I Carried This Exact Gear for 1000 Miles—Here's What Worked

After 5 years at REI and over 1,000 miles on the Appalachian Trail, I’ve learned exactly what gear is worth the weight and what’s better left behind. In this video, I’m breaking down my ultimate ultralight backpacking gear list—from my Zpacks Arc Haul to my sleep system—and sharing the trial-and-error lessons that only come from hundreds of miles on the trail. Whether you're planning an AT thru-hike or just looking for a more comfortable weekend trip, these are the items I trust to keep me warm, dry, and (mostly) blister-free. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 02:30 - Backpack 05:00 - Sleep System 05:45 - Sleeping Pad 09:00 - Secret Hack 10:30 - Cooking 12:35 - Water 15:20 - Clothing & Electronics 23:13 - Trekking Poles 24:13 - Backpacker's best friends 26:25 - Thoughts on Ultralight Backpacking 📬 Join the On the Path newsletter — for more on intentional living in faith, fitness, career, and relationships: Newsletter link - http://eepurl.com/NrGoIzK_2F As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Help me retire my wife! Sleeping Pad - https://amzn.to/4h83cHX Tent - https://amzn.to/4feCriB Dry bags - https://amzn.to/4wA5yE3 Cookpot - https://amzn.to/4vz5q76 Stove - https://amzn.to/4bzoZok Water Filter - https://amzn.to/4aMk82Y Headlamp - https://amzn.to/4vtmL19 SOS GPS Beacon - https://amzn.to/3SV8UmC Trekking Poles - https://amzn.to/4wFISm0 Sit Pad (New Recommendation) - https://amzn.to/44oHYhz Shovel - https://amzn.to/4gxIfGd 🔗 Let's connect: Instagram: @jackclimbsthings #IntentionalLiving #CareerChange #FaithFitnessCareer