20 Thru Hiking Tips in 6 Minutes for Your FIRST Thru Hike

[@OscarHikes]

Since you all asked for it, here's part 2, where I show another 25 thru-hiking tips! 🙂 kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIbZhYqYoZWDfpY

[@Ryan-yi5ro]

Pronounced "keen-wa".

[@funnybeingme]

I've done all my thru-hikes with an inflatable pad. A good nights rest is important and most people cannot get a comfortable sleep in those closed cell foam pads, esp for side sleepers.

[@burgermind802]

💯

[@aaronfalzerano9432]

I started my thru hike with a closed cell pad, but as it got colder I bought an inflatable and used both! (also I trimmed my closed cell to only fit my torso for weight purposes)

[@Notagain640]

Closed cell foam matt = zero sleep, sore back and stiff shoulders. Fine if you're in your teens, but now I'm over 50, no chance.

[@ancymonek1984]

@@aaronfalzerano9432 I quite often use both as I get cold easily :) But my inflatable mattress occupies very little space and is very light

[@joekrusec9066]

@@Notagain640Closed cell foam was never “fine” in my teens, just didn’t have any money😂

[@sunnithrasher-lewis5768]

Of course you should make a part 2, and 3, and 4… Your message is clear, no nonsense, I learned new things, you are experienced and knowledgeable, and I didn’t have to spend 20 minutes listening to a bunch of information that didn’t need to be said. In short, I was in-and-out quickly, learned something, well spoken, and I’m back on the trail again. You are the type of content creator I hope to find, when searching for an informative video. 😊

[@chrishennemeyer7276]

Always good. No product placement or self-promotion, just practical tips.

[@ShelbyWalkerAdams]

Oscar, this was amazing. I've been binge watching hiking channels on KZbin for almost two years. Dixie, Dan Becker, Kyle hates hiking to name a few. And This is the first time in over 6 months that I've actually heard NEW info that I had never heard before. That is quite a feat. Thank you for providing me with a useful way to restore the flow to my Sawyer! And for teaching me how to dry my socks overnight! I LITERALLY was thinking about that today as I walked my dog in the pouring rain this morning. I was like, "if we were backpacking I would have wet socks tomorrow morning. I need to figure out a way to dry them overnight." God was listening. LOLOLOL!

[@silvermediastudio]

How did you find all the worst hiking channels before this one

[@brianburkart]

Thank you for information over a life story. No fuss, straight forward. Hopefully I find more like this.

[@dread2884]

My kind of video, short precise information without all the waffle. Brilliant. I'm sure that I can find a 20 minute tutorial on cleaning a water filter but who has the time for that. Subscribed.

[@yotasappalachianthruhike1814]

I have always used an inflatable pad on my triple crown thru hikes. It depends on how you sleep. I hate the accordion pad because I am a side sleeper. Don’t judge pads

[@fieldshore4422]

Good to see you again. I liked your tip about summiting in the afternoon (*morning) to avoid inclement weather. I'll also add, if there's deep snow on the ground and sunny weather, the heat from the sun can start to melt the upper crust of the snow and cause you to posthole (your legs are sinking deep into the snow) in the afternoon, risking injury or disaster. Always try to summit snowy passes and cross snow fields in the morning to minimize this risk. Hope to see more content in the future, Oscar.

[@Jakelol1980]

I would say always bring a inflatable sleeping mat unless you want to have a bad nights sleep. Just buy one that weights 500g/1lbs or something like that.

[@RC-qf3mp]

And you are a newb. Congratulations

[@Oldsparkey]

I have tired all sorts of pads and always go back to my Therm-A-Rest self inflating mummy style full length pad. Haven't had it to long , right around 30 or more years. I tend to take care of my equipment. Using the same Candle lantern since 1971.

[@adrienmoritz1036]

Against shepherd dogs : don't threaten them with your poles, avoid the flock, walk slowly place your poles between you and the dog, talk to them in a very quiet way, don't run

[@safasilvana9313]

Well said☺️ maybe to add: Don't look them in the eyes. It's offensive for animals

[@michalurbanful]

I mostly moved to the inflatable sleeping pad because of the comfort. I put it inside of my sleeping bag. I've got the Klymit V Static Insuladed "winter pad" and even though that's an overkill in the summer it's bloody comfortable. I like the simplicity of the folding mat though.

[@maguslascivious4980]

and this is KEY. A GOOD nights sleep makes your next day MUCH better..

[@d.2110]

Flextail now sells the tiniest lightest pump 'zero' that can inflate and deflate your airbed in less than two minutes. I love not having to do anything for that too haha

[@michalurbanful]

@@d.2110 I hear ya! But the Klymit needs like 10 , maybe 15 inhales to get hard (lol). I prefer having less stuff. :)

[@wilsonov87]

I heard on one tips video that it's better to inflate with one of those inflation bags when you're in colder weather because the moisture from your breath makes cold.

[@erickirlwood8123]

Just found Oscar Hikes and these 20 tips are the best especially the sock dry technique and the shoelace tie tips. Will definitely tune into what ever Oscar wants to share. Please do move videos .

[@gud2go50]

Yes, please! I enjoyed this video. It should be mandatory for all hikers to watch.😊

[@ed8054]

One thing I always recommend is getting a dehydrator. Its entirely possible to use an oven for certain things, but it is more convenient to use a dehydrator in my experience. They arent that expensive with many good ones coming under 100$. I can dehydrate fruits, veggies, and even meat. I make my own dehydrated meals that come out to about 5-10$ (the price mostly depends on how much and what kind of meat I am using). The 10$ meals are much larger and contain more protein than the mountain house 10$ meals. I save around 5-10$ per trip making my own snacks and meals. I also save A TON of money on beef jerky and dehydrated fruit throughout the year.

[@wobblysauce]

Just wash your cooked meat as fats don't dehydrate well and can affect the storage time.

[@carl8568]

A lot healthier too, the commercial dehydrated meals are not just expensive, the ingredients list usually turns me off entirely with all kinds of unhealthy additives.

[@danielconn6697]

I was happy at the way you delivered you tips very quickly and concise.

[@hannah9419]

Love the quickfire format! Straight to the point, perfect!

[@kolsen6330]

After years of back country camping, and trying lots of fancy sleeping pads, I went back to the old fashioned plastic inflatable one. Nice and thick providing good insulation and padding for hips. You can put it directly on snow and stay warm. In summer, it also makes a fun raft for floating around a lake. They are also very cheap compared to the fancy ones.

[@Wassenhoven420]

I like those too in the cold, but good luck backpacking with one haha

[@chrish4439]

​@@Wassenhoven420Literally easier. They pack to 1/5th the size and weight almost nothing more.

[@dad102]

Dude, this is so good. No fluff at all.

[@northernswedenstories1028]

I wouldn't say the difference in weight between a quality air mat and a foam mat is enough to justify the difference in comfort levels. Foam mats are never comfortable.

[@silke5057]

Actually I carry both around 😅

[@VoyagerEugen]

You always can get used to less comfortable pad, never to punctured/deflated one

[@Mfhollander2]

@@VoyagerEugen Ive never had anything worse than a slow leak and I always bring a mattress patch kit. Foam pads suck.

[@da1uth]

@@VoyagerEugenthat very much depends on age and fitness level. Personally I am too old for that

[@chrish4439]

Ya that part cracked me the fuck up. Even if you are going real ultra light the smaller pack size and comfort more than outweigh the tiny weight difference.

[@GorgoScrobo]

For ankle slip, there is that last set of holes where you’re actually supposed to make the loop. I could never sacrifice my light inflatable sleeping pad with only a closed foam system. I use both actually. Not much weight for sleep. Sleep is king.

[@Jakelol1980]

I agree sleep is the most importent ting after food and water becuase without good sleep you wont enjoy the next days hiking.

[@brycegaudette5916]

Personally never had problems with the inflatable pads. The air inside offers great insulation combined with my bag and I can deflate and roll it up very tightly since I can push out air as I’m rolling it. Sometimes even tighter then a foam pad.

[@sdfsdf421df]

namely - most of minimalists goes like: you don't need X. But truth (for me) is, that sleeping on foam matt (thicker that one on video) leaves you (far) less rested. Even if you sleep on 2 foam ones it's still much worse. And on my last hike I made fatal error; I gave my pillow to kid and instead of buying extra one I slept on sweater. I could have at least cram it into dry sack, but no, I did it old school to avoid noise. What a miserable experience that was. When it comes to comfort and being rested best you can, even if inflatable pad + pillow is heavier(it's probably not or not that much), it pays for it.

[@RoughingItWithRuth]

Yes, please make a part 2! This was so much fun to watch 😀

[@AliceinWanderland-USA]

Part 2 please!!! terrific tips1! LOVE the shoe lacing techniques for loose ankle and need loose toe box!

[@harduphiker]

Another set of good tips - I take noodles, pasta and those little dehydrated risotto packs, works really well, you can get small pots of sauce which are great (but more weight), but olive oil is amazing as you can use it for cooking, butter subsitute and seasoning, and I always take salt and pepper. I need to take nuts. I found that kabanos - Polish travel sausage - or saucisson sec, variations on what some people call 'summer sausage' last ages even in heat and taste good...I guess peperoni would be the same, and I take home-made jerky too as you can cook with it. Dry chorizo is also good, the stuff that's stored outside the fridge, whereas the sliced/refirgerated chorizo just dumps the oil, and goes weird. Also oddly, best cheese is Leerdammer light, it seems to not go off for many days. But I agree, I avoid a lot of those chocolate bars, because I don't think junk food helps in the end. It's like the wrong sort of protein and calories, will make you more tired/sugar highs and lows, and probably less efficient. I take loads of zip locks, and clips. You always need to seal or clip something, food, electronics, i use them and trash bags instead of expensive dry bags.

[@willek1335]

I appreciate that you focus on the content, instead of faffing about. Subscribed!

[@randallcotten5069]

Brilliant!! No wasted talk and tons of useful advice. Thank you!

[@21Diddley]

Yes please for another 30 of these tips. This is the best Tip Video I've seen.

[@username6265]

Yes!! Definily another video! These where great tips, thank you!

[@Pneumaticcannon]

If you use the water cap to wash out the sayer squeeze works better if the bottle is totally full of water and no air (the air compresses and robs you energy).

[@natealbatros3848]

this was extremly helpful, i would love to see the other tips and give some more time to each tips if possible. :)

[@SunTours-Adventures]

Hi Oscar! On the subject of "pasta" (I love it, so I guess I'm an "expert" 😂): there are countless varieties, the biggest difference is the packaging volume and the most important thing: COOKING TIME! (= fuel consumption). I find the same pasta shapes on the supermarket shelves with cooking times from 5 minutes to 16 minutes! Extremely thin spaghetti with 2-3 minutes is unbeatable. Spiral shapes are the most practical because they can hold a lot of sauce, but they are moderately voluminous. Nevertheless, this is my favorite variety, I usually find a version with a cooking time of 5 minutes. Then there are "soup noodles", which are very thin, 1-2 cm short noodles that cook so quickly that you can just put them in a soup and they are ready while the soup is heating up. You could also use them to stretch dehydrated "astronaut food" - add salt/seasoning, otherwise everything would be bland.

[@tinaluong8897]

Yes please, part 1 was nice and succinct and I definitely picked up some new tips, thank you!

[@zmielonyrzuf]

1) dont reuse old bottles for drinking water if you dont have to. 2) Lacing technique for slipping ankles - even on your video - you have extra eylets for this. Other tips very useful. I like the timer on every tip! Thanks! :)

[@mixantrop9998]

No excess words, just useful tips. That's a good concept, I'd like to see more)

[@maksymsanin5219]

This is a very cool video for me as a beginner hiker, thank you!

[@Mr.Thursday]

Great and compact video! Would like to know some more tips on reducing the backpack weight and also some clothing advice. Thanks!

[@r-pupz7032]

Please make a part 2, ice watched a lot of videos and still picked up several new tips there! I'm preparing for a 700 mile thru-hike in Wales and need all the help I can get 😅 The lacing tips were especially helpful, as was the vinegar soak for your filter!

[@TobysWildernessAdventures]

I have yet to do a thru hike someday. I'm still learning and figuring things out about gear setup. And for food, I never though of couscous and quinoa. Thank you.

[@OscarHikes]

My next video will be about the thru-hiking scene in Europe, so it may be of interest to you. :) Also planning to do some videos on hiking recipes as well!

[@TobysWildernessAdventures]

@OscarHikes No way, Europe? That's on my bucket list. I'm actually from there, Germany to be specific. Can't wait for that video.

[@marthareis5873]

Very informative, thank you! I appreciate the advice on tying shoelaces.

[@tomd1914]

Good video and good tips, thanks for posting. The only one I differ from you on is the sleeping pad. I've done several thru-hikes, I'm in my late 50's now, and getting good sleep is a priority on the trail. When I was younger, I could sleep on anything, but now I feel every contact point when using any foam pad. I find I get much better sleep and have more energy the next day when I use a comfortable inflatable sleeping pad. Weight is about the same as the foam pad I used to use. I agree, it is nice to be able to use the foam pad to sit on during the day, so that's one of the trade offs. And yes, please make another tips video.

[@ForzaMonkey]

if your inflatable is small enough, I’ve heard it is best to bring both. Foam goes under the inflatable to prevent sharp objects under the tent from creating a puncture in the inflatable. To save on weight, you could cut bits off of the foam one that don’t provide support for the inflatable one.

[@tomd1914]

@@ForzaMonkey I agree. I usually carry a small, torso sized 1/8” pad that I use it as a sit pad, but it also gives some puncture protection and a bit more insulation under my inflatable when sleeping. I use a Z-Packs tent with a floor which gives some extra puncture protection, and I check my site pretty good for sharp features before setting up. While I try to keep my weight as low as possible, I’ve learned to accept a few ounces more for good sleep.

[@Swimdeep]

I’ve been backpacking for nearly 50 years and I do some variation of all your first 20 tips. Looking forward to the next twenty. 🌿

[@frederic7260]

Thanks for the video. Yes, I would like to see a part 2 .

[@deuteronomy3162]

Ur actually the best. Fast and informative!

[@matthewmayerhikes]

Great advice for lacing your shoes. When I hiked the AT, I noticed that small adjustments made a huge difference.

[@nicolejalles7357]

Yes, yes, all the tips you can give us are gold!

[@brianthomason5022]

This guy's actually helping me somebody who wants to try to do this

[@davidtavares4509]

Yes!!! Great video! Thanks for the tips! 20 more please!

[@RadAlzyoud]

Yes please. More tips. Those were useful. Thx 🙏

[@joekekoa9851]

The tying of laces is very helpful. Thank you!

[@roffipetrossian7291]

make part 2! i've been hiking all my life, and thru hiking for the last 10 years, and you're tips are fantastic! KEEP IT UP. Also, consider making a video on "travel and thru hiking", how to pack and prepare for long stays in foreign countries

[@williamsoltes1658]

Yes your tips were very useful. Especially the shoelaces. Why is a waterproof bag inside the pack better than a rain cover. ?

[@jameslogan8193]

That was very helpful, thanks, and I loved your GR11 series. Does the sports cap you are using fit smart water bottles and, if so, where did you get it ?

[@OscarHikes]

I think it does. I don't remember which brand bottle the sports cap was from, but most of them will fit for the sawyer water filters. You might need to buy a few different ones though to find one that fits.

[@genelucky4002]

In USA I use 20 oz Smart Water cap. Appeared identical to video.

[@mako5708]

Numbers 19 and 20 about these lacing techniques - this is new for me. Gonna try :) thx

[@PhatChin]

I thought this was a great video! Very useful tips for someone who is getting started.

[@ronmccarville256]

Loved this video and would very much enjoy seeing more!

[@hardwoodswisconsin4871]

This video is incredibly useful, I subscribed to your channel because of this video. Thank you

[@AdventurewithCaboose]

Tons of great info here. Well done!!

[@aeromech8563]

Awesome tips man! 40 odd years of camping i have seen alot of changes but one thing is the same " keep it simple stupid!" Lol you dont need the latest and greatest just that which does the job! These days there is so much marketing wank its unreal. Love to see more well done.

[@Felipe.Portugal]

Those shoe tying tips are amazing, thank you for sharing!!😁

[@jan4946]

A notebook is also good for leaving notes for other other travellers (e.g. at their tent: left earlier, will wait for you at cabin x/wake me up when you get up, too/stop snoring!), exchanging contact details and starting a fire. When you need to wait in a shelter with others, there are also drawing-based games like tic-tac-toe etc.

[@jerrybailey6584]

This was very good, please do another.

[@papadawg3172]

great tips. Done at a great pace. I'd love to see your other tips

[@rezinatebasshead]

i like the lacing techniques at the end. Will definitely try those out

[@SunTours-Adventures]

One more comment, now on the subject of "water bottles": I've always done it the same way as you: with PET bottles "for free". Here in Germany they aren't free because we have a deposit system. So you have to invest 25 cents per bottle... 😀 (if the barcode gets damaged during the hike, you can't return it) There are different thicknesses of material: the cheap drinks at the discount store usually come in extremely thin bottles, which is too "flaky" for me when hiking and they crackle constantly. The big brands have thick material, sometimes almost like glass - slightly heavier, but quiet and safe from damage. The shapes also vary greatly! Some bottles have recessed grips, which a strap holds well so that they don't slip out of the backpack. I'm always looking for a shape that fits perfectly with my packing options. I always buy different sizes (available: 0.25 / 0.33 / 0.5 / 0.75 / 1.0 / 1.25 / 1.5 liters) so I can measure water for cooking and for my coffee. So I keep 2-3 large bottles safely stored as a supply and a small bottle handy for drinking on the go.

[@dereinzigwahreRichi]

Instead of headphones against snoring people just take a pair of foam ear plugs, which weigh nothing and work much butter, especially if you're a side sleeper. ;⁠-⁠) Take the headphones nevertheless to listen to audiobooks or podcasts or music!

[@mbarkevich]

The lacing of the shoes got a thumbs up. Thanks bro.

[@nazaninnaderi3783]

A very good video. Please do a second part, would appreciate it 😊

[@rodrigosilveira4360]

Yes please. Part II

[@nathanj9354]

Thank you , great video. Keep showing us good products that work. 🔥💯

[@aussierandomfamilyvideos2732]

Great video and yes make more of the same style. Oh and the Matt, yeh na. Take it unless you have a back of steel!

[@kristymoore7052]

Thanks Oscar, I subscribed. I’m older so a blow up mattress + an inflatable pillow. This is non-negotiable for me. Just wait a few decades. You’ll agree. I didn’t know about the vinegar to clean nor did I know about the surgeon’s knot. Yes, more tips.

[@RAkers-tu1ey]

Yes, do more. I don't agree with all of them, but most were great😂

[@alexmuehr]

Totally agree with the mat. Cell foam never dies. All my inflatables broke. The last one had problems with the valve. And you can´t fix a leak in the valve. I use an Exped Z-Mat or Therm-A-Rest (or try out the Savotta) combined with the German BW mat. So you have combined R-value and more comfort. For sure nothing compared to an inflatable. But on the other hand it´s a no-brainer, ready to use in seconds, and never fails.

[@Kai77-24]

I enjoyed the tips. Never heard most of these. Would enjoy a sequel. :)

[@thankmelater1254]

Hey, here is the very very best lacing tip; when you tie your knot, just go around twice and it doesn't come undone. To undo, just pull the ends, like usual.

[@samw5644]

LISTEN TO HIM ABOUT THE POLES!!! beyond helpful, an utter lifesaver. i climbed up a mountain in scotland last month and because hiking noob i cramped like crazy, without the poles i would have not been able to get down again. lifesaver.

[@BCJerbs]

Part two indeed! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts

[@Jc21112]

I'd listen to a part two of your tips :)

[@ericb.4358]

Hmmm. I like a light pack BUT I also like comfort when sleeping. Thus I elect to carry a 16 oz. insulated 3 season air mattress and a dry sack/inflator bag. This bag is used for clothes when on the trail. So I compensate for the extra mattress weight with a Tarptent Notch Li Dyneema solo tent (1.4 pounds). Double wall design supported by my hiking poles. Good wind and snow resistance.

[@johnmerlino7133]

Yes!! part 2 please.

[@tomcranks]

Straight to the point, much appreciated.

[@Koolik-art]

great video! and yeah, id def like to hear your other tips :)

[@ericb.4358]

I take TRADER JOE'S "21 Seasoning Salute". It is a pre-mixed seasoning that we always use at home. Foam pads, Aaaarrrggghh! I hate them except for adding insulation UNDER an inflatable mattress in winter. I like CAMP COMFORt as well as trail comfort so I will carry a few (as in 6) extra ounces to get that sleep comfort.

[@AnonYmous-ii4tc]

Yes, part 2 please!

[@windlion2022]

Excellent and straightforward! Would appreciate your thoughts on tents and tarps.

[@vatsmith8759]

Mostly good advice, but I'm sure you expected some disagreements! I always take proper ear plugs to aid sleep in noisy environments as headphones aren't nearly as good. I can tell you that as you get older sleeping on a thin piece of foam becomes much harder! You're so right that good nutrition is so important on a long trek even if it adds a bit of extra weight. Plastic water bottles are light but fragile, I like to keep some water in a bombproof aluminium Sigg bottle.

[@TheWtfnonamez]

To be fair, 90% of the time I sleep with a two buck German army surplus sleeping mat and its fine. Its small, thin, light and the only issue I ever had during winter camping was that I needed to put something under my hip to insulate the pressure point and the loss of heat.

[@Danny-ge2my]

Well I'm sitting here waiting for part 2 !!!!

[@timmo971]

Never heard of a surgeon knot. But good tip I’ve always done exactly that with all my boots but with a square knot half way up or wherever

[@codrinn9999]

Hello. Could you please tell me the shoes model you're wearing in the knot segment? They look good and comfortable

[@lukasmakarios4998]

Good ideas for lacing your shoes. I'll have to try that.

[@MisterJingo93]

Damn I´m good. Did almost all of them on my own on my first self-organized through-hike. Hell yeah.

[@macc081]

@oscarhikes I wish I watched the video before buying my equipment. Really helpful. Btw where did you shoot the video, and which trail are you referring to at 4:20?

[@carlosr9173]

Missed our videos. Glad you are back at it!

[@OscarHikes]

Part 2 coming up in a few days. 🙂

[@cs16Tactics]

Hey I realized you have exact same shoes than me (@ 4:59). Do you have the problem that the back side of ankle scratches off the whole ankle area inside the shoes? I've rocked around ~6 pairs of these shoes, and it seems to be always the one that fucks up the shoes before the bottom wears totally flat.

[@shayzoo2]

This was great. Thank you. I’d love more tips.

[@thewowzach32]

I will always carry the inflatable sleeping pad. Even when I don't need the insulation, the comfort is always there. A foam pad doesn't offer enough of either to justify purchase. I wouldn't waste my money on one. I'd just as quick sleep on a poncho or tarp. When you want comfort, you buy an inflatable. When you need insulation, you buy an inflatable. If you can get one for free, use it, but don't go out and buy one. Get an inflatable. Just my opinion.

[@dchinell]

Part 2 would be great! Please do it.