Here is a video of a full gear list of the BEST gear I could find for the $ (more than just the big three in THIS video) I literally spent six months searching for this stuff! 👉 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-y3ZSDxtsyCA.html
I am one of the 17%. I've watched a ton of videos and fantasized a lot recently about trying backpacking. I'm on the cusp of buying the more serious items I would need. Today, I was debating on pulling the trigger and starting to buy these items or talking myself out of it. This video really inspired me to just go for it! Thank you for this video and your whole channel.
I had been watching your channel for probably a year and a half before I went on my first overnight backpacking trip this summer. I don't have any of the expensive stuff you do and it took me a while to save up my money for my basics but after a couple friends found out I was watching the same outdoors youtube channels they were we headed out. I think the biggest push to get out the door was my friends asking me to come along. Going out on an overnight alone kinda kept me from going for a while. Thanks for working hard on your videos I can gladly say I am no longer one of your 17%. :)
Love your videos! Definitely agree that you can get out into the backcountry on a budget. I've gone slightly more budget with my set up and couldn't be happier! -Trekology UL80 sleeping pad - it's 4 inches thick and SUPER comfortable at only 26 ounces. I've never slept better on the ground. Only $40 -Teton Trailhead ($50) sleeping bag for warmer months and Teton Leef ($80) for colder -And my tent is by bessport 2 man - only about 4 lbs after switching out the stakes and only $73! As you said, SO MUCH different gear to consider. The most important thing is to get what works for you and get out into the wilderness!
Ok. So my issue with the trekology sleeping pad is that it is way too narrow, only 22.4 inches . I have bought a Klymit V insulated Luxe. It's 30 inches. Since I am a side sleeper , I think I will like it more when I go backcountry camping (when ever that may be). Now since I have all that space to toss and turn , I think I will prefer a square shaped ,extra wide sleeping bag . Teton leaf is awesome , but it's not for the side sleeping. Can you please recommend something please. Thank you so much.
@@Serious9185 30 inches wide would be super comfortable! Since I sleep on my side often as well, I've now converted to quilts, which I love. There are several good budget options (Just did a video about 3). For warmer months I like the OneTigris Featherlight Ultralight quilt ($80 on Amazon) and if it's a bit colder I like the ayamaya ($50). If I'm going in sub zero then you have to pay a little more and I like the Paria 15 Degree Thermodown quilt. I don't think it will take me down to 15F but will get me to sub zero. Have you tried a quilt before? I'm a big fan of quilts now!
Good list, Dan. Thank you! Why stray from Paria when it comes to the sleeping pad? For about the same price, you can get the Paria Recharge XL pad that is 4" longer, 1.5" thicker, and has an R value of 4.7! It is 6oz heavier than the Klymit Insulated Static V. It's a fantastic sleeping pad.
I have the Paria pad and love it. I was excited to see their bag and tent on this list as the pad has already sold me on the company. I also had the same thought.
As a 17%, I just turned 60 and I am looking to hike part of the AT and Foothills trails. My dad took us hiking on the AT a couple of times when I was a kid and have very fond memories. Looking to recapture part of the magic. I enjoy your videos because I think you look like John Krazinski's older brother, you are entertaining, and you provide good links on what to get and you actually hike a lot .
Love the content and lists. I love learning about gear and it’s uses. Im part of that 17%, and I think for me it’s been the cost involved. From gear to travel and everything that comes with it. On top of that if I were to go out it’ll be solo.
Beginning of last year I was planning to hike the PCT. Unfortunately I had an accident which curtailed the whole trip. Then came along the V! Before that I was gathering new gear. Very exciting time. This summer I done about 5 camping trips on my own. I cannot go on a hike yet, as my body still aches. This, I still yearn, to get out there after the many hiking miles.
Thanks Dan, I’m 66 and it’s been 25 years since I’ve backpacked/camped. Thanks to your videos I have the gear. Thanks to this video, I’m getting encouragement.
I'm in the 17%. Watching gear review channels like yours to get decide what to purchase. I've camped, just not backpacked. I have at least 3 friends that go regularly so I'll be going once I've got my gear together. Thanks for all the great information! I'm enjoying the videos.
Klymit was my 3rd sleeping pad (1st one was my husband's old army one, 2nd one was junky self-inflating one) and it was good till I realized I needed good sleep and I invested in a Nemo Tensor regular wide. Paria also makes a great insulated pad...heavier than Klymit but I'd take the weight penalty. Have a 15 degree paria quilt and the tent you featured, as well as the sleeping pad. Paria's customer service is fantastic too...1st quilt had a loose stitch and they sent me a whole new bag, have sent extra pad straps and also extra repair patches at no charge.
I’m apart of the 17%. I would love to start backpacking. The main reason I haven’t been is the money after the country shut down from Covid I lost my job and it’s been tough getting back on feet. Once I’m back on my feet I will definitely go backpacking. Thanks for all the awesome videos!
I absolutely love Paria Outdoors. Their products are excellent quality and for such a good price. They made me a life long customer with their customer service and products. I use their trekking poles (excellent purchase- always thought they were just for the chronologically gifted but i was proven wrong) and their bryce tents are awesome. However, if you are taller than 6 feet i wouldn’t recommend their tents. Thanks for the video. Absolutely love this channel and your assessment on gear. Your honest opinion means a lot.
Thank you Dan. Another 17% here. I've been planning to start overnight or longer hiking and was just overwhelmed with the options and opinions. Been making excuses of like "I need to increase my distance by doing longer day hikes" or "I have to make sure I get the perfect gear". Going to get out the door and just do it.
My adult son was considering a backpacking trip. His old scout gear was too small. I bought him a set of gear from River Country Products(RCP). The virus came up and he decided to stay home. I found that the $10 RCP poncho is very good. I bought several extra for my pack, day pack, and cars. Good Luck, Rick
One of the 17%, I am planning my first trip in November. I originally found your channel because of all of the funny banter that you and Kyle Hates Hiking have. I really like your channel and have found it very useful because it's geared toward the regular guys out there, not just the pro level thru-hikers (although I do watch and like many of them too)
78 YO 17%’r here. Have watched as many of your videos as I can so far, still working on it, but this one pushed me over the edge. Going to buy these three pieces of gear and hope for the best. I want (need) to find something to get me off my butt and I’ve decided backpacking with my Labradoodle Levi is it. Probably won’t break any trail miles records but hope to get back in shape and have a great time. Thanks for all your help.
I've got the static V insulated with an R value 4.4 and it is awesome. Had it for about 4 years. Keeps me warms, great for side sleeping too, 10 breaths or less to inflate. My friend has one too after he saw mine he went out and got one.
I've used the original Klymit Static V insulated for about 6 years now. It's been great. I believe it's r value is greater than their current model It blows up in under a minute with the FlexTail gear tiny pump The pump is a great 3 ounce luxury item.
I'm one of the 17% but not for long bought some gears and going to channel Island at Ventura next month. that will be my first back packing. thanks for all of your tips.
Another 17 percenter - When I was younger I did lots of hiking & ski touring, now that kids are older and wife maybe interested I'm getting back into it. The gear I once used is long gone and crap by current standards and in those days was much less a tech purchase. In the past I've hauled packs that were too uncomfortable and too heavy so I'm keen to sacrifice a few more $$ to save weight. Your vids are great information to cut through the noise to understand what gear and why I should be looking at.
I needed this video, I started down this road over a year ago and got caught up in the “noise” and trying to “keep up with the Jones’s” so I got frustrated and gave up before ever going out
Love your vids man ! So appreciate the knowledge you impart . I have bought a tent sleeping pad and sleeping bag based on your videos. And I’ve been totally satisfied with all the quality
I am an Eagle Scout, but I haven’t camped or backpacked since I was in the BSA. Excited to try it again, now that my life circumstances have changed back.
Another informative and entertaining video - thanks, Dan! Another tent I would recommend highly is the Featherstone UL Granite 2 (easily found on Amazon). It's basically a replica of the venerable MSR Hubba Hubba, but only costs around $100. Its trail weight is right around 4lbs, it's free-standing, and it has two doors and two vestibules (which I prefer to a single-door tent, but that's just my opinion). Definitely worth a look if you're in the market for a great compromise between weight and price.
I just did car camping at private campsites this year after lockdowns, as a returning camper, I spent hours watching videos like these and remembered how much I love camping but had never been a fan of wild camping.......until now.!!! my back literally can't handle more than 3 or 4 miles with a backpack (sciatica issues). but am planning localish trips and building up my lightweight gear, I saw you guys doing 20 mile hikes and thought I just wouldn't enjoy it as I prefer walking river trails with my dog to hills and mountains. so I'm sticking to low land trails and woods and forest to wild camp.
You are correct. Some of us are living vicariously. I'm literally disabled. But I was an athlete and can take the pain. Which is what got me this way. But def trying to psych myself into some trips. Short ones. Lol. But you have a good channel. Amd the fact you look and sound exactly like Jim is just comforting! Lol. Guessing you've heard that a lot. Either way though. Keep up the good work. More of a bushcraft guy but have my pack ready to go. Amd at least get out and do my solo car trips. Doing one tomorrow. I mean we all love the gear. Can't beat a tent and a fire.
Huh this video just popped for me and I realized I have some variation of all your Big 3 recommendations. An older Big Agnes Seedhouse SL2 (the Paria Bryce looks to be basically the exact same overall design), the Klymit Static V2, and a Granite Gear Blaze AC 60. Other than the Klymit they’re all about 10+ years old now and have served me very well. Love the comfort of the Klymits, and price. Solid vid.
Dan, Love your channel. Some of your audience that doesn't backpack may be like me and only bikepacks. Even though there are some dedicated bikepacking channels I get my best ideas on camping gear from backpacking channels. This video is relevant to me now (I think I watched it when it originally came out) because my 1p tent is showing age and starting to leak. I only do about two 1-week trips a year so I don't want to spend a fortune. thanks!!
Hi Dan, thanks for popping up that 30 degrees F is approx -1 degree C. All these reviews for 30 degree bags confuse me in Queensland Australia where 30 degrees is average summer. Enjoy the videos and the enthusiasm.
I was looking EVERYWHERE for this video today! I watched it a while back and this is 100% the most helpful gear video on RU-vid! Thank you so much! You made my gear list easy!!👍😅
I have done some backpacking before, but a lot of my camping is done from a kayak. But the week after next, i'll be getting back on the trails again for a small overnighter thats 10-ish miles round trip. It will be my first trip after breaking my left foot in 3 places, and needing to get screws in, as well as breaking my left shoulder. It's going to be a painful trip because while I am fully healed, I'm definitely not 100%. Theres only so much I can do before I'm back to limping. It's going to be interesting.
Well I will proudly say I am not one of the 17% !! I went on my first backpacking trip this summer. My husband and I hiked segment 8 of the Colorado Trail and it was SOOOOO AWESOME!!!! I totally get being confused and not knowing what to buy but your channel has helped me so much!! We did what u said and bought our backpacks last and I’m so glad we did! Everything fits beautifully!! We ended up going to REI to be fitted for our packs and that was awesome!!! Thanks for all of your help for us newbies!!
I am part of the 17%! I have camped before just not all off my back. Main reason I'm watching is because all of the backpacking gear works perfectly for moto camping as well! So I'm working at getting my gear setup together to go camping off my motorcycle here pretty soon hopefully.
17%er here. Had a blast buying all the gear, just need to get a day or two to get out! Competing w kids stuff, work, and hunting. Kids and me are both ready. We’ll be out of the 17% soon!
This video was soooo clutch! I’ve never been backpacking but I’m taking my first trip in a month and have absolutely no backpacking gear 😂. So thanks for this
I didn't participate in your poll... But I watch because I'm looking at getting into motocamping. Very similar, yet very different than backpacking. Similar needs for a VERY different experience. Essentially, I am gearing up to load up my Harley Road King and ride the Pacific coast from Seattle to San Francisco this summer over a few weeks and camping along the way. So weight is not nearly as critical, but pack size is. Looking for the best gear for the money, and to make myself as comfortable as I can while I'm out there.
For the record - I am part of that 17% who has not been backpacking - not since I was 12, nyway. But I have set a new series of goals, I ned to get in shape, and I am researching, to avoid the greenhorn errors. And then, I intend to definitely hit the trail.
I have spent 49% of my summer camping/outdoors. I have not yet done a backpacking trip. I car camp, houseboat with my family, and canoe trip (which I guess is a type of backpacking). I haven’t backpacked yet because I haven’t found anyone willing to go with me and that is one trip I don’t want to do solo.
I'm one of the 17% who has never backpacked. However I'm an avid adventure motorcycle camper. A lot of backpacking principles cross over into the motorcycle world, and your reviews are honest and to the point. Love what you do, keep up the great work!
I'm one of the 17% I'm 59, replacement knee, fused right wrist and riddled with arthritis. At the weekend I'm knackered and recover just enough to start the week again. Hopefully when retirement comes I will have the extra time so yes, one of the 17% living vicariously through your channel. Look at it this way, we are 17% of your income stream.
Ok Dan. It's all on the way. Trusting you. Got the 0 degree bag and will buy the Crown 3, but otherwise I stuck to your suggestions. I'm 66 with some, but minimal, experience. Wish me luck!
Since this was a best bang for the buck video. How about the best video. Cost not a factor, what’s the best you can get. Beat for weight. Best for function and durability and best for comfort. Geared toward the different crowds, ultra light, milsurp and weekend warrior/sleep matters crowds
Fuel is optional lol, cold soaking is a thing. Also the Paria thermodown 15 quilt is great. In below freezing temps I had the foot box open for airflow and wore only underwear and it was great! First quilt and I’m never going to a bag again
I’ve been backpacking for a good chunk of my life, but I’m also cheap. Been using a 30 year old Kelty external frame and a tarp for years. So this is a great list that doesn’t hurt too bad
I'm in the 17% I'm not afraid or anything, I'm just saving up to buy a motorcycle so I can go motocamping. In the mean time, I'm learning about backpacking gear because I'm told packability and weight very much matter on a mobike, so your gear suggestions are very relatable to motocamping. Yay knowledge! Thanks for putting in the time, money, and effort to do what you do, cause it's very helpful to the rest of us.
I’m not in that 17% but I’m adding to it. Just recently started watching your videos Dan. I’ve always wanted to to backpack but time, obligations and generally nobody to go with have made me put it on the back burner and on a bucket list. But you’ve inspired me! Things in life have simmered down and because of you, I’m going to do this! Thank you for all you do! Love your videos and wealth of info, insight of a gear nerd! 🎉❤
What's stopping me from backpacking? The local laws. Germany has like THE strictest laws regarding backpacking/camping in the wild making it extremely difficult to just get out for a weekend. For that I would have to hop over to Poland or maybe north to Danes or Swedes . But that's a lot on travel time AND money.
I'm a 67 yr old woman in the 17%. Not actually planning on backpacking but putting together go-bags for my family in case of a "bug-out" situation. We've camped in campgrounds many times, but never backpacked or hiked before. Looking to survival-prep as much as possible for as little money and with the lightest weight possible. Your videos have been very helpful, and I'm surprised that there aren't more 17%ers like me that are simply preparing to NOT have to backpack. However, when all my prepping is done, perhaps I can convince my family to actually do a trip for fun and as a trial run in case we actually do need to "bug out".
Good...Good...great...GREAT video speciali for the backpack suggestion... And that is the key to get gear and switch from one thing to the other... First getting some shure shot gear combo, and THEN according to the experiences we go to specific fine tuning gear to bring outdoors...👏👏👏
Some backpacks i own and like is Osprey "Rook 65", for the heavier loads (cheap for an Osprey. The womans version is called "Ren"), Arcteryx "Alpha FL 45", for the ultralight gear (preferably below 8kg), and i save the best for last; EVOC "CC 3L Race", for dayhikes with nothing but a few peanut butter sandwiches, some snacks, 2 liters of water, waterfilter, GPS, one of those jackets that packs really tiny, and some basic first aid stuff. Perfect size for my needs, and sits really good on the back. Even comes with a 2 liter water bladder.
Fear of taking that first step!!! My goal is to go as soon as it’s a little cooler here in the south. I finally have the gear and YES I’m being a baby!
I will camp and a lot of my gear is more aligned with car camping, but I would love to backpack; even if it meant starting off with day hikes from a base camp. As some had mentioned, it can be difficult to get the people you'd like to take hiking/backpacking to get motivated.
I'm part of the 17%. I want to go backpacking, but I spend a lot of time researching what I need and feel like I can't start till I get the right things. And then planning a trip. Idk it's daunting. But I follow a lot of backpacking channels, but haven't done it yet
I have the static insulated and it is comfy. I actually prefer it less than full. I deflate it to where my hips just about touch the bottom. I also have the klymit ksb sleeping bag. Also comfortabe with stretch baffles. It is down and quite affordable as far as down goes. Just finished the sleep system off with the klymit drift pillow. Not the best bang for your buck, but works well none the less.
Regrettably, I'm one of that 17% of your survey responders who have never been backpacking. A major stumbling block has been called "analysis paralysis." One watches RU-vid videos of competent reviewers (you being one of a very few). There is so much quality items out there--tents, sleeping systems, backpacks, clothing, etc. It is comparable to buying a new car or a house. There is an underlying fear of having bought the wrong item. In CT, it is difficult finding an outfitter that has 2-person tents set up in the store. Backpacks are easier to "touch, feel, try on." Obviously, finding a companion makes the experience much more enjoyable. Please keep up the good work!
I am one of the 17% . I have done front country for the past 4 years. The roadblocks for me in going out to the backcountry are: 1-gear (this stuff is expensive) 2- ppl to go camping with (none of my friends like to camp) So I just make plans and watch your videos.
I'm in the process of getting my gear. I already had a good pack and a good enough sleeping bag for somer and early fall bot no sleeping pad and found that ebay has really good stuff for the money
I'm part of the 17% but i got all my gear recently! I haven't been around on your channel for much time but I noticed that you don't mention REI ; although I could be mistaken. I recently got an REI passage 2 tent for about $110 and it comes with a footprint attached. Not sure if that's the best to have it attached but for a total beginner like me, its convenient. I also got the same Klymit static V and i love it!!! used it last weekend in the backyard to test and i loved it. I got it for around $55 on a super sale. My sleeping bag is a mummy bag which i don't find comfortable at all since im a side sleeper. but for $60 and it being a 20 degree bag, i took it up to get used to it (its also REI) and my backpack is a 40 liter bag i use for travel but it crams it all up enough to try it. Now all I need to do is hit the trails (not many in florida, even so the gators would come too :P ) and finally get out of the 17%!!!
I’m in that 17%! I go on dayhikes regularly and have all the gear I need for backpacking, but I’m a student in Phoenix AZ so it’s too hot to hike when I’m free in the summer. I would have to drive several hours north. But, I’m graduating this semester so looking forward to an opportunity to start backpacking!
I've been backpacking for years, but I haven't gone in a long time because I'm in Okinawa. It's miserable. The hiking part sucks, but I can't sleep at night. It's miserable and I only do it when I'm forced.
You should do a comparison of Bike Packing to Back Packing, b/c I'm actually way more interested in bike packing than back packing, but would love your opinions on things like that. B/c I take your backpacking POV into consideration and think its like 80%+ viable for bike packing too. (I haven't been either, but have the bike for it)
Dan you are amazing thanks for this budget video so quick after my dm I’m sure I’m not the only one who has asked for it but my son and I have a pretty good setup and when people ask for advice this will help us point them in the right way
The only reason I’ve never back packed is because of my age I don’t have any relatives to go with but if someone asked me to go I definitely would I’m slowly buying gear and hopefully will do my first trip next year this video definitely helped!
Oh man, I need to hear this. I have my heat and haven’t gotten out there yet. 🤦♀️ I need to just get out there. Well, when our national forests open back up here in Cali that it is.
I'm definitely part of that 17%. Mostly, it's because I have no one that is interested to go with me. Also, I'm just waiting on the tent that I want to be in stock.
Try your closed cell foam pad on top of your air mattress for warmth. Put the insulation against your body and you won't have to heat up a large volume of air.
Hi Dan, I'm not one of the 17% but only by a couple small trips. In fact I mostly canoe camp. I have a request. I watch your videos and others review gear. What I don't see are people do deeper dive reviews into a category and compare price points. For example, what are the differences between a sleeping pad under $50, $50 - $100, $100 - $200 and price unlimited. What does the addition cost at each level provide. Are the cheaper options bad or is the value of a higher priced option just better. At each level what would you recommend? Etc. You could do this for all the areas: sleep pads, bags, tents, packs, stoves, poles, etc. Etc. etc. I have found and used deep dive category reviews in other areas: guitars, wood working tools, home theater, and more. I believe something like this for camping/hiking could be a popular watch.
I've never backpacked but I want to. I'm finding it pretty complicated to actually find a trail with campsites and stuff like that because I just litteraly don't even know what to look for or know the rules.
Part of the 17% in a way- currently my reason is I’m upgrading my old camping gear- I have loved camping my entire life- and I’m an only child who has 2 parents that consider sleeping in a motel overnight, camping. I’ve gone as far as to pitching my own crappy “backpacking” tent in the backyard, and stayed in it for a week with my gf and my dog- just bc I couldn’t get time out of work etc to go anywhere.. so between upgrading and being sick for most of the decent weather (New England- so you never know what it’s gonna do lol)- I haven’t actually camped out from a backpacking trip- but, I’m halfway there with gear- might need to keep my sleeping bag for now (dog chewed it, different dog than my old camping dog lol..) I’ll need to patch or stitch it up for now- finances are honestly the only thing holding me back now- and I’m also a total gear nerd. So I totally appreciate your channel & suggestions. I can’t stand when people are clearly sponsored by a company & therefore only recommend ONE brand or refuse to mention any possible “cons” to the gear.. so, your honesty is definitely appreciated. Just bought my first hammock- so if I’m in a real hurry I suppose I could find a tarp & use what I have and try that out for a night before I commit to getting hammock-specific gear- so I’ve been picking more “multipurpose” upgrades thus far. I’ve never needed a pad for camping- I have a terrible back, maybe it’s just made for the ground lol. Who knows. Anyway- hopefully I won’t be a part of the 17% for much longer.. thanks again for the content.. you mentioned all the research you do & I flashed back to being up at 3am & deciding to look into sleeping bags vs quilts lol. 5am came pretty quickly, and that was one (of many) caffeine-fueled days & early nights. I fall down a rabbit hole and can’t stop clicking for more info!
Very well developed commercial 😂. That said, 1) budget tent goes to the River Country Products Trekker 1. After recieving my first one I was test camping in the yard and one of my dogs managed to destroy the back guy out point. Feeling that this wasn't a warranty issue but probably a weak spot, I contacted River Country and explained what had happened and that I was going to fix the tent. Well, they sent me a new one free of charge. I did fix the old one and haven't even set up the spare to inspect it. 2)sleeping bag, although a bit bulky for most I got a -5 Celcius comfort rated sleeping bag on clearance at Peavey Mart for $35 CAD and it still fits in the bottom of most 40 litre packs. 3)backpack? Well, can't really help you there. I built most of mine out of surplus army parts that haven't been produced since the 1980's! But I do intend on getting a modern internal frame ruck, maybe for next years season!
Okay, okay. I haven't tried backpacking yet because I don't know how to start as a beginner on our area despite there are 3,134 named mountains in our country. I believe I am fully equipped maybe I'm still waiting for friends invitation IF ever they want to go hiking lol. Don't worry I'll find a tour guide going with random people soon before this month ends. Just tried backpacking on a beach - that's a start. LOL
@Dan Becker. I'm a prepper. I watch your videos cause I believe an ultralight / backpacker has the best setup. I've got my stuff together. But I'm not going to lie I'm itching to go camping and one day I wish to go hiking. God bless!!
Also, don't forget a flash light so you don't trip over something while walking away from the camp fire. (I fell over a metal bench because i forgot to turn my head lamp on lol)
I'm planning a thru hike on the AT in early March of next year and have been researching packs for months and can't make up mind. 2lbs is great The sleeping bag looks great but I think I might get the zero degree bag that they have. thanks for the video.
I might recommend a Nemo Hornet tent. Crown2 is amazing. I still hike with this all the time, despite buying lighter and supposedly better packs. I like the 38 better than 60, though.
I haven't been backpacking yet but I have been wanting to for a couple years now. What has been stopping me was a lack of gear, I had camping gear and some bish craft gear, but only to use along side camping. I didnt have a good bag that could fit in my pack either. That and a tent being big just wasn't really carryable
I'm in the 17%, although not sure if you cosider day trips. I just fear that I'm not prepared for it. I've been purchasing gear slowly, so i don't think gear is the issue. I just don't know how to prepare an actual trip. Maybe you could do a video on that? I have no problem car camping, just never done a true backpacking trip.
