I have those Zamberlan boots. They're fantastic for high elevation, rocky terrain. They protect the soles of my feet from getting bruised when hiking on lots of sharp granite on the trail in the Sierras. I know lightweight trail runners are all the rage, but when I wore trail runners in the high Sierras in the past, the bottoms of my feet got so bruised that I was in major pain. My next trip was with the heavy duty Zamberlans and guess what....no bruises at all. I'll accept the additional weight because my feet are so protected.
Something I've found through experience and training, is the more you know, the more wilderness survival skills you are knowledgeable in, the less gear you need to bring. Of course the terrain and situation will largely determine what you need. But knowledge truly is power and freedom.
Your video is the best I’ve seen. All the different options of gear and not insisting that ul is the only way to go is really refreshing to hear. Backpacking is supposed to be fun and not a competition..good job.🇵🇱🇺🇸
Nice review! I have 2 pairs of the Zamberlan Vioz 996 GT boots featured in your video!!! They are by far the best looking and most comfortable hiking boot I have ever worn. Absolutely zero "break in" period!! At $300 per pair it is money well spent.
Great reviews and thanks for posting. I personally think the term "Essential" Should be replaced with "Basic" . The most important piece of gear is in your head. Buying a bunch of gear cause someone said it was "Essential' is not the way to get introduced into backpacking. You end up carrying a bunch of "what ifs" and overload your first trip. More then likely you'll end up hating it and returning all your unused gear. Starting out slow with maybe a few day hikes and slowly work your way into it with just the "Basic" would be more preferable. It's been said that you pack your fears. If your afraid of freezing to death, pack accordingly and so on. A light pack can actually save your life. Backpacking and camping are two different animals. Keep it simple. With all that said, Thank you for taking the time to make this video and allowing me to express my point of view. Hike on.
Most of this advice is decent for beginners, but they will be miserable and tired. Best advice I can give is to go backpacking with someone who is a seasoned veteran. They will help you sift through your gear and point you in the correct direction. Simply bringing a compass, knife, flint, and paracord won't get you anywhere with out knowledge. Basic bushcraft and knot tying is a must. Basic firstaid as well. Breathable footware with ankle support is all you need. Wool socks year-round will keep your feet comfortable and warm. Nalgenes are sturdy but bulky. Get platypus style waterbags and Sawyer filter. Both cheaper, lighter, and pack better. Right on with the packs and knives. Always bring raingear and toilet paper.Lastly know your gear. Practice in the backyard. Practice knot tying. Research everything you can. Don't believe everything you hear about methods and gear. 25 years of backpacking has tought me that.Cheers.
Great vid, you covered all the basis for a comfortable hike and sleep over. I remember my first proper hike and over nighter as a young teen hiking with a more experienced friend and I just brought junk that I had in the house, like my mums sauce pan, a old camping kettle, Granddads old tin cup, cheapo tarp with a couple of tent poles (to get that Basic ridge tent look) , really old sleeping bag and airbed that my parents use to use on camping holidays before I was born as well as some cool stuff from my uncle who served in the army and had some left over gear for me to use, like nice sturdy back pack, a really nice Sheffield Steel folding knife, a Hex Burner, water bottle. we were similar size, so Army boots and camo trousers were greatly appreciated, I wore my wax jacket and cricket jumper (The only things that were mine pretty much). I remember it all weighed a ton and after 5 miles of hiking my feet were done (Great shout in reminding people to break in the boots), but nothing a few strips of Duct Tape didn't sort out for the remaining 2 miles or so to the camping area. The gear was heavy, old and a bit smelly in places, we are talking 10+ years in storage for most of it, but it was a great hike, all the stuff still worked, a few small holes in the airbed, but nothing a few strips of Duct tape couldn't fix. You have to see if you are going to enjoy sleeping in a tent and if it's going to be your thing, before you splash the cash on expensive gear. Yes there were things I forgot which would have added comfort to my camp, like a pillow, ground sheet, a lamp, water proof matches. All stuff I remembered to take on the next trip and stuff I felt needing replacing, like a mess tin with a folding handle to cook in rather than a saucepan from the kitchen. And it sort of goes on from there, in a forever cycle of replacing equipment for lighter and unfortunately, more expensive versions.
hi Eugene, I was just wondering....could you do a backpacking video geared for older folks (like 60 and up)?? My husband & I just started hiking & hopefully to progress to backpacking. We would love to see the beauty out there like your videos have shown. Now that we're retired, we have all the time in the world. God bless!
Hey mate, nice video. A little trick I picked up was using pillow cases instead of plastic bags to keep laundry in... it stops them smelling if they are damp! Over and out.
I like that I didn't have to sit through :15 to 1:30 of obnoxious intro and another minute of listening to how you're just the funk soul brother of hiking (admit it, I just made you listen to that tune). Well done! For someone who knows nothing of hiking, this is an excellent video. Categorizing your equipment by "function" is a great idea. Now some have suggested doing your initial hike with a seasoned hiker. That's fine if you know one, and most likely he or she will have gear to loan, so the novice need not spend a ton of money, perhaps unwisely, to get gear he or she may not use again. Keep them coming!
Great information for beginners, thanks for the video. I have the Alps Mountaineering Lynx 4 tent and it is a little heavy for backpacking but it sleeps 4 (2 or 3 comfortably). If you can have someone else split the weight and carry the tent fly and poles for you, it wouldn't be a bad option at all.
Great video, thanks. Footwear should be at the top of your list? - if your boots aren't right you'll never hike again! One pound on your foot = 5 lb on your back!!! Break new boots in inside the house (with tags on so you can return them, if needed), then off to a park (asphalt and concrete paths eat soles). Girls, beware heavy boots - men tend to wear heavier shoes during the week so the transition to chunky boots is less challenging. if you don't plan to carry heavy loads consider Salomon trail runners. Agree a hip-belt, and some sort of frame, are key for a comfortable pack. Renting is a good option until you know hiking is for you and the type of hiking you like (e.g. section hiking, day hiking etc).
most serious thru hikers these days are using 36L packs, 25lbs total pack weight incl water. And trail runners. I've been doing similar for my 3-7 days hikes. love it. planning on getting my pack weight to 15lbs for 3 day trips now, PNW region mostly, sometimes Sierras.
Just an after thought on the first aid kit. Most store bought kits have lots of band-aids and other semi useless items. I bought a small plastic box from a craft store with removable pieces along with a weekly pill box. I filled the pill box with Tylenol and such, cold tablets, and Imodium. and cut off the empty days so it would fit in the craft box. I got a good pair of scissors, first aid tape, gauze, band-aids, alcohol pads and some topical cream. I paid about the same as what you would pay for a store kit and got a much better selection of items.
What season does your gear cover? Haven't read the other comments so if already mentioned please disregard. Have you ever tried a hammock and sleeping bag with a tarp instead of tent. Saves weight. FYI it's always been my experience that a sleeping bag temp rating is usually 10 degrees cooler than what it actually will keep you warm too. I'm also a huge fan of the Sawyer mini for water filtration. Another thing I do when wanting to go light is purification tablets and flavored powder packs to add to the water afterwards. Helps with the taste. If going inexpensive with a knife you can't go wrong with a mora. They are great knives but aren't full tang (not that I've ever broken one). Condor is another inexpensive knife that is outstanding for the money. Plus they are full tang. Enjoyed watching your video. Just giving some tips for cheaper and lighter options. Thanks for letting me share. God Bless
A sewing kit is always nice to have, I really find it useful to have, just any black high strength thread from walmart or anything, good for patching things :)
Awesome Video and great tips . I plan on doing A lot of walking , hiking , camping , all across the country . I have experiences with local Hiking in park trails , and few camping trips , but this I plan on taking on a whole new journey leave my home for awhile , and travel the country on foot every state , and as many places I can see .
Great video! You just forgot 1 thing... The RV...with air conditioning and refrigerator, and microwave and bed, and protection from the blood thirsty grizzly bear who's going to eat me in the night... :p
Chemistry, Films, and More Very true. Had an Uncle who got 'ran over' by a moose. He described as a train made of meat. Two broken legs and a shattered collarbone later, the moose just walked off, acting like nothing had happened. Everyone's always so scared of bears, or wolves, or the other things that go bumping around at night, but if you live somewhere with moose, they are the thing to worry about. Not to say bears aren't dangerous, but moose are insane. literally.
Yeah, that's a great option for beginners too, because it's cheap and light, and will serve the purpose until you decide whether you want to do the whole backpacking thing or not.
The Squeeze in my area is $8 more,but will function better than the mini. I will stick with the squeeze over the mini. Function means way more than $8 and an ounce more in weight.
In one of your earlier videos, you showed a humongous first aid kit. Do you ever use that anymore or just the little one? You had mentioned doing a video on first aid kits. I think that would be a great idea for a video. Thanks for making these videos, they're great. I bought a Osprey Aether 60 last year thanks to your review.
Eric Isenhart The first aid kit video is a great idea; we're planning on making that soon, hopefully. Great to know you enjoy our videos, thanks for your support!
great info, thanks for sharing your wisdom & experience. could you also do a video with some competitive/affordable options for the common folk that can't afford everything from REI. thanks again! happy, safe hiking.
Lol. very good reason for making the video. I've tried printing out lists and check lists to answer that question so many times. good job. and I can't get enough of good "gear" videos anyway.
This guy has some really good points and some really bad ones. If you are doing longer backpacking trips, usually with less weight, go for a trail runner instead of a boot. DO NOT buy waterproof boots. Moisture WILL get in, whether it is sweat or rain and it will not get out. With a trail runner your feet will get wet but will dry much faster because their is no waterproofing to get through.
i normally canoe but might take up the hiking game. good info and i subscribed because its obvious you know what your doing. i love knives and i think a good 1 is worth the money.
I find your video's Very Informative on the Topic of Backpacking. I am just new to backpacking so I will be checking out all your other videosl Keep up the Great Work!!
for cheap tents i recommend ozark trail. i lived outdoors in one for nearly 3 weeks and weathered 5 hard core oklahoma thunderstorms and no leaks or tears. thats my personal experience.
I noticed you get your gear fr om REI gear sale just like do with my gear. I like getting several items just in case a family member or friend doesn't have proper gear I'll have extra for them to use. Plus I do t have to spend a lot of money and in the long run my friends and family members will have an amazing backpacking experience without all the added cost to me or them.
My understanding on the temperature rating for the sleeping bags is that it's the lowest temperature that you'll survive in using the bag. It's not a comfort rating. So a 15 degree bag will keep you alive as long as the temperature is above that.
+Patrick Dickey bags often have two ratings; one that is like the one you mentioned, and also a comfort rating, which is what temperature you'll stay warm at.
I was about to go hicking. Until my mom found out I cut her drapes. hahaha no, great review! very helpful for a beginner like me who needs a check list of what to bring!
Great video, i would recommend mentioning speeding up the video at the beginning. you did ramble on a bit but it was all useful information (just really time consuming) I was able to perfectly understand you at 1.5 speed and it cut down the time considerably
Try Andrew Skurka for an extensive knowledge base, as I recall he's got 17,000 miles backpacking. Also Ray Jardine is considered to be the Guru of ultralight backpacking, and he explains his reasoning for his ultralight philosophy from an engineers perspective. Google those two names for a start.
I may have zoned out a little but I didn't hear anything about a whistle or other signaling device in case you need to signal for help. Obviously a fire can be used, but something audible is more likely to get someone on the ground's attention. Other than that it was a very good video!
Your looking at about $100-200 for starter camping at clearance and ok quality specific gear at Big 5 ,Walmart, REI, Closeout places. Keep it light at 15-25lbs. $30-60 50-65L backpack (Arrowhead, Coleman, SOG) $10-30 Light Sleep $2 2x Tarps $30 Hike shoe $5 Pan $0 Alcohol stove $2-4 G10 Knife $20 2x Trek poles
Thanks very informative! You said 50 degrees farenheit is below freezing? I think 32 degrees farenheit is freezing point so that sleeping bag might not do the trick for certain weather or high country ?
Hi sir thanks for sharing your knowledge. I live in the Philippines, and if I ever have to choose between a tent and sleeping bag which should I prioritize? Or do I really need both? I'm totally new to backpacking.
+Tyrone Daroca Both are rather important. But if you HAD to choose between the two, go with a good sleeping bag. That will keep you warm and dry, and you could just get a cheap tarp to sleep under.
I watched your video. It was very good. Very informative,excellent equipment. I think I would leave the phase"you have to have". I started packing at age 13. Now I am 63. I have an opinion, but Imight not be right. It is just my opinion. A great experience might be had cheaper and with less stuff. I am like you thou.i like my gear Andy I like it to be the best quality. I however have been with less and had a good experience.
i like it when you mention TARP or fly sheet (what we*indonesian called ) thats because most of the tent are prone to wind and water(tropical rainforest),even the most waterproof one theres still leak and condensation.i dont get it when western hiker dont bring that stuff.
haha that's what I was thinking. If any Brits watching this just take care about what knives you're taking and buy from a reputable source. Locking flick knives are illegal.
Unless you intend to hunt, I don't see why you would carry a weapon. Bear spray, yes. A good knife, yes. Guns, not so much, especially if you're not trained in using them!
This is an interesting overview for someone who knows nothing about the subject and wants to live like you were at home. There are other points of view. Your limited coverage of water potability and prep was not sufficient for a safe journey into much of the U.S. It is amazing what differences there are in preparing for a trip. This type of preparation is very light on knowledge and almost all pointed toward some modern gear. Make sure you arm yourself with more knowledge next trip.
ReviewOutdoorGear I defer to those who are experts in the field such as Dave Canterbury. He has put out about a thousand videos on the subject area and has published two books on the subject. His body of data is so vast and so well structured, both in logic and in data that there isn't much left to do. His "ten Cs" of survival would do to cover what you have here, along with the ancillary data in all the videos pertaining to them. This is basic stuff, but so well covered that not one topic could be covered fully in one video. He also has DVDs on the subject, but now they are a bit old and he continually updates each subject area as he uses, tests and relates the experiences with his group. His school is listed here as "thepathfinderschoolllc.com."
James L Don't get caught up in semantics. Use of the gear should be to solve a particular problem... don't try and confuse things by calling the problem one thing or another. Having potable water is a problem. It doesn't matter WHAT you call it. The physics and chemistry of the problem doesn't change, nor do the consequences of solving the problem change. If you don't get that, you have a problem understanding the words, nothing more.
I moved to VA a few years back, i am looking to get back to camping. What is the best way to plan a trip to ensure you can have a camp fire and a location for tents. I know many areas only allow you to camp in certain areas along the trail. I much more prefer back country stuff with seclusion. Anyone have any ideas or tips on planning trips like this?
The more you walk, the stronger your ankles get. By just wearing boots your ankles don't get a chance to become stronger. All footwear will get wet eventually, the big plus of trail runners is that they dry super fast, leather boots not so much... Thanks for your reply. I have not studied mechanical kinesiology, but I did encounter it as a gymnast, I had several ankle sprains. To be honest, it is different for each person, some just have very weak ankles. There's not much evidence that boots protect your ankles though. If you have weak ankles, it might be better to focus on strengthening and stretching your ankles. I believe that boots will tire your legs quicker and make your footwork clumsier, as boots often weight close to 3 lbs, while trail runners are around 1 lbs. Boots are also causing blisters, that's why you need to break them in, for a long time. Boots won’t let your tootsies breathe, your feet will be soft from soaking in sweaty boots all day and that makes them more vulnerable to blisters. I bought a well-fitted pair of Salomon trail runners and hit the trails without using them much beforehand had no blisters at all. One thing to watch for as a beginner hiker is to not over-pack and keep your pack as light as possible. Start with day hikes, with a daypack and build up stamina and strength. I started with boots, but love the lightness and agility I experience in trail runners, I'll not go back. The only time I would consider a boot is if I would hike at high altitude, with snow-covered trails during the cold season, then a boot would make sense as extra protection and providing warmth.
From a standpoint of anatomical and mechanical kinesiology, that is not true. Wearing boots does not prevent your ankles from getting stronger. They just provide a buffer area to prevent injury when carrying an increased load. People who are not used to carrying loads are very prone to getting inversion sprains when carrying load. Boots are very important to wear, especially for the first few years. Its kind of like learning to ride a bike without training wheels, but the risk is much higher. Torn tendons don't heal very well. Hope that helps.
JV what if you don't enjoy it? borrow, rent, or buy inexpensive, then jump in if you like it. They many need several outings to understand their gear needs. ex: someone rough on packs will shear/destroy an ultra light nylon bag and may be more suited for canvas or nylon with reinforced base.
should follow my example, start with day hikes and slowly build up to longer hikes, you build up fitness, gives you time to realise if you like it or not, spreads the cost of buying everything at once, and you get an idea and appreciation of what you actually need.
a sleeping pad is very important and you should have spent more time explaining this. The one you have would be perfect for most conditions, but a "yoga mat" or a piece of cardboard would be unacceptable and dangerous on the cold ground!
Thomas Jackson , Yes, and very common. One complaint I have heard people say is that this doesn't work well if there are bugs/mosquitoes, because you can hide in a tent. Also, if its raining heavily, there is no good place to hide and organize your stuff. That's why I use a tent for now.
What weight would your pack weigh for a 5 day hike in yosemite during the summer? Just looking for some rough weights to shoot for. Last years 5 day I got to about 35 lbs., with 3L of water.
Awesome, we'll have a group of 9 so I can imagine we'll be doing alot of sharing. Planning on one pot and one stove and doing boiling water for the group in one shot to save fuel and for speed.
Tom Messig You might want more than one stove for a group of nine. It will take a while for everyone to finish the meal... You could do it, but it'd actually be faster with 2 stoves. Same amount of fuel, faster, but heavier...
Don't forget firstaid kit with good blodstopper! Shall always be in the pack ! If sharp tools is in the pack it is a basic thing! Together always and look in the firstaid kit so it is of good quality and enoth of bandage and coold spray for burn woonds! Barbro Sweden
Good review. However i have question about knifes. 17:10....how would you explain to a police officer having an illegal knife on you? Does hiking classes as 'good reason'? Or there is no police in the wilds? )))
hi im new and im getting gear together for a backpacking trip one problem is my sleeping bag is so big it fills my backpack to the top with no room.the bag is a synthetic 15 degree bag and my pack is at least 65 liters or more.how can I carry my bag?i was gonns buy a cheap small 50 degree bag but I don't want to get caught in the cold.let me know thanks
1'm from the UK and was wondering if you could tell me what would be better for backpacking around Europe, a Vango blade 100 (I already own) or a MSR Hubba Hubba HP? I know they're totally different price tags but I was just wondering if theres a massive difference?
If you got a cookstove, most of them come with pots. Drop those ridiculous pots. Get a Canteen, Canteen cup, Canteen cover, and then get a chow kit. It is much more compact. I have found all my gear and it only weighs about 30-35 pounds in all. Of course this is considering the weight of my bladder pack and pack. Which weighs 15 pounds on its own.
Yankee Woodcraft The Military carries 70 pounds. Everything I put on that list could help you survive in the woods for months. I would think the purpose of putting together back packing gear would be so you could go out in the woods for a 3-7 day trip. Suppose something goes wrong while your in the woods. Now you're prepared. Some people like to take basically nothing, but I'm not one of em.
So why stop at 30lbs then with that mentality? If you had a PLB and a GPS, you wouldn't need to survive for months in the woods. You could press a button and summon a Search And Rescue team to come get you. Why "survive" in the woods when you can just go home in a few hours? Also where do you campout that you can't just walk home within a few hours or days? A man can walk across the United States in months. Within weeks, you could be in civilization.
Yankee Woodcraft With in weeks? How much food are you packing? Take a GPS if you want. It has batteries that are just going to go dead. Only thing I see useful is a flashlight. With this set up you could hike almost anywhere. What if you went to the Amazon jungle? No civilization for miles.
Well done showing both high quality options and lower cost options.
It's obvious that you're speaking from experience. Good stuff.
I have those Zamberlan boots. They're fantastic for high elevation, rocky terrain. They protect the soles of my feet from getting bruised when hiking on lots of sharp granite on the trail in the Sierras. I know lightweight trail runners are all the rage, but when I wore trail runners in the high Sierras in the past, the bottoms of my feet got so bruised that I was in major pain. My next trip was with the heavy duty Zamberlans and guess what....no bruises at all. I'll accept the additional weight because my feet are so protected.
Something I've found through experience and training, is the more you know, the more wilderness survival skills you are knowledgeable in, the less gear you need to bring. Of course the terrain and situation will largely determine what you need. But knowledge truly is power and freedom.
Your video is the best I’ve seen. All the different options of gear and not insisting that ul is the only way to go is really refreshing to hear. Backpacking is supposed to be fun and not a competition..good job.🇵🇱🇺🇸
Nice review! I have 2 pairs of the Zamberlan Vioz 996 GT boots featured in your video!!! They are by far the best looking and most comfortable hiking boot I have ever worn. Absolutely zero "break in" period!! At $300 per pair it is money well spent.
Great reviews and thanks for posting. I personally think the term "Essential" Should be replaced with "Basic" . The most important piece of gear is in your head. Buying a bunch of gear cause someone said it was "Essential' is not the way to get introduced into backpacking. You end up carrying a bunch of "what ifs" and overload your first trip. More then likely you'll end up hating it and returning all your unused gear. Starting out slow with maybe a few day hikes and slowly work your way into it with just the "Basic" would be more preferable. It's been said that you pack your fears. If your afraid of freezing to death, pack accordingly and so on. A light pack can actually save your life. Backpacking and camping are two different animals. Keep it simple. With all that said, Thank you for taking the time to make this video and allowing me to express my point of view. Hike on.
+40intrek Great thoughts! Thank you for the feedback!
Most of this advice is decent for beginners, but they will be miserable and tired. Best advice I can give is to go backpacking with someone who is a seasoned veteran. They will help you sift through your gear and point you in the correct direction. Simply bringing a compass, knife, flint, and paracord won't get you anywhere with out knowledge. Basic bushcraft and knot tying is a must. Basic firstaid as well. Breathable footware with ankle support is all you need. Wool socks year-round will keep your feet comfortable and warm. Nalgenes are sturdy but bulky. Get platypus style waterbags and Sawyer filter. Both cheaper, lighter, and pack better. Right on with the packs and knives. Always bring raingear and toilet paper.Lastly know your gear. Practice in the backyard. Practice knot tying. Research everything you can. Don't believe everything you hear about methods and gear. 25 years of backpacking has tought me that.Cheers.
Great vid, you covered all the basis for a comfortable hike and sleep over. I remember my first proper hike and over nighter as a young teen hiking with a more experienced friend and I just brought junk that I had in the house, like my mums sauce pan, a old camping kettle, Granddads old tin cup, cheapo tarp with a couple of tent poles (to get that Basic ridge tent look) , really old sleeping bag and airbed that my parents use to use on camping holidays before I was born as well as some cool stuff from my uncle who served in the army and had some left over gear for me to use, like nice sturdy back pack, a really nice Sheffield Steel folding knife, a Hex Burner, water bottle. we were similar size, so Army boots and camo trousers were greatly appreciated, I wore my wax jacket and cricket jumper (The only things that were mine pretty much). I remember it all weighed a ton and after 5 miles of hiking my feet were done (Great shout in reminding people to break in the boots), but nothing a few strips of Duct Tape didn't sort out for the remaining 2 miles or so to the camping area. The gear was heavy, old and a bit smelly in places, we are talking 10+ years in storage for most of it, but it was a great hike, all the stuff still worked, a few small holes in the airbed, but nothing a few strips of Duct tape couldn't fix.
You have to see if you are going to enjoy sleeping in a tent and if it's going to be your thing, before you splash the cash on expensive gear. Yes there were things I forgot which would have added comfort to my camp, like a pillow, ground sheet, a lamp, water proof matches. All stuff I remembered to take on the next trip and stuff I felt needing replacing, like a mess tin with a folding handle to cook in rather than a saucepan from the kitchen. And it sort of goes on from there, in a forever cycle of replacing equipment for lighter and unfortunately, more expensive versions.
yes. very good commentary. thank you for that.
hi Eugene, I was just wondering....could you do a backpacking video geared for older folks (like 60 and up)?? My husband & I just started hiking & hopefully to progress to backpacking. We would love to see the beauty out there like your videos have shown. Now that we're retired, we have all the time in the world. God bless!
Hey mate, nice video. A little trick I picked up was using pillow cases instead of plastic bags to keep laundry in... it stops them smelling if they are damp! Over and out.
a very good introductory video for someone who likes hiking and camping stuff but knows nothing. Well explained.
Subscribed.
Thanks!
you're welcome!
this dude is awesome, I'm slowly amassing some camping/back packing gear and this video has helped me see what I'm missing for the essentials
The Sawyer mini is an excellent filter option. My personal favorite. And it runs just $20!!!
The Sawyer Mini clogs too much
I like that I didn't have to sit through :15 to 1:30 of obnoxious intro and another minute of listening to how you're just the funk soul brother of hiking (admit it, I just made you listen to that tune). Well done!
For someone who knows nothing of hiking, this is an excellent video. Categorizing your equipment by "function" is a great idea.
Now some have suggested doing your initial hike with a seasoned hiker. That's fine if you know one, and most likely he or she will have gear to loan, so the novice need not spend a ton of money, perhaps unwisely, to get gear he or she may not use again.
Keep them coming!
Great information for beginners, thanks for the video. I have the Alps Mountaineering Lynx 4 tent and it is a little heavy for backpacking but it sleeps 4 (2 or 3 comfortably). If you can have someone else split the weight and carry the tent fly and poles for you, it wouldn't be a bad option at all.
Thanks for making this video, absolutely loved it . I am planning my first multi-day backpacking, and this gives a good headstart !
Sankar Salvady
Hey Sankar I've been backpacking for 30 years and I have never gotten sick of it. Welcome to backpacking and I hope you enjoy it!!!!!!
some great tips. Finding great "inexpensive" gear is always nice
Great video, thanks. Footwear should be at the top of your list? - if your boots aren't right you'll never hike again! One pound on your foot = 5 lb on your back!!! Break new boots in inside the house (with tags on so you can return them, if needed), then off to a park (asphalt and concrete paths eat soles). Girls, beware heavy boots - men tend to wear heavier shoes during the week so the transition to chunky boots is less challenging. if you don't plan to carry heavy loads consider Salomon trail runners.
Agree a hip-belt, and some sort of frame, are key for a comfortable pack. Renting is a good option until you know hiking is for you and the type of hiking you like (e.g. section hiking, day hiking etc).
most serious thru hikers these days are using 36L packs, 25lbs total pack weight incl water. And trail runners. I've been doing similar for my 3-7 days hikes. love it. planning on getting my pack weight to 15lbs for 3 day trips now, PNW region mostly, sometimes Sierras.
Just an after thought on the first aid kit. Most store bought kits have lots of band-aids and other semi useless items. I bought a small plastic box from a craft store with removable pieces along with a weekly pill box. I filled the pill box with Tylenol and such, cold tablets, and Imodium. and cut off the empty days so it would fit in the craft box. I got a good pair of scissors, first aid tape, gauze, band-aids, alcohol pads and some topical cream. I paid about the same as what you would pay for a store kit and got a much better selection of items.
John Nunya good thinking.
Good info, I like the way you broke everything down giving options for different styles/tastes along the way.
What season does your gear cover? Haven't read the other comments so if already mentioned please disregard. Have you ever tried a hammock and sleeping bag with a tarp instead of tent. Saves weight. FYI it's always been my experience that a sleeping bag temp rating is usually 10 degrees cooler than what it actually will keep you warm too. I'm also a huge fan of the Sawyer mini for water filtration. Another thing I do when wanting to go light is purification tablets and flavored powder packs to add to the water afterwards. Helps with the taste. If going inexpensive with a knife you can't go wrong with a mora. They are great knives but aren't full tang (not that I've ever broken one). Condor is another inexpensive knife that is outstanding for the money. Plus they are full tang. Enjoyed watching your video. Just giving some tips for cheaper and lighter options. Thanks for letting me share. God Bless
A sewing kit is always nice to have, I really find it useful to have, just any black high strength thread from walmart or anything, good for patching things :)
Awesome Video and great tips . I plan on doing A lot of walking , hiking , camping , all across the country . I have experiences with local Hiking in park trails , and few camping trips , but this I plan on taking on a whole new journey leave my home for awhile , and travel the country on foot every state , and as many places I can see .
Great video! You just forgot 1 thing...
The RV...with air conditioning and refrigerator, and microwave and bed, and protection from the blood thirsty grizzly bear who's going to eat me in the night...
:p
twitchster77 Haha! But then it wouldn't be backpacking anymore! =D
Nah, I'mma fight off the bear with love and hugs!
(((((((Mr. Grumpy Grizzly Bear)))))))
***** Bear attacks are grossly over exaggerated and overdramatized. A moose is more likely to attack you than a bear. :)
Chemistry, Films, and More Very true. Had an Uncle who got 'ran over' by a moose. He described as a train made of meat. Two broken legs and a shattered collarbone later, the moose just walked off, acting like nothing had happened. Everyone's always so scared of bears, or wolves, or the other things that go bumping around at night, but if you live somewhere with moose, they are the thing to worry about. Not to say bears aren't dangerous, but moose are insane. literally.
+lily-liver I'd go for the bear spray first.
The sawyer squeeze is probably a better option for most backpackers for weight and cost.
Yeah, that's a great option for beginners too, because it's cheap and light, and will serve the purpose until you decide whether you want to do the whole backpacking thing or not.
***** Mini clogs too much compared to the squeeze.
mike franks The mini is less expensive than the squeeze though, so that's an angle to consider.
The Squeeze in my area is $8 more,but will function better than the mini. I will stick with the squeeze over the mini. Function means way more than $8 and an ounce more in weight.
mike franks Yes, that is a good point. Function is very important.
New to the channel and I have to say Great Job! just finished the three intro to hiking videos and really enjoyed them. Thanks for great videos!
Toby Delahoussaye , I'm glad you are finding this useful!
In one of your earlier videos, you showed a humongous first aid kit. Do you ever use that anymore or just the little one?
You had mentioned doing a video on first aid kits. I think that would be a great idea for a video.
Thanks for making these videos, they're great. I bought a Osprey Aether 60 last year thanks to your review.
Eric Isenhart The first aid kit video is a great idea; we're planning on making that soon, hopefully. Great to know you enjoy our videos, thanks for your support!
great info, thanks for sharing your wisdom & experience. could you also do a video with some competitive/affordable options for the common folk that can't afford everything from REI. thanks again! happy, safe hiking.
Thank you so much! I'm going to Philmont this summer with my Boy Scout troop, so this will be useful.
+Reid Shriver you're welcome!
Lol. very good reason for making the video. I've tried printing out lists and check lists to answer that question so many times. good job. and I can't get enough of good "gear" videos anyway.
Great video, I have used it now to show some people who are wanting to backpack with me, way easier than making a list myself. Thank you!
Awesome! Thank you for sharing. A new video coming out this Wednesday about planning a backpacking/hiking trip.
+ReviewOutdoorGear Awesome. I already subscribed, so I'll be watching for it.
This guy has some really good points and some really bad ones. If you are doing longer backpacking trips, usually with less weight, go for a trail runner instead of a boot. DO NOT buy waterproof boots. Moisture WILL get in, whether it is sweat or rain and it will not get out. With a trail runner your feet will get wet but will dry much faster because their is no waterproofing to get through.
i normally canoe but might take up the hiking game. good info and i subscribed because its obvious you know what your doing. i love knives and i think a good 1 is worth the money.
Glad to see your interest! Welcome!
Good intro review of the basics at different price points Eugene. Thanks for the good and wise advice from your experiences.
Glad to do it!
thanks for the information man. Doing my first backpacking trip next month for my 30th birthday Going for about 8 days
I want to start backpacking. Thanks for the tips
I find your video's Very Informative on the Topic of Backpacking. I am just new to backpacking so I will be checking out all your other videosl Keep up the Great Work!!
for cheap tents i recommend ozark trail. i lived outdoors in one for nearly 3 weeks and weathered 5 hard core oklahoma thunderstorms and no leaks or tears. thats my personal experience.
Just found your channel and I love your videos. Keep up the good work.
I noticed you get your gear fr om REI gear sale just like do with my gear. I like getting several items just in case a family member or friend doesn't have proper gear I'll have extra for them to use. Plus I do t have to spend a lot of money and in the long run my friends and family members will have an amazing backpacking experience without all the added cost to me or them.
Thanks for the video. Very informative. Happy Trails...
Excellent work, thanks for posting!
I love backpacking. Just remember to respect nature, leave no trace & pack it out.
Good information, thank you! I've been wanting to start hiking/ backpacking for a while! :)
start day hiking and slowly build up your gear for longer treks.
great video! but I don't take a sleeping bag because I use a hammock and tarp.
My understanding on the temperature rating for the sleeping bags is that it's the lowest temperature that you'll survive in using the bag. It's not a comfort rating. So a 15 degree bag will keep you alive as long as the temperature is above that.
+Patrick Dickey bags often have two ratings; one that is like the one you mentioned, and also a comfort rating, which is what temperature you'll stay warm at.
First time viewer. Very good info. Keep it up!
TehMurshaq Thanks!
I was about to go hicking. Until my mom found out I cut her drapes. hahaha no, great review! very helpful for a beginner like me who needs a check list of what to bring!
Where are you located? I notice that many of your trips are in the Pacific Northwest...Love your videos; you do a great job.
+Richard E located in Washington State! Thank you!
Great video as usual informative clear but fun.
regards Paul
Great video, i would recommend mentioning speeding up the video at the beginning. you did ramble on a bit but it was all useful information (just really time consuming) I was able to perfectly understand you at 1.5 speed and it cut down the time considerably
Thanks for the feedback. Good to have that speed-up feature. Hopefully they will add it to the mobile app soon!
Good presentation. Enrique.
Try Andrew Skurka for an extensive knowledge base, as I recall he's got 17,000 miles backpacking. Also Ray Jardine is considered to be the Guru of ultralight backpacking, and he explains his reasoning for his ultralight philosophy from an engineers perspective. Google those two names for a start.
I may have zoned out a little but I didn't hear anything about a whistle or other signaling device in case you need to signal for help. Obviously a fire can be used, but something audible is more likely to get someone on the ground's attention. Other than that it was a very good video!
Your looking at about $100-200 for starter camping at clearance and ok quality specific gear at Big 5 ,Walmart, REI, Closeout places.
Keep it light at 15-25lbs.
$30-60 50-65L backpack (Arrowhead, Coleman, SOG)
$10-30 Light Sleep
$2 2x Tarps
$30 Hike shoe
$5 Pan
$0 Alcohol stove
$2-4 G10 Knife
$20 2x Trek poles
Thanks very informative! You said 50 degrees farenheit is below freezing? I think 32 degrees farenheit is freezing point so that sleeping bag might not do the trick for certain weather or high country ?
+Jamie Stephens I think I said 15
Hi sir thanks for sharing your knowledge. I live in the Philippines, and if I ever have to choose between a tent and sleeping bag which should I prioritize? Or do I really need both? I'm totally new to backpacking.
+Tyrone Daroca Both are rather important. But if you HAD to choose between the two, go with a good sleeping bag. That will keep you warm and dry, and you could just get a cheap tarp to sleep under.
haha thanks for the bandanna tip... ;) never buying one again! my mother might notice a change in the curtains tho.
I watched your video. It was very good. Very informative,excellent equipment. I think I would leave the phase"you have to have". I started packing at age 13. Now I am 63. I have an opinion, but Imight not be right. It is just my opinion. A great experience might be had cheaper and with less stuff. I am like you thou.i like my gear Andy I like it to be the best quality. I however have been with less and had a good experience.
As a beginner it's useful video. Thank you for your excellent advices 😉
I find a large knife much more useful than an ax.
Probably don't need either though, at least in 90% of scenarios
i like it when you mention TARP or fly sheet (what we*indonesian called ) thats because most of the tent are prone to wind and water(tropical rainforest),even the most waterproof one theres still leak and condensation.i dont get it when western hiker dont bring that stuff.
Also I never see videos of you all carrying or packing guns or rifles . That should be a must in my book.
its not a must in all areas, but many areas yes, it is very good to have.
'Murica.
haha that's what I was thinking. If any Brits watching this just take care about what knives you're taking and buy from a reputable source. Locking flick knives are illegal.
Unless you intend to hunt, I don't see why you would carry a weapon. Bear spray, yes. A good knife, yes. Guns, not so much, especially if you're not trained in using them!
This is an interesting overview for someone who knows nothing about the subject and wants to live like you were at home. There are other points of view. Your limited coverage of water potability and prep was not sufficient for a safe journey into much of the U.S. It is amazing what differences there are in preparing for a trip. This type of preparation is very light on knowledge and almost all pointed toward some modern gear. Make sure you arm yourself with more knowledge next trip.
Bruce Nitroxpro , what specifically do you suggest? Also, please keep in mind that this is "An introduction to Backpacking".
ReviewOutdoorGear I defer to those who are experts in the field such as Dave Canterbury. He has put out about a thousand videos on the subject area and has published two books on the subject. His body of data is so vast and so well structured, both in logic and in data that there isn't much left to do. His "ten Cs" of survival would do to cover what you have here, along with the ancillary data in all the videos pertaining to them. This is basic stuff, but so well covered that not one topic could be covered fully in one video. He also has DVDs on the subject, but now they are a bit old and he continually updates each subject area as he uses, tests and relates the experiences with his group. His school is listed here as "thepathfinderschoolllc.com."
Bruce Nitroxpro I think the point of the video is how to get started BACKPACKING in a recreational sense. Not survival.
James L Don't get caught up in semantics. Use of the gear should be to solve a particular problem... don't try and confuse things by calling the problem one thing or another. Having potable water is a problem. It doesn't matter WHAT you call it. The physics and chemistry of the problem doesn't change, nor do the consequences of solving the problem change. If you don't get that, you have a problem understanding the words, nothing more.
I moved to VA a few years back, i am looking to get back to camping.
What is the best way to plan a trip to ensure you can have a camp fire
and a location for tents. I know many areas only allow you to camp in
certain areas along the trail. I much more prefer back country stuff
with seclusion. Anyone have any ideas or tips on planning trips like
this?
+Thane R we have a video explaining some of this: th-cam.com/video/8aUJ6Q1V6SE/w-d-xo.html
Spalding?!? Dude you from Spokane? That's where I grew up most of my life!
Well done--a very helpful video.
11:20 for smile.
The more you walk, the stronger your ankles get. By just wearing boots your ankles don't get a chance to become stronger. All footwear will get wet eventually, the big plus of trail runners is that they dry super fast, leather boots not so much...
Thanks for your reply. I have not studied mechanical kinesiology, but I did encounter it as a gymnast, I had several ankle sprains. To be honest, it is different for each person, some just have very weak ankles. There's not much evidence that boots protect your ankles though. If you have weak ankles, it might be better to focus on strengthening and stretching your ankles. I believe that boots will tire your legs quicker and make your footwork clumsier, as boots often weight close to 3 lbs, while trail runners are around 1 lbs. Boots are also causing blisters, that's why you need to break them in, for a long time. Boots won’t let your tootsies breathe, your feet will be soft from soaking in sweaty boots all day and that makes them more vulnerable to blisters. I bought a well-fitted pair of Salomon trail runners and hit the trails without using them much beforehand had no blisters at all. One thing to watch for as a beginner hiker is to not over-pack and keep your pack as light as possible. Start with day hikes, with a daypack and build up stamina and strength. I started with boots, but love the lightness and agility I experience in trail runners, I'll not go back. The only time I would consider a boot is if I would hike at high altitude, with snow-covered trails during the cold season, then a boot would make sense as extra protection and providing warmth.
From a standpoint of anatomical and mechanical kinesiology, that is not true. Wearing boots does not prevent your ankles from getting stronger. They just provide a buffer area to prevent injury when carrying an increased load. People who are not used to carrying loads are very prone to getting inversion sprains when carrying load. Boots are very important to wear, especially for the first few years. Its kind of like learning to ride a bike without training wheels, but the risk is much higher. Torn tendons don't heal very well. Hope that helps.
I recommend buying high quality lightweight gear from the get go. It's so easy to keep your pack under 15 lbs base weight( no food/water) these days.
JV what if you don't enjoy it? borrow, rent, or buy inexpensive, then jump in if you like it. They many need several outings to understand their gear needs. ex: someone rough on packs will shear/destroy an ultra light nylon bag and may be more suited for canvas or nylon with reinforced base.
should follow my example, start with day hikes and slowly build up to longer hikes, you build up fitness, gives you time to realise if you like it or not, spreads the cost of buying everything at once, and you get an idea and appreciation of what you actually need.
socks and feet treatment ; personal hygiene items - critical.
agreed
a sleeping pad is very important and you should have spent more time explaining this. The one you have would be perfect for most conditions, but a "yoga mat" or a piece of cardboard would be unacceptable and dangerous on the cold ground!
He means roll up ones, not a literal yoga mat
so helpful! thank you!
Buying nalgene like bottles at Walmart works two, my friend got one for 80 cents and it's just as durable as a nalgene.
A good honest review thank you
"What do I need to bring?"... "I just remembered, my cousin is getting married that weekend, maybe next time."
Haha, we've gotten this type of thing more than once...
The temperature rating of a sleeping bag isn't where you get cold, it's the point at which you'd rather be dead than go through the rest of the night.
love it thank you for posting this video !!!!!
I see a lot of channels suggesting tents... Is it possible to use a hammock and tarp (in diamond shape, across two trees)?
Thomas Jackson , Yes, and very common. One complaint I have heard people say is that this doesn't work well if there are bugs/mosquitoes, because you can hide in a tent. Also, if its raining heavily, there is no good place to hide and organize your stuff. That's why I use a tent for now.
Thanks!
its great tnx for the info,,,,,...:) lets come and visit to the philippines theres have a lot of beautiful mountains :)
Also, you want two bottles. One for dirty water, and one for filtered water.
You fill up the dirty bottle or bladder, and then filter it into the clean bottle(s). You don't carry the dirty water, just the container.
What weight would your pack weigh for a 5 day hike in yosemite during the summer? Just looking for some rough weights to shoot for. Last years 5 day I got to about 35 lbs., with 3L of water.
Tom Messig , with my set-up, I'd say 35 lbs, if your are in a 2 person group.
Awesome, we'll have a group of 9 so I can imagine we'll be doing alot of sharing. Planning on one pot and one stove and doing boiling water for the group in one shot to save fuel and for speed.
Tom Messig You might want more than one stove for a group of nine. It will take a while for everyone to finish the meal... You could do it, but it'd actually be faster with 2 stoves. Same amount of fuel, faster, but heavier...
yeah, good point. i'd hate to have the only one fail for some reason.
Tom Messig Hahaha, yeah that would be bad! Whatever you decide on doing, let us know how it went!
This is super useful!
Don't forget firstaid kit with good blodstopper! Shall always be in the pack ! If sharp tools is in the pack it is a basic thing! Together always and look in the firstaid kit so it is of good quality and enoth of bandage and coold spray for burn woonds! Barbro Sweden
We have a separate video for the first aid kit.
Good review. However i have question about knifes. 17:10....how would you explain to a police officer having an illegal knife on you? Does hiking classes as 'good reason'? Or there is no police in the wilds? )))
+UK mincenko A spring assisted knife is not illegal in the USA.
My appology i thought you in UK )) We got much stricted laws about knifes.
hi im new and im getting gear together for a backpacking trip one problem is my sleeping bag is so big it fills my backpack to the top with no room.the bag is a synthetic 15 degree bag and my pack is at least 65 liters or more.how can I carry my bag?i was gonns buy a cheap small 50 degree bag but I don't want to get caught in the cold.let me know thanks
good video!
Is it necessary to try on backpacks,to get a good fit? Or can you just estimate approximate size and order online? Thanks.
+patricia Scott , best to try it on of course, but, you can also do the latter, just make sure you can return it if things don't work out.
1'm from the UK and was wondering if you could tell me what would be better for backpacking around Europe, a Vango blade 100 (I already own) or a MSR Hubba Hubba HP? I know they're totally different price tags but I was just wondering if theres a massive difference?
samuel Riley I own a Hubba Hubba and it is the best tent I have used. I can set it up in about 7 min, and it is comfortable for 1 or 2 people.
Thank you!
Can you recommend any really good reusable toilet paper products?
+Fishers of Men Ministries Aww jeez
+Fishers of Men Ministries ew lol
+Guided Hand 3 seashells
+Drizzt Do'Urden excellent
Yeah just don't ask Sylvester Stallone how to use them... Ask Sandra Bullock she's knows.
Thank you
This is a great video.
When it comes to food, what do I need to pack if I'm a picky person? It don't have a taste for fruits and most vegetables. I do love meat though.
+Walker Braden , see my backpacking food video
+ReviewOutdoorGear Alright
If you got a cookstove, most of them come with pots. Drop those ridiculous pots. Get a Canteen, Canteen cup, Canteen cover, and then get a chow kit. It is much more compact. I have found all my gear and it only weighs about 30-35 pounds in all. Of course this is considering the weight of my bladder pack and pack. Which weighs 15 pounds on its own.
+Jared Langley WOW! That's heavy! 30lbs?
Yankee Woodcraft The Military carries 70 pounds. Everything I put on that list could help you survive in the woods for months. I would think the purpose of putting together back packing gear would be so you could go out in the woods for a 3-7 day trip. Suppose something goes wrong while your in the woods. Now you're prepared. Some people like to take basically nothing, but I'm not one of em.
So why stop at 30lbs then with that mentality? If you had a PLB and a GPS, you wouldn't need to survive for months in the woods. You could press a button and summon a Search And Rescue team to come get you. Why "survive" in the woods when you can just go home in a few hours?
Also where do you campout that you can't just walk home within a few hours or days? A man can walk across the United States in months. Within weeks, you could be in civilization.
Yankee Woodcraft With in weeks? How much food are you packing? Take a GPS if you want. It has batteries that are just going to go dead. Only thing I see useful is a flashlight. With this set up you could hike almost anywhere. What if you went to the Amazon jungle? No civilization for miles.
I don't pack much food. I hunt, fish & forage for food.
If I was in the Amazon jungle, I would have a map with me. I don't get lost with maps.
:)
very helpful, thank you
I walked across America and now Id like to go do Alaska. Want to go with me. ??
what eyebrows are you taking to long hikes?
im sorry i had to :D thank you very much buddy good video !
+Timor Grinevich 😂 You're welcome!
love the loko stove lol
essential gear for packing the kitchen sink