Summary: Camping Gear 2021 - 7lbs Full Comfort Ultralight w Budget Backpacking Essentials

I've enjoyed watching Matt Shafter review ultralight gear.  While ultralight isn't for everyone, I'm convinced that the lessons learned hear ARE for just about everybody.  Or at least should be.  

Here's my review of this video and contents, along with a summary of some of the comments of others on the YouTube channel.  Like and subscribe to his channel, I have.  He doesn't publish stuff a lot, but when he does it's usually real good.

In this video, Matt Shafter discusses his backpacking gear in detail, which he has fine-tuned over six years and three thousand miles of hiking. His backpack setup allows for a fully enclosed two-person tent, a 25-inch wide air pad, a frame pack with a half-inch of padding, a sleep system rated for temperatures below 30 degrees, a gas stove, full rain gear, and extra clothing. Surprisingly, this entire gear setup weighs only seven pounds without food and water.

Matt starts by introducing his gear and mentions that he will also provide alternatives for those on a budget. He emphasizes that ultralight gear can sometimes be expensive, so he offers cost-effective options for the "Big Four" backpacking essentials.

Big 4

1. Tent: MattShafter uses the ZPacks Duplex tent, known for its cross ventilation and Dyneema fabric, which is highly waterproof. He mentions that it's a bit expensive but offers a cheaper alternative later in the video.

2. Backpack: He uses the KS40 from KS Ultralight, which is a lightweight pack with frame stays for carrying heavier loads. MattShafter suggests that it's unnecessary to buy packs rated for heavier weights for most ultralight hikers.

3. Sleep System: His sleeping quilt is the 30-degree Nunatak RQL quilt, known for its quality insulation and details like baffles, foot-shaped foot boxes, and waterproof necklines.

4. Sleeping Pad: MattShafter uses a 25-inch wide Therm-a-Rest UberLite pad for added comfort during sleep.

Packed Gear

He continues to discuss other essential gear, including:

• Pad Protection: A Gossamer Gear 1/8-inch foam pad for various uses, including protection for the air pad and added warmth.
• Stakes: Rutalocura Sorex stakes and Eastern Nano stakes, depending on the trip.
• Pillow: The Big Sky pillow, which is lightweight but provides ample surface area and height.
• Rain Gear: MattShafter uses the Skylight Gear Sil Poly rain jacket and Mont Bell Versalite rain pants for protection in rainy conditions.
• Insulation: He uses the Skylight Gear Alpha Direct Hoodie for walking or sleeping insulation and the Bora down jacket for added warmth.

He also discusses gloves, socks, a mosquito head net, and various ditty bag items like a headlamp, scissors, soap, toothbrush, matches, Leukotape, a sewing kit, and more.

Electronics

Matt's electronic gear includes an Extremus battery, a Nitecore NU25 headlamp, Westcott scissors, and other items for charging and lighting.

Food/Water

His food and water system involve a gas stove setup, food storage bags, and a Catadyn BeFree water filter system.

Contingent Gear

Matt mentions additional gear he sometimes brings, including a Therm-a-Rest X-Lite pad for colder trips, a down balaclava for extra warmth, a rain shell for extended rain, an umbrella for hot and humid conditions, and more.

CHEAPER Gear

He provides recommendations for budget-friendly alternatives, such as the Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo tent, Dan Durston's Drop 40 backpack, the Klymit Insulated Static V Lite sleeping pad, and the Hammock Gear Economy quilts.

Matt emphasizes that while ultralight gear can be expensive, it's about bringing fewer items and offers tips on using gear wisely. He encourages viewers to enjoy the outdoors, treat trails well, and support trail organizations.

User comments

In the recent user comments section, there was a prevalent theme of support and appreciation for the video's informative content, with many users lauding the level of detail provided. Notably, user F6FHellcat5, who identified as new to backpacking, shared their accomplishment of assembling a sub-10lb base weight setup for under $200 using backpacking-based motocamping gear, highlighting the video's practical value.

Additionally, users contributed by offering further gear suggestions and insights. Josephjankowski1153 shared a perspective on the KS frame option, stating that they rarely use the frame poles on their KS50 pack, finding it more comfortable without them. They also pointed out that while the frame option is removable and adds minimal weight, it compromises comfort compared to traditional framed packs.

Jordanturner3069 mentioned the anatomic hipbelt as an advantageous feature on their KS50 but raised concerns about experiencing horizontal load shifting, leading to back strain despite adjusting the pack.

However, it's important to note that there were no strongly dissenting opinions among the selected comments. Instead, the conversation was characterized by positive experiences, gear recommendations, and inquiries, creating a constructive and supportive atmosphere around the video's content.

About Matt Shafter

Matt introduces himself as a doctor of physical therapy who enjoys backpacking and creating gear review videos. He mentions his presence on platforms like Reddit and other social media channels.

He concludes by inviting viewers to share their thoughts and experiences with their gear setups.

This summary is provided for informational purposes and does not replace watching the original video for a comprehensive understanding of the content.