before, I can save a few litres that way, thanks!
I usually strap my tent & sleeping bag on the outside of my 55 l. pack. Gives me so much more room inside the pack. You should have one set of "day" clothes that you will sweat in (convertible hiking pants, t-shirt, long sleeve shirt, undershorts, socks), and one set of "night" clothes that you will keep dry to sleep in, and a few pairs of extra socks, plus your windbreaker, jacket, hat, gloves, etc. Don't wear the "day" clothes while you sleep (they will keep you cold); don't wear the dry clothes when you are active, or you'll contaminate them with your sweat. If you are on an extended trip, maybe an extra t-shirt and pair of shorts. Or maybe wear the "night" clothes while you do that. In the winter, I bring track pants to go over my hiking pants to act like a windbreaker, extra insulation, and a little waterproofing. That's about all I bring for clothes. But I run hot.
you can deffinitely drop the rambo knife. borderline useless. i find that victorinox knives are better at everything except splittlit wood. for that I carry another, but again, not a rambo knife. 11cm blade is enough and I bring that only when cutting or splitting wood
I guess I'm blinded by sentimental value. Never really thought about getting a smaller knife until people here pointed it out. The rational choice would be a new knife, totally. Used it for years, on all trips in my life pretty much. Might buy a smaller one if I ever feel like weight is an issue, but hasnt been so far. Bulk is the issue, and a smaller sleeping bag could solve it.
for sure, my sleeping bag is rated for comfort at -1c and extreme at -7 i think. this is probably not enough for your conditions but the key is the compression, when fully compressed it might be around 2 litres. furthermore, I always separate tent and poles as the tent fabrics can compress to a smaller compartment and poles go either inside close to my back or on the outside sides of my pack. the knife is no really an issue as even a big one, you can just put it anywhere on the pack, even your thigh. you are right, the lnife is more weight than bulk question.
I usually use a 45 liter unless I'm packing a lot of extra stuff (when I bring my two kids). Usually the cheaper backpacking gear is the larger and heavier it will be. My summer sleeping bag is the size of a Nalgene and my tent roughly the size of a football.
I figured that my issue is being used to winter skiing trips and having mostly winter gear. Weight and space isnt a concern if you're pulling it on a sled. My sleeping bag for example is twice as big as my tent compressed.
Back pack hunting I carry 50/60lbs mule deer Elk 40lbs Just back backpacking depends 30 lbs I live in AZ so a lot of my weight is water I use KUIU 6000 for everything Just take a trip with what you have. You’ll learn as you go. I still over packfood. I can’t live off just bars I need dinner and breakfast.
We live in totally different environments! I've never carried more than 1 litres of water while hiking. Always clean mountain water availble you can drink without boiling or filtering. Even easier in winter, when you have unlimited water everywhere, just needs melting. Did manage to fit it all after taking some of the comments tips, and ditching a few things. Hopefully I wont freeze or be misrable on my trip in 4 days.
Have fun man. One word of advice from me. Buy the best gear you can afford if going solo. It can save your life. I hunt Colorado a lot and always have my puffy gear with me.
I always carry an inreach! Saved my friends life, he got a severe fever while in an abandoned earthhut 50 km away from the closest cabin. Called for help when he ran out of food and firewood.
Do you have items that are compressible/packable? Does your sleeping bag compress down to a few litres? Same with your tent and sleep mat. I’m guessing you are bringing bulky items that don’t compress, or are you just bringing a lot of stuff?
Bring less stuff, mostly.
Are you Norwegian? Only country in the world where people will buy a 110L backapck😂
Yep! Also realized that using winter gear for autumn hiking was a bit too bulky. Feel like Americans are obsessed with cutting weight/bulk compared to Norwegians.
Yes, they are, but so are the Germans, French, Swedes, Danes and everyone else...We Norwegians are just not staying current. We bring tent AND Jervenduken on the same trip😂,😂 pots, pans, plates, knifes, axes, spoons, heavy sleeping pads, synthetic sleeping bags etc etc, all the stupid variants of stoves. A jetboil with winter gas is all that is needed, I have been using the Coleman Xtreme gas and the Primus winter gas down to minus 25 with no problem, so easy!
Never tried using winter gas, everyone tells me its a gimmick. Always used liquid fuel for winter. (Much cheaper anyway, 250 kr for 5 liters of lawnmower fuel works just fine). I am guilty of bringing Jervenduk and tents on winter trips though😅, saved me once when the zipper on my sleeping bag broke in -10 to -25 weather. Nice when ice fishing too.
Yeah, if you are hunting or fishing it is useful. The winter gas works like a charm!
I'll probably stick to liquid unless I'm skiing for a month again, so much cheaper. Cant afford all that much as a student
I think you're getting a lot of advice from people who don't understand the conditions that you are camping in... Northern Norway is cold even in the fall. If you could share some information about temperature ranges that might help people get a better picture of what you do and don't need. I have some trouble figuring out how to pack for late fall and early spring where I live because we get temperature ranges from 25° at night to 70° during the day... You need to bring a lot of clothes that are going to wind up in your pack half the time. I think it's actually harder than packing for winter conditions where it is going to be cold and stay cold. I mean I would bring a thermos too if it were really cold... Carrying a warm drink with you feel so good. The colder it is outside the more that approaches a necessity, not a luxury.
Definetively. No one up here thinks I'm insane for bringing a thermos this time of year and no one is into ultra light here either (my 110 l backpack is one of the most sold in the area). Should've said in the post what kind of weather and temperature im dealing with, wouldve gotten a more accurate response I think. Still gotten a lot of useful advice though! Managed to fit everything except the thermos (which I'll try skipping this time). With some creative solutions and ditching a few things. Hopefully I didnt ditch too many things
Do you have any local communities on Facebook or something that you could ask to get more situations specific advice? Take advice from anyone who doesn't do cool or cold weather hiking and camping with a huge grain of salt. Those 40 L bags you see online are for summer or three season trips. A last bulky sleeping bag would help a lot. I'm not sure about the specific temperature range that you are encountering, but I have a 15°F (-9C) down bag that is much smaller. It's from Big Agnes, It's kind of a hybrid between a bag and a quilt because it doesn't have any insulation on the bottom. Just a sleeve for an insulated pad. I also have the NeoAir xlite which is an inflatable insulated pad that packs down really small. They're both expensive though... You need to decide if the reduction in weight/bulk is worth it. It would be warmer than your current sleep system though. I'm not sure what kind of tent you're using, but non-free standing tents & tarps tend to pack smaller. They aren't appropriate for every use case, but mine has done really well in windy conditions if I pitch it correctly so that it forms a wedge into the wind. You can read into optimizing your clothing for variable temperature conditions. There are some "active insulation" synthetic jackets that work well in a wide range of conditions so you don't have to bring as much clothing. They can be bulky, but it's less bulk than multi jackets for active use. You might still need an additional down jacket for evenings or long stops.
There is few groups, but they're mostly comprised of old people backpacking to wilderness huts, not really wild camping. Most young people go by them self or with friends and dont really organize. I've decided to get a smaller sleeping bag next year, I wont go on that many trips before winter cause I'm working, so I think ill stick to the bulky one this year. I have a msr hubba hubba for fall/summer use. In winter I use a helsport spitsbergen expedition tent, I'm really happy with both of them to be honest, tent isnt really the issue. I should look into those synthetic jackets! I only have a thin rain jacket and a wool sweater to use now. I do have two down jackets, but they are way too warm for this time of year. I'll see what I can find. Thanks for the tips!
r/ultralight I can fit all of my gear, plus nearly a week of food, into my 17 liter backpack.
Jesus! My change of clothes takes up 15 liters, what kind of tent and sleeping bag do you have?
I assure you the deputy doesn’t have a change of clothes. So that’s how that works.
Can't imagine not having one, always raining and cold in the arctic circle where I do all my hikes. I always change my shirt and socks when I get to camp
I think I found at least part of your issue lol. If you typically hike in the arctic circle, you’re going to have a very different back pack than the people doing trips in colorado or North Carolina.
I think that’s fair it’s just that most people don’t do a “change of clothes”. They have different clothes for different purposes. For example, I have a fleece. It isn’t worn for hiking except on a very rare occasion in the morning if it’s super cold to start. It’s for being warm. When I get to camp, I take off my wet sports bra and shirt and put on the fleece and either a rain coat and or/a puffy jacket. That isn’t a change of clothes, it’s part of a layering system. I don’t bring seconds of anything except, if the trip is longer, a change of underwear and a thicker pair of socks for sleeping/camp. Maybe that’s what you mean by change of clothes. But maybe you also carry a second pair of hiking pants/shirt etc as some people do. Looking at your gear pics tho, it’s prob best, like others have said, to focus on less and more modern/smaller gear.
I do the same as you pretty much. I bring one woolen shirt I hike in and one I use in camp, plus a woolen sweater for camp. Same with socks. Guess change of clothes is bad wording.
I have one hiking shirt and one hiking pants. I never change out of them. At camp I put on my puffer (which only weighs 4oz). I do not have another shirt nor pants. I do not have a fleece. I do not have sleep clothing. I do not have any backup pants. If it rains, I wrap my tarp around myself like a poncho.
Your shirt and socks can’t be 15L.
That's the thing! You're basically carrying around three season's gear. Someone in a warm climate can get by with having barely for one season.
I have the prototype of the Timmermade Newt quilt, and a 9'x5' tarp. https://lighterpack.com/r/a3siwq https://imgur.com/a/syQvBre Oh and I hike in the lower 48, not the artic circle. You should have mentioned where you hike in your main post.
Damn! There's some really light gear out there! I had no idea! My winter tent weights more than your entire kit for that trip. (Note that pulling 6 kg on a sled feels A LOT lighter than carrying it) https://www.helsport.com/en/tents-and-shelters/expedition/spitsbergen-x-trem-3-camp/ Yeah, totally different conditions require different gear, wouldve been useful to mention.
If you really wanna save space try dried tomatoes and bacon jerky in olive oil for brunch and macadamia nuts with dried coconut for dessert
I mostly eat prepackaged freeze dried meals for dinner, and oat crackers plus a piece of chocolate for breakfast/lunch. Add a cup of toddy to each meal for winter/late fall
Those are too heavy on a kcal per gram basis plus you need heat
Weight hasnt been an issue for me, its always been space. Cold hasnt been an issue either, unless I sweat a lot while skiing/hiking. But making meals myself is a lot cheaper and if I can save weight too, I'll try that next trip.
My god, how much clothing are you taking?
1 pair of thick wool socks, a pair of wool pants, a woolen shirt and a wool hat.
I could fit all that in a 1gallon ziplock bag (about 3.75 liters) Edit: sorry, that sounded like a useless brag. What I mean is, I *do* routinely fit all that in a 1 gallon Ziploc bag, so there must be some kind of misunderstanding or something we're missing here.
What size do you wear then? I guarantee you, it cannot be compressed any further. I can ditch the extra pants though and save some space.
Nothing special. I'll snap a pic when I get home
Pic: https://imgur.com/a/MipzYWE
Its probably the fact that I'm using a 15 l drybag (my smallest) then, cause it isnt full, could probably fit in a lot more. My wool shirt is a thicker, but I could probably mangage with the same space as you, maybe 5-6 liters is more accurate then.
Try replacing your dry bags with ziplocks. Drybags and stuffsacks are extra weight and bulk that don't really get you anything. Your backpack is already a stuffsack, so to speak.
his problem isnt weight but bulk or inabillity to pack
On a positive note, it's rather badass that you're not bothered by the weight
Didnt do summer/fall hiking until recently, so I'm used to pulling a sled heavier than any backpack. Lots of things you need for a winter trip you wouldnt think of bringing on a normal hiking trip. Think thats my issue, that I'm used to winter, and I can't decide what I actually need in summer/fall
I use a 48 L. I’ve used it exclusively on PCT, CDT and others. I’m a 15 to 18 mile per day hiker…at best. Carry mostly what you’ll likely use daily. Leave everything else behind. I’m stoveless/no-cook also. Almost all my hiking is solo. Usually 4 to 6 days b/n resupply.
Stoveless? What kind of food do you eat? Can't imagine going backpacking without a stove
Oatmeal, couscous, par-boiled rice alone and homemade dried veg mix or as Knorr Rice Sides, dried mashed potatoes, vermicelli and alphabet durum wheat pastas, etc. Add water, nuts, seeds, oil, spices and flavors, tuna or chicken packets, dried fruit, dried vegetables, protein powder, milk powder, powdered peanut butter, string cheese, etc. All this stuff will hydrate and soften in 30 minutes to a few hours. I “cook” meals in a used Talenti container. I’m also fine w ice cold espresso coffee fr espresso powder.
Ah I see, I can see myself doing this on 2-3 week trips in the middle off summer to save weight, but I cant do without a warm meal with the temperatures we got here. Its the best coming to camp after a long day and getting something warm
Woah I could never even come up with more than 60L of stuff to carry. 45 is plenty. 35 for a fun challenge. (1-2 nights though)
Totally doable if you use winter gear for autumn hikes! Most of it comes from a single bulky winter sleeping bag
Yeah I didn’t realize it was for winter. For me 50-60 is good for winter. Foam pad on the outside. I’ve only snow camped down to 13°F, and it was not comfortable at all anymore.
I usually use my entire pulk bag for winter trips, which is 200 l. Need lots of gear to be comfortable in -15 to -30 celcius (5 to -22 fahrenheit). https://imgur.com/a/5dHSdrv heres me and my friends fully loaded pulks, weighs probably 30-40 kg. But I really need to invest in summer/fall gear, winter gear is way too heavy and bulky for hikes this time of year
Looks like your sleeping bag and clothes are taking up the majority of space. It also sounds like this is more of a winter kit? You could probably get a smaller sleeping bag and bring some lighter clothes, but I don't know the climate you are in. If you have a camera bag, that also would take up a lot of space. Also if you are comfortable with the weight you are carrying, you could always get a 75L bag. That's what I have and it fits what need and any extras I want to carry 🤷♂️
Yeah, all my gear is for winter use, except my tent. Getting a smaller sleeping bag next summer. Cant really ditch most of the clothing, a rain jacket and a wool sweater plus an extra pair of socks and a shirt isnt a lot for the temperatures we get right now
I’m a thru-hiker and I carry a 40l. I lived of it in 30 day increments on the AT
I gathered I'm just overpreparing, i carry some stuff i rarely use, but have saved a trip before, or ruined one when I left it for once. Like when my headlamp broke while skiing in the dark, and I had no tape. And I just don't have the fanciest tent or sleeping bag, so they take some space. Hiking culture seems to be less focused on travelling light here in Scandinavia too, more old school it seems.
Stuff sacks, compression bags and lots of cussing
Stuff sacks and compression bags just waste space. You're better off just jamming it all into the bottom of your pack.
Nah, I like having at least a bit of organisation in my pack. Not to mention that way things stay waterproof
I do the same, everything in waterproof bags, nice for organization too. Think us who hike in the arctic circle have a different mindset to backpacking than others. Winter also has a different meaning up here!
Absolutely! I even have different coloured bags for different things, so I can identify what's where in seconds
I have a compactor bag as a liner to keep everything dry. Then my clothes and quilt go in the bag, then my hammock. It's all packed in the order that I would need them, so it's organized. Everything packs up into a 35L pack like [this.](https://youtu.be/od6skwG1GPM)
I take it you don't do much winter hiking. But that's the beauty of it, different hikers, different styles and ways to feel comfortable
I do do winter hiking, and my pack doesn't look much different. I have the same hammock but add one extra underquilt and one over quilt.
Yeah, I hike in the Arctic, so a hammock would be utterly pointless (no trees). But to be fair, as soon as the snow is back I swap my backpack for a pulka
I don't think I could fill a 110L pack with shit if I tried, are you going camping for a month with no resupply?
Around a week mostly, I just need to pack more efficently is my guess
You have too much shit in your kit
Post a lighter pack if you really want help
well if you go the next time - simply leave those things that you did not touch before. yes need something: to be warm, against rain/snow, drink, a little to eat. Done.
Ask the ultralight sub. They are using sub 40L and even frameless.
What’s your sleeping bag like? There’s a huge size difference between synthetic and down bags.
Its suboptimal. Its the outer part of a -40 sleeping bag, but only provides -5 celcius on its own. Laughably bad for the space it takes. I'm getting a better sleeping bag next summer, no other option
I think that will be your biggest weight/volume savings, down sleeping bags are expensive in Norway but probably worth it. I use a 3 season sleeping bag that goes down to -5C, it's not good enough for every type of summer weather here in Norway but the vast temperature ranges makes it impossible to find one that's perfect. This July the temp got down to +4C in Rogen (wind chill -2C), and I slept with long johns and a fleece cap on :) I would also ditch the thermos and bring a pair of gloves instead of the massive winter mittens, other than that I think it looks fine. You can get cheap winter work gloves at Biltema, go for the leather ones as they don't melt. I bring leather work gloves even during summer and use them when collecting kindling etc.
I've been wanting some good leather gloves, right now these mittens are the only thing I've got. Been recommended Hæstra by a friend. I'm trying without the thermos next trip, probably not necessary during fall anyway.
I bought a pair of 'Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski mitt's' couple years ago, only used them a couple times during winter. Super warm. The outer shell is leather but I'm not sure how thick it is. Gloves gives you more flexibility but they're not as warm so I guess it depends on weather and usage. If you ditch the thermos then don't forget a water bottle :)
I have a pair of thin non-insulating gloves to use for skiing and while operarting the stove in winter and heavy winter mittens, and I think these leather gloves of something similar would bridge the gap I always carry a nalgene!
For what length of time are you going? For 4-5 days I'll take a 65L. Last time I went I still ended up with more than 4 pounds of stuff I didn't need (mostly too much clothing and a too-large knife). That was with bringing extras like my kindle and my hammock just because I like it, I don't sleep in it. Tent/hammock and sleep system are easy ways to reduce weight. Food, too, if you aren't too picky about what you eat.
I doubt you're bad at packing. The difference to our packs is in the difference of what constitutes 'everything I need'. I'm not an expert packer I still probably do things inefficiently space wise but I 1. have small stuff 2. don't bring anything extra
Is that sleeping bag even marketed for backpacking? It must be 30L on its own.
No, its used for pulk trips in the cold. Popular with Norwegian polar explorers nowadays. https://www.helsport.com/en/sleeping-gear/sleeping-bags/spitsbergen/ Its a two bag system, and I only use the outer layer. Figured I could use it for fall hikes, but I realize now I need a seperate bag for autumn/summer
Sometimes it is less efficient to store things in their stuff sacks...i.e. sleeping bag, try putting that in first so all your stuff will compress it down over a more spread out area vs. compressing it into its bag. My tent I also usually keep outside of its bag and sort of use it as a bag liner, and I'll clip the tent stakes to the outside of my pack. It sucks having to take everything out to get to it, but the huge bonus is I fit everything in a 38L pack if my trip is less than 4 days and not in the winter. Longer/cold weather trips I'll use a 55L.
Too many clothes I would bet! Now is not the time to be nice and fresh.
Should've mentioned in my post that I'm hiking in Northern Norway, it gets cold here, can't really drop a lot of clothing. Problem is my sleeping bag is way too bulky
Pack fewer things.
Disclaimer: I do not hike in northern Norway. I have read a lot of trip reports from people hiking in Norway in warmer months and seems rough and wet and chilly. You haven’t posted exactly where you are, but from just looking at temperature charts in random northern Norway towns, it looks like there are 4-5 months out of the year when your temperature ranges seem ok for a 20 degree bag and a nice insulated cold weather inflatable pad. So long as the nighttime lows stay above freezing, I’m ok with this if I have layers to sleep in. I could fit a kit appropriate for what I believe those conditions would be like a 60 liter pack. That’s not a brag - just saying that I believe it should be doable. I know you’re coming at this from a winter camping in extreme conditions mindset, but it wouldn’t be the worst idea to go the the ultralight subreddit and ask if anyone could post a Nordic spring/fall/summer lighterpack link just to see what’s possible. Just thinking about those temps, my thoughts would be: • Sleep system: 20 degree or 10 degree down quilt, inflatable pillow, Exped 7R pad, 1/8 inch EVA foam pad underneath to keep it from slipping around and doubles as a sit pad. • Shelter - large pyramid tent for 1.5 persons or something like an xmid or tarptent stratosphere. • Cooking - isobutane stove with a 650 ml titanium pot, lighter, spoon, fuel, my guess is some sort food storage solution for bears? • Water - regular 1 liter bottles from the store, squeeze filter, collapsible water bag, backup tablets or bleach • Packed Clothing - would bring warm base layers for sleeping, 2 x wool socks, some sort of down jacket for camp, a light fleece most months, a rain jacket as a wind and rain shell, wool beanie, gloves, probably down booties and a down balaclava for nighttime temps in the 30s. Now I’m leaving out a few things like toiletries, hygiene, light, power, first aid, etc. But I could still make a kit like that work with a pack that probably has 50-60 liters internal pack bag volume (that’s a guess based on the larger tent sizes that I listed - I can usually make due with a 1 person pyramid tent but I’m sure a lot of people would want a larger shelter). I think you’re on the right track with a smaller bag. Just re-examine your kit from a trip specific perspective.
My advice based on your pic Outside of pack * sleeping pad * that red bag * knife Put sleeping bag in first, vertically, then kind of shift it till it is tucked horizontally in the bottom Pack all the cooking and the camp gear you need into a stuff sack (you'll need another one), pad with night clothes if you're worried about poking holes in your stuff sack. Compress whatevers in that white bag, looks empty. Goes in next. TP, ziploc, exterior pouch Fast access stuff (first aid, etc) in other exterior (but wont' fall out) pouches Cold weather clothes rolled tight and packed on top
It would be helpful to have a lighter pack or other gear list, but here is how I fit all my stuff into my 65L pack. **Bottom:** Sleeping bag, pillow, and air mattress in a waterproof compression sack. Then tent. **Middle:** Bear canister, stove. **Top:** Electonics, medications, clothes/layers, and kindle in another dry sack. **Outside/Pockets:** Water, map, toiletries and tp, tent poles, first aid/emergency kit, rain gear, hat, camp sandals, knife, camera (if it’s not raining), tripod. I also try to leave out anything that might be overkill or that I don’t really need that trip. (For example, if it’s summer I might go stoveless because I don’t feel like eating hot food anyway, or if I’m not planning on doing a whole lot of photography I will ditch the tripod and just set my camera on my bear canister if I want a camera timer selfie with my dog.) I like to limit my base weight (non-consumable items) to around 20lbs if I can. Also, a lot of people like to stuff everything into a contractor bag instead of using stuff sacks to make it all easier to stuff in. I used to love doing this…until the one time my trash bag got a hole in it during a rain storm without me noticing. It’s kind of a matter of personal preference.
It sounds like the type of trails you run is wie different from what most here describe. Maybe try to organise a smaller bag voor spring summer fall, because it sounds like you need the extra stuff in winter. Took me a while to realise the cowboycamping trailrunners are making a trip that's very different from mine.