Backpacking Gear That CHANGED THE GAME For Me

[@john_kelley]

The first 1,000 people to use this link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: skl.sh/johnkelley10211

[@Hikesoup]

wow I needed to know about heel locks... excellent advice. Get vaccinated JK.

[@john_kelley]

Those heel locks were a game changer, no doubt.

[@BackpackingWithJason]

Thanks for the shoutout. Mindset is so important. Good tips brother. I love quick overnighters.

[@john_kelley]

Yessir! We need to get out there together soon!

[@ryanduitman9564]

I recently purchased an Outdoor Vitals Stormloft down quilt. Combined with my Nemo tensor pad, it has completely changed my sleep in the backcountry. Not to mention I dropped 2 pounds off my base weight.

[@phillipgonzalez9574]

Heel locks... i mean you never knew what that extra hole was for lol. Dude. Glad you figured it out. And thanks for the insoles advice on here.

[@john_kelley]

Glad to help. Those insoles have been great!

[@Josephhikes]

My best game changer was losing 30 pounds. Your looking good,it looks like your doing well with your weight 👍 Keep up the good work! Health and videos !

[@john_kelley]

Thanks, Joseph! You are correct. Weight loss is a definite game changer.

[@All_Things_Out_Doors]

Great list! The wipes look awesome! Fantastic mindset for backpacking. Even a hammock in the back yard can be beneficial. #GodBless

[@john_kelley]

So true! Just being outside is better than being stuck inside.

[@williamvarner1406]

Great vidjeo thanks for sharing too I’ll ps

[@john_kelley]

Thanks, William!

[@mysterylovescompany2657]

If you like to camp...with only things you carried in, in your backpack...after taking a pleasant walk out of reach from your motorised conveyance...then you are a backpacker. Every thru-hiker is by necessity a backpacker, but not every backpacker is a thru-hiker. Hike your own hike, John. I'll bet dollars to doughnuts it's awesome.❤

[@john_kelley]

mmmm.....doughnuts. I remember those. LOL

[@jdsmith8135]

100% agree on the mindset. One night with only a few miles is just as good as an extended walk. Took me a while to realize that. Oh and the chair. Would never backpack without my chair 🪑

[@john_kelley]

I still like my long mile days, but it's not the only way I like to backpack anymore, for sure.

[@brianwinburn1561]

New phone video quality is better than the DSLR by quite a margin.

[@john_kelley]

Yeah. The iphone 13 pro looks really good. It's a little fuzzy around the edges, though. I'm impressed with how the footage came out.

[@jeffpeters5347]

I really like the outdoor setting.

[@john_kelley]

Thanks. I figured, since I was out there by myself, I might as well do a video. LOL

[@Truth-Seeker75]

Wet wipes can be dehydrated too…

[@john_kelley]

Yep

[@LostAgainwithJim]

Heel locks are clutch. Coming from the running world into backpacking I used them from the start. I still haven’t joined team chair. The way I hike (solo, usually long miles sun up to sundown) I just don’t use them enough to justify the weight. Typically I get to camp, do the camp chores, eat, and crawl into my tent. If I were to take trips where I’d be awake at camp for longer periods of time, I’d probably want one.

[@john_kelley]

When I first got started, I didn't really spend a lot of camp time, or even make a fire. I usually just ate and went to bed. Now that I'm spending more time in camp, I find the chair way more important.

[@willyonamountain]

Same. Long days... Set up camp, cook/eat, lights out.

[@WalshPhoto]

I think I have been encouraged for years to go backpacking, many of them I don't even know. They would often say things like, "Hey Buddy!!! Take a hike!!", and I guess, I have always wanted to encourage them to also, "Take a Long walk, on a very Short Dock!!" Much like they did to encourage The Cleveland Browns, by chanting "Go Browns!!", and then The Browns left and went to Baltimore, that certainly changed The Game for them! Good thing neither one of us live there anymore!! Since you are as always, Above Average....you are a Game Changer... and you are Game ON!!! Go John Go!!!

[@john_kelley]

LOL! Thanks, Paul!

[@WalshPhoto]

@@john_kelley You can’t forget the times when someone has asked you to step outside to discuss something!!! So glad you have a hobby that you are going places with!!

[@stevestory8483]

What sleeping pad do you recommend for someone in the 260-280lbz range

[@jeffpeters5347]

What about your Spooky/Scary stories from the trail?

[@cottontalesfromthetrail5474]

John, I have to say that I love your videos. What a breath of fresh air! I hike totally different style from your style, but I have so much respect for your style. Enjoying what you do is the most important thing in Hiking. Happy Hiking!

[@hikeandseek21]

100% on the philosophy. Its so easy to get caught up in all the little boxes that the hiking community sets up ( not that it's ALWAYS a bad thing) and to forget to HIKE YOUR OWN HIKE! The important part is what YOU get out of it whether you go 2000 miles or only half a mile. Personally, I enjoy the smaller trips because you have the time to enjoy it, instead of having to run on a schedule but to each their own!

[@Oldsparkey]

Several things made it a game changer for me. The new lightweight hammocks that are evolving all the time. The invention of the U.L. Backpack ( 10 to 16 oz ) and all the gear that goes with it. Especially the Titanium items , they are better then sliced bread. When you can go from a 50 plus pound pack to one under 10 pounds and be just as comfortable , a wish that came true. If things keep evolving in the future ( next 50 years ) like they have. A lead weight will be a accessory item to keep everything earth bound.

[@MrHatetheplayer]

warbonnet blackbird, klymit reversible foam pillow, sea to summit sil-nylon kitchen sink, bucket and trekking umbrella, nemo tensor pad, goal zero silicone collapsible lantern. all of these i have been impressed with last season. some i won't do without.

[@zanthornton]

Thank you re: heal locks. Never knew this!

[@mysterious.hiker.x]

I think a lot of people would agree with your list. Definitely some great, modern backpacking tools to bring along that enhance the experience. Satellite messenger device was a gamechanger for me as well. Wife and family are much more okay with me heading out for the weekend backpacking these days.

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

I love the Wysi Wipes and I tried the Helinox but sent it back. I want to like it but it did not seem stable. I weigh 250 and I know you are a big guy too. Take care

[@bradorndorff7408]

I love the wipes, first time I heard someone recommend them l thought he said wussy wipes. Don't ask computer to show you that, what came up had nothing to do with personal hygiene 🤭

[@jamesmcgee2447]

👍🏻

[@john_kelley]

Thanks!

[@Slow_poke_hiker]

The Backpacking chair I fell in love with is the Slingback Chair. It uses my trekking poles for support and weighs about 4.75 oz

[@mobilewintercamp7515]

I bought one and haven’t been able to use it yet. I’m surprised I haven’t seen it on anyone’s channel. Seems like a great product for weight to comfort ratio. Ever use it in conjunction with a log or a Boulder?

[@Slow_poke_hiker]

@@mobilewintercamp7515 nope, just the crossed trekking poles. I even find I can lay my head back in the V of the crossed poles

[@mobilewintercamp7515]

@@Slow_poke_hiker what I’m saying is you can put it in a rock or log and extend the poles so your sitting up higher with the backrest, if the object is low enough and the poles extend far enough. I want to try it but haven’t been out.

[@john_kelley]

I've seen those, but I just don't want to have to get up off the ground. I'm pushing 50, and the knees don't like getting up from down there. It's the same reason I moved to a hammock and don't use a tent. LOL

[@Slow_poke_hiker]

@@john_kelley That is a definitely a down side. My 54 year old body told me exactly how low it was to the ground .

[@barb61]

Had no clue about heel locks so ty! I do use those pellet wipes and they are awesome!

[@john_kelley]

The heel locks really help with blisters.

[@bradorndorff7408]

When they invent a 4 oz. Sofa l will buy it ✌️

[@rabbit9779]

For me, I will always carry two real travel pillows.

[@april906outdoors3]

Tying my shoes/boots with the heel lock lacing was a game changer for me, too (paired with toe socks). Also, Salomon shoes/boots are great for people with narrow heels - less slippage = fewer blisters. 😎 And amen on the mindset! That's the most important factor. Hike your own hike. 💜

[@mysterylovescompany2657]

Just got my first pair of trail runners, & they're that brand because it was a bargain! I was worried I wouldn't strike gold on first go, but fam, I _love_ these shoes; they fit like angels are cradling my feet in their hands, the tread grips slick surfaces like velcro on stockings, & the support is like nothing I have ever felt before. _My plantar fasciitis vanishes in these shoes_ . I'd never heard of the brand before, & there's something nice about learning they have recognition + legitimacy. It suggests that if I ever have to reach out, there's a good chance the customer service will probably be decent (since they have a name to protect). These frickin' shoes, man; I practically wear them into bed. Now I'm going to test out that heel-lock trick, because I figure, why not try for 110%? 😃

[@john_kelley]

My feet are so odd. I have really wide feet with really narrow heels. It's like I have bird feet. LOL

[@john_kelley]

What shoes are they?

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Chair for sure! #takeaseat I can only think of one good reason not to bring one.

[@john_kelley]

Absolutely. I am curious what your one reason is, though.....

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

@@john_kelley if you hike from the time you wake up till you go to sleep (which is not me) then I can understand not bringing a chair.

[@john_kelley]

@@MyLifeOutdoors definitely agree

[@denakelley4363]

+1 on the chair. My knees always hurt me if I sat on the ground no matter how I sat, logs and rocks are hard on the bum. My game changer was a thick air mattress. When I was in my 20's, sleeping on a zrest was fine. I'm nearly 50 now- I want something softer!

[@john_kelley]

LOL. I get that! That's why I became a hammock camper. I rarely have to get up off the ground now.

[@mackjenkins7721]

A game changer for me will be a camping chair. Realizing I didn't have a chair to sit on was a problem for me when everybody else had one. But you touched on some good things John. Hope you are doing okay man.

[@john_kelley]

Hey Mack! Thanks for the comment! I definitely don't like going out without a chair. That is no bueno.

[@queenanne94101]

Great insight as always. Thanks very much, John! One quick question 🙋🏻‍♀️: which Treadlab insole are you using…there are a few types and I’m wondering which is best for backpacking?

[@john_kelley]

I'm using the Pace insoles. I got them with the high arch support.

[@jameshershoutdoors]

I use the surgeon knot for my LOWA explorer boots. So far so good. Everything is tight and have made it through some tuff terrain. Gonna checkout the insoles though just in case. Thanks John, well done with the video. I like the last part of your video be a the best. About being a single over night backpacker. Thanks again!!!!!

[@john_kelley]

I had to look up a surgeons knot for shoes. I only knew about the one for fishing. That's a really great way to keep your shoes tied. Thanks for the tip!

[@MsBookishBecky]

Love tread labs! They are a game changer for high arches. For me I had really bad foot cramps before I started using them. Awesome.

[@queenanne94101]

There are a few different models…which do you think is best for backpacking?

[@john_kelley]

Totally agree! I absolutely love mine.

[@john_kelley]

I use the Pace insoles. They're a touch more rigid, which, I think, is good for backpacking. They're specifically made with active people in mind.

[@alexjohnson668]

I love my waymark mile. It’s been a game changer if I had the thru 40 that would probably be ideal.

[@john_kelley]

I just recently got the Waymark Lite with the internal frame. That's a game changer for them. I really like the pack.

[@alexjohnson668]

@@john_kelley I’ll keep that in mind

[@michaelbattin6717]

I’ve watched videos of yours where you said that your socks were the issues for your blisters darn tough which is it?