I'm all for merino wool base layer and socks. Being French, I'm lucky to have a decathlon store nearby. They have durable yet cheap merino wool gear. Fantastic value for the price.
I just realized how affordable the Merino stuff from Decathlon is, I always assumed that it's super expensive and I couldn't afford it anyway, fantastic tip, thanks a lot!
I've suffered from foot issues my entire adult life. I've tried nearly every footbed on the market. BY FAR the one that has worked the best for me is Lathrop & Sons Synergy Footbed. They aren't cheap but WELL worth the money. You can even have them customized for your exact boot. And I got reimbursed from my FSA because they are made with medical grade materials.
This is the first video of yours I've come across and I just wanted to say that I love how you share and support smaller owned/your friend's brands and products, while also giving other alternatives as suggestions! I love that people watching have the option of a name brand, if they prefer to choose something more widely reputable, or a smaller owned brand to support small businesses! Thanks for all the great suggestions!
For the headphones. I find that wireless earbuds never stay in my ears (earbuds rarely stay in my ears for that matter) so I stick with wired and just loop them over my ears. To prevent them from getting ripped out by stuff, DON'T JOIN THEM IN THE FRONT. Of course that loose jangly cord is going to get caught on something. it sounds weird, but join the cord behind your head, and let it trail down under your top layer, or better yet just thread it right into your pack and leave your music source there. As a runner, I always ran it around my back and down my arm to my phone. worked great for biking too. NEVER let the cord dangle in the front.
As a long time backpacker (less so as I get older), I can agree with lots of this. I have migrated to hammocks which use an insulated air mattress over my 4 season North Face Ambition 35 tent (heavy as all getout.) But I started with closed cell pads and moved up to self inflating, sometimes with closed cell underneath before trying hammocks. I still have and use my MSR Whisperlite and Dragonfly stoves. They have been crazy good even with the weight, especially when winter or shoulder season camping. (There is nothing like snowshoing up a trail 6-8 feet deep in snow to a valley on a sunny day and eating hot lunch on a snow bank watching the avalanches across the valley.) I have used merino wool since it was extremely rare and expensive, at least in Canada. Dual layer socks is an old trick for sure and definitely helps. I usually have the lighter ones on the inside and the heavier on the outside. In the mountains, you pack for snow and cold right up to very hot. It can change in minutes, never mind hours. I lean towards down fill myself, but some synthetics are good. I should probably replace my Petzl light.. One led is getting dimmer. Ive only had it since the 1990s or longer lol. I also carry an UCO candle lantern. One candle lasts all night and warmed the tent. I haven't done cold weather camping since I started with hammocks, but I imagine it is only better in the smaller space. Plenty of air leaks for the CO to get out. It is also my light and heat for power outages.
“60-70 degrees at night gets a little chilly” 🤣🤣 Tell me you’re from the south and only hike in warm weather, without SAYING you’re from the south and only hike in warm weather😂😂
I totally agree on the insoles... i have replaced every insole in my hiking boots with the Sole (blue alpine or red medium light hiker) and that works well on the plantar fasciitis. Word of wisdom= do NOT heat and mold the Sole to your foot, leave it default and yes the instep is crazy high but it feels so great once the foot tendon is stretched properly a mile into the hike...
Appreciate the wisdom :D My PF is always worse after working all week on concrete floors. I think the uneven ground in the woods is much better for it, but I still have to deal out there
@@JeremiahStringer hmmm that’s odd I have 2 of them and both of mine rarely have to be charged. The one hour left flashing light has saved my life before knowing how much charge is left, seriously. Take Care
While I am in favor of many synthetics for the speed of drying, wool is really your friend. Like you said, it stays warmer even when wet than cotton. The added bonus is that it limits your funk as it is naturally resistant to that bacteria. After a trip up a mountain from hot and muggy valley & nearly going hypothermic (always bring a wind breaker shell), I made sure to never pack another piece of cotton if possible.
Back in the day we didn't use Dyneema tape, we just used duct tape and a sleeping pad was a contractor garbage bag stuffed with brush which had an R value of "at least you didn't die".
In the military waaaaay back when, (before color was invented), I wore cotton socks under wool socks...mostly because the wool was itchy military grade stuff. The side effect was that the cotton wicked away sweat well, and the wool insulated even if the cotton got wet. We routinely changed our socks if they got wet anyway. Gotta love the new fabrics, though.
Congrats dude, you finally mastered the TH-cam Algorithm. All it took was shaving your beard lol. Btw, I think you feel more relaxed and real in your latest vids. Don't take this the wrong way, but I kinda felt like you were trying too much in your past ones. I definitely prefer your latest vids. I think it's something I'm struggling with myself. Great stuff, keep on posting!
Thank you very much, Oscar! :D I appreciate the constructive criticism. I have definitely been trying to be as relaxed as possible in my latest vids and just have fun with it
Would love to get into this, most obvious thing to me seems to be to stay warm, if you're cold, you can't sleep and you get miserable and want to quit. AS long as you're warm, dry, got fluids and food, it seems like the rest should fall into place.
I know it's heavy, but I wear PNW boots from Frank's boots. No insole just leather. The high heel and arch are like magic on my planters fasciitis, and I can wear them all day. So comfortable I'll even sleep in them.in my hammock. And for socks I love Mariano wool, but recently I bought some Pacas alpaca wool socks, and I LOVE THEM!!!!
Pls don't use this as a checklist, his tips for every item are great and in my opinion the most important of this video. [0:00] Intro [0:30] Chair [1:08] Filter [2:10] Warm Puffy [3:40] Stove [5:23] Sleeping pad [7:20] Sponser: BACKCOUNTRY (JEREMIAH15 for 15% off) [8:38] Headlamp [10:04] Shoe Inserts [11:47] Ultra light foodbags [13:17] Socks [15:23] Powerbank my note: I used to go 2 8k mA banks, that would last me up to 3 days. But I had 2phones, earphones and a gopro to charge. I think the 20k mA is a better suggestion for long trips. [17:00] Wireless Earphone [18:29] Rain jacket [20:19] Outro
What's happenin Jeremiah? I'm a beginner backpacker living in Morehead KY. I have experience as a teenager hiking the pictured rocks national Lakeshore twice but haven't been backpacking since. I've been practicing every day with 30 lb in my Walmart brand slumberjack pack it's holding up good so far. I will be upgrading when I attempt Appalachian trail thru-hike. Anyway if you ever out towards sheltowee Trace or Red River gorge hit me up I would love to go hiking with you and learn from a pro
If you use trekking poles you can add small bike lights to them, it eliminated my need for a flashlight and batteries, also I carry a bag of emergency boat rations in case of trouble.
“Be patient, it’s growing out.” I think it needed to be said, I had to check to make sure that I had a current video when it first started, lol! 😆 Glad to see your gear upgrades and the original used. Helps those who are starting to see a baseline and the options for upgrades. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and Merry Christmas. 🎄
Buy once - Cry once. Just gotta' make sure you know what you're buying. Thought you'd be upgrading that first remote canister stove to a lighter version instead of the pocket rocket. I'm all in with remotes. You can make a DIY windscreen out of aluminum baking pan (insignificant weight ding) and they're significantly better in the cold and up high. I'll take a few ounces there. Good job with this. Although I'm kind of board with the live and learn method. A really good way to learn gear. Screw up once and you won't do it again. And that includes knocking over a food pot.
I'm just getting started, your videos are helpful, thank you for that. Wish I would have started watching these sooner, I've wasted soooo much money. I have the soto equivelent of the pocket rocket, after buying almost everything... for real. my biggest wasted effort was in all the titanium stuff I've spent thousands on, most of it I'm just giving to friends now. It is expensive learning without info. I appreciate what your doing here:)
Great video and super message. It is not always about the weight it is about the comfort and the love of that gear. Totally agree on the Merino wool. All my base layers and socks, at home and out on the trail, have been replaced with merino wool (unless I wear a cool graphical tee). Found that the merino wool socks makes my feet less smelly
I have found that a space blanket under an ordinary uninsulated airbed is good down freezing. Even woken to morning snow with this & been completely comfortable. For this reason, now use one of those more robust thermal blankets as my tent footprint, though I have since upgraded to a neo air, though I suspect the S2S version of that would be more comfortable as it inflates a lot thicker. Sure, these modern mats basically have a thermal blanket inbuilt, but I still use a separate thermal blanket for the footprint anyway. The biggest tip I can give for feet is to wear light weight sock liners under your main hiking socks. This way, the liner can easily move with your foot, which minimises friction, eliminating shear forces within the skin (goodbye blisters forever). I got onto this from using wading boots, which are not waterproof (but do drain) and require a neoprene sock. Try walking through lumpy hilly terrain with wet feet in wet neoprene socks & wet boots.......
Just a thought on fabric weight. The weight of the wool shirt you mentioned refers to the weight of the fabric per square metre, not necessarily the weight of the entire garment which may weigh more or less depending on the size.
Petzl Bindi... 200 lumen, weight is 35gram and will light up the road a few meters in front of you :) I've used it on the road and when cars are driving towards me, they adjust the light. :) It's really great to have in your jacket pocket whenever you need it :)
I purchased on amazon a battery bank 28,000 mamp, but its also solar rechargable, so perfect when not using it can be slowly charged, making that portable charger last even longer for approx $25.
I've had never seen anyone advertising but I also ended up with Tread Labs and i love them!! They are more eco friendly as the the plastic arch is lifetime guaranteed, and you just replace the foam top that Velcros to the arch. Also has the widest range of arch heights I've ever seen.
You kept mentioning your hammock, I was hoping you’d talk about your hammock system and what you use as there’s many of them out there and I feel you could probably do a similar video with this gear.
Great video Jeremiah! For inserts, I really like the Superfeet Green. I have a lot of pain in my left heel when I hike more than 12 - 15 miles and these have helped tremendously. Also, I like the new cleaner look! Merry Christmas.
Thank you, Scott! Enjoyed making the vid and my wife likes the beard now too XD I've tried the Superfeet Blue and I have them in a pair of shoes now, but I assume that different colors are for different issues
Me and my friend used a piece of reflectics and it's reflective kept us warm and helped light up the tent we barely needed a sleeping bag... And it's very light...
Fantastic video love the fact you balance your advice against performance and not just weight. I hate the BRS stove with a passion it's to be replaced with either the MSR Pocket Rocket or SOTO Windmaster after last winter struggling to get a brew going. It worked great on the boil test in my kitchen at home but in Snowdonia in UK mid winter even though I had my gas canister in my sleeping bag overnight the stove coughed and spluttered and went out till I just gave up. What rattled me wasn't just the fact it didnt work, it was I had food I couldnt really use that I was carrying instead of converting into energy. You really have to think about the big picture and balance weight against function its pointless saving 100g on your sleeping bag if your awake all night shivering your tits off, then next day you are struggling because youve not rested.
Love love love my Tensor Alpine. First trip I took it on was a mild (40's) November trip in New England. It was awesome. Have taken it in at least 6 trips since then (down into the 20's) and it has been perfect paired with my 0 degree quilt.
For good wool layers you can likely find merino wool or lambs wool, even cashmere(less durable) sweaters at thrift shops for pennies on the dollar. You really have to check the labels though, after a while you get a feel for it.
@@Neoteny374 I puffy refers to a jacket that is typically insulated with duck or goose down feathers. It can also be synthetically insulated. Either way they are poofy, giving them the nickname of a "puffy"
I use FORM inserts. You toss em in the oven for a couple minutes, put them in your kicks and slide them on for a few. You get a custom fit on an insole that will hold up far better than most.
Hello Sir, just found your channel and its great thanks for the info and please keep it coming. I'm taking notes cause I'm going to get out there soon as I can and doing all my research and homework that I can. Semper Fi
I carry rechargeable batteries so when the headlamp eventually no long hold a charge I can just pull out the batteries and replace them with a brand new set of batteries that have been charged and ready to be used and if those things die I just replaced them with compressed batteries in it
You have not used your Sawyer Squeeze or mini very much have you, because they stop working. I have bought three mini's and two squeeze's and they all have the same issue, they stop working after being in storage.
I have used the sawyer squeeze a lot, but I backflush it after every trip with filtered water. I had one stop up on my after flushing it with tap water due to build up of calcium in the water. The mini sucks. Through it in the trash
I've almost guessed the weight of your battery pack. I guessed 500g, and after checking 15 ounces is 425g. I think it's quire light if it goes for 20Ah battery :-)
Hey I just saw your shirt, I’m also from Kentucky and just getting into backpacking, I’m in Powell county just outside the gorge. It’s nice to see other people enjoying the same things I do near me, keep it up 👍
I am getting into bikepacking. Used to hike lots when I was younger, stopped for medical reasons. thanks for this though. I can use a lot of your ideas bikepacking!
As for clothing, depends where you are as well. Sometimes synthetic is better. When I was in Yosemite, in June, this guy came walking up the JMT in denim shorts, a cotton shirt and flip flops. He had nothing else. Looked like he was out day hiking. But at that time only Wilderness Permits were allowed. I also think he had just rolled one and didn’t give a rats. 😂
I don't backpack and don't know why this came onto my feed, but this was so entertaining and actually helpful should I want to get into backpacking. "Bear hanging" 😆
I’m a newbie, I already bought a hilltop packs food bag and darn tough socks. I’m slowly buying my gear. With wired headphones, if you thread them under your shirt, it helps keep them from being caught up (old drummer trick)!
This is kind of an older video, so you probably won’t see this, but I think you’re a real solid dude for constantly shouting out your buddies products and pages.
For feet, I'd recommend starting to wear minimalist shoes when going about your day. Will strengthen your feet, calves, and balance. There are minimalist boots as well, got some that are compliant with military uniform and those are what I wear when on duty, but you have to lean yourself into them slowly
I absolutely love that shirt!! Don’t worry my friend , the beard will grow back , just remember to stay out of my snacks 😂😂 I love the bindi headlamp. Best one on the market. Great tips brother and Merry Christmas. P.S. all I want for Christmas is Kentucky Basketball to win a freaking game 😁🙏
Just now discovered your channel! I feel like a saw you in one of Frozens videos? I recognize you somehow? lol ...a lot of good info! I enjoyed watching! 👍🏼
I haven’t hung out with Frozen yet, but I’m thinking about asking him on The Backpacking Podcast (I’m a cohost). We have a lot of mutual friends 😃 Glad you enjoyed the video 😍
@@JeremiahStringer realized after I watched some more of your videos that it was your Smokey Mountains hike with Miyagi and Jeremy! I hike the Superior Hiking Trail like them so I watch their videos a lot. Glad I found your channel! You do a lot of good gear reviews!
Recently found The Backpacking Podcast and really enjoying that along with your channel and John Kelly! Quality stuff! Don't worry about the down in your quilts and bags, its meant to be moved around. Being from the Great White North you learn a trick or two to keep you warm at night when its 0F. Move that down to where you need it the most.
Battery... I have two Anker Power Core II Battery banks for recharging phones and other electronics. It's simple, 2, 10,000 MAH smart charger packs will recharge your electronics faster with the proprietary internal electronics that can communicate with your phone and other electronics to establish the quickest charging power delivery to the battery needing charge. The power banks are also quick chargeable as well, and they are some of the lightest (weight wise for the power storage) in the field. Now you might ask me why 2... I have grandkids. 'Nuff said. Cheers!
I use the Aftershokz bone conduction headphones. I have trouble keeping the AirPods in my ears. They’re wireless and sit behind your head with the audio output in front of your ears. That way I can still hear what’s going on around me and still get great quality sound. Highly recommend!
...Everyone starts with what can be afforded,, learn as you go .. if you hike with someone experienced ,look at what they are using,ask why that ?? Most gear is somewhat seasonal , but altitude and terrain also plays into the game,, length of outings also.. At the retail outlets ask questions,, for a while , not every salesman gets out and actually uses the gear they sell.. Don't over look the bulliten board at the outfitter stores and sources like Craigslist and other internet hiking gear related equipment... If you have decided on what you want ,,There are often gear on there that has Never been used,, and/or slightly for half the cost or less .. Sometimes with a little time and effort you can get geared up with good quality gear for less than the discount items....changing gear is pretty much normal but realize the difference,, canister stoves ,,liquid stoves work differently and at times one will outshine the other ,, small wood (twig) stoves are another option where there is plenty of fuel source around... IMO ..Get as Good quality gear as can be afforded that will perform the task .....as far as weight "it is what it is"... .. unless you are a through hiker going through towns every few days ,, pack weight is going to be heavier than most UL hikers claim to carry........ IMO ,, most UL hikers are an unprepared accident to happen ......Pack to enjoy being out there ..... not pushing to get back home....
I've been wearing People's Marino wool socks every day at work winter and summer in Alaska for a couple years. They are inexpensive and pretty good quality, not the best at -40 but for budget they are great.
The Bindi is a great light for downlighting your face given it is so small and close fitting. It's not so good at putting light on the ground ahead of you and if you need to rely on it to descend technical ground. OK on a hemet. Compare in test with other units and you will find the Bindi is minimalist piece of kit only and does not perform that well, should you need to rely on it to get you off a mountain.
elago Ear Hooks Designed for... www.amazon.com/dp/B083B97J41?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share Thanks TH-cam algorithms. Great information! I use those to keep mine in at night.
I don't wear a new pair of boots or shoes without putting in a new pair of inserts. My go-to are the simple Dr. Sholls Athetic Insert *replacements* I usually pick them up at Target, though sometimes larger Walmarts carry them. Life-changing for people who haven't used at least decent inserts before. They last quite a while too honestly. Great video BTW, thank you
Listening to this man talk about gear and give advice....it's like listing my uncle teaching me how to drive stick haha. I'm in full panic and he's just even keel like "Yep that'll happen just be careful". Haha Thanks for the tips and tricks it helps. I'd highly recommend Ice Breaker. Expensive initially, but I've had my wool shirt for about 15 years! Can't say the same for some of my under armor long-johns, they were great, but the longevity wasn't there. My Ice Breaker has held it's shape so well. I ski in it, and love it as a layer to sleep in as well. I won't be replacing it for a long time I'm sure. Safe travels everyone.
For Hanukkah I just purchased the best lightweight charger for my husband. Nite core 10000ma; it weighs only 5.29 ounces. Its so awesome that I "accidentally" packed it into my gear bins. Saw the review from Geartest outdoors TH-cam channel and that was the end of the research. Everything else was heavier. I also figure out for many of these I would be better of purchasing 2 of the Nite core 10ma rather than a heavier 20ma. Weight is the biggest factor for me since many reliable options already exist. Hopefully will get to test out its cold weather performance during the winter break. Just in case any else is trying to shave weight in this category as well.
No. They were at a local shoe store. That store closed so now I buy them on Amazon every few months. I do love KSR though. Listen to the podcast every day after work
Fluorescent glow in the dark paint on your air pods... easy to find when dropped
That is genius!
...or you could leave all your gadgets at home and enjoy nature.
@@paulduplex you can enjoy nature while listening to music
@@paulduplex If you're still wearing clothes on the trail you are missing out on the true nature experience!
@@eeeight3040 Hahahahahaha
"I'm not real good with numbers." Lol, dude is literally a high school math teacher. You crack me up Jeremiah!
@@mattssacre Lets not forget the 3500mah lipstick ones won't charge it once, but the 10,000mah, oh, many times!
@@andrewoliver8196 my 10000mah one charges my phone about 5 times (iphone xs) I doubt the little ones were actually 3500
Lol not great with numbers. I kid I kid XD
I'm all for merino wool base layer and socks. Being French, I'm lucky to have a decathlon store nearby. They have durable yet cheap merino wool gear. Fantastic value for the price.
They are great
I just realized how affordable the Merino stuff from Decathlon is, I always assumed that it's super expensive and I couldn't afford it anyway, fantastic tip, thanks a lot!
gotta LOVE decathlon ,,, love my puffy was on special ,,, 50$ instead of 200 to 300 bucks other brands . stood up to branches and a big hike.
I've suffered from foot issues my entire adult life. I've tried nearly every footbed on the market. BY FAR the one that has worked the best for me is Lathrop & Sons Synergy Footbed. They aren't cheap but WELL worth the money. You can even have them customized for your exact boot. And I got reimbursed from my FSA because they are made with medical grade materials.
Thank you for the resource! I'll check them out :D
I pull my puffy vest over the foot end of my sleeping bag.
Zero shoe company
This is the first video of yours I've come across and I just wanted to say that I love how you share and support smaller owned/your friend's brands and products, while also giving other alternatives as suggestions! I love that people watching have the option of a name brand, if they prefer to choose something more widely reputable, or a smaller owned brand to support small businesses! Thanks for all the great suggestions!
Love helping out the small businesses all I can. That’s what this channel is so it feels great returning the favor 😃
For the headphones. I find that wireless earbuds never stay in my ears (earbuds rarely stay in my ears for that matter) so I stick with wired and just loop them over my ears. To prevent them from getting ripped out by stuff, DON'T JOIN THEM IN THE FRONT. Of course that loose jangly cord is going to get caught on something. it sounds weird, but join the cord behind your head, and let it trail down under your top layer, or better yet just thread it right into your pack and leave your music source there. As a runner, I always ran it around my back and down my arm to my phone. worked great for biking too. NEVER let the cord dangle in the front.
Great info :D
Try bone conduction
Well thankyou TH-cam algorithms, why didn't you recommend this channel sooner?
Welcome to the adventure!!
Agreed!!
The youtube gods are fickle
Lots of helpful tips. Thanks mate
Seriously!
As a long time backpacker (less so as I get older), I can agree with lots of this.
I have migrated to hammocks which use an insulated air mattress over my 4 season North Face Ambition 35 tent (heavy as all getout.) But I started with closed cell pads and moved up to self inflating, sometimes with closed cell underneath before trying hammocks.
I still have and use my MSR Whisperlite and Dragonfly stoves. They have been crazy good even with the weight, especially when winter or shoulder season camping. (There is nothing like snowshoing up a trail 6-8 feet deep in snow to a valley on a sunny day and eating hot lunch on a snow bank watching the avalanches across the valley.)
I have used merino wool since it was extremely rare and expensive, at least in Canada.
Dual layer socks is an old trick for sure and definitely helps. I usually have the lighter ones on the inside and the heavier on the outside.
In the mountains, you pack for snow and cold right up to very hot. It can change in minutes, never mind hours. I lean towards down fill myself, but some synthetics are good.
I should probably replace my Petzl light.. One led is getting dimmer. Ive only had it since the 1990s or longer lol.
I also carry an UCO candle lantern. One candle lasts all night and warmed the tent. I haven't done cold weather camping since I started with hammocks, but I imagine it is only better in the smaller space. Plenty of air leaks for the CO to get out. It is also my light and heat for power outages.
Appreciate you sharing 😃
“60-70 degrees at night gets a little chilly” 🤣🤣 Tell me you’re from the south and only hike in warm weather, without SAYING you’re from the south and only hike in warm weather😂😂
Right? I'd sleep under the stars in a hammock in those temperatures
Lol southern through and through XD
@@JeremiahStringer Hey, it's all good. I've spent time in the South and the heat is brutal for me. I'll take the cold any day.
I sleep in 60°-65° in my house lmao
@@walkercaustin yes! I just checked the thermometer in my room. 62. Not bad, considering it is snowy outside.
I totally agree on the insoles... i have replaced every insole in my hiking boots with the Sole (blue alpine or red medium light hiker) and that works well on the plantar fasciitis. Word of wisdom= do NOT heat and mold the Sole to your foot, leave it default and yes the instep is crazy high but it feels so great once the foot tendon is stretched properly a mile into the hike...
Appreciate the wisdom :D My PF is always worse after working all week on concrete floors. I think the uneven ground in the woods is much better for it, but I still have to deal out there
I still love & use the superfeet green insoles in all my boots.
There’s been a bindi around my neck for 2 years plus every day, perfect for walking
I'm enjoying it :D Wish the battery lasted a little longer, but I guess that's the price with that size lol
@@JeremiahStringer hmmm that’s odd I have 2 of them and both of mine rarely have to be charged. The one hour left flashing light has saved my life before knowing how much charge is left, seriously. Take Care
While I am in favor of many synthetics for the speed of drying, wool is really your friend. Like you said, it stays warmer even when wet than cotton. The added bonus is that it limits your funk as it is naturally resistant to that bacteria. After a trip up a mountain from hot and muggy valley & nearly going hypothermic (always bring a wind breaker shell), I made sure to never pack another piece of cotton if possible.
Same here
Quick hint I learned. Great insulation and dry dock option for winter is dry suit scuba socks.
Great hack :D Thank you for sharing
Back in the day we didn't use Dyneema tape, we just used duct tape and a sleeping pad was a contractor garbage bag stuffed with brush which had an R value of "at least you didn't die".
lol
That's rough lol
Back in my day we died of the rickets and we liked it!
Thought you'd like to know!
Merino wool 150 means 150g/m^2. So it is a measure of warmth more than weight.
Thank you!! :D
In the military waaaaay back when, (before color was invented), I wore cotton socks under wool socks...mostly because the wool was itchy military grade stuff. The side effect was that the cotton wicked away sweat well, and the wool insulated even if the cotton got wet. We routinely changed our socks if they got wet anyway.
Gotta love the new fabrics, though.
Love them :D
Congrats dude, you finally mastered the TH-cam Algorithm. All it took was shaving your beard lol.
Btw, I think you feel more relaxed and real in your latest vids. Don't take this the wrong way, but I kinda felt like you were trying too much in your past ones. I definitely prefer your latest vids. I think it's something I'm struggling with myself. Great stuff, keep on posting!
Thank you very much, Oscar! :D I appreciate the constructive criticism. I have definitely been trying to be as relaxed as possible in my latest vids and just have fun with it
After gaing a ton of weight i have finally lost enough to start hiking again and i love it. Your videos are great ty
Congrats on the weight loss, Ken!!
@@JeremiahStringer Thanks!
Subbed. Love these videos, definitely best to 'buy once, cry once' and invest in saving, instead of buying cheap or regrettable.
Appreciate the love :D
Putting a closed cell foam sleeping pad under the inflatable one is great for winter, and really comfy.
Love it :D I've taken reflectix with me in the winter for that very purpose
Would love to get into this, most obvious thing to me seems to be to stay warm, if you're cold, you can't sleep and you get miserable and want to quit. AS long as you're warm, dry, got fluids and food, it seems like the rest should fall into place.
For sure. Those are the essentials
Just stay home
I know it's heavy, but I wear PNW boots from Frank's boots. No insole just leather. The high heel and arch are like magic on my planters fasciitis, and I can wear them all day. So comfortable I'll even sleep in them.in my hammock. And for socks I love Mariano wool, but recently I bought some Pacas alpaca wool socks, and I LOVE THEM!!!!
May be heavy, but depending on the trip well worth it
Pls don't use this as a checklist, his tips for every item are great and in my opinion the most important of this video.
[0:00] Intro
[0:30] Chair
[1:08] Filter
[2:10] Warm Puffy
[3:40] Stove
[5:23] Sleeping pad
[7:20] Sponser: BACKCOUNTRY (JEREMIAH15 for 15% off)
[8:38] Headlamp
[10:04] Shoe Inserts
[11:47] Ultra light foodbags
[13:17] Socks
[15:23] Powerbank
my note: I used to go 2 8k mA banks, that would last me up to 3 days. But I had 2phones, earphones and a gopro to charge. I think the 20k mA is a better suggestion for long trips.
[17:00] Wireless Earphone
[18:29] Rain jacket
[20:19] Outro
Appreciate the love :D
What's happenin Jeremiah? I'm a beginner backpacker living in Morehead KY. I have experience as a teenager hiking the pictured rocks national Lakeshore twice but haven't been backpacking since. I've been practicing every day with 30 lb in my Walmart brand slumberjack pack it's holding up good so far. I will be upgrading when I attempt Appalachian trail thru-hike. Anyway if you ever out towards sheltowee Trace or Red River gorge hit me up I would love to go hiking with you and learn from a pro
If you use trekking poles you can add small bike lights to them, it eliminated my need for a flashlight and batteries, also I carry a bag of emergency boat rations in case of trouble.
Great thinking :D
Great tips Jeremiah. Sleeping pad is the honestly the thing I invested well in the beginning! Rough night on the ground for me is bad! HA
Lol I'm right there with you
For insoles I use ‘superfeet’, they work great, they have wide and regular fit and they are very comfortable.
I'm always in need of a wide fit :D For some reason my left foot is wider
“Be patient, it’s growing out.” I think it needed to be said, I had to check to make sure that I had a current video when it first started, lol! 😆
Glad to see your gear upgrades and the original used. Helps those who are starting to see a baseline and the options for upgrades. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and Merry Christmas. 🎄
Lol my pleasure!! :D
Buy once - Cry once. Just gotta' make sure you know what you're buying.
Thought you'd be upgrading that first remote canister stove to a lighter version instead of the pocket rocket. I'm all in with remotes. You can make a DIY windscreen out of aluminum baking pan (insignificant weight ding) and they're significantly better in the cold and up high. I'll take a few ounces there. Good job with this. Although I'm kind of board with the live and learn method. A really good way to learn gear. Screw up once and you won't do it again. And that includes knocking over a food pot.
Hard life lessons lol
I'm just getting started, your videos are helpful, thank you for that. Wish I would have started watching these sooner, I've wasted soooo much money. I have the soto equivelent of the pocket rocket, after buying almost everything... for real. my biggest wasted effort was in all the titanium stuff I've spent thousands on, most of it I'm just giving to friends now. It is expensive learning without info. I appreciate what your doing here:)
It's my pleasure :D
why are you off all titanium stuff now?
"Buy once cry once". LOL Got that from your last video I watched, Thanks!!!!
My pleasure :D
Great video and super message. It is not always about the weight it is about the comfort and the love of that gear. Totally agree on the Merino wool. All my base layers and socks, at home and out on the trail, have been replaced with merino wool (unless I wear a cool graphical tee). Found that the merino wool socks makes my feet less smelly
Love the merino wool stuff. I'm just getting into it now and I can see what I have been missing :D
I have found that a space blanket under an ordinary uninsulated airbed is good down freezing. Even woken to morning snow with this & been completely comfortable. For this reason, now use one of those more robust thermal blankets as my tent footprint, though I have since upgraded to a neo air, though I suspect the S2S version of that would be more comfortable as it inflates a lot thicker. Sure, these modern mats basically have a thermal blanket inbuilt, but I still use a separate thermal blanket for the footprint anyway. The biggest tip I can give for feet is to wear light weight sock liners under your main hiking socks. This way, the liner can easily move with your foot, which minimises friction, eliminating shear forces within the skin (goodbye blisters forever). I got onto this from using wading boots, which are not waterproof (but do drain) and require a neoprene sock. Try walking through lumpy hilly terrain with wet feet in wet neoprene socks & wet boots.......
Great stuff, Ken! Love the foot print advice too 😃
Toe socks...as someone who develops very painful corns from.the way my toes naturally lie together I highly recommend separating those babies.
Just a thought on fabric weight. The weight of the wool shirt you mentioned refers to the weight of the fabric per square metre, not necessarily the weight of the entire garment which may weigh more or less depending on the size.
Love it, Tom :D Thank you!
Petzl Bindi... 200 lumen, weight is 35gram and will light up the road a few meters in front of you :) I've used it on the road and when cars are driving towards me, they adjust the light. :) It's really great to have in your jacket pocket whenever you need it :)
Super super compact. I think it is a very common light for climbers too
Try “Sole” inserts - available at REI. I use the red ones, I think they are considered medium support. I have foot pain and they really help a lot.
Thanks for the resource, Gail :D
I have plantar fasciitis as well and Redi-thotics saved me. Try em out
I purchased on amazon a battery bank 28,000 mamp, but its also solar rechargable, so perfect when not using it can be slowly charged, making that portable charger last even longer for approx $25.
That sounds awesome :D
Great video! I actually own one of those rain coats after getting out there with you. One of the best purchases I’ve made.
Thank you, John! Lovely jacket 😁
I've had never seen anyone advertising but I also ended up with Tread Labs and i love them!! They are more eco friendly as the the plastic arch is lifetime guaranteed, and you just replace the foam top that Velcros to the arch. Also has the widest range of arch heights I've ever seen.
I hear they make great stuff :D
You kept mentioning your hammock, I was hoping you’d talk about your hammock system and what you use as there’s many of them out there and I feel you could probably do a similar video with this gear.
That is a great video idea :D
I don't think beginning backpackers will ever appreciate the gear they should have got till they break through that learning curve.
True that
As some one that is just starting to get serious about hiking, this video was immensely helpful
Thank you, Judi :D
this thumbnail is gorgeous, i dig the wide aperture and split frame
Thank you very much, Cassady :D
Great video Jeremiah! For inserts, I really like the Superfeet Green. I have a lot of pain in my left heel when I hike more than 12 - 15 miles and these have helped tremendously. Also, I like the new cleaner look! Merry Christmas.
Thank you, Scott! Enjoyed making the vid and my wife likes the beard now too XD I've tried the Superfeet Blue and I have them in a pair of shoes now, but I assume that different colors are for different issues
150 gm weight base layer means the wool fabric weighs 150 grams per square meter.
Thanks for the info, Michael :D
Professional mountain goat here( wildland firefighter) super feet insoles are the money
Super feet for the win 😃
@@JeremiahStringer Should look into SheepFeet as well. They're high-cost but very custom to your feet. I've heard good things.
Hello from Australia 👋🇦🇺 we love firey's (fire fighters) :) Bless you. Firey's are hero's.
Me and my friend used a piece of reflectics and it's reflective kept us warm and helped light up the tent we barely needed a sleeping bag... And it's very light...
I have taken it in the past. Great stuff :D
Fantastic video love the fact you balance your advice against performance and not just weight. I hate the BRS stove with a passion it's to be replaced with either the MSR Pocket Rocket or SOTO Windmaster after last winter struggling to get a brew going. It worked great on the boil test in my kitchen at home but in Snowdonia in UK mid winter even though I had my gas canister in my sleeping bag overnight the stove coughed and spluttered and went out till I just gave up. What rattled me wasn't just the fact it didnt work, it was I had food I couldnt really use that I was carrying instead of converting into energy. You really have to think about the big picture and balance weight against function its pointless saving 100g on your sleeping bag if your awake all night shivering your tits off, then next day you are struggling because youve not rested.
My pleasure. It's more complicated than picking items based on weight and cost :D
I’ve used an emergency blanket under my sleeping pad to up the R value in cold weather
Good thinking :D
Love love love my Tensor Alpine. First trip I took it on was a mild (40's) November trip in New England. It was awesome. Have taken it in at least 6 trips since then (down into the 20's) and it has been perfect paired with my 0 degree quilt.
I took it down to freezing a couple nights ago. Did well paired with my 15 deg bag. Pretty comfy too :D
For good wool layers you can likely find merino wool or lambs wool, even cashmere(less durable) sweaters at thrift shops for pennies on the dollar. You really have to check the labels though, after a while you get a feel for it.
Great advice!! :D
I could listen to you say "Puuuuffy" all day. Thanks for the vid!
Lol thank you!
What's a puffy?
@@Neoteny374 I puffy refers to a jacket that is typically insulated with duck or goose down feathers. It can also be synthetically insulated. Either way they are poofy, giving them the nickname of a "puffy"
We referred to a "Puffy" as a down jacket back in the day.
I use FORM inserts. You toss em in the oven for a couple minutes, put them in your kicks and slide them on for a few. You get a custom fit on an insole that will hold up far better than most.
Now that is awesome :D
Just found this channel. First video. Appreciate your down to earth vibe. Subbed!
That's exactly what I am going for 😀 Appreciate the love and welcome to the adventure!!
I love it when you say warm puffy
Lol thank you
Hello Sir, just found your channel and its great thanks for the info and please keep it coming. I'm taking notes cause I'm going to get out there soon as I can and doing all my research and homework that I can. Semper Fi
Love to hear that you are going to be getting out there soon!! :D
I carry rechargeable batteries so when the headlamp eventually no long hold a charge I can just pull out the batteries and replace them with a brand new set of batteries that have been charged and ready to be used and if those things die I just replaced them with compressed batteries in it
Great idea
I like the new look with a shorter beard. Merry Christmas, Jeremiah!
Thank you, Lenny! My wife married me with a beard this length and loves it. She thinks I look like a hobo with a long beard XD
You have not used your Sawyer Squeeze or mini very much have you, because they stop working. I have bought three mini's and two squeeze's and they all have the same issue, they stop working after being in storage.
I have used the sawyer squeeze a lot, but I backflush it after every trip with filtered water. I had one stop up on my after flushing it with tap water due to build up of calcium in the water. The mini sucks. Through it in the trash
@@JeremiahStringer Yea, I backflush mine to, and they all stopped working after being in storage. We both agree the mini is trash.
I've almost guessed the weight of your battery pack. I guessed 500g, and after checking 15 ounces is 425g. I think it's quire light if it goes for 20Ah battery :-)
Good stuff 😃
Hey I just saw your shirt, I’m also from Kentucky and just getting into backpacking, I’m in Powell county just outside the gorge. It’s nice to see other people enjoying the same things I do near me, keep it up 👍
Thank you!! :D Having fun in my old KY home
First video of yours I've watched, enjoyed it very much let's see what else you have :)
That’s awesome! 😃 Welcome to the adventure 🙌
Thanks man I watched a few more of your videos, am now a subscriber heading to the whites rn. Happy hiking
I am getting into bikepacking. Used to hike lots when I was younger, stopped for medical reasons. thanks for this though. I can use a lot of your ideas bikepacking!
My pleasure :D
Hello my friend, very nice recommendations. Take Care and Keep Exploring The Outdoors.
Thank you so much! Hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas :D
As for clothing, depends where you are as well. Sometimes synthetic is better.
When I was in Yosemite, in June, this guy came walking up the JMT in denim shorts, a cotton shirt and flip flops. He had nothing else. Looked like he was out day hiking. But at that time only Wilderness Permits were allowed. I also think he had just rolled one and didn’t give a rats. 😂
Lol some people are a different breed
I don't backpack and don't know why this came onto my feed, but this was so entertaining and actually helpful should I want to get into backpacking. "Bear hanging" 😆
I love seeing comments like this :D
If you have bear problems, you are not far enough into the back country. Wild black bears stay away from humanoids, same with wolves
I’m a newbie, I already bought a hilltop packs food bag and darn tough socks. I’m slowly buying my gear. With wired headphones, if you thread them under your shirt, it helps keep them from being caught up (old drummer trick)!
Good thinking!
Love your honesty! You've got my attention! Thanks for all your wonderful tips and valuable experience!
Thank you very much, Hector :D
This is kind of an older video, so you probably won’t see this, but I think you’re a real solid dude for constantly shouting out your buddies products and pages.
I see you 😃 Thank you 🙏
Jeremiah(math teacher): I’m not good with numbers
Every viewer: blank stare
Good content. Thanks.
Lol I kid I kid XD Numbers are def my things. Gave me a good laugh 😂
Gave me a good laugh too.
For feet, I'd recommend starting to wear minimalist shoes when going about your day. Will strengthen your feet, calves, and balance. There are minimalist boots as well, got some that are compliant with military uniform and those are what I wear when on duty, but you have to lean yourself into them slowly
Appreciate you sharing :D
I absolutely love that shirt!! Don’t worry my friend , the beard will grow back , just remember to stay out of my snacks 😂😂
I love the bindi headlamp. Best one on the market. Great tips brother and Merry Christmas.
P.S. all I want for Christmas is Kentucky Basketball to win a freaking game 😁🙏
Lol thank you bro. I just want a WIN too
I love the mini I use mine as a gravity filter with a bladder from an old hunting pack
It’s always nice setting up the Sawyer as a gravity fed system 😍
Just now discovered your channel! I feel like a saw you in one of Frozens videos? I recognize you somehow? lol ...a lot of good info! I enjoyed watching! 👍🏼
I haven’t hung out with Frozen yet, but I’m thinking about asking him on The Backpacking Podcast (I’m a cohost). We have a lot of mutual friends 😃 Glad you enjoyed the video 😍
@@JeremiahStringer realized after I watched some more of your videos that it was your Smokey Mountains hike with Miyagi and Jeremy! I hike the Superior Hiking Trail like them so I watch their videos a lot. Glad I found your channel! You do a lot of good gear reviews!
Thank you :D
Recently found The Backpacking Podcast and really enjoying that along with your channel and John Kelly! Quality stuff! Don't worry about the down in your quilts and bags, its meant to be moved around. Being from the Great White North you learn a trick or two to keep you warm at night when its 0F. Move that down to where you need it the most.
Thank you, Royce :D
I absolutely LOVE the Petzl Bindi headlamp! Unfortunately, it was packed with my gear that was stolen. But it's on my list to replace!
Gear stolen? That is the ultimate worst 😡
How did your gear get stolen? 😱
Was it an ex boyfriend?
I live in Ontario Canada and I really want to do some backpacking this summer, so this video has been super super helpful!!!!
Have fun out there, Josi :D
good energy bro
Thanks, Dave 🙌🔥
Battery... I have two Anker Power Core II Battery banks for recharging phones and other electronics. It's simple, 2, 10,000 MAH smart charger packs will recharge your electronics faster with the proprietary internal electronics that can communicate with your phone and other electronics to establish the quickest charging power delivery to the battery needing charge. The power banks are also quick chargeable as well, and they are some of the lightest (weight wise for the power storage) in the field.
Now you might ask me why 2... I have grandkids. 'Nuff said. Cheers!
Lol def need them when you have grandkids. Appreciate the input, Bernie :D
I use the Aftershokz bone conduction headphones. I have trouble keeping the AirPods in my ears. They’re wireless and sit behind your head with the audio output in front of your ears. That way I can still hear what’s going on around me and still get great quality sound. Highly recommend!
I've heard some great things about the Aftershokz. Great if you wanna still be able to hear your surroundings too
Always enjoy hearing advice from folks who have time with gear. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
My pleasure :D
Also have this Nightcore and am super happy with it because it’s so bright.
The Nitecore is awesome :D
The puffies are perfect doubled up with a waterproof.
Oh yeah! Adds a lot of warmth with the extra layer of a hard shell
I've been wearing mine with my Paramo waterproof - I am untouchable by wind or rain.
Except my legs.
...Everyone starts with what can be afforded,, learn as you go .. if you hike with someone experienced ,look at what they are using,ask why that ?? Most gear is somewhat seasonal , but altitude and terrain also plays into the game,, length of outings also.. At the retail outlets ask questions,, for a while , not every salesman gets out and actually uses the gear they sell.. Don't over look the bulliten board at the outfitter stores and sources like Craigslist and other internet hiking gear related equipment... If you have decided on what you want ,,There are often gear on there that has Never been used,, and/or slightly for half the cost or less .. Sometimes with a little time and effort you can get geared up with good quality gear for less than the discount items....changing gear is pretty much normal but realize the difference,, canister stoves ,,liquid stoves work differently and at times one will outshine the other ,, small wood (twig) stoves are another option where there is plenty of fuel source around... IMO ..Get as Good quality gear as can be afforded that will perform the task .....as far as weight "it is what it is"... .. unless you are a through hiker going through towns every few days ,, pack weight is going to be heavier than most UL hikers claim to carry........ IMO ,, most UL hikers are an unprepared accident to happen ......Pack to enjoy being out there ..... not pushing to get back home....
Love the comment :D Excellent advice and very down to earth perspective. Great info
The nu 25 head lamp is my go to which also has a green light
Love that headlamp
Great tips! The Bindi is on my shopping list for the upcoming season.
It's a great minimalist light
I've been wearing People's Marino wool socks every day at work winter and summer in Alaska for a couple years. They are inexpensive and pretty good quality, not the best at -40 but for budget they are great.
I'll have to check those out!
Did you find and missing gear in your beard when you shaved it off? Great tips for the new folks.....
Lol I found gear and a couple dead bugs XD
The Bindi is a great light for downlighting your face given it is so small and close fitting. It's not so good at putting light on the ground ahead of you and if you need to rely on it to descend technical ground. OK on a hemet. Compare in test with other units and you will find the Bindi is minimalist piece of kit only and does not perform that well, should you need to rely on it to get you off a mountain.
Great perspective about the Bindi :D
You can put a smal peace of tape over your ear before sleeping, the will stay there! :)
This last trip I slept in a beanie and what do you know that stinking air pod was still in lol
@@JeremiahStringer i know but mine wil activate sire when the beanie is to tide !
That is def a down side
elago Ear Hooks Designed for... www.amazon.com/dp/B083B97J41?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Thanks TH-cam algorithms. Great information! I use those to keep mine in at night.
I took the Petzl Bindi on the Long Trail for my thru-hike last year and loved it. I've used it for multiple backpacking trips since. Two thumbs up!
It’s so light 😃
I love gear so much I should probably see a psychologist 😂
Lol me too
I don't wear a new pair of boots or shoes without putting in a new pair of inserts. My go-to are the simple Dr. Sholls Athetic Insert *replacements* I usually pick them up at Target, though sometimes larger Walmarts carry them. Life-changing for people who haven't used at least decent inserts before. They last quite a while too honestly.
Great video BTW, thank you
Thank you so much :D
E'erbody pimpin' for Backcountry nowadays.
Lol you know it
As a newbie id give my right tarp stake for a back country sponsorship 🤣🤣🤣
I got a 10kmah charger. I bring a folding solar panel as well and when I'm not at camp the panel charges the battery bank and it's full every night.
Sounds great :D
"I'm not good with numbers" *teaches math. LOL
Great video, Merry Christmas
Lol I try XD Merry Christmas!
Listening to this man talk about gear and give advice....it's like listing my uncle teaching me how to drive stick haha. I'm in full panic and he's just even keel like "Yep that'll happen just be careful". Haha
Thanks for the tips and tricks it helps. I'd highly recommend Ice Breaker. Expensive initially, but I've had my wool shirt for about 15 years! Can't say the same for some of my under armor long-johns, they were great, but the longevity wasn't there. My Ice Breaker has held it's shape so well. I ski in it, and love it as a layer to sleep in as well. I won't be replacing it for a long time I'm sure. Safe travels everyone.
Lol I try :D
Where's the beard shaving video? Don't say it doesn't exist.
Lol no video, but I have been taking a photo everyday as it grows
For Hanukkah I just purchased the best lightweight charger for my husband. Nite core 10000ma; it weighs only 5.29 ounces. Its so awesome that I "accidentally" packed it into my gear bins. Saw the review from Geartest outdoors TH-cam channel and that was the end of the research. Everything else was heavier. I also figure out for many of these I would be better of purchasing 2 of the Nite core 10ma rather than a heavier 20ma. Weight is the biggest factor for me since many reliable options already exist. Hopefully will get to test out its cold weather performance during the winter break. Just in case any else is trying to shave weight in this category as well.
Really appreciate you sharing this great info! :D If I don't get one for Christmas that will be my go to
Did you find pinnacle power steps through KSR?
No. They were at a local shoe store. That store closed so now I buy them on Amazon every few months. I do love KSR though. Listen to the podcast every day after work
I could listen to you describe paint dry. Great video.
XD