Hot Take: Does Backpacking Base Weight Matter?

Okay, so I said it in the comments, but I’ll say it again - if you’re a thru hiker or you want to be an ultralight backpacker, then YES you should absolutely calculate your backpacking baseweight (for the ladder, there’s really no other way to know). But for the average weekend warrior, it really depends on several factors. First, if you want to level up your skillset and go into backpacking with a better understanding of your craft, then yes, baseweight matters. But you are no less of a backpacker if you haven’t calculated your base weight. I got by just fine - and professionally too - without doing it for almost 2 decades. Take it. Leave it. But no matter what you do, having a budget is super important! I overspent - hard - so learn from my mistakes! One of the biggest things you can do that most people don’t think about is to optimize your food. This was HUGE for me. I don’t talk about it too much in the video - you always get extra nuggets of info in my show notes - but figuring out how to take just 1.25 pounds of food per day that was healthy, delicious, AND I wanted to eat? That took YEARS of trial and error. I already can hardly eat pre-packaged meals - check out my short for some top-rated brands: https://youtube.com/shorts/QqxC1zgRxps?feature=share So when I came across Backcountry Foodie my life changed…literally. I finally found a solution that works well for me. And the best part? After I bought the ingredients, each meal costed, on average, about $2 less than a pre-packaged meal. I actually ENJOYED trail food again. She even gives suggested substitutes for veggie, vegan, gluten free, and keto options. LOVE IT! If you want to check it out you can here: https://backcountryfoodie.com/membership/ Support my channel - buy me a backcountry coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/megintheforest I don't accept sponsored gear or trips. I don't hawk courses. And I don't gatekeep information. My mission is to tell my story completely for free. This channel is completely funded by me. ✨ Recommended Gear: My favorite mountain gear 👇 OR Astroman Sun Hoodie: https://alnk.to/fSiBG9O Skratch Labs Hydration Electrolyte powder: https://amzn.to/3FIFQZn Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60L (My go-to UL pack): https://alnk.to/ei3MR2K Granite Gear Blaze (for any overall weight above 30 lbs): https://alnk.to/ge87E1A Snapfolds UL Bowl: https://alnk.to/c09W6w0 BRS 3000 Campstove (budget-friendly, but flimsy): https://alnk.to/dezeYeS MSR PocketRocket (pricier, but durable): https://rei.pxf.io/RGNnjN Katadyn Be Free Filter: https://rei.pxf.io/kO1MKM Hydrapack 2L Seeker Filter Bladder (compatible with the BeFree): https://rei.pxf.io/19MPYg One Hydration Drinking tube for SmartWater Bottle: https://alnk.to/4XxCRKZ Sea to Summit UltraSil Compression Sack 20L: https://rei.pxf.io/JKv4ra Adotek Grizzly Proof UL Bear Sack: https://alnk.to/2FDM7C2 Loksak: https://amzn.to/43FMfOf Sunscreen stick: https://amzn.to/43PDbq9 REI Cork-Grip Hiking Poles: https://rei.pxf.io/POvVZe Freshette Pee Funnel: https://rei.pxf.io/e15EGO Kula Cloth Pee Rag: https://alnk.to/5Q7pLD5 Garmin inReach Mini: https://rei.pxf.io/JKvV0q Gerber Dime Multi-Tool: https://rei.pxf.io/zx5b3r Nitecore NU25 400 Lumen Rechargeable Headlamp: https://alnk.to/bEkq8CG Garage Grown Gear Foam Sit Pad: https://alnk.to/4qNlVNW Thermarest NeoLoft Pad - wide: https://rei.pxf.io/VxvY9R Enlightened Equipment Enigma Sleeping Quilt 20F: https://alnk.to/aWFodLm Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow: https://alnk.to/4BI6UnI NiteCore NB10000 Gen 2 Power Bank: https://alnk.to/c09W6sB Duece of Spades Toilet Trowel: https://alnk.to/2Qyx6dv Culo Clean Bidet: https://amzn.to/4l08ST7 Big Agnes Copper Spur (I own 3 of these tents in 1 - 3 person and LOVE them all): https://rei.pxf.io/2aL5zD More incredible gear I love: https://www.amazon.com/shop/megintheforest NOTE These are affiliate links. I get a small kickback from every purchase, no matter the purchase, at no additional cost to you. This is a small way you can show support for my channel and it means a lot, so thank you! Want more spicy takes? Here’s how we can stay in touch: ✨ Follow me… Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Aforestfox/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@megintheforest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megintheforest/ #backpackingessentials #backpacking #backpackinggear #backpacker #backpackingtips ✨Time stamps: 00:00 - intro 01:26 - How to take weight out of your pack without calculating your base weight 02:36 - First big benefit of calculating your base weight 03:45 - How to take weight out of your pack without calculating your base weight 04:46 - Reasons to NOT calculate your backpacking base weight 05:50 - The downside of calculating your base weight 09:25 - Unexpected benefit of knowing your backpacking base weight, even if you aren’t an ultralight backpacker 11:46 - The secret to saving weight while backpacking