5 STUPID but Common Beginner Backpacking Mistakes (learn from them)

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More beginner backpacking mistakes, plus some of my audience makes fun of KZbinrs and we probably deserve it.
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[@kegotalbot1629]

a mistake I made once: not paying attention to elevation changes when planning a route. ie, that shortcut that took 3 miles off the route and wound up making it 10 times harder. those topo lines matter.

[@Willrocs]

Lol bet they do . thanks for the laugh

[@Miniscapes515]

Here is a secret. The best hiking trails are not even hiking trails. They are natural game trails on public land. Enjoy.

[@greatfavbino5755]

Just did my own hunting video in Bakersfield 😂

[@Nikolebichon]

Oh me too 😂😂😂 my friends were not too pleased

[@happyfuntimereviews5600]

“You can only learn so much from KZbin.” Best quote ever. I watch hundreds of backpacking KZbin videos. However, I learn more about what actually works for me by getting out there and doing it.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

exactly!

[@jurgschupbach3059]

@@KyleHatesHiking muahuhuhu

[@freeheel748]

Bring gear that has multiple uses to save weight. Cast iron skillet is also a water vessel, a hammer, self protection, a pillow and even a frisbee.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

You get it. I think

[@stitch3163]

@Free Heel it is also great for protecting the head during massive hailstorms. All backpackers in Colorado carry a cast iron skillet expressly for that purpose.

[@nizzlenotes3892]

World's worst pillow. World's best frisbee.

[@danielkutcher5704]

LOL! 😆

[@Casual_BackPacking]

Also a canoo paddle

[@angustrek447]

One thing I realised from my mini adventures trekking solo / and with others in Nepal, is how quickly things can go south. This happened to me as a beginner and also when much more experienced. There's definitely a high value in always maintaining a healthy respect for the environment and always keeping a small part of your mind on safety. I've been in idyllic situations and switched off a bit, took a few off the cuff chances with route finding (going for an interesting short cut or path) and found myself in situations that escalated into risky territory (very cold weather or chances of being seriously injured). One moment it's sunshine and complete peace, the next you're battling exhaustion, cold or off the path, lost in a tricky place. I live for being on the trail but never forget that things can turn in a moment.

[@Willrocs]

I wish I could go hike in Nepal .I'm stuck hiking up little mountains (6700') in northern nevAda

[@daggydiva4589]

One minute you’re happily hiking the next you break your ankle. Luckily only a 4 km hike to get off the track.

[@Gowalkabout]

The epiphany I came to understand is this: it doesn't matter how much a piece of gear costs, it only matters that it works (especially when you really need it)

[@gussfish8670]

What did Grandma gatewood need.

[@themoran2]

I bought an "off-brand" water pouch with a detachable shower spout years ago from Flying Tiger Copenhagen. It cost 1€. I've brought it with me multiple times when hiking through Sarek and Padjelanta in Sweden (some wildlife trails, but much is completely untouched wilderness). Works great. Meanwhile you'd shell out 50-100€ for gear from Sea To Summit or what have you, even though it's functionally exactly the same.

[@Gowalkabout]

@@themoran2 Yep, as long as it works! Thanks for sharing your experience. I appreciate you. Steve

[@anthonyjohnson5372]

Not being prepared for the mental ups and downs of a long hike was my biggest beginner mistake. Tips and observations are still fun and useful though. They can definitely alleviate the mental stuff. Plus I can say that Bigfoot taught me how to use trekking poles.

[@michaelw6277]

The pole strap thing has another benefit… you can easily and quickly shift your grip so that the palm of your hand is resting on the top, allowing you to easily apply a lot more downward pressure than you can with the “pistol” grip. It’s a small thing but it’s super useful at times.

[@Templar451]

My best piece of gear camping/hiking: a small notebook to write down during, all the crap I should have left at home and what I really wish I'd brought. Went back thru a few years of notes and kinda shocking now what I once thought useful and other things "how did I not know that was important to have?"

[@roza596]

HaHaHaHaHa

[@patrickechers]

This is some great advice actually. I'm new into this. Like really new and always in doubt on what to bring. So go to a few local trails and hike with what I think I might need and take notes of what I wouldn't miss and what I did miss is really a great idea! Thanks!

[@sherrioster7012]

I've done the same thing. I have that little book, the 2 Oz. Backpacker, and it's got note pages in the back. I wrote in the list of what I'd taken and cross out what I never use.

[@Jarrych83]

I've heard that from a number of people when I was a kid and it's always been a useful one. You think you'll remember those things, then you get home and they're just gone.

[@greatfavbino5755]

Just did my own hunting video in Bakersfield 😂

[@kennethandrews6680]

I have been hiking now for 4 years and as odd as it may sound only learned the proper way to use poles last year by watching a video like yours. Thinking you can not learn something is a huge mistake when it comes to anything you do. I learned the hard way on a hike when I I was out on the Dockery lake trail going up to Preachers rock. I made it to where the Dockery lake end at the AT and took a break. I started to not feel well and thought I better turn back rather than continue on. 11 miles in, 14 round trip, I started getting sick and and lightheaded. Another mile and I was on the ground with severe leg cramps and a massive headache. I could not hold any water down. I learned from a video about electrolytes. I had never heard of needing to not just drink water. With the help of my wife I made it back to the car but was in so much pain she had to keep pulling over so I could lay down and cry and try to stretch my legs because they would not unbend. So I do believe they are helpful but also must be taken with a grain of salt as there are people putting out bad advice to unsuspecting people. One other thing I learned is to always take all your gear even on a day hike because accidents can happen, bad storms roll in you were not expecting and time can run out on you if your not paying attention and find yourself in darkness. So I say thanks to you and others that take time to help others that may not be all knowing whan it comes to hiking. Will try LMNT.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@spotsandstripes2]

The reason you put hands up through the strap is so if you fall and let go of the strap the hiking pole drops away instead of breaking your thumb or ripping its ligaments ( skier’s thumb ).. it’s incidental that it provides more support when walking with it this way 😊

[@Revelation_Overland]

So up is the correct way?

[@spotsandstripes2]

@@Revelation_Overland yes hand up through the loop so it loops round the back of the wrist under the palm and up to the pole between the thump and forefinger.. tighten the strap up so that it’s snug is when your hand is holding the pole loosely… it’s super comfy and supportive when you get it right and you barely have to grip the poles to move so is a lot less effort .. an amazing bonus to not having a serious thumb injury if falling with it attached the wrong way 😁

[@Revelation_Overland]

@@spotsandstripes2 thank you!

[@greatfavbino5755]

Just did my own hunting video in Bakersfield 😂 😅

[@collinmc90]

When I look back at my first set up its hilarious. Nobody introduced me to backpacking I just always had the itch to do it. when I was 18 I went to a sporting goods store and bought everything I thought I needed. I left with mostly good gear that I still use now 14 years later. That said... I bought a back pack that was sized for children and spent three years hiking with this until I finally went on a hike with a friend and he was looking at my pack and was like.. you are aware you are using a childs back pack right? lol I gotta say it taught me how to pack my bag well. It only ever carried the essentials.

[@loganweersing1955]

This comment just made me so happy, I thought I was the only moron who used a bag way too small for their body🤣😭

[@bluefungi]

Dude my 1st pack wasn't even an outdoor pack. I was even dumber. I just got the cheapest backpack I thought would hold the most stuff and, most my stuff weighed more than a pound. I just got whatever looked cool in the store for camping. I also carried a 4 person tent that was made for car camping. I took the cake for dumbest backpacker on my 1st pack. It wasn't until a co-worker looked at my backpack and told me "Man you're doing this all wrong, you need to start with a framed 60L bag and, then think about scaling down next. Your back isn't gonna last with that setup."

[@acidbubblebath77]

"Not bringing a tent..." Carrying a tent is a lot of extra weight but I did have to use it once when a shelter I planned on staying at was full. So yeah, you should kind of bring one with you. Have a little story to tell... This one group showed up at a shelter that me, my friend, and his father were staying at in the middle of what was a torrential rainstorm. All of their gear was soaking wet, none of them had any ponchos. None of them brought anything to cook their food with either because they were going to rely on campfires. Well, you can see the obvious discrepancy with this particular plan, not to mention that they brought bulky, heavy canned foods with no can openers either and only one of them brought a canteen. None of them had any water tablets or charcoal filters. Anyway, we didn't go anywhere that day, no sense in getting soaking wet boots for obvious reasons. We did offer them to stay with us but for some reason they decided to press on. I hope they decided to go back home, they were clearly miserable. Anyway, this happened 30 years ago somewhere on the AT south of the Shenandoah National Park but north of Roanoke, VA. I unfortunately do not remember the precise location or shelter.

[@adventuresofd-day2598]

Not knowing how to fit/pack/wear your pack…*sigh*. I met a girl who was suffering on trail…her bag was skewed and she was complaining her shoulders were hurting and she WASN’T wearing her hip belt!! (She said she didn’t like how it pushed out her stomach). So…We took off her bag, dumped it, fit it…showed her how to adjust her straps, repacked it (properly) and then I told her to “embrace the hiker paunch”. She was so much happier. It just looked so painful…she had gone 20 miles like that.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Good for you helping her!

[@anone2109]

Be prepared to make mistakes. Alot of the fun is in realising you have an issue, like blistering or a piece of gear you've forgotten, and figuring out a way to fix the problem on the fly. I once used oak tree bark in my boots to lessen the rubbing causing me blisters. I learned the hard way why you should set up your tent on a hill rather than in a dell. I was trying to avoid wind in a dell and ended up getting swamped by the rain and puddles.

[@AEfernal]

As someone who bit the bullet and did my first trail this summer, I learned sooo much from that trip compared to watching videos. It rained the first 3 hours of our hike and soaked the back half of the trail(The trail was not brushed well at the final stretch and got our shoes soaked. Definitely be prepared for worst case scenarios but getting out there even if you think are fully prepared, you will still learn a lot. Our trail said the estimate was 7 hours both ways when in reality it took us about 5-6 hours ONE way and we got to our campsite with only 2 hours of sunlight left. The first 4 km were about 1- 1.5 hours then the next 3 KM were 3 hours. The elevation changes influence time a LOT, so do your research on the trail, bring extra socks and have fun!

[@ke9tv]

1. I use poles "correctly." Use them how you like, but I'm more comfortable with hands-up-from-the-bottom, lean into the straps, just steer the poles with the fingers. 2. We're coming into the time of year when I've got a bunch of stuff outside my pack. Whatever traction gear (ice axe, crampons, poles, snowshoes, spikes) isn't in use, the shovel if I'm carrying one, and the second sleeping pad. (In deep winter a ground dweller needs two pads, and one of them has to be foam. You don't want a leak to be a survival situation). Oh, and the little flashing red light, against the possibility of a nighttime roadwalk. Of course, my pack has all the little doodads to rack that gear securely. 3. One of my pet peeves, too! I'm an old-school bushwhacko - I don't trust any navigational instrument that can have a dead battery. 4. One of my pet peeves, too! They can have my space in the lean-to. I don't like sleeping on rodent scat. 5. Definitely, listening to Kyle's videos is a common beginner mistake.

[@michaelb1761]

I can drop a paper map, and it is still useful. Can't necessarily say the same thing about your phone/gps.

[@raezasan]

big problem over here (in Australia) is misjudging how much water you need. Out west you need at least 6L in summer, whereas over on the East cost you can get away with 2L. so you can literally screw yourself by carrying way too much weight, or get crazy dehydrated because there's no water source for another 50km. so I guess the mistake would be not finding out about the conditions before you go.

[@collinmc90]

dialing in your water use is a skill gained over time I feel like. If I don't go hiking for a while I always end up brining way too much water but better safe than sorry with that one.

[@deeprollingriver52]

Better to have water you don’t need than to need water you don’t have.

[@oldunion]

+1 on the straps "up-from-the-bottom" method. The Cross-country ski method. uses your arms for propulsion with grip only for balance and control. I barely grip the pole in fact because you dont have to. Poles angle behind you like the Hiker Crossing street signs and generally don't wander out in front of you, the tips plant near your feet as you use your arms to push you along uphill. It's also why there's padding on some wrist straps placed for this method. Also when you fall you are less likely to sustain an injury with this method because the poles easily falls away and can move about if you let go, hence why downhill skiers use the same method. For downhills and navigating terrain downward or stream crossings. While it's safest to remove your wrists from the straps, the "up-from-the-bottom" method lets you quickly rotate your hands up and place your palms on the top of the grip as you navigate downward for better control and a more natural stance. If you havent tried this do it, it's a game changer. Lastly, "up-from-the-bottom" method makes briefly using your hands for other things then returning to the grips easier. RE: alltrails, the hikers I help most commonly either have no map at all, or have alltrails and say they are on something like "Rob's Cool Loop" or whatever in the app. A user created loop that connects many different trails and doesnt actually exist on any map or in actuality. "Can you help me get to the parking lot? I am on Rob's Cool Loop"

[@user-vp1vm1gn2c]

I feel like Kyle is one of the only KZbins that’s not always trying to sell the new hot gear, you see these guys with what ever the new what ever is.

[@greghammett7894]

You should do a video on how to keep a hydration bladder from sloshing. Many people don't know the trick of turning it upside down and sucking the air out, before putting it back in pack right side up. No sloshing!

[@KyleHatesHiking]

I dont use bladders when backpacking!

[@greghammett7894]

@@KyleHatesHiking ha ha I know you don't. Sorry dumb request

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

...Now that you just shared the tip ,,he doesn't have to ....thanks for the tip !! ..... Been backpacking over 50 years and now with a new day pack with water bladder ,, first ever,, I'll know ....

[@greghammett7894]

@@rockytopwrangler2069 glad I could help! The trick works. I've been doing it for years and teaching others that complain about sloshing. Happy trails!

[@thewandererIRL]

Biggest mistake is thinking that you'll be able to have a contingency plan for every problem you might face, while simultaneously still thinking that you can lift your bag.

[@SalmondOutdoors]

I love how Kyle while recording is usually trying to be semi serious, but post production Kyle looks up "ur mum's house", cracks me up 😂

[@KyleHatesHiking]

😂

[@CNP-rn3gd]

I used to go backpacking and hiking in Maine and New Hampshire in the 1970's. We had external frame packs, no cell phones, and no trekking poles. The shelters were rudimentary at best. But I still had a great time and survived. You can go hiking without all this stuff! Bring adequate clothing and food and a map and you will be okay.

[@AndreaRachel617]

Oh yeah! Last backpack adventure was twenty years ago with an external pack into Yosemite National Park. Used to hike with 30-40 pounds. At 71, just getting out there again and everything is so much lighter and better but now trying to keep the weight at 20 pounds or lighter.

[@noodlesthe1st]

One of the reasons I spend so much time on yt is that I don't want to spend money on gear that won't work for me so listening to someone talk about it really helps me figure out if it might work for me without buying it. For example shelters that require a tree or don't do well in humidity won't work for me. I don't want to spend $700 to figure that out. There is also just a huge amount of gear and styles that people have so it's good to learn new things. I used to hate backpacking because I was packing too heavy. I never thought to just throw out pointless comforts and use an ultralight tent to enjoy the hike.

[@Jenfuu]

My first experience was last year. I underestimated my abilities, underestimated the trail, and the weather. I went solo, started too late, slipped on wet slippery rocks, watched my pack bounce down steep drops, thankfully always landing on the trail...I myself slipped on one of those drips and landed on my wrist (did not injur it to badly) and never made it to the campsite. Ended up setting up my tent at like 9 or 10pm in rain on the side of the trail over a 4 inch root because I was absolutely exhausted and not paying attention. I ended up bailing on that trip after that night. Went again with my husband the next month and had a much better experience. learned so much. I am still working on my gear and what is comfortable to me, and trying to pare it down more.

[@treebeardtheent2200]

Those who go out into the widerness prepared only for ideal conditions are not prepared for the wilderness at all. Glad you came out the other side wiser.

[@CountryBuff08]

I've been reading "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson off and on. It's a bit funny hearing the tales from a novice hiker. You realize how easy it is to be unprepared and overwhelmed.

[@Backpacksandtrails]

Trekking pole straps...the struggle is real watching people use them wrong. 😂

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Its always bugged me lol

[@Brandonreisinger]

I cut the straps on mine. Now I use it as a spear to catch my food so I can leave the cook kit at home. #ultralightAF

[@Backpacksandtrails]

@@Brandonreisinger 😂😂

[@tc556guy]

I'll admit that there are some times I don't even bother to use the straps. Mainly uneven terrain, or steep downhills. In those situations I feel that it's better to get the pole away from me if I'm irretrievably going down to the ground. At a certain point in going down, the pole is more of a problem than a help. I have this mental image of trying to catch myself in the process of going down where it's impossible to stop the fall and getting entangled in the pole on my way to the ground. I'd rather fall safely, recover the pole and be a little embarrassed than having some part of my body tweaked by a trekking pole while going down. Maybe I'm just weird that way. They've saved my bacon from falling more times than I can count, it's just mainly on steep downhills that I feel this way

[@ke9tv]

@@tc556guy By the time that I think the straps are a liability, I'm already stowing my poles so as to leave my hands free for scrambling. Also, I've taken a few tumbles with the straps 'right' and the poles have always dropped away - those loops are pretty loose once your hands are off the grips.

[@davidhartley6232]

1. Don't grip your pole too tight. 2. Don't leave your junk dangling in the open. 3. There is more than one way to finish your business. 4. Don't rely on others for protection. Pack your own. Avoid STDs: situational terrain disaster. 5. Don't get caught up on perfecting your performance before you've even had any experience. Go out and do the dirty... Hike... and put a notch on your belt.

[@tc556guy]

My All Trails story: A Meetup day hiking group of out-of-towners met at a local state forest that has an extensive trail system. So extensive that people routinely get lost there multiple times a year, resulting in search and rescue getting involved. You shouldn't go there to hike the first or tenth time without a physical map of the trail network, unless you know the trail system by heart. Noone in this group had hiked this mountain before; they found the day hike listed on All Trails and thought that it would be fun to hike. I had hiked with them once or twice on other trails in the past and found them to be disorganized and unsafe, so I generally didn't hike with them. As soon as I saw where they were planning on hiking, I knew right away it would not go well. So I decided to attend the hike. The hike leader shows up for the hike with a screenshot from AllTrails of the trail network. Not the actual AllTrails program running on their phone, just a screenshot of the trail system map off AllTrails. None of the groups other regulars showed up with a physical map. It was a Superbowl Sunday, and they all wanted to be off the mountain and back home ( out of town ) by the start of the game. I brought multiple maps for the hikers, which I passed out. They intended to hike a specific route as described on All Trails, which left out much of the most scenic parts of the trail system. I suggested a route that would include those sections, only because I figured that some scenery would make for a nicer hike. One hiker announced to me and the group that they were there to hike for distance, not for time, and they were going to follow the AllTrails route. That didn't make sense, as I already knew that they intended to be off the mountain and back home ( an hour drive ) in time for the game. After that guy chirped up I was like...OK guys, you do your thing, and hung back from the main group as they hiked along. After much needless deviation from either the All Trails or my suggested route and being a couple of hours past their stated end time, I waited until they were gathered around a copy of the map I'd brought, arguing about which way to go. I pointed out the most direct route back to their cars, and off they went. I'm pretty sure that by the times they all got home they had missed kick-off

[@sabinevillamar-perez7135]

So you joined the hike because you like to be right and argue with other peoples choices? I hike at least once a week in Tahoe, trust me, I sometimes hike just for time. Ok even then I have a great view here, but regardless it is everyone’s choice, not yours.

[@tc556guy]

@@sabinevillamar-perez7135 No, I'm not sure how you got that from what I posted. I joined the hike that day because I am well aware of the number of people who get lost on that mountain. I'd joined them on a couple of previous hikes and knew that there might be a problem on this hike based on my previous experience with that group. They came unprepared with basic items such as maps (especially for a group comprised entirely of people who had never hiked there). I offered suggestions on the route I thought that they would best enjoy, but otherwise stayed back and let them make their way until it was clear that they were beyond their scheduled endex time and were unsure of where they were. At that point I pointed out the route they needed to take and the group got back to the trailhead

[@wesleygolden1000]

​@sabinevillamar-perez7135 what is wrong with an experienced hiker trying to help the inexperienced? Those people would have been stranded without him, they didn't even bring maps...

[@jeffreycarman2185]

I definitely agree on the loading the exterior of the backpack with a bunch of gear. Not only is having a bunch of stuff dangling from the outside of the pack a pet peeve of mine, but it can also be practically bad, like it will snag on stuff, not carry the load in the way the backpack was designed, and make the wearer of the backpack off balance more easily, which could be dangerous when out in the wilderness.

[@gsoh100]

Where does one put a fishing pole??

[@ReeniHeartsPink]

I’ve been led astray by all trails. I was hiking through a pretty extensive trail network and it told me that 2 trails linked up. One trail ended in a dead end and I had to back track 3 km.

[@matthewnighthawkcolson1109]

I couldn't help but notice that all of your ideas are of what YOU think is right. I also see a lot of assumptions. Have you ever heard the saying " Don't Assume! It makes an Ass out of U and Me!" Don't Assume "You People" are all beginners just because they do things you don't think is the right way. I went to a mountain school for two weeks and had a kid tell me I wasn't stacking the wood correctly to start a fire. I started the fire and it burned just like a fire. I've been an outdoors guy since I was a kid and have been using hiking poles since the early 90s and as I get closer to 50 I still use the straps the way you think is wrong, I've carried a frying pan on my pack and hung my sandals and all kinds of other stuff on the outside. I do all of this because it's what I choose to do and what I will always do. Maybe you should stop talking about what you Assume other people are doing wrong and just tell us what you do and what you think might help people out in the future.

[@Compassontrail]

Hey Kyle, I'm from the North East and I guess I'm an old school hiker because I love paper maps!! I have a small obsession with pouring over paper maps and planning out day hiked and backpacking trips.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Maps are the best!

[@TaraNTullock1]

Me too. I love paper maps

[@Compassontrail]

@@TaraNTullock1 I'm a Jersey girl too!!!

[@TaraNTullock1]

@@Compassontrail will you be on the AT next year? How did you get your name?

[@Compassontrail]

@@TaraNTullock1 I'm not planning on the AT this year. I'm not financially prepared to take 5-6 months off from work. I am going to hike the VT Long trail (276 miles) in two long sections starting in April when I have break from school (I work in an elementary school) and finishing in the summer. I'm saving for the AT, but probably won't start on that journey until 2024, fingers crossed.

[@katebender4745]

I've watched a lot of different backpacking KZbin videos over the past year and a half, and it did really help me get my first set of gear. After my first trip I only needed to swap out like 2 things, but other that than I was pretty happy with my stuff. KZbin is a great resource to get started, but I'm looking forward to Spring to get out there more!

[@helpfulcommenter]

Oh hi Kate

[@spuriouseffect]

One thing you have to consider is that some people aren't out to make miles, they're out to find a beautiful remote spot where they'll spend a couple weeks. Those are the people carrying tons of stuff.

[@collinmc90]

I agree, I go on two night trips and bring every luxury cause why not. especially if it's only like 3 - 7 miles in and it's super easy going. I got cheese burgers, fishing poles, 6 pack of beer. lol

[@jmonster0973]

i just had to pause my AT thru for injury, but i will say... medical zeros not withstanding, I was slooowww AF. I smell the roses. you get one life.

[@spuriouseffect]

@@jmonster0973 Yeah, I enjoy Backpacking far more than Thru-hiking. Backpacking is about carrying everything you need on your back so you have the freedom to stop wherever you want. Thru-hiking is the opposite of freedom. It's about scheduling and reaching mileage goals.

[@adrian1492]

I definitely learned a lot from KZbin backpacking info vids it’s all I used to prepare for my first back packing trip and to the Grand Canyon at that and it was a success. Packed too much which I’d refine on the next trip but didn’t lack anything. But beginners definitely should watch these vids and learn be prepared for what’s to come. If I didn’t have them I would have never made it.

[@danielkutcher5704]

Former cross country skiing instructor here. Yes, I try to instruct hikers on the most efficient way to use their straps. Lots of people won't hear it, nevermind try it. I can unwrap and eat an energy bar without putting up my hiking pole, zip and unzip a jacket, put on and remove a hat, headlamp, etc. while walking and dragging one pole by the strap while using my hands for other things. Poles are a big help to my aging, aching knees, ankles, and feet. Thanks again, Kyle!

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Thanks for watching!

[@oldunion]

PREACH DANO! Keep up the good fight. I have had a few "enlightenment" moments showing others this more proper method.

[@thisbeem2714]

I found that putting my tent on the outside of my backpack works best for me. I hesitated to try it because I have heard so many folks poopoo it. When I finally did my load was better balanced and I was much more comfortable. Sometimes you gotta do what works for you even if a pro tells you it’s wrong.

[@BlueLineAdventures]

Great advice on the paper map! There is absolutely a great deal of fun and satisfaction in planning your trips this way. All Trails did try to drown me once though, so I do have that as a basis of comparison.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

😂😂

[@treebeardtheent2200]

Travelers use maps Tourists use apps

[@loganweersing1955]

All trails has attempted to make me swim through sooo many damn rivers😭

[@bearanoia673]

#5 ~ 100% Even if a trip doesn't go as planned, you learn something for the next one.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Absolutely!

[@ulvesparker]

I was an early adopter of trekking poles. I personally do not pass my wrist through the strap at all. I like to be able to have my hand(s) instantly hands free (ostensibly to deploy other gear) without requiring both of my hands to doff/drop my poles. Instead I pass half my hand horizontally like a handshake througn the strap loop. I then grab the pole like normal and hold the strap against the pole handle. I can easily switch to topping the pole for descents, choking up for rest step ascent, or just drop my poles witbout assistance from my other hand should the need arise (glassing/aiming, fall arrest, stuck in mud, etc). BTW, this is the same way I use ski poles for GS.. But, as you said, everyone has individual preferences.

[@RhondaGraceExploring]

I had a chuckle on this one. Laughing at myself for making my first blunder. Packing my pack too heavy. Luckily, it was only a weekend trip and we still had fun. Lesson learned well. 😉

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Gotta learn somehow!

[@Nikolebichon]

I actually think packing heavy is a plus. Better workout.

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

One of my biggest issues these days is everyone , and I mean damn near everyone , watches videos on KZbin and just copies everyone exactly. The world used to be so much more interesting when people learned what they liked or needed by ya know , doing the thing.

[@geometerfpv2804]

Yes, that is a downside, but there is so much upside...you can learn quite complicated fields just by watching. Like how to work on you car...the whole thing, right down to engine overhauls. You can even get videos for your EXACT engine. It's a miracle for self-learning. Let's be honest, before KZbin, people copied each other through TV, or through books, or via advertisements. Creativity was always rare.

[@squashhead1374]

I disagree. Learning from these more experienced KZbinrs can save you a lot of money. There is still a learning curve even taking the advice from ppl. Not everyone has the means to spend thousands of dollars to figure out what is best and what isn’t.

[@IIDASHII]

Relying on All Trails routes is a great why to expereince crowded trails. Getting away from crowds is 75% of why I hike.

[@roscoegoesoutdoors9205]

I'm the guy that buys all kinds of gear and then can't go backpacking. I'm from Nebraska and can only go backpacking once a year. I haven't gone backpacking in almost two years. Last year there was fires in Oregon and this year I was in a car accident. But due to KZbin Videos I have all the best equipment. lol

[@XA1985]

I used to bring my bivy sack to save weight instead of tent but a tent is way better specially when the weather turns on you

[@serenityx-manhikes5644]

I didn't strap things to my pack before, but I'm a cold sleeper and now bring a closed cell foam pad (so that goes on top of my pack) and when a bear can is required, it goes there too.

[@jimmythefish]

Yes! I’ve always bought large volume packs and put everything inside the pack. All to often you get salespeople who try to convince people to buy smaller packs so you will carry less stuff. I do a lot of hiking on Vancouver Island where the trails are sometimes overgrown and you don’t want loose stuff snagging. The pack loads better too and the aesthetic is much cleaner. The marginal weight savings for a smaller pack isn’t worth it.

[@loganweersing1955]

Me personally I’d rather have my bag half empty then overflowing with just the bare minimum of what I’ll need😂 I used to have a really small bag and just upgraded to a super big one, things halfway full of air most the time but damn was it one of the best purchases I’ve ever made in my life.

[@fanrik9583]

Funny. I'm just getting into hiking, but I've skied a whole lot. The mistake with the pole straps is the exact same when you are skiing - though in that case you do it to avoid dislocating your thumb when crashing.

[@davidriley1034]

In 2022 I was on the AT / Long trail. A group of four was hiking the Long trail with no shelter. WELL, the shelter was full. I heard some people in the shelter ended up tenting, in the rain, to let them in the shelter. Not a smart move to go without a shelter. When I did the AT in the Smokies I had a back country permit. Which put me in a specific shelter on a specific night. Even then I carried a tarp just in case.

[@Mike-vd2qt]

30 years ago, before KZbin videos, newbie hikers faced the danger of walking into REI with their credit card and telling a clerk they wanted to summit Mt. Whitney. As I was finishing a loop exiting the east side of Whitney from Cottonwood Pass, a young person about five feet, four inches tall was hiking up canyon. About six miles into it from the Portal, the heat of July, sunny day blasting the eastern flank, she was wearing a full suit of black, with snow gaiters, boots, and a pack that stretched from overhead to the back of her knees almost. Plus hiking poles were looped to her wrist and dragging along the trail at her side. This video just reminded me of my trip. Thanks very much! 🙂

[@lisajarnigan2112]

Thanks for letting my husband see that I’m correct about the trekking pole straps🤣 I tell him every time, but he’s never taken me serious.

[@garyfreeman896]

I'm sorry but you are incorrect.

[@lisajarnigan2112]

@@garyfreeman896 excuse me?

[@garyfreeman896]

@@lisajarnigan2112 The trekking pole thing. I believe this is the incorrect way to use the straps on walking poles. If you choose to use them this way please be careful as in the event of a fall your thumbs have a high chance of damage. I'm not telling you what to do but I am telling you the risks.

[@lisajarnigan2112]

@@garyfreeman896 this is the way the manufactures suggest. Just curious, how can this cause damage to your thumbs? I have a degree in sports medicine and I’m just wonder what you are suggesting is the mechanism of injury?

[@garyfreeman896]

@@lisajarnigan2112 The idea is that if you have to reach out to grab onto something or break your fall the strap on the pole is able to drop downwards and away from the hand when you open your grasp. Just as an example try doing a press up with your pole handle where it would be when walking. You will see that it basically puts all your body weight on your thumb joint. Even a minor amount of impact from a small stumble can break thumbs. Last thing you want on your walk. But ultimately the idea is that when you drop your pole you have free use of your hands. I believe the way suggested in this video is from the ski pole where if you fall your will be on snow not a hard surface. Also while skiing your not generally reaching for things in the environment while using your poles like grabbing onto tree limbs or or rocks as you might while negotiating a woody ridge or a rocky crag. Who are your poles made by?

[@jamespeters1411]

Please please condense your videos. 6 minutes just to say "hold your hiking poles like this" and "don't hang extra stuff from your pack".

[@SoupMagoosh]

Gotta get that ad time

[@squashhead1374]

Yea, he talks to much.

[@user-wm4kx2no4s]

The reason you put hands up through the strap is so if you fall and let go of the strap the hiking pole drops away instead of breaking your thumb or ripping its ligaments ( skier’s thumb ).. it’s incidental that it provides more support when walking with it this way

[@kimekholm7178]

I'd say there are three big beginners mistakes I often encounter. 1: Redundant gear, ie multiple items that serve the same purpose. 2: cotton base layer, a recipe for getting cold. 3: not testing the gear before going out. You need to set up your tent at least once and wear in your hiking footwear before going out. A great tip is also to take all your gear, lay it out and let a more experienced backpacker go through it, and remove redundant/unnecessary gear. This can save you a lot of weight earlier. Don't get too fixated on weight tho, comfort at camp is also important!

[@doms.6701]

Once had a dude bring a tent that was still in the plastic and attempt to set it up after our hike for the day 🤦‍♂️

[@kimekholm7178]

@@doms.6701 🤣🤣🙈

[@treebeardtheent2200]

@@kimekholm7178 Your original comment above is better than 90% of KZbins. Too many of them focus on things which new hikers should be allowed to figure out as they go. The cotton thing is Not one I would advise to learn the hard way. Same with gear testing. Presuming that every hike is primarily about miles is just stupid. Being a lightweight above all is also nearly as stupid unless your are running a competition race, not hiking a scenic trail. It's better to make every mile count than it is to count up all the miles.

[@wisenber]

My hiking poles stay in my pack, in case someone asks me why I don't have hiking poles. It's about 12 ounces of dead weight, but it saves have a conversation about hiking poles. I figure when I'm 80 and can't walk, I'll start using them. A beginner trying to emulate a UL thru hiker on their third trip car camping isn't a bright move either. I remember thinking All Trails might be a good option when I first started hiking. Then I realized smart phones didn't exist, or mobile internet, or All Trails. We just basically wandered around aimlessly for decades waiting for smartphones, mobile internet and All Trails to be created.

[@Smashycrashy]

On the straps, many (but not all) poles have a second finger groove 3-4” down the pole handle. You want to lengthen the strap so your are using that as your primary handhold. Then during hiking you can instantly lengthen your pole length by moving your hand up without adjusting anything.

[@richardmartinez4602]

Leave no trace is a big one for me. I usually bring more trash back from the trail, because I collect stuff people left behind (Mt Langley and Whitney were pretty bad). You can't blame ignorance on some of the stuff I've seen on the trail, it's mostly narcissism and laziness.

[@richardmartinez4602]

Great video tho, I subscribed and liked!

[@JohnDoe-eo1op]

learning to read a map & triangulate yourself is VERY important! outside of the all trails thing (I sorta think this should be required to hike lol) learn to use a compass to read a map & triangulate position. Thats allowed me to practically go get lost then find my way home, it would save many people hardships learning this simple easy skill!!

[@nancycronin551]

Seems to me the 5 biggest beginner mistakes are: 1) Wandering off trail. 2) Exploring off the trail. 3) Trying to get a better angle for a photo by walking off the trail. 4) Believing you can find your way back to the trail with your phone when you can no longer see the trail because you are so far from the trail. 5) Going off trail! Not to say leaving the trail is 100% not smart, but it's a great start to Not Smart!

[@NickEDowning]

You are so right about the straps. Also if you fall with the straps the wrong way you are more likely to injure your thumb/hand.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Good point!

[@charlieswearingen500]

Ask any skier how they hold their ski pole straps; it will be up through the loops, as you have illustrated. That way, you can precisely control where you plant your ski pole each time. Especially when you have tripped or are falling down and need your poles to prevent a bad fall and possible injury.

[@paulmendez7679]

I’m so on board with your All Trails segment!!!

[@LeonardoDaVinciLulz]

I think a few things hanging from your backpack is not the worst idea, especially if they make sound. Basically, at least the sound of clanging metal, will possibly warn and deter a predator (of the nonhuman kind).

[@treebeardtheent2200]

It's really a runner's issue. That's where it can be argued with some validity as an issue. For people out engaging in a scenic adventure, if they unpack the oversize ego that some people take everywhere, then how they carry their stuff is up to them. It has hardly anything to do with being a beginner really. It presumes that experienced hikers all do things the same or that none of them strap gear outside - such is simply not true. There are some general truths regarding experience, like avoiding cotton (even some exceptions there tbh), but there is so much variety on what to carry and how to carry that genuine experts don't necessarily resemble each other in the least.

[@jeffreycarman2185]

Not testing food and gear ahead of time is probably a major neophyte mistake that is made. If you decide to bring food that you haven’t tested ahead of time, you may end up with food that you don’t like, or that doesn’t work with your cooking gear, or has the wrong size of portions, or gives you nasty gas (that will haunt you all night in your mummy bag), etc. similarly not having tested gear before you hit the trail you may use it incorrectly or not know how to set it up properly, or not know what other gear will maximize the usefulness of the gear you’re bringing. Similarly, but this can happen to all backpackers: both experienced and novice, is not remembering all of the gear, food, toiletries, etc. that they intended to bring. So, in addition to testing gear food, creating a packing list that is checked and double-check before leaving home is key to a successful outing.

[@johnmcnulty4425]

I use not one or two but three tarps, one of them a larger one. They are way more versatile than a tent which I never find useful except in the dead of winter.

[@johnmcnulty4425]

I use S hooks alot to hang gear. Tie a small rope around a tree and then hang stuff to my heart's content!

[@theamericanhiker9655]

Hope you had a good thanksgiving Kyle! Making mistakes is a good thing to a point. It allows growth on the trail

[@KyleHatesHiking]

You too!!

[@sidr2009]

I say don't worry about how they pack, what they wear and so on. That's one way to practice minding your own business for further enlightenment. They'll find their own way like most do . Unless asked, minding ones own business is practiced in all of life.

[@thomasvanetten1984]

Two things: First, I must confess I often don't bother with the straps on my trekking poles, depends on how often I want to use my hands while hiking. Second, I ordered the LMNT sample pack finally. I hope they are good! BTW how did you keep a straight face for so long at the beginning of the video? :)

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Lmao thanks for supporting the sponsor! LMNT is awesome. I cry every day so faking it comes easy

[@elpretender1357]

Care for offering an update? I want to know if they taste good

[@Tism_me_timbers]

How long have you been working for them

[@holeymcsockpuppet]

I like tips on modifying gear and using gear in unconventional ways rather than ranking gear and "what to buy" lists. Even when I was in Boy Scouts back in the 80s right after the dinosaurs went extinct (and when Scouting was still awesome) I modified EVERYTHING.

[@parthsavyasachi9348]

Not watching videos and getting lost due to silly mistake is more fun specially when you never return home. 😊😊

[@spotsandstripes2]

Hiiker is a decent app for my navigation purposes in 🇬🇧

[@Snapple-ju6wq]

I was in the military I like my bag being heavy I like having everything it feels just right when it’s 50lbs and I’m going 10 miles

[@jimkenny1140]

Great video, I never been one for poles , they get in my way. But that just me each to there own.

[@HikingWithShawn]

I always see the Instagrammers with all the pots and pans to cook their full breakfast out in the middle of the wilderness. Personally, I'm fine with a pocket rock and a pack of dehydrated mac and cheese! LOL Great video and great tips!

[@Jenult]

I just wanted to thank you, Kyle. I got that BRS gas stove you swear by and now I do as well. Its absolutely perfect!

[@matthewnighthawkcolson1109]

Mistake 1! Watching this video!

[@markmoreno7295]

Carrying more weight than you need or are able to. I recommend (after checking your list) to stuff your pack and weigh it. Then use the same or different pack stuffed with sand bags to equal the same weight. Hike around your neighborhood (aka flatland) and see how you do. Don’t forget that on the real hike you will be at altitude and need to hike uphill. If you can’t handle the weight you either need more training or you need to shed weight, but not at the expense of safety/emergency gear.

[@lastminuteman]

Understanding that this video was two years ago… I must say, that as a combat veteran hiking the Kush Mountains of Afghanistan; one of my biggest pet peeves, were the way guys were holding their trekking poles. Thanks for the revelation 👍

[@fukenbroken1]

Been backpacking and hiking since I was a 3rd grader, now 68. I like watching the Top 3,5,10 things lists just to learn about new gear. I have lighten the load substantially. Also learned about gear I will never buy. LOL

[@CastawayHikes]

#1 Not looking fashionable enough. Go buy all North Face and Patagonia clothing before you even buy any backpacking gear. #2 Not packing enough clothes, other hikers will judge you if you wear the same outfit twice #3 Not packing enough food. You are going to be ravenous, fill every space with food #4 Forgetting your camp chair

[@ke9tv]

#3 and #4 ... my bear keg IS my camp chair. 🤔

[@treebeardtheent2200]

@@ke9tv Lightweight aluminum of course. Only newbies carry the stainless steel kegs.

[@ke9tv]

@@treebeardtheent2200 Nope. Carbon fiber,

[@lenuikv]

Those last comments were very true. My first time backcountry camping, didn't do a lick of research. We didn't want to buy a bunch of fancy lightweight stuff, because we didn't know if we would even enjoy backcountry camping. My poor boyfriend carried a heavy 5 person tent for the two of us. We didn't bring sleeping bags, because we thought a sheet would be warm enough. Our "sleeping pads" aka yoga mats were so uncomfortable that I didn't sleep the entire 2 nights. In the end, I loved it and have started upgrading my gear now. But you don't now until you are out there, what you wish you had or think you might need... Or if you will even enjoy it to want to go again

[@anthonysmith7280]

Concur, your vids and many others are a good starting point in terms of establishing a baseline for planning a long hike. Bottom line - you need to get out and use gear to find out what works for you. I did a flipflop hike of the AT this season, and I did benefit from Ytube vids !!

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Well said!

[@wideopenthrottl]

Another thing to note in those All-Trails apps and such is the estimated mileage is often underestimated from my experience and you may have to allot more time and energy than what you expect if it turns out to be a longer trail. Some trails might not have had any maintenance done on them unless there are recent reviews.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Yeah its never a good idea to rely on estimated milage or timings

[@erict5878]

I think that you can have all the apps you want but if the batteries die on ya...you better have a map AND compass AND actually KNOW how to use them!

[@hikingwithaaron]

I disagree with the comments about not using KZbin videos to prepare for backpacking. I watched tons of videos before I did my first backpacking trips and I felt I was very prepared. The information that I got from Kyle and many others on KZbin was extremely useful to me. I was well-prepared for the trail. Of course there are things you learn when you get out on the trail, but KZbin was my main source of preparation and it worked out great. Keep up the good work Kyle. You really are helping a lot of people out there that are new to backpacking.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

interesting perspective! I will keep it up, and I hope you keep watching

[@eachtemPublicSectorCrooks]

Thank you Kyle because you have a good finger on hiking. Thumb up!

[@brandonbrown6544]

As an ex mountaineering and backpacking guide I highly recommend not using the straps on your trekking pole! I’ve seen multiple people trip, plant the pole and not be able to put their hands out to brace their fall!!!

[@ruggeddude1560]

HERE'S ONE. BY A PACK THAT'S BIG ENOUGH AN STOP TRYING TO PACK 75L OF STUFF IN A 55L PACK. THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH HAVING A BIGGER PACK. IT GIVE YOU THE OPTION ON HOW YOU CAN PACK YOUR PACK. STAND THING'S UP OR LAY THEM ON THE SIDE. ANOTHER THING PEOPLE SAY TACTICAL AN MILITARY PACK ARE NO GOOD. AT LEAST THEY GIVE YOU THE CHOICE OF ADDING MORE POUCHES IF NEEDED AN MOLLE WEBBING IS AWESOME FOR THAT. HOW YOU GONNA HAVE FIVE OUT SIDE POCKET'S AN THERE BUILT IN TWO THE INNER PACK? MY THING IS THE MORE REAL SEPARATE POCKET'S ON THE OUT SIDE OF YOUR PACK THE BETTER. TWO MORE THING'S. WHY ALL THIS NEWER PACK SO TALL? I OWN A CFP 90 MILATARY PACK AN IT'S 110L. WITH OUT THE PATROL PACK AN IT'S NO TALLER THAN AN 65L PACK. ITS JUST WIDE. AN WHY THEY DON'T HAVE TO MANY PACK'S THAT HAVE SIDE POCKET'S WITH AN OPENING BETWEEN THE POCKET AN PACK? ONLY THING I CAN SAY IS LOOK AT THE OLDER KELTY PACK'S AN YOU'LL SEE WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT. THAT'S A COUPLE OF THING'S I THINK NEW AN OLD HIKER'S HAVE. NOT ASKING THIS COMPANY WHY YOU DON'T MAKE ANY PACK'S THIS WAY ANY MORE AN THE SPACE IN THEM AREN'T REALLY USABLE ANY MORE.

[@dannynye1731]

Ive pared a s ton of gear from my pack in 45 years. Most of it by my 19th birthday. It’s funny how much essential gear that I don’t have. Now for replacing heavy with lighter

[@bonefishboards]

Plus, if you fall with your hand in the trekking strap the way you demonstrate (the correct way) and fall with your hand out, you avoid getting skier thumb. And skier thump sucks, particularly as you get older. I know.

[@Lookyhere73]

You and your poles bro.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Who doesn't love a good pole

[@DavidSmith-fz8ju]

Practice the things you want/need to do.like fire starting,that you need to get good at.and more that one tec. Like bowdrill,finding tindres n how ti "build"a fire not start a fire,also how to stop a fire.reading your GPSmaps or paper maps,etc.

[@BatCaveOz]

The #1 mistake is not packing loads more toilet paper than you think you will need. (It costs virtually nothing and weighs virtually nothing... but can quickly become the most important thing in your world)

[@BrigitteGoodman]

This is how you hold your poles when skiing as well. It is taught at skiing schools to 3 year olds in Austria.

[@takinghomethetrail9158]

If you wanted to add a 6th beginner mistake to this list, it should watching Kyle's channel 😎

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Shhhh

[@memathews]

😂🤣😂

[@charlottegoldman3580]

Call number 2 the "Sam Gamgee Pack". Got the pots and pans and sleep kit and Frodo hanging all over the outside

[@jamesbronson12]

These lists of things are valuable. You don't have to sit there with a piece of paper and write everything down. Just fast forward thru and see if you spot something that might help you. That is similar to talking to experienced hikers. You may pick up some tip or hack that helps.

[@davidschmude]

The only KZbinr who’s word I take as law is Shug. His advice and information has never steered me wrong.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Shug for president

[@nwsights6301]

Lol, well some people have items on the outside of their backpack maybe depending on their backpack size? Different people take different items whatever works or that they're comfy with! I certainly prefer a couple different mapping apps besides all trails and paper maps for sure though. Just wanted to toss this out there my biggest mistake was not having a proper backpack for what I was doing, caused me to under pack and have VERY sore shoulders.