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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ต.ค. 2024
- Huge thanks to Aquatabs for sponsoring this video!
In this video, I’m talking about some of my absolute FAVORITE pieces of backpacking gear. These are my non-essential essentials. The backpacking items I never leave home without even though they aren’t technically “necessary”. When someone asks, “what’s your favorite piece of backpacking gear?” these are some of the top items that cross my mind. I intentionally did not include gear that is considered essential, ex: pack, tent, etc. I wanted to share some of the items that help me balance UL and comfort, fun with necessity and turn a good backpacking trip into a great one.
The blog version: www.eliseott.c...
Backpacking Gear I HATE: • Backpacking Gear I’ll ...
Gear mentioned in this video:
These links are affiliate links, which means I earn a commission if you use them to purchase, at no cost to you! Thanks for your support!
Aquatabs | 0.16 oz. “consumable” bit.ly/42PnQUe
Garmin InReach Mini (the OG is no longer for sale, so I’m linking the 2) | 3.5 oz. bit.ly/42ONicv
Zoleo | 5.3 oz.: bit.ly/3uDJUVf
Sea to Summit Bug Net | 0.7 oz. amzn.to/3wzMtbe
Trash Compactor Bags | 1 oz. each? amzn.to/49IEdEh
Bandana | 1 oz. ? amzn.to/49JnwZc
DJI Osmo Pocket 2 | 4.1 oz. amzn.to/42PwqCd
Mini Bamboo Brush | 1.3 oz. amzn.to/3T6w8nv
LeukoTape | 0.13 oz. (mini roll)
Mini rolls: www.litesmith....
Regular: bit.ly/3wqHr0U
Mini Swiss Army Knife | 0.7 oz. amzn.to/42LQcPg
Nitecore Nu25 Head Lamp | 1 oz. amzn.to/42PjkVV
I've been of the thought recently that there should be a program for hikers and locators. A lot of people that get lost or hurt in the backcountry don't have a satellite communicator, and I think a lot of times it's because they couldn't afford it. Maybe the National parks or forest service could provide loaners or cheap rentals at least on the big 3 trails. I think maybe it would pay for itself with less rescue money to find missing hikers, and more people would live. It's just a thought.
This is super interesting. As with so many outdoor activities, cost can be such a prohibiting factor. Even just having more accessible outdoor education would be huge (honestly that's most of my inspiration for starting this channel, to share what I can for free).
The expansion of satellite 🆘 ability in iPhone and recently Android should spread the capability quickly and be more user friendly (although with fewer features than current users might find helpful).
Check out the Recco Rescue Reflector if you’re looking for something cheaper to give you some peace of mind. It is used by a lot of search and rescue teams to locate you in the event of an emergency
@@Tulamood ooh interesting. I’ve only heard of recco in the context of avalanches. I’m curious how far the reflector emits?
On a recent trip to Cape Town, I found that you can rent satellite locator beacons there. I don't see why it wouldn't work in other countries.
I wish the satt devices were more affordable. I have opted for my all-purpose iPhone 14. I don’t need all the communication-with-family, etc. that satt devices provide. The cost of device and subscription are just too high.
I totally agree! I'm hoping in coming years the SOS feature on the iphone can just replace it. I deactivate mine if I'm not using it in the winter (although lately I've been doing more backcountry skiing so I've been keeping the monthly fee). And definitely recommend checking out refurbished ones if you still want one. I just know that the one time I've needed to use it, it was worth every penny (didn't have to use it for myself, but someone else, and I feel like not having it I would have felt very helpless).
I am compiling items for a trail box 20 miles south of Silver C. your recommended items on your list is helpful. So any recommendations on gear and food items on items that hikers may need that cannot be obtained in Lordsberg? What type of food and drink items do you crave that would be a delight when wondering by a trail box? Regard's Rambler
Thank you so much for all you do for hikes and for your support!! I love this question. Lordsburg definitely doesn't have much. I'd say gear tape could be a really great addition in case they have anything fail in the desert...maybe leukotape for blisters too (my feet were killing me right around then), sunscreen in case they are running low! remembering that section, any sort of hydrating liquids would be awesome right before that road walk, maybe electrolytes as something light and easy to add (also the only water around there was from a pretty bad cow tank so those are always nice to cover up nasty flavors).
My Nitecore NU33 is my soulmate. I love that thing so much not only because of the 700 lumen strength, but also because it’s so lightweight. I hike every morning with my dog at 5am before the sun comes up and it’s amazing. I feel so comfortable and secure seeing everything around me.
Yes!! Another nitecore fan. Its wild how bright they are and love how it makes me feel safe in the dark as well. ♥️
My In-Reach also syncs with OnX routes. Really helpful on more remote backcountry areas or longer routes.
ooh i'll have to try this! I've always just exported the gpx files and uploaded those.
I need to try this, it will help tremendously following trails buried in deep winter snow. Thanks!
Instead of a bandana (which is neither very soft nor absorbent) I use a LightLoad towel for towel things, and an OR Echo neck gaiter for neck gaiter things (also doubles as my pillow case).
I've used the Garmin Instinct Solar for about 1k miles now, and my version will last a few days with GPS, no heart rate, and unlimited in just "smartwatch" mode with at least 3 hours of sunlight. The Instinct 2X is supposed to be way better but I can't afford it.
Yeah a towel is probably better for any aborbent needs, i just don't like having to carry more than one thing haha. Sweet, thanks for sharing those stats, I usually keep the heart rate on (I like knowing) but have considered turning it off to give myself some more battery power. Yeah, I probably won't upgrade until my instinct solar gives out (hopefully not for awhile).
@@eliseott I'm considering turning the heart rate on now that I use Athlytic to track heart rate variability. It's been really helpful during training and recovery. (It's similar to Garmin's "body battery" but more detailed).
Hi Elise. You mention checking weather on your Garmin based on GPS coordinates. Do you know of a website that can check weather by coordinates ahead of time?
I usually check a few different sources, the national weather service usually being the main one. If you can find weather from weather stations (or for specific peaks) close to where you are going that is super helpful too!
The osmo sounds like a good investment. My pixel phone chews through battery like crazy when using the camera.
I feel like most phones do! and I really do love that little camera!
I have been planning an Ozark Trail through hike for later this year, so we may cross paths. However, I'm old and slow, so it'll just be a wave as you speed past. Also, I'm planning to hike northbound, so you may just be a blur as you go by.
that's awesome! if we do cross paths, please say hi! I haven't decided yet which way I'm going so maybe we will be traveling the same way!
Definitely #5!!!!!!
Im team bandana as well!! Easier to clean while on trail than a hat! Im dropping some of my extra electronics, battery/old gps/light #3-4 😂 last trip i had 4 different gps devices, dropping the old heavyest one and keeping- watch/inreach/phone
YAY!! I do wear a hat more often these days now that I've found a few that fit how I like, but bandanas are awesome. Sounds like you may be a few pounds lighter, I bet it'll feel great!
@eliseott I'm hoping my next trip to stay under 50lbs with food/water... just depends what the weather is like in the mountains in April! Not sure if I'll do any backpacking over the summer work season..
Most of those things you mentioned are part of my essentials as well. I would add rain jacket and Summit Suds.
I'll have to check out Summit Suds! I think rain jacket falls in my truly essential category but I suppose that's different for everyone. I talk about rain gear in next week's video!
@@eliseott Looking forward to it!
You should do a snotrocket tutorial!
ummm i LOVE this idea!!!!! adding it to the list haha thank you
Good tip on using leukotape. I also saw someone cut strips onto "waxy" paper so it doesn't degrade the adhesive. I'm going to try that strategy this year and see how it goes.
ooh interesting! report back! I've definitely seen leukotape come in strips (manufactured), so I could see this working well.
That's what I've done. I used the paper backing for stickers.
Jupiter puts strips on the backing for printable labels. It works great for him. I plan to use that hack as well.
this works great!! I keep my first aid in a envelope like pouch rather than a Diddy bag- and it worked really well on the AT, CT and LT!
Half of a Swedish dishcloth works great to remove condensation from your tent or to pick up any water that might find its way into your tent. It dries quickly too.
A NiteCore Tube V2 Keychain flashlight is a great backup light that weighs very little (9.6g) is rechargeable and comes in several colors. I hang one from a mitten hook in the apex of my tent and use it during dark hours to take care of tent tasks. It has 55 lumens so is about right for that purpose. I normally just pack it up with the tent each morning so it’s in place the next night.
oooh I love this idea! it would be so nice to have an overhead light! and I already love nitecore so...I'm sold.
This is a great video. Actually used items that work on trail. The Swiss Army Nail Clip 580 is one of the best backpacking items ever.
sounds like I need to upgrade to the nail clip version! And thank you so much!
I know you said you aren’t techie but you probably had heart oxygen or slept with the watch on? 2 days of tracking on the instinct seems low.
I had heart rate monitoring on! But didn’t sleep with it, always turned it off at night to save battery. I considered turning off the heart rate but I kind of wanted that data. Also these were like 14 hour days so 🤷🏼♀️ I was pretty happy with it!
I'm right in line with your first 6 items and a couple of others. I add a backup squeeze flashlight for when my headlamp runs out of energy to let me complete a camp setup after night hiking. That little light can make it break a bad pitch on a dark and rainy night without a light.
Ooh interesting. My thought is I can always use my phone falshlight if my headlamp goes out, but if I'm low on battery there's certainly a risk of both dying. Those things are super light too so they'd make a great backup!
You’ve really grown your channel. Nice work! This was a very informative video too, like so many you have posted lately.
thanks so much! I think the consistency is helping (and your continued support)!
Great insight, Thanks! Lets talk music, I've been finding I'm listening to music much more on trail - I'm always looking for new music, what is your go to? I have so much music, but my newest favorite for the trail is, Oh Hiroshima (Album: Myriad is my favorite) I am a Apple Music lover! Blue October is a staple also among any real classic rock..... Pink Floyd and Rush are the best bands to ever exist, IMO. What are your go to's?
nice! I listen to music in the afternoons a lot on thru-hikes (I try to stay headphone free in the mornings). I haven't hear of Oh Hiroshima, will have to check them out. I just got tickets to see Cage the Elephant, one of my all time favorite bands - I listen to them a lot on trail along with many others!
@@eliseott nice! I’ll check out Cage the Elephant…certainly check out Oh Hiroshima… I like the vibe of it, new addition to my library, I loved them the moment I heard them.
#5 is the best by far.
Good video. Helpful tips.
I would also add the Ursack. I will carry an Ursack over an extralight food bag and cord or bulky/heavy bearcan. The Ursack works and is very convenient to use on trail, Don't need to look for the "right limb" far enough away from your site to hang, If there is a built hang option, you can just strap it to it and be fine. Don't need to worry about losing your can. Don't need to worry about the bulk of strapping a can on top of your already dialed setup. Ursack is great.
Do you find the Ursack keeps the various rodents, skunks, racoons, etc , out of your food, and that your food isn't contaminated with urine, etc?
I rarely have bear issues outside of popular areas, but those dang mini-bears get into everything!
@@memathews I mostly hike in the SE and I have never had a problem with an Ursack and Opsac. I have had mini-bears get into my pack before out west. (oddly, it was my toothpaste, not food).
I love an Ursack! I just don't always backpack in bear territory so it didn't quite fit this category, but totally agree. One thing I'd add is sometimes I'd still want to hang the Ursack (areas with lots of bear activity) not doing a bear hang might keep the food from the bear but will still leave you with inedible, smashed up food unfortunately.
agree with this too, the ursack is designed to keep the rodents out which is another reason I love it!
@@memathewsthe All Mitey version keeps the mini and big bears out of your food. To avoid the smashed up by a bear result of “winning the battle but losing the war” with the bear, use one of the aluminum liners. Together those two items are still lighter and definitely easier to pack than a bear canister. The most important bear prevention device is the use of at least one odor proof bag inside the Ursack. Testing by BackpackingLight has determined that while you may not completely eliminate odor from escaping your Ursack, you can drastically reduce the distance from which a bear will detect it. I can only guess the same is true for all other animals large and small since a bear is one of the best “smellers” in the woods.
I stg if there is a chair I'm unsubbing.
i've got good news for both of us