My first trip out with my MSR groundhogs I had to hammer one in the ground, and I couldn't get it out when it was time to go. Legend has it that tent stake is still there and whoever pulls it out will be the king of the boy scout reserve.
I always bring sleep clothing to have something dry to put on. Has saved me from hypothermia more than once, and also just a good morale booster at night. Worth the minimal weight!
💯 happier sleeping dry. Also having another pair of something to cover your butt really helps with chafing and gives you the option to swim in a lake or keeps mosquitoes 🦟 from biting your haunches 🍑 in a swarm to the car.
Agreed, I rarely bring a change of hiking clothes, but I do bring sleeping clothes. A shirt and some shorts/pants aren't much of a weight penalty for comfort and sleep is important.
Trekking poles are probably the biggest game charger I ever included. I used to think they were nerdy, like many others probably, but after using them the first time they will never be passed over again. It just makes the hike so much more comfortable, you basically can lean on something with every step you take. It just gives your body and muscles a little help carrying the load. I'm from FL and usually never hike here cause I think the scenery is pretty repetitive, but I didn't bring my poles on a recent trip cause I figured, "Eh, it's flat, I won't need em." Again, I regretted it, the poles make a difference going up, going down, and going flat. Won't make that mistake again on anymore overnight hikes.
And it helps if they’re used properly (exerting force to propel forward rather than just straight into the ground). So many buses for them outside of walking too
You're 100% right on the MSR Groundhogs and the trekking poles. A couple of other changes I made that make all the difference: I bring Crocs instead of water shoes. They can be used as water shoes and they're lighter; they're great for camp as well as easy to slip on for midnight toilet runs. Bringing a lightweight backpacking chair also was a gamechanger.
Ditto - I have Crocs Swiftwater Wave Sandals... look a little better than traditional Crocs and are comfortable enough I could hike out in them if something happened to my regular shoes. Drain water & dry like crazy.
Might i also suggest wrapping your poles with 30cm/ 1 odd ft of paracord. For emergencies, Broken shoe laces, tent stringers or peg loops. Theyre also handy for poking sneks out of the way.
@@rockytopwrangler2069 Well i have 1 thats paracord wrapped, the other does have the old grey tape wrapped around it. The med bottle does have some tape wrapped around it as well.
100% endorse the recommendation for trekking poles. They are a game changer, especially when you’re starting to fatigue or need a little support to *ahem* squat.
I am in the “50 and over” old man’s club….so I get to use as many trekking poles as I want and carry as many chairs as I want and not have to feel any tough man shame.
If I'm backpacking or canoeing in places with variable weather (especially if it might be cold and wet) I bring another set of clothes so I have something dry to change into at camp. I then put the wet ones on the next day when I'm moving. Hit sub-zero (C/32F) weather on a rainy day in the Rockies and this approach kept hypothermia at bay.
Ugh, the Cascades in BC, Washington, and Oregon do the same thing, stocking right at freezing and then raining. But this is where fleece shines, you can dry out a fleece as you move during the day.
Totally agree on all these. In my climate I have the clothes on me plus rain gear, an extra pair of socks, and long underwear top and bottom. I put the backup socks on and long underwear for bed to keep my sleeping bag clean and they're my insulation in case the weather turns cold.
I have silk underwear, long johns and shirt and thin socks that I wear during nights, they weigh about 6 oz combined. The other set of underwear, for daytime, I can wash in the evening when needed and dry in the vestibule during the night, they usually are dry or very nearly dry by the next morning. With an extra pair of socks in the mix, my changes of clothes weigh in at well under half a pound. My other clothing are complementary and intended to use in layers depending on conditions, and their combined weight is about 2 pounds in the backpack when the weather allow me to wear the minimal amount of clothes on my body. Of course, winter hikes makes for heavier clothes, but that is my standard clothing for pretty much every trip I take when I expect no freezing condition, at least not during the days. I have been out with friends who bring nearly that weight in clothes changes for every day!
One important note for people in the uk (and I assume much of Europe) is that the Sawyer water filters do not fit most of our single use bottles. Not even the smartwater bottles. I've currently only found two in the uk that do fit.
Hey Dan my wife and I love your Chanel, my wife is new to hyking and she loves it you have helped out so much with sleeping mats and other great hints and tips so a big thanks from us down under western Australia, your great at honesty about products and common sense with hyking ideas thank you 😊
I hiked 120 miles on Isle Royale in 4 year old Low-top Kobe basketball shoes through mud, knee-deep puddles, and forest. I was the only one who didn't get blisters. DAN IS RIGHT!
Similiar story. Bought new fancy Altras trailrunners for a 440km hike. When testing them on a weekend hike out I got so bad blisters I almost couldn't walk. (they were a bit big). Had to resort to my 10 year old nobrand hiking boots I got on outlet for 35$. Well, they don't have any grip left, they are heavy, they take ages to dry and don't keep water out. But well. No blisters. There is almost no cushion left however so I think this is the year I will scrap them sadly. Hopefully my new Brooks trailrunners will do the job better.
I do bring extra clothes, especially socks. While I don't plan to change into them, it comes in clutch when you get wet. In warm summer weather hiking in wet clothes isn't too bad, but when the temperature drops you want to get dry once on, especially once you're at camp and not generating as much body heat anymore.
Stakes. I agree with the stakes...had a tough time finding the larger/medium size because the small version were too small. I went thru several versions until I found the lightweight msr stakes that worked. Sea to summit makes a"msr" style stake that are excellent. Shoes-right on. Will add recommendation ...break in shoes before your hike by walking in a fully loaded backpack to make sure the shoes are a good fit. I broke in 5 pair of shoes for my PCT thru hike. Sprained my ankle early on and thought...."I need a new pair of shoes"...Huge, huge mistake. Blisters so bad I ended up off trail for 8 days...Went back to the shoes with better inserts for structural support. Required carrying insert options for 100 miles or so...but, was well worth it. Bottom line..wear broken in shoes...don't wear new shoes when heading out or starting your hike, don't change shoes while on trail. Coffee...just like "hike your own hike". "drink your own coffee" ...dunkin donuts coffee rocks. Clothes-I add 3 pairs of socks for 85 to 100 mile hikes. 2 pair for 50 mile hikes...only added shirt light weight shorts, light weight shirt..rarely use my puffy because my super lightweight fleese does the job. Trekking poles...what about ultra light treking poles? Pros and cons.. Water bottles- smart water bottles are great. I save the flip tops and alays use flip tops. I also use a cnoc bag for collecting water and then filter with sawyer squeeze into my water bottles. CNOC bag had to be replaced often due to pin hole leaks... Bummer. Hope CNOC improves the hole problem. Any reommendations for water collection bags. the sawyer squeeze bags are aweful. I would never use a bag you could not see through. Would love to see a video on backpack changes that are needed on long haul hikes and how to handle the changes...for example, the importance of hip belts and sizing for the load carry. I lost 20lbs during the first 700 miles of my thru hike. It took 3 backpacks to dial in a pack that offered excellent cust service and expertise, and a backpack that could change hip belts during journey and to meet weight reqirements, equipment changes dring a hike (ie bear cans, water carries... i have yet to see a video about this. Could have saved bunch of money and a severr shoulder injury had I known what to consider when choosing your backpack for a thru hike... App...Farout rocks. fyi, as a small woman, 5 feet tall, small torso 16", who lost 20lbs over 700 miles I had all these challenges...I discovered ULA Circuit accommodated all these changes. And ULA's cust service and response was off the charts excellent. I have been watching your videos for well over a year. Love your content. Thank you.
Although I even re-treated my rain gear before I left, I soaked threw two sets of base layers on my last trip. Kodiak Island Alaska. I had nothing dry and had to hitch into town to find a laundromat to dry my clothes. I was at serious risk of hypothermia. I wish I had one more set of clothes.
I'm more a car camper than anything else these days, so I'm not worried about weight, but I changed out my flimsy stakes for heavy and solid 12 inch stakes. Had to do this because most areas I camp are rock covered and really need to ensure they stay in place. Agree about the footwear. I'm used to wearing boots and usually am on my feet at work, on concrete every day, so I do wear them while camping too. Not worried about having tired legs since - car camper. I do walk the areas where I parked, but not miles of walking. Spare clothes. Keep an emergency pack in SUV which includes, shelter, food, clothes, blankets, etc. Also own carbon-fiber treking poles. No brainer there. I enjoy the videos, so keep up the good work.
Changed over to Fizan trekking poles several years ago and could not be happier. Been through all types of terrain with them and they take it all in stride 👍
I have used my Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 tent for 6 years now and love the stakes that came with it. Have never bent one yet nor had one pull out. I go backpacking all over Utah and in Idaho. They are great stakes!
You should make a video on different ways to lace and tie your shoes. There are a lot of different knots for tying, which I find pretty interesting. There are other ways to lace too, which use different holes or different loops. You'll need to do some research for it, but it would be worth your time. Look into the running community for more information. I use something called a "heal lock" and it's amazing.
Man I already do most of this. That’s awesome. I love my smart water bottle. Always bring water friendly flip flops so if I have to cross water and wear them until my feet dry. F no I don’t change clothes. I’m going to stink anyway. 😂 I do admit I don’t use trekking poles. Mainly because I have my kids all the time and I’m always holding their hands. I need 4 hands so I can get it all done. Ha
Can't beat the MSR Groundhogs. Clothing I take what I am wearing and one extra set packed with me. My backpacking trips are sections or several week long canoeing ones. I always leave a clean set in the vehicle for when I return to it. That's the clean up and de-stink time before getting a motel room. Motel owners like to rent rooms to someone who does not look like a pile of dirt and smell like a skunk.
A note on the shoes: he's not saying to never buy new shoes. Just wear the new ones on a handful of day hikes or whatever before embarking on a multi day journey.
I love the MSR Groundhog stakes. They don't even need to go in the ground deep to hold up in rocky soil. I bought a set of 8 about 15 years ago, misplaced them, bought 8 more, found the originals, and I wasn't even upset about it. I keep a set with my tent and the others I have for miscellaneous uses, including my hammock tarp or to use with my car camping tent. I originally got them because they were lighter than the steel hooks that came with my first tent. Clothes. I still bring a shirt and an extra pair of socks for sleeping. It's more comfortable than skin against my bag. I might bring a second pair of underwear for sleeping in as well if I'm out long enough. But there's nothing like a dry shirt when that evening cold rolls in. I may change my mind on this when I get a chance to switch from a nylon shirt to wool.
Hi Dan, I really appreciate your vids, humor and excellent advice. Literally as I was watching this I was unpacking my new Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3. The first thing I see is a card hanging off it saying they have replaced their subpar stakes that EVERYONE dislikes with Dirt Dagger I think your voice carries weight. But, on the same order I got some titanium stakes just in-case. We'll see how the Daggers go! Thanks again.
I really like your videos, I rarely learn something new but I get confirmation that I'm doing the right things :) I work at an outdoor store and basicly own one of everything, but 90% of the gear I bring hiking is the exact same gear you bring, only difference is I use the smaller groundhog stakes unless is very loose soil or snow.
build or buy a smokeless fire pit and never look back! Solostove makes a "Yukon" fire pit that is perfect for a good size fire ring like that. no more smoke, and all the heat!
To the part about new shoes : a lot of the trail runners by altra/ hoka, and even in personal experience with Solomon’s, the break in period is virtually no time, bought a pair of Soloman XUltra 4s on the way to the White Mountains and climbed perfect the next day, boots are a way heavier break in period for sure
One nice thing about bladders is you can drink hands-free while using your trecking poles. You can also use a sawyer mini to filtered water into it through the hose and never need to remove the bladder. Also there's an easy to get to pocket in the pack for them. I never take anything out of my pack. Is a waterbottle really much lighter than a bladder? At least the smartwater brand is BPA Free though. Definitely use that and not a soda bottle for health reasons if you're going to be reusing it
Since Army time i use some long nails for stakes. They usually don't bend, it doesn't matter if you loose some because they are really cheap and you can use them for... well... nailing ^^
I agree with everything except the clothes. I have to bring a set of extra base layer/sleep clothes...I want a set of "cleaner" clothes and socks to sleep in. Oh and I now bring along two of those shepherd's hook titanium stakes to cook shisk-a-bobs...that is about all they are good for. I have my lines attached to my ground hawgs so I can use them for multiple set-ups
Yeah the extra base layer is a must have imo. The biggest reason being there's no such thing as waterproof clothing you need to be able to get dry at the end of the day, or earlier if you get too cold. You just have to do the uncomfortable thing and put the wet set back on when you get moving again.
Honestly, I did upgrade all my stakes to the DAC aluminum ones. I have never had one come out and I have hammered them into some seriously rocky terrain that have destroyed many other pegs. I live and camp in an area where we are no stranger to high winds and those pegs have held up like a champ. Not one of those Dac pegs have came out in the wind or break under the abuse.
I disagree with the DAC J-Stake...I would love to see you bend one. Also if you set them correctly they never move. Been using the same four for 8 years now.
Re:clothing I like to bring a set for sleeping in to make sure that my sleeping clothes will always be 100% dry. I don't always bring them in the summer, but I do a lot of shoulder season camping and like to bring them then. Other than that, one spare pair of socks, one spare pair of underwear.
The best stakes are the ones that come with the Nemo hornet tent... not sure about the details on them, but they have never bent on me and they're super light weight.
Apps that offer a one-time purchase plan are things I will consider. Anything that is subscription based is a lead balloon out of the gate - I don’t care how good it is, I simply won’t use it. Period. (And don’t point to my inReach and say I’m playing both sides - the inReach service is a SERVICE, not an app. The app that works with it is actually free.)
I agree that good stakes are good. But somehow I always opt for self carved ones. Just takes a few minutes and the weight is zero. Also: did you know there are drinking attachments for plastic bottles? They combine the advantages of bladders and bottles. And i think that there is much much more to suitable shoes than just the tread. Hiking all day with a heavy pack over rough terrain can result in damage to your feet and ankles. It is very important to break your shoes in before going on a long hike. But it is also very important to have good hiking shoes with proper dampening, ankle protection and more. In fact I would say it's the single most important piece of equipment. If anybody would want to go hiking and only has the budget to get one thing, I'd say buy good hiking shoes.
I brought some MSR ground hog stakes and binned them. You cannot punch them in the hard ground with your trainer or hand. I went back to regular thick Shepard’s hook tent pegs with ball bungee spacers, so easy to push in the ground, and easier to remove.
The biggest problem with water bladders is that you have no idea when you are going to run dry. After a stretch on the Florida Trail where I wound up hiking 5 miles without a sip to drink and no water sources along the way, I will never use a bladder again. With a bottle, you know you are running low so you'll never skip that last water source - and you'll know to ration appropriately.
Dan, I did my first backpacking trip with my kids this summer. And because I’ve heard it recommended by you, I down loaded the OnX back country navigation app. It was an incredible struggle to figure it out. I couldn’t figure out how to lay out our planned trip with our planned waypoints know the distance and figure out if there were any extras tagged by the App, water etc., on the trail. Maybe I’m just technologically challenged. But I know that you recommend it very highly. I would love for you to do a very nerdy very boring (so somehow I feel like you’ll be able to spice it up a little) “how to” basics for OnX.
I'm ride or die with the trekking poles! They're fantastic when crossing rivers & streams when you don't necessarily have something to reach out and steady yourself with. Dude. If you don't have them, go pick up a cheap-o pair at Academy or wherever, try them, become a convert, then pass them along to a newbie when you upgrade. Also Dan, where do you live that you're wearing long sleeves and having fires in the middle of July? We're frying down here in Galveston!
Lol I brought an entire set of extra clothing on my first backpacking trip. Was only a weekend trip thankfully, 18 miles along the AT, so I didn't carry that extra weight for too long but can confirm that I didn't change clothes during the trip.
We were at trivia at a bar the other night and there was a show on one of the TVs and I was like "Hey, that's Dan Becker!" No one with me knew who you were (because none of them are hikers), but I knew, and it was cool. You were hiking in the Badlands in SD.
for backpacking i bring just extra socks and boxers. its generally a good idea to change socks and not use crudy ones to avoid blisters in my experience, boxers are personal choice.
Gaia membership. Never failed me, fraction of battery life needed. Yes I use all trails for some planning but I use Gaia when on trail. Works for road trips too when cell service is bad too.
In my opinion, its smart to carry at least one change of clothes. Could be as minimal as a set of long underwear(top and bottom) and a extra pair of socks. Good to wear at night. Carry a proper change of clothes for thru hikes and save them for town so you can do laundry
I stay so much better hydrated when I use a reservoir than with bottles. I remove the mouthpiece and attach the filter to keep the reservoir inside my pack to refill it. Poles are critical, and I regret it every time I don't take them! I have similar stakes to the MSR Groundhogs that I got on Amazon, and I haven't had any break yet, despite my beating the crap out of them. I totally agree that the ones that come with tents, even expensive tents, suck.,
Easton stakes are awesome as well. Can confirm the groundhog copies are not as strong - they are cheap though, so I don't cry if I bend/break them, I just bring extras.
I definitely bring sleep clothes and a change of underwear. For women, it’s better for us to have a dry semi-clean (when I say that, it just mean that I don’t wear it twice in a row. Keep it dry) underwear to avoid lady issues especially those that are prone.
MSR groundhogs are great stakes, but I used the BA DAC stakes with my Flycreek on an entire thruhike of the PCT and only bent one stake. I wouldn't consider that to be a worthless tent stake. I also used a water bladder on my thruhike and didn't have to remove it to fill it. I just simply remove the mouth piece and slipped the tube on the nipple of the sawyer squeeze. I did that for my entire thruhike.
I would recommend watching a short video on how to actually use trekking poles correctly. Most people aren't holding them properly and actually lose a lot of benefit
A product that I just learned about that I will be testing is a 48oz Nalgene bottle that has a straw kit which make it basically a water bladder. I was mostly interested in it because the few bladders I have had, always taste like plastic, no matter how I clean them or clean them with. So a Nalgene that I already know and love should not do this. So you get the best of both worlds. Very excited to try it out.
Paria Outdoor Products Spiral Y beams are just as good as MSR Groundhogs. Their needle stakes are better for most backpacking trips as they work in rocky soil conditions and are only 0.35oz. I used these to replace the stakes that come with ny X-Mid tents. The Paria snow and sand stakes works great on the beach and for winter camping.
Always extra clothes. I hike in long sleeve hoodie even at 100 degrees. And its a nasty sweaty mess when I hit camp so a dry shirt helps. Second on a thru hike gotta change into something on laundry day. As for the water bottle this was a big change and I wont go back to bladder. With a bladder its a guess of level. With bottle its an instant feed back on how much I drank, have left and if I need to hit this water hole or can I get to next one. Also a bottle is a liter vs 3 on my bladder thus adding mixes is easier and taste better
Great video. Lots of great information. I really appreciate this. A lot to think about. I use MSR stakes as my back up and I camp in bed rock in north woods Algoma Ontario where there is no soil. I have those Fizan poles but I have not used them yet so I can't comment. Have to comment though that I am more of a canoe squatter in the bush than a backpacker.
a good water bottle trick is to fill a 2L with boiling water. the heat causes it to shrink and make the plastic thicker. ends up over 1L and is nearly indestructible. just be careful with the boiling water part!
MSR stakes are amazing, I have 3 sets, not one has bent or broken, NOT one! Ive tried all the knock off, i know my metals but Im always in the hopes that I can find a knock off thats cheaper and just as good, so far nope
I too have brought a lot of first time backpackers (yes, they were kids - Scouts, but still...) one of my *rules* is you must bring a change of socks, and ideally swap them every day. Even here in Cal, your feet get hot from hiking, feet sweat, feet rub in socks in the same place every day - you've got problems. Swapping your pair of socks every day keeps them fresh. I bring that same attitude to underwear and shirts... unless it's just overnight. 3 day trip to 8 day trip: change of socks, underwear, shirt. 1 pair of convertible pants for the whole trip, swim trunks for trips with lakes etc that I can hike in if something happens to the pants. I also bring a thin pair of liner socks for days that are going to have big descents, it's the downhill days that give me foot issues.
I agree with you on that one, recomending people only bring one pair of socks is some of the worst advice ive ever heard, one pair of clothing fine if the weather is going to be alright, 1 pair of underware ok i guess, you might get crotch rot but youll make it home, 1 pair of socks for anything more than a day or two is asking for trouble, if your feet start going down best case you get home and your feet are blistered and potentialy rotting, worst case youve wasted mountain rescues time because you tried to save an ounce or two worth of weight and couldent walk home
We grabbed a bunch of those tent stakes based on one of your other videos. I also agree about the smart water bottles..I never knew how much I have left in my bladder.
Just to add to the comment about shoes - you can tell them they can get new shoes but do it in advance so they can break them in. Not sure I would be crossing creaks barefoot. Maybe use water shoes/crocs. Agreed on the clothes thing except to bring clean clothes to sleep in. Clothes you have bean sweating in all day don’t do great at keeping you warm at night. I learned the hard way. Really important when it’s cold at camp. But other than that and new socks for each day (of a weekend trip) you should just have camp clothes and hiking clothes IMHO. Keep the good videos coming.
I’m all about less clothing but I still bring dry socks, pants, and shirt so I don’t have to be naked around the fire if I get drenched and get to be shivering but I typically stay in the same clothes as long as they are fine.
I LOVE MSR Groundhog stakes. I had one break but it was really cold, the ground was hard, and I had to kick it multiple times to get it out. Other than that, absolutely great!
I bring proteinrich foods like eggs, airdried meets, nuts and salamis. A bit heavier, but you dont get hungry as quickly compared to eating freezedried foods.
There's an attachment that can be hooked up to your water hose for your water to refill the bladder without taking it out. It takes some practice but it works. It's made by an Israeli company.
I love my ruta locura 9 inch carbon stakes. And technically aluminum is half the density of titanium and half the breaking strength, creating parts which are surprisingly similar in terms of performance/weight characteristics as titanium. Aluminum kinda sucks for cookware because of heat expansion and pitting in acidic environments, which is why titanium has become a gold standard for lightweight cookware.
I'm just going to add this, if you are hiking in a state that is agricultural, you need to be 100 percent sure you water sources aren't field tiles. Many rivers and lakes seem fine but are fueled from fields draining, making them full of chemical runoff
I get the fake tent stakes from Walmart. Yes sometimes they break after a season of use, but they're a buck a piece. They're not gonna break mid-campout.
There's no such thing as a waterproof shoe you can put your foot into unless it has a silicone or neoprene gasket around your ankle. So DO NOT waste your money on waterproof hiking shoes unless you will be mostly hiking above the snow line and do not expect to do any water crossings. For all other hiking, well VENTILATED shoes are far superior to "waterproof". "Waterproof" shoes just take longer to dry out, but your feet still get wet, plus since they do not breath well, your feet are likely to get wet just from the sweat. On the flipside, well ventilated shoes will dry out SO MUCH faster.
Not sure about Smart water bottles but I would be cautious in using same disposable water bottles for many times as the tiny plastic particles may start breaking off the surface over time and cause health problems. There was some research done on this recently.
Somthing about trekking poles not mentioned before: it makes it really easy to set up a tarp. I hiked 10 days in Norway and the guys and gals with trekking poles würde always so much quicker at setting up their tarps
The point about the clothes, yes dont bring extra t shirts and trousers etc. But on my first ever camping trip which I did solo (UK in mid June for context), I would have been screwed if I didn't bring the Thermal base layer trousers as it got pretty cold during the night and my sleeping bag was some cheap 250 GSM synthetic filling. I also had to put on my hat to keep warm. All I brought for clothing was 1 extra pair of underwear, 1 pair of socks and the thermal leggings (I figured for upper body if I was cold I could just put on my jacket). I also brought a packaway waterproof jacket. I have also changed my casual joggers to waterprooof/resistant trousers since then. I might give the trekking poles a try though as I weigh roughly 60kg and my backpack fully loaded with food and water was about 12KG (following the 20% rule) and my legs were still sore the next day after only a small 2-3 hr total hike. ( was a test run for the bigger mountains in UK)
I got a ton of the MSR Groundhog knock offs with my Paria Bryce 1p tent. They seem to be just fine. Only used the tent 3 times so far though tbh. They gave me like 20 of 'em with the tent for some reason.
Not sure why people hate on the water bladder? I have always removed the bite valve attached water filer and filled bladder. Not even removing the backpack in the process.
My first trip out with my MSR groundhogs I had to hammer one in the ground, and I couldn't get it out when it was time to go. Legend has it that tent stake is still there and whoever pulls it out will be the king of the boy scout reserve.
I always bring sleep clothing to have something dry to put on. Has saved me from hypothermia more than once, and also just a good morale booster at night. Worth the minimal weight!
Def agree in cold / wet climates. Essential emergency items.
and helps keep your sleeping bag cleaner by not wearing dirty hiking clothes in it
@@26parma main reason I do this. A clean bag works better and lasts longer...
💯 happier sleeping dry. Also having another pair of something to cover your butt really helps with chafing and gives you the option to swim in a lake or keeps mosquitoes 🦟 from biting your haunches 🍑 in a swarm to the car.
Agreed, I rarely bring a change of hiking clothes, but I do bring sleeping clothes. A shirt and some shorts/pants aren't much of a weight penalty for comfort and sleep is important.
Trekking poles are probably the biggest game charger I ever included. I used to think they were nerdy, like many others probably, but after using them the first time they will never be passed over again. It just makes the hike so much more comfortable, you basically can lean on something with every step you take. It just gives your body and muscles a little help carrying the load. I'm from FL and usually never hike here cause I think the scenery is pretty repetitive, but I didn't bring my poles on a recent trip cause I figured, "Eh, it's flat, I won't need em." Again, I regretted it, the poles make a difference going up, going down, and going flat. Won't make that mistake again on anymore overnight hikes.
And it helps if they’re used properly (exerting force to propel forward rather than just straight into the ground). So many buses for them outside of walking too
Agreed except I've once hiked 26kms along an old rail line, it was so flat I regretted bringing my poles. The only time 😂
lol same i thought they were nerdy but then i realized nerds are smart
My trekking poles have saved me from possible death, or at least a trip to the ER on multiple occasions. Won’t ever leave home without them.
I literally just got a pair today. Hoping it’s worth it!
You're 100% right on the MSR Groundhogs and the trekking poles. A couple of other changes I made that make all the difference: I bring Crocs instead of water shoes. They can be used as water shoes and they're lighter; they're great for camp as well as easy to slip on for midnight toilet runs. Bringing a lightweight backpacking chair also was a gamechanger.
Ditto - I have Crocs Swiftwater Wave Sandals... look a little better than traditional Crocs and are comfortable enough I could hike out in them if something happened to my regular shoes. Drain water & dry like crazy.
Your idea is correct, your choice of crocs leaves room for improvement.
Might i also suggest wrapping your poles with 30cm/ 1 odd ft of paracord. For emergencies, Broken shoe laces, tent stringers or peg loops. Theyre also handy for poking sneks out of the way.
... good tip .. kinda making poles deco with para cord ,, duct tape at a quick repair grab without having to dig in your pack ..
@@rockytopwrangler2069 Well i have 1 thats paracord wrapped, the other does have the old grey tape wrapped around it. The med bottle does have some tape wrapped around it as well.
@@goonbuggy1135 ...👍... Be Prepared ...
@@rockytopwrangler2069 Well i used to be a boy scout, til that erm institution fell into disrepute.
Those pesky sneks.
I thought Harry Potter exterminated them all.
100% endorse the recommendation for trekking poles. They are a game changer, especially when you’re starting to fatigue or need a little support to *ahem* squat.
I am in the “50 and over” old man’s club….so I get to use as many trekking poles as I want and carry as many chairs as I want and not have to feel any tough man shame.
If I'm backpacking or canoeing in places with variable weather (especially if it might be cold and wet) I bring another set of clothes so I have something dry to change into at camp. I then put the wet ones on the next day when I'm moving. Hit sub-zero (C/32F) weather on a rainy day in the Rockies and this approach kept hypothermia at bay.
Yup, sub zero in the rain sucks big time. It's the only time I bring extra clothes.
Ugh, the Cascades in BC, Washington, and Oregon do the same thing, stocking right at freezing and then raining. But this is where fleece shines, you can dry out a fleece as you move during the day.
Totally agree on all these. In my climate I have the clothes on me plus rain gear, an extra pair of socks, and long underwear top and bottom. I put the backup socks on and long underwear for bed to keep my sleeping bag clean and they're my insulation in case the weather turns cold.
I have silk underwear, long johns and shirt and thin socks that I wear during nights, they weigh about 6 oz combined.
The other set of underwear, for daytime, I can wash in the evening when needed and dry in the vestibule during the night, they usually are dry or very nearly dry by the next morning.
With an extra pair of socks in the mix, my changes of clothes weigh in at well under half a pound.
My other clothing are complementary and intended to use in layers depending on conditions, and their combined weight is about 2 pounds in the backpack when the weather allow me to wear the minimal amount of clothes on my body.
Of course, winter hikes makes for heavier clothes, but that is my standard clothing for pretty much every trip I take when I expect no freezing condition, at least not during the days.
I have been out with friends who bring nearly that weight in clothes changes for every day!
One important note for people in the uk (and I assume much of Europe) is that the Sawyer water filters do not fit most of our single use bottles.
Not even the smartwater bottles.
I've currently only found two in the uk that do fit.
Hey Dan my wife and I love your Chanel, my wife is new to hyking and she loves it you have helped out so much with sleeping mats and other great hints and tips so a big thanks from us down under western Australia, your great at honesty about products and common sense with hyking ideas thank you 😊
Wear bamboo or merino wool base layer. Both are odor resistant
I hiked 120 miles on Isle Royale in 4 year old Low-top Kobe basketball shoes through mud, knee-deep puddles, and forest. I was the only one who didn't get blisters. DAN IS RIGHT!
Similiar story. Bought new fancy Altras trailrunners for a 440km hike. When testing them on a weekend hike out I got so bad blisters I almost couldn't walk. (they were a bit big).
Had to resort to my 10 year old nobrand hiking boots I got on outlet for 35$. Well, they don't have any grip left, they are heavy, they take ages to dry and don't keep water out. But well. No blisters. There is almost no cushion left however so I think this is the year I will scrap them sadly. Hopefully my new Brooks trailrunners will do the job better.
I do bring extra clothes, especially socks. While I don't plan to change into them, it comes in clutch when you get wet.
In warm summer weather hiking in wet clothes isn't too bad, but when the temperature drops you want to get dry once on, especially once you're at camp and not generating as much body heat anymore.
Stakes. I agree with the stakes...had a tough time finding the larger/medium size because the small version were too small. I went thru several versions until I found the lightweight msr stakes that worked. Sea to summit makes a"msr" style stake that are excellent.
Shoes-right on. Will add recommendation ...break in shoes before your hike by walking in a fully loaded backpack to make sure the shoes are a good fit. I broke in 5 pair of shoes for my PCT thru hike. Sprained my ankle early on and thought...."I need a new pair of shoes"...Huge, huge mistake. Blisters so bad I ended up off trail for 8 days...Went back to the shoes with better inserts for structural support. Required carrying insert options for 100 miles or so...but, was well worth it. Bottom line..wear broken in shoes...don't wear new shoes when heading out or starting your hike, don't change shoes while on trail.
Coffee...just like "hike your own hike". "drink your own coffee" ...dunkin donuts coffee rocks.
Clothes-I add 3 pairs of socks for 85 to 100 mile hikes. 2 pair for 50 mile hikes...only added shirt light weight shorts, light weight shirt..rarely use my puffy because my super lightweight fleese does the job.
Trekking poles...what about ultra light treking poles? Pros and cons..
Water bottles- smart water bottles are great. I save the flip tops and alays use flip tops. I also use a cnoc bag for collecting water and then filter with sawyer squeeze into my water bottles. CNOC bag had to be replaced often due to pin hole leaks... Bummer. Hope CNOC improves the hole problem. Any reommendations for water collection bags. the sawyer squeeze bags are aweful. I would never use a bag you could not see through.
Would love to see a video on backpack changes that are needed on long haul hikes and how to handle the changes...for example, the importance of hip belts and sizing for the load carry. I lost 20lbs during the first 700 miles of my thru hike. It took 3 backpacks to dial in a pack that offered excellent cust service and expertise, and a backpack that could change hip belts during journey and to meet weight reqirements, equipment changes dring a hike (ie bear cans, water carries... i have yet to see a video about this. Could have saved bunch of money and a severr shoulder injury had I known what to consider when choosing your backpack for a thru hike...
App...Farout rocks.
fyi, as a small woman, 5 feet tall, small torso 16", who lost 20lbs over 700 miles I had all these challenges...I discovered ULA Circuit accommodated all these changes. And ULA's cust service and response was off the charts excellent.
I have been watching your videos for well over a year.
Love your content.
Thank you.
I always use those flimsy metal stakes because I don't know better. Yes it works but they are bending like hell🤣
Bringing something light to sleep in and hanging your clothes works great! I drive a truck for a living and sometimes use this trick.
Although I even re-treated my rain gear before I left, I soaked threw two sets of base layers on my last trip. Kodiak Island Alaska. I had nothing dry and had to hitch into town to find a laundromat to dry my clothes. I was at serious risk of hypothermia. I wish I had one more set of clothes.
Keep one set dry, do the uncomfortable thing and put the wet set back on when you get moving again.
I sprained my ankle on a backpack and it was a life saver to have my trekking poles to get through the day!
I'm more a car camper than anything else these days, so I'm not worried about weight, but I changed out my flimsy stakes for heavy and solid 12 inch stakes. Had to do this because most areas I camp are rock covered and really need to ensure they stay in place. Agree about the footwear. I'm used to wearing boots and usually am on my feet at work, on concrete every day, so I do wear them while camping too. Not worried about having tired legs since - car camper. I do walk the areas where I parked, but not miles of walking. Spare clothes. Keep an emergency pack in SUV which includes, shelter, food, clothes, blankets, etc. Also own carbon-fiber treking poles. No brainer there.
I enjoy the videos, so keep up the good work.
Changed over to Fizan trekking poles several years ago and could not be happier. Been through all types of terrain with them and they take it all in stride 👍
Wow!
I think I can honestly say I have never camped on grass on a backpacking trip.
Lookie how those stakes just go right in!
I have used my Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 tent for 6 years now and love the stakes that came with it. Have never bent one yet nor had one pull out. I go backpacking all over Utah and in Idaho. They are great stakes!
I agree. I have a fly creek I used for many, many trips. Like 200+ nights with the standard stakes and never had them bend. Never had a problem.
You should make a video on different ways to lace and tie your shoes. There are a lot of different knots for tying, which I find pretty interesting. There are other ways to lace too, which use different holes or different loops. You'll need to do some research for it, but it would be worth your time. Look into the running community for more information. I use something called a "heal lock" and it's amazing.
Heel lock has saved my heels!
Man I already do most of this. That’s awesome. I love my smart water bottle. Always bring water friendly flip flops so if I have to cross water and wear them until my feet dry. F no I don’t change clothes. I’m going to stink anyway. 😂 I do admit I don’t use trekking poles. Mainly because I have my kids all the time and I’m always holding their hands. I need 4 hands so I can get it all done. Ha
Can't beat the MSR Groundhogs. Clothing I take what I am wearing and one extra set packed with me. My backpacking trips are sections or several week long canoeing ones. I always leave a clean set in the vehicle for when I return to it. That's the clean up and de-stink time before getting a motel room. Motel owners like to rent rooms to someone who does not look like a pile of dirt and smell like a skunk.
A note on the shoes: he's not saying to never buy new shoes. Just wear the new ones on a handful of day hikes or whatever before embarking on a multi day journey.
Lol. Thanks for clearing that up.
Heh, true that.
I love the MSR Groundhog stakes. They don't even need to go in the ground deep to hold up in rocky soil. I bought a set of 8 about 15 years ago, misplaced them, bought 8 more, found the originals, and I wasn't even upset about it. I keep a set with my tent and the others I have for miscellaneous uses, including my hammock tarp or to use with my car camping tent. I originally got them because they were lighter than the steel hooks that came with my first tent.
Clothes. I still bring a shirt and an extra pair of socks for sleeping. It's more comfortable than skin against my bag. I might bring a second pair of underwear for sleeping in as well if I'm out long enough. But there's nothing like a dry shirt when that evening cold rolls in. I may change my mind on this when I get a chance to switch from a nylon shirt to wool.
Hi Dan, I really appreciate your vids, humor and excellent advice. Literally as I was watching this I was unpacking my new Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3. The first thing I see is a card hanging off it saying they have replaced their subpar stakes that EVERYONE dislikes with Dirt Dagger I think your voice carries weight. But, on the same order I got some titanium stakes just in-case. We'll see how the Daggers go! Thanks again.
I really like your videos, I rarely learn something new but I get confirmation that I'm doing the right things :)
I work at an outdoor store and basicly own one of everything, but 90% of the gear I bring hiking is the exact same gear you bring, only difference is I use the smaller groundhog stakes unless is very loose soil or snow.
build or buy a smokeless fire pit and never look back! Solostove makes a "Yukon" fire pit that is perfect for a good size fire ring like that. no more smoke, and all the heat!
To the part about new shoes : a lot of the trail runners by altra/ hoka, and even in personal experience with Solomon’s, the break in period is virtually no time, bought a pair of Soloman XUltra 4s on the way to the White Mountains and climbed perfect the next day, boots are a way heavier break in period for sure
One nice thing about bladders is you can drink hands-free while using your trecking poles. You can also use a sawyer mini to filtered water into it through the hose and never need to remove the bladder. Also there's an easy to get to pocket in the pack for them. I never take anything out of my pack. Is a waterbottle really much lighter than a bladder? At least the smartwater brand is BPA Free though. Definitely use that and not a soda bottle for health reasons if you're going to be reusing it
Since Army time i use some long nails for stakes. They usually don't bend, it doesn't matter if you loose some because they are really cheap and you can use them for... well... nailing ^^
I agree with everything except the clothes. I have to bring a set of extra base layer/sleep clothes...I want a set of "cleaner" clothes and socks to sleep in. Oh and I now bring along two of those shepherd's hook titanium stakes to cook shisk-a-bobs...that is about all they are good for. I have my lines attached to my ground hawgs so I can use them for multiple set-ups
Yeah the extra base layer is a must have imo. The biggest reason being there's no such thing as waterproof clothing you need to be able to get dry at the end of the day, or earlier if you get too cold. You just have to do the uncomfortable thing and put the wet set back on when you get moving again.
I also use my trekking poles as tentpoles for my tarp. For weight reduction I use a tarp instead of a tent.
Honestly, I did upgrade all my stakes to the DAC aluminum ones. I have never had one come out and I have hammered them into some seriously rocky terrain that have destroyed many other pegs. I live and camp in an area where we are no stranger to high winds and those pegs have held up like a champ. Not one of those Dac pegs have came out in the wind or break under the abuse.
Awesome to know. I just got some to replace the ones that came with my tents. Can’t wait to put them to the test.
Those DAC stakes are way better, tougher aluminum than those MSR Y pegs. Agree.
I disagree with the DAC J-Stake...I would love to see you bend one. Also if you set them correctly they never move. Been using the same four for 8 years now.
Re:clothing
I like to bring a set for sleeping in to make sure that my sleeping clothes will always be 100% dry. I don't always bring them in the summer, but I do a lot of shoulder season camping and like to bring them then.
Other than that, one spare pair of socks, one spare pair of underwear.
The best stakes are the ones that come with the Nemo hornet tent... not sure about the details on them, but they have never bent on me and they're super light weight.
Apps that offer a one-time purchase plan are things I will consider. Anything that is subscription based is a lead balloon out of the gate - I don’t care how good it is, I simply won’t use it. Period. (And don’t point to my inReach and say I’m playing both sides - the inReach service is a SERVICE, not an app. The app that works with it is actually free.)
I agree that good stakes are good. But somehow I always opt for self carved ones. Just takes a few minutes and the weight is zero. Also: did you know there are drinking attachments for plastic bottles? They combine the advantages of bladders and bottles.
And i think that there is much much more to suitable shoes than just the tread. Hiking all day with a heavy pack over rough terrain can result in damage to your feet and ankles. It is very important to break your shoes in before going on a long hike. But it is also very important to have good hiking shoes with proper dampening, ankle protection and more. In fact I would say it's the single most important piece of equipment. If anybody would want to go hiking and only has the budget to get one thing, I'd say buy good hiking shoes.
I brought some MSR ground hog stakes and binned them. You cannot punch them in the hard ground with your trainer or hand.
I went back to regular thick Shepard’s hook tent pegs with ball bungee spacers, so easy to push in the ground, and easier to remove.
The biggest problem with water bladders is that you have no idea when you are going to run dry. After a stretch on the Florida Trail where I wound up hiking 5 miles without a sip to drink and no water sources along the way, I will never use a bladder again. With a bottle, you know you are running low so you'll never skip that last water source - and you'll know to ration appropriately.
I have used them in the army alot. U get used to reaching behind me and giving it a squeaze. It was a easy habit for me
Seems like I would want to check my supply at any water source. But, I don't like bladders anyway.
Dan, I did my first backpacking trip with my kids this summer. And because I’ve heard it recommended by you, I down loaded the OnX back country navigation app. It was an incredible struggle to figure it out. I couldn’t figure out how to lay out our planned trip with our planned waypoints know the distance and figure out if there were any extras tagged by the App, water etc., on the trail. Maybe I’m just technologically challenged. But I know that you recommend it very highly. I would love for you to do a very nerdy very boring (so somehow I feel like you’ll be able to spice it up a little) “how to” basics for OnX.
I'm ride or die with the trekking poles! They're fantastic when crossing rivers & streams when you don't necessarily have something to reach out and steady yourself with.
Dude. If you don't have them, go pick up a cheap-o pair at Academy or wherever, try them, become a convert, then pass them along to a newbie when you upgrade.
Also Dan, where do you live that you're wearing long sleeves and having fires in the middle of July? We're frying down here in Galveston!
😅 indeed!
Lol I brought an entire set of extra clothing on my first backpacking trip. Was only a weekend trip thankfully, 18 miles along the AT, so I didn't carry that extra weight for too long but can confirm that I didn't change clothes during the trip.
We were at trivia at a bar the other night and there was a show on one of the TVs and I was like "Hey, that's Dan Becker!" No one with me knew who you were (because none of them are hikers), but I knew, and it was cool. You were hiking in the Badlands in SD.
for backpacking i bring just extra socks and boxers. its generally a good idea to change socks and not use crudy ones to avoid blisters in my experience, boxers are personal choice.
👍. Spot on with the trekking poles. Save my face a couple times from a face plant in rocks.
Gaia membership. Never failed me, fraction of battery life needed. Yes I use all trails for some planning but I use Gaia when on trail. Works for road trips too when cell service is bad too.
Rubber stoppers for those poles. A little easier on the rocks and quieter. Off for snow or rain.
Of course I would love it if you did a video on best trails in Wisconsin. Especially any where I could see a Hodag!
In my opinion, its smart to carry at least one change of clothes. Could be as minimal as a set of long underwear(top and bottom) and a extra pair of socks. Good to wear at night. Carry a proper change of clothes for thru hikes and save them for town so you can do laundry
Or do laundry in your rain gear. 😉
I stay so much better hydrated when I use a reservoir than with bottles. I remove the mouthpiece and attach the filter to keep the reservoir inside my pack to refill it. Poles are critical, and I regret it every time I don't take them! I have similar stakes to the MSR Groundhogs that I got on Amazon, and I haven't had any break yet, despite my beating the crap out of them. I totally agree that the ones that come with tents, even expensive tents, suck.,
Extra fresh socks after 8 plus hours of hiking is something to look forward to keeping you warm overnight in the mountains. Crucial!!!
I have 6 different backpacking tents and I have replaced their factory stakes with MSR MIni ground hogs and never had problems again
Same here the mini ground hog are my go 2 peg never had any problems with them
How do you fit that chair in your backpack? It looks really comfortable! 😂 Great video!
It's inflatable only looks like wood, but 🤫 it's a secret lol
@@shawnr6117 Just take my money! 💰
@@john_kelley 😆🤣
Couldn't agree with you more about the stakes. I went through the same experience.
The mini groundhogs are so good. Not worth looking at anything else
I got SEVERAL stakes with my Paria Bryce 1P. They absolutely resemble the MSR groundhog ones I already have!
I love the tent stakes that come with my big Agnes tent!! Super quality and light!!
Easton stakes are awesome as well. Can confirm the groundhog copies are not as strong - they are cheap though, so I don't cry if I bend/break them, I just bring extras.
I definitely bring sleep clothes and a change of underwear. For women, it’s better for us to have a dry semi-clean (when I say that, it just mean that I don’t wear it twice in a row. Keep it dry) underwear to avoid lady issues especially those that are prone.
Oh my goodness yes!
MSR groundhogs are great stakes, but I used the BA DAC stakes with my Flycreek on an entire thruhike of the PCT and only bent one stake. I wouldn't consider that to be a worthless tent stake. I also used a water bladder on my thruhike and didn't have to remove it to fill it. I just simply remove the mouth piece and slipped the tube on the nipple of the sawyer squeeze. I did that for my entire thruhike.
Hurt my knee on day 2 of a 4 day hiking trip, trekking poles saved me and I was able to limp my way out the rest of the 2 days.
I use the screw type tent stakes! Just screw them into the ground and attach the guide lines to them !
I would recommend watching a short video on how to actually use trekking poles correctly.
Most people aren't holding them properly and actually lose a lot of benefit
Follow Bigfoot had a great tutorial a few years back. I agree.
A product that I just learned about that I will be testing is a 48oz Nalgene bottle that has a straw kit which make it basically a water bladder. I was mostly interested in it because the few bladders I have had, always taste like plastic, no matter how I clean them or clean them with. So a Nalgene that I already know and love should not do this. So you get the best of both worlds. Very excited to try it out.
Paria Outdoor Products Spiral Y beams are just as good as MSR Groundhogs.
Their needle stakes are better for most backpacking trips as they work in rocky soil conditions and are only 0.35oz. I used these to replace the stakes that come with ny X-Mid tents.
The Paria snow and sand stakes works great on the beach and for winter camping.
Big fan of the intro music! I'm glad there wasn't background music the whole time, but I thought it was a great way to start the video
Always extra clothes. I hike in long sleeve hoodie even at 100 degrees. And its a nasty sweaty mess when I hit camp so a dry shirt helps. Second on a thru hike gotta change into something on laundry day.
As for the water bottle this was a big change and I wont go back to bladder. With a bladder its a guess of level. With bottle its an instant feed back on how much I drank, have left and if I need to hit this water hole or can I get to next one. Also a bottle is a liter vs 3 on my bladder thus adding mixes is easier and taste better
Great video. Lots of great information. I really appreciate this. A lot to think about. I use MSR stakes as my back up and I camp in bed rock in north woods Algoma Ontario where there is no soil. I have those Fizan poles but I have not used them yet so I can't comment. Have to comment though that I am more of a canoe squatter in the bush than a backpacker.
a good water bottle trick is to fill a 2L with boiling water. the heat causes it to shrink and make the plastic thicker. ends up over 1L and is nearly indestructible. just be careful with the boiling water part!
Cancer?
Just buy a nalgene or similar.
MSR stakes are amazing, I have 3 sets, not one has bent or broken, NOT one! Ive tried all the knock off, i know my metals but Im always in the hopes that I can find a knock off thats cheaper and just as good, so far nope
I too have brought a lot of first time backpackers (yes, they were kids - Scouts, but still...) one of my *rules* is you must bring a change of socks, and ideally swap them every day. Even here in Cal, your feet get hot from hiking, feet sweat, feet rub in socks in the same place every day - you've got problems. Swapping your pair of socks every day keeps them fresh. I bring that same attitude to underwear and shirts... unless it's just overnight. 3 day trip to 8 day trip: change of socks, underwear, shirt. 1 pair of convertible pants for the whole trip, swim trunks for trips with lakes etc that I can hike in if something happens to the pants. I also bring a thin pair of liner socks for days that are going to have big descents, it's the downhill days that give me foot issues.
I agree with you on that one, recomending people only bring one pair of socks is some of the worst advice ive ever heard, one pair of clothing fine if the weather is going to be alright, 1 pair of underware ok i guess, you might get crotch rot but youll make it home, 1 pair of socks for anything more than a day or two is asking for trouble, if your feet start going down best case you get home and your feet are blistered and potentialy rotting, worst case youve wasted mountain rescues time because you tried to save an ounce or two worth of weight and couldent walk home
I loved the groundhogs until I fell and put one thru my hand. Round top stakes from now on for me boss.
Your videos have got to be some of the best, sorry several years ago we got into a negative discussion, you rock.
Those DAC tent stakes are the best! That is an aluminum aloid that is much harder than those MSR Y pegs.
Regarding blisters. The ONLY boot I will ever wear are Mammut boots. Buy em and wear em---no problem.
We grabbed a bunch of those tent stakes based on one of your other videos. I also agree about the smart water bottles..I never knew how much I have left in my bladder.
Just to add to the comment about shoes - you can tell them they can get new shoes but do it in advance so they can break them in. Not sure I would be crossing creaks barefoot. Maybe use water shoes/crocs.
Agreed on the clothes thing except to bring clean clothes to sleep in. Clothes you have bean sweating in all day don’t do great at keeping you warm at night. I learned the hard way. Really important when it’s cold at camp. But other than that and new socks for each day (of a weekend trip) you should just have camp clothes and hiking clothes IMHO.
Keep the good videos coming.
The MSR and Sea to Summit tents both come with great Y stakes. I like the sea to summit even more, I think.
I’m all about less clothing but I still bring dry socks, pants, and shirt so I don’t have to be naked around the fire if I get drenched and get to be shivering but I typically stay in the same clothes as long as they are fine.
Enjoy your videos, not just because they are informative, but also because of your sense of humor. (And also, because you include Emmett.) 😊
I LOVE MSR Groundhog stakes. I had one break but it was really cold, the ground was hard, and I had to kick it multiple times to get it out. Other than that, absolutely great!
I bring proteinrich foods like eggs, airdried meets, nuts and salamis. A bit heavier, but you dont get hungry as quickly compared to eating freezedried foods.
You, me and everyone else.
There's an attachment that can be hooked up to your water hose for your water to refill the bladder without taking it out. It takes some practice but it works. It's made by an Israeli company.
I love my ruta locura 9 inch carbon stakes. And technically aluminum is half the density of titanium and half the breaking strength, creating parts which are surprisingly similar in terms of performance/weight characteristics as titanium. Aluminum kinda sucks for cookware because of heat expansion and pitting in acidic environments, which is why titanium has become a gold standard for lightweight cookware.
I'm just going to add this, if you are hiking in a state that is agricultural, you need to be 100 percent sure you water sources aren't field tiles. Many rivers and lakes seem fine but are fueled from fields draining, making them full of chemical runoff
I quite like the stakes that came with my MSR hubba hubba. I need to get some new ones, I have broken and bent a couple from hammering into rocks.
I get the fake tent stakes from Walmart. Yes sometimes they break after a season of use, but they're a buck a piece. They're not gonna break mid-campout.
There's no such thing as a waterproof shoe you can put your foot into unless it has a silicone or neoprene gasket around your ankle. So DO NOT waste your money on waterproof hiking shoes unless you will be mostly hiking above the snow line and do not expect to do any water crossings. For all other hiking, well VENTILATED shoes are far superior to "waterproof". "Waterproof" shoes just take longer to dry out, but your feet still get wet, plus since they do not breath well, your feet are likely to get wet just from the sweat. On the flipside, well ventilated shoes will dry out SO MUCH faster.
Good choice on the coffee.
Not sure about Smart water bottles but I would be cautious in using same disposable water bottles for many times as the tiny plastic particles may start breaking off the surface over time and cause health problems. There was some research done on this recently.
The tri aluminum stake is a fairly standard item. I guess it depends on the grade. Aluminum is flimsy anyway. You have to be careful regardless
I always pack long John's and socks for sleeping, except maybe in summer, and 1 pair underwear and socks.
Somthing about trekking poles not mentioned before: it makes it really easy to set up a tarp. I hiked 10 days in Norway and the guys and gals with trekking poles würde always so much quicker at setting up their tarps
The point about the clothes, yes dont bring extra t shirts and trousers etc. But on my first ever camping trip which I did solo (UK in mid June for context), I would have been screwed if I didn't bring the Thermal base layer trousers as it got pretty cold during the night and my sleeping bag was some cheap 250 GSM synthetic filling. I also had to put on my hat to keep warm.
All I brought for clothing was 1 extra pair of underwear, 1 pair of socks and the thermal leggings (I figured for upper body if I was cold I could just put on my jacket).
I also brought a packaway waterproof jacket.
I have also changed my casual joggers to waterprooof/resistant trousers since then.
I might give the trekking poles a try though as I weigh roughly 60kg and my backpack fully loaded with food and water was about 12KG (following the 20% rule) and my legs were still sore the next day after only a small 2-3 hr total hike. ( was a test run for the bigger mountains in UK)
I got a ton of the MSR Groundhog knock offs with my Paria Bryce 1p tent. They seem to be just fine. Only used the tent 3 times so far though tbh. They gave me like 20 of 'em with the tent for some reason.
Not sure why people hate on the water bladder? I have always removed the bite valve attached water filer and filled bladder. Not even removing the backpack in the process.