What Are the Best (and Worst) Clothes to Wear on Backpacking Trips?

What are the best (and worst) clothes to wear on a backpacking trip? It's a question you may have asked yourself if you're new to backpacking, so I'm here to help guide you in a head-to-toe overview of all the clothing you might need - and what you should avoid - for the trail (when the time is right, of course).
SUBSCRIBE to BackpackingTV: / subscription_c. .
0:50 - Underwear
2:36 - Socks
3:45 - Base layers
6:11 - Down & Synthetic Jackets
7:55 - Shells & Rain Jackets
8:56 - Technical & Rain Pants
10:10 - Gloves
10:30 - Buff
11:00 - Hats & Sun Protection
12:35 - What NOT to Bring!
_________________________
FOLLOW ME
Facebook: / epictrailstv
Instagram: / epictrailstv
Twitter: / epictrailstv
Blog: www.erichanson.tv/blog
_________________________
Sponsored by:
Dermatone: www.dermatone.com/
LEARN MORE about Epic Trails: www.epictrailstv.com/
_________________________
Produced by Heliconia: http//www.heliconia.ca/
Contact: [e-mail]
Made possible with the support of Ontario Creates: www.ontariocreates.ca

[@borp6912]

Everytime I see a buff I think of Michael Scott cutting his suit pant leg off and putting it on his head. "This is a beauuutiful piece of material"

[@DEIMOSLOL]

so bizarre, the videos on this channel are really high quality and yet there's 33k subs

[@beastie2488]

Its 40.2K + 1 now

[@dillonchamberlain]

Almost 50k now

[@pbkayakyer]

Gotta understand, unless folks start sharing, liking and commenting the videos, KZbin algorithms won't pick it up and promote it. That can take several years for some channels

[@carminedauria-gupta2561]

Backpacking community on KZbin is small tbh

[@StoicDivinity]

Not bizarre at all, it's rather normal. Granted it's @ +55k now, I've seen channels producing studio quality content with less than 15k subs.

[@Bel21ish]

I tend to hike in winter and I've found wearing a vest is fantastic. Helps me regulate my core temperature with a zip up or down. My Kathmandu one is windproof and I wouldn't dream of hiking without it.

[@theprophetez1357]

I carried a vest too for a while, and thought it was great. My bag was getting to full and heavy so I made a lot of changes to my clothing. The clothes I have now are much lighter and pack smaller. This is an INCH bag designed to help me survive the coming tribulation so I carry a lot, and clothing was my second biggest weight item and probably the bulkiest. I am continously working on the contents to remove bulk and weight while having everything I need. One of my next steps will be to buy a puffy jacket because they are light and pack small. The puffy will save both space and weight because I can eliminate two items and will shave off another pound or more. I live in Florida so the best was great to have, and I hated removing it, but que sera sera.

[@christiansaravia7865]

Do you sleep in a tent in the winter? I’m considering winter camping but worried I’ll get too cold and freeze lol

[@kriswalsh4668]

Great info, thank you. I would only argue/recommend 2 things differently. Cotton is absolutely ok on your head. I like to wear cotton bandana or brimmed hat. No cotton anywhere else. Second is that id like to wear thin merino wool liner socks under my heavy wool socks. It allows me to bring less bulky socks. I usually bring 1 pair of liners for each day of hike, max 4. Otherwise I just wash them. Then I only bring additional pair of nice, thick wool socks. Just a different perspective on the same problem.

[@malvinyoung946]

Great video Eric. I'm really enjoying these videos. Thanks :)

[@petercabanillas244]

I have just shared this with my Scout troop, I and my assistant scout master are always preaching everything you’ve said and it seems too go in one ear and out the other. Maybe just maybe they’ll listen too a utuber. Great content keep up the great work. Oh and we are up in Maine so most of our camp outs are cold weather.

[@jaffacake9433]

Just discovered your travel. Love your content. And absolutely LOVE your garage! It´s inspiring me to finally move out of a flat and into somewhere with a garage/shed where I can also have a set up like that for all my gear! :-D

[@Backcountryskiingcanada]

A good thin softshell jacket for breaking the wind on ridges, repelling light rain-yet still breaths well so you don't sweat. It takes up no space in your pack and you'll find you use it all the time. My fave layer for sure. Most good apparel brands make on so they are not hard to find. And, Great work Eric!

[@BackpackingTV]

Brad is that you?? Thanks! Yes, a nice softshell is great to have! I love the recommendation!

[@Backcountryskiingcanada]

@@BackpackingTV You bet, it's me. Just taking in some of your vids, nice work!

[@hawiianpwr]

Great video, thanks for sharing. We will start backpacking more and your videos have helped prepping us.

[@BackpackingTV]

So glad they've helped!

[@trytheoutdoors]

Superb content. Thank you so much.

[@taylorsabo5869]

Quite informative! Thank you sir!

[@guinevereholsey2154]

Helpful video. Thanks from Alaska 🇺🇸⛰👍🏻

[@jeffreybrooks4061]

Excellent content. Great Video. 👍

[@tomsitzman3952]

I have spent thousands of nights in a tent and under the stars, kayaking, canoeing, hiking and biking. That adds up to over 50 years of human powered travel. As far as rain gear i use the wet and warm method instead of the damp and clammy. A rain coat is for camp, not when generating heat during activity. I wear a merino sweater or a tight weave wool shirt with a wind stopper jacket on top. Wool retains 80% of its heat when wet. I have found the best head cover in the rain is to wear a felted short brim wool Fedora or a wide brim western hat. If it is real nasty I will pull my jacket hood over the top of the hat. Felted wool keeps your head warm and dry and the hat even when it soaks through retains heat. I also have a short sleeved wool shirt I wear alone or in place of a vest that I have worn when it rained non stop for days on end in SE Alaska. In place of rain pants I prefer wearing light weight poly bottoms. Ring them out and the are 98% dry. My day trip emergency bag has a silk weight poly hoody, from Patagonia that I have used for years. I'm not sure if they still make it. Never leave home with out a Buff. In place of a beanie I carry a light weight balaclava that I can turn the neck up to make a beanie. If you have never had a pair of Alpaca socks give them a try. The natural fiber has a hollow center and are warm in winter and cool in summer.

[@Daniel-Davies-Gonstead-Student]

Gold. Absolutely golden advice! Thank you!

[@maxviking3210]

Great video! I have never got into the dry fast clothes near the body. I use wool instead, it is naturally anti bacterial but the best this is that wool will keep you warm even when it is wet. I uses merion wool most.. little more pricy but feels so good. I also uses merino wool buff. Very comfortable and in the night I pull it over my inflating pillow.. feels nicer and is more quiet:)

[@BackpackingTV]

Wool is great! And the improved smell is a great point too!

[@richeyrich2203]

Marino is an acrylic blend

[@TwoSoundsatOnce]

Ponchos bandana buffs mosquito head net are everyday for me auxillary to my kit. I now carry an extra pair of light weight socks as well because can protect my hands in a pinch. I carry a small sewing kit which is something that people don't talk as much about in the backpacking outdoor community is preparing gear in the field plus you can modify things on the go if needed or desired. Oh and a woobie because they are awesome. Long sleeve shirts to button for extra warmth i could relate to a lot of your techniques I haven't really tried down much though. I love the fact that you said to hike with what you got in life we got to appreciate the things that we have and sometimes you find the gem and something that you already have and having an abundance mindset mindset laying in a mosquito net with loved ones in a makeshift shelter and thinking this is good enough its plenty its fine. I know youve moved on congrats by the way for your successes in the KZbin and outdoor spaces. Thank you for the video!

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello my Outdoors friend, thank you for sharing your very informative video. I really enjoyed it. I just came across your channel and decided to subscribe. All the best to, stay healthy. 🤗

[@BackpackingTV]

thanks!

[@Beast9894]

Thanks. Now I'm in a rabbit hole of antimicrobial fabric chemistry.

[@tamaracheeseman183]

Thanks, Eric. Rain gear also protects against mosquitos at night.

[@BackpackingTV]

For sure. It's tough to get you through the hard shell!

[@kazimierzspaczynski7401]

Thank You Sir. Good advice.

[@BackpackingTV]

You're welcome!

[@Seanonyoutube]

Fascinating stuff

[@LisaSobie]

Great info! Thanks!!!

[@BackpackingTV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@esoteric_chaos]

Super helpful. Thanks

[@BackpackingTV]

Welcome!

[@zhangeric6942]

I love your videos very much.Could u list the brand and model of base layer,mid layer and jackets in this video, so I can look around in backcountry

[@ivanaguilar8820]

So good! Great channel!

[@BackpackingTV]

Thank you so much!

[@thephatalien]

Great video. The only the I would recommend is letting the audience know who makes the clothing you are showcasing here.

[@michaelharris4503]

Great content as usual. Well presented as well. I am seeing a lot of through hikers wearing those thin alpaca hoodies. What do you think about those? These seem light and compact and warm ... would love to hear your thoughts.

[@BackpackingTV]

Thanks Michael. I'm not sure what you're referring to. Is that a brand? I'm not familiar with them.

[@NghiaPhamV84]

I have never seen this one before! Keep up your good work!

[@ar007r]

I bought a bunch of icebreaker and patagonia gear for my family. I probably spent about $600, out of the 10k I spent on gear this year, on clothing. I got the full lineup of nikwax products as well. My typical clothing will be Darn tough socks, icebreaker full base layer, Icebreaker t shirt and long sleeve shirt, Patagonia pull over sweater, patagonia windbreaker. Patagonia pants, merrell hiking shoes, kuiu merino gloves, vortex hat. For warmer weather I have patagonia shorts. I also have a kuiu jacket system with outer shell and inner insulation layer and an icebreaker neck warmer and wool hat. For my infant we bought a 12-24month sleeping bag and a patagonia bunting bag. In winter weather I have a parka and proper soloman hiking boots and outer layer gloves. Another few important pieces of gear are: sleeping bags. Down for winter and synthetic for 3 season. I have 3 tents: 1) 3 person - 4 season north face tent 2) 1 person 3 season tent 3) 9 person 3 season tent. Similar situation with sleeping pads. Down filled for winter, thicker more comfortable inflatable for summer and a coleman queen cot/air mattress for family 3 season car camping. Jetboil for solo and jetboil genesis for family cooking. Bluetti 2000w with 200w panel for power, mr buddy heater for heat, and in reach mini 2 for nav. Even with all my gear costing close to 15kCAD that is about the price as one trip to europe but will easily last a few decades. Even my incebreaker base layer looks brand new after a decade of use and several dozen washes. High end gear lasts and works there is zero point cheaping out unless you camp once every few years. When it comes to clothing spend more than you want to and layer layer layer

[@gennasmithers]

Would love to see some sleep wear ideas

[@neoanderson8635]

For me, a good technical Long John is the best base layer for the lower body. It helps to regulate temperature while staying dry. And warmer than regular underwear. I will also hike in merino wool long johns, even in mid 50s/lower 60s I am not too hot.

[@KUEHLKUEST]

Thanks for the Canadian "toque" reference!! LOL Cheers from Michigan (originally from Ontario)

[@BackpackingTV]

haha, you got it!

[@labellaescrima1996]

it is not toque it is tuques....Ontario guy! Have nice day,

[@WomenHitTheWall]

My go-to 3-4 days backpacking trips during Winter and Fall will be 2 merino wool Tshirt, 1 down jacket, 1 gortex jacket, 1 merino wool pants, and 2 pairs of underwears and socks. I love wool and I never regret spending money on them.

[@patrickbourne3819]

Really surprised. I was just looking for jacket recommendations, never thought about the underwear

[@BackpackingTV]

Good underwear is great for under there.

[@znovosad555]

As a an EMT I’ve found my favorite outdoors pants have been 5.11 tac lite pants. They’re a great pant for not only work as a first responder but they’re light, initially Teflon coated(that does wear out over time) so they’re pretty water resistant, and they do dry quickly.

[@BackpackingTV]

You’re not the only one to say that. I need to try em out! ✌️

[@znovosad555]

@@BackpackingTV 5.11 has had some quality assurance issues with some things, and services like mine have mostly switched to first tactical, but the tac lite series I’ve had no complaints about. Just have to find them when they’re on sale

[@dougnurse4952]

So if you're hiking in colder temps, how much of this do you take? base, thicker base, long johns, synthetic jacket, rain jacket, puffy, waterproof pants, technical pants, buff, beanie? Seems like a lot but I defer to you.

[@labellaescrima1996]

very nice video, very informative, thanks again for all your tips and informations.Well done mate!

[@BackpackingTV]

Thank you!

[@majestic._]

Hey eric! what are the pants you are holding at 9:19 ?

[@luisku1407]

my wool buff goes with me on every adventure. Sometimes i bring a second one to blow my nose into if my allergies are acting up.

[@BackpackingTV]

Gross. But nice!

[@jhonyermo]

Yeah spend that kind of money to blow your honker. HAHAHAHA

[@VSO_Gun_Channel]

oh damn, got those undies. Thank you

[@BackpackingTV]

Enjoy the bliss down under!

[@dmncrae]

Do you have a recommendation for hiking pants? Thank you!

[@billysmith2512]

Hey man, was just wondering what brand and name were the jackets, the green and orange one?

[@jonathanthompson6783]

Mad he didn't mention their names

[@haakonr1]

I wouldn't outright dismiss cotton. One should be wary about where and when it makes sense to use it, but it is a brilliant material under the right circumstances. For day hikes/ski touring in very cold and dry climates it is my preferred shell layer. Very windproof, very breathable and adds just a wee bit of insulation compared to synthetic shell layers. Cotton is also innately fire resistant, so cotton or cotton blends are great shell layers for outdoor activities involving camp fires. As far as underwear and mid-layers go, I totally agree. Wool and synthetics are the only options that makes sense.

[@BackpackingTV]

It's true there are scenarios in which cotton is just fine. But the distinctions can be tough for newer backpackers.

[@Rico-Suave_]

Watched all of it

[@kylemerchant8088]

What is a good flannel long sleeve for backpacking? I was thinking of wool but idk.

[@BackpackingTV]

Wool is great and a natural product. Flanels are good if they're made of synthetic material but a lot of times they're made of cotton.

[@philipbuckley759]

I am thinking that running or sports....such as futbul...soccer, are the go to items for pullover shirts and shorts.....

[@mikepowers8607]

I'm considering taking up hiking/backpacking in the spring of 2021 and I'm getting really confused. I get the no 100 percent cotton, but what about cotton/synthetic blends? Are they a bad idea depending on the cotton content?

[@Zeppelinfaktor]

Ideally you’d want something with no cotton whatsoever but sometimes it’s not possible to find. I think it depends on the item of clothing in question as well. I would assume that you’d want your base layers as close to 100% wool or synthetic as possible. You might have a little wiggle room with something like a long sleeve button up shirt and maybe pants? Again, just my guess.

[@tomsitzman3952]

Consider a long sleeve Linen shirt, Fast drying The naturally wrinkles keep the fabric away from the skin keeping the sun off and circulates air.

[@Oldsparkey]

As the realtors like to say , Location , Location ,Location. For myself it's a wide brimmed hat with sun glasses. Next a ( World Wide Fisherman ) nylon shirt with long sleeves. Slacks where the lower part zips off or on. Down here the trick is staying cool in the heat and Humidity. Nylon clothing gets wet it dries rapidly compared to other material. I dress for the heat and do not have to worry about the cold for the greater part of the year.

[@nashoba8712]

What's people's take on 5.11 tactical gear for hiking?

[@coltharwood494]

Great video; would be better if you mentioned the brand names.

[@BackpackingTV]

Sorry to disappoint you. I'll make an updated video one of these days

[@tyewells]

What gloves are those?

[@johnjackson374]

Great video. One question. Does this puffy make me look fat?

[@BackpackingTV]

You look great John.

[@johnjackson374]

Oh I bet you say that to all your subscribers 😜

[@TacoLibreF-CKYT]

I'm someone who sweats profusely. Do you think I would major problems with backpacking over a number of days?

[@jannicoboon3677]

One comment about the anti microbial underwear. The antimicrobial properties are gained by adding nano particles of silver. When you wash the underwear 2 or 3 times there will be no more paricles left and no antimicrobial properties. Just wear regular synthetic underwear. They work just the same

[@kriswibbenhorstermeister9885]

I’ve been looking everywhere for a merino wool t-shirt, but being 6’9” and needing a 2XLT is impossible to find. Do only average height people backpack? Hahaha

[@GratefulTrekker]

You can bug treat your clothes at home too

[@icebergslim9278]

No links to products?

[@jukkavv]

Any words about colors of your clothes?

[@daliborvlaho25]

What is the down jacket brand and model?

[@daliborvlaho25]

@Backpackguy thanks for answer i will look out for that hoodie

[@jonathanthompson6783]

@Backpackguy it's not it has a chest pocket

[@Jeremya74]

Lol..we have been calling them "no see ums" for as long as I can remember in the south..I've never heard anyone call them that anywhere else till now

[@sylvainbernaers]

good you did not go the merino way--if it is wet it takes ages to dry

[@heidih2887]

Another good reason to avoid blue jeans or heavy cotton work pants = thick/hard belt loops (with or without a thick/heavy belt) that can create pressure points/sores on low back and sides of waist area if/where contacted by pack. :D

[@BackpackingTV]

Excellent point! Yeah that can get painful.

[@samduncan344]

A note on base layers : there job isn't to insulate or to directly add heat to your body they are ment to wick the moisture from your body so that your body dosnet use energy in evaporating the moisture in turn making you cold. base layers should always have moisture wicking as there primary function as they are intended for use with an insulation layer and a protective layer

[@astanaastana6909]

I would suggest you hat instead of cap, that’s really convenient

[@1thehandyvan]

How come farmers and builders what work outdoors all year around in all weathers don’t usually buy hiking clothes

[@david_onthetrail]

I work in construction, I wear merino wool shirts and wool/ synthetic clothes all the time at work, more comfortable for sure.

[@jazimali4184]

Because they’re not hardwearing enough. I use merino base layers like David and do own separate hiking clothes

[@jimaikmanokc]

we usually have synthetic long johns, a slicker for over our carhartt (and a vest under the carhartt) & chaps for rain - cold - we are also going home to a warm fire at night -

[@cfarr]

No fleece/s?

[@labellaescrima1996]

don't need it with what he proposed, wool beats fleece any day of the week!

[@frostbirb5656]

outdoor ed students wya?

[@281covfefe5]

👍🏻🇺🇸

[@crazyuncledamian]

Many people wear cotton socks and boots all day for work for years and years. Why don’t their feet rot and fall off?

[@BackpackingTV]

I think it's because they go home at night and take their shoes off. But the world is full of mysteries.

[@michaeltorluemke3322]

Don’t forget a good pair of sunglasses. All year long.

[@Klatubarada1979]

I like how this guy isn't a gram nazzi.

[@BackpackingTV]

Definitely not my style

[@Thedevbtc9900]

Lots of money 💰

[@cyndibates1]

If you buy everything new from a sports store, yes. I watch videos like these to get ideas of good brands and then go to second hand stores like Value Village and Goodwill and find much of the gear mentioned for only a few dollars! For example, I found a 100% merino black long sleeve base layer tee for only $6! I found a zero degree Kelty mummy bag for $10. Found two down jackets for my teen daughters for $5.50 and $10 respectively! Check your local thrift shops! Read the neck tags for high end brands, and check the inside seam tag for fiber content like wool, silk, or synthetic.

[@Thedevbtc9900]

@@cyndibates1 thank you cyndi for the tips

Why long underwear is called long johns? Short johns doesn't exist?

[@z0uLess]

I never got the point down jackets ... they are so easily damaged. I always bring a thick wool sweather with me instead which keeps me warm no matter what with a light wind jacket over + in handles moisture better. yes, down is nice when you are in extreme cold, but then we are talking much bigger type of jacket. these new light down jackets are kinda gimmicky to me ... but I guess everything is light and quick nowadays, even the fashion trends.

[@RC-wz9vw]

There’s no gimmick about down. It’s proven to be the warmest most insulating material on earth. Not great in rain but neither is your wool. Wool is fantastic for base layers, socks, etc. but would never want to use a big wool jacket on a backpacking trip. Way too bulky and heavy. As far as around town, of course, love my wool jacket from Kuhl.

[@z0uLess]

@@RC-wz9vw I said wool sweater. I always just adjust the thickness of the wool underneath a shell jacket for temperature. its all you need. yes, down is light to carry, but the lightest is not carrying a down jacket at all, and you need wool underneath anyway. the down jacket is for instagram photos.

[@tomsitzman3952]

I have a tough down sweater weight jacket that have worn since 1971 and is on it's third zipper. The new light weight hooded 10 oz jackets stuff away nice and I use one for emergency, but they will not hold up to heavy work. They are nice to sleep in. I carry a 16 oz down blanket mated with the light weight jacket 12 oz and silk weight poly top and bottom I cans sleep comfortably to freezing 32F- 0C and every part of the system has two or more uses. They are also nice to wear around camp

[@z0uLess]

@@tomsitzman3952 Ah, everyone has their own solutions and yours seem to work fine ;). My wool sweater is the heaviest and the most difficult decision in my backpack, and everythin depends on the season and the weather ... those emergency aluminium blanket thingies seem to work well in preserving heat as well.

[@mackenzie5036]

Clothing suggestions for women?

[@ashleykbarks]

The same, but in women's fit.

[@mackenzie5036]

@@ashleykbarks Thanks!!!!

[@oldschooljeremy8124]

$26 underwear...yeah, no. :P

[@labellaescrima1996]

so you want to smell all the time then?

[@oldschooljeremy8124]

We will all smell on the trail. There is no cure for this, certainly not special undies. Personally I would rather go commando, but that's just me.

[@heidih2887]

Not for the "smell" issues.. for the skin health and comfort! :D The wrong undies can result in having very painful skin irritation, rashes, etc. Having to walk for miles when every step HURTS would not be enjoyable! :D Apparently can more of an issue for the fellows, but the ladies have to think about "healthy skin down there" too! :D

[@jaimie0777]

Synthetics make my skin go crazy, anyone else experience this?

[@david_onthetrail]

Try Merino wool, very nice feel against the skin, dries quickly, light weight, all natural too.

[@jonathanthompson6783]

Why would you not tell us what the pieces are called 🙄

[@BackpackingTV]

I don't know! I'm gonna make a list and update this video soon.

[@DiscoveringOutdoors]

"Those Canadians out there"......we invented hiking. 😎🤘

[@BackpackingTV]

Sure you did, just like you invented basketball...

[@DiscoveringOutdoors]

@@BackpackingTV actually it was a Canadian who invented Basketball while he was at school in Massachusetts. Check your facts 👍👍😎🤔

[@kriswalsh4668]

Is it hiking simply put just walking? Wasn't walking invented before borders were invented? I think you 2 should get together and enjoy the hike together. And enjoy the fact that it was invented, vs fight over who invented it. JS.

[@borp6912]

Canadians invented walking through nature? 🤔

[@labellaescrima1996]

@@BackpackingTV James Naismith born in Almonte Ontario Canada, invented the sport: basketball. He was physical educator working in Springfield Massachusetts, for you FYI. Plus we invented snow blower, sonar, x-ray machine, television, pagers, solar and wind power storage, telephone, java programming language (James Gosling), we discovered Insulin (Dr. Frederick Banting), Pablum, First pacemaker (Dr. John Hopps), XMAX, Peanut Butter, Garbage bag, paint roller, ect...the list is too long.

[@brianmiller2739]

Problem with those underwear is they are boxer briefs wichninknow are popular they suck...they're hot they pull on your legs and don't breath as good

[@JacobMaximilian]

“Cotton is rotten”

[@BackpackingTV]

I stand by this, unless you're in the desert.

[@northwoodsdad7506]

More infomercial than anything. The sponsors like this stuff. You don't need to buy this over prided stuff to go hiking/ backpacking. Blanket statements li,e don't use cotton are ridiculous. It is fine to use when used appropriately and with in its limitations like everything in life.

[@Cragrat65]

Oh, just another endorsement, used by wide number of U.K. mountain rescue teams.

[@CreachterZ]

That’s a horrible hat. Wear one with a wide brim all around.

[@BackpackingTV]

You don't like my hat?

[@CreachterZ]

@@BackpackingTV Ha! Sorry. I must have been in a bad mood. I love your hat, but watch out to protect your skin from the sun. Please.

[@prepared2thrive101]

Helpful video. Thanks from Alaska 🇺🇸⛰👍🏻

[@taylorjohnson5992]

What gloves are those?