Comfort vs Minimalism in Backpacking

This year I've tried out a bunch of new backpacking gear! Hiking gear that leans much more towards comfort rather than purely minimalism or super ultralight. What have my thoughts been? As someone who for 8 or so years has been thru hiking with an extremely minimal kit, this was an interesting change.

I think a lot of what I found boils down to what kind of a hike you personally want. Super minimalism or super ultralight gear is great! But it requires way more effort to be safe and comfortable with. Do you want to hike 5 miles further when you're already tired, just to find a campsite that will be safe for your ultralight shelter? Most wouldn't. Are you willing to hike, simply to be warm as you don't have any gear that is warm enough to take breaks in the cold in? Most want that extra layer.

So hey, carry what you want, and carry what will suit your trip the best! Everybodies desires and styles of backpacking are different. Do what is comfortable to you, and feels safe to you. You could always send things home later, if you find you have too much.

Check out this article about the 6lb base weight pack that I used on my Pacific Crest Trail thru hike, where I include a toooon of suggestions on more comfort gear, compared to my minimal kit.

Or just check out the gear that I've been using this year!
vvv vvv vvv

External Battery - Ravpower PD Pioneer 20,000mAh 60w
Wall Charger - Ravpower PD Pioneer 30w 2-Port

THE BACKPACKING GEAR I USE:

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

[hive_indicator]

Dude, the way you've always talked about gear is so nice. You aren't dogmatic and demean people for what they use. Thanks for showing respect to us. I'll probably never go as UL as you, but you've given lots of tips I actually use.

[tim·hahn]

Hey Jupiter,

I never really do this (especially on my account with my real name), but wanted to reach out and say hi.

Don't know if you'll remember me, but I was the Korean dude who, last year, when you were catching up to me just before the private zoo before Big Bear, tried to get out of the way onto some rocks, only for the sand to crumble and me to fall flat on my face. I was so flabbergasted that I used my real name and not the new trail name I got like a day or two before.

I just really wanted to thank you for your kind words/attitude that day, as well as the nice message you sent my tram, it really meant a lot. Also was nice to see you re-saw my tramily up near... Government Camp, if I remember correctly?

Just wanted to let you know that I ended up (almost) finishing. I had to turn around about 10 miles from the border due to the fire closure and had to flip around a ton to grab the closures that reopened behind me, but I'll count it :)

I don't know if I can say that your words made all the difference, but I can definitely say that they made the difference that week, and sometimes that's all you really need, you know?

I haven't really been watching any hiking videos, especially from 2023, since I'm still... getting over it? But I clicked on this one out of curiosity (especially because I'm going on a section of the CT with friends in a few days and wanted some inspiration). And I'm really glad I did, and glad to see you're still doing well.

Thanks again for your kindness,
Ask Jeeves (Tim).

P.S. Seeing Jo made me smile. She was so kind to me at the beginning, despite kicking me and my tramily's ass in mileage every day, haha. I really haven't been keeping up with the trail gossip/news, but I hope you and her are both well.

[JupiterHikes]

Thank you for watching! I hope I presented the topic well. It's something I thought a ton about for the last 1, 000 or so miles while using this 'heavier' but more 'comfortable' gear

[yart]

I'd like to see a video on the skill of finding a comfortable sleep area using a thin foam pad. Particularly in areas that the average hiker wouldn't think it's possible to do.

[chrisr]

Brilliant video. This was philosophy 101 for backpackers. Backpackers are on several journeys at the same time. The first is simply point A to point B on a map. The second is the journey between the journeys of dialing in gear. Then there is the journey between your ears. Why do you hike? What's the purpose? What do you want out of backpacking. Too much time is spent on the first two journeys. I think you spend a lot of time on the 3rd series of questions and would encourage others to do the same.

[wolfeadventures]

I think your gear arc is similar to mine and many others. Once you have gone almost as light as possible you realize you can still hit the pace and distance you want with a bit more weight and comfort. Makes the trail that much more enjoyable.

[KuntryRD]

I alway enjoy the way you present stuff. Your honesty is welcome in this dog-eat-dog world.

[t.vanoosterhout]

As always, a balanced and intelligent explanation of your trail (and, may I add, life) choices. Definitely inspiring, not for copying (couldn't get away with your 'fakir' gear) but emulation.

[timbschwartz]

Really enjoyed this, Jupiter! Nice work.

[phillipp]

A taste of the forbidden fruit. Next season it’ll be a zenbivy and a chair!
Neat to get your perspective. Being way less experienced I definitely carry “comfort” gear (tent, inflatable pad, bear can lol) exactly for the flexibility. Over a few years I’ve enjoyed deciding and learning to do with less. I’m definitely a “never chair-er” but giving up that inflatable pad might not ever be a thing. And sometimes I still struggle with the wall-free emotional discomfort of the tarp, but working on it. No 6lb goal or anything but interested in trying the different experiences.

[KevinRStrauss]

Above all else, "if it's working for you then keep on doing it". Our experience, needs, and preferences change over time and so will the gear and hiking we choose to use/do. But without trying something and doing the experiment we'll never really know how it works for us. ☮❤🤝

[Reskamo]

The reasoning about the gear choices for different occasions is so beautiful.

[dirtbagoutside]

Great perspective! I love my tarp!! Tents nice too.. depending situation.. but my go to is my tarp!!

[haughtable]

Thank you for such a measured and clear video! Hope to hear more! Cheers!

[peterjohnson]

It's your attitude towards trying, learning, and enjoying yourself that makes you stand out, Jupiter. Thanks.

[geoknee]

I love the “Both/And” suggestion. Thanks, as always a great evaluation.

[Hvn]

I think you presented this perfectly. I've been backpacking since the early seventies, and I have always tried to stay fairly light. However, I am the guy who loves walking, and hates camping. So I've learned over the years to minimize load, and maximize comfort. Thank you for another great video.

[lecoqlico]

I spend a lot of hours creating my first real gearlist and this question about comfort was a huge point, I really feel like I don't need that much comfort but at the same time, the lack of experience makes me want to play it safe and go with a more forgiving setup. I thinks it's something hard to balance and at some point, I'll have to try it out and see what works for me and accept that I may make mistakes at first! Thanks for the video, as always, very inspiring

[smoothbrain]

loved this, thanks for the insight, Jupiter ✨

[natlovell]

I appreciate your videos as well as your perspective. Thanks for sharing and happy trails 🥾