7 More MYTHS You Shouldn’t Believe About BACKPACKING

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This video includes myths that you shouldn't believe about backpacking. It gives advice for new or beginner backpackers.

[@TRPufnStuf]

I'm 56 years old with stage four cancer. I started backpacking because of you. Thanks for the inspiration. Keep it rolling.

[@JeremiahStringer]

People like you make doing KZbin worth it! Keep rocking!

[@sheilasunshine9173]

May this man rest in eternal peace

[@SophisticatedDogCat]

The energy on this guy is crazy cool.

[@JeremiahStringer]

Thank you very much :D

[@obiwanjacobi]

"Cotton Kills" is an over simplification. I actually prefer cotton when it's really warm. Then I soak my T-shirt and stay cool for several hours. That is an application where you want to be wet for longer. Just make sure you have something dry to put on when the sun goes down.

[@diomepa2100]

Absolutely.

[@JeremiahStringer]

Great point, March :)

[@turtlewolfpack6061]

I actually have cotton t-shirts that dry pretty quick, where fancy (or non fancy) synthetics take a stink real fast and often allow sweat to flow over you the cotton doesn't and in all honesty if you are close to a reasonable water source hand washing a shirt shouldn't be an issue. Except in winter of course.

[@jacobshearer4690]

If i see one more sky scanner add idk

[@diomepa2100]

@@turtlewolfpack6061 synthetics, other than polyamide, not only get stinky, you need special detergent to wash the stink properly. Polyamide cotton mix is pretty much the wash on the go I prefer, dries by the morning even in relatively cool weather.

[@stevethistle7974]

Jeremiah is a great ambassador to the outdoors, his personality and joy is infectious

[@JeremiahStringer]

Thank you, Steve!

[@anthonyjohnson5372]

Reasons I love my Garcia bear canister despite the weight: 1) I suck at hanging. 2) Tough to find the right tree where I hike. 3) One less chore at camp. 4) Peace of mind at night. 5) Doubles up as a stool or mini-table when cooking on the trail.

[@tinymetaltrees]

I’ve been eyeballing the Garcia can. Tell me I should buy it.

[@anthonyjohnson5372]

@@tinymetaltrees Fits perfectly in my 65L osprey. 50 nights or so in black bear country so far. Don't leave it lid side up in the rain...not waterproof that way. Otherwise it's been great. I just stash it by a big rock or fallen tree.

[@JeremiahStringer]

A lot of great upsides :D

[@benwelch4076]

Great, funny, entertaining video and it was informative! I hike in full leather heavy hiking boots, I love my boots, my friend goes in low top tennis shoes with no socks. We both wear jeans and cotton shirts, I like regular fit, his is the relaxed style and we have been doing this together for almost 40 years. I have severe lung damage, I'm fine going down hill or level but on the hills I am really slow, so depending on the terrain my dog might have a heavier load than me. The funniest anti bear thing we did was take a drysack, put the food in it and using two trees floated it out in five feet of water twenty feet from shore, to get it back you undid one end, went to the other tree and pulled it in. Cheers and thank you for the excellent video.

[@JeremiahStringer]

So happy you are getting out there, Ben! I'm with you. You can do the outdoors anyway you want :D That is funny about the anti bear

[@danielgolite]

Myth: You can't take canned food because it is too heavy. There are a lot of great foods that come in cans and are inexpensive. Depending on the trip, I sometimes take one can with me. Canned pineapple sure tastes great on the second or third day. Taking one can won't overload your pack, especially on a low mileage trip. Just remember to pack out the empty can.

[@JeremiahStringer]

Great point, Daniel :D

[@echo6echo419]

Good video!! I'm way late here but figured I'd chip in any way. I spent a few years in the military and did hundreds and hundreds of miles up and down hills and mountains carrying a 40-60 pound frameless pack on top of ~30 pounds of "extra" gear in cotton pants, shirt and underwear wearing boots, sleeping on a closed-cell foam pad outdoors, sometimes in a tent and that tent had no floor in it and survived it. It can be done. It wasn't the most comfortable thing but doable. The key is to take all of the "advice" given by these good folks and 'hike your own hike' from it. I personally take the advice on how to lighten my pack weight but ONLY to an extent. If I lighten some things, I have weight for the things that I want to carry or need to carry. I've been called a newb and rookie and all sorts of names because I carry a small tripod chair. I do so because I have a medical condition that makes it uncomfortable to sit on the ground and put on shoes and it's also comfortable to sit on for a bit right after dropping my pack. I may later sit on the ground, but it's better for ME, if I sit on the chair for a bit. Also, I carry steaks for the first night on occasion. You should see the looks I get for that one, because I have to carry a way to cook it, LOL. My thing is, why are they calling me names when I'm the one carrying it? It doesn't affect them. If you want to carry a chair, carry it. If you don't, don't. I guess my point is, we're all different and have different tolerances. There is also the difference between "surviving the hike" and "enjoying the hike". If I want to carry 40lbs in my pack, wearing cotton undies, jeans, t-shirt and combat boots, guess who it affects...me and me alone. Advice is good, but it's just advice...good job on this vid :)

[@JeremiahStringer]

Appreciate the love 😃

[@DragonRoams]

You make some great points as usual keep up the great work. Thanks for mentioning the in shape topic. I know lots of trails where someone could hike just a little and camp to build themselves up. I switched to an Ursack about 2 years ago no critters have gotten into my stuff since even when my buddies food bag got invaded by mice. Also some places it's not always easy to find a proper limb for hanging.

[@JeremiahStringer]

That's the truth. I never can find just the right branch for hanging food

[@dj-kq4fz]

I like your vids, JS! I especially like the fact that you've proven that backpacking can be enjoyable for many levels of hikers, not just the "purists". Thanks! Dave J

[@JeremiahStringer]

My pleasure, Dave :D

[@w9jim]

I live and hike a lot in the desert - and wear a cotton tee shirt all the time. They may not be as light and fluffy as my synthetic shirts, but the are ace at keeping you cool, simply because they retain moisture. There's nothing like a slight breeze and a sweaty shirt to cool you off! And they are a lot warmer, too, when the temps start to drop.

[@JeremiahStringer]

I like it :D

[@andy_an_outdoors_guy]

glad you brought up that you don't need to be in great shape - so true. I find that when I go *slow* that's when I start to really notice things and actually see some wildlife :)

[@JeremiahStringer]

That is so right! :)

[@kennethstarr5545]

I so appreciate your videos! Love the positivity and your experience. Thanks again!

[@JeremiahStringer]

You are so welcome!

[@Truth-Seeker75]

Always good to hear those with a platform recommend being a responsible and respectful human.

[@JeremiahStringer]

Amen

[@stephenstokes6465]

Thanks for another insightful video.

[@JeremiahStringer]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@guykovacs9334]

Thank you, I think people take videos way to serious thank you for your opinion of your experience's, it helps to make me make better decisions. I enjoy watching, keep them coming.

[@JeremiahStringer]

Amen! Thank you :D

[@88WhiteRhino]

I enjoy the peace and stuff in nature. I think everyone should try hiking and in the end backpacking. It's comfort vs weight alot though. If you don't fancy squatting over a hole you might need to fix that but like any problem backpacking you can fix it for the most part you just gotta pack it come morning..

[@JeremiahStringer]

You are totally right

[@vinceimp9581]

Its nice in Arizona when im in areas with no tall trees. Rodents are more of an issue than bears for me most of the time. I still hang my stuff if I can but its a solid option and less weight than a bear can if there's a requirement and you have the option. There are different versions of the ursacks so be aware if your online looking.

[@JeremiahStringer]

Good thinking, Vince :D

[@avalancheknit7058]

Your ideas rock! Love your attitude and enthusiasm!

[@JeremiahStringer]

Thanks so much!!

[@bionicdan1959]

I really enjoy your videos JS! They are always down to earth! I noticed your Chicken Trampers logo t-shirt! They are a great “ Garage small gear” company from the the UP of MI. I bought a water bottle sleeve and wallet from them and really like the quality in their products. 👍👍

[@JeremiahStringer]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@oldunion]

FYI, Fjallraven pants are all synthetic/cotton blends, but all cotton pants are not so much a killer, it's just miserable to wear except for the in perfect conditions. Even workers in the turn of the last century would complain about their denim work clothes and be excited to change back into linen and wool at home.

[@JeremiahStringer]

You speak the truth

[@kyridgejumper]

Great new 7 video man 👍👍

[@JeremiahStringer]

Thank you :D 7 is one of my favs

[@paullsmith1867]

I’ve always understood the chords and toggles in shelters are for hanging food free backpacks. That gives you a place to store clothes and non food items near you while in the shelter.

[@JeremiahStringer]

Yep. You are right

[@erict5878]

Great video Jer! I would question the ones that take a bear hang bag above tree line. .That said it ALL depends on where you are going and the Forestry Service rules for the area. For example, here in California Sierra Nevadas Sequoia Kings canyon areas you HAVE TO have a bear can and NOTHING ELSE will qualify. Best info ( as you said) Check with the Forest Ranger office first before they ruin the middle of your trip by sending you back to the trail head or issue a citation. Many PCT ers use the cans through those areas then send em home. Best info coming from this video is " DO YOUR HOMEWORK". KNOW BEFORE YOU GO! Good stuff Jeremiah!

[@JeremiahStringer]

Yes, always need to go in with a researched plan in place :D

[@ricardoruiz2781]

You seem like a level headed good person who doesn't try too hard to seem like a good person, if that makes any sense, just genuinely good person. Subscribed and hope you get many more subscribers, I'll be sure to share your content!

[@JeremiahStringer]

Thank you very much, Ricardo :D I try lol

[@diomepa2100]

Oh yes, I have been using cotton shirts every summer (Arctic here so "summer"), and usually mix of light synt/cotton pants. Cotton shirts are totally fine (often better in warm weather) as long as you got dry camp clothes to change into.

[@JeremiahStringer]

Pretty refreshing :D

[@NateMaris]

Excellent vid bro

[@JeremiahStringer]

Thank you :D

[@KUEHLKUEST]

Another great video!! J&C

[@JeremiahStringer]

Thanks for watching

[@flyingaroundcountrycountry4550]

I completely agree with that health: I'm on my way to the crutches and hip replacement, but I started 2 years ago backpacking. And yeah cave man, I'm going lightweight on order to take more luxurious items, I have table with me! I really love my comfort 😂

[@JeremiahStringer]

That is awesome that you are getting out there still!! :D

[@flyingaroundcountrycountry4550]

@@JeremiahStringer actually I'm hiking more and more because of it 🤪 only movement make it better and push that crutches from me. (My uncle in my age was already classified as disabled - same issue.) But as everyone say: "know your limit." For me is sometimes just 0.5 mile when I'm starting looking for new camping spot. Until I found it I have countless stops and is evening anyway 😂 I ended with saying: There are only 2 reason somebody is not hiking: person is dead, or don't want.

[@margaretImhappy]

@@flyingaroundcountrycountry4550 love your spirit!!

[@bill8885]

Andrew Skurka wrote an article about how ineffective bear hangs are. He stirred up some controversy with it, but it was a good well thought out article.

[@JeremiahStringer]

That's a great one to check out

[@Cure4pd]

i am from Danville,Ky but live now in Central Florida, i dont hike i tent camp but use alot of your advice for hiking towards camping.love the vids thx

[@JeremiahStringer]

Hello from KY :D

[@triiton4443]

Another great video ....Amen on the boots!!!

[@JeremiahStringer]

Thank you!

[@jsomby]

As a Finn I've never heard about bear bags and I've been on nature since 80's. I think our bear situation is quite a lot better or they are scared to touch our food! Apparently that is real problem in US. Thank you for entertaining videos, keep them coming!

[@JeremiahStringer]

Really appreciate the support! :D

[@Drinksfromtap]

@sp00nfed the power of P E R K E L E! :D

[@bob_the_bomb4508]

They probably don’t like the smell of the vodka Keppis!

[@raddlog]

@sp00nfed They don't wanna test the Sisu.

[@Love2Wander]

Great info here's a good tip. You don't need all the expensive ul gear to go backpacking.

[@JeremiahStringer]

Very true!

[@medeegurl01]

So great

[@JeremiahStringer]

Thank you!! :D

[@SpiritFluent]

Went camping with food in our tent before. A bear came and literally sat on our tent and us looking for the food. Our screams scared it off. Never keep food near me again!

[@JeremiahStringer]

Woah!! That is wild and super scary

[@theslowwalker]

No bears where I live but I don't keep food or aromatic items in my tent. Having a mongoose or rat chew through my tent wall inspired me to hang my food from a tree in an odor proof bag.

[@JeremiahStringer]

That is awful

[@kennethstarr5545]

I did some car camping in GTNP at Gros Ventre a few weeks ago. Speaking of bears, each site has bear lockers. Each site! He had this elaborate set up. A trailer that had his kitchen and off the side he had a tent and and a tent above that. The tent on top was like tents that are on trucks. Anyway, his kitchen stuff was left out and there were paper towels, used, hanging on the wrack. I turned the clown in and felt like he was going to kill the campground. He probably had a gun and didn’t care if a bear came into his camp.

[@JeremiahStringer]

That is wild!

[@ellementira]

When we were camping this summer a bear broke into someone's camper nearby and went to town! They certainly will go to great lengths to get at our food! All tents and soft-bodied campers were banned from the campground, so it's lucky that was our last day (we were in a tent, but all of our food was in our car).

[@JeremiahStringer]

They want that food

[@john_kelley]

Great video!!! That beard is getting back to legend status!

[@JeremiahStringer]

Thanks, John! :D Working on the legendary lol

[@BackpackingWithJason]

He needs to trim it back down 😂😂. I’m going to have to sharpen my knife up. Lol

[@marcsorensen2985]

while hiking mts. in norcal. i saw a new method for food safety. if you are near a lake you can bring a drybag, put a rock in it with your food and tie a line on it, then toss in in the lake. seems to work good these folks say it has never been messed with.

[@JeremiahStringer]

That's an interesting method

[@SurviveOutdoors]

Great video. With bears it often depends how they are conditioned by those damn two legged. Tetons advise hanging or good dry bag or cannister. Agree with you many times not necessary.

[@JeremiahStringer]

You are totally right

[@Droptineful]

Great video! Didn’t see the link for the poop hammock, I’ve been wanting to order one for my daughter.👍🏻🇺🇸

[@JeremiahStringer]

Here's the link :) theportaprivy.com/

[@shawnr6117]

You can also wear hiking shoes, they do make some styles that are lighter and non waterproof like trail runners but a bit more sturdy

[@JeremiahStringer]

Love it :D

[@gnohn9366]

I always have a lightweight soft cotton or cotton blend t shirt for sleep wear. I find synthetics somewhat clammy.

[@JeremiahStringer]

That's a good idea :D

[@tridoc99]

You need the Ursack Allmitey to be both bear and rodent proof. The other Ursack are just bear proof. I have the old Ursack Allmitey and it has worked great and I think it is a fantastic product and way better than carrying a bear canister. However, Ursack recently changed the design of the Allmitey and it no longer has a velcro closure. The velcro closure is what makes it rodent proof. Otherwise a mouse can squeeze through an opening the size of a dime and I don’t think it can be tied that tight. They said they might bring the velcro back depending on customer feedback so let’s let them know we want it back. I for one want to get one of the newer larger Allmities, but I won’t until they bring back the velcro.

[@JeremiahStringer]

Appreciate the info!! :D

[@Ontrail82]

Sweet vid! I’ve been using an Ursack for 3 years now in northern Minnesota where there’s lots of black bears with no problems! I hate trying I find a limb to hang a bear bag 👎🏼 lol

[@JeremiahStringer]

Good stuff :)

[@SeniorHiker77]

Thanks for the myths Jeremiah but I'm hanging my food if possible. Lol

[@JeremiahStringer]

Lol I don't blame you

[@andm6847]

i prefer sturdy shoes because most of the hiking/backpacking I do is in mountains and there are too many rocky trails for sandals or sneakers. I have an ursack and I tie it to a tree. Keep in mind that even if the bear is unsuccessful it is chewing on the bag for an hour so you food is a messy mush.

[@JeremiahStringer]

That is true. Mushy food

[@Superduper666]

I'm not in great shape but enjoy hiking. I just have to stop and rest more often and not hike as far as others can. I often hike alone so I don't feel forced to keep up. I don't mind hiking alone but get sad if I have to camp alone.

[@JeremiahStringer]

Hiking alone is very relaxing and pressure free. I went a couple weekends ago solo

[@RoyceKitts]

I started off with boots that were basically factory floor boots. I transitioned to soft high top hiking shoes. There is a shoe out there for everyone. As long as it gets you out there.

[@JeremiahStringer]

I completely agree :)

[@kennethstarr5545]

Columbia makes some good shirts for day hiking. They are 66% cotton and 34% poly. Something like that. BTW, always carry a good compass and know how to use it. If you don’t want to carry maps ok, but a good compass will always take you the right direction.

[@JeremiahStringer]

I love my Columbia gear

[@d.c.1059]

The paisley sleeping bag as a backdrop is epic!!!

[@JeremiahStringer]

Thank you!!

[@m34tba11]

Cotton is great in desert areas, what sweating you do do is retained and keeps you cooler longer, but in most cases yah "cotton kills' in a fair majority of the non dry areas

[@JeremiahStringer]

Good stuff, Jamie :D

[@djbreakfast]

I went backpacking in Scotland, and there’s no bears there! So weird to get used to. I had the fear keeping food in my tent, even though it’s perfectly safe there.

[@JeremiahStringer]

A weird feeling lol

[@bob_the_bomb4508]

As long as it’s not deep fried. If you keep deep fried food in a tent in Scotland you will find your tent being ravaged by a hungry Scot! Vegetables will be quite safe though :)

[@djbreakfast]

@@bob_the_bomb4508 😂😂😂

[@18Hongo]

Yeah, we don't have bears here; the local insects have already filled that particular ecological niche.

[@J.Cannon420]

I just sleep with my food in my tent. Whatever comes in is gonna have to fight me for it. Angry/scared dude with a knife vs blackbear? Come with it. Coons... get pwned. Great video. As a lifetime boot wearer in need to strong ankle support for a day of bushwhacking, i'm intrigued with all the trail runners i see...yet not ready to not laugh at the open toed hiking things that invariably show up. Might try those trail runners tho. Love the point about being in shape. Your mind auto drags your body along without its permission or voice to disapprove....least till you've been a few miles or climbed a mountain. When put in the situation, you may just amaze yourself. Overall, love the tone of the video! It ain't this way or that way or my way or your way. Well, theres a lot of ways.

[@JeremiahStringer]

Really appreciate the support :D

[@livinglikeahuman7918]

I only use cotton socks in my hammock with a under quilt. It’s the only thing I’m willing to wear in cotton. Chaffing is a giant issue for me too

[@JeremiahStringer]

Very comfy on the feets :)

[@syverjove]

Anyone have an opinion about onX vs AllTrails? I’ve had AllTrails for awhile but I’m not married to it if there’s a better alternative.

[@JeremiahStringer]

I love them both. Depending on the region you live in, one might be better than the other. I'd do a trial of each for your next trip and see which fits best for you

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Backpacking has helped countless people get into shape! I like to use my bear bag as a pillow LOL Multi purpose. The poop hammock hahahahahahaha Love it!

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

I have seen some scary situations in the winter involving frozen jeans. I'm talking frozen solid. I have had to tell people I won't hike with them because they showed up in jeans on a winter hike. Spring, summer and fall, jeans will do the trick for sure

[@JeremiahStringer]

I have had pants frozen on me. Happened during that polar vortex a few years ago. Woke up and they were completely stiff lol Luckily I was close enough to the truck that I could just walk out in my camp clothes

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

@@JeremiahStringer Yikes ! Close call. Good thing you were close to the truck

[@arnoldp3740]

I want to hear about your brs falling in a friends lap Those things need a 5 foot clearance I went with an outdoor boards square grill and burlap bag for cutting board. Its worth the extra stability

[@JeremiahStringer]

Lol for sure. My cookpot slid right off it

[@SignalOutdoors]

I have an Ursack and have been just tying that to a tree away from camp. I'm still not sure if that's the best idea or not. I mean like you say what bear wants a bear gets. At least with the Ursack it's not going to get rewarded very easy. However, If it gets a bag on a line it's gonna tear into that thing like a fat kid into a cupcake. 😂 Take care Jeremy, good video. 🤙

[@Superduper666]

Ursacks get chewed through by mice and squirrels. Plus, bears can rip the ursack apart. Best to hang the ursack.

[@SignalOutdoors]

@@Superduper666 I kinda had a feeling about that. I'll have to start doing that.

[@JeremiahStringer]

Thank you! And yeah, I just imagine if a bear got an ursack the food would be mushy afterward lol

[@theslowwalker]

Thanks for the great videos. The only bares we have here we just ask them to put their clothes back on especially if there are children around. Other then that our food is generally only attacked by mongoose, rats, and ants . . . and fellow backpackers.

[@JeremiahStringer]

My pleasure :D

[@markwallace4348]

Instead of a cotton shirt for in camp, I'd recommend a silk shirt. A lightweight natural fiber with great warmth to weight. This is what I sleep in at night. I'll put it on after getting to camp

[@JeremiahStringer]

Silk would be nice too :)

[@chriscook3120]

Unpopular but I pretty much always use a bear cannister. I use it as a stool, a table, a bucket sometimes I stand on it if I need to reach something, oh year I keep my food in it too.

[@JeremiahStringer]

They work really well and have multiple uses :D

[@brianwinburn1561]

I think the purpose of the lines and hook inside the shelters is for backpacks not food. The shelters in the smokies are awful for mice so we hang our packs in the shelter and use the chains provided outside for food.

[@JeremiahStringer]

You are right, Brian. Also, I love those chains. They take all the work out of hanging a bear bag :)

[@trailheart1863]

I use an Ursack allmitey, I’m usually above tree line so hanging a bag is not much of an option most trips.

[@JeremiahStringer]

Ursack definitely solves that problem 😃

[@SouthernHike]

I dread using a bear canister lol. SO HEAVY and bulky!

[@charliemcdowell5231]

They really are! But man when you do bring them it’s so convenient. I went camping and these goats kept hovering around my area. The bear can saved my food, since it protects your food in camp not just when you put it away for the night 200 feet away. The goats stole my trail mix when I walked 20 feet away to pee :/

[@JeremiahStringer]

I'm with you

[@pauldeavers3655]

About hanging food. I live in Indiana we have no bears but we have mini bears mice Racoons ex. I have a new Gregory Baltoro pack. I was out this May for my second trip with it. It has mesh side pocket. I made a mistake and left a slim jim in the pocket by mistake. I hung the rest of my food. I put my tent in the vestibule. In the middle of the dark night I was awaken to the pack being shook. In the morning i saw hole chewed in the pocket of my new bag. I learned the hard way and was glad it was not a bear.

[@JeremiahStringer]

Ooh that is the worst!!

[@asmith7876]

Ouch! Those packs are $$$! Bummer!

[@outdoor_again78]

About hanging the bag not so much bear but wild boar and feral pigs

[@JeremiahStringer]

Yes! And racoons and squirrels

[@russell2952]

In over a decade of backcountry trips I haven't had a single critter try to get into my Ursack, at least not enough that I could tell in the morning. When you hike in areas with low to zero human activity the bears and critters just leave you alone.

[@JeremiahStringer]

I'm with you :)

[@FreezingToad]

Not sure if you covered this in your last myth video or not, but one myth is it’s super costly to get into backpacking. There is a lot of decent quality budget options on the market that has made it more accessible to the wider public. Sure, UL gear can be crazy expensive, but beginners don’t need to start with that stuff.

[@JeremiahStringer]

That is a great one!!

[@mtminded4498]

How do you attach wet clothing items to the back of your pack to dry out and keep them from coming loose?

[@JeremiahStringer]

Usually I attach it by putting it through the loops that are used for trekking poles

[@mtminded4498]

@@JeremiahStringer I'm wondering about things like socks or a bandana that are small and don't have a hole to pass a strap through.

[@JeremiahStringer]

If you cinch down the strap you'll be good

[@lewisbrooks9760]

Just ran across you and JK on the Backpacking Podcast. Great Stuff. Now I say this in jest but its seems to be more common these days: From someone from East Tn. Please! Its AP-A LAT-CHA. NOT AP-A LAY-CHA. All love. :)

[@JeremiahStringer]

Lol welcome to the channel :D

[@cielrobinson]

i've just recently learned a lot of people don't hang a bear bag... i'm not sure how to figure out how common it is. of course people don't talk about not hanging a bag if they're required to and choose not to. i'm a lazy person but i also care a lot about wildlife, i'm not sure what i'll end up doing long term.

[@JeremiahStringer]

Yep, I'm right there with you

[@talon9978]

If the bears smell the food, they smell you as well. Never got the concept of a bear bag other than to keep little critters out of your food

[@walk-tall-hikes]

I always have a bear bag with me as my food bag all the time, but true confession.. I hiked the Ouachita Trail last year in January into February and we slept in shelters 90% of the time. Quite often we kept our food with us in the shelter. We literally never saw a single mammal on the trail for 223 mi, including bears., This is the trail that goes from Arkansas to Oklahoma, There is supposed to be bears out there, but we never saw a sign of them..

[@charliemcdowell5231]

I’m always jealous watching bush crafters in non bear areas who just hang raw meat from a tree overnight IN their camp. It blows my mind and makes me uneasy but I’m still jealous lol

[@JeremiahStringer]

Yeah I think some trails have the bear problem a lot worse. I pretty much never see them

[@JeanaBeanaKG]

@@JeremiahStringer You just said you've seen bears get hung bags and cable lifts for food. Sounds like you have no idea you're talking about.

[@queerlibtardhippie9357]

@@JeanaBeanaKG 😂😂

[@wisenber]

I store my food in a cotton bag. I figure it will kill anything that tries to get into it. I quit carrying a machete and a shotgun and just started carrying some cotton balls in a bag on my hip for the same reason. That cotton is deadly stuff.

[@JeremiahStringer]

XD

[@gregmortonoutdoors]

Another great video. Size 15! Wow! How hard is it to find shoes? We have to hang a bear bag everywhere in Colorado. If you live close to the mountains, those suckers will come into your neighborhood on trash day and knock over your cans. We even had one in my development and I'm on the East side of Colorado Springs, about 5 miles as the crow flies from the mountains. Basically, bears are lazy and will go for the easy food. Here's a video about a local restaurant that shows how strong they are too. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppjEhXSAp6iomNE

[@JeremiahStringer]

Lol it sucks finding shoes. Yeah bears are a big issue in some areas. I try to keep it responsible out there. We have had them in our trash in my hometown

[@johnbenschop6708]

No bears in NZ but those opossums can be hundgry

[@JeremiahStringer]

Hate them, but they eat a lot of bugs and ticks :D

[@kristymoore7052]

Poop hammock? Lol. Ok onto the bear hang…. I live in the Sierra so, yes many places require a canister. In the places that don’t, I hang, but…every single time I know that if a bear wanted my bag, they would have gotten to it. Not so much that I’m bad at it, but the lousy tree selection. I still haven’t fully figured out this. I don’t want to bring a canister every time, and I don’t want critters in my food even though bear probability is low.

[@JeremiahStringer]

lol yes. theportaprivy.com is the poop hammock. Keep working on the bear and critter situation. You'll get there :)

[@markevanks]

Have you backpacked in Tennessee? What places are your favorite to backpack?

[@JeremiahStringer]

I have backpacked in TN. The smokies are great but I mostly do Big South Fork

[@MrJulioreneriosgarci]

For a moment I was scratching my head thinking "how would moss chew?"...

[@JeremiahStringer]

I'm not sure what that means, Julio

[@MrJulioreneriosgarci]

You where saying "mice" but I heard "moss"

[@turtlewolfpack6061]

The two "backpacking" trips I have been on (and many miles before during other deep bush camps) I wore Finnish Army jackboots and not once did I think I needed other footwear. With wool socks and felt insoles my feet didn't hurt once. Most modern cotton sucks but I haven't ever had an issue with wearing cotton in the woods.

[@JeremiahStringer]

That is fantastic :D

[@joshfriedman1461]

You sleep with your food, you'll lie down with the fishes.

[@JeremiahStringer]

A real possibility for sure

[@GratefulTrekker]

There are bear boxes at every AT shelter in GA FYI...

[@JeremiahStringer]

That is awesome!!

[@BoneFromTheDale]

I personally use a pvc dry bag for food and garbage. I keep the food in a separate dry bag inside and the garbage in a trash compactor bag inside. I don’t care how good their sense of smell is they’re not smelling anything through one of them dry bags.

[@JeremiahStringer]

That is another great way to do it :D

[@asmith7876]

Bears have the best sense of smell of all mammals, better than a blood hound's. They can smell it.

[@tombeckett4340]

Well here in Canada bears are a real problem. Plus other pesky animals. So it’s really a good idea to hang your food. If you loose your food the trip is over. Thanks 🇨🇦👍

[@JeremiahStringer]

Great point, Tom :D

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Not controversial at all. I’m interested in ursack. How much do they weigh?

[@vinceimp9581]

They aren't that light look it up on REI web site there are dif sizes. Its far less than a canister for sure. I like it because I'm in areas with no tall trees often and its better than nothing in that case. I still hang my stuff when I can but honestly rodents are more of an issue than bear where I'm at.

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

@@vinceimp9581 thanks.I’m going to check it out. I assume it keeps rodents out?

[@jonsanford2515]

Before you buy one you should know Ursacs aren’t approved by the US National Park Service, or Forestry Service. They’re pricey enough that you might think twice if that’s where you would use them, and you want to follow the rules. Not saying I agree, or disagree. Just FYI.

[@JeremiahStringer]

Here's a link to their website ursack.com/

[@MackGully]

Where can I buy that poop hammock. That looked super legit 😂

[@JeremiahStringer]

theportaprivy.com/

[@DMSAdventures]

Wait... youtubers aren't experts!!??.... that's the only reason i became a KZbinr! All right. Pack it up everybody, we're done here!! 🤣 it's funny the level of expertise we can bestow on people isn't it!! I appreciate your information for just what it is... experience!! Good stuff Mr Stringer!!

[@josephestrada8837]

I scrolled through to see if anyone else was thinking the same thing. Not experts, just experienced. And experience goes a long way!

[@JeremiahStringer]

XD thank you!

[@labellaescrima1996]

Jeremiah, not only black bears you. have lynx, cougars, badgers, raccoons, feral cats, coyotes, foxes, etc. they are freaking good climbers so it does not matter if you hang it or not them animals have good teeth and claws! Ursack bags have been tested by bears, cougars, pekan, minxs, badgers, none rip the bag but a few made holes (not big ones) and they do sell plastic bags where the smell of fish can (opened) and the animals could not detected the food..also been tested and it does work, just saying!

[@JeremiahStringer]

Excellent points! :D

[@scottclementi4309]

Currently in Roan Mountain just left Damascus myself

[@JeremiahStringer]

Good luck out there!! :)

[@Smallzii]

Ok... but where can I purchase one of those "Poop Hammocks" or make one? I don't see a link and can't find anywhere online. And I don't don't see a comment asking. Please advise good sir!!

[@JeremiahStringer]

theportaprivy.com

[@wickedmonk3yz905]

Yay I think I'm the first comments yay I love your videos you are doing an amazing job keep it up I'm learning alot from you

[@JeremiahStringer]

Woo woo! Welcome to the party :D Thank you so much!

[@wickedmonk3yz905]

@@JeremiahStringerno thank you, I enjoy watching you and your wife go on hikes and you've helped me prepare for my thru hike across America in a couple years thank you for being so inspiring.

[@aaalllen]

wow... i've never heard of a poop hammock before

[@JeremiahStringer]

Lol yep the porta privy

[@jamesmccreery250]

"If a bear wants something, I'm pretty sure he can get it".

[@JeremiahStringer]

I’ve seen bears get hung bags. It’s a big problem in high traffic areas like the AT. They sometimes even get them when hung on cables at shelters

[@karencaskey6210]

26 years ago in Tuolumne Meadows (Yosemite) we had our perfectly hung bear bag stolen. You could have put a picture of it in a backpacking manual!! This was before bear canisters were required in Yosemite, and honestly, they were a fairly new concept. In our case, a mother bear sent her 2 cubs up the tree (at 2 am). They broke the tree branch and feasted on our food. The next morning, as we were cleaning up the remaining garbage, we noticed that any toiletries were pushed aside and not even bitten into. Yosemite bears (okay, any Sierra bear) are smart! Had to hike 6 miles back to the trailhead without any breakfast. Thankfully, it was the last night of our trip anyway! We've car camped (still in a tent) more since our kids came along, but everything goes in the bear locker at camp. We've recently gotten back into backpacking and take a bear canister now. Remember, the canisters are not just to protect you, they are to protect the bears. A fed bear is a dead bear.

[@AnxiousGary]

Florida man here, and oh my lord, if I tried to go out in one of these polyester outfits all the Northerners recommend I'm pretty sure I'd spontaneously combust despite the humidity.

[@JeremiahStringer]

That would be terrible

[@jklinger031276]

Hammock potty? Link please!

[@JeremiahStringer]

theportaprivy.com/

[@rolandstockham1905]

Some good observations but I would say the biggest myth you missed is that there is one way to do it. My greatest tip for newcomers would be to look at the area for your hike and adjust your kit and expectations to match. For example in rolling woodland trails that are well used trail running shoes could be the best option but if it is rocky and involves some bush whacking you run a serious risk of an ankle injury. The advice on first aid kits, yes none of us want to carry unnecessary gear but the question you should be asking is 'how long might I need to wait for help?' If the answer is 'a park ranger will be along in a few hours' (assuming you carry a satellite emergency beacon which everyone should, then a lightweight kit is fine. At the opposite end is real wilderness with no regular rescue teams. In that case it may take more than a day just to organize support then a day or more to find and get to you. Do you have what you need to keep an injured person alive for that long? Finally be realistic about your own experience and capabilities. Ultra light gear an minimalist pack list are fine if you have the experience and confidence but if your reason for going ultra light is you are unfit and don't think you can carry the weight maybe you need to think about lowering your planed trip goals and doing some training.

[@JeremiahStringer]

I absolutely love it! Great points :D

[@gray.dog6]

About the food hanging, the main reason to do that is to protect you. Typically your supposed to hang it away from your campsite, and if you want to be extra safe, down wind of your camp.

[@JeremiahStringer]

Well said :)

[@hindsfeetonhighplaces]

Ex = Has Been Spurt = Drip under pressure I'm no ExSpurt! ;-)

[@JeremiahStringer]

XD