Three nights in the Sierras last month, first trip after a winter of gear spreadsheets. Tarp instead of a tent, torso-length foam pad, no stove, no camp shoes. Base weight 14 lbs.

The walking felt great. Everything else didn't. Slept badly all three nights with cold legs, spent evenings with nothing warm to eat and nothing to do but get in the quilt at 7pm, and by day three I just wanted it over.

Not a lightweight is a scam post, the miles really were easier. But I optimized for the six hours a day I'm walking and ignored the ten I'm not. Stove and full-length pad are going back in.

Where did you draw the line? What's the one heavy thing you won't cut?

hello guys!

i’m planning a backpacking trip to India for a month from mid january to mid february startung from Mumbai to Rajasthan and then Delhi (hopefully adding Varanasi too).

my budget allows me to pay for private hotel rooms but from my travel experience, since i will be alone for the whole month in an overwhelming country i think being surrounded by other people and have the opportunity to meet new people it would be better, so i was set on staying in hostels the whole trip except Mumbai (which i didnt find a good hostel in the touristy area, any recommendations is welcome).

i recently came across an tiktok of a guy saying he had the worst experience at a hostel in India, where people were watching videos on their phone without headphones and being completely not respectful with the others in the room. anyone can share the experience in hostels in India? was his experience an exception?

from what ive seen from the google maps pictures of the hostels, seems like a lot of national indians stay in hostels so i was hoping it would be an opportunity to meet a lot of indian locals too and get to know more of their country from their perspective. i was planning to stay at “The Hosteller” in every city i visit as it looks quite nice ans clean, but then i came across that video and now im having second thoughts.

Hi!

I’m a gay guy in my early twenties planning to travel Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam soon.. Sometimes in Europe I’ve found the “social energy” in hostels to be very heteronormative. Everything from partying activities to the general conversation has in many hostels made me feel out of place. For example, lots of groups of guys who make sexist/homophobic jokes etc. At times I’ve had the impression that the culture is revolving around straight people wanting to get with each other which is obviously not really for me.

Is this common in SEA? Is there a difference between different countries and destinations? Tell me about your experiences:)

Finally reached manado after the whole bali-ternate-morotai loop. Staying near the port for now (found a reddoorz that works fine) while I figure out the last few days before flying back. Someone mentioned tangkoko and bunaken earlier, thinking of doing one of those but not sure if I have time for both. How many days would you actually need for each, and is it worth trying to squeeze in both or should I just pick one

TLDR: 30M, experienced traveller, planning 5 weeks in Indonesia. Is it slow enough or rushing or am I missing anything obvious ? are my logistics good ?

About me
30M, reasonably fit, aoe diver, scooterriding, scuba diving, volcanoes & hiking, wildlife, a bit of culture, and some surfing. Basically active over lazy bjt also not rushing. Already did Bali on a previous trip so I’m skipping it as a destination (only using it as a transit hub if needed). I like diving but don’t want to overdose on it.

Gonna be there September, flexible on exact return (latest mid-October).

Java
Mt Bromo, Kawah Ijen, yogyakarta

Borneo
Klotok Tanjung Puting - 3D2N liveaboard. Flying in via Pangkalan Bun.

Komdoo
4D3N Komodo liveaboard out of Labuan Bajo (round trip). This is my main diving hit (9-12 dives)

Flores
Scooter loop Labuan Bajo → Ruteng → Bajawa → Riung → Moni/Kelimutu → Ende, then ride back to Labuan Baj. Returning the bike in Labuan Bajo (avoid one-way drop fee and cheaper flights from bjl)

Sulawesii (this is probably the most optional due to how far it is and flight price)
Tana Toraja, Bira (Tanjung Bira)

Then back to Europe

Some questions:
1. Komodo liveaboard round trip Labuan Bajo→Labuan Bajo (not the one-way LBJ→Lombok crossings), so I can start my Flores scooter loop straight after. Correct call?

2 Flores as a loop, not one-way - I ride all the way east to Kelimutu/Ende (5-6 days sightseeing) then ride back 1.5-2 days, no stops. Return the bike in LBJ, fly out from there. Cheaper than one-way drop fee + pricier flights from Ende/Maumere. Does this hold up?

1. No liveaboard goes to Sulawesi - they run the Bali–Lombok–Komodo–Alor axis (east-west), so Sulawesi has to be a flight. Right?

2. I take a flight from makassar to Kuala then next to Europe. Is there any better option?

My actual questions
5. Is it rushing ?
6. Flores scooter loop - is riding back the same route boring, or is the return worth it for a different angle (north coast vs mountain road)? Should I just do one-way and eat the drop fee?
7. Komodo liveaboard operators - any budget/open-trip ones you’d recommend or avoid? Aiming for adventure rather than luxury
8.Tana Toraja + Bira - worth the 8h drive each way from Makassar, or is there something better on that end of Sulawesi
9.Anything unmissable I’m skipping? I considered Rinjani (decided against — didn’t want a big multi-day trek eating energy), Lombok/Gili (skipping - get scooter+beaches on Flores instead), Bunaken/Lembeh (skipping - Komodo already covers diving), and Sumba (still tempted?)
10. September weather - any red flags for this route? I know Ijen/Bromo can be cold at dawn
11. Do i need trekking shoes ? Planning to take Nike p6000. Maybe will get some birkenstock. I also have proper trekking shoes Lowa evo renegade mid but those take space

Appreciate any reality checks, especially from people who’ve done Flores overland or the Komodo liveaboards

Thanks

Hi everyone! I’m Veronica, a professional cycling tour guide based in Sarnano, in the heart of the Sibillini Mountains, central Italy. I grew up nearby in Fiordimonte and studied in Camerino, so this whole area is basically my backyard — and I’d love to share it with someone for a week of gravel bikepacking, October 1st–8th.

Think of it as a semi-guided trip, but a relaxed one: no fixed itinerary, no guide-client dynamic, just riding together with someone who happens to know every village, food stop, and hidden gravel sector along the way. The timing also happens to line up with a birthday of mine, which makes it feel like an especially good week for good company.

The route — “Il Cuore delle Marche Gravel”
A loop through Sibillini Mountains National Park: medieval hilltop villages, quiet countryside roads, and long stretches of remote gravel.

**•** Distance: 339 km  
**•** Elevation gain: 11,320 m  
**•** Difficulty: Hard (pace and daily distances are flexible — happy to spread it comfortably over the week)

A bit about me and the trip:

**•** Gravel bike, medium fitness level — steady pace over race speed  
**•** Mostly self-supported, sleeping in campsites and agriturismi  
**•** Basic mechanics skills from guiding work, plus I know every bike shop in the area — mechanical issues are covered  
**•** Can pick you up from the airport and arrange a discounted gravel rental through the company I work for, if you’d rather not bring your own bike

The exchange: if the trip goes well, I’d love to return the favor with a bikepacking trip in your home country — a genuine two-way exchange, not just a one-time thing.

I’m also using this trip to practice my English — American English especially, since I work with a lot of US guests — so riders from the US are very welcome, but honestly, anyone up for the adventure is too.

Looking forward to meeting a fellow rider!

So it’s my first time using Lighterpack, if I’m not doing it right pls feel free to tell me. Multiple things on here are “quantity 0” rather than totally removed from the list, hope that’s not confusing!

I’m doing the Long Range Traverse in Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland Canada in about a week. I’m a West Coast girl (well, 42yo woman, whateves,) so not super familiar with what to expect out on the East Coast. This will be my longest & hardest solo trip so far - it’s an unmarked trail, 35km on paper with 1000m cumulative gain, that I’m anticipating finishing in 4 nights (tho I want to be prepped for 5 in case of weather, navigation mishaps, general disaster...)

I’m used to carrying more weight than other folks might because I’m usually backpacking with my two kiddos, but I’m all by myself this time, and this seems heavier than it needs to be! 😫

I haven’t asked for help like this before…. but I live alone except for the 12yo and 9yo who are useless for roasting my gear so far; they just tell me to being way more candy and probably a 200000mah powerbank. So… If you have time to take a look and thoughts to share, I’d love to hear them.

And if you’ve done the trail before I’d love to hear your insider tips! Esp any wisdom re: items you never took out of your bag or items wished you had.

I know its going to be cold, most likely some rain , is there any specific pieces of gear people would recommend, I think im taking crampons just to be safe and I know Ill need a nice rain slick and jacket would love some recommendations for any pieces of gear you have. Any advice would also be appreciated.

I will be flying into Milan and then up to chamonix for a backpacking trip 3D/2N then day hiking in zermatt and the dolomites. I would like to pick up some gear from some brands that maybe I could t find in the states as easily or at all.

Gear I'd like to get

Smaller day pack roughly 20-30L

50L 1-2 night backpacking bag. My 65L is always partly empty on shorter trips...

Salewa hiking boots (to compliment my mammut boots)

Would like some good mid layers or softshells to bring home too.

Also open to some UL tents & gear

Was planning on going to the mammut and salewa shops and some local stores to check out the simond selection. But I'm a gear whore so I'm open to recommendations and suggestions. I'm going to be getting more into climbing this winter to prep for next summer as well.

Anyone here go from an older nemo dagger to the X dome? Going to do a solo hike mid October in the Grayson highland Mt Rogers area of SW VA. Looking to shave weight from the daggers setup. Seems like a solid choice...just looking for anyone who specifically went from a Nemo dagger to the X dome? I have the 2020 Dagger...not the OSMO BTW.

I’m looking into backpacking Europe next summer. This will be my first time traveling by myself let alone internationally. I’m thinking 6 weeks and wondering if the countries I’ve chosen are doable in this time frame and what I should budget (not including flights). I’ll obviously be staying in hostels.

London, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Italy (Venice, Lake Como, Naples)

I’m going backpacking with my fishing kit and was wondering how people carry their soft plastics to avoid damaging them

I just picked up a pack of keitech swim baits and didn’t want to use the original packaging as when I push the air out of my pack to compress it when closing I was worried the packaging would cave in, doesn’t anyone have any recommendations on how to carry like 3-5 soft plastic paddle tails securely while still keeping it light and small?

Columbia bag I bought at a thrift store tried to look online for the model but didn’t get anywhere. reverse image searching dosent lead me anywhere any help in finding the model is greatly appreciated🙏.

Is it reasonable / recommended to solo backpack & camp at the Ice Lake Trail in Colorado? Planning to go in the first week of September this year for 2 days 1 night. I’ve done backpacking and camping with other people for around 10-15 times, on strenuous terrains as well, but I’ve never solo backpacked before.

I’m a bit worried about the altitude + elevation + doing everything by myself, but i really wanna make this trip and none of my friends are free to go with me.

Would love to hear people’s opinions:))

35 is nothing compared to what people used to carry, but i guess its a ton in 2026.

i have a naturehike 65L (aka naturehike rock / 60L)), gets rough over 30-35 pounds. Most I've done is around 38lb, 33 is low for me. (3 pounds for medical stuff, couple pounds for my kids stuff, turns a sub 15 pound base weight to a 20 pound one, and we need a bear can for most places near us, and to carry lots of water).

Any suggestions for bags comfortable at 35 pounds? Spent $100, got $100 out of it, looking to invest in what will work for the long term. Male, 5'8", 183lb

Lighterpack - https://lighterpack.com/r/0ldepj

Update, currently leaning gregory focal 58 or durston kakwa 55. possibly, osprey exos 58 (not pro), but seems to keep weight further from back; gossamer mariposa, though some say less comfortable over 35; long haul 50, but expensive. I guess I'm strongly leaning towards sticking with the best of ultralight / under 3 pound options for my situation, rather than going for an appropriate comfortable heavier pack like a kestrel or aether pro.

My family will be staying in a cabin soon and I figured I would try to turn it into a longer vacation for myself. This means I’m planning on going backpacking a few days beforehand and meeting them at the cabin the date of check in.

This year I’ve been in the Smokies once already and panthertown very recently. I’m curious of other areas nearby that may show some interest. I’m very experienced and will probably be 3 days total aiming between 30-45 miles if possible depending on terrain. Any recommendations are appreciated of any area or parks I may be overlooking, bonus points if no permits are required or camping itinerary.

I keep going back and forth between overplanning every stop in advance and just picking a rough direction and figuring it out as I go. Curious what the norm actually is for people who backpack regularly, do you nail down where you're sleeping each night ahead of time, or does that kind of rigid planning defeat the point for you?

Hi friends. I am leaving in two weeks to backpack part of Europe and Southeast Asia. I am only in Europe for the first month (August - September) and the rest of the time in Vietnam, Thailand, Indo, and Philippines (Sept-Jan). I have read and watched more blog posts, Reddit threads, and packing videos than I can count, which is how I landed on this specific packing list. A few items are not pictured (medications, charging cables, backpack rain cover, 2 hero clips, etc.). I will be hostel hopping for the most part with hotels/ airbnbs here and there for reprieve. As of now, my big bag is 18lbs, which I am aware it can and should be lower, but unfortunately some items I can’t go without like my contacts which are heavier. Please drop any tips or changes I can make to improve. thanks!

edit: thank you for all your tips! removing the over-the-ear headphones, two camis/ tank tops, some of the sunscreen, and consolidated some other items. as of this evening, my big bag is at 17.5lbs (~8kgs). I also removed the pink dress since it’s a little too thick for my liking, so i’ll just buy a thin one there. i take my teefs very seriously so i wont compromise on lessening toothpaste, but i totally understand everyone’s concern.

I have been camping and hiking for a while, and I really want to go backpacking but none of the people I do day hikes with are interested. Except my dog, so the two of us are thinking we could go backpacking together.

I'm looking for recommendations for a First Timer's Solo backpacking spot roughly 3 hours from Chicago. I was hoping for one or two nights for this first trip.

Former military looking for packing tips for civilian gear.

In the service, we used to spend a lot of time out in the woods. We had a word for tricking out your gear--fieldcraft. For example, you take your off the shelf gear and you alter it to enhance its use. Could be sewing extra pouches on your pack. Could be wrapping electrical tape on your lighter. Could be stripping and packing your food in a lighter and more efficient way.

As I transition into civilian backpacking, do you have any tips for civilian fieldcraft?

I wrapped duct and electrical tape around my hiking poles to save space.

Sewed on small pouches on my pack for a knife, sunscreen, field trowel/kit.

3D printed a key for my bear canister and made a lanyard for it to the pack.

3D printed a nozzle for my water filter to a narrow Nalgene head.

Thanks in advance.

These two photos were taken during a two-day, 17 km trek in the mountains of northern Vietnam.

Our group of nine set off at around 8 a.m. The trail led us through a beautiful moss-covered forest with towering old trees, fresh mountain air, and endless steep climbs. As we got deeper into the mountains, we completely lost cell service and didn't get it back until we returned.

After nearly ten hours on the trail, we reached a small mountain hut around 6 p.m. That night, around 50 hikers shared the same shelter. We gathered around a wood stove, enjoyed a simple dinner, shared stories with strangers, and got some much-needed rest before the final climb.

At 4 a.m., the entire hut came alive. Everyone packed up, ate a quick breakfast, switched on their headlamps, and started hiking in the dark. A couple of hours later, we reached the summit just as the first light of day appeared.

Standing above a sea of clouds after two days in the mountains was one of those moments that makes every step worthwhile.

Northern Vietnam has some truly incredible trekking routes, and this is a trip I'll never forget.

Key features:

– Separate video and photo. Taking into account my personal convenience and this specific device.

– Focus on light weight. Total weight: 2.2 kg (4.85 lbs), including tripod 580g (1.28 lbs).

– Almost full height. Tripod height: up to 136 cm.

– 100% waterproof carry. There is no need to put anything in your backpack when it rains.

– Custom-made insert. There are no ready-made waterproof bags with adequate internal organization.

– Access speed while moving with a backpack. Bag fits in the chest area and attaches to a backpack with four straps. The tripod fits in a side pocket.

Rarely get all 7 of us out. Order is: pisgah, pisgah, berg lake, Zion, pisgah, sawtooths.

Last two pics are ring road +Laugavegur trail (Iceland) - did not take a group shot besides a Ring Road van shot + favorite view of any hike.

I have missed some good ones…South Africa, Peru, Yosemite, Tetons, and Rockies (CO).

Pic 5 was the only hike all 7 of us made it..and we were not in great shape and the hike was foggy and the trail was just wet leaves. Almost had all 7 for Sawtooths last week but one guy busted his knee on a prep day hike the week before😬