5 things you NEED to know BEFORE backpacking

[@BackcountryExposure]

I have almost exclusively hiked in a cotton t shirt for years! Not dead yet! 😂

[@DanBecker]

Backcountry Exposure No wonder you stunk so bad on our trip! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@TheIndianaGeoff]

There is weather where cotton is awesome. Just not cold.

[@charlesnash2748]

I only use a cotton tee for a sleeping shirt. Spend the $$$ and get a wool tee or at least a syn tee for day wear.

[@rosscollins2910]

Some of us have allergic reactions to wool and down. For wool is bad and down is a hospital trip for me. Synthetic for me. Just have to suck it up and carry the weight. Good video. Enjoyed it 👍

[@AstrumG2V]

@@rosscollins2910 Maybe try linen or hemp? I feel like it's much nicer to have on your skin wet than cotton, especially hemp still feels very nice!

[@alexweigelhikes]

I'm pretty sure this is the only channel completely honest about being geared toward weekend warriors, and I love it.

[@thomaszabel1521]

Dr. Becker knows his target market. He identified a niche where there aren't many channels. There are tons of great channels out there that cater to ultralight or through hikes etc. I like to watch them for inspiration and ideas and entertainment. But because of my age and work situation, I doubt I'll ever do that, so I have Dan in my KZbin rotation.

[@LZ-un7ky]

Love this channel! Weekend warriors! 💕🎉

[@chemistryflavored]

My husband and I are just getting into backpacking as weekend warriors. So many videos are catered to long distance thru hikers which I understand since advice is critical for those folks, but as beginners we needed advice tailored more to our goals. I don’t need to know how to shave off every ounce, I need advice on how to have a good time and avoid some basic mishaps. Thanks for making this video and being honest about what kind of hiker you are.

[@hermeticxhaote4723]

"I am not at all a long distance hiker" And that is why I like this channel! I just want to backpack to a nice site and camp & chill.

[@MrRodder70]

Thanks for another fun video, Dan! On the cotton topic, I think one of the worst gear recs I ever received was to use a cotton bandana in my cook kit. The bandana never dries out and starts to stink after just a day or two. We've since moved to the like-sized synthetic towels in our cook kits and are much more pleased. Keep the content coming!

[@blakew5672]

The most dangerous “bump in the night” you’re likely to experience is a buddy on the trail tripping on your tent guylines during a bathroom trip lol.

[@TabethaAurochs]

Indubitably. Or your own self tripping over them. I recently forgot my tent/tarp stakes so I grabbed the sole lightweight plastic stakes I found at a Target - selling point? Glow in the dark. Thought to myself, "Mkay, whatever, hope they also stake down stuff". Woke up to use the nonfacilities in the middle of the night and I was like "Holy Taco Tuesday They DO GLOW IN THE DARK! GENIUS! LIFE-CHANGING! SUPERLATIVES GALORE!" Even my 7 mo old puppy "gets it" - she walks AROUND them! (Suspiciously.) Best seemingly random $7.99 investment of all time.

[@LZ-un7ky]

🤣

[@Joeb4iley]

I was fishing in France and the lake was well known to have wild boar visit frequently, I even spotted them myself on the far side of the pond in the early hours of the morning. One night I was rudely awaken by what sounded like a wild boar outside my tent (I had my tent doors open due to it being nearly 100° at night 🤣) After peeling myself off the roof of the tent I flashed my head torch out the door and a hedgehog came snuffling past the opening. I didn't think something that size could make so much noise 😬🤣

[@heatherjones3972]

That's funny

[@bearanoia673]

Duluth Trading Co. has a line of pants & shorts called 'dry on the fly'- they are light weight, durable and dry quickly. The pockets are deep too - my phone never falls out! Totally agree about the water bladders. 🌲🐻

[@justalurkr]

I love their dry on the fly stuff.

[@Pack044]

Only pants I’ve worn for the last 3 years

[@journeywithjimmyandjet8174]

Thank you for the good explanation of the differences between backpacking and long distance hiking! And for pointing out there is nothing wrong with either!

[@TheBanditBren]

I found a water bladder most effective to use at the office so I don't have to take several trips to the dispenser, just one long trip to fill it up. It looks a little odd to be sipping out of a backpack while at my desk but who cares, I fill it with ice and water and it lasts all day after I fill up on coffee. Also useful for road trips strapped to your car seat. Any of these uses would be better served by a large traditional water container but I paid a lot of money for my bladder and backpack so I am going to get some use out of it!

[@TabethaAurochs]

I'm imagining you at your desk with your backpack sippee cup 🤣🤣. But what you failed to mention is how by noon - at the latest - you, your water bladder, and your backpack are hitting the trail from desk to bathroom like every 15 minutes. The road most traveled... Thanks for the laughs this is so great!

[@justrusty]

I was in NY on the AT when a bunch of insects of some kind held a church service outside my tent. One lead bug would go Rarrp, and then in unison a bunch of others would go Rarrp. Then he'd go Rarrp Rarrp, and the others would answer Rarrp Rarrp, then the leader would go Rarrp Rarrp Rarrp and so on, but every time they got to 5 Rarrps, the others wouldn't answer, so the preacher would go back to one Rarrp. It was the wildest thing. I wish I had recorded it. True story. All. Night. Long.

[@bxf1_]

😄😆

[@justrusty]

Oops. My story is inaccurate. Thinking back on it, it was on the trail in New Jersey, not New York.

[@danielkutcher5704]

@@justrusty Yeah, bugs would NEVER do that in New York 😆🙄

[@onyx.daffodil1644]

🤣🤣 bruh.

[@bulkhungry]

That story kinda bugs me . 🤭

[@HNM69]

All the water you save in cooking, you'll have to drink.

[@TheIndianaGeoff]

Yes, a granola bar pulls water when you digest it. Anything dry does this.

[@JonathanKingE]

Yup, I came here to say this. Eating a meal with 2 cups of water is just 2 cups less that you’ll want to drink later.

[@ryankeane8072]

I agree on dry food for breakfast and lunch - it’s just so much easier. If I’m bringing dinner I need to cook, I try to plan to stop for dinner whenever I happen to be near a water source in late afternoon/early evening before dusk. Carry water 200 ft, cook and eat, drink some more, and then continue on to wherever I’m going to camp. Allows me to camp in nice spots far from water and not have to do much when I get to camp except pass out. I’ll check out Peak Refuel.

[@PlanetaryDefense]

Yes, that is correct. Digesting food requires water. If it's not included in the food you'll have to drink it. The required amount stays the same regardless. In survival training you are taught that if you have food but not water, don't eat. Eating will only dehydrate you and you need water more than you need food.

[@abbiewhittier4405]

well apart from the small amount that gets boiled off when you cook it. Also depends on the salt content, like ramen with the full seasoning definitely is going to dehydrate you rather than hydrate you with the broth

[@tristen3garrett100]

Really itching to get out on the trail. I haven’t had the funds to get everything I need so I’ve just been getting things 1 by 1 and I’m finally almost ready to get out there! Thanks for all the tips and hope you’re healthy Dan almost 300k congratulations!

[@geeko46]

Just starting out in this world of hiking and camping and finding your videos the most honest and least intimidating on KZbin. Thanks for great content

[@JohnPetrie]

Attempting a thru-hike of the AT was the hardest thing I have ever done before having to leave the trail due to the Covid-19 crap. Hiked about 160 miles from Amicalola Falls to Fontana. You are right! It is not all birds singing, sunny days, etc. It was cold, wet, & lonely most of the time. :) Great video as always!

[@BMad-we6qf]

I have been watching KZbin backpackers (you, SBO, Tim Watson, Bryce, etc) and through hikers ( Frozen, Darwin, Dixie) for years and never truly defined the difference between the two. Thank you for doing that in this video. It is helping with some mental hurdles.

[@johnchry1]

So true about water bladders Dan. Just a pain. Tougher to fill, clean, know how much you have, and on and on. Got try those meals. Water is heavy and they look great! 👍🏻

[@SAMMIEJONESJUNIOR]

I love my water bladder and it does not press against my back because my pack does not rest against my back. I have the platypus and it is easy to clean. Home your hike right. Lol

[@garthflint]

I have used both bladders and bottles. With the bladder I do not stop for breaks. The bottle pockets on my pack are very hard to reach so I have to stop to drink. I found I need to take those breaks. Stop, remove pack, sit, drink, look at scenery, eat something. Getting water into the bladder has never been an issue, my filter is a little pump thing and I live in western Montana, lots of water year around. The bottles are also a lot lighter.

[@TheIndianaGeoff]

Water bladders are great for long day hikes with a light loadout. Not for anything else.

[@larryterry7874]

I enjoy your videos. Their filled with knowledge and wisdom. No BS .the fact you make your videos plain and simple to the regular hiker and backpacker. Love the tips on the cheaper gear . after all many of us are on a very limited budget. And the simple basics and equipment is always valuable to know.

[@143lakeside]

Regarding #5 have to be careful not to get dehydrated. Trust me lesson learned the hard way.

[@ryankeane8072]

I use a 1L evernew bladder, similar to a platypus screwtop, as my extra water storage, in my side pocket. My main water is the Be Free soft flask on my shoulder strap. I tried bladders with bite valves, but I don’t really like bite valves and after a few times running out of water after passing a water source when I thought I had plenty, I decided I need to be able to easily see how much water I have.

[@Chriztina97]

I love my water bladder whether I am day hiking or on a 10-day hike. One of my favourite pieces of gear.

[@cynthialorentz9925]

So excited that you're doing so many videos lately! Need more backpacking with kids tips pretty please!

[@wellseasonedhiker]

100% agree about Peak Refuel. Great company and great product. On bladders, I used to be a bladder guy but now use smart water bottles. That said, bladders are useful when you're huffing up a mountain pass. Rather than shoving them in the pack i recommend you lay it sideways in the brain (if you have one). Doing this makes it much easier to see how full itnis and to refill without disturbing the pack contents. I agree that pack manufacturers have blown it with this idea that the bladder should be inside the pack ... makes bladders useless or at least a pain to use.

[@GrayMan7070]

Started out with a bladder when I was a "Beginner", I have since learned that Smart Water bottles are a hikers best friend! Cheers From Denver.

[@brittanycollins802]

Ditching the water bladder was the best choice I made! Great video

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello Dan, thank you for sharing another informative and entertaining video. You always have some great points to ponder. As soon as the stay at home is lifted, I will be out on the trail. All the best to you and family, stay healthy. 🤗

[@sofiablomquist8394]

A really good list of things to consider. You show the alternatives, tell us what you chose, and we get to figure out which alternative will work for us. I realise hos spoiled I am hiking in Sweden. Good quality water everywhere means One bottle to carry water from the source to where I cook is all I need. My kids are old enough to carry their food and water. I will carry the family size stove though.

[@abearinthewoods5180]

Totally agree, except I call them "Weekend Warriors" and "Thru-hikers" I'm definitely a weekend warrior. On a side note. I have seen a rainbow on the trail. Amazing moment.

[@EricFleming231]

i have a Coyote 105 and the pack has a space for it behind the frame, so you don’t feel it on your back and further the bladder weighs less than a bottle and you don’t have to reach the bottle, which you can’t get to without help or taking your pack off. So, if you have an internal frame pack made for bladderss, then they are a good idea.

[@znovosad555]

Just did my first backpacking trip. On my first gear test trip last week I had the chili Mac from that brand and it was good. Otherwise on my backpacking trip I had alpineaire peppered beef and chicken. I was shocked at how much water I used but fortunately the stream was close by to filter so I had plenty of water. For me camping regardless I can’t give up the luxury of hot food. Love me a hot cup of coffee in the morning with some oatmeal, and something nice and hot to warm me up at night. So I guess finding close by water sources will just be a necessity for me!

[@horses200121]

Just wanted to say my wife and I really enjoy your videos...keep up the great work.

[@begonia2]

Thank you for telling us the difference! I never even heard the term long-distance hiker. Friends that do that call it backpacking. I am definitely more interested in shorter distance backpacking and staying a bit.

[@imallierambles]

I’m still scared of things that go bump in the night. Luckily I’m too dog tired after hiking to care. Whew! Great video as always Dan.

[@kristalann1973]

U-Ha!!!! Love it Dan thanks for the smiles & laughs & of course all the ideas & information!

[@chrismoore600]

Steve with my life outdoors put me on a drinking tube it hooks to my smart water bottle on the outside of my pack. Best of both worlds.

[@russellmerriman4905]

The new Gregory Baltoro side pockets for a water bottle are angled and make it super easy to grab!

[@mike76rob]

Fully agree on the water bladder, before I finally sold mine I used it only late for camp (I'm a long distance hiker btw) when you needed more. As well as the faff of getting it in and out of the backpack it also heats up really quick, if it's against your back your bodyheat will heat the water, if it's on the top or outside of your pack the sun will heat it up, nobody wants warm water to drink on a hot day.

[@WorldviewOutdoors]

Enjoyed the video. Subscribed way back. Thanks again for the shout out last year. Getting ready to do some multi-week camping on the Buckeye Trail. Thanks again.

[@TheBeardedOutdoorsman18]

Great tips. I too hate a water bladder.

[@michaeldriggers7681]

The last time my wife and I went backpacking, we walked up on a full size female moose. Obviously no one and nothing was injured or killed but that situation could have ended very badly. I think we noticed the moose about the same time she noticed us, but we were within ten yards of each other. We continued down the trail calmly but quickly, while the cow stood motionless watching us with curiosity and suspicion.

[@pnwadventurer9674]

You are literally the camping/backpacking coach!!

[@nancyq5821]

I’ve never heard backpacking vs long distance put so well. Thanks

[@lisablythe5455]

Great lightweight food options and tips to carry less water! I love having hot food but mostly go stoveless.

[@colinwood8812]

Hey Dan, I'm here to confess I've been one of those statistics you mentioned. I've since changed my ways and am a happy new subscriber. I also happen to live in beautiful Uha and this season will be my first try at backpacking. Your videos have been invaluable for my preparation, thank you!

[@DanBecker]

Awesome! You’re gonna love it.

[@blakew5672]

You’ve easily in one of the best hiking states, you’ll love it. It’s only been two months since my trip and I’m already missing Utah

[@grimgranite]

Great video Dan! Miss ya dude... you are killing it!

[@jasonpettit9984]

Seriously,what I like most about your chann,your honesty,and the truth...I agree with alot of your opinions,please keep making great vids...

[@nedanother9382]

OMG truer words have never been spoken. Bladders are for day hikes ONLY.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Agreed!

[@Divercitylife]

I agree with the cotton. I bicycle tour but I do sink laundry to stay fresh. Mountain Warehouse has some really good deals on wool

[@DemiImp]

I have a "correction" of sorts about the whole food water thing: your body absorbs the water you put in the food. If you save a cup of water by not adding it to your food, you're going to end up drinking an extra cup of water later. In the end, you are not saving anything. Except for maybe if you find out you drank too much by the time you needed to cook food and now need to find more water to cook your meal. But that will likely be a much rarer problem.

[@toddevans4667]

Thing is you need to drink water when you eat or your going to be more dehydrated & if you keep the bladder empty until your campsite if your going to be there for a few days. You can load up if your by a water source, having a filter in line instead of running back n forth with a little bottle you could drink in like 2 seconds like i do.Plus Your going to need alot more water in the summertime also.

[@platesweightspeaks]

I love my water bladder, fight me lol 😆 I will compulsively sip out of a straw or bite tube, but am not nearly as good about drinking out of a water bottle. As a result I stay more hydrated with a bladder. And my water bladder has a baffle to keep it relatively flat instead of having the big bubble at the bottom. But to each their own!!

[@duelinggunnsadventures5946]

I fell for the old water bladder trick. Man did it add not only weight but the next time I grabbed it ,smelled moldy. No more bladder.

[@jeffd6]

I carry a 3 liter bladder, and that's good for me for 15km (roughly). I will also have a bottle or two in my side pocket, sometimes empty, sometimes full. My problem is once I pull out a bottle, I am now stuck carrying the bottle, or having to stop to put it back in my pack only to take it out again in 5 minutes. Also, a bladder is way easier to make sure you are drinking enough.

[@Spear995]

LOVE my water bladder. It helps I have one of those old school Osprey ones with the rigid back side, along with an Osprey pack with the antigravity suspension so the bladder is never on my back anyway though.

[@jimkovarik482]

Agreed. Prefer water bladders. Love I I sorry packs.

[@northernbeadle]

Haha.... the moment I heard Dan start talking about the "bads" of water bladders I immediately wanted to comment about my Osprey with the rigid back so that it's easy to pull out and push back into the pack without needing to empty the pack. Plus I love that the hose separates in the middle so I don't have to reach way down to the bottom of the bladder to unhook. The Osprey Hydraulics was my first bladder and will be my last... nothing beats it!!

[@rucksackzen]

I have used a water bladder and I have used Smart water bottles. I cannot reach behind to grab my bottle and put it back without taking off my pack (I mostly hike alone). I actually hesitate to stop and do it and that means I may be waiting too long to drink. Dan I see you use a clip on the sternum strap so I may try that. Otherwise, it is a bladder for me, especially since I don’t feel the bladder against my back in either my Osprey day pack or my larger Bergen.

[@kennethstarr5545]

Before I start, I absolutely love the vids! 1. Never say never 2. If you mean 100% cotton, don’t wear it backpacking. I have worn Columbia Omniwick, it’s a poly cotton blend and it’s the bomb. Men's Thistletown Park™ Raglan Hoodie. It’s sold out on Columbia.com I didn’t pay the price Amazon has it for $39.99. I paid $19.99 and have three others that are henleys. 15 SPF and 67 poly 33 cotton. The one I absolutely love is Simms SolarFlex Hoodie cloud camo. 69.95 UPF 50 and not enough room to describe other than you need this hoody! When I bought it it was new, just came out, and $139. 3. Yes, there are monsters and demons 😂 4. I have always carried a water bladder and I don’t have to take it out. I carry a Platy Gravity Works. Modified the water bladder with valves. Basically, the Platy is the dirty bag and the water bladder is the clean left in place. Plus I can put whatever amount in it I want. For me it works the best and is the most efficient. I know how much I drink so I’m not that far off with how much is left. If there are water sources close I don’t fill the bladder much. I also bring a smart water bottle as a backup. Just like tablets for a backup to the Platy. 5. Unless one doesn’t have close water sources it doesn’t matter how much water weighs. I carry 3L in my water bladder but I’ll pee it off or burn it. 6. Thanks for the tips on Peak and Greenbelly. Great vid. What I said works for me.

[@Marcin79W]

After one cold autumn evening when I was crying for a good meal and I realised the stove broke, I always carry food that could but doesn't have to be cooked to eat.

[@ind13cru5ad3]

There is nothing I want more right now than going out on a trail. Subbed

[@florindagonzalez5700]

Liked for that intro being amazed at the food. Got me to laugh.

[@donniebel]

I like Smart water bottles. Get better caps (the push pull type) for secure, ease of use. I’m a thirsty dude and I can’t reach the bottles in my HMG pack on the go so I use bottle pockets on the front of the shoulder straps. Several companies make the pockets. It’s the way to go IMHO.

[@brkel]

..never experienced the problem with uncomfortable bladder (i have appropriate bladder with a "divider" to keep it flat)... ..never experienced a problem of having to take the bladder out of the bag. There are ways to do it, and you dont need to take stuff out of the bag... ..depends on the situation...

[@theblackneon5396]

I usually just sleep in my jerven mountain bag, set up as a tight little cocoon. I've had animals come oddly close because it has such excellent camouflage. I only wake up to the stressed escape that happens afterwards.

[@clayschuetz899]

Very sound advice actually. I already knew cotton kills lol, I started watching homemade wanderlust some time ago and I listened to Dixie, and frozen from outdoor adventures, before my first backpack trip in Wayne national Forest, I got all synthetics for clothing. I made some mistakes on my first trip, never buy Ozark trails packs from Walmart 😂😂😂 just don't do it, or sleeping bags, again just don't do it lol. I'm an REI fan now to be honest, and I honestly feel I'm wanting to be both a long distance hiker and a backpacker, I desire to both, cause I can and it's gonna be fun either way lol. Anyways, I'm just Soo very happy to see that not only is there Dixie, and frozen, and Kyle hates hiking lol, but seriously there's also you and Soo many others, y'all mean a lot to people like me that are just beginning and really don't wanna do things to awfully wrong that might hurt us or ruin our beginning experiences, it just sooo wonderful what y'all are doing and I just want to say thank you, to you as well as everyone who is doing this, y'all are awesome👍👍😁😁😁 Btw, I don't know where the heck you're from but I think it would be great to do like a weekend trip out there with you sometime, let me know if you're ever in my neck of the woods here in Ohio, maybe we can do a little adventure together😁

[@HenrikJohnsson87]

One thing I wished I knew before I started backpacking like 5-6 years ago is that you don't have to buy freeze dried stinky disgusting food like mountain house, you can instead dehydrate your food yourself instead! That way you know what you eat and you can basically cook it the way you like it!

[@DanBecker]

Good point!! I’m just a terrible backcountry cook! 🤣

[@AccidentalHiker1]

Hey! Stop picking on Water Bladder! 😜 loves water sippy supply's pouch.😂 As a runner I agree the bladder is something to juggle to refill on the trail. But so convenient to drink from. Harder to manage water supply cuz you can't see it.

[@617alessandro]

I can see you getting some kind of sponsorship soon! You’re great mate, thanks! New sub here

[@kylemendes7246]

finally someone offers teh distinction, i carry about 55 pounds of weight on me on my backpacking trips, def no ultralight long distance hiker lol. i like hiking long distances but over a course of several days

[@777lucifero]

Merino Wool is the best so far i've found. Same that i use for skiing. Just 1 layer and i'm fine anywhere between +5 to -15c. It also doesn't smell. you can use the same undershirt/pant day after day, the bacterias don't stick. Also great at night, as it works excellent in case there's a lot of condensation. My biggest problem is water, i'm quite heavy (240ish pounds) and a bit out of training, i cannot manage with less than 4 liters for the day, at least

[@articus5134]

All perfect points about water bladders, everyone I hike with uses one, I always try to make them Smart Water converts though haha. I used to use a bladder, on literally every hike I would go on. While convenient for the time being, I found myself being extremely lazy about cleaning it and I always left water sitting in there to.....age (definitely not like a fine wine). Since I switched to only using water bottles, I have not ever had that problem.

[@caby1980]

Hey dan, love your content. I got a couple of suggestions for some videos. Even though it’s not sexy, I think it’d be good to have video dedicated to the LNT. I foresee a spike in outdoor backpacking when all the dust settles and it’d be good for not very avid hikers/campers to have an understanding of what’s expected. All the big backpacking channels don’t really have a video alone dedicated to this very serious hiking subject. A more sexy option for a video would be to do a video on how to build a fire, what conditions to build in, make sure there’s a good fire pit, be aware of the rules of where you’re hiking, how to dry out your fire wood (if your skilled in such ways).

[@Doofish873]

I’m going camping with my mate after corona virus, all your videos are amazing great content, this video is helping a lot thnx

[@MaDmanex100]

What inspired me was the boatcamping where people camped a week between hours of rowing

[@blakew5672]

Millennium Bars are another good source of lightweight calories. I think they’re 400+ calories, mostly fat, and only weigh like 3oz. Plus they last for years, they’re heat stable, and work great in emergency packs. Not bad tasting either

[@change5190]

I've watched about six of your videos before this one and didn't realize I wasn't subscribed. Thanks for reminding me!

[@TheAveryusmc]

Would love to see a video talking about breaking bad habits formed from other sources. As a Marine I have done plenty of "hikes" but I find it hard to not fall back on these when doing some backpacking.

[@brianleonard4915]

Love Dan but I couldn’t disagree more about the water bladder. First of all, when you’re hiking on any trail, especially longer distances and in hot weather, you need to aggressively hydrate. Most average water bottles don’t hold very much water, and if you’re hiking anywhere past 5 miles to a location there’s a strong possibility you’ll run out of water, and you don’t ever want to run out of water. Plus, if you happen to misplace your bottle, you’re screwed. A bladder stays in your pack. My bladder is 3L and I almost always drink every last drop by the time I reach base camp. Second, idk what he’s talking about with it being uncomfortable. If you have a decent fitted pack and know how to adjust the straps you’ll never notice the bladder. Last, fill the bladder BEFORE you pack. Idk why anyone would wait till after they pack to try and fill the bladder. When you get to base camp you will unpack and before you pack back up just refill your bladder from your filter reservoir for the hike out. You can use a bottle for your camp drinking water while you’re at base. And of course, make sure you have a really good water filtration system. I highly recommend a gallon reservoir with a gravity system. Makes the water situation easy peasy. One last thing. As long as your camped near a water source, I don’t think it really matters how much water it takes to cook. Just get it from the reservoir or boil it straight from the source. Anyway, love the vid and Dan’s channel, just my two cents.

[@DanBecker]

Good thoughts Brian!

[@EricFleming231]

i like to wear synth and cotton over to give the sweat somewhere to absorb and it holds in the body heat a little bit

[@TheTrailDancer]

Nic Vid Dan... I really think that is a GREAT point you made about different types of backpackers. I think all the new backpackers think you have to thru-hike to be a backpacker; Day/Weekend, Section, Thur (all valid). I night I am only worried about Grizz, Cougars, Mice, and Aliens! :( Or venomous snakes when I am in the tropics. :) I know it's rare, but I have had a cougar outside of my tent a few times and it's not the best feeling (I live outside of Bend, OR when home).

[@deannilvalli6579]

To be honest, I think the bit about the water and food misses some important points. The whole point of dehydrated meals was not to carry all that water with you in the first place- it was to get the water once you arrive at camp from a nearby source- stream, tap (you may camp near a hut or something between long stages on a trail, for example), or glacier (that's where we get our water when mountain climbing in high mountains). This way only the dry part of the food is carried, the water is added later, as water is often widely available. For when water is NOT widely avaialble, you either have to carry it as part of the food or in a bottle. Sure, some foods don't require much water in themselves. But try eating them without then drinking alongside them- it doesn't work out too well. You eat dry granola, you need to drink water. You eat dry bread, you need to drink water, etc etc. So in the end, you carry the water one way or another unless there is a source nearby. That is the sad reality. You just have to plan around that.

[@thuthiehiker]

Great tips. Feel validated about using water bottles. 👍😀

[@kelly_turney]

I just bought that chicken pesto peak meal the other day before watching this! Good to hear it's good, that gives me hope 😂

[@jessesleeper3167]

I can count on one hand how many times I have "not" slept by a water source. It is extremely rare. The vast majority of hikers I know (actually all of them) always make a point to sleep near a water source; so I don't know anyone who hikes with breakfast or dinner water. However, if I was crazy enough to do that, I agree, I would not pack a meal that needs water. I have several bladders and only use them for day hikes as I agree, complete waste of weight. Thanks for the vids!!!!

[@markbenedict3279]

Just got back from a hike outside of Troy, Oregon and tried "Peak meals" for the first time and it cost more but worth it, so good

[@zerocool212121]

I agree with the being afriad of things, im more concerned with harsh weather and lightning being above tree line than animals and more so aware of the majority of accidents is usually done from ourselves. I do know of people being bitten by rattlesnakes but its rare and imo im more alert being around moose than snakes. I also hate to admit it as ill still drink from a water bladder but i do prefer in almost all circumstances I prefer a bottle instead. Kleen Kanteen with the growler snap top.

[@outdoorelement]

Love your channel ...I'm giving you a hard time with the water bladder:) I actually made a carbon fiber plate for my hydration pack...so I don't have water pushing on my back plus my body won't heat up the water. ...you should also be drinking 1/2 your weight in ounces a day (on average...more if your hiking). Get on the trails and stay hydrated. I also keep an MSR pocket rocket with me for boiling water when needed.

[@mab0852]

The water bladder, ugh!!! Couldn't agree more, they are awful. I forbad them with my Scouts because I can't monitor their consumption on trail, or they buy cheap ones that bust or leak in their pack inevitably soaking their sleeping bag or clothes. I carry SmartWater bottles on my straps and have a Source bite valve straw that replaces the lid. All the perks, none of the drawbacks. Bonus, it helps balance the pack weight front to back so I'm more stable in technical terrain. I do take a CNOC 3L to use as a gravity bag or so I can haul extra into a dry zone. But it's never inside my pack. All wet items and sources of moisture stay outside and away from my dry stuff inside the pack. Also, just got some of those Peak meals to try out. Love the calorie density, high protein, and low water, but dang they are proud of those things. Don't care so much about the low water for weight as much as fuel savings. A canister goes a lot farther heating half the water. That means I can eat and have coffee or hot chocolate for dinner with the same amount of fuel as a MH meal. Just sayin

[@henrivanbemmel]

For water ... unless hiking in a desert ... I carry my water pump and a 1L bottle. Depending on the plan, I will fill it and when empty find a waer source and filter fill it again. I can go through 3-4L on a warm summer day. No way, I can carry that over time 3 days, so I filter. Everyone's needs are different and if you do this enough, you will find how much water you need and so on. In cooler weather, I might only drink at a meal. BUT remember that water is more important than food especially when it gets warm.

[@hyklyfmatto9714]

Completely agree water bladders suck. Especially in Uhaw

[@DanBecker]

🤣🤣

[@eldoradocanyonro]

Whether in your food or not in your food, your water requirement does not change... If you are dry camping, you have to carry all your water either way. If your trek includes water sources, then dried food is lighter to carry and you get your water near camp.....

[@peterwhitcomb8315]

Some day can you do a video on park permits, hiking permits, and any other curious thing a person may need to know before starting. Maybe stuff for Federal Land (as State stuff will vary place to place)? All things you are proficient in doing but something less experienced people need to know. For example, I remember you (or someone else maybe?) checking in with a Park Ranger. Things you take for granted but things a new hiker would/will/can overlook.

[@BacktotheOutdoors]

Peter Whitcomb - as you alluded to - the permit system varies by park, and they vary greatly in many ways, so there’s no general video that would be helpful. You don’t need a permit to hike, you need them to backpack.

[@toddevans4667]

& pretty sure the military uses water bladders also. Plus you can store more stuff instead of using up pockets since not all backpacks like the teton explorer 4000 has big pockets for water bottles on the side.

[@heathenshaunt681]

I think a bladder is best used like I do it. I have a small hydration bag that holds my 2 liters long story short, I just keep my essential stuff in my hydration bag wallet snacks meds wipes for keeping clean etc I don't think I would want to use it buried in a actual backpacking rig because yes it's a pain in the butt to fill but having to stop every time I want a drink on a bike tour sucks 😂 since I do that as my form of getting around to anything I do

[@OutdoorsWithShawn]

You shouldn't be worried about the "bumps in the night." Most predators are uber silent when on the prowl. That's why you should practice good cooking and food handling techniques around camp.

[@TheyllNeverGetMe]

Water bladders are awesome and a game changer. They make hike much more enjoyable in my opinion. Everyone's gear has to work for them and all people are different. For me, I have never had the problem of it pushing on my back because I dont use an ultralight pack with little to no support. Also there is no worry about it being an issue to reload. My water bladder tube has a quick connect that attaches to my water filter system and is very easy to refill.

[@bifftuber7481]

Another reason why water bladders are a bad idea is they are easily punctured which happened to me when an spiky shrub punctured it and my water got down to a critical and dangerous level before I realized what had happened.

[@jcortes1791]

Subbed cause you asked and make quality, informative content.

[@DanBecker]

Thanks Jerome!

[@brandithrall2621]

Water bladders are great if your kid gets stoked to go out because he gets to use his. But backpacking with kids is a third, totally different, catagory.

[@DanBecker]

Truth!

[@stevegaymer9764]

Thanks, we are seniors and ride bikes, And walk on our paths ball mountain recreation area mi. We used to camp with our five kids we are empty-nesters, I like what you’re talking about being a backpack or are you done with the bike just going a few miles a day and seeing some nice sites I would not last doing 100 miles, I appreciate your way that you present your information. You do get to the point with a few mistakes sounds like me by the way I was in scouts for many years as an adult and so is my wife thanks

[@DanBecker]

Thanks Steve! I’ve had it for about two months now. I ride it as much as I can. It’s a fantastic bike.

[@AllThingsConsidered333]

A big black wolf crossed the trail in front of me at a MN state park (2 hrs south of Duluth!).. scared the heck out of me! It stopped, looked at me, then continued on his way into the trees. It wasn’t dense forest and I guess I wouldn’t consider the area “backcountry” but I did have to hike 1.85 miles from the road to my campsite. I was expecting to see black bears (didn’t see any but did see bear scat in one area near the rv section) but I wasn’t expecting to see a wolf as tall as my waist!

[@rogerrhodes2333]

Wow! Looked at the Peak Refuel freeze dried meals. They charge $2.99 shipping for EACH individual meal

[@youwild4432]

Water bladders - uncomfortable? HAHAHAHAHHAAHAHAAA I HATE THEM! In the army they issued me 5 of those things over the course of 3 different deployments - I gave them all away. Smart Water bottles are great and YES I do carry a Nalgene too...but water bladders - too heavy - too uncomfortable - total waste of space. I carry no more then 2 liters of water on me and replenish during the hike. It doesn't take that long to break out the Sawyer Squeeze and fill them. Most trails that I've been on you're almost always walking next to some sort of water source.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Agreed. Day hikes only!