Backpacking gear I wish I would’ve bought sooner

Get the OnX Backcountry Navigation app bit.ly/3v99kq4
TREKKING POLES amzn.to/3tO3KMs
WATER BLADDER amzn.to/46ZU3ZZ
TREKKING POLE TENT bit.ly/468RBjy
FREE STANDING TENT 👉 shrsl.com/33rt1
PILLOW bit.ly/3Fr31Dy
CHAIR bit.ly/405STcT
SATELLITE COMMUNICATOR
LEUKO TAPE amzn.to/48XV86j
⛺️Go camping with me at Banff National Park!!! 👉 bit.ly/43hmxNe
My rescue and Rhabdomyolysis 👉 • I got 🚨RESCUED🚨 hiking...
OTHER GEAR I USE
Best inexpensive Free Standing Tent 👉 shrsl.com/33rt1
Best inexpensive Trekking Pole Tent 👉 bit.ly/468RBjy
Soto Amicus
Outdoor Vitals CS40 Ultra
Garmin Inreach Mini 2 bit.ly/3nGE0z6
Gossamer Gear LT5 Trekking Poles bit.ly/3hsHLR6
Big Agnes Zoom UL amzn.to/3risnzW
Outdoor Vitals Stormloft 30 Quilt
Leatherman PS4 (often out of stock & price can vary) amzn.to/3LJcZ4J
Cumulus Plancklite Jacket bit.ly/PlanckLite
Toaks 750 Pot
Zpacks Vertice Rain Jacket bit.ly/3O3oI1T
Thermarest Compressible Pillow
Helinox Chair Zero bit.ly/3M8To0M
Sawyer Squeeze Filter bit.ly/44ILORt
Hilltop Packs Ditty Bag bit.ly/3f6VeLW
Hilltop Packs Food Bag bit.ly/3f6VeLW
Nitecore NB10000 Battery Bank amzn.to/3O0CORt
Flextail Zero Pump zeropump.kckb.st/5f3b0382
Pinnacle Foods bit.ly/2YHBRXm
Soto Pot Lid (comes in a cook set) bit.ly/3NIvOr0
CNOC Vecto Water Bag amzn.to/44cKcyW
Hyperlite Camera Pod bit.ly/3pL0MTH
Hyperlite Rolltop Stuff Sack bit.ly/3ID5ePg
Sea To Summit Trowel amzn.to/44uJMDz
Adventure Medical Kit .5
Fjallraven Abisko Trail Fleece bit.ly/3JLzJ54
Mountain Hardwear AP Pants bit.ly/3PDodg6
Brooks Cascadia 16 GTX bit.ly/3M1Toy0
🚨FOLLOW ME🚨
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Facebook bit.ly/2QG4BaP
📷MY CAMERA GEAR📷
MAIN CAMERA amzn.to/3gxi8zX
MAIN LENS amzn.to/3q83LVW
ND FILTER amzn.to/2DR26wM
GIMBAL amzn.to/2Lm38VK
CAMERA CLIP FOR BACKPACK amzn.to/2VjlihB
Flextail Zero Pump review. Thermarest missed the mark. Camping gadgets 2023

[@BeckiandChris]

I bought a real pillow for camping because of you, completely changed my relationship with sleeping outdoors

[@TheNewGreenIsBlue]

I just stopped using a pillow at home. Worked quite well.

[@wr1120]

I actually sleep better using a 2 ounce air pillow while trekking than on a down pillow at home. It all depends on the person.

[@bdmenne]

@@wr1120which air pillow?

[@MoonbeameSmith]

I want a combination air filled AND padded. I know they exist. Regular air pillows are kinda hard and feather/foam pillows don't give me the support

[@IgnacioGlezCllo]

@@MoonbeameSmithI’ve finally decided next time I go out I’ll sleep on a Sierra Designs down pillow *on top of* a Se To Summit aero pillow.

[@kathrin6078]

I'm 30 and to be honest, I only recently started to use trekking poles and I love them, they make hikes more accessible and comfortable to me when hiking with fitter people or on harder routes. I have chronic pain and these save me from a lot of additional pain in that aspect too.

[@karlakramer6490]

My husband and I feel like kings when we hike to the top of something and whip out our chairs to chill and have a snack or meal. They're super handy when packing up to keep things on and keep them clean.

[@comfykruczek]

Straight to the point, great advice and a thumbnail that I could finally click on without cringing thinking about mr beast and other mainstream youtubers, good job Dan

[@carllauderdale6500]

Dan, my man!! Watched and learned from your videos from Dec '22 - Jun '23, where my 2 sons and I braved the Appalachian Trail NOBO from Springer Mountain. I can't tell you how ACCURATE this video is!! Decent tent - a MUST. Chairs for all 3 of us - dude, I fell asleep in my chair after a 10 mile uphill hike in North Georgia. Just passed out. MUST HAVE. Sat comms - absolutely, WITH INSURANCE for the Medivac because I was NOT losing my life savings b/c a 17 year-old decided to be an idiot. I have the Sea To Summit water cell - CAME IN CLUTCH. This was in June - so we drank a LOT of water. You can also hang the water cell from a tree, and just walk up, unscrew the spout, and poor straight into a water bottle. Add some Mio and voila! A good pit stop. We all had the real pillows too - thanks too your previous videos!! We had AllTrails, not Onyx, but hey, nobody's perfect! And thanks for the tip on the Tokes. I need to check that out. Cooking was a struggle b/c I was actually cooking from Chef Corso's cookbook. So better consolidation will help. Overall GREAT VIDEO, and I can attest to ALL OF IT BEING WORTH IT!

[@memathews]

This is great, Dan, lots of solid backpacking and safety advice in this video. One addition might be an annual subscription to an air ambulance service; you got doubly lucky with your Grand Canyon rescue, but Dixie ended up with a big air ambulance bill (the coverage premium is usually around $75/year, far less than a likely $10,000 invoice).

[@GassyWookie]

Dixie ended up being covered thanks to an automatic renewal she was unaware of. She posted about it in a follow up video

[@tracyazhikes]

I got the Garmin rescue insurance because of “Dixie.” Better safe than sorry.

[@outdoorslifesurvivecraft5078]

I have to say, I do really like your videos. They are lighthearted, honest, very helpful and they don't push the typical "you have to have this high-end high dollar gear" that so many other youtubers push. You give examples of gear and your opinion through your experience and let the viewer decide for themselves on what they want or need. Over the summer I had 2 different people ask me about winter camping. I said I would be glad to help them out and take them. I also told them to watch your videos and Lukes's gear reviews so they can get a better idea of what it's like and what they will need.

[@RiseAboveGym]

I 100% agree on trekking poles. One of the best purchases. Reduces fatigue for me

[@judyp464]

Thank you! Lots of good gear for just a regular camp out. I appreciate all your ideas!

[@jae4807]

I'm not a hiker but use a trekking pole as my daily walking stick, with a back that's fused in places and bent out of shape plus an ankle with limited movement due to an old fracture and dislocation I've found that a trekking pole is light, I can adjust it to greater height when needed and the handle is more comfortable.

[@RustyOutside]

Cheers thanks for sharing. Some good tips here, a number I've already done myself. I've been using trekking poles for years and would never leave home without them.

[@dylansitler2771]

A comfortable pillow is something important to me. I bought a home goods coop travel pillow w/ stuff sack and I’ve never been happier with my sleep

[@TobysWildernessAdventures]

I watch your videos all the time. It helps me upgrade my gear all the time. And yes, trekking poles is a huge must. Helped my alot, especially in the winter time. I'm new to all this and recently started my channel. Your Videos have helped me alot. Thank you.

[@TypeIIAdventures]

Trekking poles are a must for me. I suffered a spinal injury 15 years ago and cannot hike without them. Z poles (black diamond or MSR) have been my favorite trekking poles. No slip (I put a lot of weight on them) and pack smaller.

[@Klatubarada1979]

Yeah. Trecking poles rank up there with a backpack in my book. The only exception is if I'm day hiking with nothing but a water bottle.

[@jdog8362]

I have problems with my neck and worry about the inflatable pillows leaving me stiff and sore the next few days. Now that I know about these small pillows, I feel much better about planning my first backpacking trip

[@wwjclemd]

One piece of gear I wish I had bought sooner is the Sawyer adapter that lets me pump water straight into my bladder through the drinking hose! Everyone (that uses them) hates taking their bladder out. I thank God on every hike for this little adapter!

[@SavageVoyageur]

Thanks for the video. I always take a pillow and a Garmin InReach unit when in the woods.

[@OutdoorsWithShawn]

100% agree with a real pillow. I've been using many types of inflatable pillows over the years. Recently, I found out I have issues with a disc in my neck. So I needed a better pillow and went with a Teton Camp pillow and I've slept better since. It's a bit bigger and heavier than the inflatable ones. But the comfort is worth it to me in the long run. A lightweight chair is a game changer as well. I got one of those 2lb chairs and have used it way more than I expected to.

[@ExplorewithmeMarloC]

I’ve taken your suggestions before and I’m glad I did. I use the msr pocket deluxe stove and I use the heck out of it and it’s always reliable. Lukko tape (spelling?) will be my next purchase to toss in the pack. I also picked up the Sawyer Squeeze on your recommendation but haven’t used it yet. Thank you for the videos… they help in making decisions on what to get or try next.

[@zachrichardson7099]

I might sound like a total weirdo to some of you, but i actually sleep really well without a pillow whilst camping. Any time i've brought a pillow, either inflatable on not, i've either had a really uncomfortable night's sleep or regretted bringing the pillow on the grounds of a lack of pack space.

[@dallas_jessup]

Eric’s sleep set up w/ Miranda’s actual gear for sure. Just bought the outdoor element 💩 bag 🎉

[@eward5786]

Ah yes I too have the thermarest pillow and its awesome. Also have a Durston tent which I used for the first time this weekend and it's brilliant. I like your gear choices and glad to see you upright and looking lively again mate 👍

Thanks for the gear recommendations! I was wondering what type of Blister Tape you were going to suggest using. A roll of Leukotape was given to me by a nurse after I got really bad blisters on my ankles at the very beggining of a three-month trekking trip in Nepal back in 2008. It saved my trip and I was able to trek all over the Everest, Annapurna and Helambu regions without worrying about my feet. I've had a roll in my first aid kit ever since. 👌

[@johnprice4893]

I'm big into hiking/wild camping, just started to use poles (50miles/14hrs) and it really help the distribution load, and forward momentum

[@chrisunderwood7954]

I used moleskin in the military for some very long marches w/o much of an issue. Applied correctly, it will stay in place for days...even a week. Round your edges and make sure it stays flat and in place when putting your sock back on. Cutting a small hole for the blistered area also helps. But, I'm going to try the tape you recommend. Thanks.

[@davidreed8219]

Good info Dan. I agree on all of it. Looking for those pillows. I too have the Helinox Zero and like eric it is difficult to get this 71 year old body up from that low of a position. Since I use a hammock I keep my trekking poles at my chair to help me get up.

[@Tfaonc]

I've always just used a waded up jacket or hoodie as a pillow. I'm going to have a jacket anyway, I can make it any shape i like. It works great and I don't need to carry a pillow.

[@Learningthetruth7]

A chair is a must! Why not be comfy after being on your feet all day long. Best item ever.

[@ronaldrose7593]

Great advice from Dan the outdoors Man. Stay safe out there. 🤗

[@MagooHikes]

I use all those except the chair. I actually carry a hammock to relax in at camp. The one thing I wish I used earlier are Dirty Girl gators. They are awesome. No more tiny rocks in my shoes!

[@semo7566]

What i use for pillow - zpacks stuff sack pillow with semi-deflated bigsky inflatable pillow and puffy inside. Inflatable creats an adjustable height while puffy a very soft layer. 2 oz and two of 3 items are multiuse

[@jamesking4225]

The first day I had a garmin inreach I broke my ankle a mile from the trail head. I walked a mile back to truck and drove an hour to hospital . I was not gonna press that button the first day I had it lol . Trekking poles helped I used them as makeshift as crutches .

[@johnofthewoods3902]

Leukotape works great! I got a couple hot spots from my chacos walking around bonnaroo. It stayed on even through a shower!

[@overcomeinone8371]

I concur on the thermarest pillow, I sleep like the dead with it, downside it does take up some real estate, also I always felt like trekking poles would be a nuisance but maybe I'll give them a try one day when I'm old, God bless your excursions.

[@jacklugejr8568]

Excellent advice Dan!

[@bluewolfadventures689]

I just got my first Trucking pole tent looking forward to trying it

[@T-Flow79]

The Helinox and the pillows are both items I love and will likely always carry

[@stevenderoest2497]

I want to go out to camp with you and everyone who is already going with only one spot left. I really wish I had the down payment for the trip. I feel like this would be the backpacking trip of a lifetime!!! Keep doing things like this, and I will have to eventually be able to make it all work. Love your channel and have for years keep being awesome!!

[@karsnoordhuis4351]

i always carry a role of the red hansaplast tape. Got half a dozen rolls kicking around. I mainly use it to stick my glucose sensor back to my arm (flat disc on a round arm???). That stuff also stick on quite well and is also suitable for first aid duties just like leukotape.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

I've had the same experience with moleskin (which is what I grew up using backpacking). Thank goodness for Leukotape! I don't know who the first person was to realize trekking poles could be used as tent poles, but I love it! I have a tent (River Country Trekker 2) that is very similar to my dad's old Boy Scout pup tent I grew up using, and not having to take the poles is great. Plus, using the poles on the outside instead of inside, AND having guy lines, makes it WAY more stable than the old tent we used!

[@s4nd_ie42]

Zinkoxide tape is amazing, doesn't budge either I agree moleskin is rubbish

[@franzoidle7002]

I used MSR pump water filters for years, especially since I travelled to places that I basically didn’t want to have to seek medical attention for those purposes. For the last 10(?) years though, I’ve use the Platypus gravity filter and let it do the work, because it’s easier to fill up. Plus as Dan mentioned, I can carry that extra water if it’s necessary between sources.

[@truxpratt3306]

Thanks for the video. I'm glad we don't disagree except... I prefer KT tape to Leuko tape. Leuko sticks on both sides and, for example, my two toes stuck together for a week. KT tape only sticks on one side and allowed my toes ro roam independently as needed. And it didn't come off.

[@timonix2]

This, I used leuko tape on my first 100k trip. I got tons of blisters and the tape just made everything worse. My socks were ruined, everything was sticky and I just kept getting larger and larger blisters. I use leuko tape for a lot of things. But man it sucks for blisters. I use a blister specific tape now and it works wonders

[@markshea7151]

Good stuff. Thank you Dan!

[@wildflowersadventures]

Great recommendations! Looking forward to Nemo’s new ultralight moonlite chair they have coming out in the spring. Hopefully I can grab it before we set out on the AT in March. 🤞

[@davemacdonald7928]

I was interested to see you put a Soto lid on your toast pot. Great idea!

[@ericneff9908]

Great list Dan! I particularly second the bladder (especially your CNOC) and the camp chair. As to the latter, I returned the Helinox Zero because it was too low to the ground for my 57-year-old body. I got the Big Agnus instead and it's perfect for me, although you'll give back a few ounces. I also agree about the trekking poles, but I haven't been able to figure out a good way to use them with my leashed dog, so I bring them but only use them for water crossings, which is a waste of mass. (If anyone has any ideas on the dog/pole conundrum, I'm all ears.)

[@UnyonRing]

I attach the dog leash to my waist strap of my backpack. You could try using a flexi leash (retractable leash) on the waist strap as well to keep the leash up.

[@davidreed8219]

I use a retractable 25' dog leash attached to my waist. He stays on trail very well, knows my pace and has learned to slow down and even turns to check on me going down hill.

[@UnyonRing]

@@davidreed8219 may I ask what retractable leash your using? I’ve looked at the flexi leashes and was worried they’d be a bit heavy hanging off my waist but hadn’t actually tried it yet.

[@Pixeljockey82]

I also bought the Helinox Chair Zero based on Dans recommendation but would now root for the Helinox Ground Chair. When I proudly busted out my chair the first time the ground was slightly wet so it sank into the ground and fell over. I stood up ashamed and envied the guys next tent with their Ground Chair that’s only slightly heavier. @Dan: Thanks for your videos and the good content. Cheers from Germany! Maybe you want to try out one of my most favorite pieces of gear, the 200 T-Shirt by Woolpower. Best baselayer ever! Layered with their 200 Turtleneck I can easily go down to 30deg F / 0deg C only with a thin shell jacket. Combined with the 400 Turtleneck I can go down to 0deg F/ -15deg C even. Would love to see your review. Keep up the good work and my best wishes for your total recovery!

[@davidreed8219]

​@@UnyonRing I use a very small Flexi. Probably 10 -15' not 25'. It's for a small dog (10 - 20 lbs). My 80 lb Aussie Doodle has no trouble with the return spring tension. It just serves to keep him and me from getting tangled up in the leash. He's very well behaved and doesn't pull hard against the leash.

[@corbincarlson8343]

A chair is a must… best alternative to the Helinox that doesn’t get talked about enough, the REI Flexlite Air Chair. Same weight for almost half the price (on sale, at least)

[@kell4fishh]

Great insight and recommendations! 😁

[@JORACASEY1921]

Thank you for the tips!!

[@lanecountybigfooters5716]

Excellent recommendations.

[@fathersonoutdoors7487]

Great video Dan buddy as always lots of great gear for sure

[@Kade-Owen]

Thank you Dan, I currently use 8 of those 9 on a regular basis so that’s good to know I’m not far off. I use AllTrails instead of OnX, I don’t carry an extra water bladder as of yet. You got me to thinking though . . .

[@TrickysThoughtsToday]

Something to try, instead of tape when you feel heart to try and prevent blisters. Wear one high nylon stockings under your socks. The nylon creates much less friction and therefore less heat. Truck I learned back when doing a lot of marching in JROTC.

[@AquaTech225]

Right

[@sdevans2]

A little late but I'd recommend learning to use a compass. Tech is nice, and that's a really useful app, but knowing how to do land nav could save your life.

[@drewb5738]

Leukotape is the best. It’s thin and says put. I always wrap a little around an object like a lighter for when I need it. The key is to put it on when you first feel the blister starting, or put some on preventatively.

[@soaroutdoors]

Nailed it!! Love the Lindo hat btw👍

[@kingof9x]

I totally agree about trekking poles.

[@seanpenrod]

Great video and ideas!

[@timonix2]

I bought a backpacking pillow for a trip I had last week. I used it once before I returned to sleep with my head on my arm. I don't think I will bring it next time

[@ericmonty]

Yeah I had to get over the whole trekking pole thing too.

[@wr1120]

I have that Sea to Summet Watercell and it's the most ridiculously expensive useful gadget I ever bought. It weighs nothing, it takes up no space at all and it enables you to carry anything between zero and six liters of water with you if that's convenient at that time. It enabled me once to stay out of range of a water source for two days which was a huge time saver. Highly recommended? No. It's expensive and you can do the same thing with water bottles if you have the space to spare. But is sure is a cool gadget!

[@ajw9975]

I carry a 10 L collapsible carboy from any hardware store with me if i know the campsite I'm going to isn't close to water. Works really really well!

[@mikkosalmi5325]

I have Toaks 1.3L pot which allows to store 230 grams gas canister and my Pocket Rocket Deluxe stove inside. I use it to boil drinking water, melting snow, coffee, soups etc. I think it's good to have more capacity than just to optimize exactly what you need.

[@AudiaciousLife]

i have a 3l hydration bladder in my pack i use and i bring an empty 8l bladder to set up for camp water. I also normally bring a MSR thru link filter to get rid of all the dirt and such and use Portable Aqua for the virus concern. I recently bought an electric pump/filter that doesnt weigh that much more. Ive found the 8L bladder for the site tends to not fill completely so I wanted a pump.

[@dwightWSmith73]

Regarding pillow: I have put one side of adhesive velcro on my air mattress and the other side on the stuff sack for my extra clothes. Then at night, I stick that stuff sack onto the air mattress and it becomes my pillow. Regarding navigation: I always carry a compass and paper map. Yes I use onx as well.

[@lyndas460]

You can buy gravity filters work super quick and easy to use. Do need a Branch to hang the bag.

The hiking sticks! Sometimes I go "nah I won't need them this time, it's only a light 20km", and then there'll be a crossing that needs testing, a weird slippery descent, ... always bring them. It's the only piece of equipment I actually bought twice to upgrade it (lighter while still sturdy and smaller when collapsed, so I can always have them even in the small pack)

[@lindazipper8133]

Hey Dan I have a history of getting rhabdomyolysis very easily and I recently discovered that I am very low on Vitamin D. When I got my D levels back to normal and take a maintenance dose daily I have had no further problems with muscle pain or rhabdomyolysis. Just thought I would mention this to you in case it’s possible you may have vitamin D issues affecting your muscles🤪

[@thefisherking78]

It's funny, but I saw this video right after buying a bunch of gear, including trekking poles and a tent that uses them. I made fun of those things for years before somebody convinced me to rethink it, and what got me off the fence was the tent. It's just over 2 lb without the poles, helping me get base weight down near 10# for pretty cheap. Hope to trial this setup this weekend.

[@jackiestevens5786]

Amen to the chair. Its worth the weight!

[@rosswilliams8945]

Dan, great video as usual, I really enjoy them and appreciate all your great advice. I’m really interested in the pillow. What size works best for you, the S, M or L?

[@krielkip]

To me the best pillow is an inflatable filled with WATER. In fact, but this was when we stayed in camp for five days, we filled our (cheap) airpads with water! Extremely comfortable.

[@aledenra]

I literally just bought the Toaks 750mL pot yesterday because I was tired of not being able to fit my stove in the 550mL one lol

[@Beertownbill]

I would concur with just about everything in this video other than for the camp chair. I carry a sit pad and get double duty from it by using it as a "door mat" for getting in and out of my tent.

[@davidhenderson9707]

Awesome advice

[@rachaelhoffman-dachelet2763]

I finally bought a Garmin Inreach this fall after my husband got weirdly exhausted on a canoe trip where I felt I could have gone hours longer. He just had bypass surgery. I wish I’d bought a satellite beacon years ago.

[@user-uw1qs7ig8o]

Great list I just want to say I have a light weight high back chair and after using other backpacking chairs for years, you have to have a high back. I don’t know about you but when the old Wind Walker here is out smashing through the miles with the Carn Stomper I need to lay my head back at the end of the day, mine was thirty bucks worth every penny

[@DerekHardwick]

Like Dan, I hate air pillows, but I also don't want the weight of a 'proper' pillow. I now put my down jacket in a dry bag (usually the one I keep my clothes in in my backpack), leave a little bit of air in there, and wrap something around it (a buff, a shirt, etc). 1000% more comfortable than an inflatable pillow, zero extra weight.

[@Jesus-eg3yb]

Great video.

[@Klatubarada1979]

Dude you wouldn't catch me dead without walking poles.

[@iredbikersantacruz1871]

Another benefit of trekking poles is they keep my hands elevated slightly so they don't swell up like they did while hiking without poles.

[@bhtube]

Leukotape helps with blister prevention, but can’t really do anything for a blister that has already formed, which is where moleskin excels. The key is that moleskin doesn’t actually go over a blister, it gets built up around a blister. By cutting holes in the moleskin to fit around the blister, building up layers if needed and making the holes in the moleskin smaller for each successive layer, you raise the level of the moleskin to the height of the blister and thus can take the pressure off an existing blister, removing most if not all the pain from the blister and allowing you to continue on. You can then tape over the moleskin to make sure it stays on. I know folks often only carry one or the other and think they’re covered for blister care, but really they each serve very different purposes (leukotape for prevention, moleskin for care) and both or something similar to each should be carried.

[@Cesiaj]

After seeing someone break their leg from slipping, i no longer go without at least 1 pole in most hikes.

[@laurelanderson8720]

Oooohhhh...must try thus lucky tape!

[@leopoldbloom4835]

I don’t see why trekking poles should be in any way controversial or just for old people. I just did Kilimanjaro and virtually everybody used them.

[@riverstones-wd40]

I bought a truck with a bed in it...outdoor life is sublime 😅

[@pedroclaro7822]

A tarp. Learned to origami it into different setups for year round backpacking. 3x3m and 700g with stakes and chords. Houses 2 people or me and my bicycle for bikepacking

[@judyjrasmussen339]

Would like to see your tarp wizardry,

[@Klatubarada1979]

Solid list. I use everything on this list (item not brand in some cases) except a real pillow. I use inflatables and sleep like a baby.

[@perfctsymmetry]

The REI Flexlite chair is also a 1 pound chair and only $100. Something to consider as well if you don't want to pull the trigger on that Helinox..

[@ardesign123]

Thanks!

[@DanBecker]

Thank you! Sincerely appreciate that :-)

[@TheyllNeverGetMe]

Moleskin is amazing and lasts days if you don’t pick at it. Give it a try and you will enjoy the results.

[@XxSpecOpsxX]

still not sold on trekking poles but maybe well get there one day lol. the pillow and inreach are game changers tho, it was actually your GC incident happening around the same time that Dixie had her SOS emergency that made me realize things can happen and finally shell out the cash for one, and now i couldnt imagine hiking wo it.

[@deanwinchester6654]

Used trekking poles when I was hiking In Banff and it helped my knees going downhill. I don't use it here in my hometown but In the mountains it was useful

[@carsonhoward9489]

I typically only use trekking poles if it’s a multi day hike. It helps relieve some pressure on my 50 year old knees on my 30 year old body. If I’m just doing a day hike I don’t bother.

[@bobertz8251]

Video suggestion: Do a Temu budget gear video. I bought a camp chair that holds 300lbs and weighs just 2 from them and it works well for only $35. I'm sure it's not the same quality as Helinox but it's worth trying. There are several products I'm surte you could try.

[@TheAsthmatic91]

Almost 33, I bought hiking poles a few weeks back and have been using them this whole past week. I literally always thought only older people used them 😂

[@roberttolley5055]

Sir I like camping, use back pack store gear. Can't carry gear back injury. Great to learn these tips

[@AquaTech225]

I still like the sawyer mini. I picked up a 2liter bottle preform. Unblown up 2liter bottle. Removed the normal 2liter bottle cap from it. An heated a nail. An pushed it through the bottom of that preform vial. Than pushed a small amount of coffee filter in the bottom where the small hole was. Not really needed. But filled the preform plastic vial with purchased charcoal not powdered but tiny like rock. Filled the preform vial with it. An put a smart water bottle cap with the blue spout an flip top. The drinking end of the sawyer mini fits very snuggly into the mouthpiece of that smart water bottle. So the dirty passes through the sawyer filter than straight into that carbon filter vial through the carbon to help remove any taste. An same diameter basically as the mini an not much different in weight. Just an inch/2 longer than the mini. But added a second carbon stage to the mini filter.

[@daveh.4193]

I have 2 1ltr collapsible and 1 2ltr CNOC bottles. They smelled mildewy after one use. Washed them with dish soap so then they smelled like mildewy dish soap. Bleached them... Yeah, mildewy dish soap bleach. Doesn't seem to transfer any off flavors so I just live with it.

[@sherrierifenberg2199]

Ty!

[@peterj1594]

I seem to recall that the Toaks pot was 1 gram lighter than the hard alloy pot you weighed it against.