10 Controversial Backpacking Gear Items I Carry (Hate Me If You Want!)

There is no gear that everyone would agree is perfect, but some gear gets a lot of hate. Some of that is gear that I carry. In this video, I cover some of the controversial hiking gear I carry, and explain why it makes sense for me.
Gear in this video:
Nalgene: amzn.to/3rH2mus
Sawyer filter: alnk.to/cSH9ABa
Backpack strap water bottle holder: www.etsy.com/listing/94415432...
CNOC bag: amzn.to/3uoAeKd
Osprey reservoir: amzn.to/3D7BqFx
Backpack rain cover: amzn.to/3FHlaxn
Aimenzunto 5000mAh power bank: amzn.to/3M5r9OW
Anker 20000mAh power bank: amzn.to/36Agfjk
Evatronic 20000mAh power bank: amzn.to/3Pc3HjF
Lixada Solar Panel: amzn.to/3LlsMZs
FlextailGear Tiny Pump X: amzn.to/3KXKsb0
Flyfish body pillow: amzn.to/3pN0DiG
Apple wired earbuds: amzn.to/3Qj5UN3
pStyle: www.thepstyle.com/?aff=51
UDAP No Fed Bear canister: amzn.to/3PJkVqW
Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @wanderingswitchback
00:00 Intro
00:36 Items 1 & 2
03:43 Item 3
04:21 Item 4
05:12 Item 5
07:01 Item 6
08:14 Item 7
08:57 Item 8
09:50 Item 9
10:43 Item 10
**MY GEAR**
All Good Mineral Sunscreen: amzn.to/3S5ViCc
Alpine Parrot Ponderosa Pants: alnk.to/d3AVBAg
Bear Vault Bear Canister: bit.ly/3CsHREz
BZE 40" Selfie Stick: amzn.to/3PPDKcW
Campingmoon Gas Transfer Device: amzn.to/3wqPuZp
CNOC Vecto Dirty Water Bladder, 28mm: bit.ly/3CvnTJb
Coghlans 55L UltraSil Pack Liner: amzn.to/3L9mqts
Crocs: amzn.to/3vgFrbr
Deuce of Spades Ultralight Trowel: bit.ly/3CMMp91
Durston X-Mid 2P Tent: durstongear.com/product/x-mid-2p
Garmin Fenix 7 GPS Watch: alnk.to/4qKW1p5
Garmin inReach Mini 2: alnk.to/eZGfmib
Gear Aid Tenacious Tape Repair Tape:
Get Out Gear Down Blanket: amzn.to/3gfHzIZ
Get Out Gear GOAT Stix Trekking Poles: amzn.to/3JE6xx8
Get Out Gear Trek Chair: amzn.to/3Ny2ROm
Hilltop Packs Waist Pack: bit.ly/3VfO5hH
Klymit V Seat Inflatable Seat Cushion: bit.ly/3VfFQCY
Kula Cloth: lddy.no/19cba
Libovgogo Lantern: amzn.to/3JMWNkf
LiteOutdoors 1/8" Guy Line and Stake Set: amzn.to/3LawAdF
MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe Backpacking Stove: alnk.to/aeXMShj
Nemo Tensor Extreme sleeping pad (I use the regular wide): alnk.to/eDQJoGz
NiteCore NU25 Headlamp: bit.ly/3MmhUd8
Osprey Ultralight Stuff Waist Pack: alnk.to/5Q4QlVK
REI 650 Down Jacket: alnk.to/gVKJFf2
REI Flash 55 Backpack: alnk.to/fwqwixz
REI Sahara Shade Hoodie, Women's Plus-Sized: alnk.to/bPcHq3z
Sierra Designs Down Pillow: amzn.to/3ivULqG
Six Moon Designs Sun Umbrella: bit.ly/3GMUvkv
Skratch Labs Hydration Electrolyte Mix: amzn.to/3UfYsD0
Sunski Headlands Sunglasses: bit.ly/3CE46rm
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Foam Pad (mine is the older version): alnk.to/hDpLAyU
Toaks Titanium Long Spoon: bit.ly/3rKsotb
Topo Ultraventure Women's Trail Running Shoes: alnk.to/8tOd7lP
I get most of my food recipes from Backcountry Foodie: backcountryfoodie.com/aff/60/
Socials & Support:
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It's official- we have MERCH!! If you're interested, you can find it here: wanderingswitchback.etsy.com
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All opinions are my own. If I have received something of value from a company, I will always disclose as much. Whether I have received something of value or paid for it on my own, I will ALWAYS give an honest opinion, based on my own experience with said piece of gear.
DISCLAIMER: Some of the above links may be affiliate links, which means that if you click, I may receive a small commission. This is an opportunity to support this page and keep it going with no additional cost to you. Thank you for the love and support!!

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Share your controversial gear in the comments!! Let's hear it! If you're already a subscriber, thank you!! If you haven't yet subscribed, please consider supporting this channel by subscribing. Comments, likes and shares all help as well! Share these videos so that we can get the word out, and help more people enjoy the outdoors safely and responsibly. Join this channel to get access to perks: kzbin.info/door/N6KyhgPUyhxeDk0sVngYJAjoin I also have a Patreon! www.patreon.com/wanderingswitchback

[@TheScottishKayaker]

As a kayak camper I love grabbing the "cheaper yet heavier" options the back packers snub because I have the room. I have a cast iron skillet that will be pulled from my cold dead hands before I go camping without it lol

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Cast iron is underrated! I’ve actually done backpacking with it before. But definitely easier with a kayak!

[@MG-ze3lf]

I carry my camp chair. A lot of people frown on that but once you hit a certain age a log just doesn't cut it anymore. Lol. I want comfort at the end of the day.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

That was on my list, too! I use a high-back chair. Something about sitting back with that support, especially with back issues, is 100% worth the weight.

[@AllThingsConsidered333]

Camp chair for me too! Achy body from chronic Lyme so now that I’ve tried the chair, I will always bring it

[@anninwhack1998]

Thanks for the tips legitimizing bringing what works for you. I also carry a Nalgene except the most unusual circumstances. I got a special hose adapter off etsy to use it as a reservoir. Also I take 2 pillows but I use one of my daughters old poly cotton toddler tshirts to put them together. 😊

[@WanderingSwitchback]

I love creative ways to make gear work for you! Both great ideas!!

[@UnlikelyHiker]

Awesome thumbnail, epic intro 😂 Haters always gonna hate! I always carry a full bath size pack towel! It has a million uses and I know a huge towel is overkill but I don’t care! I love it! Carry what you want! I always carry a Nalgene when it’s cold out. Ruby prefers water from my bladder but I only use that on day hikes. She’s a princess lol 😂

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thanks, Melissa! I questioned the thumbnail (I always end up with several iterations!)! I have a couple of those towels I bought years ago. I carried them for awhile, but unless I anticipate swimming, I don't take them anymore. But gear you can use for so many things is the best! These dogs, I swear! 😂 Emma's a total princess, too! Sadly, she's out of shape now and her paws aren't used to the trail anymore, so she can only do shorter hikes now, unlike when I was hiking much more regularly. 😔

[@UnlikelyHiker]

@@WanderingSwitchback it’s all good, maybe restart with more regular but short hikes? I had a dog that literally hated hiking. At 114lbs when he decided he was done and stopped on the trail I also had to stop. That happened once when he was full size… After that he had to stay home 😂 He was a happy couch potato!

[@WanderingSwitchback]

@@UnlikelyHiker yup, we're trying to get her out more again. It's better for everyone! It used to just be me taking her out, but now Mountain Goat is taking her, too, which is great. We're trying to go more often and build her back up.

[@theoutdoordogandhikinggirl]

"Untill you are carrying my backpack, I am carrying what I am carrying"... That's briljant 😂 Oh men... the Pstyle....that thing is a game changer for me 😊

[@WanderingSwitchback]

We each get to do our own thing, right? I feel like people have such strong opinions about what others carry, and I'm like, yup, my pack is heavy, but my legs are the ones hauling it! I LOOOOOOOOVE my pStyle! I swear I have mentioned it more than anything else in so many videos!

[@theoutdoordogandhikinggirl]

@@WanderingSwitchback true, people have comments on everything 😔 ☺️I mention my Pstyle a lot as well on my channel.

[@Findraen]

I get a lot of weird looks because I use an external frame backpack. I've thought of getting something else, but I really like how easy it is to attach things to, like my tent, bear canister, or foam sleeping pad. It's also easier for me to get on and off because I can grab onto the frame to help me manage it. I also have a power bank, but mine is about 3x3 inches with a built in solar panel. And sometimes my knitting comes with me, too.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

External frame packs are what I call the Unsung Heroes of backpacking! I wish I hadn't donated mine years ago. I always say something when I see them on the trail!

[@panhandlejake6200]

I started using a solar panel on my last trip because I had a long distance between "power stops". I used a panel very similar to the one here - 10 W (more like 5W) and 3 oz. I charge a 5000 mAh bank which also weighs 3 oz. It worked far better than I had expected - even with two days of constant drizzle where I could not use the panel. I kept my watch, InReach, camera and headlamp all fully charged - and the battery bank was nearly fully charged when I ended the rip. I am a convert. I have also resigned myself to using my Bear Vault on pretty much every trip - because I tend to hike in areas with bear populations. I wish there was a lighter APPROVED option.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

That's great! I'm glad you had such a good experience with your solar panel. I am a recent convert myself, but I see it coming on most trips moving forward! Hopefully someday there will be lighter canister options. I have a Bear Vault as well (I have 3 different canisters).

[@nanciparoubek3256]

every hiker/bike packer etc should have the chance to figure out what works for them, more enjoyment means more chances to appreciate the wilderness. Have never been able to adjust to the taste of reservoirs, nalgenes do last but my favorite bottles are an older style gatorade bottle because the outside texture helps me hold them. Frustrating to drop water after filtering. Agree the various "pee aids" helpful-no one wants mosquito bites there.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Totally agree! One trick I learned with the reservoir taste is to blow back out of the tube after drinking. It's actually the TUBE that's the culprit more than the actual reservoir. I have noticed a big difference doing this. I'm glad you have bottles that work for you- grip is crucial! I deal with grip issues as well, so I can totally understand that one. Are you able to get new ones if those old ones eventually quit on you?

[@nanciparoubek3256]

the new ones have same top-so have replaced that, but when bottles go I'll have to find a new plan

[@WanderingSwitchback]

@@nanciparoubek3256 I hope you find something that works at least as well. If I come across something, I'll mention it, because I'm all about trying to help people with limitations get out there, and I understand the poor grip situation all too well myself.

[@4costanza]

I carry an old pur/katadyn water filter. People think its silly because of its bulk and weight, but invariably they ask to use it because its easy and fast and does its job well.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

If it's working, why not? I'd like to get the MSR Guardian at some point. Even though it's overkill, just to have the improvement in flavor in nasty water would be worth it!

[@solsurvivor5899]

I don’t like people thinking what works for them is the standard everyone else must abide by. I have a fairly heavy somewhat “tactical” and a little bit cowboy setup. My kit has evolved over the years and every year I like it more than I did the year before. I have a friend that makes way more money than I do and constantly rips on the cheaper gear I have. So out of touch, some of my stuff is high end, some mid, and some super cheap. I learn and sometimes the gear works for me and sometimes it doesn’t and I move on from it.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Totally agree! Part of what's cool about something like backpacking is that there IS such a variety of gear out there, and we can figure out what works for US individually. But there will always be that sense of Keeping Up With the Joneses, no matter what world we're in. Some have it more than others.

[@slickwillie3376]

I like the bear canister idea, the stool part too.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

It really simplifies my backpacking life, especially when I'm already tired!

[@annej5699]

One of my Nalgene bottles I have had about 35 years. It's a shape and cap size they don't make anymore. It has seen a LOT of use over the decades, including a lot of dishwasher runs. The lip has finally formed a partial chip (sliver still stubbornly attached), so I have declared it no longer safe for food use. I'm bummed. It's my favorite and most versatile Nalgene bottle. But I have several more and will continue to buy and use Nalgene when I don't need insulated or cooking-tolerant. I occasionally have to replace my Nalgene bottles, but that's because family members claim them or I give them away. My old favorite is the first one to wear out on me.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Those things are pretty much bomb-proof!

[@sulj3373]

Thanks for the full explanations on everything. Hope I get to do a little hiking someday.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

I hope you get out there! Start with something small and local!

[@dmo9025]

Yes Yes Yes, I like you.... I respect through hikers but i empathize with everyone else. But that is the fun of dialing in what works for you.👍

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you! Yes, we each get our own twist on our gear as we gain that experience with it!

[@daven.7685]

Love the intro, Suz Anne! Lovingly said!

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thanks Dave! Luckily, we get to choose what we haul around! 😊

[@Charyl.w.an.A]

I loved this! 👏🏼 I love extras! I never go backpacking without my helinox UL chair! & plenty of power! I love my AirPod Pros in transparency mode (so I can hear what’s around me), I got tired of the cord on regular ear pods catching on things and ripping out of my ears.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

The cord can definitely get caught on stuff, even on my trekking poles occasionally! I wish I could do Airpods, but they just don't work well for me, and I am SO good at losing things! 😂

[@austinburns4213]

Great video. Bear hang is the worst pain in the butt. Also, love that wide mouthed Nalgene to chug water - can’t stand to get that little squeeze spray from a bottle - totally unsatisfactory. Gimme some water dagnabbit.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

I fully concur!

[@sparkyswearsalot]

Your delivery is on point. 😄

[@WanderingSwitchback]

I appreciate that!

[@naturemusic88]

I agree, a lot! I'll always use Nalgene, I've backpacked at every weight 160, 180, 200 & back down. I like my backup battery, here to learn.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Heck yeah! Keep getting out there!

[@melindalaubscher9447]

I carry many of the same things you do. I use a reservoir after trying a without it for all the reasons you list and went back for all your other reasons. I do carry a smart water bottle, which I use for electrolytes, but fill using a cnoc bag and sawyer. I found a cool hose contraption on Etsy that has a cap with adapters that fit a Nalgene and a smart water bottle. It was a bit pricey and took forever to arrive (from Israel and I’d forgotten that I ordered it) but it’s worth it. Yes to a pillow, flex tail, and 2 power banks along with a battery case on my phone. A tad paranoid about running out of juice.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

I think I have an unhealthy fear of running out of battery power on the trail! Even at home I get panicky if my stuff isn't charged up. I keep hearing how awesome those tube adapters are. I'll have to try one out! I use an Osprey soft flask for my electrolytes. I got them for trail running to use with my hydration vest, but I also really like them for backpacking, and they take up zero space when they're empty. It ends up in my waist pack while I'm drinking it.

[@caminodantoo]

Ooh at last someone presenting who isn’t either shouting at the camera or twelve years old. What a breath of fresh air. For me, water bottles are leather boats. One under each arm, this means even if I take my pack off my liquids are attached to me, I can even sleep with them in place. Someone mentioned external frame back packs, great, I’ve yet to actually acquire one, in the meantime I’ve used the bomb proof Lowe Alpine Skyline for the last thirty years. My only really go too instrument is a Swiss Army Knife. It’s as old as my back pack. Earphones I have no idea about yet, the same for power banks and solar panels. In my country we ate the last of the bears about five hundred years ago. We still have them in zoos but that’s mainly for their own safety. Your lady device, I have no use for but am curios as to wether you can write your name in the sand,yet? Thank you for a great video.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Haha, I could probably write my initials, at least! Welcome to the channel! I had something similar to your Lowe back in high school (30 years ago) when those internal frames were brand new technology. I wish I still had that and my internal frame pack! I can't even remember what brand my internal frame pack was (the external frame was a green Jansport). Still using a Swiss Army Knife, too!

[@caminodantoo]

@@WanderingSwitchback, initials, well they’re worth celebrating “WOO HOO!” Maybe we ought to start up our own “Initials Olympics”, whilst out on the trail. I’ve been looking at external frame packs on the web. Somehow my middle aged brain has figured out that it could make one of those. So far I have a stack of old canvas and a pile of something resembling kindling and sawdust. Well it’s early days….another SAK user, “WOO HOO”, more things to celebrate….

[@Encyphix]

Agree across the board but am still throwing bear hangs cuz I'm not usually in that country often enough to mod that hack. Nice work, as usual👍

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you so much!

[@SeniorHiker77]

Very good information. Love your commentary.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you! ❤

[@brisketchick]

I’m with you on pretty much everything you said. Only exception is I don’t like refilling a reservoir when backpacking, so I bought a tube system that fits to my Nalgene. I love being able to sip while I’m hiking, but sometimes I also love being able to stop and take those sweet gulps of water. My rig makes it easy to do both. I still use a reservoir for day hikes, though. I have one that started leaking (only slightly) where the tube connects to the reservoir, but it’s also 25 years old and was an off brand, so I’ll give it a pass!

[@WanderingSwitchback]

I've debated trying one of those tube kits for water bottles! Part of my problem, too, is that the side pockets on my pack have other dedicated jobs at this point, so I couldn't really fit a water bottle in there now. I'm sure I could make it work another way if I really tried, though!

[@brisketchick]

@@WanderingSwitchback that makes sense! I'm still able to put other things in those pockets too, but obviously that depends on your pack and what items you're putting in there. Fwiw, if you ever want to give it a try, the "One Bottle Hydration" brand works great. 100% recommend

[@WanderingSwitchback]

@@brisketchick I'll have to check it out!

[@ev6377]

I agree with most of it..although the flextail pump won't work for me as it's too loud. But to be fair, I won't be bothered to hear the pump from others but I'm not comfortable to cause that kind of noise haha. Pump sack works fine and can be used as storage for clothes/gears as well - just put it inside the pack liner tho 😊

[@WanderingSwitchback]

I totally agree that the pump is loud, and can see why that would deter you. No stealth camping with that thing! Even when I take a pump sack, I never end up using it for anything else! I KNOW I can, but it never occurs to me until it's too late! 😂

[@skadbeau]

Kind of a genius “hack” to wear corded earphones - because I can for sure see me losing an ear bud !

[@WanderingSwitchback]

I'd have lost so many by now if I didn't do this!

[@ScottMitchell2]

Two pillows.... Sweet! 😁I'm a light weight packer but I totally agree with the things you carry and I'm the same way with getting good rest. I didn't even know there was such a thing as the p thing but it definitely looks useful

[@WanderingSwitchback]

There are quite a few of them on the market, but this design is what works best for me. One of those things I didn't know I needed, but MAN I love it!

[@benbrown5159]

Good video! I use a lot of the same gear as you. Try picking up a GRAYL GeoPress for a water purifier solution, as well as a water carrier to drink from. You can fill your Nalgene bottle with it too. BTW, You sound a lot like Liz Miele, the stand up comedian.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

I will have to look her up! I've heard good things about the GRAYL purifier. If I need something more at some point, like if I do an international trip, that would probably be the way I'd go. Otherwise it would have to be a MSR Guardian.

[@AllThingsConsidered333]

If I’m on a hike longer than 8 miles, I use a 2L bladder in my pack. I fear getting too thirsty bcs I deal with chronic dehydration so I also take a couple bottles of electrolyte drinks as well - seems to work way better for me than taking the capsules. I also often take a 10k-20k powerbank, my iPhone, my 300mm Nikon, and possibly also my 10x? binoculars.. depending on the trip lol

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Awesome! I sometimes wish I had my binoculars, because of course we get to see amazing things in the backcountry! Electrolytes are critical. I had to learn that one the hard way.

[@reaganwiles895]

This video popped up in my recommended and wow it was so well done!! Subscribed! (Also I will live and die by Apple wired earbuds.)

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you so much! Welcome aboard! And yes, I will keep going wired for as long as they make them!

[@natehikes]

Digging the channel. Thanks for the content!

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you so much, Nate! Welcome!

[@leannewalters8518]

Do you have a link for that solar panel? I didn't see it in the description.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you for that! I just added it, but here it is as well: amzn.to/3LlsMZs

[@leannewalters8518]

@@WanderingSwitchback thank you 🙂

[@GeoffreyBaker]

Mostly agree with you, although I don't take nalgene - just 2 cnocs and a sawyer bag, plus hydration tube running off a cnoc.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Do you use one of CNOC's collapsible water bottles, or the 2 or 3L bag? I love my CNOCs, so I can totally see the appeal of using that with a tube!

[@beckynelson4933]

I like a lot of these despite trying to keep it very lightweight. What's your favorite affordable bear canister?

[@WanderingSwitchback]

I have an old version of the UDAP No Fed Bear (back when Frontiersman made them) amzn.to/3uhaQ9a and a Bear Vault (mine is the 500, which may be overkill for most). bit.ly/3CsHREz

[@hoser7706]

How dare you use tried and true gear!? Nalgenes and bladders have bedn great for years! Good on ya using them. Subbed right after you taight me it is possible to blow a tent out with a Flextail!! 🙏🏻

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Welcome aboard! The audacity of using what works for each of us, right?

[@davidburgess5689]

You remind me of the batista from loudermilk

[@WanderingSwitchback]

I hope that's a good thing! I've never seen it.

[@charlesscott1849]

You look familiar? Are you a former police officer from Florida?

[@WanderingSwitchback]

No, sorry. I have never even visited Florida (or been a LEO). One day I'll visit!

[@endosquid]

It's shocking how aligned we are on gear thoughts AND haircut.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

😂 I mean, you can't argue with taste, right?

[@matthewhadtrespasses4195]

Always pack a gun and a pillow

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Safety and comfort!

[@olddad67]

😂

[@WanderingSwitchback]

😉🙃