✈️🏕️ Flying & Camping: Weight is Everything

When you’re flying a small airplane and camping out of it, every single pound matters. Unlike tossing gear into a truck, flying demands that weight and balance be calculated with precision. The airplane’s performance, safety margins, and range all depend on carrying only what is necessary, and carrying it wisely.

This is my full inventory of flight and camping gear, organized by category with weights included for trip and flight planning. Every item has been carefully chosen and weighed, and I’ve swapped out bulkier setups for lighter, more efficient ones, shaving tens of pounds without losing capability.

Beyond camping comfort, this gear also doubles as a survival system. If I ever had to put Snoopy down unexpectedly, I’d have what I need on board to stay alive, sheltered, and supplied until help arrived.

This list is always evolving as I refine and adjust what I bring. I’m constantly experimenting, cutting weight where I can, and fine-tuning my setup for both safety in the air and comfort on the ground!

Primary Bag & Essentials

• Durston Kakwa 40 Backpack (30.1 lbs total) contains:

  • USMC KA-BAR Knife (~1.2 lbs)

  • Jetboil Utensils (2 sets) (~0.3 lbs)

  • The Rolla Roaster (~0.2 lbs)

  • Ultralight Med Kit (~0.5 lbs)

  • 2 Jetboil Fuel Canisters (~1 lb)

  • 2 Chomps Beef Sticks (~0.2 lbs)

  • 3 Clif Bars (~0.6 lbs)

  • Combat Wipes (~0.5 lbs)

  • Knife Sharpening Stone (~0.6 lbs)

  • Orvis Rain Jacket (~1 lb)

  • Sleep Mat (~2 lbs)

  • Food Seasoning Bottle (~0.2 lbs)

  • Black Diamond Trekking Poles (~1 lb)

  • 6 MSR Ground Stakes (~0.3 lbs)

  • Fish Fillet Knife (~0.3 lbs)

  • LED Solar Flashlight (~0.4 lbs)

  • 2 Titanium Long-Handle Sporks (~0.1 lbs)

  • 3 Carabiners (~0.2 lbs)

  • Garmin InReach Device (~0.5 lbs)

  • Whistle (~0.1 lbs)

  • MSR Cutting Board (~0.3 lbs)

  • Jetboil MiniMo System (~0.9 lbs)

  • 2 Mountain House Meals (~0.5 lbs)

  • Thermarest NeoAir Sleeping Pad (~0.9 lbs)

  • Ultralight Pillow (Hikenture) (~0.3 lbs)

  • Jetboil Skillet (~0.8 lbs)

  • Flying Eyes Sunglasses (~0.2 lbs)

  • Leatherman Multi-Tool (~0.5 lbs)

  • Small LED Flashlight (~0.2 lbs)

  • Black Diamond Headlamp (~0.3 lbs)

  • Ibuprofen (200 tablets) (~0.2 lbs)

  • Dr. Bronner’s Soap (~0.3 lbs)

  • Bug Spray (4 oz) (~0.3 lbs)

  • X Mid Pro 2 Durston Tent (Dyneema) (~2 lbs)

  • Earth Pak (10L) (~0.5 lbs)

  • Feathered Friends Sleeping Quilt (~1.5 lbs)

  • 511 Pouch (ferro rods, lighters, aqua tablets, duct tape, etc.) (~2 lbs)

  • Shemagh (~0.3 lbs)

  • Feathered Friends Black Down Jacket (~1.3 lbs)

  • Working Gloves (~0.3 lbs)

  • Lifestraw (~0.2 lbs)

  • Marmot Light Gloves (~0.2 lbs)

  • Boxer Briefs (~0.2 lbs)

  • Under Armour Shirt (~0.3 lbs)

  • 2 Pairs Wool Socks (~0.4 lbs)

  • Black Stocking Cap (~0.3 lbs)

  • Jetboil Skillet Attachment (~0.5 lbs)

  • Swimsuit (~0.3 lbs)

  • Compass (~0.2 lbs)

  • H2GO Global Purifier (~0.7 lbs)

  • Life Bivy (~0.3 lbs)

  • Mosquito Head Net (~0.1 lbs)

  • 4 LMNT Packets (~0.1 lbs)

  • 12 AAA Batteries (~0.3 lbs)

  • 7 AA Batteries (~0.4 lbs)

  • Parachute Cord (~0.5 lbs)

  • Flextail Pump (1.2 oz / 0.075 lbs)

Loose Camping Gear (not in backpack)

• Helinox Chair: ~2 lbs

• Axe: ~2.5 lbs

• HEST Pillow: 2.1 lbs

Electronics & Power

• Jackery Explorer 1000: 22.4 lbs

• Turtlebox Speaker: 9.9 lbs (optional, luxury)

Aircraft Equipment

• The Claw Tie-Down System with Window Shades: 10 lbs

Cooler & Food Storage

• YETI Hopper Flip 12: 15 lbs full / 3 lbs empty

Water Storage

• 3.2-Gallon Potable Water Container: 28 lbs full / 2 lbs empty

• 2L Water Storage Bag with Filter: 4.4 lbs full / 0.4 lbs empty

Totals: Full Loadout (with Turtlebox, full water & cooler)

• Backpack: 30.1 lbs

• Loose Camping Gear: 6.6 lbs

• Jackery: 22.4 lbs

• Turtlebox (optional): 9.9 lbs

• Claw Tie-Down: 10 lbs

• YETI Hopper (full): 15 lbs

• 3.2 Gal Water (full): 28 lbs

• 2L Water Bag (full): 4.4 lbs

  = 126.4 lbs