If I was a BEGINNER BACKPACKER Today, THIS is What I Would Do Differently
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 พ.ค. 2024
- If I was a BEGINNER BACKPACKER Today, THIS is What I Would Do Differently // We’ve all started out as a beginner backpacker at some point. Even now as an experienced backpacker, I’m still learning new things about backpacking with every trip I go on.
I’ve spent the last 6+ years going on and planning a ton of overnight backpacking trips, everything from solo backpacking along the Pacific Crest Trail to backpacking around Mount Rainier on the Wonderland Trail, hiking the John Muir Trail and several group overnight backpacking trips with students in my online backpacking program for women, The Confident Solo Female Backpacker System.
Spoiler Alert: I’ve made a TON of mistakes along my backpacking journey, many of these lessons I’ve had to learn the hard way and have even documented here on TH-cam in some of my videos.
My backpacking journey is always a work in progress, but with each trip I go on, backpacking just keeps getting better and more fun.
In this video, I’m going to share with you all of the things I would’ve done differently if I was a beginner backpacker today.
00:00 Intro
01:00:20 Tip #1: Use A Smaller Pack
01:57:06 Tip #2: Pack Less Clothes
03:03:26 Tip #3: Practice Packing & Unpacking My Pack
04:31:29 Tip #4: Don’t Listen to People Who Tell Me I Shouldn’t Go Backpacking Alone
07:51:11 Tip #5: Get A Satellite Messenger
09:17:05 Tip #6: Do My Research & Work On My Navigation Skills (Sooner)
10:36:22 Tip #7: Don’t Buy Gear Just Because I Saw It On TH-cam
11:31:02 Tip #8: Learn How To Meal Plan
13:14:13 Tip #9: Carry Less water
15:42:10 Tip #10: Started My Backpacking Journey Sooner
Read it on the Blog: www.the-hungry-hiker.com/2024...
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• If I was a BEGINNER BA...
#Backpacking #BackpackingTips #TheHungryHiker
Backpackers! Make sure you use a Packing List for EVERY backpacking trip you go on so that you reduce the chances of forgetting to pack something for your trip. I created a Backpacking Gear Packing list for you to use when planning your next trip. Click here to get my Backpacking Gear Packing List FREE: bit.ly/3TUMaBK
Wouldn't it be cool if occasional hikers/backpackers could "check out" or "Rent" a satellite SOS device from their local library, sheriff's office, AAA, or the park's visitor center. While renting, they could fill out the emergency information, confirm contact with their emergency contact person, and opt in/out of 30 days of travel insurance and annual airlift insurance for that area of the country.
That would be a GREAT IDEA!!! Managing it might be cumbersome for the local agencies, but I think it’s a fantastic idea.
Check the area you are planning to hike on, this service is available in certain areas. Local libraries and hiking groups sometimes offer this service, I'm not sure about sheriff's offices and pretty sure national forests/BLM do not offer this (budgeting).
Now, new smart phones, such as I-phone 15 has satellite SOS function.
Here in Australia you can borrow a PLB from the National Park Service for free...only requirement is that you lodge a trip plan with them.
@@l.6993 What a great option to have!!
99.99% of the people that say you should never backpack alone have never gone backpacking themselves.
Exactly!
Yeah, plan for an emergency then don’t take unnecessary risks and just enjoy your trip. I carry an InReach and a light plastic painter’s drop cloth in case my tarp gets damaged or I need more coverage in rain.
@@TheHungryHiker"depending on the area you may want to pack rain gear"....... Hahaha, you do realize in the desert, the rain, which only comes a handful of times a year, comes in cold torrents that will kill you. ....? If you don't pack rain gear stay home. I don't wanna pay for your sos services.
@@sasquatchrosefarts Thanks for the PSA...and I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be you paying for anyone's SOS rescue.
Hiking alone is awesome. It's a level of freedom you dont get in many other aspects of life.
"I should take this in case this happens"
"Don't pack my fears" is my motto these days.
Biggest mistake I made thus far was taking food based off weight to calorie ratio. Not anymore. Ill take heavier food if it means I enjoy the meal. And im also testing food in the comfort of my home. I just set up my cook set up in my kitchen. This way I can iron out the issues. Lots of great advice
YES to this!!!! Calories mean nothing in the backcountry if you don't eat them while you're out there. I discovered early on in my own backpacking journey that I'm a very food motivated hiker, hence the name "The Hungry Hiker". Having food I look forward to eating on my breaks and at camp is a HUGE motivator for me to put in the miles while I'm out on trail. I'm also a big fan of testing all of your recipes and food at home first, before bringing it with you out on trail. There's nothing worse than having a meal or snack out on trail that you don't like. You then either have to force feed yourself or carry it out with you, neither of which are great options.
Absolutely agree, but I do carry an emergency oatmeal that's low on my list, so it's always there (even if have to cold soak) for me to eat if I'm "that" hungry @@TheHungryHiker
Yes,we should "practice "with all your stuff.break in your shoes.
I take apart MREs and just eat stuff I know I will enjoy.
@@TheHungryHikerFood motivated, makes you sound like a black Labrador Retriever. I'm picturing a Service Dog in training 😅 Good Girl
I seriously love dehydrating my own backpacking meals! Using the backcountry foodie has been a game changer. Having homemade food out on trail is such a big comfort for me.
Dehydrating my own food has expanded my on trail diet in ways I could've never imagined when I first started backpacking. No more relying just on instant mashed potatoes, ramen and expensive freeze dried backpacking meals from the store.
@@TheHungryHiker I was given a dehydrator last year by a friend clearing out her house before selling. Amazing fun & food learning to use it. Buy frozen veggies on sale, add some tiny pasta variety to the dehydrated stuff in a ziploc bag & some cheese__ voila! Tasty nutritious meals.
I'm glad to hear this!! The pre-made is light however, has so much air in it that it takes up too much space.
"Don't buy gear just because you saw it on TH-cam." Best advice ever! I love how truly genuine and authentic you are. Gear is expensive and running out to buy the newest stuff just because you saw it on TH-cam or Instagram could lead to a needlessly expensive proposition.
Absolutely! Gear is expensive. I've fallen into the purchase trap so many times. Everyone has different needs when it comes to their gear, which is why it's important to take the time to find what will work for you. When I do talk about gear here on TH-cam, it's only gear I really love using when I'm out on trail. And even then, I'll use different gear depending on the trip I'm going on. It's a process.
I just bought my pack tonight! I’m taking my first backpacking trip in May and solo. It’s people like you that encouraged and empowered me to take the plunge! 🎉❤
Yay! I love this so much!!!
I'm taking my first trip in July at age 66. This channel is so inspiring. Enjoy Judy!!
Don’t forget to make a physical fitness goal before your adventure and keep a warmup/stretching routine cheat sheet handy
Totally agree!
I love hiking and sleeping out in nature, and you're right! No one really shares my enthusiasm for it, so you have to make the choice: wait for the few trips you can convince someone to go with you, or go and have your own adventure! Like you my solo trips been a really good experience for me. Being a husky guy it wasn't as scary for me, so hats off to you for getting out there, great video
I've watched your channel for a while and this July at age 66 is my first ever 2 night 3 day back packing trip on Vancouver Island with 3 other ladies. I'm using almost all borrowed gear and already I have people telling me my pack is not big enough. It's 30L. It's only 3 days. I don't think you can make a mistake if you have the essentials. Love this video. Thank you for sharing
So excited for you!
I'm myself preparing for my first ever overnight backpacking trip and it's really encouraging to see people older than me preparing for their first trip as well. I'm 32 and I am a little shy to be a beginner "at that age" haha. I know, I know, it's very silly, but oh well.
But also - who are those judgmental people that are criticizing you without being asked to? It's none of their business! But also, if you can fit all the gear you're planning to take into 30 L - how is it too small? Oh people.
I'm so impressed! Please check back and let us know how it goes!!!! I'm 52 and planning my first solo to get my feet wet before my ultimate goal in September, through the Alps on the TMB.
Awesome!! I love this!
Fabulous Information Kathleen. Thank you for sharing.
Glad it was helpful!
I've been backpacking (and many sorts of outdoor activities) for more than 2 decades, I try to be as minimal as I can be depending on where I'm going, and yeah, lessons are still coming in. What you shared, I've also been doing, but it also took me some time to realize many things, with many times by trial and error, but I guess that's how things are nowadays with so much tech and info out there. But as for the good practices, experience is sometimes a tough teacher and having people like you share your experiences for others, is definitely a gold mine for learning. Thanks for the vid and kudos to your outdoor journeys!
This video is so awesome and informative.... I can't believe you don't have 1M hits. Thank you for sharing all of these valuable experiences.
Oh thank you! Maybe one day this video will have 1M views.
Great video. Your info on water is spot on. I’ll make a change in what I’m doing.
Thanks for watching. Glad you found this helpful!
I needed to hear this today!
Glad this was helpful!
I guess I’m a pre-Beginner Backpacker…gathering my gear but haven’t actually gone yet! This encouraged me so much! I’m going to buy the tent and set a date! 😁
This is awesome! Put a date on the calendar so that you're more likely to actually go on the backpacking trip instead of just talking about it. I know for me, if it's not on the calendar, it doesn't exist. If it's important enough to me, it goes on the calendar.
Go camping in your backyard first a few times to get use to your gear
@@weka6533 Great suggestion!!!
Start by day hiking with a load. Do at least one shakedown campout in your backyard or in a local state park.
Same. I am awaiting the arrival of my first backpack tent. i decided to go with the Paria 2 person. Ill write back after i have gotten it and let you know what i think!
Love Backcountry Foodie!! Makes good nutrition out on trail much easier. Great video, Kathleen!
Yay! Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video. I agree, I love Backcountry Foodie too!
How much water (and electrolytes) depends on where you hike, how much you sweat, use for your needs, and distance between sources (if reliable). You really have to learn what you need. Desert Southwest, where there is often 10+ miles between sources, with sunexposure, decent ascents per mile, means I carry more, including my electrolytes.
Yes, you are correct. The amount of water and electrolytes you need for a trip will greatly depend on where and how far you're hiking. Same goes for gear. Some destinations and even certain times of the year will require different types of gear. The important thing is knowing this ahead of time and planning for it. :)
Thank you😭😭
These are very helpful tips
And the problem with fear for a lone woman very true
I've been hesitating for so long and kept talking myself out of it
I'm still at the very beginning of my road but the freedom you feel throughout your entire body is amazing.
Finally a voice in your head saying "this is right"
Solo backpacking is awesome. thank you for the informative video :) :)
Thanks for watching!
Kathleen, I really enjoy your videos, especially the ones on backpacking meals 😊. Thanks for your honest information and sharing what you've learned over time.
Thanks for watching my videos. Glad you find them helpful. I'm long overdue to make some backpacking food specific videos. Those will be coming soon.
You're argument for switching from reservoirs to 2x 1L bottles is very convincing. Being able to carry the water in the side pockets outside your pack thereby saving pack space is a big advantage, along with having a greater awareness of how much water is left. These two factors mean this choice makes a lot of sense.
Using the 3D function to locate the valleys, creeks and reliable water sources along the route and learning how to treat the water you find along the way means not carrying too much or too little water which, as you said, can mean a big reduction in pack weight :)
I personally got tired of running out of water when using a hydration reservoir. And they're kind of heavy and bulky. Now it's a non-negotiable for me - I have to see exactly how much water I have with me at all times while I'm out on trail and I need my water to be easily accessible.
AWESOME!!!! I have looked a SOOOOO many videos and this is the best best best! I'm sure that you wonder at times if, ALL of the hours you you put into these videos make a difference....they did for me. in just one video, you have taken my mind set from, should i do this to, I HAVE to do this. I cannot thank you enough. Of course I would love to find other hikers to join me but yes, a difficult task.
Great informative video, thank you! You have encouraged me to get out tramping (im from New Zealand) by myself!
That is awesome!
I'm also from NZ and I love tramping alone. ❤😊🌿
Hey NZer’s! I just did my first overnight at Abel Tasman. I’ve inspired myself!!
@georgiamathews9901 great work, we have so many amazing hikes here.. Coromandel has a few gems if you're up north
Kaimais are also awesome. But always bring a rain coat in Nz. It’s not an optional extra here.
what a great video! I am still a day hiker warrior. But I am planning longer hikes and also want to backpack when I am ready.
Glad you enjoyed the video!
A lot depends upon your climate…in the desert my water reservoir is my #1 go-to … there are often no additional water procurement places, so I would always want more water than necessary …. I find a small tarp to spread out on the ground to be nice to cover the rocks and stickers, etc. when hanging out. Also I would be bereft without the ability to write and journal…. Finally where are your binoculars? Oh my one of my #1 priorities…just because I can see so much more! The birds, the trail ahead, the wildlife…. Thanks for the video-I enjoyed it and learned some things-especially the idea of practicing packing rather than shoving everything in to figure out later lol…. 😊
I agree. A lot depends on the climate you plan on hiking in, but also your backpacking style/priorities and your trip objective. For example: Maybe you want to do big mile days OR maybe you'd rather spend more time relaxing in camp. I don't carry binoculars because that's not a priority to me, but I do have the Peak Finder app on my phone so when I start asking, "What's that mountain?" I can pull up the app, face it at the mountain and get my answer.
The nice thing about backpacking is there's no one right way to do it. We all do it a little differently. It's all about finding what works for you. This TH-cam Channel just reflects my perspective based on my own experience. :)
I love peak finder too! Thanks for reading my comment. I sure admire how you just get out there!
I've learned to carry an extra device charging cable and to keep it in a super safe place where it won't be damaged during pack loading. I destroyed mine on a trip and had to backtrack many miles to the nearest town. Bummer.
That's a great tip!
Love this!
Glad you enjoyed the video!
My biggest packing errors are always “emergency items” I almost never use. That said, the times the survival stuff was needed, I was grateful.
I try to train for each outing so that my “extras” don’t weigh me down.
I agree. The emergency items are hopefully the gear in your pack you'll never have to use. I wouldn't hike without them though.
@@TheHungryHiker Truth.
Packed my bag 3 times last night.....watched your video and now im dumping it all back out to re-pack, Thanks!
It's really good practice. :)
THIS is exciting- and infectious-
Glad you enjoyed the video!
Wednesday, February 21st: Lots of good info from lessons learned. Thanks for sharing Happy Trails! Ross08
Glad it was helpful!
Great video, thank you. Im just curious what peoples average daily ration weighs. Im down to about 27 oz per day for a 3000 calorie balanced ration. Any tips to reduce this? Any commentary would be welcome.
Thank you for this. I always pack too much food and water. I'm going to try your advice on my next trip
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent video! Your channel has been a great resource for me! 🌻💛
Awesome! Thank you!
You’re so easy to listen to!! You must be a great instructor 🥰
Thank you!
Congrats on being a brand ambassador for Gossamer. I am on my 3rd too….
Thank you so much!!
I highly recommend Backcountry foodie , her recipes have been a game changer for me !!
And this is why I recommend her recipes and service in my videos. Her recipes are awesome and I love the whole meal planning service she's put together for backpackers. Genius!
I'll be going on my first backpacking trip in May. Its going to be 3 day trip, and I'll be going alone.
Most people are trying to convince me not to go alone, and they want me to find someone to go with me. But theirs no one who can nor wants to do this, so I've held firm that I'll be going. Alone.
I feel this. I had a very similar experience when I first told my friends and family that I was going to thru-hike the PCT alone back in 2018. It's funny because even though these people strongly discourage us from going out on trail alone and want us to find someone to go with us, they themselves aren't willing to join us out on trail. So are we just supposed to scratch our backpacking dreams because someone else is afraid for us? Nah! Good for you on staying firm and going forward with your solo trip.
@@TheHungryHiker thank you! I'm really looking forward to it!
Such a wonderful and informative video! What is the age range and levels of hiking experience you have in your women’s backpacking group?
Glad you enjoyed the video! There’s a wide age range of students in The Confident Solo Female Backpacker System. I have students in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s…There’s all different experience levels as well, everything from beginner to well seasoned backpacker. Our common goal is to build up our confidence to be able to plan and go on whatever trips we want to go on in the backcountry. My students have been going on some pretty epic adventures and I’m so proud to be able to help get them there. 😀
With your water set up, if you really had to go a long ways without a water source, you could keep your 2L dirty bag filled as well, and filter it when needed. I might have to try this next year. That water gets heavy! haha
I've had to do that before - hike with water in my dirty water bag, mainly when I plan on staying at a dry camp. It's a great option to have when you're traveling through waterless stretches out on trail.
Great info. 👍
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed this one.
I’ve learned so much from you and I’m sure you’ve saved me from having to learn many things the “hard way”!
Awesome! I love this!
Nice video.
I am a 70 year old backpacker. I have a Garmin mini, but have to admit I am not proficient at how to optimize it for trip planning (primarily have it for sos since I usually do solo hiking on the AT). Do you have a tutorial video on how to use it or a recommended video to learn?
Thanks for watching! I do have a tutorial I created for how to set up and use all of the features on the Garmin Mini 2. It's one of the many guides and resources I've created for my online backpacking program for women, The confident Solo Female Backpacker System and is only available to students in my program.
Hiii, This was brilliant video, Thank you so much. I finally dont feel like silly backpacker who bought 88 L backapck and carried 27 kg Eiffel Tower on back. In every word I seen myslef and now Im laughing how I was hiking in jeans had glass bottle, 3 sets of pots, and plastic boxes instead sealing bags 😂 Im still in 60L backpack but I believe one day I will reach size of your current backpack. I stared same as you, nobody wanted hike with me so i purchased tent from amazon for 17£ borrow backapack and went. And never stopped since ever. Last year they told me I have cancer and backapacking was what helped me all year during treatment. Is very true what you are saying about expensive garmin device and long time i hiked without it, but that feeling of safe is priceless. And so is it with all gear, one can't start without putting himself out there and test in real life. So I learned on my mistakes and understand how humble im becoming ( still have some luxury items like fairy lights) and Im very glad to see that im not only one. Thank you so much for sharing all with us. New subs. I need to check now lots videos. All best Lucy x
Glad you enjoyed the video! Remember, we all started off as beginner backpackers at some point. I think back on all of the things I used to bring with me that I thought I needed. My pack was so heavy, pack weirdly and my back always seemed to hurt. It took me LOTS of trail and error to get to where I'm at today with my own backpacking setup.
The key is to START backpacking. Borrow gear, find what works for you and practice. Backpacking gets better with each trip you go on. I'm constantly re-evaluating each trip to see how I can make the next one even better.
Also, there's nothing wrong with packing a few luxury items like tent lights. I personally love those and bring those with me on my shorter trips because they're so much fun to have at camp. Thanks for subbing! Happy to have you here!
Just this season I made the decision to go backpacking by myself. Like you said, I am tired of waiting for someone to go with me.
And now that you’re getting out on trail by yourself, you won’t have to waste any more of your time waiting. You can just go…whenever you want, wherever you want. The beauty of solo travel in the backcountry. 😊
This was a great video for beginner solo backpackers. I've been backpacking since I was 11 in Boy Scouts (I'm 67 now). My first trip was a nightmare and my canvas Boy Scout pack was way to heavy and I carried way to much junk and didn't even have a hip belt. I started solo backpacking when I was 18 and found I really loved it. By then I had enough experience to do this with confidence. I've made a ton of mistakes over the years. Most were minor and never life threatening. Fortunately common sense prevailed. Never let your pride override the decision to abort a trip. I've only done it a few times but each time turned out to be the right decision. Once I started part of the John Muir trail and was into my second day when I saw the weather changing to snow. This was before cell phones or satellite navigation tools and although I watched the weather report, which didn't predict snow, I made the call to turn back rather than risk it. It turned out that the Sierras got a massive storm and if I hadn't aborted I would have been stranded. Trust your gut feeling. I always let someone know where I'm going and my itinerary so if they don't hear from me they can call in the search and rescue. Love your videos!
Thanks! You're right - always trust your gut, especially when you're out in the backcountry by yourself. My instincts have never lead me astray. It's only when I don't listen to them that I get in trouble.
I see scouts out on trail all the time. Some of their packs are insanely large and they look miserable carrying them. I feel their pain because I was once there too. Hopefully they continue on with their backpacking journey and are able to figure out a way to reduce their baseweight so that it's a more comfortable experience for them.
My first Boy Scout troop leadership was clueless regarding backpacking. I changed troops that was into hard core backpacking. I got mentored by some experienced older scouts. One mistake I made early on was attempting to poop on a steep hill with disgusting results due to gravity (it rolls down hill). 💩😱 I still go camping and backpacking with my life long Boy Scout buddies and they bring this one up and laugh at me even after 50 years. @@TheHungryHiker
Which backpack do you have in this video? It’s purple
Those who can't and never will, should get out of the way of those who can and always do. Well done for finding your adventure..
Thank you!
❤️❤️❤️💛💛💛💚💚💚💙💙💙💙
THANKS FOR ALL THE HIKING TIPS
I LIKED WATCHED COMMENTED
& SUBSCRIBED TO ALL VIDEOS
Thank you! 😀
Do you use both the Loris and Mariposa packs from Gossamer gear? I have a 60L pack for longer hikes, but am looking to find a good day pack. Btw I’m the girl who recognized you from your channel at Jerry Johnson Hot Springs! Thanks for the stickers!
I do! I use the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 for my overnight backpacking trips, whether it's one night or 6+ nights and the Gossamer Gear Loris 25 for all of my day hikes, including my winter hikes as well.
Nice running into you at the hot springs! If you haven't already, make sure you check out the video I put together featuring our day at the hot springs when we met you. We were celebrating my friend's birthday and it was a glorious afternoon out there. th-cam.com/video/2TuyPBK1Hi4/w-d-xo.html
I did watch it when I got home! I hope we can run into each other again soon. When the time is right I’m very interested in your course. Keep doing what you’re doing! It’s inspiring ✨
I think we just found a new drinking game, every time she says pack.
😂😂
Seriously though, great video and agree with your points. I did the same thing on satellite communication. Ended up finding a mini 2 for $230 black Friday deal and didn't have any more excuses. For all of my big ticket items, I try to wait until big sale events such as memorial day and black Friday
@@chrisr2925 Buying the big ticket items on a deal is where it's at. I waited until my Garmin Mini 2 went on sale before I bought mine.
You mentioned 3 gps apps. Which one do you use? What charging device do you recommend? Thanks a million!!!!
It depends on the trail I'm hiking. I use all three navigation apps. I use FarOut when I'm on a long distance trail like the PCT. I use both Gaia and onX Backcountry for all other trails. I definitely use onX Backcountry more often than I do GAIA because I love the layout and I find more times than not onX is much more accurate than GAIA. It's personal preference. The best navigation app is the one you're actually going to learn how to use and actually use.
Thank you 🙇
You’re welcome 😊
Is a 21 lb backpack (Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor 40-60L) including both: Base weight + non-base weight for a thru hike too heavy? I am 5'7" and weigh 148 lbs.
There's no such thing as "too heavy" or "too big". It all depends on you and what you're comfortable with carrying. You're the one who has to carry the gear in your pack so you'll have to decide what works for you and your body. Typically, a loaded pack (with gear, food and water) should not weigh more than 20% of your body weight. Hope that helps!
Awesome 😁
Glad you enjoyed the video!
Absolutely fantastic presentation, your content is superb!
Thank you!
Cool video 😊 Greetings from Sweden
Thanks for watching!
Solo hiking is the best, I actually dread sharing my trail time .
I love both solo hiking and group trips. I feel like they both have a place within my own backpacking journey. I love getting out on trail with students in The Confident Solo Female Backpacker System because I get to meet them in-person and get to be a part of their backpacking journey while we're out there together, but I also need my solo trips to help fill up my soul.
I enjoy watching your videos and comparing notes. My beginning hiking days were similar to yours. LOL 75L pack, 45 pounds, 3L reservoir, etc. I have never done an entire long trail and have only section hiked for a few weeks, but a long trail is on my bucket list. Now our packs and gear are so nearly identical! Backcountry Foodie and her food ideas are the bomb.
It's fun to look back and see how far you've come with your own backpacking journey. I've learned A LOT over the last few years and am more than happy to share it with you here on TH-cam. :)
Im oddly happy we all make the same mistakes
Love the view on ever video
Awesome!
Anyone have a recommendation from the three apps for navigation? I feel like I tried Gaia but it was so confusing. I just wanna know what people find the best before I invest the time to learn it.
I've used both Gaia GPS and onX Backcountry when planning routes on anything other than a long distance trail. Both apps take a little bit of practice to get used to and to know their features inside and out, but they provide a TON of really good information that's useful when planning a trip. I use FarOut Guides when I'm planning a trip on a long distance trail like the PCT, JMT, Wonderland and even recently the Trans Catalina Trail.
I've put together a few different tutorials for students in my online backpacking program for women, The Confident Solo Female Backpacker System showing them how to use each of the digital navigation apps.
Love the smart advice to practice packing👌
Thanks!
Did you mention what size of backpack you use? Thank you for your time
I use the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 bit.ly/4bxGwMb
I’ve got a 40L and and 60L but neither fit my tent and sleeping bag. How do you do it? I need a winter sleeping bag bc I live in Scotland, and my tent is pretty small. I need all the advice I can get 😂 I never seem to have room for the food I need, never mind a sleep mat.
One of the easiest ways to reduce your base weight is to reduce the weight of your Big 3: your pack, sleeping system and shelter system. As for packing for pack, every pack is going to be different and everyone is going to have different gear. My best piece of advice is to practice packing and unpacking your pack multiple times before any trip with the gear you plan on bringing.
In cold weather I'm always using my bigger pack which is a 65:85. Granted I don't use the expansion capacity of 85L, 60L definitely wouldn't be enough for me to fit my -9°C bag and other items needed to survive in conditions with the potential for snow. I've just bought an 80L pack for a expedition, although it's a roll top and lighter than my current cold weather pack.
I served in the Marine Corps as infantry. When we go hiking we carry light loads with only items we need. We call it ratfu..king. Its process of discarding everything we don’t need down to plastic wrapper, paper cardboards, extra crap, but we always top off water. For food, we take MRE which are pretty light and has own heater. We never carry things we don’t need. Once I became civilian and watch people carry stoves, gas, foods galore with a huge backpack and weight made me giggle.
I generally bring more socks and underwear, though I’m learning that with better clothing I can reduce that weight. My theory is simple. I’ve never been cold with dry underwear. Dampness is death.
Great idea. I feel like you can never have enough socks and underwear and as far as clothing goes, they're fairly light in weight and size.
I think it’s important to emphasize that how big pack you need depends on things like how long you’re planing to hike and what season you’re going hiking.
I have a 85L backpack for my longer hikes. I don’t bring unnecessary things but I do have to carry my dog’s food, as well as my own for let’s say ten days. I usually go hiking around autumn(roughly 0-10°C) which means bulkier clothes and sleeping bag, and I prefer a sturdy tent so I know I’ll be safe if the wind picks up (which is not uncommon). I have had a smaller pack before when I started but it was challenging to fit everything and that was for a three day trip.
Yes, your pack size and capacity can differ depending on the season, the gear you’ll need and how long your trip is. For example, my winter backpacking pack is heavier than my warm weather pack because I have to carry more gear AND my winter gear is heavier than my warm weather gear.
My biggest concern with not having clothing changes is I have a genetic disease that makes my skin extremely easily irritated by sweat. I'm thinking bringing changes of my long line bras and more boy short style undergarments to act as a more protective layer for the bulkier items. and then like one change of day clothes so I can rinse the irritating saltiness from my sweat and then hang them from my bag or up at camp to dry. Any thoughts on this plan? I know it might sound excessive but I want to get into backpacking but I'm trying to find ways to make accommodations for myself.
I personally think the most important thing is that you are comfortable in your body. Only one change of clothes is low, too.
@@nicitha thank you that’s reassuring
Going to the movie theater is so MUCH more dangerous than being alone in the woods.
I agree. I feel much more comfortable and safe being out on trail in the backcountry alone than I do walking by myself in any town or city.
Zoleo is sooo much more affordable than the other options AND it works great
Yes, a Zoleo is also a great option to use out on trail.
A reminder to any first timer or about to do hiking for the first time, research and study. You dont just go and wing it. We have already technologies like the internet, or just ask those who have experiences. That's what anyone should do, or atleast what i did when i started. Know the dos and donts.
Can I ask what black skirt you use…..?
You're my favorite TH-camr
Awe!!! You're my favorite too!
please share what water bottles you use! i love your water system, it sounds so efficient!
Here's the link to my current Overnight Backpacking Gear List with links to most of the gear on the list, including my who Water Filtration System. Hope this helps! lighterpack.com/r/21eb1h
@@TheHungryHiker Thank you so much! This helps a lot! :D
I was a day hiker for year, last year got into backpacking finally! Def need to work on my pack weight... winter camping makes it alot harder, should be able to drop 5 lbs by next trip though... had a 55 lbs base weight last trip, then took 10L of water n 6lbs food...
Typically with backpacking in the winter, I always have to bring more gear and the gear is heavier, but I'm typically not hiking as many miles as I would in the warmer months. Plus, I look at winter backpacking as great training for the warmer backpacking months.
@@TheHungryHiker I work summer construction so winter is my free time!! Starting to post videos finally, have 2 of 4 up from a trip Last weekend 😀 I'm looking into what gear I want get next but right now just going wear my gear works!
Hello, my friend, good luck
Thank you!
When you first started backpacking, were you nervous about large predator animals (mountain lions, bears)? If so, how long did it take for that anxiety to go away? Asking for a friend... the friend is me. lol
Sure, who isn't nervous about encounters with large predator animals out on trail? I still have a healthy fear of them so I don't think the "fear" ever really goes away. The thing that helped me overcome these fears the most was facing these fears directly. My fear of bears? I purposely went backpacking in a heavily bear populated area with a group of other backpackers and learned how to handle wildlife encounters safely out on trail. After a few times, the encounters become less scary. Good luck!
Don't sleep on CalTopo 😊
Take a shot every time she says “pack” “packing” or “packed” 😂
Jokes aside good tips haha
I mean, this is a backPACKING video hahahaha
@@TheHungryHiker the amount of times you said it in a sentence sounded like a tongue twister 😂
Don’t buy anything and get everything from hiker boxes along the way.
Next don’t bring food. Everyone hangs their food up for free every night!
You can certainly “shop” from hiker boxes, but you never know what you’re going to get. It can also be tricky if you have food sensitivities/allergies or are a picky eater.
@@TheHungryHiker same with gear. I’ll take a broken zipper if I don’t have anything… that goes for fleece rain coat sleep system etc I started with cheap Walmart bag cloths and a tarp. When finished I had new bag, hammock, sleep system the whole nine. I only had to buy anther longer tarp for the hammock cause they are special made. That and shoes hard finding your size shoes
@@TheHungryHiker everything else water bottle include I got from hiker box ppl leave smart water bottles all over the trail.
I put a full 3liter reservoir in my pack while training and it went wrong somewhere. It leaked all in my pack. Everything was soaked, including me. Lol
Luckily this was just training and I was close to my truck. It would've been a nightmare if I was actually on trail.
Oh no! Decently a downfall with using a hydration reservoir. I've had mine leak on me more times than I would've liked.
This seems interesting, but had to quit after 2 min because of the background music. English is not my first language and it's too hard to listen 😔 with extra sound...
(Trust that what you're saying are interesting enough)
You can also read this on my blog here: www.the-hungry-hiker.com/2024/02/19/10-backpacking-tips-for-beginner-backpackers/
Thank you!
first
Nope, I was actually the first. hahahaha!!
Lol A lot of the same story for me😅
I find the more I get out there, the better the trips become. We all start out as beginners at some point. It’s so much fun to see how far I come throughout my backpacking journey. And what a journey it has been so far. 😀
I'm not sure if I should laugh or roll my eyes every time I hear a TH-camr casually suggest someone freeze dry their own meals. Everyone knows how much those things cost, right?
Only thing I can’t figure out yet is how to make a single miserable person in my life willing to backpack lol. They only wanna camp at camp grounds with a pool and only get around via cars …. Help. Anyone in the black hills wanna be pals ?
THIS is why I started solo backpacking and now it's become my preferred method of travel in the backcountry. No more waiting for someone to join me. No more worrying about getting canceled on. No other schedules I have to work around. I can just pick where I want to go, when I want to go and then go.
@@TheHungryHiker yep. I’m not much of a socializer anyway. This summer instead of using solo as an excuse to not go more , I’m going way more BECAUSE I’m solo ! Doing my first cross country motorcycle camping trip and my first multi night solo backpacking adventure. Couldn’t be more excited
Better to live once doing what you want....than living scared your whole life and never really living.
I agree!
A gun!!!🤣🤣🤣🤣 Freaking USA LFMAO...
I've heard it all at this point...
I don’t think beginner backpackers make these mistakes anymore do they? Too many helpful videos like this online. This isn’t 1990 anymore when a small pack was 65L! And everything then was made heavy and to last.
I can't speak for all beginner backpackers, but as someone who just got into backpacking 6+ years ago, I certainly made these mistakes when I first started...and that was well after 1990.
@@TheHungryHiker i suppose anyone can at anytime, just surprising given the vast amount of resources out there.
Litewhieght gear n hiking is scary.i see these ppl.on yt sleeping inthe dirt just under a fly(tarp).no stove or sleeping pad.thats end of the world-escaping fromthe robots stuff.
The nice thing about backpacking is there's no one right way to do it. You can do it however it makes sense to you and makes you feel comfortable and safe while you're out there/ Lightweight backpacking is only one style of backpacking. It's certainly not the only way and it's for everyone. I consider myself more of a midweight backpacker, trying to keep my base weight under 18 lbs. with total weight under 30 lbs.
Have you done the AT? If not, why should we consider you credible? And you're giving other people advice? So you only do overnight? Come on bro. And you make money?
Welcome to my TH-cam channel and thanks for watching my video! Sounds like you might be new around here and that this might have been the only video you've watched of mine so far because if you had gone to my main channel, you would've seen all the different videos I've posted featuring all of the hiking and backpacking trips I've done over the last few years.
No, I haven't hiked the AT and no I don't only just do overnight backpacking trips. You may or may not realize this, but the AT isn't the trail out there. Here's what I have hiked and posted about here on my TH-cam channel:
2016 - 2021 - Grand Canyon Rim-To-Rim-To-Rim trail multiple times
2018 - thru-hiked the PCT
2019 - section hiked 800 miles of the PCT in California
2020 - section hiked parts of the PCT in Washington
2021 - section hiked more parts of the PCT in Washington
2021 - hiked all 93 miles of the Wonderland Trail around Mount Rainier
2022 - hiked 250 miles of the John Muir Trail (in California)
2022 - hiked 250 miles of the PCT in Washington
2022 - did the Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal
2023 - hiked 900+ miles of the PCT in Oregon and California
And that's just the trips I've created videos about here on TH-cam. There's a whole lot more trips I've done that aren't posted here on TH-cam.
Over the last 6+ years, I've gone hiking and backpacking to some pretty incredible places and have spent 100s, even 1,000s of miles by myself out in the backcountry, mostly solo. Based on my experience, I'd say I'm a pretty credible hiking and backpacking source. Everyday, I get to help inspire others to want to get outside for their own hiking and backpacking adventures through the content I create.
Do you even backpack, Bro?
How do you not know that the pct is longer than the AT???
I'm 60. If I was a beginner backpacker today, I think I would take two months off and quit. Just kidding, I love most of it. With all the gear out there now it's hard to go too bad wrong. Just get some gear and go. B safe, B aware. 👵
I quit too! Not kidding. After I came back from thru-hiking the PCT, I decided to quit the 9 to 5 grind and make getting back out on trail a priority. Zero regrets in that decision. :)
Excellent video ,well spoken with a heap of great info.
🫡
Glad you enjoyed it!