Having a dry change of clothes packed in a ziplock bag is the difference between a freezing cold night and a fun story about that time you went camping during a surprise thunderstorm and it was so cold and wet until you could get the tarp up and get changed.
Your saying take more stuff because you were unprepared to do what you set out to. In backpacking the storm may surprise you but you still have to be prepared for it always. Soaked is a trip ender. Prepare for it.
@@nedanother9382 Maybe it's not a concern in your neck of the woods, but extra clothes is part of being prepared for my hikes. In the South there's two reasons you're soaked at the end of a day: heat + humidity = sweat, or surprise afternoon thunderstorm drops an inch of rain in 30 minutes. This spring we've had the on-going gift of both. As for ending a trip? That surprise thunderstorm changes all the dry drainage ditches into fast moving rivers filled with floating fire ant islands and angry venomous snakes. I'd rather carry the extra 300 grams and avoid that nightmare night hike back to the trailhead. In other places, where the rain falls in droplets instead of sheets, you can always get the rain gear on in time. Here, we've got something called sun showers, where the sun is shining, there's one fluffy white cloud in the sky, and somehow it's dumping it's entire water content on you.
Why get wet in the first place when you have all kinds of waterproof clothes available, gore-tex, poncho, umbrella, softshell even waterproof socks. As for getting wet from sweating, there is no way to avoid. Although some technical underwear can help. I especially love the military style combat shirt, protective ripstop fabric on arms and breathable fabric on torso.
This advice seems to be aimed at people who stick to easy trails. Up mountains/moors and in wet conditions/ bad visibility having a compass (and knowing how to use it) and spare set of clothes can be the difference between life and death/extreme discomfort.
I agree with you. Steven usually recommends ultralight gear choices (unless it's a chair of course), which are mostly aimed towards easy trails and great conditions. Some extra clothes go a long way when you are absolutly soaked. My general rule is: I always carry and extra pair of socks and and one extra underpant on any hike, which would be very detrimental if you needed but didn't have them. And if the hike lasts longer than 4 days I will also bring an extra shirt.
I agree. Putting on stinky clothes is just uncomfortable, especially if you otherwise have access to a shower (here in Germany wild camping is not allowed, and even the most basic campgrounds have a shower). Sure, you rarely will have a chance to wash the clothes, but most of the time you can hang them out over a few nights to lose the stink. This summer I carried two shirts (one of which I damaged because of an unfortunate combination of a hip strap and a belt buckle), and would switch them every other day when I noticed they got smelly. Same with underwear. And they really don't weigh that much. I could easily ditch more weight if I finally got around to get a smaller, less bulky knife, lol.
@@jimihenrik11yeah, Steven seems like an awesome dude but where I’m from ultralight tends to be more of a non-option, Especially given price, weather, and general conditions. Camping in Appalachian mountains is already going to be pretty rough given the terrain and how wet the wood you find tends to be, and combine that with the fact that you’re probably never going to get much sleep given how much random noise the coyotes and bears tend to make, and how much weight you’re carrying is likely going to be the least of your worries. Personally I’m aware that my bag is very heavy, so I compensate by working out and endurance training to keep from getting winded while hiking. Also, can’t stress enough how important a good machete and knife can be when a wild animal has decided to get nosy.
Yeah, I'm going to push back about the extra clothes. It's always always smart to carry at least an extra set of clothes in case of a sudden downpour and the clothes you're wearing get soaked. Not only is it miserable and uncomfortable to hike it soaking wet clothes, if you have to sleep in wet clothes, that could be deadly.
Nude is waterproof. Kidding, but I somewhat agree. Nothing wrong with an extra set of clothes; however, the necessity of this depends on what country and what type of hiking you’re doing. Here in Norway, although us Scandinavians like to pack heavy, you can pitch a tent and light a fire anywhere in the country (with reason) and dry your clothes. Nature being a deep part of our culture, we are all raised to be responsible in the wild, and there has never been reason to restrict outdoor activities; the law pretty much says “everything is allowed in nature, just don’t be stupid”, and people here take that seriously. If someone were restricted to using a camp stove, however - as they are in big portions of the world - there would be no way to dry your clothes, and not bringing an extra set of clothes would be quite unwise.
@@whengrapespop5728 Here in the western United States, fires are very restricted because we've gone through a decade plus of heavy droughts, so we're very susceptible to wild fires. Any tiny embre could spark a fire that can quickly become out of control. Even still, you don't want to be caught out in the middle of nowhere with only one set of clothes because if anything happens to them, you're screwed.
Also maybe it's just me, but I'm simply more comfortable when I don't have to spend days on end in clothes that slowly become more and more disgusting. Dirty is one thing, dirty and sweaty (and possibly wet) after a few days is another. Clothes also have more uses than just for being worn, you never know in what new way a dry woolen sock might save your life lol.
Yes, I get this approach of 'don't take spare clothes' but it depends in part how long you're going out for, and what. Spare socks ARE essential. Cos if socks get dirty or wet, walking in wet socks even if they are polyester is a) not fun and b) a very fast way to get blisters or trench foot or other medical problems. So not only are spare socks a delight - some people carry a dry clean pair just for their feet to recover when in the tent, but also essential cos dirty socks will mean the sweat doesn't evaporate properly and they'll get crusty and rub your feet. Your feet have to breathe, and cardboard like socks that are just ugh won't do that.
@@realfingertrouble I’m with you but I guess the people who don’t take spare clothes never go anywhere particularly cold, wet or away from people. I’m constantly hearing about these American great trails which are like a conga line of stinky unwashed kids, I guess this is the people the advice is for, they are back to college in a week no matter what - have a problem and you’re only a few hours walk from a bus home so it doesn’t matter. Worst comes to worst, the next group can carry you easily enough.
I always have 3 sets of clothing when I hike. I have 5000 miles under my belt so I’m not a newb. I have 2 sets of super lightweight running shorts, exofficio underwear, and synthetic shirts. This is all lightweight gear as I only hike in warmer climates but still. If I’m out for a week I like to wear a set for a couple days and then clean up super well and out my other set on. I even have gone back and forth hand washing a set every night or every other night. Being clean keeps all Of my gear nice and smells free and makes me feel better. My 3rd set of clothing is my sleeping clothes. I used a sleeping bag for the whole AT and when I was done it had no bad smells to it. It’s because I value being clean. Hike your own hike but just know… you can be clean out there.
I feel like the stuff he talks about on video are mostly for colder climates.Theres no way I would hike without a change of clothes if the average is about 28°C ~ 80F, way too much sweat
I also clean up at the end up each night when I put on my sleepwear. I always sleep in a set of base layers, including gloves and a lightweight warm cap. This keeps my sleeping bag nice and clean, and helps me sleep.
There's also one big reason I take a change of clothes - washing. Unless you're somewhere where you can safely jump in a river and it's not cold/polluted or walk around naked for a bit without somebody stumbling in on you, when on longer hikes/camps you need to wash your clothes or dry them but wear something in the meantime. This has caught me out before, so always take a spare. Also what happens if your short seams split or shirt rips? Not easy to repair shorts in the boonies. Cue people saying 'you don't need to wash your clothes' - if it's polyester, you do if you ever want to go anywhere near polite company at any point cos otherwise you will stink to high heaven - also cleaner clothes remove sweat better.
@@realfingertrouble I reckon you’re more likely to get the “merano/llama/alpaca wool doesn’t smell” crowd commenting… guys, it does smell. There isn’t anything magic in your highly processed woollen clothes that kills bacteria. It’s living in there quite happily and if I had a dollar for every smelly backpacker wearing the stuff that’s come into my bar thinking they are as fresh as a daisy… I would be able to afford a much lighter tent 😂 A swab and an agar plate will cost you $5 and you can prove this for yourself.
@@PippetWhippet yeah.. It is better (I wear merino cos polyester that close to my skin causes major issues with my eczema) but it does still smell. Not as much as polyester/synthetics but it's not magic.
You're forgetting one important thing. Not everyone has the money to afford high-end, aka Moosejaw, equipment. Some people get what they can afford and go hiking/ camping anyway, because they love it!
$150 is high-end for quite a few people. My first ten or so years was spent in a second-hand $40 tent and a $5 sleeping pad was what we used. Or a tarp and some sticks. Moss is really quite comfortable. 😅 This quite obviously puts some limits on when and where you hike.
@@Americkslander I'm not really a hardcore backpacker, but 150€ can definitely be considered high-end for some. I used to go camping with a 20€ supermarket tent, and only recently coughed up 50€'s for a nice-ish tarp. I couldn't even fathom dropping 150€ for a tent.
As a former Marine Infantry who served in Afghanistan 2 times. That sleeping pad was a god send. The best gear is the minimal, YOU DON'T HAVE TO SPEND THOUSANDS.
ya sleeping pads are undervalued by easy mode hikers. My FDF pad might not be light, but i know i can chuck that bastard onto any ground and still have some comfort without anything breaking.
Saying you don't need extra clothes is absolute madness. I live in Sweden, and maybe it's okay during summer, but if you get wet and have nothing to change into that could turn absolutely dangerous. In fact, for a lot of mountain hiking events and similar here, clothes to change into if you get wet are _mandatory_.
It's because he's a mountain/coastal hiker and doesn't deal with real winter humidity or water. Us Midwestern/Ontario hikers understand how important staying warm and dry is.
The guy isn't talking about winter, he's talking about good weather. Even here in Sweden, a bit of rain won't kill you so long as you can still get out of the wet clothes and into your presumably still dry sleeping bag, for example. Yes, it's a lot more convenient if you can just change clothes and go on, but I've yet to know anyone who carries a spare jacket just in case they get it soaked. Same goes for tents if you manage to rip a hole in it. By this logic, you'd be carrying two of every piece of equipment.
The one thing that I am absolutely SICK OF is this never-ending genuflection to Smartwater bottles. There's nothing wrong with Smartwater or their bottles, but a bottle of Fiji Water will never roll off the side of a cliff on you.
I don't even understand the smartwater thing. It's.... just a thin water bottle? Is there supposed to be something special about these? I actually like bringing metal double wall bottles. I have a hard time making myself drink enough warm water. And my hikes aren't very long, only packing in to a base camp, then day hiking around the area.
@@sultanofsick there’s two main benefits: they fit on standard cartridge style water filters which is a plus. And they’re thicker walled than most water bottles. A third benefit is that they reusable several times while still recyclable. A possible fourth is If your water bottle gets damaged, it’s cheap to replace.
I'm going on a 2500 mile non-stop hike soon through all 15 UK national parks lasting about 2 years and guess what....I'm bringing a chair. I spent a few year homeless in my early days and spent that last year in a tent in the woods. Sitting on the ground absorbing the cold, or leaning up against a tree feeling the hard bark, sure it's bearable for the odd night or two, but do it for weeks or months and your body will hate you. And don't get me wrong, I love sitting on the ground, but on a long hike when all you want to do is relax and even though you're sitting down, your're constantly holding your top half up. The chair allows for full relaxation! Whenever I've been camping with friends since, the chair always gets fought over by the 2nd day.
Steve, I am 67 and will be 68 yo, Spring of ‘24, when I start the AT. This has been a long time coming. All your tips and more are welcome. Thank you for sharing.
just want to mention it is not recommended for disposable bottles to be reused many many times as overtime they will degrade and leak microplasics into the water, personally I get a new one for each trip
I haven’t used my compass in over a decade either. But…. When setting up our solar panels at our house I did use the compass app that comes standard on the iPhone. Not sure if androids have it too but handy the 1-2 times I needed it for a home project.
I agree with every point but… Parts of the hiking community can get very judgemental and having people point out all the flaws in ones gear can discourage them from hiking more than their bad gear would, at least that’s my theory.
For sure. I've had people comment on my gear, suggesting there was too much for just an overnight hike.. unfortunately I can't afford super compact and lightweight stuff, so I just have to make do with what I have..
@@motameus1 It's not about expensive or cheap gear (he made video's about good cheap gear), it's about common sense and not putting yourself in danger on multiday hikes.
I agree I think this is a fun video and all but we all should be careful not to be gear snobs. My first hikes at age 11 were done in ecco shoes, with supermarked water bottles, foam pads, paper maps, a "normal" tent. and wearing a cotton button-up and a cotton hoodie. This was up in the Swedish mountains mind you. Why did we go that way? Cus my dad has been hiking since the 70's and to this day hasn't seen a TH-cam video about the hobby. He was just like "pack your things we're going out" and off we went. Food was usually oats and pasta + canned tomatoes.
If judging this one guy will prevent 100 people from making the same mistakes, thus getting more people to be comfortable out in the backcountry, then it’ll be worth it.
Fun video, and thanks for including me in the comment round-up! If you opt out of bringing spare changes of clothes, at the very least bring spare socks (one pair per day is optimal, but every two days is ok) and possibly an underwear swap or two depending on trip length. The former is essential for preventing blistering and the latter is just a big comfort win a few days into a sweaty hike. While pads like that are terrible to sleep on by themselves, they are generally very light (even if they're bulky, not a huge deal on the outside of the pack) but are a good cheap "R-value booster" to put under your primary pad in colder weather so you don't need to buy two expensive air pads. They can also be handy as a mat you don't care about to throw down on the ground for a quick break on hard ground where you wouldn't want to risk popping your main pad. I like bringing a compass (and at least a chunk of map covering your hike area) effectively as "emergency" gear, not for regular use. They're light/small and it's good to have a fallback in case you drop your phone and break it, run out of battery, or any number of other issues crop up. For simple trips on well-marked trails it's not important, but on longer expeditions I consider it a good backup. It's even more important on ocean kayaking trips, but still nice to have for hiking too.
It's important not just to have a map, but to know how to read it. If you don't know about things like contour lines and contour interval, GM angle (or what an azimuth is in general), how to find coordinates, how to tell which terrain features are which, how to determine the scale of the map, etc a paper map is basically useless. If you're navigating with a map and compass, you need to learn how to keep a pace count, how to find distances on a map, how to use a protractor (also a piece of gear you should add to your kit as it's vital for determining your azimuth and finding coordinates on a map, it's not the same kind of protractor you would use in math class but one specifically made for map reading, you can find plastic ones for very cheap. Pro tip: poke a hole in the center and tie a piece of string through it, so you can find an azimuth without having to mark your map up with a pen or pencil), how to maintain an azimuth (and find a back azimuth), how to terrain associate, etc. The military has entire multi-week courses about this stuff (like the Army's Pathfinder school). If you don't know what you're doing, trying to use a map and compass will just get you more lost. Even if you do know what you're doing, it's still pretty difficult without having practiced it. To anyone interested, there's free courses on TH-cam, just type in 'Land navigation'.
Yeah, the dependence on electronics for navigation makes me nervous. Cell phones can die in so many ways. Worth the few grams for an orienteering compass and a small waterproof map imo.
A few counterpoints. First, the classic blue foamy is often used as a cheap protection for more expensive pads. I’ve had Therm-a-rest reps recommend a Z-lite under their Uberlite even in tents for example, so people definitely have opted for the cheaper foamy instead. Realistically though they don’t sell like they used, for good reasons as explained in the video. Second, perhaps the metal bottle is insulated for coffee (this one probably isn’t by the look of it, but let’s roll with the idea it is) and is not a primary source of water. I have hiked and camped with lots of folk who will prep coffee for a quick, no cook lunch, no matter the weight penalty. Third, I hike with a technical polo, as it can provide extra sun protection and take some friction out of the system if layered with a nice wicking tee as well. Nothing wrong with it, as long as it isn’t cotton. Fourth, a map and compass are basic safety measures, and should be a part of most people’s kit (along with some training on it). A map alone won’t help much if you don’t know which way to go. Unless you are also carrying heavy battery packs, solar or some other method of charging your phone, it will die eventually unless you ration it’s use severely (ie:no pictures, music, etc, it’s a map only that’s turned off between checks.). A dedicated GPS is better, and something this load out would probably carry as well as a map and compass, so this dude must just really be into some old school orienteering. Lastly, I personally like having a change of clothes, as it makes me feel more like a human when I change into them. I’m not an ultralight hiker, if you couldn’t tell, but a fresh change of clothes after a dip in a lake is just a nice reward and reinvigorating. But to each their own. Some one definitely did him dirty though, and did not fit his pack correctly or teach him the importance of doing up all the straps. The big fuel can might make sense if he’s going out there for multiple days and is doing some backcountry cooking 🍳. The multiple inaccessible water bottles…. Kinda silly unless unless there’s not a water source near by and he had to pack lots of extra water. As we didn’t see the rest of his gear, he’s probably got a load out that’s not too dissimilar to one’s I’ve had in the past, with a 5 pound-ish tent, a synthetic sleeping bag, a larger stove setup and actual food (not just freeze dried) and some clothing options. Oh and a chair of course 😜. Is it super light, and something you want to put out 20k a day with, heck no. But if you’re shorter hops between sites and want some nice comfortable options, is a great way to go. Long and short is there’s definitely some things wrong with this dude, and he could use some help. However, there’s also some reasons for some of his choices that are valid to achieve certain goals. As mentioned in the video, everyone must hike their own hike. This dude is not an ultralight hiker, and that’s ok, a lot of people aren’t and happy about it. My goal while selling is to help people achieve their goals while outside, be it someone who wants the lightest kit out possible to those who just want to enjoy the creature comforts once they get to their site after a short hike in, and everyone in between. There’s the right equipment for everyone, and it’s all about enjoying the outdoors in a way that makes you happy. Disclaimer: I work for an outdoor retailer, and the above is purely my own opinion, and does not reflect those of my employer.
I can understand the need for that classic cheap foamy but even for protecting your expensive pad, there are cheaper options on the market, which are also more compact and lighter, like a simple yoga mat. Or go to your hardware store and get a roll of thin flooring insulation foam, which usually has a mylar layer on one side as well which is very useful to protect against condensation hitting your pad or sleeping bag.
Why not changing clothes. Personably, I find disgusting people not cleaning themselves on multi day hike. It is so easy to bring a bit of soap and clean a few parts of your body in a water source. And also easy to clean your clothes and wear your replacement (only need one spare). This is also something the military teaches to its military. Not cleaning yourselves could cause sickness and infections.
I (almost) completely agree with this post. Especially on the first paragraph. I use a CCF mat below my bivy/insulated sleeping mat to protect it, and adds a bit of insulation, even if not a well insulating mat in itself. Knowledge of a map and compass is important. Using a phone for navigation is a recipe for disaster and many people need to be rescued yearly because they got lost by relying on their phone. I prefer to use a map and compass myself, and keep the phone or app or GPS for checks. Some extra clothes (just comfy stuff) for use in an emergency and more likely, to sleep in. Keeps your sleeping system more clean, so it needs less washing and keeps its insulation for longer since you're not sweating in it for an evening (even if you don't feel like you're sweating, you are still rubbing oils off your skin on your bag and are actually still releasing moisture into the air).
Usually like your videos but this one got a little obnoxious for me, have gone backpacking a countles times both in the military and privatly. There ain't any wrong way to go backpacking, carry what you want and need. Have slept a lot on those thin mats in my younger days and tho they are not comfortable I've never been cold laying on them. And it can get quite cold here in Norway.
Foam roll maps are standard fare in the military. Well, the British Army anyway. In fact, they're also standard issue for Ukrainian soldiers currently defending their homeland. I mean, it's not as if grunts are going to have the time to inflate their sleep systems.
They're the right choice in difficult conditions (that one is likely to get into in the military, like, idk, war) because they're indestructible. I guess that's a big reason why some truhikers swear by foam pads... They won't puncture on you. You may be less comfortable and less warm than on a nice blow up pad, but you'd be screwed if said blow up pad gets a leak...
@@scotbotvideos I'm in the UK. I take a rolly on every hike because it covers as a sitting mat, somewhere to unpack or pack if in long or wet grass, something to chill on under a tree in a forest in the middle of the day, and something to put under my self inflating mat as a sacrificial layer, especially if I am tarp camping. Cheap 10 quid Decathlon one that goes everywhere with me! BTW originally from South Africa - we used to take a couple of tins with us on hikes for a cheeky drink on the first night. If you roll them inside the mat, they stay cold a remarkably long time🍺🍺🍺 🤣🤣🤣
Kyle also apparently hates pop tarts! Every hike, I bring a chair to sit in while eating my pop tarts wishing others could share in my joy instead of their love of misery! As always enjoyed the video and appreciate your great perspective!
Pop tarts are small, portable, can be eaten cold or warm. They are also high in sugar, carbs, and fat. Kinda something you NEED on a hike. I dont see what his gripe is other than flavors. Kyle comes off as one of those wannabe super manly guys with something to prove to no one but himself who probably has a fragile masculinity.
Light weight somehow equals misery. I'm never miserable or even uncomfortable without a chair. I'm crazy ultralight and still have many luxuries including a 10 degree quilt, great pad, two person tent, umbrella, 2 sit pads for a warm dry comfortable lounging experience, tyvek, , 2 fleeces, a windbreaker, rain jacket, rain pants, hot meals, coffee, whiskey, weed (whiskeys ultralight alternative), gloves, beanie, and a bear can with 5 days of food (no pop tarts) at 23 lbs....I'm not sure where the sufferfest is. I'm just more creative (and obsessive) If you've ever tried to eat a pop tart at 12000 feet you might reconsider. Its like eating carpet padding. Fine, I'll share in your joy but I'm gonna talk behind your back like a normal person and sit in your chair when you get up. Peace brother
@@nedanother9382 chair or stool depends on the location. Most of the places I hike, there's a boulder or log nearby that makes a good sitting spot, but out in the open desert, anything you do find is likely to be sharp or already home to a scorpion or snake. The cheap Walmart folding stool takes care of that just fine.
I wonder how we survived in the wild before inflatable pads? And how we could have a fantastic experience with backpack without magic straps. Not to mention how we could were able to go outside without a chair costing at least $100? There are cheaper chair, but as we all "know" they are "absolute thrash"... This video has no real value, it is only there to poke fun at those who make do with what they have.
I literally said “if that’s all you have then no judgment here.” When did I say your chair was trash? All I said in this video is you should tighten your magic straps. I have packs that don’t have them and use them regularly. Are we only interested in surviving? Like I said real men are intentionally miserable. My comment on inflatable pads was about comfort. And I recommended the cheapest inflatable pad I know of. Good grief man. I’m only trying to help in a fun way.
@@MyLifeOutdoors i understand that. The chair comment was to prove how important it is for some groups to have THE brand, no matter the price or if it is worth it. But remember that fun and sarcasm does not allways translate very well when it comes from a place up high and is directed down. Think about that. You could have made the video with the angle of things you would have done better and also showed some real appreciation towards all those who venture out with the gear they can afford. And a "i have to cover my ass with a half hearted comment about my lack of judgement for those less fortunate" is not the way to go. Truth is, most people go into nature for the experience, and some goes for the gadget. Just because you do not understand those who are different, do a not mean you have to teach everyone else your way of doing it. A little respect comes a long way, especially when you claim to be a pro.
Have excruciating stomach pain? Wait 8 months to go go to the doctor, and then only because your wife nags you to. Real men die too early of preventable causes. 🤥
I'm generally a fan of your videos, but I feel like watching this would put people off backpacking more than anything else. I'm a pretty seasoned hiker and camper, and I have found the way of doing things that works for me, what I like to carry, how much money I'm willing to spend on my gear, what luxuries I like (a paperback book every hike!) and what I can do without. I know that one experienced hiker can do things totally differently to another equally experienced hiker, and for the most part, it isn't simply the RIGHT way to do things vs what NOT to do. I would hate for someone who'd like to try backpacking, or is planning a first or second longer trip to watch this and think, 'oh no, I haven't got the PROPER clothes, or the CORRECT sleeping pad, what if I carry my water in the WRONG way, or pack things I SHOULDN'T pack. Yes, it's good to share information to help people have the most comfortable and safe trip possible, but exactly like you say, everyone needs to hike their own hike. We all learn from experience, you just have to get out there and find what works for you!
He lacks the self-awareness to recognize his own incredibly arrogant style. He's the type of guy we avoided growing up. Socially awkward. The kind of guy that goes through life believing he has some grasp of how other people view him, when he has no idea at all. "Insufferable" is what my parents called people like this. No grace. Wouldn't know "humble" if it flew over and $h!t on his head. I've hiked my entire life. 5 continents. 18 countries. And I meet him ( _his type_ ) everywhere. In hiking circles. Kayaking and canoeing circles. In competitive shooting circles. In skiing circles. Sport climbing and rappelling circles. Spelunking circles. Skydiving circles. Scuba diving circles. Hell, even in rodeo circles. All you can do is smile, nod your head, and laugh about him around the campfire later, while hanging at the water's edge with friends at the end of the day, or on duty standing post with your team mate. It makes for good entertainment. While he is busy ridiculing a video of a fictional hiker, people who can't afford the luxuries he can, and/or anyone else he deems inferior to himself ( _that'd be most everyone_ ) me and half a dozen team mates are making fun of him, his false premises, his smirky attitude, and pretty much every other thing he says. But cut him some slack. He can't help it. He was raised to be that way. And he's too obtuse to change. Just pity him and move on.
It's still highly informative. I have had friends that camped/backpacked without a sleeping pad or used an inadequate backpack. The video's tailored for folks looking to safely get started and not for seasoned hikers like yourself. Tips like these are a great starting point for us noobies, and I owe it to him for having helped me successfully complete my first backpacking experience last weekend.
@@worthpowell2639 Everyone has their own personal frustrations. And I choose to speak my opinion the same as you. I gently turn away people weekly who seek to spend time with me on the trail. And I AM in the woods or on the water every week. But I do not make fun of those people or belittle them for being unable to afford the best gear, do things the hard way out of ignorance, or make errors of ignorance. I help them without the judgmental snark of this fellow. I do better every day and I make people's lives better everyday. I did it for a living for a very long time. But thank you for sharing your uninformed opinion. I respect it even if I do not agree with it.
If anyone has that take away from a video like this then they are in an incredibly, incredibly defensive mindspace and will take any form of content as an insult. They'll figure it out, something as benign as this video isn't gonna have an effect.
Gotta be said i only bring my metal water bottle as i can boil in it and i aways bring spare clothes i even wash my clothes on longer hikes i just hate feeling sticky and damp in used clothes
Im no ultralight hiker, but ive done my fair share of backpacking and rucks, and there were a lot of parts of this video that came off as elitest. The army puts us in some pretty awful spots, in some pretty awful conditions, and we have essentially foam pads that have saved my back on more than one occasion, and transition between hip belt on and off to change the load distributon on our 50lb rucks. Different hikes like you said, but tearing down someone, even if theyre stock footage, for thinks like carrying too large of an iso can, or having too heavy of a water bottle, only serves to push people away. It really comes down to who is the audience? Newcomers will be scared off, and veterans already know this information
I have been wanting to get into Hiking for awhile, but disappointed that it seems like the "Hiking Community" online seems to be Toxic and Judgemental when it comes to gear. I understand it's advice and it's from experience, but it discouraging to try to obtain this knowledge on a budget. I feel like campers and survivalist are more optimistic when it comes to gear. That as long as you got what you need you will be fine. I know there are wonderful and genuine Hikers, But I'll just stick to camping.
@@D.a.n.n.y.2nd personally the way I deal with this is a what I call 80% mentality yes, high end gear that can do 100% of your stuff is awesome, no question about that. however a good "80% solution" also gets the job done, and is often WAY WAY cheaper. if your gear is able to perform 80% of all scenarios you will ever encounter in life then its not that hard to bridge the remaining 20% with good thinking or 1-2 more items you can easily bring. lastly, there is tons of awesome military surplus gear that very cheap I recently got myself a "high end" sleep system with carinthia parts for just 200 bucks, simply because it is milsurp. if I bought all of the items new I would have easily spend 4-600 bucks
I find it interesting too that people will count grams and ounces but then take a GPS and battery bank/solar panel when a map and compass weigh a fraction of that.... And always works!
That GPS is fine and dandy until you run out of a) coverage an/or b) battery life. While the former may never happen (unlikely but not unthinkable), the latter is a given -- and even powerbanks run out of juice, especially the more lightweight ones. I'm all for using technology and navigation apps are super helpful but having a physical map and a compass (which weigh next to nothing and take up next to zero space as backup just seems like common sense to me. Also, a properly laminated map AND can multitask as an extra wind/rain cover, a sleeping mat insulation or a blanket.
A proper GPS does not run out of coverage if you have downloaded the correct maps. In addition, a small folding solar panel and a battery bank or 2 and the GPS can keep going. The only GPS that won't work out bush is those relying upon the mobile network. Finally, I always use a map and compass.
@@crusher8017 a downloaded map without GPS showing you your (more or less) exact position on it is just that -- a map. What I meant was 'coverage' as in network coverage/connectivity that allows you to accurately establish your location -- which is something you should be able to do with a map and a compass anyway if you want to wander off beaten tracks.
@@zofiavonhotzka3124Sorry, I don't think I said what I meant. I was trying to say that using a GPS for example a Garmin with the correct maps can assist in double checking map co-ords. I always have a map and compass, was brought up with them. But a decent GPS can be good assist.
@@crusher8017 ok, I get it now but thanks for clarifying :). I use GPS/navigating apps myself, they're massively convenient but I'm just too paranoid not to have a backup ;).
@@zofiavonhotzka3124 That is just fundamentally not how GPS works. GPS relies on satellites for location, the coverage is exactly the same everywhere on earth at all times. It is not like 4G, where remote locations lack coverage, it simply doesn't matter where you are. Of course the actual map would have to be downloaded in advance, but provided you already have those, the location will always work. Unless you usually go hiking in tunnels, of course!
I always bring map and compass, but it's probably because I rarely follow trails and love to explore. Also, using the smartphone kind of kills the immersion to me. I do that only when I really need to.
Map & compass very handy when blundering about and being casual about which way you are going, as long as you can pop out of the woods and achieve a known position (which is what a GPS receiver does for you). Or when searching for specific items in the landscape when they are indicated on the map. Not all walkers are linear 'trail hikers'.
When I used to backpack (before a car accident whacked my back, and several decades ago), I had a 1-1/2" thermarest pad that fit into a 15 oz. sleeve to create an on the ground chair. 3" of padding, adjustable back angle, could even use it as a rocker. Pure luxury in the middle of nowhere. And I still use that chair configuration in my tent while car camping, and even on an uncomfortable chair in my livingroom.
No compass? I walk and sail and know many people who just use electronic navigation when sailing and hiking. I know TWO people whose power failed while sailing and they did not know how to navigate with traditional methods. I also walk in the mountains for 2 week stretches where I have to use power packs to recharge my phone - so I switch it off and use a tiny power pack for emergencies and just use map and compass
This video is a prime example of one of my pet peeves with the backpacking community. So much condescension and judgement about what is the "proper" way to do things. Gear heads comparing the latest thing on the market, know-it-alls that have an opinion on the best way they think things must be done and the down right elitist attitudes that make any conversation or outing nothing more than a outdoor colonoscopy.
I always carry a foam pad that I use under the inflatable pad, just to protect it. They weigh practically nothing. I can't afford to buy new gear all the time. And why must a bottle be reachable? Can't you take your backpack off and have break while you drink? I'd rather stay home than hike in such a hurry that I'd have to drink while I walk. I'm obviously not a true man myself.
I add a foam pad in cold seasons (late autumn, early spring) to add some extra warmth. With regards to the drinking - I'm also a hiker who loves taking breaks but I find that often I'm in a flow and not tired yet but also thirsty, so I do have a water bottle accessible while walking. I may stop for a minute to drink, but taking the pack off is only for longer breaks because it's a hassle (not ultralight here 😅). Accessible water gives you more flexibility 😊
@@meisjeViv I personally do carry my water bottle attached to my hip belt. I'm just questioning why it has to be the only way that is stated here. Like: "Hike your own hike, but if your'e not doing it this way, you're doing it wrong". That attitude comes through too much here in my opinion.
As others have said: Extra set of clothes is a defense against hypothermia from unexpected wet. Plus having a set for sleeping, and a set for hiking improves the standard of sleep imeasureably. Furthermore if you're in your sleeping bag with gear you've worn in thd day, then you're bringing moisture into thf bag and reducing the sleep system insulation by a a degree or two.
I like bringing a couple of smaller stainless steel (unpainted and single walled) water bottles. I can boil water, melt snow, and heat a water for cold weather sleeping. I find plastic bottles to be a waste of space in cold weather camping.
I use a woobie and poncho as a bedroll shelter extra clothing for emergency on my bottom of my pack strapped for easy access and it's space saving for a smaller pack I use I also believe in carrying a metal bottle for emergency boiling I try to be minimalist. I'm constantly learning and changing as I feel my skills improve. Most survival experts push the bic and even duct tape not every one is a full metal jacket fire kit person lol I like your videos thanks
I learned recently from David Canterbury to Wrap it in duct tape for extra fire starting help I just decided to use an old used small pill bottle for water proofing the small bic lighters work best for that too.
But still trying not to put too much in my pockets because that is a problem too lol but for real. Beware of pressure from things on your hips and it affects your back. It's not just the backpack weight that can cause issues. That EDC can be an issue as well no matter where your pounds equal pain is on your person.
Gonna be honest my favorite non inflating pad is a rollable. The Savotta sleeping pad with its extended flaps to keep you from rolling onto the ground at night is amazing. It's worth the extra half pound compared to the Nemo and Therm-a-rest foam pads in my opinion. Also about the not needing extra clothes thing, thats just gross, always carry 2 or 3 outfits including your current. A lot of you ultralight backpackers have gone way to far. As long as you stay under 50lb with the way modern backpacks frames are made you should have no issues, and if it is a weight issue at any point under 50lb's then you seriously need to bulk up for your own health. You shouldn't be sacrificing major comfort just over minor weight gains.
Ive used close foam pads in norway for artic training. We used to put the pad in the bergan then sleepbag in bivvysack ,in drybag. Clothes on top. Food and admin in side pouches. Basha in top cover. Anything extra would go between the tip of the bergan and your lid on its top, in the extendable nylon bit. No noise and you can get kipping quick time and you dont look like a muppet with crap hanging off pack. Also, change of clothes. Go a week in scotland or wales and tell me how you feel without fresh thermals and socks. Always carry a metal waterbottle, this can be heated up at night as a hot water bottle and in the morning if the water is frozen can be heated easily for a brew. Store camelbaks with water inside bag at foot and wear tent boots. In freezing conditions if you are stupid enough to handle metal without gloves and get stuck, the way you get unstick without loosing skin is to piss on your hand. My routine is tarp for shelter first. Get brew and scoff on, sleeping kit out. Out of gear and into sleeping gear ( the change if clothes you bring with you) foot admin. This all takes less than 20 minutes. Trust me when i say getting into fresh thermals and dry socks with tent boots and thermal jacket or whatever you got for that will improve your experience.
I use two cheap sleeppads - one eva and another inflatable. together they provide enough comfort and warmth. But I like simple eva pad cause I can use it to sit anywhere and near the fire also while inflatable requires much more care.
I sweat a lot and I live in Florida. I also used to be a fishing guide in the Florida Everglades. A lightweight 100% cotton shirt with a vented back has always been cooler for me than any of the performance type shirts in the summer down here. The synthetic material only works until it gets saturated with moisture and after that the sweat or whatever will just run down your body. A shirt like the Columbia Bonehead also dries a good bit quicker than one might think. This shirt also works fairly well against mosquitoes. They will bite through just about any untreated lightweight shirt that is in contact with your skin. There's a double layer of material (cotton on the outside and mesh on the inside) on the shoulders and upper back of the Bonehead shirt and others like it that mosquitoes don't bite though also.
tbh, I only switched from the craptastic foam pads/yoga mat things with an R value of "none" to a thermarest thing recently. sure, nice gear is nice, but its hellishly expensive and the important bit is going outside and having fun.
Cheap uncomfortable and cold foam pad. I have been using one of those for over 20 years (before I bought my first inflatable). I never slept uncomfortable and even took it down to -20°C without freezing (used snow for added insulation). I think inflatables are great. But they sure have many big disadvantages and I would only recomment them to people, who are overweight, unfit, too old or have backpain. I dislike the general attitude from people who generally disregard foam pads. They are a great option and they certainly have a right to exist.
All great points but a steel water bottle is good for survival situations if boiling is your only way to purify drinking water. I like Smart Water bottles but a stainless steel bottle is still in my pack as a backup to my filter, especially for day hikes.
I have a cheaper metal bottle, weights 120g (around 4 ounces) and use it for my "cooking" water. Since it is in my main bag and only comes out at camp, I like the piece of mind it gives me that it won't leak in my bag.
Not exactly a civilian backpacking scenario, but for military patrol/rucking a pad is much nicer. Inflating pads take too much time and effort to set up
There are dozens of gear combinations for every backpacker and type of trip. Right or wrong should only be judged by the one that humps it in and hopefully back out.
I do not need ANY R value if I'm sleeping at a low of 80 degrees in ATX 💀🥵 R.I.P. to all of my other natives trying to camp around central Texas right now. Watching this video to prepare for a Big Bend trip and I love your videos, you are very informative and deliver information without much bias. 👍🙌🙏❤ Keep it up man!
When are you doing the Big Bend trip? If you can manage a night in ER4 on the South Rim, the view is worth every bit of the hike. Just plan on carrying all the water you need, and if Boot Spring is flowing, count it as a bonus.
Former gram weenie here. On especially rough terrain I like to carry a 1/8" foam pad rolled up with my ground sheet on the outside of my pack to protect my inflatable pad. Few things are worse when backpacking than waking up in the night on the cold ground because your pad got punctured. As far as extra clothing goes... an extra pair of socks is a must in my book. Always keep a fresh clean pair on while you rinse and dry the previous miles off of the other pair, and your feet will thank you.
I spent years living out of a back pack while homeless and I honestly never felt like i needed a pad to lay on. Just the sleeping bag. In fact at one point my sleeping bag broke and I started carrying just a comforter as a replacement, lol. It somehow did the trick. Collected dust and added more weight tho.
Whatever you bring, the right packing and carrying technique makes it so much easier. Last week in an outdoor store the usual picture: people who never carried a larger Rucksack are walking around in the store with huuuuge bags to try them out for a few minutes. People half my weight with backpacks I couldn't carry for a 5 hour hike.
I sign every point except two on which I highly disagree: My military service taught me that a map and a compass are essential tools on every tour, because GPS will fail at some point - usually when you need it the most. I had many occasions where GPS failed me, whether it was the phone, or a GPS watch and a map and a rough awareness of my location saved me from going unnecessary kilometers many times. Second point: always have dry clothes with you. Not necessarily a full set, underwear (shirt, underpants) are enough most of the times, but at the very least a spare pair of socks, because you never know what you're getting into. Whether you slip at the edge of a a stream and you step or even fall into it, or rain surprises you with a fresh shower. I had some instances where I was glad that I had spare clothes with me.
Yeah, there's a couple called Renee and Tim who've got a large channel, and foam pads are all they use. Well, the folding kind, but they're still foam.
if you don't have the Moosejaw Supercell Maxi-R-val Hyperlight AirXtreme Mega-mattress by Outdoor Research Laboratories Esquire Galore, then you are doing it WRONG------------but hike your own hike----------no judgement here. 😂
While on the PCT I discovered that those people have inflatable pads too. The foam is great for tossing down anywhere for a break. Adding it to the inflatable pad at night can mitigate some of the crinkling noises that high R-value pads are notorious for.
Having a good pack and setting it up correctly makes a major difference. When I first started I just bought a cheap pack that had no internal frame, support or structure. Even though I was only carrying at most 15kg of gear within an hour of hiking my shoulders especially would be aching. Getting the weight close to you and on your hips makes a world of difference, I moved to a tatonka lastenkraxe frame pack due to the need to carry additonal water here in Arid Australia and can easily carry upto 25kg without any back or shoulder strain. Your legs feel the weight but I find your legs can cope with it better than your spine and shoulders.
I'm not trading my metal water bottle for anything. It's durable as hell and has lasted me nearly two decades with barely a dent in it. It's double-walled/insulated, so it doesn't freeze on day hikes, even when it's -20 degrees Celsius out, and it has a loop in the cap so that it can be tied to my pack, so even if it falls out of the pouch, I don't lose it. There are absolutely practical reasons to carry a good metal water bottle. Combined with my Katadyn BeFree filter bottle and a 3L CamelBak in case I have long hauls between water sources and as far as I'm concerned, that's the ultimate setup for most situations. As far as not needing extra clothes, either you're incredibly lucky and always end up hiking in nice weather, have never been caught in a severe mountain storm that leaves you soaked and freezing, or you're just a hell of a lot tougher than I am. A fresh set of clothes in a large ziplock bag is an absolute must-have for any multi-day hike in my opinion.
the smart water plastic is called "PET" same stuff good beer cups are made of. they are so durable you can turn them inside out without breaking.🤙 happiest known time. yabadaba doo
Lost the lid off of one inside my pack one day - luckily it was only a 500ml. That's why I carry a metal bottle for my camp water needs (cooking, coffee) and keep the smart water bottles for normal hydration. The extra 60g (2 ounces) is well worth the piece of mind of getting to camp and *not* having my puffer jacket dripping wet.
Last time I camped I used an ultralight air pad but I also took an old roll up foam mat. Sharp rocky ground (can we mention crampons too?) even smooth rock slabs and you'll be really glad of that roll mat under the air sleeping pad
I bring a 40 once metal (uncolored) bottle with because I can cook in it or at least boil water. I also use smart water bottles but you can’t boil water in a smart water bottle
Temperature of boiling water 100degC, melting point of plastic, much higher, but it does soften a little, and you don't need to get to 100degC to purify the water. th-cam.com/video/JnyxlHJQ0ew/w-d-xo.html
My current list for overnight trips: - sleep pad - heavy blanket or bag or both - water, food - compass, phone, keys, money/cards - hat, warm hat - mushrooms - day pack - knife (have never used it) - poncho - extra shirt - jacket or sweatshirt - pants That's about it. This works for two days as well. No tent, no stove, sometimes no bag. If it's too cold, I pack up and hike till morning, then rest. I will next add a stove and gps device. I am in southern California desert, warm weather, no bugs, dry and predictable.
As a girl... I bring spare clothes! Often a beat-up legging for around camp and as extra warmth for sleeping. Weighs nothing and takes up little space. Clean socks are my ultimate camping confort.
I like to bushwhack so I use a compass often. Granted it's just a pin-on ball compass that I can glance at to make sure I'm headed in the correct general direction. Also most of my hiking is in the White Mountains National Forest so compass navigation skills are not that important. There's enough fire roads that as long as you know you are headed in the right general direction you will either hit the road or a major obstacle that you can see on a decent topo map to know how to adjust your course. (Note: I also had lots of training for using the ball compass and reading the landscape as a youth hunting on 100+ acres of woodland)
I like a small backpack on the front as counterweight. If you have trees around, I know nothing better than a cheap, lightweight hamac, upgraded with a package cord, a thin plastic you use for painting and some clothespins to attach the plastic over the cord down to the hamac on both sides. The warm exhaled air will ballon the plastic during the night. Good for >=-5° C with an ordinary 12°C comfortable sleeping bag.
Regarding the water situation; I could not tell if he was in US nature or someplace like Scandinavia or some parts of Europe. Water filtering has only become a thing I see on hikers here in Sweden after the rise of TH-cam and people getting their gear lists from US hikers for their conditions. Running water is *everywhere* and is also clean enough to just... drink. Carrying a smaller metal water bottle that you can plop right into a campfire to heat it up is what I learned to do some... 30 years ago. I wouldn't use a colourful alu one though.
Americans rely on water filters to ensure the purity of their drinking water. Meanwhile, I always carry my dependable wooden cup, which is ever prepared for a refreshing sip from a cool running stream during my strolls.
I read an article about a woman who died going off the trail for a bathroom spot. Got lost, no signal. Ended up starving. Depending on the phone like that out in the wilderness is a little crazy in my book. When I go off the trail, I check my direction on the compass, then I know how to get back. A small compass can weigh about an ounce or something.
As a bonus, a lot of budget camping stuff will throw a compass into the handle for no apparent reason. Sure they're going to be _crap_ compasses that I wouldn't try land nav with, but should be good _enough_ to get you back to a trail - or even just towards civilization if you're not super backcountry.
@@chrisc1140 Yeah, the ideal is to have one always on your person in case you don't have your pack. Have one in the pack and one on a knife, key chain, or whatever.
On more than one occasion I've been comforted by a dry clean pair of underware for the hike home. I don't recall ever saying "Darn, this extra 1.5 ounces is really dragging me down" ?! Only cure for summertime swamp ass !
What I was expecting was some good backpacking tips, what I got was a recommendation not to wear polo shirts while backpacking and to spend more money on premium gear linked to a plug for an affiliate link. Cue the obligatory weight shaming. PS: Learn to and always carry a compass. North Shore Mountain Rescue is getting tired of rescuing people with dead cell phone batteries. Relying on your phone alone is irresponsible. Leaving a map and compass behind to save 0.02 oz is why a lot of backpackers are tired of ultralighters.
You should do a series where you rate subscribers backpack setups. Alot like how gaming streaming rate peoples gaming setups. Serious and not serious applications would be amazing to see.
About the extra clothes, one can get away without extra clothes if you don't mind just throwing a rain jacket or poncho over you once it rains, wear the right gear that's water resistant or proofed from the get go. Extra socks. A whole outfit? Meh maybe one really compact outfit if you can afford it but that depends on what your doing. For airsoft like milsim preparation for example they recommend a change in clothes but honestly might be able to get away in the same outfit despite sweat, dirt, mud, wet etc. Have a fire and hang out by the fire before bed. Clean the mud off of the bottom of your pants a bit somehow if it bothers you. Moisture wickening layers and stuff like that helps with reducing the cold and wet to begin with that comes with even sweating, water proof socks something I wanna try for the feet. Sweating is also something to be wary of as you can go hypothermic in pretty much any season. Not just a winter thing. Don't dress or gear up too warm or too cold in any of your gear choices. Even the sleeping bag or system should be summer, spring rated in temperature range. Woobies or the warmer jungle blanket are effective. I want a surplus jungle blanket. Consider keeping some like foot powder and like baby powder and stuff for rashes, foot blisters, creams and solutions for medical issues. Personally I plan to have a proper molle attached or velcro rip and tear with bandages, tourniquets, bandaids, disinfectant, ointments and creams, maybe keep powder in it too if it can fit in there etc. Hemostatic gauze you name it for what's important and really pack for emergencies that are actually probably likely to happen to you.
Z-Lite or inflatable +1 (Both in cold weather!) Load lifters: +1 Polo shirt - I have some Ex Officio ones that are just as good as a synthetic T-shirt. Extra clothes: +1 extra socks, +1 a dry baselayer for sleeping. The sweaty baselayer is banned from the sleeping bag. I brought four pair of socks on the Northville-Placid Trail, washed my socks at every stop, and put on whatever pair was driest. That trail can be, uhm, a little wet at times. Compass: About 1/3 of my trips have at least some cross-country travel. And I don't trust smartphone apps - the paper map and compass are my primary navigation. Camp chair - I sit on my bear canister.
I hiked 500 miles on the AT with 65lbs and still had 18 mile days occasionally and 15 miles regularly. I am only 140 lbs and had men much larger and stronger then myself criticizing me, i just tell them to worry about what is in their bag. I packed extra clothes and a chair both made the hike more comfortable and enjoyable.
ok, I can explain all these because I've been here before. The roll mats are a lot better than nothing at all and I have camped out in probably about 3 degrees Celsius with one of those fine so I don't know what you're on about with it being summer only. Water is carried inside the bag mostly - it's somthing you bring extra of because it gets dangerous running out of it. You stop to have a drink and a sit down so not having your waist strap on doesn't matter that much. Fully tightening the load straps is a pain when you constantly take the bag off so for a shorter trek before a break it is fine. You make most of the journey with most of them on properly but if you're new to it then you won't instinctually realise somthing is amiss. With a physical map the guy is probably scouting out a good place to camp. One day he'll bring his friends so he'll want to know the landmarks in the area so they don't get lost. Polo shirts are cheap and multifunctional. The average person doesn't understand the functional properties of materials. Polo shirts are short sleeved therefor for warmer weather - done. You can also find them anywhere. Gas canister is just standard practice. You need to cook your food and not everywhere lets you build a fire. Chances are that he's not even going to use it and he'll just build a fire but it's there just in case. If it rains or he had trouble starting a fire then it will just work. You really think he's the kind of guy who will complain about chairs being unessessary? The guy looks like a normie! You tell him that bringing a camping chair is totally worth it he'll 100% believe you. The guy isn't totally experienced and is clearly new to the hobby. Cut him some slack - he's probably openly looking for advice.
Excellent video. I don’t carry extra pants, but I will bring basketball shorts because they're lightweight and I like to sleep in those and could also be used in an emergency. I also bring a very small military sewing kit. Not even sure it would register on a scale.
I think the water bottle criticism is hella weak. I always carry my water inside my bag and purposely try to drink as little as necessary, only drinking more when making rest stops or reaching the summit of the mountain Im climbing. But maybe thats a hiking a long distance vs climbing a tall mountain mentality difference.
As a Canadian living in the wilderness, an extra set of clothes will save your life in cold wet weather. A compass should be mandatory. If lacking skills needed. LEARN BEFORE YOU NEED
I like to have a spare set of clothes to change into before I get into my sleeping bag. I don't want to add mud, bugs, and "hitchhiker" seeds to my bag interior.
Extra clothes: extra socks are a great and light weight luxury with (for me) a psychological effect at the end of a hiking day. Not only when your socks are wet.
I’m 67 yo. I have carried a folding chair for 50 years. My first chair was a folding stool that slid down, over my closed backpack. Now, I have a break down folding stool that’s no lighter but fits inside the pack. I’ve found if the feet are a closed loop, the stool feet won’t dig in when I sit down. Go ahead, don’t carry a stool. Sit on the ground or a wet log, or just stand…heh, heh…Bring along a piece of plastic or sleeping pad. I’ll be up, off the ground, on my stool.
Plenty of criticism in this comment section, but I’ve yet to see anyone point out something people seem to forget when it comes to bottles. Bottles like Nalgenes or other bottles made by reputable brands are intended for continued and extended use, Smartwater bottles aren’t. The plastic will degrade, and your year-old smartwater bottles will pump you up full of microplastics, especially if A) you’ve left them in the sun B) you’ve ever tried to clean them on the inside. Personally, I think it’s worth the 15 dollars to get a better bottle designed for extended use. Great videos though, you always inform of great new outdoor products.
On an extra set of clothes - I think having one in your pack, inside the liner or in a ziploc, is kind of a must have item if you are packing anywhere it rains (which is everywhere). At least bring something dry to sleep in. Sleeping wet will wet out your down gear and could turn dangerous. But I'll give you this much... the extra clothes should never be so you have something clean to start your day in. They should be an emergency backup. But HYOK. I've known hikers who would go out for a weekend trip and bring a set for each day and a sleeping set. Whatever luxuries your willing to carry are fair game, I suppose.
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Gear from this video:
Klymit Static V: geni.us/lCX5dB7
Z-Lite Pad: geni.us/xx4cA
Outdoor Research Sun Hoodie: geni.us/bklBB
Having a dry change of clothes packed in a ziplock bag is the difference between a freezing cold night and a fun story about that time you went camping during a surprise thunderstorm and it was so cold and wet until you could get the tarp up and get changed.
Your saying take more stuff because you were unprepared to do what you set out to. In backpacking the storm may surprise you but you still have to be prepared for it always. Soaked is a trip ender. Prepare for it.
You sound like a WIMP !! Back in the war, I slept in MUD in the same clothes for WEEKS
@@nedanother9382 Taking more stuff *is* preparing for those scenarios.
@@nedanother9382 Maybe it's not a concern in your neck of the woods, but extra clothes is part of being prepared for my hikes. In the South there's two reasons you're soaked at the end of a day: heat + humidity = sweat, or surprise afternoon thunderstorm drops an inch of rain in 30 minutes. This spring we've had the on-going gift of both.
As for ending a trip? That surprise thunderstorm changes all the dry drainage ditches into fast moving rivers filled with floating fire ant islands and angry venomous snakes. I'd rather carry the extra 300 grams and avoid that nightmare night hike back to the trailhead.
In other places, where the rain falls in droplets instead of sheets, you can always get the rain gear on in time. Here, we've got something called sun showers, where the sun is shining, there's one fluffy white cloud in the sky, and somehow it's dumping it's entire water content on you.
Why get wet in the first place when you have all kinds of waterproof clothes available, gore-tex, poncho, umbrella, softshell even waterproof socks. As for getting wet from sweating, there is no way to avoid. Although some technical underwear can help. I especially love the military style combat shirt, protective ripstop fabric on arms and breathable fabric on torso.
As others have said, I ALWAYS carry a change of underlayer clothes. Always. The weight is negligible compared to the benefit if you get soaked.
In addition a silk mummy liner. 125 g or 4.4 ounces.
This advice seems to be aimed at people who stick to easy trails. Up mountains/moors and in wet conditions/ bad visibility having a compass (and knowing how to use it) and spare set of clothes can be the difference between life and death/extreme discomfort.
I agree with you. Steven usually recommends ultralight gear choices (unless it's a chair of course), which are mostly aimed towards easy trails and great conditions. Some extra clothes go a long way when you are absolutly soaked. My general rule is: I always carry and extra pair of socks and and one extra underpant on any hike, which would be very detrimental if you needed but didn't have them. And if the hike lasts longer than 4 days I will also bring an extra shirt.
I agree. Putting on stinky clothes is just uncomfortable, especially if you otherwise have access to a shower (here in Germany wild camping is not allowed, and even the most basic campgrounds have a shower). Sure, you rarely will have a chance to wash the clothes, but most of the time you can hang them out over a few nights to lose the stink. This summer I carried two shirts (one of which I damaged because of an unfortunate combination of a hip strap and a belt buckle), and would switch them every other day when I noticed they got smelly. Same with underwear. And they really don't weigh that much. I could easily ditch more weight if I finally got around to get a smaller, less bulky knife, lol.
Damn Ya !!!
@@jimihenrik11yeah, Steven seems like an awesome dude but where I’m from ultralight tends to be more of a non-option, Especially given price, weather, and general conditions. Camping in Appalachian mountains is already going to be pretty rough given the terrain and how wet the wood you find tends to be, and combine that with the fact that you’re probably never going to get much sleep given how much random noise the coyotes and bears tend to make, and how much weight you’re carrying is likely going to be the least of your worries. Personally I’m aware that my bag is very heavy, so I compensate by working out and endurance training to keep from getting winded while hiking. Also, can’t stress enough how important a good machete and knife can be when a wild animal has decided to get nosy.
Yeah, I'm going to push back about the extra clothes. It's always always smart to carry at least an extra set of clothes in case of a sudden downpour and the clothes you're wearing get soaked. Not only is it miserable and uncomfortable to hike it soaking wet clothes, if you have to sleep in wet clothes, that could be deadly.
Nude is waterproof.
Kidding, but I somewhat agree. Nothing wrong with an extra set of clothes; however, the necessity of this depends on what country and what type of hiking you’re doing. Here in Norway, although us Scandinavians like to pack heavy, you can pitch a tent and light a fire anywhere in the country (with reason) and dry your clothes. Nature being a deep part of our culture, we are all raised to be responsible in the wild, and there has never been reason to restrict outdoor activities; the law pretty much says “everything is allowed in nature, just don’t be stupid”, and people here take that seriously.
If someone were restricted to using a camp stove, however - as they are in big portions of the world - there would be no way to dry your clothes, and not bringing an extra set of clothes would be quite unwise.
@@whengrapespop5728 Here in the western United States, fires are very restricted because we've gone through a decade plus of heavy droughts, so we're very susceptible to wild fires. Any tiny embre could spark a fire that can quickly become out of control. Even still, you don't want to be caught out in the middle of nowhere with only one set of clothes because if anything happens to them, you're screwed.
Also maybe it's just me, but I'm simply more comfortable when I don't have to spend days on end in clothes that slowly become more and more disgusting. Dirty is one thing, dirty and sweaty (and possibly wet) after a few days is another.
Clothes also have more uses than just for being worn, you never know in what new way a dry woolen sock might save your life lol.
Yes, I get this approach of 'don't take spare clothes' but it depends in part how long you're going out for, and what. Spare socks ARE essential.
Cos if socks get dirty or wet, walking in wet socks even if they are polyester is a) not fun and b) a very fast way to get blisters or trench foot or other medical problems. So not only are spare socks a delight - some people carry a dry clean pair just for their feet to recover when in the tent, but also essential cos dirty socks will mean the sweat doesn't evaporate properly and they'll get crusty and rub your feet. Your feet have to breathe, and cardboard like socks that are just ugh won't do that.
@@realfingertrouble I’m with you but I guess the people who don’t take spare clothes never go anywhere particularly cold, wet or away from people. I’m constantly hearing about these American great trails which are like a conga line of stinky unwashed kids, I guess this is the people the advice is for, they are back to college in a week no matter what - have a problem and you’re only a few hours walk from a bus home so it doesn’t matter. Worst comes to worst, the next group can carry you easily enough.
I always have 3 sets of clothing when I hike. I have 5000 miles under my belt so I’m not a newb. I have 2 sets of super lightweight running shorts, exofficio underwear, and synthetic shirts. This is all lightweight gear as I only hike in warmer climates but still. If I’m out for a week I like to wear a set for a couple days and then clean up super well and out my other set on. I even have gone back and forth hand washing a set every night or every other night. Being clean keeps all Of my gear nice and smells free and makes me feel better. My 3rd set of clothing is my sleeping clothes. I used a sleeping bag for the whole AT and when I was done it had no bad smells to it. It’s because I value being clean. Hike your own hike but just know… you can be clean out there.
I feel like the stuff he talks about on video are mostly for colder climates.Theres no way I would hike without a change of clothes if the average is about 28°C ~ 80F, way too much sweat
I also clean up at the end up each night when I put on my sleepwear. I always sleep in a set of base layers, including gloves and a lightweight warm cap. This keeps my sleeping bag nice and clean, and helps me sleep.
There's also one big reason I take a change of clothes - washing. Unless you're somewhere where you can safely jump in a river and it's not cold/polluted or walk around naked for a bit without somebody stumbling in on you, when on longer hikes/camps you need to wash your clothes or dry them but wear something in the meantime. This has caught me out before, so always take a spare. Also what happens if your short seams split or shirt rips? Not easy to repair shorts in the boonies.
Cue people saying 'you don't need to wash your clothes' - if it's polyester, you do if you ever want to go anywhere near polite company at any point cos otherwise you will stink to high heaven - also cleaner clothes remove sweat better.
@@realfingertrouble I reckon you’re more likely to get the “merano/llama/alpaca wool doesn’t smell” crowd commenting… guys, it does smell. There isn’t anything magic in your highly processed woollen clothes that kills bacteria. It’s living in there quite happily and if I had a dollar for every smelly backpacker wearing the stuff that’s come into my bar thinking they are as fresh as a daisy… I would be able to afford a much lighter tent 😂 A swab and an agar plate will cost you $5 and you can prove this for yourself.
@@PippetWhippet yeah.. It is better (I wear merino cos polyester that close to my skin causes major issues with my eczema) but it does still smell. Not as much as polyester/synthetics but it's not magic.
You're forgetting one important thing. Not everyone has the money to afford high-end, aka Moosejaw, equipment. Some people get what they can afford and go hiking/ camping anyway, because they love it!
not everything at MJ is high end though, ive seen a fair number of Coleman tents at $150 right next to NEMO tents selling for $400+.
$150 is high-end for quite a few people.
My first ten or so years was spent in a second-hand $40 tent and a $5 sleeping pad was what we used. Or a tarp and some sticks. Moss is really quite comfortable. 😅
This quite obviously puts some limits on when and where you hike.
I think you are forgetting something. No one forgot. If you disagree, then perhaps you should start a channel with tips for budget backpackers.
@@Americkslander I'm not really a hardcore backpacker, but 150€ can definitely be considered high-end for some. I used to go camping with a 20€ supermarket tent, and only recently coughed up 50€'s for a nice-ish tarp. I couldn't even fathom dropping 150€ for a tent.
@@doqtorisykero7971 You're just poor and jealous of my goldplated super-tent.
As a former Marine Infantry who served in Afghanistan 2 times. That sleeping pad was a god send. The best gear is the minimal, YOU DON'T HAVE TO SPEND THOUSANDS.
ya sleeping pads are undervalued by easy mode hikers. My FDF pad might not be light, but i know i can chuck that bastard onto any ground and still have some comfort without anything breaking.
Saying you don't need extra clothes is absolute madness. I live in Sweden, and maybe it's okay during summer, but if you get wet and have nothing to change into that could turn absolutely dangerous.
In fact, for a lot of mountain hiking events and similar here, clothes to change into if you get wet are _mandatory_.
There's is some awefull advice in this video. Poopoo'ing the use of a compass just so he can shill a GPS app is irresponsible and sleazy.
It's because he's a mountain/coastal hiker and doesn't deal with real winter humidity or water.
Us Midwestern/Ontario hikers understand how important staying warm and dry is.
The guy isn't talking about winter, he's talking about good weather. Even here in Sweden, a bit of rain won't kill you so long as you can still get out of the wet clothes and into your presumably still dry sleeping bag, for example.
Yes, it's a lot more convenient if you can just change clothes and go on, but I've yet to know anyone who carries a spare jacket just in case they get it soaked. Same goes for tents if you manage to rip a hole in it. By this logic, you'd be carrying two of every piece of equipment.
The one thing that I am absolutely SICK OF is this never-ending genuflection to Smartwater bottles. There's nothing wrong with Smartwater or their bottles, but a bottle of Fiji Water will never roll off the side of a cliff on you.
I grant you that…the only push back I’ll give is Fiji isn’t as readily available as smart water.
(nearly) All drinks bottles in Europe are 28 mm - why shouldn't they be?
I like vitamin water bottle s for their rigidity. No idea of the size. Time to research….
I don't even understand the smartwater thing. It's.... just a thin water bottle? Is there supposed to be something special about these?
I actually like bringing metal double wall bottles. I have a hard time making myself drink enough warm water. And my hikes aren't very long, only packing in to a base camp, then day hiking around the area.
@@sultanofsick there’s two main benefits: they fit on standard cartridge style water filters which is a plus. And they’re thicker walled than most water bottles. A third benefit is that they reusable several times while still recyclable. A possible fourth is If your water bottle gets damaged, it’s cheap to replace.
I'm going on a 2500 mile non-stop hike soon through all 15 UK national parks lasting about 2 years and guess what....I'm bringing a chair. I spent a few year homeless in my early days and spent that last year in a tent in the woods. Sitting on the ground absorbing the cold, or leaning up against a tree feeling the hard bark, sure it's bearable for the odd night or two, but do it for weeks or months and your body will hate you. And don't get me wrong, I love sitting on the ground, but on a long hike when all you want to do is relax and even though you're sitting down, your're constantly holding your top half up. The chair allows for full relaxation! Whenever I've been camping with friends since, the chair always gets fought over by the 2nd day.
Well said
Steve, I am 67 and will be 68 yo, Spring of ‘24, when I start the AT. This has been a long time coming. All your tips and more are welcome. Thank you for sharing.
just want to mention it is not recommended for disposable bottles to be reused many many times as overtime they will degrade and leak microplasics into the water, personally I get a new one for each trip
No, but it is more environmentally friendly to use them at least two or three times - you could manage that?
@@kevinroche3334 calm down little Kevin. On one trip one uses a disposable bottle more than 2-3 times.
they're not that fragile. plus plastic leeching is what happens when you heat the plastic with food in a la microwave
@@jyc313not really a way to start a healthy conversation with "calm down"
Was Moosejaw, the atlas app, or Coca Cola the sponsor of this video? 😆
Haha. Only Moosejaw on this one
All of em! Steven is getting that money! 😂
The actor is carrying
Nothing but paper undoubtedly
I haven’t used my compass in over a decade either. But…. When setting up our solar panels at our house I did use the compass app that comes standard on the iPhone. Not sure if androids have it too but handy the 1-2 times I needed it for a home project.
Hmm, Coca-Cola bottle perfectly in shot the entire time, and waxing lyrical about Smart Water bottles? Sus.
I agree with every point but…
Parts of the hiking community can get very judgemental and having people point out all the flaws in ones gear can discourage them from hiking more than their bad gear would, at least that’s my theory.
I'd take that as advice not judgment heheh
For sure. I've had people comment on my gear, suggesting there was too much for just an overnight hike.. unfortunately I can't afford super compact and lightweight stuff, so I just have to make do with what I have..
@@motameus1 It's not about expensive or cheap gear (he made video's about good cheap gear), it's about common sense and not putting yourself in danger on multiday hikes.
I agree I think this is a fun video and all but we all should be careful not to be gear snobs.
My first hikes at age 11 were done in ecco shoes, with supermarked water bottles, foam pads, paper maps, a "normal" tent. and wearing a cotton button-up and a cotton hoodie. This was up in the Swedish mountains mind you. Why did we go that way? Cus my dad has been hiking since the 70's and to this day hasn't seen a TH-cam video about the hobby. He was just like "pack your things we're going out" and off we went. Food was usually oats and pasta + canned tomatoes.
If judging this one guy will prevent 100 people from making the same mistakes, thus getting more people to be comfortable out in the backcountry, then it’ll be worth it.
Fun video, and thanks for including me in the comment round-up!
If you opt out of bringing spare changes of clothes, at the very least bring spare socks (one pair per day is optimal, but every two days is ok) and possibly an underwear swap or two depending on trip length. The former is essential for preventing blistering and the latter is just a big comfort win a few days into a sweaty hike.
While pads like that are terrible to sleep on by themselves, they are generally very light (even if they're bulky, not a huge deal on the outside of the pack) but are a good cheap "R-value booster" to put under your primary pad in colder weather so you don't need to buy two expensive air pads. They can also be handy as a mat you don't care about to throw down on the ground for a quick break on hard ground where you wouldn't want to risk popping your main pad.
I like bringing a compass (and at least a chunk of map covering your hike area) effectively as "emergency" gear, not for regular use. They're light/small and it's good to have a fallback in case you drop your phone and break it, run out of battery, or any number of other issues crop up. For simple trips on well-marked trails it's not important, but on longer expeditions I consider it a good backup. It's even more important on ocean kayaking trips, but still nice to have for hiking too.
God Bless
It's important not just to have a map, but to know how to read it. If you don't know about things like contour lines and contour interval, GM angle (or what an azimuth is in general), how to find coordinates, how to tell which terrain features are which, how to determine the scale of the map, etc a paper map is basically useless. If you're navigating with a map and compass, you need to learn how to keep a pace count, how to find distances on a map, how to use a protractor (also a piece of gear you should add to your kit as it's vital for determining your azimuth and finding coordinates on a map, it's not the same kind of protractor you would use in math class but one specifically made for map reading, you can find plastic ones for very cheap. Pro tip: poke a hole in the center and tie a piece of string through it, so you can find an azimuth without having to mark your map up with a pen or pencil), how to maintain an azimuth (and find a back azimuth), how to terrain associate, etc. The military has entire multi-week courses about this stuff (like the Army's Pathfinder school). If you don't know what you're doing, trying to use a map and compass will just get you more lost. Even if you do know what you're doing, it's still pretty difficult without having practiced it. To anyone interested, there's free courses on TH-cam, just type in 'Land navigation'.
Yeah, the dependence on electronics for navigation makes me nervous. Cell phones can die in so many ways. Worth the few grams for an orienteering compass and a small waterproof map imo.
A few counterpoints. First, the classic blue foamy is often used as a cheap protection for more expensive pads. I’ve had Therm-a-rest reps recommend a Z-lite under their Uberlite even in tents for example, so people definitely have opted for the cheaper foamy instead. Realistically though they don’t sell like they used, for good reasons as explained in the video. Second, perhaps the metal bottle is insulated for coffee (this one probably isn’t by the look of it, but let’s roll with the idea it is) and is not a primary source of water. I have hiked and camped with lots of folk who will prep coffee for a quick, no cook lunch, no matter the weight penalty. Third, I hike with a technical polo, as it can provide extra sun protection and take some friction out of the system if layered with a nice wicking tee as well. Nothing wrong with it, as long as it isn’t cotton. Fourth, a map and compass are basic safety measures, and should be a part of most people’s kit (along with some training on it). A map alone won’t help much if you don’t know which way to go. Unless you are also carrying heavy battery packs, solar or some other method of charging your phone, it will die eventually unless you ration it’s use severely (ie:no pictures, music, etc, it’s a map only that’s turned off between checks.). A dedicated GPS is better, and something this load out would probably carry as well as a map and compass, so this dude must just really be into some old school orienteering. Lastly, I personally like having a change of clothes, as it makes me feel more like a human when I change into them. I’m not an ultralight hiker, if you couldn’t tell, but a fresh change of clothes after a dip in a lake is just a nice reward and reinvigorating. But to each their own.
Some one definitely did him dirty though, and did not fit his pack correctly or teach him the importance of doing up all the straps. The big fuel can might make sense if he’s going out there for multiple days and is doing some backcountry cooking 🍳. The multiple inaccessible water bottles…. Kinda silly unless unless there’s not a water source near by and he had to pack lots of extra water. As we didn’t see the rest of his gear, he’s probably got a load out that’s not too dissimilar to one’s I’ve had in the past, with a 5 pound-ish tent, a synthetic sleeping bag, a larger stove setup and actual food (not just freeze dried) and some clothing options. Oh and a chair of course 😜. Is it super light, and something you want to put out 20k a day with, heck no. But if you’re shorter hops between sites and want some nice comfortable options, is a great way to go.
Long and short is there’s definitely some things wrong with this dude, and he could use some help. However, there’s also some reasons for some of his choices that are valid to achieve certain goals. As mentioned in the video, everyone must hike their own hike. This dude is not an ultralight hiker, and that’s ok, a lot of people aren’t and happy about it. My goal while selling is to help people achieve their goals while outside, be it someone who wants the lightest kit out possible to those who just want to enjoy the creature comforts once they get to their site after a short hike in, and everyone in between. There’s the right equipment for everyone, and it’s all about enjoying the outdoors in a way that makes you happy.
Disclaimer: I work for an outdoor retailer, and the above is purely my own opinion, and does not reflect those of my employer.
I can understand the need for that classic cheap foamy but even for protecting your expensive pad, there are cheaper options on the market, which are also more compact and lighter, like a simple yoga mat. Or go to your hardware store and get a roll of thin flooring insulation foam, which usually has a mylar layer on one side as well which is very useful to protect against condensation hitting your pad or sleeping bag.
I use a Gossamer gear 1/8" pad for that. I think was less than $20. Plus its nice to lay out on during breaks.
Why not changing clothes. Personably, I find disgusting people not cleaning themselves on multi day hike. It is so easy to bring a bit of soap and clean a few parts of your body in a water source. And also easy to clean your clothes and wear your replacement (only need one spare). This is also something the military teaches to its military. Not cleaning yourselves could cause sickness and infections.
Please don't use soap while hiking. Otherwise I agree.@@gtig37
I (almost) completely agree with this post.
Especially on the first paragraph. I use a CCF mat below my bivy/insulated sleeping mat to protect it, and adds a bit of insulation, even if not a well insulating mat in itself. Knowledge of a map and compass is important. Using a phone for navigation is a recipe for disaster and many people need to be rescued yearly because they got lost by relying on their phone. I prefer to use a map and compass myself, and keep the phone or app or GPS for checks. Some extra clothes (just comfy stuff) for use in an emergency and more likely, to sleep in. Keeps your sleeping system more clean, so it needs less washing and keeps its insulation for longer since you're not sweating in it for an evening (even if you don't feel like you're sweating, you are still rubbing oils off your skin on your bag and are actually still releasing moisture into the air).
"True men are intentionally miserable." I unironically love this quote. Choose your misery, be intentional with your discomfort.
Usually like your videos but this one got a little obnoxious for me, have gone backpacking a countles times both in the military and privatly. There ain't any wrong way to go backpacking, carry what you want and need. Have slept a lot on those thin mats in my younger days and tho they are not comfortable I've never been cold laying on them. And it can get quite cold here in Norway.
Foam roll maps are standard fare in the military. Well, the British Army anyway. In fact, they're also standard issue for Ukrainian soldiers currently defending their homeland. I mean, it's not as if grunts are going to have the time to inflate their sleep systems.
@@scotbotvideos we use'em in the US military too, bud. I hear ya. doubting this guy ever served. he could prove me wrong.
They're the right choice in difficult conditions (that one is likely to get into in the military, like, idk, war) because they're indestructible. I guess that's a big reason why some truhikers swear by foam pads... They won't puncture on you. You may be less comfortable and less warm than on a nice blow up pad, but you'd be screwed if said blow up pad gets a leak...
@@8chohgee135 lmao he is enjoying his hobby, not invading foreign countries bud.
@@scotbotvideos I'm in the UK. I take a rolly on every hike because it covers as a sitting mat, somewhere to unpack or pack if in long or wet grass, something to chill on under a tree in a forest in the middle of the day, and something to put under my self inflating mat as a sacrificial layer, especially if I am tarp camping. Cheap 10 quid Decathlon one that goes everywhere with me!
BTW originally from South Africa - we used to take a couple of tins with us on hikes for a cheeky drink on the first night. If you roll them inside the mat, they stay cold a remarkably long time🍺🍺🍺 🤣🤣🤣
Kyle also apparently hates pop tarts! Every hike, I bring a chair to sit in while eating my pop tarts wishing others could share in my joy instead of their love of misery! As always enjoyed the video and appreciate your great perspective!
Pop tarts are small, portable, can be eaten cold or warm. They are also high in sugar, carbs, and fat. Kinda something you NEED on a hike. I dont see what his gripe is other than flavors. Kyle comes off as one of those wannabe super manly guys with something to prove to no one but himself who probably has a fragile masculinity.
Light weight somehow equals misery. I'm never miserable or even uncomfortable without a chair. I'm crazy ultralight and still have many luxuries including a 10 degree quilt, great pad, two person tent, umbrella, 2 sit pads for a warm dry comfortable lounging experience, tyvek, , 2 fleeces, a windbreaker, rain jacket, rain pants, hot meals, coffee, whiskey, weed (whiskeys ultralight alternative), gloves, beanie, and a bear can with 5 days of food (no pop tarts) at 23 lbs....I'm not sure where the sufferfest is. I'm just more creative (and obsessive)
If you've ever tried to eat a pop tart at 12000 feet you might reconsider. Its like eating carpet padding.
Fine, I'll share in your joy but I'm gonna talk behind your back like a normal person and sit in your chair when you get up.
Peace brother
I wouldn’t take my comment too seriously, it was meant to be a fun dig at Kyle - To each their own and do what’s best for you!
@@Coinz8 that's a lot to assume about someone just because they don't like a certain food. You seem to be projecting issues onto other people.
@@nedanother9382 chair or stool depends on the location. Most of the places I hike, there's a boulder or log nearby that makes a good sitting spot, but out in the open desert, anything you do find is likely to be sharp or already home to a scorpion or snake. The cheap Walmart folding stool takes care of that just fine.
I wonder how we survived in the wild before inflatable pads? And how we could have a fantastic experience with backpack without magic straps. Not to mention how we could were able to go outside without a chair costing at least $100? There are cheaper chair, but as we all "know" they are "absolute thrash"...
This video has no real value, it is only there to poke fun at those who make do with what they have.
I literally said “if that’s all you have then no judgment here.”
When did I say your chair was trash?
All I said in this video is you should tighten your magic straps. I have packs that don’t have them and use them regularly.
Are we only interested in surviving? Like I said real men are intentionally miserable. My comment on inflatable pads was about comfort. And I recommended the cheapest inflatable pad I know of.
Good grief man. I’m only trying to help in a fun way.
@@MyLifeOutdoors i understand that. The chair comment was to prove how important it is for some groups to have THE brand, no matter the price or if it is worth it.
But remember that fun and sarcasm does not allways translate very well when it comes from a place up high and is directed down. Think about that. You could have made the video with the angle of things you would have done better and also showed some real appreciation towards all those who venture out with the gear they can afford. And a "i have to cover my ass with a half hearted comment about my lack of judgement for those less fortunate" is not the way to go.
Truth is, most people go into nature for the experience, and some goes for the gadget. Just because you do not understand those who are different, do a not mean you have to teach everyone else your way of doing it. A little respect comes a long way, especially when you claim to be a pro.
@@easaspace I already made that video:
Gear Doesn't Matter!
th-cam.com/video/8yA27E-Ma6I/w-d-xo.html
And people got upset in the comments.
“True men are intentionally uncomfortable” best line ever!!!
ask any soldier, Marine, sailor, or airman. better yet ----be one for 4 years. it'll make sense then.
@@8chohgee135 Hear Hear!
@@8chohgee135 Meh, we Sailors dont worry about much.
🤔So that's what happened to my life. Rock on🤪...
Have excruciating stomach pain? Wait 8 months to go go to the doctor, and then only because your wife nags you to. Real men die too early of preventable causes. 🤥
I'm generally a fan of your videos, but I feel like watching this would put people off backpacking more than anything else. I'm a pretty seasoned hiker and camper, and I have found the way of doing things that works for me, what I like to carry, how much money I'm willing to spend on my gear, what luxuries I like (a paperback book every hike!) and what I can do without. I know that one experienced hiker can do things totally differently to another equally experienced hiker, and for the most part, it isn't simply the RIGHT way to do things vs what NOT to do.
I would hate for someone who'd like to try backpacking, or is planning a first or second longer trip to watch this and think, 'oh no, I haven't got the PROPER clothes, or the CORRECT sleeping pad, what if I carry my water in the WRONG way, or pack things I SHOULDN'T pack. Yes, it's good to share information to help people have the most comfortable and safe trip possible, but exactly like you say, everyone needs to hike their own hike. We all learn from experience, you just have to get out there and find what works for you!
He lacks the self-awareness to recognize his own incredibly arrogant style. He's the type of guy we avoided growing up. Socially awkward. The kind of guy that goes through life believing he has some grasp of how other people view him, when he has no idea at all. "Insufferable" is what my parents called people like this. No grace. Wouldn't know "humble" if it flew over and $h!t on his head.
I've hiked my entire life. 5 continents. 18 countries. And I meet him ( _his type_ ) everywhere. In hiking circles. Kayaking and canoeing circles. In competitive shooting circles. In skiing circles. Sport climbing and rappelling circles. Spelunking circles. Skydiving circles. Scuba diving circles. Hell, even in rodeo circles. All you can do is smile, nod your head, and laugh about him around the campfire later, while hanging at the water's edge with friends at the end of the day, or on duty standing post with your team mate. It makes for good entertainment. While he is busy ridiculing a video of a fictional hiker, people who can't afford the luxuries he can, and/or anyone else he deems inferior to himself ( _that'd be most everyone_ ) me and half a dozen team mates are making fun of him, his false premises, his smirky attitude, and pretty much every other thing he says. But cut him some slack. He can't help it. He was raised to be that way. And he's too obtuse to change. Just pity him and move on.
@@zippitydoodah5693 Seems like you've got your own personal frustrations and choose to make everyone's day around you worse because of it. Do better
It's still highly informative. I have had friends that camped/backpacked without a sleeping pad or used an inadequate backpack. The video's tailored for folks looking to safely get started and not for seasoned hikers like yourself. Tips like these are a great starting point for us noobies, and I owe it to him for having helped me successfully complete my first backpacking experience last weekend.
@@worthpowell2639 Everyone has their own personal frustrations. And I choose to speak my opinion the same as you. I gently turn away people weekly who seek to spend time with me on the trail. And I AM in the woods or on the water every week. But I do not make fun of those people or belittle them for being unable to afford the best gear, do things the hard way out of ignorance, or make errors of ignorance. I help them without the judgmental snark of this fellow. I do better every day and I make people's lives better everyday. I did it for a living for a very long time. But thank you for sharing your uninformed opinion. I respect it even if I do not agree with it.
If anyone has that take away from a video like this then they are in an incredibly, incredibly defensive mindspace and will take any form of content as an insult. They'll figure it out, something as benign as this video isn't gonna have an effect.
Bro, we use rollmats in the military, they're perfectly fine.
Gotta be said i only bring my metal water bottle as i can boil in it and i aways bring spare clothes i even wash my clothes on longer hikes i just hate feeling sticky and damp in used clothes
Im no ultralight hiker, but ive done my fair share of backpacking and rucks, and there were a lot of parts of this video that came off as elitest. The army puts us in some pretty awful spots, in some pretty awful conditions, and we have essentially foam pads that have saved my back on more than one occasion, and transition between hip belt on and off to change the load distributon on our 50lb rucks. Different hikes like you said, but tearing down someone, even if theyre stock footage, for thinks like carrying too large of an iso can, or having too heavy of a water bottle, only serves to push people away. It really comes down to who is the audience? Newcomers will be scared off, and veterans already know this information
Tell you what though your camp cots are proper cushty... when they decide to set up properly!
Mind you, far better than the English ones still
I have been wanting to get into Hiking for awhile, but disappointed that it seems like the "Hiking Community" online seems to be Toxic and Judgemental when it comes to gear. I understand it's advice and it's from experience, but it discouraging to try to obtain this knowledge on a budget. I feel like campers and survivalist are more optimistic when it comes to gear. That as long as you got what you need you will be fine. I know there are wonderful and genuine Hikers, But I'll just stick to camping.
@@D.a.n.n.y.2nd personally the way I deal with this is a what I call 80% mentality
yes, high end gear that can do 100% of your stuff is awesome, no question about that. however a good "80% solution" also gets the job done, and is often WAY WAY cheaper.
if your gear is able to perform 80% of all scenarios you will ever encounter in life then its not that hard to bridge the remaining 20% with good thinking or 1-2 more items you can easily bring.
lastly, there is tons of awesome military surplus gear that very cheap
I recently got myself a "high end" sleep system with carinthia parts for just 200 bucks, simply because it is milsurp.
if I bought all of the items new I would have easily spend 4-600 bucks
I find it interesting too that people will count grams and ounces but then take a GPS and battery bank/solar panel when a map and compass weigh a fraction of that.... And always works!
That GPS is fine and dandy until you run out of a) coverage an/or b) battery life. While the former may never happen (unlikely but not unthinkable), the latter is a given -- and even powerbanks run out of juice, especially the more lightweight ones. I'm all for using technology and navigation apps are super helpful but having a physical map and a compass (which weigh next to nothing and take up next to zero space as backup just seems like common sense to me. Also, a properly laminated map AND can multitask as an extra wind/rain cover, a sleeping mat insulation or a blanket.
A proper GPS does not run out of coverage if you have downloaded the correct maps. In addition, a small folding solar panel and a battery bank or 2 and the GPS can keep going. The only GPS that won't work out bush is those relying upon the mobile network. Finally, I always use a map and compass.
@@crusher8017 a downloaded map without GPS showing you your (more or less) exact position on it is just that -- a map. What I meant was 'coverage' as in network coverage/connectivity that allows you to accurately establish your location -- which is something you should be able to do with a map and a compass anyway if you want to wander off beaten tracks.
@@zofiavonhotzka3124Sorry, I don't think I said what I meant. I was trying to say that using a GPS for example a Garmin with the correct maps can assist in double checking map co-ords. I always have a map and compass, was brought up with them. But a decent GPS can be good assist.
@@crusher8017 ok, I get it now but thanks for clarifying :). I use GPS/navigating apps myself, they're massively convenient but I'm just too paranoid not to have a backup ;).
@@zofiavonhotzka3124 That is just fundamentally not how GPS works. GPS relies on satellites for location, the coverage is exactly the same everywhere on earth at all times. It is not like 4G, where remote locations lack coverage, it simply doesn't matter where you are.
Of course the actual map would have to be downloaded in advance, but provided you already have those, the location will always work. Unless you usually go hiking in tunnels, of course!
I always bring map and compass, but it's probably because I rarely follow trails and love to explore.
Also, using the smartphone kind of kills the immersion to me. I do that only when I really need to.
Map & compass very handy when blundering about and being casual about which way you are going, as long as you can pop out of the woods and achieve a known position (which is what a GPS receiver does for you). Or when searching for specific items in the landscape when they are indicated on the map. Not all walkers are linear 'trail hikers'.
@@etherealbolweevil6268 Exactly!
Comment elsewhere as well that map and compas are the way. Gps takes a way some of the adventure!
cotton and wool are the 2 best fabrics and nobody will ever convince me different
When I used to backpack (before a car accident whacked my back, and several decades ago), I had a 1-1/2" thermarest pad that fit into a 15 oz. sleeve to create an on the ground chair. 3" of padding, adjustable back angle, could even use it as a rocker. Pure luxury in the middle of nowhere. And I still use that chair configuration in my tent while car camping, and even on an uncomfortable chair in my livingroom.
No compass? I walk and sail and know many people who just use electronic navigation when sailing and hiking. I know TWO people whose power failed while sailing and they did not know how to navigate with traditional methods. I also walk in the mountains for 2 week stretches where I have to use power packs to recharge my phone - so I switch it off and use a tiny power pack for emergencies and just use map and compass
This video is a prime example of one of my pet peeves with the backpacking community. So much condescension and judgement about what is the "proper" way to do things. Gear heads comparing the latest thing on the market, know-it-alls that have an opinion on the best way they think things must be done and the down right elitist attitudes that make any conversation or outing nothing more than a outdoor colonoscopy.
This is so true. It's hike your own hike, except only do what I say.
I always carry a foam pad that I use under the inflatable pad, just to protect it. They weigh practically nothing. I can't afford to buy new gear all the time.
And why must a bottle be reachable? Can't you take your backpack off and have break while you drink? I'd rather stay home than hike in such a hurry that I'd have to drink while I walk.
I'm obviously not a true man myself.
I add a foam pad in cold seasons (late autumn, early spring) to add some extra warmth.
With regards to the drinking - I'm also a hiker who loves taking breaks but I find that often I'm in a flow and not tired yet but also thirsty, so I do have a water bottle accessible while walking. I may stop for a minute to drink, but taking the pack off is only for longer breaks because it's a hassle (not ultralight here 😅). Accessible water gives you more flexibility 😊
@@meisjeViv I personally do carry my water bottle attached to my hip belt. I'm just questioning why it has to be the only way that is stated here.
Like: "Hike your own hike, but if your'e not doing it this way, you're doing it wrong". That attitude comes through too much here in my opinion.
Ah, finally. I feel so at home in this thread!
Sanity restored. Thanks guys.
As others have said: Extra set of clothes is a defense against hypothermia from unexpected wet.
Plus having a set for sleeping, and a set for hiking improves the standard of sleep imeasureably. Furthermore if you're in your sleeping bag with gear you've worn in thd day, then you're bringing moisture into thf bag and reducing the sleep system insulation by a a degree or two.
I like bringing a couple of smaller stainless steel (unpainted and single walled) water bottles. I can boil water, melt snow, and heat a water for cold weather sleeping. I find plastic bottles to be a waste of space in cold weather camping.
I use a woobie and poncho as a bedroll shelter extra clothing for emergency on my bottom of my pack strapped for easy access and it's space saving for a smaller pack I use I also believe in carrying a metal bottle for emergency boiling I try to be minimalist. I'm constantly learning and changing as I feel my skills improve. Most survival experts push the bic and even duct tape not every one is a full metal jacket fire kit person lol I like your videos thanks
I always carry a BIC lighter with me whether I am hiking or just being casual.
Bic mini, wont notice in your pocket but has 20 mins of fuel jic
I learned recently from David Canterbury to Wrap it in duct tape for extra fire starting help I just decided to use an old used small pill bottle for water proofing the small bic lighters work best for that too.
But still trying not to put too much in my pockets because that is a problem too lol but for real. Beware of pressure from things on your hips and it affects your back. It's not just the backpack weight that can cause issues. That EDC can be an issue as well no matter where your pounds equal pain is on your person.
Gonna be honest my favorite non inflating pad is a rollable. The Savotta sleeping pad with its extended flaps to keep you from rolling onto the ground at night is amazing. It's worth the extra half pound compared to the Nemo and Therm-a-rest foam pads in my opinion. Also about the not needing extra clothes thing, thats just gross, always carry 2 or 3 outfits including your current.
A lot of you ultralight backpackers have gone way to far. As long as you stay under 50lb with the way modern backpacks frames are made you should have no issues, and if it is a weight issue at any point under 50lb's then you seriously need to bulk up for your own health. You shouldn't be sacrificing major comfort just over minor weight gains.
Yep! I carry one set of extra clothes and three pairs of socks (one pair in a plastic bag in deep storage). Cheap insurance!
Ive used close foam pads in norway for artic training. We used to put the pad in the bergan then sleepbag in bivvysack ,in drybag. Clothes on top. Food and admin in side pouches. Basha in top cover. Anything extra would go between the tip of the bergan and your lid on its top, in the extendable nylon bit. No noise and you can get kipping quick time and you dont look like a muppet with crap hanging off pack. Also, change of clothes. Go a week in scotland or wales and tell me how you feel without fresh thermals and socks. Always carry a metal waterbottle, this can be heated up at night as a hot water bottle and in the morning if the water is frozen can be heated easily for a brew. Store camelbaks with water inside bag at foot and wear tent boots. In freezing conditions if you are stupid enough to handle metal without gloves and get stuck, the way you get unstick without loosing skin is to piss on your hand. My routine is tarp for shelter first. Get brew and scoff on, sleeping kit out. Out of gear and into sleeping gear ( the change if clothes you bring with you) foot admin. This all takes less than 20 minutes. Trust me when i say getting into fresh thermals and dry socks with tent boots and thermal jacket or whatever you got for that will improve your experience.
I use two cheap sleeppads - one eva and another inflatable. together they provide enough comfort and warmth. But I like simple eva pad cause I can use it to sit anywhere and near the fire also while inflatable requires much more care.
Nice breakdown, especially addressing the various things that other people mentioned! I loved it!
I sweat a lot and I live in Florida. I also used to be a fishing guide in the Florida Everglades. A lightweight 100% cotton shirt with a vented back has always been cooler for me than any of the performance type shirts in the summer down here. The synthetic material only works until it gets saturated with moisture and after that the sweat or whatever will just run down your body. A shirt like the Columbia Bonehead also dries a good bit quicker than one might think. This shirt also works fairly well against mosquitoes. They will bite through just about any untreated lightweight shirt that is in contact with your skin. There's a double layer of material (cotton on the outside and mesh on the inside) on the shoulders and upper back of the Bonehead shirt and others like it that mosquitoes don't bite though also.
tbh, I only switched from the craptastic foam pads/yoga mat things with an R value of "none" to a thermarest thing recently.
sure, nice gear is nice, but its hellishly expensive and the important bit is going outside and having fun.
Cheap uncomfortable and cold foam pad. I have been using one of those for over 20 years (before I bought my first inflatable). I never slept uncomfortable and even took it down to -20°C without freezing (used snow for added insulation). I think inflatables are great. But they sure have many big disadvantages and I would only recomment them to people, who are overweight, unfit, too old or have backpain. I dislike the general attitude from people who generally disregard foam pads. They are a great option and they certainly have a right to exist.
All great points but a steel water bottle is good for survival situations if boiling is your only way to purify drinking water. I like Smart Water bottles but a stainless steel bottle is still in my pack as a backup to my filter, especially for day hikes.
I have a cheaper metal bottle, weights 120g (around 4 ounces) and use it for my "cooking" water. Since it is in my main bag and only comes out at camp, I like the piece of mind it gives me that it won't leak in my bag.
Not exactly a civilian backpacking scenario, but for military patrol/rucking a pad is much nicer. Inflating pads take too much time and effort to set up
I love how much conversation you get going with this video. The comments section is wild!
Whatever you do don't watch bushcrafters' videos. You're gonna have your mind blown if you do.
There are dozens of gear combinations for every backpacker and type of trip. Right or wrong should only be judged by the one that humps it in and hopefully back out.
I do not need ANY R value if I'm sleeping at a low of 80 degrees in ATX 💀🥵 R.I.P. to all of my other natives trying to camp around central Texas right now. Watching this video to prepare for a Big Bend trip and I love your videos, you are very informative and deliver information without much bias. 👍🙌🙏❤ Keep it up man!
When are you doing the Big Bend trip? If you can manage a night in ER4 on the South Rim, the view is worth every bit of the hike. Just plan on carrying all the water you need, and if Boot Spring is flowing, count it as a bonus.
This guy's a commercial for hiking stuff you wouldn't need.
Telling someone to not bring a compass when going into the wilderness is an absolutely wild take
I didn’t say don’t take it. I said if you do learn how to use it first.
Former gram weenie here. On especially rough terrain I like to carry a 1/8" foam pad rolled up with my ground sheet on the outside of my pack to protect my inflatable pad. Few things are worse when backpacking than waking up in the night on the cold ground because your pad got punctured. As far as extra clothing goes... an extra pair of socks is a must in my book. Always keep a fresh clean pair on while you rinse and dry the previous miles off of the other pair, and your feet will thank you.
I spent years living out of a back pack while homeless and I honestly never felt like i needed a pad to lay on. Just the sleeping bag. In fact at one point my sleeping bag broke and I started carrying just a comforter as a replacement, lol. It somehow did the trick. Collected dust and added more weight tho.
Ur videos are the best.... Minutes go by like seconds and u make very good breakdowns of the gear
Whatever you bring, the right packing and carrying technique makes it so much easier.
Last week in an outdoor store the usual picture: people who never carried a larger Rucksack are walking around in the store with huuuuge bags to try them out for a few minutes. People half my weight with backpacks I couldn't carry for a 5 hour hike.
I sign every point except two on which I highly disagree:
My military service taught me that a map and a compass are essential tools on every tour, because GPS will fail at some point - usually when you need it the most. I had many occasions where GPS failed me, whether it was the phone, or a GPS watch and a map and a rough awareness of my location saved me from going unnecessary kilometers many times.
Second point: always have dry clothes with you. Not necessarily a full set, underwear (shirt, underpants) are enough most of the times, but at the very least a spare pair of socks, because you never know what you're getting into. Whether you slip at the edge of a a stream and you step or even fall into it, or rain surprises you with a fresh shower. I had some instances where I was glad that I had spare clothes with me.
Loving your videos. We don't back pack and we're in the UK but I'm sure your advice will be useful one day! Keep them coming.
On the PCT and CDT, I saw many people with foam pads, rolled up and folded. Course, what do they know after thousands of miles.
Yeah, there's a couple called Renee and Tim who've got a large channel, and foam pads are all they use. Well, the folding kind, but they're still foam.
if you don't have the Moosejaw Supercell Maxi-R-val Hyperlight AirXtreme Mega-mattress by Outdoor Research Laboratories Esquire Galore, then you are doing it WRONG------------but hike your own hike----------no judgement here. 😂
While on the PCT I discovered that those people have inflatable pads too. The foam is great for tossing down anywhere for a break. Adding it to the inflatable pad at night can mitigate some of the crinkling noises that high R-value pads are notorious for.
I think of Kyle every time you mention a chair so KyleHatesChairs really cracked me up. Everyone loves what they love.
Having a good pack and setting it up correctly makes a major difference. When I first started I just bought a cheap pack that had no internal frame, support or structure. Even though I was only carrying at most 15kg of gear within an hour of hiking my shoulders especially would be aching.
Getting the weight close to you and on your hips makes a world of difference, I moved to a tatonka lastenkraxe frame pack due to the need to carry additonal water here in Arid Australia and can easily carry upto 25kg without any back or shoulder strain. Your legs feel the weight but I find your legs can cope with it better than your spine and shoulders.
LOL@ the shade thrown at "REALLY A CHAIR" guy. Honestly that was hilarious.
I'm not trading my metal water bottle for anything. It's durable as hell and has lasted me nearly two decades with barely a dent in it. It's double-walled/insulated, so it doesn't freeze on day hikes, even when it's -20 degrees Celsius out, and it has a loop in the cap so that it can be tied to my pack, so even if it falls out of the pouch, I don't lose it. There are absolutely practical reasons to carry a good metal water bottle. Combined with my Katadyn BeFree filter bottle and a 3L CamelBak in case I have long hauls between water sources and as far as I'm concerned, that's the ultimate setup for most situations.
As far as not needing extra clothes, either you're incredibly lucky and always end up hiking in nice weather, have never been caught in a severe mountain storm that leaves you soaked and freezing, or you're just a hell of a lot tougher than I am. A fresh set of clothes in a large ziplock bag is an absolute must-have for any multi-day hike in my opinion.
the smart water plastic is called "PET" same stuff good beer cups are made of. they are so durable you can turn them inside out without breaking.🤙
happiest known time.
yabadaba doo
Lost the lid off of one inside my pack one day - luckily it was only a 500ml. That's why I carry a metal bottle for my camp water needs (cooking, coffee) and keep the smart water bottles for normal hydration. The extra 60g (2 ounces) is well worth the piece of mind of getting to camp and *not* having my puffer jacket dripping wet.
Last time I camped I used an ultralight air pad but I also took an old roll up foam mat. Sharp rocky ground (can we mention crampons too?) even smooth rock slabs and you'll be really glad of that roll mat under the air sleeping pad
I love a chair. Setting by a fire with a great view I never seen before is why I hike.
I bring a 40 once metal (uncolored) bottle with because I can cook in it or at least boil water. I also use smart water bottles but you can’t boil water in a smart water bottle
Some folks use red ones to hold fuel too..
Temperature of boiling water 100degC, melting point of plastic, much higher, but it does soften a little, and you don't need to get to 100degC to purify the water. th-cam.com/video/JnyxlHJQ0ew/w-d-xo.html
My current list for overnight trips:
- sleep pad
- heavy blanket or bag or both
- water, food
- compass, phone, keys, money/cards
- hat, warm hat
- mushrooms
- day pack
- knife (have never used it)
- poncho
- extra shirt
- jacket or sweatshirt
- pants
That's about it. This works for two days as well. No tent, no stove, sometimes no bag. If it's too cold, I pack up and hike till morning, then rest.
I will next add a stove and gps device. I am in southern California desert, warm weather, no bugs, dry and predictable.
As a girl... I bring spare clothes! Often a beat-up legging for around camp and as extra warmth for sleeping. Weighs nothing and takes up little space. Clean socks are my ultimate camping confort.
I like to bushwhack so I use a compass often. Granted it's just a pin-on ball compass that I can glance at to make sure I'm headed in the correct general direction. Also most of my hiking is in the White Mountains National Forest so compass navigation skills are not that important. There's enough fire roads that as long as you know you are headed in the right general direction you will either hit the road or a major obstacle that you can see on a decent topo map to know how to adjust your course. (Note: I also had lots of training for using the ball compass and reading the landscape as a youth hunting on 100+ acres of woodland)
@officialMyLifeOutdoors scam account.
Not bringing extra clothes is fine but you still need extra socks!
Great advice and I'm pretty sure it applies to folks running a bug out bag as well.
I like a small backpack on the front as counterweight. If you have trees around, I know nothing better than a cheap, lightweight hamac, upgraded with a package cord, a thin plastic you use for painting and some clothespins to attach the plastic over the cord down to the hamac on both sides. The warm exhaled air will ballon the plastic during the night. Good for >=-5° C with an ordinary 12°C comfortable sleeping bag.
The klymit vstatic + silver windshield cover keeps you nice and warm.
Regarding the water situation; I could not tell if he was in US nature or someplace like Scandinavia or some parts of Europe.
Water filtering has only become a thing I see on hikers here in Sweden after the rise of TH-cam and people getting their gear lists from US hikers for their conditions. Running water is *everywhere* and is also clean enough to just... drink. Carrying a smaller metal water bottle that you can plop right into a campfire to heat it up is what I learned to do some... 30 years ago. I wouldn't use a colourful alu one though.
Americans rely on water filters to ensure the purity of their drinking water. Meanwhile, I always carry my dependable wooden cup, which is ever prepared for a refreshing sip from a cool running stream during my strolls.
I started in Boy Scouts in the 90s. We were children with 30 Lb packs. Everything was metal. We all had those pads. Classic.
I read an article about a woman who died going off the trail for a bathroom spot. Got lost, no signal. Ended up starving. Depending on the phone like that out in the wilderness is a little crazy in my book. When I go off the trail, I check my direction on the compass, then I know how to get back. A small compass can weigh about an ounce or something.
As a bonus, a lot of budget camping stuff will throw a compass into the handle for no apparent reason. Sure they're going to be _crap_ compasses that I wouldn't try land nav with, but should be good _enough_ to get you back to a trail - or even just towards civilization if you're not super backcountry.
@@chrisc1140 Yeah, the ideal is to have one always on your person in case you don't have your pack. Have one in the pack and one on a knife, key chain, or whatever.
On more than one occasion I've been comforted by a dry clean pair of underware for the hike home. I don't recall ever saying "Darn, this extra 1.5 ounces is really dragging me down" ?! Only cure for summertime swamp ass !
The other benefit to carrying a paper map and compass is practice. It encourages you to practice using that skill regularly.
What I was expecting was some good backpacking tips, what I got was a recommendation not to wear polo shirts while backpacking and to spend more money on premium gear linked to a plug for an affiliate link. Cue the obligatory weight shaming.
PS: Learn to and always carry a compass. North Shore Mountain Rescue is getting tired of rescuing people with dead cell phone batteries. Relying on your phone alone is irresponsible. Leaving a map and compass behind to save 0.02 oz is why a lot of backpackers are tired of ultralighters.
Hear Hear!
As an old Navy man who learned dead recogning and how to take bearings, a map and compass are childs play.
Ya. A monkey can do it
Damn right.
I always have a compass in my possession. Electronics are good, but what do you do if they crap out?
You should do a series where you rate subscribers backpack setups. Alot like how gaming streaming rate peoples gaming setups. Serious and not serious applications would be amazing to see.
You have convinced me, its better to stay home and lay on the couch, than try getting outside.
About the extra clothes, one can get away without extra clothes if you don't mind just throwing a rain jacket or poncho over you once it rains, wear the right gear that's water resistant or proofed from the get go. Extra socks. A whole outfit? Meh maybe one really compact outfit if you can afford it but that depends on what your doing. For airsoft like milsim preparation for example they recommend a change in clothes but honestly might be able to get away in the same outfit despite sweat, dirt, mud, wet etc. Have a fire and hang out by the fire before bed. Clean the mud off of the bottom of your pants a bit somehow if it bothers you. Moisture wickening layers and stuff like that helps with reducing the cold and wet to begin with that comes with even sweating, water proof socks something I wanna try for the feet.
Sweating is also something to be wary of as you can go hypothermic in pretty much any season. Not just a winter thing. Don't dress or gear up too warm or too cold in any of your gear choices. Even the sleeping bag or system should be summer, spring rated in temperature range. Woobies or the warmer jungle blanket are effective. I want a surplus jungle blanket.
Consider keeping some like foot powder and like baby powder and stuff for rashes, foot blisters, creams and solutions for medical issues. Personally I plan to have a proper molle attached or velcro rip and tear with bandages, tourniquets, bandaids, disinfectant, ointments and creams, maybe keep powder in it too if it can fit in there etc. Hemostatic gauze you name it for what's important and really pack for emergencies that are actually probably likely to happen to you.
Z-Lite or inflatable +1 (Both in cold weather!)
Load lifters: +1
Polo shirt - I have some Ex Officio ones that are just as good as a synthetic T-shirt.
Extra clothes: +1 extra socks, +1 a dry baselayer for sleeping. The sweaty baselayer is banned from the sleeping bag. I brought four pair of socks on the Northville-Placid Trail, washed my socks at every stop, and put on whatever pair was driest. That trail can be, uhm, a little wet at times.
Compass: About 1/3 of my trips have at least some cross-country travel. And I don't trust smartphone apps - the paper map and compass are my primary navigation.
Camp chair - I sit on my bear canister.
I hiked 500 miles on the AT with 65lbs and still had 18 mile days occasionally and 15 miles regularly. I am only 140 lbs and had men much larger and stronger then myself criticizing me, i just tell them to worry about what is in their bag. I packed extra clothes and a chair both made the hike more comfortable and enjoyable.
ok, I can explain all these because I've been here before.
The roll mats are a lot better than nothing at all and I have camped out in probably about 3 degrees Celsius with one of those fine so I don't know what you're on about with it being summer only.
Water is carried inside the bag mostly - it's somthing you bring extra of because it gets dangerous running out of it. You stop to have a drink and a sit down so not having your waist strap on doesn't matter that much. Fully tightening the load straps is a pain when you constantly take the bag off so for a shorter trek before a break it is fine. You make most of the journey with most of them on properly but if you're new to it then you won't instinctually realise somthing is amiss.
With a physical map the guy is probably scouting out a good place to camp. One day he'll bring his friends so he'll want to know the landmarks in the area so they don't get lost.
Polo shirts are cheap and multifunctional. The average person doesn't understand the functional properties of materials. Polo shirts are short sleeved therefor for warmer weather - done. You can also find them anywhere.
Gas canister is just standard practice. You need to cook your food and not everywhere lets you build a fire. Chances are that he's not even going to use it and he'll just build a fire but it's there just in case. If it rains or he had trouble starting a fire then it will just work.
You really think he's the kind of guy who will complain about chairs being unessessary? The guy looks like a normie! You tell him that bringing a camping chair is totally worth it he'll 100% believe you. The guy isn't totally experienced and is clearly new to the hobby. Cut him some slack - he's probably openly looking for advice.
Who carries a chair in their pack? Ever heard of sitting on a log?
Excellent video. I don’t carry extra pants, but I will bring basketball shorts because they're lightweight and I like to sleep in those and could also be used in an emergency. I also bring a very small military sewing kit. Not even sure it would register on a scale.
I have never used a sleeping pad even in winter on -15\20° I just used double sleeping bags + space blanket 😊
That roll pad was standard issue in the army, they wouldn't let us sub it for anything different, everyone hated them lol.
I think the water bottle criticism is hella weak. I always carry my water inside my bag and purposely try to drink as little as necessary, only drinking more when making rest stops or reaching the summit of the mountain Im climbing. But maybe thats a hiking a long distance vs climbing a tall mountain mentality difference.
As a Canadian living in the wilderness, an extra set of clothes will save your life in cold wet weather. A compass should be mandatory.
If lacking skills needed.
LEARN BEFORE YOU NEED
I like to have a spare set of clothes to change into before I get into my sleeping bag. I don't want to add mud, bugs, and "hitchhiker" seeds to my bag interior.
Extra clothes: extra socks are a great and light weight luxury with (for me) a psychological effect at the end of a hiking day. Not only when your socks are wet.
Well this is pushing creativity to another level.
I’m 67 yo. I have carried a folding chair for 50 years. My first chair was a folding stool that slid down, over my closed backpack. Now, I have a break down folding stool that’s no lighter but fits inside the pack. I’ve found if the feet are a closed loop, the stool feet won’t dig in when I sit down. Go ahead, don’t carry a stool. Sit on the ground or a wet log, or just stand…heh, heh…Bring along a piece of plastic or sleeping pad. I’ll be up, off the ground, on my stool.
Plenty of criticism in this comment section, but I’ve yet to see anyone point out something people seem to forget when it comes to bottles. Bottles like Nalgenes or other bottles made by reputable brands are intended for continued and extended use, Smartwater bottles aren’t. The plastic will degrade, and your year-old smartwater bottles will pump you up full of microplastics, especially if A) you’ve left them in the sun B) you’ve ever tried to clean them on the inside. Personally, I think it’s worth the 15 dollars to get a better bottle designed for extended use. Great videos though, you always inform of great new outdoor products.
On an extra set of clothes - I think having one in your pack, inside the liner or in a ziploc, is kind of a must have item if you are packing anywhere it rains (which is everywhere).
At least bring something dry to sleep in. Sleeping wet will wet out your down gear and could turn dangerous.
But I'll give you this much... the extra clothes should never be so you have something clean to start your day in. They should be an emergency backup.
But HYOK. I've known hikers who would go out for a weekend trip and bring a set for each day and a sleeping set. Whatever luxuries your willing to carry are fair game, I suppose.
"should never be"? who says so?...
Silk is expensive sure and it is my understanding that silk shirt, etc wicks moisture, dries fast and is so light. What do you think?
@officialMyLifeOutdoors Sounds good. I am curious about your experience here.