The Most Important Ultralight Hiking Skill - Campsite Selection

Campsite selection is the most important skill for ultralight hikers and backpackers. This is because a good campsite will be warmer, there will be no bugs, it will be safer, and all around more comfortable!

Shelters you see in this video:

You don't have to search for the 'perfect' campsite every night, but it's good to keep in mind how campsite selection could benefit you! If a big storm is rolling in, cold weather, or you're just tired of bugs... it's amazing what a different campsite can do for you! I think these tips can be helpful to anyone.

My Favorite Thru Hiking Gear:

I thru hiked the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail with just a 6lb base pack weight, I do not think that would have been possible if I was not smart about where I camped each night. So even with a very minimal ultralight kit, you can use these tips to add a lot of safety and comfort!

Even if you are carrying a more traditional backpacking gear list, this can all still be of benefit to you! Remember that you'll be even warmer, even safer, even more comfortable.... regardless of the gear! I really do think this is the most important skill to learn in hiking, as it can help so many people in so many different situations.

In the end, do what makes you happy! There are a lot of amazing campsites out there and sometimes you just gotta go for it. Life's too short to only stay at the most sheltered, the most protected camp possible. If that were the case, we'd all just stay at home!

A brief summary:
- Trees Above - Will be warmer, reduce condensation, and add extra protection.
- Natural Shelter from wind - Rock outcroppings, bushes, and trees to block wind can add warmth, make it easier to setup your shelter, and add a lot of safety in a big storm!
- Wind can be Friend - Wind can help to blow away mosquitoes, make a hot night cooler, and help with reducing condensation.
- Campsites Near Water - Will be colder, will have more bugs, more trouble with condensation, and you'll run the risk of animals getting to your food!
- Campsites in Valleys - Similar to the water, these are also colder and you'll have more trouble with condensation.
- Campsites at High Elevations - More exposed to bad weather, higher winds, and much colder than if you were lower down the mountain!
- Popular Campsites - Animals are accustomed to finding food here so be careful, or avoid entirely! The ground will also be more compact and less comfortable, and often times is 'dished' where water might pool, given all the heavy use.
- Natural Ground Cover - Much more comfortable to sleep on a bed of leaves than it is to be on the cold hard dirt!
- Campsites Nearby Roads - Much higher chance of running into locals who are maybe not so cool.
- Widow makers - Always look up! Before setting up your tent, make sure there are no trees, or limbs that are just waiting to fall.
- Do what makes you happy! Sometimes, who cares, camp there anyway regardless of the effects. Stay at that lake, or camp on that peak. Camping doesn't have to be 'perfect'

00:00 - Best Tips for Campsite Selection
01:23 - Trees Above
02:48 - Shelter from Wind
04:16 - Wind is Friend
05:05 - Water Sources
08:20 - High Elevations
09:27 - Do What You Enjoy!
10:00 - Popular Campsites
12:42 - Natural Ground Cover
13:29 - Nearby Roads
14:27 - Always Look Up!
14:55 - Thanks for Watching :)

THE BACKPACKING GEAR I USE:

If you would like to get access to content I create about this type of stuff I don't share anywhere else join me on my Patreon!

If you'd like more info about me, my hiking, or painting:

Some of the links above are affiliate links, when you purchase an item through one of these I get a small percentage of the sale at zero extra cost to you. It very much so helps to support these videos, guides, and adventures. Thank you for using them!

[JupiterHikes]

Thank you for watching! What would your advice be for choosing a good campsite?

[gardenhose]

Awesome tips! I used to think I was an experienced backpacker, and then I watch your excellent videos and realize I'm a total amateur. Thank you for sharing your wisdom!!

[nate-beard]

man, your b-roll game is on point! Your videos keep getting better and better! Thanks Jupiter!

[ChristyHikes]

@JupiterHikes, there are very few that offer, highly valuable, in-depth information as you. Being a solo female backpacker I try to never stay at popular campsites and will always look for stealthy locations first. Your tips on site selection helps immensely!

[AndyShepard]

You've been pumping out some really useful info here lately, dude. Thanks!

[dylanpausic]

Very under-rated topic that was beautifully explained. Always enjoy your information delivery style… Low stress, easy to follow, accepting, simple

[rkatrails]

If anyone should know these things, it's you! Thanks for all your sage advice!

[itravelwisely]

I'm not an ultra light packer myself but these tips are golden for everyone in terms of campsite selection. Thanks for sharing!

[clear_gray_sky]

Lot these type of videos lately . This is stuff we need to know . And you have a lot of experience

[mudsslinger]

5 W's, Water, Wind, Wood, Widomakers, and Wigglers . I use this in mind when choosing a place to camp

[SummitSeeker]

Great video for single wall tent owners. But for those of us looking for a campsite with a view of the stars, water, or mountains is part of the backpacking experience we really strive for. Thus we bring a double walled, free standing or semi free standing tent, (Nemo, Marmot, BA) and are very comfortable using guylines and rocking out. We are not thru hikers and are ok carrying a few extra lbs to make the camping experience more comfortable and enjoyable!

[frstesiste]

Excellent advice IMO. In addition at altitude (like in the higher parts of the Sierras) I try to camp fairly close to a low point to get more oxygen while sleeping. I'll also be careful to find a site where water wont collect if hit by a rain storm. The problem with being too picky is that you pass all the fairly good sites in search for the perfect one and finally have to settle for a bad site.

[Breadman-kd]

Great video! Happy to realize that I knew most of these things. New stuff to me was the thing about wind blowing bugs away, and basically all the things about avoiding popular campsites. Good stuff!

[ropersix]

Yep, something I need to work on, and it's great hearing it from you with all your experience. I actually used to spend a lot of extra time searching for the most scenic site with the perfect view from my tent, often with the predicable results (bugs, cold...). But I think I've got that mindset mostly out of my system now.

[danielcluley]

Love the Florida Trail pictures. Florida trail camp selection is interesting, especially in the swampy areas. Water is more important here (especially with torrential rain and mosquitos/bugs)

[bavarian_wanderlust]

What valuable content! Great! Maybe you could do a part 2 and as exercise we are going through different places and scenarios together and you could show us what your thoughts are, and where you would set up camp and what are your thoughts in this specific situation etc.

[kreestuh]

I just swapped to a tarp setup for a section hike I'm planning this spring; I've traditionally been a hammock camper. This video is hugely helpful, thank you!

[ShawnJ-tu]

Really good video. Covers many aspects of tent site selection and gave a few reasons I’d not thought of before. Thanks

[maguiremk]

You're at the peak of your game. Great info. - Signed, longtimefan

[andrewfelldown]

heard you mention this a few times and its helped me a ton! still learning. glad to see a full video on it.