I'm 30 and to be honest, I only recently started to use trekking poles and I love them, they make hikes more accessible and comfortable to me when hiking with fitter people or on harder routes. I have chronic pain and these save me from a lot of additional pain in that aspect too.
My husband and I feel like kings when we hike to the top of something and whip out our chairs to chill and have a snack or meal. They're super handy when packing up to keep things on and keep them clean.
Dan, my man!! Watched and learned from your videos from Dec '22 - Jun '23, where my 2 sons and I braved the Appalachian Trail NOBO from Springer Mountain. I can't tell you how ACCURATE this video is!! Decent tent - a MUST. Chairs for all 3 of us - dude, I fell asleep in my chair after a 10 mile uphill hike in North Georgia. Just passed out. MUST HAVE. Sat comms - absolutely, WITH INSURANCE for the Medivac because I was NOT losing my life savings b/c a 17 year-old decided to be an idiot. I have the Sea To Summit water cell - CAME IN CLUTCH. This was in June - so we drank a LOT of water. You can also hang the water cell from a tree, and just walk up, unscrew the spout, and poor straight into a water bottle. Add some Mio and voila! A good pit stop. We all had the real pillows too - thanks too your previous videos!! We had AllTrails, not Onyx, but hey, nobody's perfect! And thanks for the tip on the Tokes. I need to check that out. Cooking was a struggle b/c I was actually cooking from Chef Corso's cookbook. So better consolidation will help. Overall GREAT VIDEO, and I can attest to ALL OF IT BEING WORTH IT!
I have to say, I do really like your videos. They are lighthearted, honest, very helpful and they don't push the typical "you have to have this high-end high dollar gear" that so many other youtubers push. You give examples of gear and your opinion through your experience and let the viewer decide for themselves on what they want or need. Over the summer I had 2 different people ask me about winter camping. I said I would be glad to help them out and take them. I also told them to watch your videos and Lukes's gear reviews so they can get a better idea of what it's like and what they will need.
Straight to the point, great advice and a thumbnail that I could finally click on without cringing thinking about mr beast and other mainstream youtubers, good job Dan
This is great, Dan, lots of solid backpacking and safety advice in this video. One addition might be an annual subscription to an air ambulance service; you got doubly lucky with your Grand Canyon rescue, but Dixie ended up with a big air ambulance bill (the coverage premium is usually around $75/year, far less than a likely $10,000 invoice).
I've always just used a waded up jacket or hoodie as a pillow. I'm going to have a jacket anyway, I can make it any shape i like. It works great and I don't need to carry a pillow.
I'm not a hiker but use a trekking pole as my daily walking stick, with a back that's fused in places and bent out of shape plus an ankle with limited movement due to an old fracture and dislocation I've found that a trekking pole is light, I can adjust it to greater height when needed and the handle is more comfortable.
What i use for pillow - zpacks stuff sack pillow with semi-deflated bigsky inflatable pillow and puffy inside. Inflatable creats an adjustable height while puffy a very soft layer. 2 oz and two of 3 items are multiuse
I used moleskin in the military for some very long marches w/o much of an issue. Applied correctly, it will stay in place for days...even a week. Round your edges and make sure it stays flat and in place when putting your sock back on. Cutting a small hole for the blistered area also helps. But, I'm going to try the tape you recommend. Thanks.
One piece of gear I wish I had bought sooner is the Sawyer adapter that lets me pump water straight into my bladder through the drinking hose! Everyone (that uses them) hates taking their bladder out. I thank God on every hike for this little adapter!
I have problems with my neck and worry about the inflatable pillows leaving me stiff and sore the next few days. Now that I know about these small pillows, I feel much better about planning my first backpacking trip
Cheers thanks for sharing. Some good tips here, a number I've already done myself. I've been using trekking poles for years and would never leave home without them.
Great list Dan! I particularly second the bladder (especially your CNOC) and the camp chair. As to the latter, I returned the Helinox Zero because it was too low to the ground for my 57-year-old body. I got the Big Agnus instead and it's perfect for me, although you'll give back a few ounces. I also agree about the trekking poles, but I haven't been able to figure out a good way to use them with my leashed dog, so I bring them but only use them for water crossings, which is a waste of mass. (If anyone has any ideas on the dog/pole conundrum, I'm all ears.)
I attach the dog leash to my waist strap of my backpack. You could try using a flexi leash (retractable leash) on the waist strap as well to keep the leash up.
I use a retractable 25' dog leash attached to my waist. He stays on trail very well, knows my pace and has learned to slow down and even turns to check on me going down hill.
@@davidreed8219 may I ask what retractable leash your using? I’ve looked at the flexi leashes and was worried they’d be a bit heavy hanging off my waist but hadn’t actually tried it yet.
I also bought the Helinox Chair Zero based on Dans recommendation but would now root for the Helinox Ground Chair. When I proudly busted out my chair the first time the ground was slightly wet so it sank into the ground and fell over. I stood up ashamed and envied the guys next tent with their Ground Chair that’s only slightly heavier. @Dan: Thanks for your videos and the good content. Cheers from Germany! Maybe you want to try out one of my most favorite pieces of gear, the 200 T-Shirt by Woolpower. Best baselayer ever! Layered with their 200 Turtleneck I can easily go down to 30deg F / 0deg C only with a thin shell jacket. Combined with the 400 Turtleneck I can go down to 0deg F/ -15deg C even. Would love to see your review. Keep up the good work and my best wishes for your total recovery!
@@UnyonRing I use a very small Flexi. Probably 10 -15' not 25'. It's for a small dog (10 - 20 lbs). My 80 lb Aussie Doodle has no trouble with the return spring tension. It just serves to keep him and me from getting tangled up in the leash. He's very well behaved and doesn't pull hard against the leash.
I watch your videos all the time. It helps me upgrade my gear all the time. And yes, trekking poles is a huge must. Helped my alot, especially in the winter time. I'm new to all this and recently started my channel. Your Videos have helped me alot. Thank you.
The first day I had a garmin inreach I broke my ankle a mile from the trail head. I walked a mile back to truck and drove an hour to hospital . I was not gonna press that button the first day I had it lol . Trekking poles helped I used them as makeshift as crutches .
I hike solo, most trips 3-7 days, and I can't count how many times my trekking poles has saved me from taking a spill. Especially on boulder fields and slides, avalanche debris, etc., they've helped me keep my balance so many times, and saved me from serious injury for sure.
If I may, I'd also add the following: bring with a fire steel (it will light fires even when wet), I'd bring some fire plugs or cotton balls rubbed in vaseline for starting fires, I'd upgrade to an MSR winder burner pro stove that is way more efficient, and buy a real sleeping bag - not the sub-par down bags that turn into a snotball when wet. Sleeping bag is your PRIMARY survival tool - so buy a real one. The best on the market is Wiggy's. I'd also suggest at least a small folding saw by Silky, and a bushcraft knife great for everything from feather sticks to battening - Mora bushcraft black. It's worth the extra tiny bit of weight for these items. I'll pass on his tent idea, not a fan. I do agree with trekking poles, they are a Godsend. The first time I used one was by Mt. Robson on the hike to Emperor Falls - huge difference on the pressure it takes off ones knees and legs (and I only used one). I since bought a pair of trekking poles. Happy Trails! - and yes, I just said that! How lame...
I’ve taken your suggestions before and I’m glad I did. I use the msr pocket deluxe stove and I use the heck out of it and it’s always reliable. Lukko tape (spelling?) will be my next purchase to toss in the pack. I also picked up the Sawyer Squeeze on your recommendation but haven’t used it yet. Thank you for the videos… they help in making decisions on what to get or try next.
Ah yes I too have the thermarest pillow and its awesome. Also have a Durston tent which I used for the first time this weekend and it's brilliant. I like your gear choices and glad to see you upright and looking lively again mate 👍
100% agree with a real pillow. I've been using many types of inflatable pillows over the years. Recently, I found out I have issues with a disc in my neck. So I needed a better pillow and went with a Teton Camp pillow and I've slept better since. It's a bit bigger and heavier than the inflatable ones. But the comfort is worth it to me in the long run. A lightweight chair is a game changer as well. I got one of those 2lb chairs and have used it way more than I expected to.
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Thanks for the gear recommendations! I was wondering what type of Blister Tape you were going to suggest using. A roll of Leukotape was given to me by a nurse after I got really bad blisters on my ankles at the very beggining of a three-month trekking trip in Nepal back in 2008. It saved my trip and I was able to trek all over the Everest, Annapurna and Helambu regions without worrying about my feet. I've had a roll in my first aid kit ever since. 👌
Like Dan, I hate air pillows, but I also don't want the weight of a 'proper' pillow. I now put my down jacket in a dry bag (usually the one I keep my clothes in in my backpack), leave a little bit of air in there, and wrap something around it (a buff, a shirt, etc). 1000% more comfortable than an inflatable pillow, zero extra weight.
Something to try, instead of tape when you feel heart to try and prevent blisters. Wear one high nylon stockings under your socks. The nylon creates much less friction and therefore less heat. Truck I learned back when doing a lot of marching in JROTC.
Duck tape also works well for blisters as it has low friction properties…an old jungle trick for keeping the on in damp conditions is to carry a small bottle of tinc benzene. It works as an amazing skin glue which adheres to the tape..lastly never cut tape, just tear it as the straight edges peel back 😊
Good info Dan. I agree on all of it. Looking for those pillows. I too have the Helinox Zero and like eric it is difficult to get this 71 year old body up from that low of a position. Since I use a hammock I keep my trekking poles at my chair to help me get up.
I use all those except the chair. I actually carry a hammock to relax in at camp. The one thing I wish I used earlier are Dirty Girl gators. They are awesome. No more tiny rocks in my shoes!
I concur on the thermarest pillow, I sleep like the dead with it, downside it does take up some real estate, also I always felt like trekking poles would be a nuisance but maybe I'll give them a try one day when I'm old, God bless your excursions.
Trekking poles are the coolest. I find it move faster in particular downhill, easier and more safe. When moving through bog they are also of great help.
Hey Dan I have a history of getting rhabdomyolysis very easily and I recently discovered that I am very low on Vitamin D. When I got my D levels back to normal and take a maintenance dose daily I have had no further problems with muscle pain or rhabdomyolysis. Just thought I would mention this to you in case it’s possible you may have vitamin D issues affecting your muscles🤪
i always carry a role of the red hansaplast tape. Got half a dozen rolls kicking around. I mainly use it to stick my glucose sensor back to my arm (flat disc on a round arm???). That stuff also stick on quite well and is also suitable for first aid duties just like leukotape.
A chair is a must… best alternative to the Helinox that doesn’t get talked about enough, the REI Flexlite Air Chair. Same weight for almost half the price (on sale, at least)
i have a 3l hydration bladder in my pack i use and i bring an empty 8l bladder to set up for camp water. I also normally bring a MSR thru link filter to get rid of all the dirt and such and use Portable Aqua for the virus concern. I recently bought an electric pump/filter that doesnt weigh that much more. Ive found the 8L bladder for the site tends to not fill completely so I wanted a pump.
A a big guy, so I have the luxury of being able to handle some bigger weights. I regularly have 40-60 pound packs when I bring newbies on a trail. The BIGGEST lesson I learned is spend decent money (you can find some fairly budget options) on ultralight or light essentials. The backpack itself is more flexible because higher quality suspensions are theoretically better so ultralight packs aren't always good, but TENTS, SLEEPING BAGS, and SLEEPING PADS should be ultralight. I try to keep backpack, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad around 10-13 pounds (winter setup btw). Jackets and layers put that around 15 pounds FOR WINTER. Now I have 25 pounds for food, water, and luxuries before I even reach that 20% bodyweight mark.
I want to go out to camp with you and everyone who is already going with only one spot left. I really wish I had the down payment for the trip. I feel like this would be the backpacking trip of a lifetime!!! Keep doing things like this, and I will have to eventually be able to make it all work. Love your channel and have for years keep being awesome!!
I have that Sea to Summet Watercell and it's the most ridiculously expensive useful gadget I ever bought. It weighs nothing, it takes up no space at all and it enables you to carry anything between zero and six liters of water with you if that's convenient at that time. It enabled me once to stay out of range of a water source for two days which was a huge time saver. Highly recommended? No. It's expensive and you can do the same thing with water bottles if you have the space to spare. But is sure is a cool gadget!
Trekking poles are a must for me. I suffered a spinal injury 15 years ago and cannot hike without them. Z poles (black diamond or MSR) have been my favorite trekking poles. No slip (I put a lot of weight on them) and pack smaller.
I have Toaks 1.3L pot which allows to store 230 grams gas canister and my Pocket Rocket Deluxe stove inside. I use it to boil drinking water, melting snow, coffee, soups etc. I think it's good to have more capacity than just to optimize exactly what you need.
Regarding pillow: I have put one side of adhesive velcro on my air mattress and the other side on the stuff sack for my extra clothes. Then at night, I stick that stuff sack onto the air mattress and it becomes my pillow. Regarding navigation: I always carry a compass and paper map. Yes I use onx as well.
So funny enough, a lot of the stuff I taught myself (the hard way) over the years of plowing main highways when it comes to sleeping during unbusy hours of storms translates so much to sleeping while backpacking. As stated in this video the best way to get good sleep is the just trick your brain into thinking you're sleeping at home. its truely crazy. Another tip is when sleeping if you need an extra layer take your jacket off and use it kind of as a blanket for your upper half. Dont know why but I always seemed to be much warmer than just wearing the jacket normally when sleeping
Another water filtering tip I find indispensable: Always have a 10' length of lightweight paracord or string (something many of us carry anyway) and make a loop on one end. Stick the free end into that loop, forming a sliding loop. Put the neck of your water bottle through that and tighten enough it's not going anywhere (but won't restrict the flow of water into the bottle). This serves two purposes: when the water is hard to reach, down an embankment or muddy creek side, etc, you can lower the bottle down by the cord and dunk it into the water to fill up and return to you. I have an artificial hip and while I can hike fine, I can't squat down to reach the water. The other purpose this serves is when you inevitably drop that water bottle into the water, it doesn't get carried away because you're holding the other end of the cord.
Leukotape is the best. It’s thin and says put. I always wrap a little around an object like a lighter for when I need it. The key is to put it on when you first feel the blister starting, or put some on preventatively.
I used MSR pump water filters for years, especially since I travelled to places that I basically didn’t want to have to seek medical attention for those purposes. For the last 10(?) years though, I’ve use the Platypus gravity filter and let it do the work, because it’s easier to fill up. Plus as Dan mentioned, I can carry that extra water if it’s necessary between sources.
Great list I just want to say I have a light weight high back chair and after using other backpacking chairs for years, you have to have a high back. I don’t know about you but when the old Wind Walker here is out smashing through the miles with the Carn Stomper I need to lay my head back at the end of the day, mine was thirty bucks worth every penny
Thanks for the video. I'm glad we don't disagree except... I prefer KT tape to Leuko tape. Leuko sticks on both sides and, for example, my two toes stuck together for a week. KT tape only sticks on one side and allowed my toes ro roam independently as needed. And it didn't come off.
This, I used leuko tape on my first 100k trip. I got tons of blisters and the tape just made everything worse. My socks were ruined, everything was sticky and I just kept getting larger and larger blisters. I use leuko tape for a lot of things. But man it sucks for blisters. I use a blister specific tape now and it works wonders
I've had the same experience with moleskin (which is what I grew up using backpacking). Thank goodness for Leukotape! I don't know who the first person was to realize trekking poles could be used as tent poles, but I love it! I have a tent (River Country Trekker 2) that is very similar to my dad's old Boy Scout pup tent I grew up using, and not having to take the poles is great. Plus, using the poles on the outside instead of inside, AND having guy lines, makes it WAY more stable than the old tent we used!
I might sound like a total weirdo to some of you, but i actually sleep really well without a pillow whilst camping. Any time i've brought a pillow, either inflatable on not, i've either had a really uncomfortable night's sleep or regretted bringing the pillow on the grounds of a lack of pack space.
It's funny, but I saw this video right after buying a bunch of gear, including trekking poles and a tent that uses them. I made fun of those things for years before somebody convinced me to rethink it, and what got me off the fence was the tent. It's just over 2 lb without the poles, helping me get base weight down near 10# for pretty cheap. Hope to trial this setup this weekend.
A tarp. Learned to origami it into different setups for year round backpacking. 3x3m and 700g with stakes and chords. Houses 2 people or me and my bicycle for bikepacking
I finally bought a Garmin Inreach this fall after my husband got weirdly exhausted on a canoe trip where I felt I could have gone hours longer. He just had bypass surgery. I wish I’d bought a satellite beacon years ago.
How many ounces is the fuel canister that you bring? I am just getting into backpacking and am planning to get the pocket rocket deluxe with the toaks 750 titanium pot. I would also like to know how much fuel you use per day? Thank you for your time 😀
I think for casual hikers, an iPhone 14 or newer can probably work pretty well rather than garmin inReach. Yeah, the garmin is better as a dedicated piece of kit... but now that iPhones have satellite SOS, it changes things. It's not perfect, but it's a great reason to switch from Android if you're a backpacker.
Currently the iPhone ONLY supports SOS when out of cell service. While the garmin can check weather, send messages, routing and SOS. iPhone is really only good for emergencies outside of cell service, while the garmin could prevent the need for SOS to begin with.
@@Newblood29 Yep, I know that. The Garmin has a whole suite of other things that it comes with... and for some, especially thru hikers or multi-day expeditions... it may make sense to pay the $20/month and $540 upfront cost (CAD) But for many others, the phone they bring with them can act in an emergency... especially if they're not that far off the grid anyhow.
The Bivi Stick is a relatively inexpensive satellite communicator at I believe $250 and $20 for the most basic service plan. It lets you SOS as well as send texts or request weather reports. I've had good luck with mine so far. Purchased it before ACR bought them out.
I'm dialing down the weights on my big 3 in order to bring a Helinox Chair Zero. Dan, (or anyone who uses one) is the ground sheet worth the extra weight, or do you just put up with the sinking in?
Is there anything better than Lukotape? In my trip it stuck well but with my feet getting warm the glue bled through the material and my sock was also glued to the tape.
To me the best pillow is an inflatable filled with WATER. In fact, but this was when we stayed in camp for five days, we filled our (cheap) airpads with water! Extremely comfortable.
Dan, great video as usual, I really enjoy them and appreciate all your great advice. I’m really interested in the pillow. What size works best for you, the S, M or L?
May seem odd but I just replaced my poles because they wouldn't untwist lock anymore. I never could get them good so any adjustments were done by my husband. He was great about it but even he couldn't adjust mid trip last time. Just switched to flip lock. Also, I had a fractured heel that made my last three miles of a backpacking trip awful. Yet my poles saved me. I never would have finished.
The Twist locking trekking poles can be improved if you will take the segment out and tighten the inside of the lock, put it back on and then it should twist okay. However dirt and grime got into mine, so I changed over to a different locking system altogether.
I'm curious ( if you don't mind sharing) what the ER stated caused rhabdo for you. It's typically a result of restricted circulation which is later released. Were you wearing your layers too tightly?
Love my toaks 750ml and I have a lid that goes with it.. the only complaint is that when you use a little stove it only heats the middle.. I hear it's a titanium thing
!!Help!! I'm going to Nulato AK in March to be on the Iditarod trail working COMMS. I'm in need of a great headlamp/light. There are a million of them on the market. Curious if you have a recommendation. I will be in the same location for 4 days. Not sure yet if there's electricity or if I need to bring power packs. Thank you in advance for your help.
I would concur with just about everything in this video other than for the camp chair. I carry a sit pad and get double duty from it by using it as a "door mat" for getting in and out of my tent.
I bought a real pillow for camping because of you, completely changed my relationship with sleeping outdoors
I just stopped using a pillow at home. Worked quite well.
I actually sleep better using a 2 ounce air pillow while trekking than on a down pillow at home. It all depends on the person.
@@wr1120which air pillow?
I want a combination air filled AND padded. I know they exist. Regular air pillows are kinda hard and feather/foam pillows don't give me the support
@@MoonbeameSmithI’ve finally decided next time I go out I’ll sleep on a Sierra Designs down pillow *on top of* a Se To Summit aero pillow.
I'm 30 and to be honest, I only recently started to use trekking poles and I love them, they make hikes more accessible and comfortable to me when hiking with fitter people or on harder routes. I have chronic pain and these save me from a lot of additional pain in that aspect too.
My husband and I feel like kings when we hike to the top of something and whip out our chairs to chill and have a snack or meal. They're super handy when packing up to keep things on and keep them clean.
Dan, my man!! Watched and learned from your videos from Dec '22 - Jun '23, where my 2 sons and I braved the Appalachian Trail NOBO from Springer Mountain. I can't tell you how ACCURATE this video is!! Decent tent - a MUST. Chairs for all 3 of us - dude, I fell asleep in my chair after a 10 mile uphill hike in North Georgia. Just passed out. MUST HAVE. Sat comms - absolutely, WITH INSURANCE for the Medivac because I was NOT losing my life savings b/c a 17 year-old decided to be an idiot. I have the Sea To Summit water cell - CAME IN CLUTCH. This was in June - so we drank a LOT of water. You can also hang the water cell from a tree, and just walk up, unscrew the spout, and poor straight into a water bottle. Add some Mio and voila! A good pit stop. We all had the real pillows too - thanks too your previous videos!! We had AllTrails, not Onyx, but hey, nobody's perfect! And thanks for the tip on the Tokes. I need to check that out. Cooking was a struggle b/c I was actually cooking from Chef Corso's cookbook. So better consolidation will help. Overall GREAT VIDEO, and I can attest to ALL OF IT BEING WORTH IT!
I have to say, I do really like your videos. They are lighthearted, honest, very helpful and they don't push the typical "you have to have this high-end high dollar gear" that so many other youtubers push. You give examples of gear and your opinion through your experience and let the viewer decide for themselves on what they want or need. Over the summer I had 2 different people ask me about winter camping. I said I would be glad to help them out and take them. I also told them to watch your videos and Lukes's gear reviews so they can get a better idea of what it's like and what they will need.
Straight to the point, great advice and a thumbnail that I could finally click on without cringing thinking about mr beast and other mainstream youtubers, good job Dan
This is great, Dan, lots of solid backpacking and safety advice in this video. One addition might be an annual subscription to an air ambulance service; you got doubly lucky with your Grand Canyon rescue, but Dixie ended up with a big air ambulance bill (the coverage premium is usually around $75/year, far less than a likely $10,000 invoice).
Dixie ended up being covered thanks to an automatic renewal she was unaware of. She posted about it in a follow up video
I got the Garmin rescue insurance because of “Dixie.” Better safe than sorry.
I've always just used a waded up jacket or hoodie as a pillow. I'm going to have a jacket anyway, I can make it any shape i like. It works great and I don't need to carry a pillow.
I'm not a hiker but use a trekking pole as my daily walking stick, with a back that's fused in places and bent out of shape plus an ankle with limited movement due to an old fracture and dislocation I've found that a trekking pole is light, I can adjust it to greater height when needed and the handle is more comfortable.
I 100% agree on trekking poles. One of the best purchases. Reduces fatigue for me
What i use for pillow - zpacks stuff sack pillow with semi-deflated bigsky inflatable pillow and puffy inside. Inflatable creats an adjustable height while puffy a very soft layer. 2 oz and two of 3 items are multiuse
Thanks!
Thank you! Sincerely appreciate that :-)
I used moleskin in the military for some very long marches w/o much of an issue. Applied correctly, it will stay in place for days...even a week. Round your edges and make sure it stays flat and in place when putting your sock back on. Cutting a small hole for the blistered area also helps. But, I'm going to try the tape you recommend. Thanks.
One piece of gear I wish I had bought sooner is the Sawyer adapter that lets me pump water straight into my bladder through the drinking hose! Everyone (that uses them) hates taking their bladder out. I thank God on every hike for this little adapter!
Thanks for the video. I always take a pillow and a Garmin InReach unit when in the woods.
Eric’s sleep set up w/ Miranda’s actual gear for sure. Just bought the outdoor element 💩 bag 🎉
I have problems with my neck and worry about the inflatable pillows leaving me stiff and sore the next few days. Now that I know about these small pillows, I feel much better about planning my first backpacking trip
Cheers thanks for sharing. Some good tips here, a number I've already done myself. I've been using trekking poles for years and would never leave home without them.
Great list Dan! I particularly second the bladder (especially your CNOC) and the camp chair. As to the latter, I returned the Helinox Zero because it was too low to the ground for my 57-year-old body. I got the Big Agnus instead and it's perfect for me, although you'll give back a few ounces. I also agree about the trekking poles, but I haven't been able to figure out a good way to use them with my leashed dog, so I bring them but only use them for water crossings, which is a waste of mass. (If anyone has any ideas on the dog/pole conundrum, I'm all ears.)
I attach the dog leash to my waist strap of my backpack. You could try using a flexi leash (retractable leash) on the waist strap as well to keep the leash up.
I use a retractable 25' dog leash attached to my waist. He stays on trail very well, knows my pace and has learned to slow down and even turns to check on me going down hill.
@@davidreed8219 may I ask what retractable leash your using? I’ve looked at the flexi leashes and was worried they’d be a bit heavy hanging off my waist but hadn’t actually tried it yet.
I also bought the Helinox Chair Zero based on Dans recommendation but would now root for the Helinox Ground Chair. When I proudly busted out my chair the first time the ground was slightly wet so it sank into the ground and fell over. I stood up ashamed and envied the guys next tent with their Ground Chair that’s only slightly heavier.
@Dan: Thanks for your videos and the good content. Cheers from Germany! Maybe you want to try out one of my most favorite pieces of gear, the 200 T-Shirt by Woolpower. Best baselayer ever! Layered with their 200 Turtleneck I can easily go down to 30deg F / 0deg C only with a thin shell jacket. Combined with the 400 Turtleneck I can go down to 0deg F/ -15deg C even. Would love to see your review. Keep up the good work and my best wishes for your total recovery!
@@UnyonRing
I use a very small Flexi. Probably 10 -15' not 25'. It's for a small dog (10 - 20 lbs). My 80 lb Aussie Doodle has no trouble with the return spring tension. It just serves to keep him and me from getting tangled up in the leash. He's very well behaved and doesn't pull hard against the leash.
I watch your videos all the time. It helps me upgrade my gear all the time. And yes, trekking poles is a huge must. Helped my alot, especially in the winter time. I'm new to all this and recently started my channel. Your Videos have helped me alot. Thank you.
The first day I had a garmin inreach I broke my ankle a mile from the trail head. I walked a mile back to truck and drove an hour to hospital . I was not gonna press that button the first day I had it lol . Trekking poles helped I used them as makeshift as crutches .
I hike solo, most trips 3-7 days, and I can't count how many times my trekking poles has saved me from taking a spill. Especially on boulder fields and slides, avalanche debris, etc., they've helped me keep my balance so many times, and saved me from serious injury for sure.
If I may, I'd also add the following: bring with a fire steel (it will light fires even when wet), I'd bring some fire plugs or cotton balls rubbed in vaseline for starting fires, I'd upgrade to an MSR winder burner pro stove that is way more efficient, and buy a real sleeping bag - not the sub-par down bags that turn into a snotball when wet. Sleeping bag is your PRIMARY survival tool - so buy a real one. The best on the market is Wiggy's. I'd also suggest at least a small folding saw by Silky, and a bushcraft knife great for everything from feather sticks to battening - Mora bushcraft black. It's worth the extra tiny bit of weight for these items. I'll pass on his tent idea, not a fan. I do agree with trekking poles, they are a Godsend. The first time I used one was by Mt. Robson on the hike to Emperor Falls - huge difference on the pressure it takes off ones knees and legs (and I only used one). I since bought a pair of trekking poles. Happy Trails! - and yes, I just said that! How lame...
I’ve taken your suggestions before and I’m glad I did. I use the msr pocket deluxe stove and I use the heck out of it and it’s always reliable. Lukko tape (spelling?) will be my next purchase to toss in the pack. I also picked up the Sawyer Squeeze on your recommendation but haven’t used it yet. Thank you for the videos… they help in making decisions on what to get or try next.
I'm big into hiking/wild camping, just started to use poles (50miles/14hrs) and it really help the distribution load, and forward momentum
Ah yes I too have the thermarest pillow and its awesome. Also have a Durston tent which I used for the first time this weekend and it's brilliant. I like your gear choices and glad to see you upright and looking lively again mate 👍
100% agree with a real pillow.
I've been using many types of inflatable pillows over the years. Recently, I found out I have issues with a disc in my neck. So I needed a better pillow and went with a Teton Camp pillow and I've slept better since. It's a bit bigger and heavier than the inflatable ones. But the comfort is worth it to me in the long run.
A lightweight chair is a game changer as well. I got one of those 2lb chairs and have used it way more than I expected to.
Thanks for the gear recommendations! I was wondering what type of Blister Tape you were going to suggest using. A roll of Leukotape was given to me by a nurse after I got really bad blisters on my ankles at the very beggining of a three-month trekking trip in Nepal back in 2008. It saved my trip and I was able to trek all over the Everest, Annapurna and Helambu regions without worrying about my feet. I've had a roll in my first aid kit ever since. 👌
Like Dan, I hate air pillows, but I also don't want the weight of a 'proper' pillow. I now put my down jacket in a dry bag (usually the one I keep my clothes in in my backpack), leave a little bit of air in there, and wrap something around it (a buff, a shirt, etc). 1000% more comfortable than an inflatable pillow, zero extra weight.
Something to try, instead of tape when you feel heart to try and prevent blisters. Wear one high nylon stockings under your socks. The nylon creates much less friction and therefore less heat. Truck I learned back when doing a lot of marching in JROTC.
Right
Duck tape also works well for blisters as it has low friction properties…an old jungle trick for keeping the on in damp conditions is to carry a small bottle of tinc benzene. It works as an amazing skin glue which adheres to the tape..lastly never cut tape, just tear it as the straight edges peel back 😊
Good info Dan. I agree on all of it. Looking for those pillows. I too have the Helinox Zero and like eric it is difficult to get this 71 year old body up from that low of a position. Since I use a hammock I keep my trekking poles at my chair to help me get up.
Thank you! Lots of good gear for just a regular camp out. I appreciate all your ideas!
Leukotape works great! I got a couple hot spots from my chacos walking around bonnaroo. It stayed on even through a shower!
A chair is a must! Why not be comfy after being on your feet all day long. Best item ever.
I use all those except the chair. I actually carry a hammock to relax in at camp. The one thing I wish I used earlier are Dirty Girl gators. They are awesome. No more tiny rocks in my shoes!
A comfortable pillow is something important to me. I bought a home goods coop travel pillow w/ stuff sack and I’ve never been happier with my sleep
What was that plastic top you put on your Toaks 750 ml pot? Looks like it would make your pot nicer to drink out of.
It’s a Soto lid from a 700ml pot I have
I concur on the thermarest pillow, I sleep like the dead with it, downside it does take up some real estate, also I always felt like trekking poles would be a nuisance but maybe I'll give them a try one day when I'm old, God bless your excursions.
Trekking poles are the coolest. I find it move faster in particular downhill, easier and more safe. When moving through bog they are also of great help.
Hey Dan
I have a history of getting rhabdomyolysis very easily and I recently discovered that I am very low on Vitamin D. When I got my D levels back to normal and take a maintenance dose daily I have had no further problems with muscle pain or rhabdomyolysis. Just thought I would mention this to you in case it’s possible you may have vitamin D issues affecting your muscles🤪
i always carry a role of the red hansaplast tape. Got half a dozen rolls kicking around. I mainly use it to stick my glucose sensor back to my arm (flat disc on a round arm???). That stuff also stick on quite well and is also suitable for first aid duties just like leukotape.
A chair is a must… best alternative to the Helinox that doesn’t get talked about enough, the REI Flexlite Air Chair. Same weight for almost half the price (on sale, at least)
I was interested to see you put a Soto lid on your toast pot. Great idea!
i have a 3l hydration bladder in my pack i use and i bring an empty 8l bladder to set up for camp water. I also normally bring a MSR thru link filter to get rid of all the dirt and such and use Portable Aqua for the virus concern. I recently bought an electric pump/filter that doesnt weigh that much more. Ive found the 8L bladder for the site tends to not fill completely so I wanted a pump.
A a big guy, so I have the luxury of being able to handle some bigger weights. I regularly have 40-60 pound packs when I bring newbies on a trail. The BIGGEST lesson I learned is spend decent money (you can find some fairly budget options) on ultralight or light essentials. The backpack itself is more flexible because higher quality suspensions are theoretically better so ultralight packs aren't always good, but TENTS, SLEEPING BAGS, and SLEEPING PADS should be ultralight. I try to keep backpack, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad around 10-13 pounds (winter setup btw). Jackets and layers put that around 15 pounds FOR WINTER. Now I have 25 pounds for food, water, and luxuries before I even reach that 20% bodyweight mark.
Moleskin is amazing and lasts days if you don’t pick at it. Give it a try and you will enjoy the results.
I want to go out to camp with you and everyone who is already going with only one spot left. I really wish I had the down payment for the trip. I feel like this would be the backpacking trip of a lifetime!!! Keep doing things like this, and I will have to eventually be able to make it all work. Love your channel and have for years keep being awesome!!
I have that Sea to Summet Watercell and it's the most ridiculously expensive useful gadget I ever bought. It weighs nothing, it takes up no space at all and it enables you to carry anything between zero and six liters of water with you if that's convenient at that time. It enabled me once to stay out of range of a water source for two days which was a huge time saver. Highly recommended? No. It's expensive and you can do the same thing with water bottles if you have the space to spare. But is sure is a cool gadget!
Trekking poles are a must for me. I suffered a spinal injury 15 years ago and cannot hike without them. Z poles (black diamond or MSR) have been my favorite trekking poles. No slip (I put a lot of weight on them) and pack smaller.
Yeah. Trecking poles rank up there with a backpack in my book. The only exception is if I'm day hiking with nothing but a water bottle.
I have Toaks 1.3L pot which allows to store 230 grams gas canister and my Pocket Rocket Deluxe stove inside. I use it to boil drinking water, melting snow, coffee, soups etc. I think it's good to have more capacity than just to optimize exactly what you need.
Regarding pillow: I have put one side of adhesive velcro on my air mattress and the other side on the stuff sack for my extra clothes. Then at night, I stick that stuff sack onto the air mattress and it becomes my pillow.
Regarding navigation: I always carry a compass and paper map. Yes I use onx as well.
I carry a 10 L collapsible carboy from any hardware store with me if i know the campsite I'm going to isn't close to water. Works really really well!
The Helinox and the pillows are both items I love and will likely always carry
So funny enough, a lot of the stuff I taught myself (the hard way) over the years of plowing main highways when it comes to sleeping during unbusy hours of storms translates so much to sleeping while backpacking. As stated in this video the best way to get good sleep is the just trick your brain into thinking you're sleeping at home. its truely crazy. Another tip is when sleeping if you need an extra layer take your jacket off and use it kind of as a blanket for your upper half. Dont know why but I always seemed to be much warmer than just wearing the jacket normally when sleeping
Another water filtering tip I find indispensable: Always have a 10' length of lightweight paracord or string (something many of us carry anyway) and make a loop on one end. Stick the free end into that loop, forming a sliding loop. Put the neck of your water bottle through that and tighten enough it's not going anywhere (but won't restrict the flow of water into the bottle). This serves two purposes: when the water is hard to reach, down an embankment or muddy creek side, etc, you can lower the bottle down by the cord and dunk it into the water to fill up and return to you. I have an artificial hip and while I can hike fine, I can't squat down to reach the water. The other purpose this serves is when you inevitably drop that water bottle into the water, it doesn't get carried away because you're holding the other end of the cord.
Leukotape is the best. It’s thin and says put. I always wrap a little around an object like a lighter for when I need it. The key is to put it on when you first feel the blister starting, or put some on preventatively.
Yeah I had to get over the whole trekking pole thing too.
I used MSR pump water filters for years, especially since I travelled to places that I basically didn’t want to have to seek medical attention for those purposes. For the last 10(?) years though, I’ve use the Platypus gravity filter and let it do the work, because it’s easier to fill up. Plus as Dan mentioned, I can carry that extra water if it’s necessary between sources.
Great list I just want to say I have a light weight high back chair and after using other backpacking chairs for years, you have to have a high back. I don’t know about you but when the old Wind Walker here is out smashing through the miles with the Carn Stomper I need to lay my head back at the end of the day, mine was thirty bucks worth every penny
Thanks for the video. I'm glad we don't disagree except... I prefer KT tape to Leuko tape. Leuko sticks on both sides and, for example, my two toes stuck together for a week. KT tape only sticks on one side and allowed my toes ro roam independently as needed. And it didn't come off.
This, I used leuko tape on my first 100k trip. I got tons of blisters and the tape just made everything worse. My socks were ruined, everything was sticky and I just kept getting larger and larger blisters.
I use leuko tape for a lot of things. But man it sucks for blisters. I use a blister specific tape now and it works wonders
I've had the same experience with moleskin (which is what I grew up using backpacking). Thank goodness for Leukotape!
I don't know who the first person was to realize trekking poles could be used as tent poles, but I love it! I have a tent (River Country Trekker 2) that is very similar to my dad's old Boy Scout pup tent I grew up using, and not having to take the poles is great. Plus, using the poles on the outside instead of inside, AND having guy lines, makes it WAY more stable than the old tent we used!
Zinkoxide tape is amazing, doesn't budge either I agree moleskin is rubbish
You can buy gravity filters work super quick and easy to use. Do need a Branch to hang the bag.
Can you link or talk about the sleeve you have on your sleep mat shown here that has a spot for your pillow?
I might sound like a total weirdo to some of you, but i actually sleep really well without a pillow whilst camping. Any time i've brought a pillow, either inflatable on not, i've either had a really uncomfortable night's sleep or regretted bringing the pillow on the grounds of a lack of pack space.
My 26 year old daughter is the one who convinced me to get poles and I'm wondering what took me so long! Love them
Great advice from Dan the outdoors Man. Stay safe out there. 🤗
It's funny, but I saw this video right after buying a bunch of gear, including trekking poles and a tent that uses them. I made fun of those things for years before somebody convinced me to rethink it, and what got me off the fence was the tent. It's just over 2 lb without the poles, helping me get base weight down near 10# for pretty cheap.
Hope to trial this setup this weekend.
A tarp. Learned to origami it into different setups for year round backpacking. 3x3m and 700g with stakes and chords. Houses 2 people or me and my bicycle for bikepacking
Would like to see your tarp wizardry,
I just got my first Trucking pole tent looking forward to trying it
Solid list. I use everything on this list (item not brand in some cases) except a real pillow. I use inflatables and sleep like a baby.
Question around OnX, Dan. I have the Elite offroad membership. can I also use OnX Hike as well with that? Great video BTW. Love the ideas.
Walking poles! I used to think the same until I used them, boy what a game changer!
Where did you buy the mattress pad cover that you’re sliding your pillow in?
Where is the watertight lid from that you used on your Toaks pot?
I finally bought a Garmin Inreach this fall after my husband got weirdly exhausted on a canoe trip where I felt I could have gone hours longer. He just had bypass surgery. I wish I’d bought a satellite beacon years ago.
How many ounces is the fuel canister that you bring? I am just getting into backpacking and am planning to get the pocket rocket deluxe with the toaks 750 titanium pot. I would also like to know how much fuel you use per day? Thank you for your time 😀
I think for casual hikers, an iPhone 14 or newer can probably work pretty well rather than garmin inReach. Yeah, the garmin is better as a dedicated piece of kit... but now that iPhones have satellite SOS, it changes things. It's not perfect, but it's a great reason to switch from Android if you're a backpacker.
Currently the iPhone ONLY supports SOS when out of cell service. While the garmin can check weather, send messages, routing and SOS. iPhone is really only good for emergencies outside of cell service, while the garmin could prevent the need for SOS to begin with.
@@Newblood29 Yep, I know that. The Garmin has a whole suite of other things that it comes with... and for some, especially thru hikers or multi-day expeditions... it may make sense to pay the $20/month and $540 upfront cost (CAD)
But for many others, the phone they bring with them can act in an emergency... especially if they're not that far off the grid anyhow.
The Bivi Stick is a relatively inexpensive satellite communicator at I believe $250 and $20 for the most basic service plan. It lets you SOS as well as send texts or request weather reports. I've had good luck with mine so far. Purchased it before ACR bought them out.
I'm dialing down the weights on my big 3 in order to bring a Helinox Chair Zero. Dan, (or anyone who uses one) is the ground sheet worth the extra weight, or do you just put up with the sinking in?
Is there anything better than Lukotape? In my trip it stuck well but with my feet getting warm the glue bled through the material and my sock was also glued to the tape.
To me the best pillow is an inflatable filled with WATER. In fact, but this was when we stayed in camp for five days, we filled our (cheap) airpads with water! Extremely comfortable.
Your the man Dan
Dan, great video as usual, I really enjoy them and appreciate all your great advice. I’m really interested in the pillow. What size works best for you, the S, M or L?
May seem odd but I just replaced my poles because they wouldn't untwist lock anymore. I never could get them good so any adjustments were done by my husband. He was great about it but even he couldn't adjust mid trip last time. Just switched to flip lock. Also, I had a fractured heel that made my last three miles of a backpacking trip awful. Yet my poles saved me. I never would have finished.
The Twist locking trekking poles can be improved if you will take the segment out and tighten the inside of the lock, put it back on and then it should twist okay. However dirt and grime got into mine, so I changed over to a different locking system altogether.
Your OnX trail screenshot showed Spanish Fork and Diamond Fork Canyons. Are you local to Utah?
Dan i got the forcett 2 to 3 person tent. Im disabled,use Jeep haul, have foot print camo tarp over entire tent. Did i choose ok for situation
I'm curious ( if you don't mind sharing) what the ER stated caused rhabdo for you.
It's typically a result of restricted circulation which is later released. Were you wearing your layers too tightly?
Love my toaks 750ml and I have a lid that goes with it.. the only complaint is that when you use a little stove it only heats the middle.. I hear it's a titanium thing
Another benefit of trekking poles is they keep my hands elevated slightly so they don't swell up like they did while hiking without poles.
I seem to recall that the Toaks pot was 1 gram lighter than the hard alloy pot you weighed it against.
I totally agree about trekking poles.
Nailed it!! Love the Lindo hat btw👍
Amen to the chair. Its worth the weight!
!!Help!! I'm going to Nulato AK in March to be on the Iditarod trail working COMMS. I'm in need of a great headlamp/light. There are a million of them on the market. Curious if you have a recommendation. I will be in the same location for 4 days. Not sure yet if there's electricity or if I need to bring power packs. Thank you in advance for your help.
I literally just bought the Toaks 750mL pot yesterday because I was tired of not being able to fit my stove in the 550mL one lol
Excellent advice Dan!
The REI Flexlite chair is also a 1 pound chair and only $100. Something to consider as well if you don't want to pull the trigger on that Helinox..
I would concur with just about everything in this video other than for the camp chair. I carry a sit pad and get double duty from it by using it as a "door mat" for getting in and out of my tent.
Hey why dont you use the GRAYL FILTER? The best.
I got turned on to trekking poles in 90's hiking along the AT. Today I moto camp and I carry a "real" pillow, too. :)