If you get the trick candles that you can’t blow out they work even better. I’ve carried them for years and have been really impressed with how they work.
As a PNW hiker, a backpacking umbrella has become my new best friend! Keeps me dry on the trail while still letting me stay cool. My rain jacket is great for when I’m sitting around camp, but I get too overheated hiking with it on. The umbrella is a perfect solution, especially paired with a stretchy loop to pop on the shoulder and keep it attached to me handsfree.
Regarding trekking poles, one other benefit I find is that it forces me to maintain proper posture, especially when I get tired going up hills. Where I used to start hunching over on climbs, even resting my hands on my knees, with trekking poles I stay upright and use the poles for assistance instead. It has dramatically helped me take that pressure of my back.
I agree! Trekking poles have been a major game changer for me. I am trying to hike as long as I possibly can in life so anything that takes impact of my joints and keeps my posture solid is always a plus. They also help with balance and core muscle engagement.
I used to hate on trekking poles too and recently switched. I'm tall with lengthy length and it drastically takes pressure off of my knees, especially when going downhill.
two items I'd like to add: 1. Sea to Summit Kitchen Sink. It comes with a tiny pouch, so t takes up literally no space and the pouch comes with a belt loop. Ideal if you come to a stream and you want to get water out quick. Also great if you want to wash away from a stream so as to not have the washing water pollute the stream. 2. a small sewing kit. Basically a small pouch with 6 sewing needles and thread. Other than duct tape, there is no more versatile repair kit around. I had a seam give on one of my boots on day 2. I spent an hour, slowly building a repair seam. They held until the end of the trek. I have to add on trekking poles. At age 66, my reflexes aren't what they used to be. The poles give you that little bit of extra stability that prevents you from going over when the ground is suddenly not what you thought it was.
Just a tip, compress the compression sack by kneeling on it with your knee so that the straps are not under tension. It’s a lot easier / compresses more. But it is also a good idea because a lot of compression straps will not stand up to the way you were using it for very long.
@@machbaby I have a slightly larger, waterproof compression sack that, simply, after I carefully tuck the top of the sack within the cover, I sit on it! Then, once I'm centered, I pull the opposite draws up toward me until the entirety is tightly bundled into a little ball. Easy peasy! ☺☺
I quit using compression bag for my sleeping bag. Had always some issues with fitting this small, hard, sometimes odd shaped ball in my pack. When in a drybag it fits a lot better and I can fit other items better around it. Then I tigthen (compress) my backpack. Works better for me.
I never see these mentioned in essential gear, but there are two things I never go backpacking without. First is a wilderness first aid kit, with a few doses of over the counter meds thrown in. Dark Angel Medical makes a really great and very compact trauma kit that is perfect for backcountry. Second is a PLB (personal locator beacon). Both are very small and light but could potentially save you or someone else on the trail in an emergency.
To me the trekking poles are the difference between my knee being useless after the first day and not having any issues at all no matter how much distance and elevation I cover.
For me I would add a shamogh. I never knew hoe useful it was until I got one and started using it. I was amazed that every time I walk out the door that shamogh has to be with me. Fantastic in the winter and the hot summer. Love my shamogh.
I would add an emergency help item or two: a whistle for directing or broadcasting you need help, especially if soloing so help can locate you. If you are immobilized at least people might find you. Wear that on you always. Are you in densely wooded or rocky terrain? A helicopter or drone can possibly find you if you have an emergency orange blanket/tarp you can find many uses for like making a chair from a tripod rig to putting your gear and shoes out of the rain, to using as a wind break. It's added weight that may save your life!
That's a really useful way to use an emergency bivi when tent space is tight. Great tip, thanks for sharing buddy. A two berth tent often has no space for anything else when sleep mats are in place. Could keep the stove and pans etc under cover too and wet boots won't get any wetter. That's been one of those "why didn't I think of that moments ! "
I’ve watched lots of backpacking videos that talk about socks. I’ve never seen anyone bring up under armour but they have the best synthetic socks I’ve tried. They’re fitted with a right and left sock. They really help with foot fatigue and I’ve never had a blister.
Oh, & if you don't have a compression sack, dry bags are another great way to pack your bedding smaller than its stuff sack allows; the roll-top gives you a lot of power for how compressed you want it, the shape fits better into your pack as it will mold around other items better than the ss would, & the only thing to worry about is - as w. a compression sack - just making sure you don't pack it down overtight & damage the down. Obvious bonus; your precious bag/quilt is better protected from that mortal enemy of all down-item -users - moisture. :-)
I bought carbon fiber with cork handle trekking poles from my local costco for $30. The brand is cascade mountain. I think they go for around $60 on Amazon.
I have two pairs of cascade mountain tech trekking poles, and they are surprisingly durable. After 3 years only cosmetic damage. The cork is very comfortable. I replaced them this year because I got a sweetheart deal on a pair of leki corklites, $43, I couldn't say no.
I agree I preffer these poles for my tents set up and they are I think 13 oz instead of a pound like rei and black diamond. I broke one in a creek once but otherwise have beet the daylights out of the ones I have and I preffer the handle design it’s a little chunkier for my lanshen and my altaplex tents.
Darn Tough hiking socks are the cat's pajamas. Made in Vermont and carry a lifetime warranty, which I've never had to use - so it may suck, but nevertheless, great socks.
I have carbon fiber trekking poles I will be picking up some aluminum ones for peaks and rocky areas. Wind is the biggest reason, Carbon Fiber poles will blow all over in 20 mph wind tripping you at the wrong time, it happened once, to me and accuracy is effected when wind grabs your pole, the slightly heavier aluminum seems to not be influenced by the wind as much. I will see
@@arthurrsaker8893 yea my buddy picked up some Black Dimond Aluminum ones cause thats all they had left. They performed much better in the area we found our selves in, windy peaks, rock fields, but hands down I will always grab my TAC9ers if just doing valleys and mountain sides.
@@BackpackingTV Weigh is important, cause it all adds up Aluminum/Carbon, Synthetic/Down, Rip stop/Dyneema. In this case though Im looking at picking up some aluminum ones for the more exposed, rocky, and windy trails.
One important note regarding the stove windscreen. If you use a canister stove that attaches directly on top of the canister there is an explosion risk if the screen is too close, thus reflecting the heat back at the canister. Better to keep one side open and keep it far enough away from the stove to prevent canister overheating. The video shows his stove has a remote canister away from the windscreen which is good.
On the pocket stove like MSR I just use a windscreen that I made out of a beer can, super simple and it attaches to most small cups or little pots like the Stanley, wiggle it attached right where the handle meets the pot, covers the wind pretty good from the flame but leaves most of the canister and front exposed so it won’t run the risk of getting too hot. Just cut top and bottom of can and cut the middle to open up, it really works for me and the beer tastes great. When done, roll it up and stick it inside the Stanley.
I was never a trekking pole user until I decided I got tired of free-standing pole tents. Now I use trekking-pole tents and save weight and don't have to deal with tent poles anymore. I'll take the added lame-factor as a trade off for the saved weight of a simpler tent and less knee strain. They're also a handy pole for tarp shelters and lean-tos.
@@BackpackingTV for sure, there’s a time an a place for everything! I’m in an environment with a lot of trees and soft soil so rigging guy-lines and putting stakes in the ground is super easy. I still take free-standing tents on alpine treks because it’s pretty hard to drive a stake into granite!
Great video! I think GRIP6 belts would be a pretty underrated piece of gear for backpacking. I work there currently, so I would love to see that if you plan on doing one of these kinds of videos again!
I think I spent several years doing away with most of those items. If I'm not in the desert, I probably don't need a dromedary bag, and my CNOC will hold 2 liters if I need it. If I've reduced my packing list, the need for a compression sack and an organizer bag goes away. Using a hammock, any piece of clothing works well enough for a pillow. I do carry trekking poles, but I tend to only use them when I'm tired or crossing a stream or have a heavy load. Otherwise, they slow me down and make accessing a camera take longer. I also like to let the trail dictate my gait and cadence rather than hiking poles. Plus the constant clicking is annoying. A strong headlamp is definitely on all my trips. Night hiking with 50 lumens just makes the process slower and more awkward than with 150 lumens. I've also carried a windscreen for years. I just really try to figure out what I actually need, and leave the rest out of my pack and off my back.
@@AaronVets I didn't say 150 lumens is the highest setting. I said 150 lumens was enough for night hiking, which it is. My idea of a "strong headlamp" can withstand submersion, dust and cold, otherwise it isn't very useful. My primary caving headlamps tend to be in the 1000 lumen range, but I don't need that for hiking. After all, I'm hiking, not performing a SAR mission.
For years I thought that treking poles were a yuppy west coast thing or for old phone. Then the day I was on my back in the middle of a creek looking like a turtle legs and arms flailing about. I started laughing out loud so hard because in my head I could see Turtle Man me the next day I bought treking poles and I absolutely love them . plus no spider webs in your face . or twisted ankle or knees in unstable terrain.
hi Eric 🌷 My most underrated piece of equipment wud be T.P. , I got a new ? Dab cloth ? Front end of women’s gear , suppose to hang it on ur pack to dry !? Mine wud never be dry !?, I go too much Or too often! So I never heard you really ever talk about no sleeping bag liner ? I wud think 🧐 w/such exp$ quilts/bags , that u”ld wanna keep “em clean!? 🧼 I asked Dan , “ how do you get that campfire 🔥 Smoke👃💨outta ur puffy coat?” 🧥 Well, keep up ⬆️ the good work and be a good boy !!! 🥾👍 Be safe & enjoy being Out there!!! Cheryl & Buddy 😊🐾
Are you talking about a pee rag? Lots of women use them and hang them off their pack as the UV light will disinfect it. But I suppose if you're in wet cloudy climates it might not work well. As for sleeping bag liners, I use them in really cold weather. Otherwise I'm not concerned about cleanliness but I do recommend washing your sleeping bag each season. Same for the puffy coat. If you're really hanging around a campfire a lot though I recommend grabbing a cheap second hand long sleeve shirt that can go over your puffy coat when sitting around a campfire to reduce the number of holes you'll get from rogue embers that land on your puffy!
My first back packing trip was in 2003. I bought some Brasher hiking socks for £15. I still have them and use them. They are a bit thinner than when they were new but at less than a quid a year thy might just be the cheapest socks I own
Great video, Eric. Your tips make a lot of sense! As hikers get older, they find the things they thought were dorky when they were young become essential hiking gear when they become Seniors. Trekking poles are a lifesaver for your knees and joints. I'm trying to go more towards UL but still have to take my Helinox Chair Zero since I have a bad back. A sit pad just won't do it for me after a long day's hike in the Cascades.
@@swenic It won't help my back if I have to cook in a hammock as I have to lean forward. Also, I have a kyphoid neck from an auto accident over 50 years ago (my neck goes backwards bend from normal people). A hammock would put even more pressure on my aching neck.
@@debbilermond1553 right, sorry for your trouble. Almost like I want to suggest having another accident but this time in reverse ;) Take care and good luck,
@@swenic I've dealt with it for over 50 years. I wouldn't know what to do without it, LOL! You learn to cope as you get older. I don't stop - just slow down a bit. Keep on trekking! 😉
I have sent my compression sack home yesterday, because my pack is large enough and without it my sleeping bag makes for a better padding (and shifts center of gravity higher)
I use a second water pack when it is warm. This allowes me to have enough refill the camelback without a new search for water. Beside this I take the two litre version of both (camelback and second water pack). So even if it is so hot I need the full amount this is much better for me than just a single 3 litre camelback. Insteed of a pillow I usually use a pullover what is fine for me.
For an average down -7C sleeping bag, what size stuff sack would you suggest? I'm remote and need to order online and I just can't seem to grasp what size I should get.
I recently switched back to ragwool socks. My feet don’t get as sweaty in them as in mostly synthetic ones and they seem to dry faster. And when they are a little damp, my feet don’t freeze in them the way they do in Merino or other socks.
I said something to the hiking Rev once about things to try to always pack vid he did and I still haven't seen anyone post but I think that a spare pair of bootlaces should be on the list. if your lace breaks yea you can tie a knot and keep going but they never get in the right spot so pulling your laces tight might catch in an eye or you will have the knot rubbing your foot ect...
My suggestion - almost an order, actually - costs about 50 cents, and would be a high priority in my survival kit. After considering this very question for 50 years it's the closest I have come to what I would REALLY like to take - an infinite supply of paper towels. Now perhaps I'm a tad biased, as most of my backpacking has been done in very rainy places (for a living for a while), but the ability to DRY things is a high priority. Since, after careful consideration I have decided the paper towels would be too heavy, I opt for 1 of those "absorbent cloths", usually yellow, made of matted fibres, NOT woven like a "travel towel" or "microfiber cloths". They don't work so well as the fibres are twisted close together removing space for capillary action. Hair sopping after hiking in rain and don't want to get your sleeping bag damp? Blot dry, then wring it out, then repeat until COMPLETELY dry. It doesn't take long. Tent floor puddled from entering during rain? Same technique. Combined with a bar of soap (sized to the length of your trip) means you can wash and dry wherever you are. Makes a huge difference to comfort, temperature, energy expenditure, and morale. A little experimentation with brands is necessary, as some are better than others. You are looking for the finest fibres. Don't get the packs of 10: they are normally coarser fibres. Packs of 2 is the way to go. You're welcome.
Hey, I am a proponent of PTowels as well!! I tend to use two to dry off after my wash ups & dry them out to use again! I use the same two towels for a while then use them when I’m done for other chores like you mentioned. Nothin beats em & thanx as I see no one else using them very often.
I recently watched a video of someone making a DIY windscreen out of beer cans for his stove and because it was custom he sized it to fit perfectly in his cooking pot
I tried trekking poles once. Seams nice on a steep downhill to reduce the impact on my knees. On the other had I got annoyed that it got stuck on branches, small trees and so on. For now I don't use trekking poles.
I can't stand blowup pillows. Doesn't matter to me how small and compact they are because I just can't sleep on them. I just use a small compressible pillow that I roll up and tie with a string. It's worth the extra space in my pack for sure, since getting good sleep is critical.
i use a water bag that weighs 1-2 oz but holds 2-3 gallons no cap although. Good for bringing water back to camp and letting the sediment go to the bottom before pouring off the top and filtering...I also use a cnoc 3 liter for backup extra water plus gravity system
@@BackpackingTV I use the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Folding Bucket 10L to do the same thing...it has a single handle and weighs exactly 1oz...I’ve even managed to packraft it back to camp without spilling a drop a few times but it was awkward 😆 Fits in the tiny pocket watch pocket on pants with room to spare 👍 Great piece of kit like everything by StS.
I think I also learned a new word as well as about some great gear. Never heard anyone else use the word “verticality “ I have to work that one into a conversation. “Bob it appears your performance review looks like your future with us lacks any upwards verticality” just kidding and great suggestions
Inside tip: People who think that trekking poles are lame, are actually pretty lame. Up-down-crossing streams-crossing talus slopes, crossing mud... Helps your knees last longer, engages your upper body in the whole transit process... good one, Erik
Are hikers no longer wearing silk sock liners? That was all the rage 20 years ago or so it seems. But I never see anybody on RU-vid videos wearing them!
They are hard to find. I got a pair of dress socks a few years ago, on clearance, because they cost less than shipping. Never expected to use them. I gave them a try and wore them non stop year round as liners. Wore out the heels and looking for more.
For the compression sack… would that mess up a Katabatic 15 flex superdown quilt? Basically, I’m not sure how to properly maintain the quilt (it’s new) and don’t want the compression sack to mess it up. Thanks if you have experience or knowledge about this. Also… awesome hoodie! Love AGC alpaca .
Your sleeping bag will be fine IF you unpack it and store it flat or folded over a hanger whilst home. The stuff sack is only for the time that your sleeping bag is in your rucksack. Store it full out so that it is aired and dry and only stuff it whilst camping.
And it's a useful extra layer of ground insulation and protectionunder any sleep mat. If punctured, loss of air is restricted to only a few cells or maybe only one with no noticeable loss of warmth.
I lean more towards comfort and functionality than weight savings. I honestly almost never weigh my kit but it’s probably just over 20 lbs base weight.
I’ve seen hikers buy canned food items and then have no way of opening them. They should be carrying a P-38 or P-51 military style can opener, they are ultra light and can be put on a keychain.
The only multi-fuel stove I've really used is the MSR Whisperlite International. It's a great stove, although slightly bulkier than the normal Whisperlite. I have cooked on it using literal gasoline and while it works, it burns very dirty and leaves your cooking equipment very black and covered in soot. Use white gas whenever possible and gasoline only as a backup with no other options.
@@BackpackingTV It s not really for cooking but i m looking for a way to heat up the watercell x for the shower. The sun doesn t heat the bag. So i though a folding pan that goes on a stove,i think Sea to Summit has those, one liter ,and with a multifuel stove, because gas tank are not commun in countries i travel to, would do the job......
The down is great because it is so compressible. I don’t think you’ll have any issues with compressing it over and over again. However, it’s definitely better to not have your bags or down compressed for storage when you’re not using it. Use the large bags, or better yet, build a hanging system for them in between trips.
4:49. Slight correction. Trekking poles aren't lame. They're pretentious. It's like the guy who shows up at the local bar with his own pool cue in a case. :D Seriously, I think they get a bad wrap mainly because of *how* they're used. I see lots of people at State Park nature trails ... the loops that you can practically use a wheelchair in ... walking around with trekking poles. So, they just look super over-the-top in 90% of the times I see them used.
Running style tight shorts/underwear! I tend to get chafing on the inside of my thighs and that is a thing of the past since wearing that kind of underwear :)
About those waterbags... how do you make sure they stay mold free? It's not like you can turn them inside out to give it a good clean, right? Also they used a dark colour, so it makes spotting black mold harder. I really would like to get one, but I can't commit without knowing how to clean them correctly.
Use the same stuff that mummys use for sterilising babies feed bottles teets etc. In UK it's called Milton. Doubtless there is a North American equivalent available in any pharmacy/drugstore.
Exactly why I was thinking of going with the Hydrapak Pioneer 10L (basically a large version of the same bladders that come with Osprey bags) for car camping and then just bringing an extra 2.5L or 3L Hydrapak bladder when backpacking! They are so easy to clean inside as you can fit your whole hand in!
I am so confused by all these hiking pillows I keep seeing in these types of videos? I have always used my sleeping bag stuff sack filled with any clothes I’m not wearing and it’s a great pillow and zero extra weight and cost? I would totally understand taking a pillow case if you want a soft fabric but like?
I get it. I did the extra clothes in a shirt thing for about twenty years. When I switched to a pillow I didn't realize how much it would improve my sleep. I kick myself if I ever forget my pillow and have to go back to the old way.
