Backpacking Clothes - What I Wear & Pack

A discussion on clothing choices for backpacking, hiking & camping trips. Gear Lists at www.sintax77.com
In this video, I go over each backpacking clothing item that I'll be wearing for an upcoming backpacking trip, as well as spare and alternate clothing options that I'll be packing for the hike.
These are pretty much the same clothes take I would take on just about any 3-season hiking trip.
Backpacking Clothes Seen in the Video (worn)
Synthetic short sleeve tee shirt
Synthetic long sleeve t-shirt
Convertible camp pants (zip-off shorts)
Baseball cap
Synthetic sport underwear
Darn Tough merino wool socks (quarter length)
Trail runners - Merell Moab Ventilator shoes
Gore-Tex trail runners - Adidas Terrex Swift-R shoes
Mid-top boots - Garmont Zenith GTX Mid
Cheap sunglasses
Backpacking Clothes Seen in the Video (packed)
Microfleece hat
Synthetic lightweight gym shorts
Long underwear (synthetic or merino wool)
Spare underwear (2 pair)
Spare Socks (1 pair)
Flip-flops
Down parka
Dri-Ducks rain suit
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Sintax77
PO Box 8163
Wilmington, DE 19803

[@TroutWest]

Still one of the best backpacking channels on youtube.

[@DUDEINBLACK111]

ya good content, high production value, a variety of backpacking related videos, and a likable person in front of the camera.

[@englishwoodsman]

i have only been wild woodland camping for 9 moths and never thought about taking extra clothing I might have to do when travelling around England next your .. you have given me something to think about now thank you

[@guisspino]

Hey man, kind of re-discovered your channel after about a year (predominately a fall backpacker). Just wanted to drop a quick note, thanks for putting out some really high production videos. You sound really down to earth and honest about your gear, which I appreciate. Keep it up!

[@GreatAmericanHikes]

Hiked Franconia Ridge this weekend. Cold and windy, but beautiful.

[@cfraimondo233]

I have an almost identical clothing mindset. However, rather than bringing one set of hiking clothes, one set of camp clothes and spare socks, I bring two sets of hiking clothes, no spares. Wear set one hiking, then set two at night at camp, which will be my hiking clothes for the next day. Saves time on getting ready in the morning, allows you to hang your wet and sweaty clothes to dry overnight and you have a built in spare of everything if you need it. Although, I do like your idea of cutting down weight bringing camp shorts rather than a second pair of hiking pants.

[@CoamexHarp]

Awesome video. I appreciate the info, especially during this autumn hiking season...keep the vids coming!

[@sintax77]

Thanks, TrailTrekker - so glad that fall hiking season is finally here!

[@red4sierra]

Just came back from a trip at slide mountain. It was pretty cold and windy up there. Starting to actually feel like fall now. Enjoy your trip 👍🏼

[@Dirt_McGirt_ODB]

Those EMS hiking pants are the best! I have the same pair and absolutely love them!

[@PositivelyHealthy]

I wear a very light weight sock liner under my main sock all the time. Have a pair for each day (or wash as needed), and can get by for multiple days on the one outter wool pair. I also keep clean change of clothes in the car, sometimes it is just nice to be able to put on fresh clothes for the ride home

[@shakergilbert3145]

Another entertaining and informative video. Enjoy your trip! I look forward to the video to follow.

[@erikgiggey4783]

i just got done with the puzzle mountain side of the grafton loop and it got down into the 30s and really windy. loved the trail and am sore from bringing way to much food lol. i got to see all the sights from your vid. did it in 1 night 2 days :) be safe and enjoy your hike

[@sintax77]

Better than running _out_ of food, though! Glad to here you got to do Grafton - it's an awesome hike :)

[@ShadowWRX]

6:48 keeps the shade off you? lol awesome hat if it does that

[@MrJKD360]

Thanks for the vid. My best brand name gear seems to always come from my favorite outdoor outfitter...Goodwill.

[@sintax77]

That's a solid point - I've got to remember to drop in there more often.

[@winkhvac62]

ME 2

[@davidschmude]

Amen to that. Gander Mountain and EMS are for outdoor wannabees who think hiking is getting from their car to the mall. Granted, it is worth it to drop the bucks on some name brand gear, especially socks and shoes, but high fashion does not make you points on the trail

[@ShredTactix]

Thanks for the overview, man! I love those Darn Tough socks. I wear them every day.

[@thecanopyclimber]

New trip video coming soon!!!!!!! Can't wait! Great video!

[@jenericfarmsranch4547]

Great video. I really like these types of videos. As a beginner backpacker I find them very help full. I would love to see in one of your videos the process to use for changing and storing you clothes at camp. I just got back from a trip where it was 15 degrees with 30-40 mph winds and everything went great till it was time to change clothes in the evening a store way my hiking clothes. Thanks and I look forward to the next one.

[@boxingcompass]

I debated sticking with convertibles when I replaced my previous hiking pants, but instead tried something different - I went with Prana's Zion pants. Non-convertible BUT they have a pair of snaps at the bottom of the legs that let you secure them rolled up to about mid-calf. Just that little bit of air circulation at the bottom seems to give me 90% of the benefit of shorts, and they're way less fiddly than zippers.

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello my outdoors friend. Thank you for sharing this very informative video. You always have an abundance of helpful information. Take care and be safe out there. 🤗

[@cowsofsuffolk2297]

I've been rocking similar clothes to yours for a long time now, it's a good set up. Merrell also makes those shoes in Goretex, I've had them too. My semi-daily footwear now is a pair of Keen shoes. The Keens are heavier but much better more sturdy and have held up really well. My first backpacking trips were made in army surplus wool pants, but I too have grown to love my north face hiking pants. Good vids, keep up the good work!

[@DonP_is_lostagain]

nice vid! Merrell Mob Ventilators are also my fav hiking and everyday shoe. lvoe those guys and will def get more. My fav underwear comes from Ex Officio and Duluth Trading. Expensive yes, but worth every penny. I'm with you in hat I usually only pack 1 extra Tee, but unless it's only an overnighter, I always pack 2 underwear and 3 pr socks. I also always pack my umbrella and my Packa. The latter is bomber for an all-in-one solution to pack cover and rain jacket. Hope you had fun!

[@21shamsham]

I love your packing and review videos, top notch!!! Really, all your videos are awesome, before your hiking vids I'd love to see your pack plans for each specific trip

[@jeffbackcountry5651]

lol you usually wear a hat to keep the shade off of you? 6:50 lol gotcha ya! thanks for posting and as always great info!

[@sintax77]

Gotta watch out for people throwing shade out there ;)

[@WanderingFromKansas]

I really appreciate your approach to buying clothes and gear. I find that a lot of athletic brands are acceptable for many items, while a few items are worth paying specialized brand prices.

[@likemike3876]

I might see you up there! Coming up to Adams to do a 3 day right now!

[@dougnc7745]

Nice video Sintax. Love the backdrop. It struck me watching your video I didn't see one brand similarity other than the Merrell moabs we share in common even though we carry the same backpacking clothing for autumn hiking. Although as far as camp creature comforts go excluding clothing, we are alien beings in search of a general purpose binary language. Lol.

[@tinafitzwater972]

have you ever hiked spruce knob wv area it is beautiful we were just there this past weekend .lots of trails to hike

[@alexweaver1465]

Great informative video! Thank you! I consider myself a seasoned backpacker but I learned something from this one...super job, Syntax 77.

[@ShawnCiotti]

Hey Man - great vid again. For footwear, I exclusively wear injini toe socks. The way they protect against toe friction is second to none especially those with wide feet like me. They are an ass pain to put on but damn they are comfortable! Have fun up there! I'll be going back in two weeks! Quick trip suggestion - Great Gulf Wilderness. Awesome area. I know you've been around it. You could either do low mileage hanging out or basecamp and do a bunch of cool hikes. Peace out!

[@kevinguzda1131]

Sintax, great video and very helpful but what about a mid weight insulating layer such as a fleece or merino wool top??

[@thehailmaryproject8949]

So where you headed? When are we going to see you and TK on the Knife Edge at Katahdin?

[@victorp6547]

With cold weather right around the corner could you make a video or a list of winter clothes you bring with you on the trip? This will be my first year trying winter camping and I always learn something new from your videos. Thanks!

[@uptrail7169]

The clothing that I take with is almost the same as what you use for backpacking. I try to use my trail runners most of the time except for winter. I had no problems with them in the Wyoming mountains even with my total pack weight at 32 lbs cold weather setup. I would recommend ankle support shoes or boots at that weight. My summer setup is just under 18 lbs trail weight.

[@bluesplayer1959]

cant wait for the video of the trip love you chanel

[@sinfonianbarelytone9191]

Hehe my everyday shoes are my low rise hiking boots that are Gortex waterproofish. I've not actually hiked in my trail runners. You didn't specify that your base layer was synthetic but I use merino wool. Good stuff and I got it cheap. I wish I hadn't got beige pants. They are permanently stained with mud. Oh well. Otherwise you and I pack basically the same. My rain gear is more substantial as I live in the Pacific Northwet. Thanks for sharing.

[@jasongoad3362]

Great video and great info. Thanks

[@Gadgetguyaddict]

another great video. Thanks Sintax77

[@hammockdave4410]

hey i use my hat to keep out the shade too, you're not alone

[@AnimusMachine]

My setup is almost exactly the same as yours, convertible hiking pants, a spare set of socks, t-shirt, underwear, all synthetic with wool socks. Wash one wear one if on an extended trip. I do stick strictly to trailrunners though in any conditions. I'm not a fan of hiking boots or goretex due to perspiration and I prefer quick drying. The main differences in what I pack is instead of a down jacket, I pack a Melanzana micro-grid fleece hoodie to stay with synthetic. Also, I looked at the dri ducks and didn't like how easily it rips so I opted for a Magellan packable rain jacket I found at Academy sports. Light weight and uses its own pocket as a stuffsack to pack down. I use it as a wind break as well and, layered with the fleece, it works well if I get really cold. I also use a boonie hat instead of baseball cap, no reason other than I like them better lol.

[@mcspin50]

I love my Melanzana micro-fleece hoodie! Lightweight, warm, and much, much cheaper than the Patagonia R1 hoodie.

[@timothyeubanks32100]

I use a compression t under a half zip long sleeve shirt made of polyester. it's like a mesh long sleeve and is super light and breathable. I always keep long sleeve because it protects you from sun burn and the shirt has that half turtleneck as well that I'll zip up in the afternoon to protect my neck from the sun. I've never felt hot in it, but I would rather be a little hot then burnt and hurting for days!

[@quinnsd13]

I like the sound of that mesh long sleeve. Have any brand info on it so I could look it up?

[@timothyeubanks32100]

the brand is unreadable now sorry. it's like any half zip fleece looking pullover. but it's made of polyester mesh fabric sort of like a compression shirt, but a looser weave so it's more mesh like. it's stretchy like a compression shirt, but it fits a little looser. any sporting goods store will have them.

[@quinnsd13]

Gotcha, thanks. I'll keep an eye out for them next time I'm in town.

[@CPTPRICE732]

Love it! I follow the same setups, I just prefer the FroggToggs poncho because it covers my whole pack too, I will be backpacking the dolly sods this October after watching your video of it and I can't wait!

[@UrbCrafter]

Do you still carry your EMS Stasher gear? That's my go to lounge wear around camp, also scored the ems convertible pants and the rain shell, EMS is great gear im glad you turned us on to them back in the day, I've had mine for about 4 years as well and i haven't had any problems with it. great gear, you pay for it, but thankfully only once.

[@johntaylor7406]

thanks again for the video. I've been making some hammocks for the family and really want to try camping in them. any first time tips? sorry than was off subject. I do like the clothing you have chose. I too pick very similar items. socks have been wigwam lightweight but it also doesn't get very cold here in florida.

[@kaisermojica4216]

Great video as always. Totally Agree on Vibram soles. Was able to get TNF Ultra MT GTX for $50 at a Marshalls - MSRP $150. Always good to shop around discount stores or online retailers first for sales. And there always ebay. I also think buying items past season is always good $6-8 for smartwool or down socks when they put it on clearance on sites like Moosejaw.com or REI.

[@ritjobbie]

I found Jesus in ExOfficio underwear. Super wicking and amazingly comfortable. Also, I followed Shug's advice and picked up a Packa for rain. I like having a completely dry pack after hiking in the rain. Cycling socks are killer for hiking, either Coolmax synthetic or merino. I'll go with something thicker in the winter, but they are perfect for three season. Long's Cycle sells grab bags of logo overruns and cosmetic seconds, great value.

[@tommorlock439]

cool video keep teaching I'll keep learning

[@STinGa157]

Thanks for the video ... good, solid info there. We think along the same lines. The only difference is that I have a pair of Tevas rather than flip flops. I know there is a pretty good weight difference, but that I something that I am willing to suck up. If I am going to run through any water crossings, I will swap out my trail runners for the sandals. If there are several crossings in a short section of the trail, I will just leave them on and hike with them until I am out of the wet area.STinGa

[@cokeman9112]

Not sure about the weight difference compared to your flip flops, but I take Crocs as my camp/water crossing shoes. Seem to work really well and you can keep your socks on with them.

[@MojoeMan77]

Only thing I would change is the shirt. I only use merino wool shirts. You can get them in the fall at Costco for a reasonable price.

[@wheresthedvo]

hey Syntax, hers's a suggestion for your footwear. instead of bringing along the additional flip flops for when your shoes are wet, what if you put on your dry socks, put bread bags or some other lightweight plastic bags over your socks, then put the shoes back on. it would save you the added weight of the flip flops .

[@CavemanOutdoorsMissouri]

as far as socks i always have a pair for each day, ive actually used 3 pair in 2 days because it was so hot my socks were socked although they were ok it felt good to change into a dry pair. other than that we wear basically the same thing just different brands. my pants are Magellan from academy. i also wear an outer shirt and i change tshirts everyday when its warm,

[@mikehascats26]

don't forget the knee high stockings under your hiking socks. i will even buy them for you if you provide an address

[@thomash7573]

Mike Hascats His address is above in his video comments

[@mikehascats26]

Thanks. I just ordered some for him.

[@sintax77]

Ha, I didn't catch see this reply, but found the package when I hit the post office this week. Thanks, man!

[@mikehascats26]

sintax77 you're welcome

[@biggiefrye45]

Man I was on Facebook and this company stole your video on the $5 3oz canister stove and is using it in an ad and selling the same stove at "half price" of $20.. That's crazy.. glad I saw your video first a couple years ago and got mine for $5 and some change.. keep up the great videos!

[@denischasse3567]

Merci ! Intéressant! 🎩🎩🎩

[@OldPackMule]

Great video! I'd recommend having dry/spare clothes in the car. Change out at the trail head. A fresh pair of underwear for each day keeps the bacteria at a minimum.

[@DrSeus85]

good to know hats keep the shade off of you lol, good video man thanks for the info

[@dogofthedesert6642]

Great video! I'm a serious poncho user, though, would be interested to know why you don't use one.

[@mainehiker6157]

Heading to the pemi with hammock and dog in tow on Columbus weekend. Dog will be in the hammock. How did your wife's quilt fair after pup hung out in her hammock? Any suggestions? I'm buying the Dutch quilt liner to protect a bit but still a little concerned about dog nails....thoughts? Are you bringing pup?

[@UpNorthAdventures]

Superior hiking trail still on the agenda?

[@fruitygirl7783]

Really great video Sintax! I have been watching you since 2013 lol

[@Arthur-Silva]

Dude, socks! I’ve been wearing socks made of Alpaca wool, it’s called Alpacas of Montana, their excellent.

[@flashmanv3260]

Great video, thanks. Doing 4 days on the long trail in a few weeks, I need to think about what I'm going to pack :-)

[@lyfandeth]

Synthetic can be great, but raw silk and merino wool rock. Stay warm when wet. And, don't burn or melt. Worth checking them out! Think about your WOOL socks. And if you want want something for stream crossings, look at Aqua Socks, for streams and camp slippers, not for hiking. Way lighter than flipflops, too.

[@brianhildebrand6272]

Great video, do you make sure that your long johns/sleeping clothes are synthetic as well?

[@davydwalker8554]

I buy my synthetic Russell sports shirts from Wal-Mart. No need for name brand clothing. The also have synthetic jogging pants that will do in a pinch!!

[@Jignasty5]

Greetings from Boston, I'm really enjoy your Channel. My Fiance really wanted to hike Washington for her BDay (today) but unfortunately I had to press the brakes since she doesn't have the base layers and neither of us have the down layers. If you're expecting Rain/snow up there, will you pack a waterproof pant of some kind? Good Luck out there.

[@sintax77]

Yes, in fact the due to the forecast, I ended up throwing my matching pair of Dri Ducks rain pants in my pack the morning of the trip, along with the rain parka seen in the video. For colder / snow trips, I'll bring something more durable - usually an EMS hard shell parka, and a pair of nylon track pants that i can pull over top of my existing hiking pants. For non-winter hikes though, I find the Dri Ducks suit works great for the Whites, and the whole suit only weighs about 11 oz.

[@lyfandeth]

Try the LLBean Cresta hikers. In the Whites you will appreciate them. Moneyback guarantee, like everything from LLBean.

[@jamiemurphy1468]

what do you think of the Solomon gortex hiking shoes

[@Andy.Gorman]

Hi.. just curious about where you got your quilt from? Is that instead of a sleeping bag?

[@eli72481]

Thanks for making this video!

[@DisorderedUniverse]

What about merino wool? Why not have merino wool shirt for summer hiking ?

[@Boodieman72]

People used to hike before there were synthetic clothes :)

[@gradybamill6975]

From experience...for those without it....If you wear the down jacket, and put the rain jacket over it...be aware, if you hike in that, and you sweat at all, you will soak your down, and that can lead into trouble. Then, if you stop, and have nothing else, temp drops, and your in trouble....I have been there, when i thought that this combo would be the ultimate solution. Save the down for non walking. maybe take a super light fleecy type shirt jacket, or a thicker Patagonia base shirt under the rain jacket to ward off an unexpected cold rain, etc, while walking.

[@rodmancappiello2285]

New subscriber here, great videos! I was wondering if you go without gloves? You didn't mention it and I was curious of your preferences?

[@Adorn2342]

If you are looking for cheap hiking pants. Costco has a cargo pants that are light weight and have removable lower half. I bought 3 pair and used them quite a bit. down side to them is the belt is on the lacking side. Plus side is they are only $20. .

[@dougcantrell6156]

Enjoy your videos as always. Got a question though not about what to wear hiking but how to keep in shape to go hiking...not everybody can hike 20 miles in the mountains in two days . :) So my question is.....how to keep in shape or maybe for some get in shape for hiking..just an idea Keep up the great videos !

[@Enigma277]

If backpacking to a site that is hammock potential, but not confirmed, do you redundantly pack a tent, or make hammock-friendly-go-to-ground-option plans when you pack?

[@shcmoly]

Nice list. I have several pairs of Smartwool underwear & t-shirts, wicks great, holds off the funk waay better than poly, but NOT durable and more $.

[@derrickfelix503]

Well laid out review on clothing would of liked to hear your support of safety items also. Being a Brit, the likely of finding yourself in danger, true live stock could be a possible problem otherwise not alot. Cheers

[@oldschooljeremy8124]

So...not the Brotherhood of the Traveling Convertible Pants? :D

[@maximusheronimus23980]

Hi Synthax, would you choose some thermal baselayer instead of the expensive Merino wool?

[@indycharlie]

Hi . I love , let me say that again . I LOVE the cheap Terramar Geo fleece with body sensor Ec2 I get from STP !! It has a waffle pattern that is uber soft and feels Great next to the skin . You can get it in many weights , T-shirt with short sleeves , T-shirt with long sleeves and a mega warm for the weight Geo fleece hoodie . It is all stupid cheap , wicks like crazy and dries super FAST !! Just make sure you get the BODY SENSOR Sc2 with waffle weave whatever ya get !!! Have had , do have 260 wt Icebreaker and other HIGH end base and mids . This stuff is BETTER feeling against the skin and all but matches wool . Try one of ANY and let me know . And NO I have absolutely NO affiliation with Terramar . As usual a great vid !! Done the whites , want a test ??Try going "UP" falling waters !! Never again for this guy !!!

[@150F2011]

Any light weight gloves

[@jffmac1]

I used to be a cheap synthetic shirt guy. Then I bought a nice lightweight wool shirt. As you stated. Through the magic of nature it keeps you warm when you need to be warm and cool when you need to be cool. I still wear synthetic during the 95+ degree heat of summer, but other times my First Lite wool t-shirts are worth their weight in gold. www.firstlite.com/llano-ss.html?color=51

[@lillivewire87]

I am unfortunately allergic to wool...socks I can get away with if they are mixed like 60/40 with other materials, but a shirt...fogedaboudit. Red, splotchy, itchy, miserable.

[@reidgibson8461]

any relation to spintax the green?

[@Jpetrakakos]

just subbed and liked! Keep up the great work- JP

[@itstotalchaos457]

What are your base layer pants made of?

[@evilina101]

Could you and your wife do a video about what she wears in a trip? Your video is helpful, but not in terms of necessities like feminine products, bras (whether sport or not), and underwear

[@driverjam2278]

Michaela Roberts Honestly, I literally wear the men clothes when hiking. I found them a bit more comfortable

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

Second time watching. Awesome.

[@sintax77]

+Warren Davidson Thanks, Warren!

[@Yankee-uy5wz]

Sintax what is your hammock called? Please respond

[@sintax77]

The one I've been using the most lately is my Dutchware Half-wit hammock in olive drab Hexon 1.0 material.

[@AnimusMachine]

I was looking at that one. Very minimalist. Right now I'm using a Dream Hammocks Thunderbird. How is the half-wit?

[@aftli]

Why no more Darien?

[@sintax77]

I still love the 10' Darien, especially if a heavy amount of bugs are expected, but's it's been enjoyable to experiment with the half-wit lately. The half-wit is also 10.5', which seems to be a comfortable size for me as well.

[@Yankee-uy5wz]

Thanks

[@thecanopyclimber]

Hey, just found a great new app for iPhone. Not sure about android. Its by REI Co-op national forest app. Worth a look!

[@mikeinpenna]

I was watching some of your other videos, and was wondering what you use for insect repellent. Do you treat your clothes or apply repellent to your skin?

[@sintax77]

I like to carry a tiny bottle of 100% deet when conditions warrant it and apply it sparingly directly to the skin.

[@027joe]

i was wondering sir what size pack do you use when you travel lite thanks

[@sintax77]

My usual pack the red on in this video) is 46 liter. It's about as small as I'd want to go for my set-up. I can usually cram about 4 days worth of food into it with my gear, after that it starts to get ready to burst, haha.

[@Outdoor_MED]

Question! Is Debra Waterman related to you????

[@TripleNickelOutdoors]

Would you recommend getting the Exos 48 or do you like the ULA Ohm 2.0 a little better? Trying to decide on a lightweight pack and would appreciate your input. Thanks

[@Markam248]

clothing wise i carry similar. i do not have a down coat. so i just always take my heavier rain jacket. are you using a hammock in the Whites? or are you using a tent? i am trying to drop weight from my pack. my issue is i am a what if kind of person. so i tend to over pack just in case items. i did a 5 day 4 night trip carrying 40# and that was rough on me. the 40# included food and water. any advice on how to cut some items. Mark

[@GojiraNeko]

i sleep in a merino wool tshirt because its comfy as hell

[@delightfullydeanna]

What is a SASE?

[@sintax77]

Self Addressed Stamped Envelope ;)

[@delightfullydeanna]

@@sintax77 thanks lol

[@acousticmany]

Instead of pants and undies, you should try some running shorts. That's what I use. They have the liner inside so you can save the weight on the underwear. And then at camp at night I just switch to my thermal underarmor pants. But from the video you like the accessibility of the pockets on your cargo pants so it's up to you. You should at least give the running shorts a try. You just might have to change how you pack snacks and other accessories when not using your cargo pants. I wore pants and switched to the running shorts, and I'm never going back from my experience.

[@panzerabwerkanone]

How about an extra set of "cheeseburger time" clothing that you leave in the vehicle for the trip home. Your flip flops look like Ho Chi Minh sandals.

[@NJHeart2Heart]

Can you do a quick video on what your wife wears? Thanks!