Beginner Backpacking Gear Shakedown: How Much Can We DITCH?!

Most beginner backpackers pack things they don’t really need. The interesting part is what’s still in the backpack after four weeks on trail. Wednesday is on her very first thru-hike, and unlike the perfectly optimized ultralight gear lists you see all over YouTube, most of her setup is made up of gear she already owned, bought used, found at REI Garage Sale or simply chose because it was affordable. About a week into the Colorado Trail, we already did one unofficial gear shakedown and she ditched some surprisingly unnecessary stuff. Four weeks later, we decided to empty her backpack again and go through everything she was still carrying. This isn’t an ultralight makeover or a list of everything she “should” replace. We talk through what has actually worked for her, what she’s still carrying despite the extra weight, where she has duplicates and what we might change if weight became the priority. 🎒 I don’t necessarily recommend the gear discussed in this video. Curious what gear I use for hiking, wild camping and backpacking trips like this? I keep my current gear list here: https://trailsandbackroads.com/gear 🔗 Some of the gear mentioned in this video that I would highly recommend: Sustainable water bottle: https://link.amazon/B06BPXLHx (don’t own it currently but would like to get one or two of these!) Super cheap stove: https://link.amazon/B0cUdDFGg (definitely not the best quality but for $10?! If you’re just getting into backpacking or looking for something real cheap, get this) Nemo Fillo Elite pillow: https://link.amazon/B0htstuC5 Sawyer Squeeze water filter: https://link.amazon/B0asSI290 Ursack: https://link.amazon/B01t0X8Xo (I’d LOVE to have one of these but it’s an investment so I’ll stick with the bear can I already had for now) Black Diamond trekking poles: https://link.amazon/B0iWthbFl (the poles I use and mentioned in the video — I LOVE these) Some of the links above are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you. It genuinely helps support the channel, so thank you! 🥾 Whether you’re planning your first backpacking trip, building a thru-hiking gear list, trying to lighten your pack or just love nerding out over backpacking gear, I hope this gives you a realistic look at what a first-time thru-hiker actually carries after weeks on trail. 🌍 I share honest stories and lessons from life outdoors: long-distance hiking, wild camping, road trips, travel adventures and figuring it out as I go. 00:00 Wednesday’s First Thru 00:14 What’s on the outside 03:28 The Brain and Pockets 10:18 Inside the Pack 12:44 Clothing 15:33 Electronics 16:39 Tent & Heaviest Stakes Ever 19:17 Ursack & Cooking 21:23 Bottom of the Bag 24:28 Wrapping Up #BackpackingGear #ThruHiking #BeginnerBackpacking #HikingGear #GearShakedown #BackpackingTips #ThruHike #UltralightBackpacking #LongDistanceHiking #ColoradoTrail