#218 | Ultralight Backpacking Tips with Carl "Professor" Stanfield

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are talking all things ultralight backpacking. We're joined by our pal and thru-hiker extraordinaire, Carl Stanfield aka "Professor", as the three of us share some of our top tips for reducing pack weight. The advice in this episode covers the full spectrum, from broad-based philosophical ways to approach what should and should not be in your pack, to more granular tips for simple and cost-effective ways of going UL. Whether you're hoping to thru-hike a triple crown trail or lighten the load a bit for your weekend outing, this one has insightful and practical pointers for you. We wrap the show with a quick overview of a new ultralight material being used for tarps and tents- and the relative pros and cons, but more importantly, we do the triple crown of the top benefits of an alien invasion which devolves into the most insane debate in Backpacker Radio history. Chaunce goes pure red face.   CTUG: Use code “Backpackerradio” to save 15% on your order at chickentrampergear.com Gossamer Gear: Use code “TAKELESSTREKMORE” for 15% off at gossamergear.com  PACT Outdoors: Use code “TREK20” for 20% off and free shipping at pactoutdoors.com. [divider] Panel with Carl Stanfield  Carl’s Instagram  Time stamps & Questions 00:03:58 - Reminders: Join us in Iceland for Summer of 2024! Support us on Patreon! Lastly, if you have a good poop story, submit it here!  00:09:34 - Welcoming Carl “Professor” Stanfield  00:09:49 - What have you been up to lately?  00:13:23 - What do you do with your short break?  00:14:39 - How many days did you get off?  00:17:24 - What was your day-to-day?  00:20:24 - Tell us about your new girlfriend! 00:22:21 - Can you give us a brief overview of your hiking resume?  00:23:30 - Panel introduction: Ultralight Backpacking  00:26:30 - Chaunce’s #1: Get used to doing less  00:31:03 - Professor’s #1: Be adaptable 00:34:41 - What does everyone do when you don’t have a utensil?  00:38:11 - Badger’s #1: Don’t carry too much water  00:49:59 - Chaunce’s #2: Compare weights when shopping for gear  00:53:38 - Professor’s #2: Of the big 4, invest in a lightweight tent  01:09:30 - Shelter satisfaction results from The Trek’s hiker survey  01:12:24 - Badger’s #2: Remove redundancy  01:36:00 - Chaunce’s #3: You don’t need to bring your hobbies with you  01:48:17 - Professor’s #3: Dial in your food consumption  02:07:11 - Professor’s Hot Take: Make up for calories in town  02:10:47 - Chaunce’s Final Thoughts: Eat your dinner to get your dessert  02:17:00 - Zach’s #3: Use Smart Water bottles instead of Nalgenes 02:24:00 - Panel wrap-up Segments  Trek Propaganda: UltraTNT: The Newest Material for Ultralight Tarps & Tents By Joal and Jenny  Triple crown of alien invasion benefits  [divider] Check out our sound guy @paulyboyshallcross. Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex & Misty with Navigators Crafting, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Austin Ford, Brad & Blair (Thirteen Adventures), Brent Stenberg, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Dayne, Derek Koch, DoGoodPantry, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Liz Seger, Matt Soukup, Mike Poisel, Morgan Luke, Patrick Cianciolo, Sawyer Products, Timothy Hahn, and Tracy “Trigger” Fawns. A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: 12 Trees Farms, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Jake Landgraf, Jeanne Latshaw, Jeff LaFranier, Joann Menzer, Keith Dobie Jr, Kelly Heikkila, Matthew Spence, and Peter.