How I Pack My Gear in 2024 - Full Comfort in A 35L Pack

I remember watching your 2020 packing tutorial when it first came out. I was having lots of frustration getting everything to fit in my 55L pack as a new backpacker. I have followed your packing guide ever since and now I can easily fit my gear in a smaller pack using this method. Looks like not much has changed over the years with your packing routine but yet I still learned so much from just seeing your gear list as you pack. Thanks for being so genuine and helpful to your subscribers and fans. Happy Trails Darwin!

i really appreciate the nice and relaxing music. literally ever other youtube hiker uses annoying music.

I learned to backpack in scouts. The 'Be Prepared' motto is still ingrained in me and the size and amount of things you carry ( or don't carry at all) is significant. I am working on getting my pack size down but not having extras and not being supplied to med-evac someone ( I am not search and rescue) is hard to break.

Oh damn, you have 300k subscribers now! I had a kid and left the backpacking game for a good long while, but now I'm back in it! Just started rewatching all the hiking channels I was subscribed to way back when I would crush 20 miles a day and be out for a few weeks at a time. Sound advice as always. I'm doing my first >1 day trip in 4 years, so this is all great info to help me sort through my pile of gear to get myself a pack that will work!

Nic, your 2020 "How I Pack" video was a watershed event for me, transitioning me from my old external frame days that I was taught 30 years ago in scouts into the modern era. Thank you for making me able to enjoy the modern era and get back outside.

Your energy is back. So great

Loved the video! Packing is pretty close to what I do in my zPacks Nero. I stopped using Nylofume after some problems with holes. So I just use two of the DCF dry bags, one for my quilt and one for all my dry clothes. Otherwise, I put my food above my tent for easy access during lunch. I put my ditty bag on top of everything, because my ditty is a bit heavier and it works better closer to my center of gravity. Rain jacket and gloves are in my outer mesh pocket. After years, I stopped using the thinl-lite pad, preferring just a smaller sit-pad. The thin-lite turned out to be just too much bulk for me, and I ended up using the sit-pad anyway. I had an issue with using the thin-lite for sitting, and it picked up some thorns and then popped my air pad at night. So now I just do the sit-pad with no thin-lite. I use a zPacks FUPA for camera/electronics. Edit: Just to add - a lot of what I do is learned from your videos back in the day and then adjusting to what works for me.

I never thought to put my clothes inside my quilt! Genius!!! Love your videos and this channel! 🎉

Thanks, Darwin...very logical method. I do have a Ranger backpack and its nice to see loading system that makes sense and fits the needs.

I do a lot of similar things to you (albeit with less DCF). One thing that's different for myself is that I use an Ursack. I find it to be a nice middle ground between the weight of a bear can and avoiding the tedium of a bear hang. The ursack doesn't compress well when it's full of food though, so i actually put it at the very bottom of my pack folded flat. Then I store the food in an OPsack. When i get to camp i make sure to leave the Ursack in my pack until it's time to tie it up. That way i don't accidentally get any food particles on it that would entice critters. When it's time to tie it to a tree, i just drop the OPsack in there and find a tree to tie it on. I also use a Frogtoggs poncho instead of a train jacket. Then i can wear it over my pack, and i get a bit of air flow

Before my 2023 thru hike of the Long Trail I learned how to pack from your older video. I just added the gossamer gear 1/8 in pad as I'm getting ready to try a lighter, less structured pack this summer. Thanks for all your content!

I've seen about a million of these videos but it's been a while since one Made excellent logical sense like this

Thanks for this. I especially appreciate the organization and simplicity. Nothing extra, just what you need.

Took my 12 year son on 1st backpacking trip this weekend. Had a blast. I kept telling him as we were packing less stuff = more fun. J Keep up the great work.

After watching many of your videos, the main thing that always had my attention was your backpack I often wonder what was in it and not in it simplicity thats what I want👍

You taught me how to pack more efficiently for my first overnight/few days hike/camp to Havasu falls (at nearly 50 and forsaking more than a day hike in nearly 20 years! By no means ultralight or extreme by through hike standards, it really helped to get lighter and more efficient, so your tips are just good help for those who want to get outside and take a walk! Thank you!

If your pack liner fails on trail turkey oven bags are basically the same material maybe more durable. I've been putting them in all my dry bags for extra protection. Mainly protects bag itself from early delamination. Since doing so my dcf bags last much longer same with my sea to summit roll top bags. Especially handy in your electronics bag. Ive also seen Cornish hen size for smaller options.

Very helpful video for packing the size pack I would like to carry. You sacrificed nothing, and your pack organization plan makes huge sense! Thanks!

I didn't think this would be all that interesting given that your four-year-old video felt very recent, but of course I didn't remember all the details and damn, it's satisfying to watch everything go in its proper place! 😄

Old dog learning new tricks 😊