Hey! I worked as an REI Packfitter (and I trained REI staff in how to pack fit) for 15 years! And I think this is a great video. YES! I preach to buy your pack last, or at least after you buy tent, sleeping bag, and pad which is really what is going to determine your pack size. But you left one problem out. A lot of the little outdoor stores, staff don’t know how to fit backpacks. So that is a benefit of REI. They spend a lot - and I mean A LOT! - of money training staff. If the shop you are at can’t measure your torso, walk out. Which brings me to the 6th stupid thing that new backpackers do! They walk into a store, grab a pack off the wall, dont check to see what size it is, don’t get themselves measured, and walks o a register because their friend, or a video told them it was the best pack. Get fitted for your new pack! Great video.
The one reason I like REI is I can buy anything they sell and try it for up to one year and still return it and get my money back. None of the cottage brands offer that. That one fact helped me to buy gear to try without wasting a ton of money. I ended up returning three different backpacks before I settled on a Zpacks bag. So I think it’s a real benefit to buy from REI if you are just starting out. The membership is only $30 and they give you a $30 gift card for signing up.
I love Garage Grown Gear for a one-stop online shop for cottage brands. They carry a lot of different stuff, and even ship to Canada with minimal hassle and decent shipping pricing. They even carry some Canadian brands.
I've been a member of REI since the late 70's, and I've bought some good gear from them. Not all of what I use, but some pieces here and there. And I am still a member of the REI Coop.
I know the ragging on REI is mostly a joke, but any hiker, camper, or backpacker would be a fool to ignore their sales. I realize I'm outing myself as a softie, but I got their flexlite air chair for $50, and I've been loving it. I just got a really great mid-layer for 50% off. I grab some Darn Tough when they're on sale. I like to support smaller businesses when I can, but they're definitely on the better end of "big box" stores.
1) Buy gear in correct order, backpack last 0:50 2) Don't but too much gear 1:58 3) Buy only backpacking gear 3:26 4) Spending too much money 5:06 5) Thinking big name outfitters are the only option 6:46
REI awesome for some things. For instance I bought a nano air. I can go right to patagonia and get it for $300 or get it for $300 at REI and get 10 percent back in March and have the fantastic REI service. Easy choice.
Don't overlook second hand gear either, many groups on Facebook and other sites where some great deals can be found. Just avoid pissy sleeping bags and never buy second hand underwear... I'll never make that mistake twice 🙄
Another one I'd warn people about is inflatable gear. You never know how much wear it may really have and if it deflates and you can't find the puncture, the warranty won't cover you.
Buy once, cry once. A few of my favorite things: Hammock gear premium top quilt, Nemo tensor sleeping pad, ULA Circuit backpack, Copper Spur tent, Packit Gourmet. REI has been a great resource for information AND clothing because of their incredible return policy and member discounts. Favorite clothing: Kuhl hiking leggings, darn tough socks, Patagonia capilene tees, Altra trail runners, REI base layers.
Tip 3 reminds me of the time I saw a tent at Walmart labeled “backpacking tent”. The tent was nearly the size of a suitcase and weighed over 5 pounds. Awesome tips and video!
The one thing I always tell first time backpackers is don't buy, but rent instead. Even investing money into all the cheaper gear adds up, and if you find out you really hate backpacking, then that's a bunch of wasted money for one trip. REI does have a good gear rental service. And yes, once you start buying gear, definitely purchase things like your sleep system first. I am allegic to down, so I have to buy all synthetic, which tends to be bulkier. Hence, I needed a larger backpack.
I got myself a synthetic UP quilt from Cedar Ridge outdoors. It's pretty great but the baffles are sewn through (at least for the 40F version). The good thing about UP is that it compresses very, very well. Not as much as down, but much more than sheet insulation.
Difference between buying cottage and REI is the try on the fit the return and the service. I buy cottage and at REI. Gotta use your noggin and your experience and you will do fine. There are trade offs with ultra light, and not everyone is a through hiker.😊
Walmart surprised me with their real tree and outdoors sections, replaced or updated my gear after spending a ton at REI before discovering. Thanks for the video, been watching your stuff for a bit and yeah it helped me get into outdoor living. Had to emigrate by foot and thru hiking has been a good excuse for basically being homeless. Boondocking is not adverse possession so it really isn't the same for me living outside verses those I meet who are locally always outside.
I work at REI and still reccomnd cottage companies to ultralight backpackers because it is what I use and know works, REI has a terrible selection of quilts so I always refer them to enlightened equipment and mention the brs stove and zpacks when they are big on weight savings. REI also needs to sell pack liners, all they have is covers and I tell my customers to just use a pack liner instead of a rain cover because it's cheaper and sooo much more effective👍
How about all that Adidas crap we have now? Sadly we lost our most favorite brand Topo at our store too. In my 20 years working there it's the worst they have ever been in selection of gear.
@jtaylorb88 Yeah, like being totally against Nike shoes because of the unethical labor they use bit are happy to sell their apparel, they can't even choose with half the brands and I wish they didn't get rid of so many rei brand items that they used to make, they are distributing so much to brands that we should not sell, why are we placing the same 1 year satisfaction guarantee on coleman products that will break in a few months?
As a relative newbie I bought all of my gear from REI. After going on some trips and doing more research, I wound up trading a lot of my gear for cottage manufacturers. Plus, a lot of the ul cottage gear is MADE IN USA!
I use REI because they have THE BEST return policy. I can try my running shoes for a year and still return them, if I find they are not working out. I haven't found any other company with as good of a return policy.
I am a big REI fan. I tell newbies to rent or borrow for the first trip. You truly don’t know if you like backpacking until you did it. For me personally, I got 4 sleeping pads before I made a decision. No other company let’s you do that and return for free. Also I need Lowa Boots for my feet. Only REI gives me a really good discount. That doesn’t mean I am religiously buying everything from REI, but I don’t understand what you are bitching about. REI is a great company.
The majority of my gear is REI...but it is also my second job, so, yeah. That said, I often refer people to cottage industries if our gear does not fit what they need. I love working with customers and realize that sometimes they just need something else. Especially quilts as we don't have many under 20 degrees. Some stores even rent gear, which is great for newer backpackers. You can see what you like and don't like. I have bought a few too many stuff sacks from Hilltops Packs. I mean we all need a steak and poop emoji bag. Research what you need, look at options, and make the best decision for you. And have some self control as you browse Garage Grown Gear. It is a very dangerous place.
Started out with all my junky gear from when I was in Boy Scouts was glad to upgrade but I'm also glad I was able to do a few trial runs with my junk gear to get comfortable with backpacking again. My advice for a trial run would be to do some basic research so you dont carry obviously terrible items and backpack with your junk gear on a night with fair weather. Only hike a mile of two at most which most people can do even with heavy gear and just see if you're comfortable with staying overnight in the woods, maybe crossing the poop barrier. There's more to backpacking than just putting in miles. If you liked the experience or only disliked it because of your gear, then start upgrading.
I did 5 mile hike the weekend before I went out to attempt my PCT thru hike. Then I got 803 miles done and rolled my ankle. The trial run was shitty lol started raining as soon as we put the packs on, I felt terrible that night couldn’t eat. However, it was magical.
I saw this issue w backpacks:super UL(specific, lighter, more for dialed in ppl), vs more standard old 'tired and true' backpacks. osprey, Gregory ,mystery ranch, REI, mountain smith ect. when u start out, its hard to spend $$ on dialed in gear, u don't understand. Some mix of heavy old stuff mixed w cooler stuff you; ' saw on RU-vid'. I started w a mix of old military stuff and camping gear. my 1st true backpack was an used osprey atmosphere 65. its still my go to winter/heavy cold weather pack(it feels better w heavier weight.
I have backpacked and hiked for eight years and currently bikepacking/ touring. I bought compression socks, panniers, cook set, fork racks, tent, sleeping pad. I take good care of my gear and things has worked great. Also, I have purchased water filters and purifier drops and tablets. No problem.
I'm so thankful that my dad was already a well seasoned backpacker when he got me into backpacking. I was able to try out some of his gear and my nephews gear to help hone in my shopping list. Only regret was wasting money on a backpacking sleeping bag only to find out I'm a top quilt kinda person. At least I was able to resell it.
REI has a great rep for a reason, but compared to when they first opened, definitely more options to consider, though often not in person. But, often a good starting point for checking stuff out. Also, would LOVE to see you do a "bang for the buck" gear rec list. Because damn if that's not a great point! I love that there's reasonably light, affordable tents. Under $350 is very doable for a 3lb tent vs the cost of an ultralight badboy. And zenbivy is starting to look like a good middle ground in that area for sleep gear.
Sage advice. I do agree with you on the big name outfitter stores. They do tend to sell a lot of unnecessary gadgets (smalls) that seem to target the inexperienced backpacker. In addition to the big name expensive gear, rei has their own brand of gear that is surprisingly comparable. When I first started backpacking, I bought the rei womens Flash 60 backpack for $98 and it has served me well. Almost 2 years ago I did upgrade to HMG for the weight savings of one pound but I do still like my Flash 60. 🐻
My husband used the massive zero degree sleeping bag that came from Walmart on our first backpacking trip. 😂 So grateful that we have started from backpacking and not camping. The gear translates much better!
The big selling point to me about REI is the ease of return.. during my AT thru-hike, I went through 2 packs and got them both replaced no questions asked.
Shout out to Miranda! Love her open and honest approach to the outdoors! About 3 years ago, my husband and daughter bought Osprey packs (and most of their new gear) at REI. Worked great but was fairly heavy. The following year I wanted to join them. We ordered Dutchware chameleon hammocks and HammockGear Econ top/under quilts. They liked the comfort of this setup better than the tent. We added Warbonnet silpoly Superfly tarps (on sale for $100). I also bought a ULA Circuit for myself and they were jealous of the weight savings. Cooking gadgets mostly came from REI or Sportsman’s, but we are still dialing that in. It’s expensive to outfit 1 person, let alone a family. All in all, Kyle gave some great tips here. Go for comfort and lighter weight, then upgrade when you can. It truly makes a difference.
I will have you know, I bought all of my gear, as I have be hiking for quite a while, and I still bought a pack that was too small. So, now I have a 24, a 40 and a 58 liter backpack not to mention one that I don't remember the size of that I don't use because I don't like it. I bought most of my stuff at EMS and Dick's, both are in Concord, NH. REI is in North Conway and I hate going to North Conway, there is no easy way to get there and the traffic SUCKS.
I can’t imagine anyone just going out and buying all their gear at once, maybe people in another tax bracket than I. I’m like most, started with cheap stuff on Amazon or somewhere and ok, I like this, then slowly investing and dialing in what works. I’m now about 5k in and counting. I also have lots of stuff that I thought I needed and don’t, but I’m getting that part under control.
Don't ever expect the stuff you buy to be the thing that you have to use forever or be the thing that works for you bc someone said it was awesome. Companies are always improving products, or coming out with better solutions. I like to rent the big ticket items if I can get my hands on it that way to test it out before I commit to buying. Not a lot of cottage companies do that kind of thing, but it also helps you troubleshoot what works for you and what doesn't. Honestly, not everything needs to be backpacking specific. Some people might bag on me for this, but I use a little covered bowl with a lid as my "plate" that I got for my daughter when she was a toddler to keep snacks in 😂. Instead of spending $10 or more on a fancy metal container with a silicone insulator, I just use something that I already have and it honestly weighs less than some of the options available from backpacking brands in my budget (meaning the amount of money I'm willing to spend). If it's just me I'll leave that at home. But a lot of the time I'm with other people and only one or two of us need to bring a stove and pot so it's an extra I bring to make things easier for sharing. I'm totally guilty of buying my bag first but I lucked out and got the right one on the first try. But at the point in time when I did finally invest in a bag, I had already gone a few times with friends and borrowed their gear so I had an idea of what I would want and need in a pack. Now I'm on the hunt for a new one after years. (I take really good care of my gear so it tends to last and I'm cheap AF)
Absolutely agree with backpack last! Luckily when I first started I knew I wanted to stay as minimal as possible just because it’s how I tend to live my day to day life, so I lucked out with being able to fit all my gear in a 40L pack. Don’t regret my choice either, REI Trail 40 pack 🤣
Go in the Army first. Choose Infantry. It will introduce you to the walking with a lot of stuff on your back, sort of like backpacking. Then go Special Forces. The places you go will be a little more out in the wild. The gear you have on your back will be very high speed stuff, unfortunately even though your "backing gear" will be lighter, they still don't make light weight ammo or explosives. In between deployments you will go through different schools. Survival training will be a lot like backpacking, except for the back pack part. Your gear will be light as air, cause you won't have any. One good thing is you won't have any ammo or explosives to tote around. But you will definitely not be so picky about which air mattress to obtain. After several years you will know whether you are cut out for the back packing crowd, the camping crowd, or just the sit around and see what the kids on RU-vid are into these days crowd. Your milage may vary. Peace.
Bill Campbell, Daddy, is that you??? Your history sounds like him. He bought me a knife when I was going backpacking. "You don't need all that, I slept in the snow!" Thank you for your service.
I completely understand the point he's making about camping gear versus hiking but I have a question. My husband and I mostly camp but we want to get into hiking local Wisconsin trails. Our goal is to do this summer is 4-5 days on Ice Age trail. We both already have packs, shoes, poles, quilts and cooking/eating system made for hiking and one sleeping bag. Any advice or products out there that DO work for section hikes AND weekend campground camping? Any suggestions on things to buy, not buy?
You should change the name of your channel to: Kyle Hates Looking Into the Camera Lens Jokes jokes, great list, don't let the "status" trap get in the way of getting outside and enjoying the great outdoors y'all!
Step #1 - buy what you can comfortably carry your gear in (for me, it’s a bike trailer). It limits what you can carry. #2 - shelter trumps everything else. That includes the tent and sleep system. #3 - food/cooking/water filter systems between sites. #4 - A change of clothes, toiletries, personal hygiene. #5 - everything else like a chair. I have only one item from REI for bike packing and that’s my sleeping pad.
I wanted to weigh in on purchasing gear Yes buy the backpack last. And yes do not I repeat do not buy name brand expensive gear. And yes make sure it’s specifically says it is for backpacking only. BUT, as far for shopping for gear start off with either big five sporting goods or Amazon budget friendly gear. I highly recommend Teton sports gear to start off with they are reasonably priced on Amazon. Either way you’re gonna go down that rabbit hole of buying gear, so you might as well try to start off with cheap gear to find out what you like or don’t like, if you like backpacking at all
I’m just starting to buy gear for this summer and buying Teton for two reasons. Number 1 I don’t even know if I’ll like it. Number two I have to buy gear for my wife as well. Do you have any experience with Teton sleeping bags?
Highly recommend the Teton trailhead ultralight sleeping bag & don’t forget a sleeping pad, otherwise your sleep system will not be effective. Recommend the Klymit static v sleeping pad
I have done a lot of kayak camping and love it and I want to do backpacking the cool thing is I can use a lot of the kayak gear for backpacking though I will need to get some different items as lighter and better packability are pluses
I’ve bought really good stuff and yes too much of it one thing is a spork. I use mountain house foods in the bag so after buying every utensil possible I realize all I need is along steel spork/spoon to get to the bottom of the bag.
The best thing that happened at REI was I met a thru hiker. And a friend of a friend who thru hiked. So they weren’t trying to sell me unnecessary gear. If your new to backpacking and your first hike is a thru hike don’t take advice from someone who just does 2 to 3 day hikes, because they don’t have the thru hike mentality. Just because it says it’s lightweight doesn’t mean it is, check the weight and shop around.
I'm real big on cutting cost by getting stuff from the co-op"bring back" section. I kind of like finding things already broken in.half price on an expensive piece of equipment?well,yah!an new stuff that a close out ?45$ on a $120 stove,yes please.
I am like number 666. Also, another important one is to avoid buying gear just because it has a discount. I know for sure I was guilty of this when I was beginning, it didn't turned out well. Most discounted items in outdoors stores (that aren't clothing) are usually heavy or have trouble getting sold because people don't like the specs.
Garage grown gear is awesome! Newbies Do your research companies like Outdoor Vitals are the BOMB direct to customer, kick ass quality ultralight gear with an amazing staff
As long as you can keep your backpack not too heavy, BUY YOUR TENT AND BACKPACK FROM Z-PACKS! They are very lightweight and they are WATERPROOF! Therefore you don't need rain flies to cover them up like you do with normal backpacks and tents. This is huge! Z-Packs items are made out of cuben fiber which gives it its waterproof feature. It is more expensive than normal tents and backpacks but it's so worth it.
I have been a member of REI since the early "70" and I can say without hesitation that they are no longer a backpacking store. Sad! They carry more different water bottles than backpacks, sleeping bags or shoes in the store. GGG and Outdoor Vitals are great places to find items and there are deals out there if someone is willing to search for them.
At this point there are so many options even at bargain prices. My backpack is in the 2 LB range, my sleeping bag is in the 2LB range, and my tents is in the 3 LB range and I got all 3 for under $250
Bear bag or bear container... Bear container=camp chair... Bear bag is lighter... Dollar tree booboo kit... Has a knife in it .. by reflectics from lowes... Instead of a air mattress... Thin but has great r value... Or a window screen from DollarTree... And a air mattress... Remember there is a tiny pump for air mattresses...
I just recently got into backpacking, but I’ve had plenty of training while in the military so I know I like the outdoors and am comfortable surviving there. People are going to think I’m crazy but I pretty much said fuck it, im gonna full send as a first-timer and I ended up spending a little over 4 grand at one time. Took months and months of continuous research and tips and help with gear and brands from my thru-hiking brother, but I have no buyers remorse and am happy with it all.
The one thing NOT to do is to fall for the current "ultralight cottage industry" spiel at the beginning. Leaky tents with heavy condensation that collapse in the wind, uncomfortable packs, hammocks and quilts that let in drafts instead of quality sleeping bags, ridiculously inefficient cooking gear, inadequate footwear that risks injuries and raingear that might result in hypothermia is just not the way to have a good chance at enjoying backpacking and living to tell about it. The prices are huge and warranties few. You are best off to go to a store like REI and get a basic set of fairly light and modestly priced items that have stood the test of time and then get out there and walk! With more experience, you might decide to opt for some of the "ultralight" fantasies if you live in a mild climate and understand better the inconvenience that they will cause as a trade-off for just a bit less weight, or you might choose to move to sturdier, more reliable gear if headed for the cold high mountains, or Alaska. To really save weight, instead watch how much food and water you carry and leave the electronics at home.
I'm laughing at some of your videos, first night out now. Testing what I could fit in my osprey 65 I had... really thinking a 80 or bigger is what I need for winters. Had to leave a lot of stuff I want now... guess I'll see when I wake up in am. 15f is forecasted low
Well, mostly nah. Rule 1: Buy cheap and light as possible. Most of this gear will only be used once. Look for videos with cheap and backpacking. 2: Stay away from zealots talking about how they have a base weight of two pounds and sleep under tarps/plastic bags/ etc. Anyone can suffer all night wrapped in a 4 ounce "quilt" under a dry cleaning bag. It's a religion for some. 3: Buy good shoes. 4: Add and replace when you know what you are doing. That's it.
I have an Enlightened Equipment quilt and it's amazingly warm. I bought it with the intention of backpacking and then found out that I can't hike long distances due to knee issues.
When my Apple Maps tells me “10 minutes to REI, traffic is light” I am spending way too much time and money at REI. But they did take the time to find shoes that actually fit my weird feet.
Rei has the added weight factor especially for the big three, but before the pct i was able to buy 5 pairs of my fav trail runners barely used, like used once and returned, from their 'garage sales' for $30 per pair... A $300 savings. Your editing is so funny.... 'bitches' and cutting to the sweetest old lady ever ... loved it :D
I some what disagree with buying the backpack last. If you buy it last then you will typically buy a much larger backpack and fill it with all the junk you bought. Instead buy it with the thought of the weight you plan on carrying. This will then force you to make choices on what do you really need to carry. Do you really want carry that camp chair? Do you really want to carry all those clothes. Etc.
Outdoor Vitals and CNOC are two really good outfitters that offer top quality products at prices often less than their competitors, esp. during holiday and pre-season sales.
