Are you asking yourself how to pack for a warm weather trek? YouTuber, Ted Weirum, has the answer.
Ted Weirum is a YouTuber, videographer, tech nerd, but most of all he is an adventurer. With his years of experience prepping and reviewing gear for his regular expeditions, there is no-one better to tell you not only what to bring on your next warm climate trek, but also how to pack your backpack in the most efficient way. That’s why we asked Ted to try out the new Abisko Midsummer Collection when he was in Thailand. He came back with some great advice for us.
All Ted’s reviews and recommendations are from his own personal experience, in fact, we caught up with him mid-way through his trek in the Thai jungle.
Ted’s first tip is to consider which backpack to bring with you. He reviewed several models during his warm weather trekking experience, which you can read about here.
Ted’s Backpack Tips:
I chose the Keb 52 for my packing tutorial today because it has an adjustable back, functional compartments, and pockets. An adjustable top lid allows you to fit your tent at the top of your pack. At the same time access from the bottom of the pack means that you can fit your sleeping gear at the bottom, and still have easy access when you arrive at camp. When you follow this packing tip, an added bonus is that you will be able to flip your bag over for a comfortable place to sit, without the risk of crushing any of your other gear.
To watch Ted unpack his backpack and go through the contents one by one, check out this video.
Ted’s Tips: What to pack in the top lid?
The zipped compartment in the top lid of the Keb 52 backpack is perfect to keep smaller miscellaneous items that might be needed at a moments notice. This could include a buff, an extra cap, or a headlamp. When it gets dark in a warm weather climate, it can get dark very quickly, so it’s important to keep your headlamp handy. A really important tip is to bring a spare set of batteries, just in case you run out or a trekking companion needs help. In addition, keep your toiletries within easy reach in the top lid, and a long spoon for eating.
Underneath the adjustable top lid is a great place to pack your tent, so it is right at the top of your backpack and easily accessible for when you reach camp in the evening. The Abisko View 2 tent is a good choice for two main reasons - first of all, the great panoramic view available by being able to fully open up the two vestibules of the tent, and second, the superior ventilation. When the tent is set up, it can be entirely opened up to let the airflow through, while the flysheet protects you from any bugs or mosquitos.
Ted’s Tips: What to pack in the main outer pocket?
In the main outer pocket pack other gear items that you might need to access quickly. One such item is a small, packable towel - just in case the opportunity for a shower presents itself. Another item that is important to keep easily accessible is a small medical kit.
Ted’s Tips: What to pack in the outside pockets?
On the outside of the backpack carry a 1l bottle. This is then easily accessible when you want to stop for a drink or boil some water for a mid-afternoon coffee. On a trek like this, you will get warm and sweaty, therefore, it’s good practice to have a camelback to be able to drink the extra water you will need on the go. Carry an additional 3l camelback to round out your hydration needs.
Ted’s Tips: What to pack in the main compartment and what clothing to bring?
In the main section of your backpack, it is always worth having some waterproof bags to separate different gear items and keep things organised. In this section keep your food (freeze-dried or otherwise), kitchen, and gas canister within easy reach. Next up is extra clothing. This is an essential on a warm weather trek. Continuing through the pack make sure to pack your outer-layer. The Abisko Midsummer Jacket is a good option due to it’s excellent ventilation. Especially when you tend to run a little bit hot. Always use as little clothing as possible when trekking, and in a warm weather climate put emphasis on your clothes being lightweight, ventilating and lighter colours to absorb as little heat as possible. Take one trekking t-shirt with you, the Abisko Day Hike is a good option, and the colour choice for a warm weather trek of shark grey will keep you from absorbing too much heat. When considering what to bring for a bottom layer, again keep your emphasis on products that are extremely lightweight and designed specifically for warm weather trekking - such as the Abisko Midsummer Shorts. During monsoon season, or in other months where rain is a possibility, it’s good to bring a Poncho along as well. And finally, bring a spare change of clothes for camp at night, to let your trekking gear dry out overnight.
The bottom of the main compartment is a good place to pack your sleeping bag. The Move With Bag is ideal for warm weather temperatures as it can open up completely and be used as a blanket rather than an enclosed sleeping bag, so you can ventilate during the night.
Ted’s Gear and Clothing List:
- Keb 52 backpack
- Abisko View 2 tent
- Move With Bag sleeping bag
- Headlamp
- Spare batteries
- Freeze dried food
- Long spoon
- Toiletries
- Extra Cap
- Buff
- Small, packable towel
- Medical kit
- Extra pair of socks
- Primus 1l water bottle
- 3l camelback
- Freeze dried food
- Primus Kitchen
- Gas canister
- Cup
- Trash bag
- Trekking t-shirt
- Abisko Midsummer Jacket
- Abisko Midsummer Shorts
- Abisko Midsummer Trousers
- Poncho
- Long-sleeved shirt (for night)
Packing for a long distance trek is an exacting task in any climate, where every gear item that you bring must serve a clear purpose. Ted’s many outdoor experiences definitely help him here, as practice makes perfect. The more that you get out in nature and practice with your chosen gear the clearer idea you will get as to what you can do without - and less is more! But in the meantime these tips from Ted on both what to bring and how to pack for a warm weather trek will stand you in good stead.
