35 Tips to Lighten Your Backpack for FREE

35 Tips to Lighten Your Backpack for FREE

I think everyone can agree that ultralight gear saves a lot of weight, but it also costs very much. In this video, I share 35 tips that will help you with lightening your backpack for free – without spending a single dollar. By thinking about which items are really essential to you and trying to save weight wherever you can, you can lower your backpack base weight by quite a bit. But also keep in mind, that you don’t have to follow all of these tips if you don’t feel like it. I’m just sharing some suggestions on how ultralight and minimalist you could be – but it’s definitely not for everyone!

▼ THRU-HIKING POSTERS (MADE BY ME & MY GF)
Shop hiking trail posters here ➜ https://trailgoals.com/ (10% discount code: oscarhikes)
Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/trail.goals/

▼ HIKING GEAR I USE (affiliate links)
Outdoor Vitals CS40 Ultralight Backpack ➜ (Outdoor Vitals: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tool_type=cl&merchant_id=7e589116-9b06-4f1d-beee-aa18820b0454&website_id=00f5b60f-5b24-479f-ab2d-8d5328a2ac5a&url=https%3A%2F%2Foutdoorvitals.com%2Fproducts%2Fcs40-ultralight-backpack)
Outdoor Vitals Fortius 2P Ultralight Tent ➜ (Outdoor Vitals: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tool_type=cl&merchant_id=7e589116-9b06-4f1d-beee-aa18820b0454&website_id=00f5b60f-5b24-479f-ab2d-8d5328a2ac5a&url=https%3A%2F%2Foutdoorvitals.com%2Fproducts%2Ffortius-2p-trekking-pole-backpacking-tent)
Outdoor Vitals Stormloft 0F Quilt ➜ (Outdoor Vitals: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tool_type=cl&merchant_id=7e589116-9b06-4f1d-beee-aa18820b0454&website_id=00f5b60f-5b24-479f-ab2d-8d5328a2ac5a&url=https%3A%2F%2Foutdoorvitals.com%2Fproducts%2Fupdate-stormloft-0-30-f-down-topquilt-sleeping-bag)
Outdoor Vitals Novapro Down Jacket ➜ (Outdoor Vitals: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tool_type=cl&merchant_id=7e589116-9b06-4f1d-beee-aa18820b0454&website_id=00f5b60f-5b24-479f-ab2d-8d5328a2ac5a&url=https%3A%2F%2Foutdoorvitals.com%2Fproducts%2Fnovapro)
Nemo Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad ➜ (Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RJhVw9
)
Stoic Nykroppa Synthetic Camp Slippers ➜ (Bergfreunde: https://www.bergfreunde.eu/stoic-nykroppa-slippers/)
Smartwool Merino Wool Socks ➜ (Amazon: https://amzn.to/4anHY3h)
Darn Tough Merino Wool Socks ➜ (Amazon: https://amzn.to/3GJnnsm)

▼ TABLE OF CONTENTS
00:00 – Intro
00:29 – Tip 1
00:52 – Tip 2
01:19 – Tip 3
01:37 – Tip 4
02:06 – Tip 5
02:22 – Tip 6
02:41 – Tip 7
02:50 – Tip 8
03:00 – Tip 9
03:21 – Tip 10
03:36 – Trailgoals
04:09 – Tip 11
04:34 – Tip 12
05:08 – Tip 13
05:26 – Tip 14
05:57 – Tip 15
06:17 – Tip 16
06:25 – Tip 17
06:37 – Tip 18
07:02 – Tip 19
07:14 – Tip 20
08:00 – Tip 21
08:20 – Tip 22
08:52 – Tip 23
09:02 – Tip 24
09:15 – Tip 25
09:30 – Tip 26
09:44 – Tip 27
10:03 – Tip 28
10:31 – Tip 29
10:49 – Tip 30
11:03 – Tip 31
11:22 – Tip 32
11:33 – Tip 33
12:13 – Tip 34
12:50 – Tip 35
13:29 – Outro

▼ FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA
https://www.instagram.com/oscarbrumelis/

@oscarhikes

▼ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE
In some of our videos, we sometimes use affiliate links. If you purchase something after clicking our affiliate links, we might get a small commission from the total purchase, at no additional cost for you. We participate in the Amazon Associates affiliate program and other affiliate programs.

▼ MUSIC ATTRIBUTION
Sneaky Snitch by Sascha Ende
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/12176-sneaky-snitch
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Cinematic Suspense Series Episode 009 by Sascha Ende
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/8224-cinematic-suspense-series-episode-009
Jazz Jamboree On The Ivories (feat. A.I.) by Sascha Ende
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/11997-jazz-jamboree-on-the-ivories-feat-ai
Dionysos by Sascha Ende
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/6991-dionysos
Waiting For The End Of The Quarantine by Sascha Ende
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/6108-waiting-for-the-end-of-the-quarantine
Balearic Nights by Sascha Ende
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/4665-balearic-nights
Cinematic HipHop 001 by Sascha Ende
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/526-cinematic-hiphop-001
Cinematic Suspense Series Episode 008 by Sascha Ende
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7669-cinematic-suspense-series-episode-008

50 Comments

  1. @MD-tr1yv on August 1, 2025 at 1:05 pm

    lost me at the tp bit. lol. how do you know your little bit of tp is enough? 😂

  2. @khomol on August 1, 2025 at 1:05 pm

    You’re such a Fanny

  3. @aaltag4068 on August 1, 2025 at 1:08 pm

    Dude just takes every sterile wound dressing out of his first aid kit….

  4. @AlexM-WI on August 1, 2025 at 1:08 pm

    Re tip 2: i would always bring multiple emergency blankets; a mountain guide showed me how many different ways they can be used in emergencies; just incredible

  5. @MikeHallard on August 1, 2025 at 1:10 pm

    Want good coffee instead of instant but not the extra weight 😀 Coffee bags (like Teabags for coffee) is another option 😀

  6. @janturcanik5510 on August 1, 2025 at 1:11 pm

    When you remove raincover your backpack will be wet and wet material = bigger weight

  7. @nawdude4292 on August 1, 2025 at 1:14 pm

    I’m sub eight pounds for those four things at the beginning plus stove but under seven hundred. Pays to know how to bargain shop

  8. @1pootle on August 1, 2025 at 1:16 pm

    Good luck with re-filling a small tube of toothpaste!!! 🤣

  9. @OscarHikes on August 1, 2025 at 1:21 pm

    Hey Everyone! I hope you enjoyed the video! 🙂 If you want to support this channel, check out my website https://trailgoals.com/, where you’ll find posters of various thru-hikes across the world, made by me and my wife. Get 10% off with the discount code "oscarhikes".

  10. @randaldavis8976 on August 1, 2025 at 1:21 pm

    I wouldn’t trust my phone to be a light & compass. You wont be prepared for an emergency. Phone batteries are limited

  11. @orreborre762 on August 1, 2025 at 1:22 pm

    My name is Oscar too!

  12. @JohnDoe-om5ho on August 1, 2025 at 1:22 pm

    Heh, he said Fanny-pack 🤣

  13. @savrah on August 1, 2025 at 1:23 pm

    You forgot the most important tips, work on your fitness.

  14. @pakleader4 on August 1, 2025 at 1:24 pm

    WHAT I NEED IS A DETAILED LIST OF WHAT RIVERS AND STREAMS AND CREEKS THAT ARE FEESH WATER AMERICA 🇺🇸 CAN YOU MAKE THAT ON A MAP LIKE YOUR THRU HIKERS MAPS

    SEMPER FI

  15. @Jabskin on August 1, 2025 at 1:25 pm

    Yes fanny means vagina in UK, but we still call it’s a fanny pack

  16. @badaruuuu on August 1, 2025 at 1:25 pm

    Best weight reduction is fat without a doubt

  17. @KINGADI001 on August 1, 2025 at 1:26 pm

    hey iam from germany and i have many experiance with backpacking and ur tips r really good nothing new for me but i find ur way to explain and ur person really funny I listened to you with interest… ty

  18. @WishNone on August 1, 2025 at 1:27 pm

    Money money …..

  19. @mr-_-steele2434 on August 1, 2025 at 1:28 pm

    Soy lowers testosterone and makes you unable to fight bears.

  20. @niki482 on August 1, 2025 at 1:30 pm

    I agree definitely with most of your comments, but many things really depend on where and for how long you are trekking. More than one pair of fresh & dry socks in wet areas are worth their weight. Also a second lightweight towel in very wet areas can be nice to dry yourself and stuff. Choosing sneakers in my opinion should only be done on light, one-day tracks. Otherwise high quality trail runners at least. However, for long trekking routes with a backpack heavier than 30 pounds boots give you the stability you need not to hurt your legs / feet. Especially in rocky mountainous areas. Also in wet areas trail runners and sneakers get wet and yes they dry up during the night, but all day you walk in wet socks and shoes. So, it really depends on the conditions you are getting into. But yes, generally people tend to overpack and underestimating a heavy backpack with a lot of things they don’t really need.

  21. @sunnybeach4837 on August 1, 2025 at 1:30 pm

    So basically get rid of all my emergency stuff. Check ✔️ lol

  22. @jgutormson2270 on August 1, 2025 at 1:30 pm

    I take 2 beanies i got soaked and my beanie and jacket were wet too, and now i always take a backup cause i was so mad about it.

  23. @Eyes_On_America on August 1, 2025 at 1:32 pm

    Tip 21: you poor being, who do not know kabanosy 😢😂

  24. @coleacanth8944 on August 1, 2025 at 1:33 pm

    1 literNalgene bottle weighs 6.5oz/reused 16oz bottle weighs 1.3oz. 2 of these reused bottles is ideal because I can afford to have a dedicated electrolyte and a plain water bottle. That’s 4oz freed up to carry more beef jerky!!

  25. @LarryDickman1 on August 1, 2025 at 1:34 pm

    Cell phone batteries die, maps and compasses do not. Same with headlamps so a small handheld light is not that much extra weight.

  26. @younggun7722 on August 1, 2025 at 1:34 pm

    Soj has more protein then meat? Are you insane or something?? Ps 85% of the soj that is grown, especially in USA is gmo product so no tnx.

  27. @ianball4438 on August 1, 2025 at 1:36 pm

    Dont bring a towel at all. Just use a dirty t shirt!

  28. @capricordcreations1253 on August 1, 2025 at 1:37 pm

    As hiking and bushcraft enthusiast i would still keep the different small bags for organizational purposes. U provide wonderful advices. I would in general add this tip, buy things which will have several purposes. Also first aid kit is not irrelevant but should be adapted to your health condition and the type of injuries you can get in the place you will hike. Antialergic pills and or balm should be a part of the kit, things to threat feet issues and also babypowder or potato starch for feet or proteusions between the legs when walking if need. Knife SAK is ideal tool but i will recommend the Ranger model w locking blade and bigger saw. No scissors but they are not super needed. Also small rope 2-3 millimeters diameter as much u need,few meters in general, small carabineers too to attach things outside of backpack. Normal water bottles are fragile but useful for water filters. Merino wool t shirts will be super useful to carry as comfy,not stinky and quick drying. I was shown interresting tip recently. Insead of carrying foam or air pad,u can try to find shorter ultralight inflatable pad and if your backpack has nice flat back pad ,,combine them both to build a ,,full body,, pad. It s not cheap but it s worth it. Just small pad is fragile but u can use one of the clothes bags as cover for it. Good hike!

  29. @portmoodyhandyman on August 1, 2025 at 1:38 pm

    Im fully packed right now for a 2 nighter near whistler/blackcomb this weekend. My bag weighs 31.8 pounds with food and water. Half my gear is from amazon and the other half i got mostly on sale. This includes luxury items like a fishing rod/reel,chair, binoculars, headphones and my yeti coffee mug. It just takes a few trips to figure out whats worth it to you.

  30. @TheOneAndOnlyLewis on August 1, 2025 at 1:39 pm

    For coffee’s on the trail, I like to use coffee bags. Same as a tea bag, but with proper ground coffee, much better than instant coffee.

  31. @rustygates3367 on August 1, 2025 at 1:40 pm

    Tips to lighten your backpack: Get stronger.

  32. @richbuilds_com on August 1, 2025 at 1:41 pm

    That Grand Tour clip was *perfect*

    Signed a british hiker.

  33. @4rchim on August 1, 2025 at 1:43 pm

    I dont think a small compass and map will weight that much lmao. Been using ziplock as hiking for years really love it, rain mud snow wont get to my cash lel.

  34. @sothysan-d5l on August 1, 2025 at 1:43 pm

    Good idea bro❤
    I was definitely doing as your guide .

  35. @tajos703 on August 1, 2025 at 1:44 pm

    If you precook the food, won’t you risk food poisoning?

  36. @ronburg6914 on August 1, 2025 at 1:44 pm

    buddy you shouldent be giving anyone tips …..if someone new was watching this video and tried to go in the Canadian wilderness you would literally put them through hell saying use your phone for a map…. on day two its dead so you gotta wait for it to charge then again on day three you got no signal cuz ur in the sticks(YOUR PHONE CAN FAIL A MAP WONT STOP COUNTING ON TECHNOLOGY) now u got no compass no map no nothing to help you find ur way … ur a fucking moron not even sorry for the language stop giving people tips or think three or 4 times about the dumb shit you say

  37. @Leo-Bassment on August 1, 2025 at 1:45 pm

    Funny pack, funny pack, funny pack ! Cheers from funny pack lovers in Canada !😂🇨🇦 ❤️🙏🏻

  38. @Adrian-q9x on August 1, 2025 at 1:45 pm

    Good video with helpful tips! But I don’t get the drybag in the backpack thing, I see it so often. When you don’t protect the backpack from the outside it gets soaked, is heavier than before and you need to dry it after. The drybag for the inside is probably the same weight as the rain cover. And to remove stuff from your first aid is the worst possible way to reduce your weight. Ofc you don’t need 10 bandages but to have a few spare ones is never wrong. Specially when you are alone.
    With the gas you can buy bigger cans and fill a smaller one with it. There are adapters and it’s cheaper to buy larger cans!

  39. @zoltanagoston4561 on August 1, 2025 at 1:47 pm

    Always have a knife with you. Watch movie 168 hours. 😅

  40. @TheRealTurd on August 1, 2025 at 1:47 pm

    I save about 5 pounds by leaving my pack at home and holding all of my gear in my arms.

  41. @erikpiccinin4463 on August 1, 2025 at 1:47 pm

    do you live in Italy by any chance?

  42. @MrJames_Bondage on August 1, 2025 at 1:49 pm

    Ultimate weight saving hack: dont go hiking, stay home and watch videos on YouTube lol

  43. @jason5777579 on August 1, 2025 at 1:50 pm

    Great video bro .thanks

  44. @Highcaloriegrappling on August 1, 2025 at 1:51 pm

    7:35 Soy may have more protien overall but does not have the essential protien you need. This is a very very bad tip.

  45. @Eyes_On_America on August 1, 2025 at 1:51 pm

    Debris bags are less prone to be ripped than trash bags.

  46. @leonrichards7612 on August 1, 2025 at 1:55 pm

    Ultralight is for rich people with no sense. No comfort and it is dangerous. It is not a race.

  47. @ulrikerudel6859 on August 1, 2025 at 1:56 pm

    Half of my soul died while watching this video

  48. @kasperand on August 1, 2025 at 1:57 pm

    these tips are so stupid, and will do more harm than good

  49. @ericvandruten on August 1, 2025 at 1:58 pm

    What the fuck!??!?! don’t bring a lamp, compass or map?!?!
    What are you, thick?
    This is one of the most dangerous and irresponsible pieces of ‘advice’ you can give. Terrible!

  50. @farhandzakirmakarim4275 on August 1, 2025 at 2:02 pm

    Fanny pack

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply