Thru-Hiker Gear Hacks - ft. Second Chance, Hike Oregon, Bigfoot & Others!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

What Gear Hack do you use while on the trail? What do you do to make your Hikes go a little smoother? 👇Let Us Know Down Below!👇

[@badcrispy3933]

Darwin onthetrail I like to use another Bigfoot hack. Put a t shirt or coat over my sleeping pad to hold my pillow in place. Best sleep on trail since I started to use it. Hike ON!

[@Sklallamstrong]

I made a trowel from one of those cheap orange ones that are big and bulky, I just trimmed it down to the same size as the expensive small aluminum ones.

[@AdventurewithCaboose]

I used dryer sheets in my clothes/quilt bag to keep my clothes and quilt smelling fresh and clean during my AT thru hike this year

[@KimAcheson]

I have a 2.2 oz knife that I added jute to and a firesteel. This way I have a complete fire starting system for a few ounces just Incase I get lost and wet in the woods and need a fire. One Cup Coffee: You can heat your water in one cup and use the GSI Outdoors Ultralight Java Drip Coffee Maker to dip in the water and make coffee like it was a tea bag. If you’re making rice and you put to much water in it you can toss your IPhone in the pot to soak up some of the water. Haha (don’t do this).

[@DanShowandTell]

If I have damp gear or I’m anticipating a cold morning, I’ll put my next days clothes at the bottom of my bag and sleep with them, the heat will keep my change of clothes warm so you don’t have to fear cold mornings. Also the extras clothes act as extra insulation for your feet. Warm feet all night and warm clothes in the morning, WIN WIN!

[@trailheart1863]

Not sure it’s a hack, but I had my wife sew button holes in the corners of my bandana to make it easier to attach to my pack, or I can bring all 4 corners together with a string or small carabiner and use it to filter larger particles/ debris from water. Great video, thanks for the tips and hacks. 😊👍

[@thomashughes_teh]

Hack 1= If you suspect a hard freeze will occur overnight, pour your water into your pot before sleeping so you can use it in the morning instead of having an ice block in your bottle. Alternates are, Pour it into a clean zip lock bag, sleep with it like it's a lithium battery. Hack 2= The flip top plastic canisters from fizzy electrolyte tabs are the perfect size for keeping a full size disposable lighter absolutely dry with space left over for toothpicks.

[@naturallyecoaustralia5585]

Hack 1 that's genius

[@thekolstad]

Hack 2 - there’s also a desiccant pack built into the lid, making them especially good for matches.

[@tonisvaher110]

To avoid ice blocks - wear/hold your bottle in the bag upside down, so the neck will not be blocked.

[@tamie341]

It fits 2 joints and a mini bic lighter!!

[@YahushasDisciple]

Somewhere there is a family of Sasquatch eating with our Sporks.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

😂... 🤔... 😕

[@johneason6540]

Stop it!

[@JenniferMabus]

Yahusha's Disciple Literally laughed out loud at this one.

[@bearanoia673]

😆

[@slipknotrob666]

My spoon has been pretty safe so far... maybe it's a spork issue. Actually... it never hurts to patrol before leaving any area on trail where you sit down or spend time. I've found a lot of good stuff at tent sites that people just left there because they didn't check the area before leaving. One tent stake at a time adds up to a full set of matching stakes that I like better than the ones I bought, for example.

[@trailfleamlangdon2260]

Good video, I use my buff on my inflatable pillow as a pillow case. Thanks, Trail Flea,,

[@antoniabaker7770]

Great idea. Thank you Michael.

[@therealbennybraden]

Michael Langdon I do the same thing. Works perfectly. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@jenniferl4861]

Well that’s darn near genius

[@HikeOregon]

Michael Langdon i so that too! :)

[@jameshargroder7090]

What's a buff??

[@lizard2425]

Darwin, Thanks for including other hikers ideas in your video. You're The Man!

[@pmh9966]

As someone who 'goes' in the morning I have been it might be an idea to dig a cathole the night before ..... just in case of urgency.

[@therealbennybraden]

Philip Henderson definitely!! 😁👍🏼👍🏼

[@HikeOregon]

Philip Henderson i do this as well.

[@oxxnarrdflame8865]

That’s a technique I use. I started after a midnight call running around in 20° weather looking for a good spot for a cat hole.

[@RedPlasticBuddha]

The very first thing I do when I arrive at camp - even before pitching my tent: excavate two catholes.

[@SeraphX2]

@Michael S. those are single quotes. Dumb.

[@ApeMan]

Hack I use on my trips is for booze transport. Mouthwash bottles! Super lightweight and locking leakproof cap that doubles as a shot glass.

[@jjames05]

fuck yes.

[@WaitWhat99]

Thats excellent

[@ApeMan]

My buddies all do it now too. We look pretty funny but happy around camp. Works great. I have a video about it on my channel.

[@perrymccullough511]

Hahahahaha...and kills 99.9 percent of the germs that can cause hiker breath.

[@StumbleOutdoors]

I use the 16 ounce pouches that come with my Sawyer mini, since I use a cnoc bag and hose to gravity filter water. Perfect amount of mead for the trail!

[@danielcluley870]

One of mine is two hanks of cord for bear bag, 25' feet each. One is Amsteel cord that is strong enough to support your weight in emergency or create a shelter/ridgeline, lash with, ets. The other is Zing-it Arborists line that is lightweight and can be used temporarily as a clothesline or for replacement of guy lines. Much more versatile and still works great for a long bear hang just by tying a sheetbend in it and then throw the lighter line. Also, steal a couple mini binder clips from the office. Work great as clothespins and hangers in multiple ways. I loop one of the metal ends onto my carabiner on the outside of my pack so I can hang stuff off of it while hiking like pack towel, buff, or wet socks/undies. We did the oatmeal trick 20 years ago at Philmont. Protip. . . turn the bag upside-down and shake the powder out of the corners first, letting it distribute to the rest of the contents. Oh yeah, and Peaches and Cream FTW!

[@danielcluley870]

Also, holy crap, great idea with the battery. Never thought of that!

[@paulschuyler21]

2 hacks here... 1. Use your compactor bag pack liner as an inflator bag for your pad. 2. Use your DCF tent stake bag as a rock bag for bear hangs, and use Lawson bear bag line.

[@lordmarshall5239]

I use a guy line or bear bag line with trekking poles and stakes to make a clothes line to dry wet clothes.

[@anthonyjohnston2178]

great video.. cut the sleeves off old old worn out down jacket. Sew up the ends you cut. Slide your feet in these when you sleep on cold nights

[@janefreeman995]

Just a product and tip. I like using a sponge cloth to sop up condensation and various uses. A full cloth is about 7x9 inches and 9 grams or .3oz when dry. ... about 1/32 thick. I tend to cut it in half. According to the package they can go through the laundry 300 times. I've had them by the kitchen sink for months at a a time so durable. Great for polishing up around a sink and using in place of paper towels and are compostable. But for hiking a camp towel alternative. Dries fast. They come five per package. The company is If You Care. Available on Amazon. Sponge cloths.😊

[@marqueshill5213]

I love to tie my head lamp around my water bottles with the light shining thru to make a quick lantern

[@jgrantw10]

Bigfoot's tent set up method works great with the Six Moon designs Lunar Solo as well. One gear hack I use...I will take only 1 mountain house meal; rehydrate that meal, and reuse that same MH bag to rehydrate any other meals on my trip. All other food/meals is usually emptied out of it's original packaging, and repackaged in lighter/smaller baggies. The only thing to clean is to rinse out the MH bag.

[@skippylippy547]

Nice! I do the exact same thing. Works like a charm. :) ^5

[@johneason6540]

Good idea!

[@perrymccullough511]

I do the same thing, then take the bag home and load it with something for the next hike...maybe dehydrated onions, garlic, or whatever to add to those MountainHouse meals for a little extra zing.

[@saxgoddess25]

I do that too. :)

[@Rashoop]

Yes, actually Bigfoot's METHOD (not really a hack) for pitching his tent is the way that Six Moons recommends pitching the Lunar Solo. They give a print out detailing it with the tent. For your reusable MH bag, do you ever have issues with an animal getting to them due to the smell, or are you able to clean them of all smells? One concern I'd have with that is that MH closures don't seem to be entirely strong. I had a failed one on a recently opened MH meal. I'd rather just get resealable mylar bags from Amazon for food prepared at home (like minute rice + dried beans + dried veg + seasoning. They're super light and purpose built. I'll deal with the extra trash bulk and extra 27 gms of weight.

[@NickCooper74]

I use the Fab International portable bidet while at home and in the field in lieu of tp. It cost $6 and you get two different kinds. I screw it onto my water bottle. I’ve mastered the art of using it for clean up down yonder and then flipping it around to hold between my knees and squeeze in order to wash my hands. That piece of kit plus the titanium cathole trowel from QiWiz in a small ziplock weighs 22 grams.

[@josephdragan7734]

Wow Been backpacking for years and this one video has some of the best tips and tricks ever. Thanks to all you KZbin cats and kittens, this effort was extreme. -Slo Mo Jo

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Stay Tuned for More Media like this 😉

[@johneason6540]

Agreed

[@manfredseidler1531]

My number one hack is popcorn... I'm 73, overweight with medical issues so I put on some slippers, get comfortable, and make me a big bowl of buttered popcorn. Then here's the important part, for my through-hike, I go straight from the kitchen to my computer and watch all of you heroes do the impossible and wonder how in the world can they do that and survive? Truly amazing skills you guys and gals have. Remember take it easy on the salt because salt makes you thirsty and then you have to through-hike again :)

[@FrankBergdoll]

Not really a "hack" - but I always make sure that I prepare my gear in advance of any adventure - making sure I have all the pieces and that I've read the instructions and practiced using the gear. I did a video on setting up a tent in the rain - and I was surprised to get comments that people didn't know the process for this. (which I suppose made it the reason I did the video). The other "hack" is to bring a couple "repair" parts in my survival kit. Especially a couple buckles and some light paracord - so a broken strap won't cause major issues.

[@LJHowardPhoto]

Two of my favorite tricks: #1. I like to tie a paracord 'clothesline' on the inside ceiling of my tent along the ridgeline. I leave it there permanently. It gives me a place to hang stuff overnight so it's off the floor and out of the way. Good for drying clothes or hanging your headlamp for example. That 6' cord can also be used for other purposes in an emergency. #2. I like my morning coffee and I take my time drinking it. So I make it in a small widemouth screwtop Nalgene bottle. It's spillproof when capped and also keeps coffee hot (or at least warm) longer than any coffee mug. You can carry your coffee with you on the trail so you don't need to rush to finish it. When done you can use the bottle for water instead.

[@perrymccullough511]

Nice! I do the ridgeline to dry socks, etc., but it has also worked to hold up the middle of one of those synthetic shamois towels to keep me dry when there was leak in my tent's roof...😉

[@thedaftestnameicouldthinko8233]

I was drying socks on a line in my Trailstar when a peg pulled. It wasn’t a great pitch but the best I could find in a storm. Turns out, the washing line was stiffening the angles of the Trailstar so it couldn’t deform gracefully when gusts hit. That’s why the peg pulled. I had to put the peg back in the same loose, gravelly hole but, with the washing line down, it never popped out again. Clearly, a tent with a ridge line would not have this problem.

[@Vodniken]

I added a featherweight cord to my zpacks triplex when I noticed the there was a loop next to the pole attachment, I can dry my clothes and it adds stability to the tent :)

[@slipknotrob666]

@@Vodniken I will probably try this when I get my triplex back from zpacks... I had to send mine in for repair.

[@Craigeek]

I do hack #1 too. I also have a little bit of line cut that is exactly the right length to hang my water bottle / sawyer / cnoc to do some gravity water filtering while I setup my tent. Free labor.

[@chuckcrookshanks847]

This is one of the best gear hack video's I have ever seen. I really enjoyed seeing different hikers hacks particularly hikers that I don't normally follow. Thanks

[@Gjallitr]

I zip up my rain jacket, knot the hood close and use it as a pull-on over my food box. This way I don't have to worry about the quilt touching the side wall :)

[@dianal.1279]

I hike with solar panels to charge my gear and only 6.7 A powerbank for the eventuality of rainy days. So far, it's always worked. I also use water and soap, instead of toilet paper and never had chaffing issues (no talk, no oils, etc) even though I have thick thighs. I've made a 348g (13 oz), 40 L backpack out of an IKEA bag. I'm very happy with it and it has cost me about 10 dollars in materials. I've made a thingy to inflate my pad out of a computer fan and old usb cable. It's powered by my phone, or powerbank. It weighs 37g (1.3 oz). I've transformed my sleeping bag in a quilt by taking zipper off and sewing an elastic that goes around my pad.

[@ld71sc2]

Diana L. I’d love to have one of those pad inflators. Could I buy one from you?

[@jimsteele7108]

Hey, I like the way you think!

[@joerucinski1962]

So, you have asked for my hiking gear hacks. Well, first is my pack, I have chosen to use a 1500. Specifically a Chevy suburban K1500. It has room for every little compact device that I can possibly think of for on the trail. Then, my shelter, I have chosen a canvas camp tent with a rain fly and vestibule. It is about 20 feet in diameter and about 12 feet high in the middle. Coming in at a 120 pound base weight, it can get a little rough to pull out of my 'pack' onto the dolly that is used to wheel it to the exact spot that I plan to pitch it. Then is my sleeping system. I use the Cabela's outfitter cot with a 4 inch foam mattress and cotton sheets. I use a -20 F rectangular sleeping bag, unzipped giving me a great quilt. I also use a king sized pillow straight off my bed at home, in fact, I use 2 of them. I also have a small 'roll-up' table that I use for a night stand. I cook a lot and use the Coleman 2 burner propane camp stove. Along with 2 MSR Dragonfly stoves. I will usually pack all three cuz they all fit into my 'pack' so nicely. I pack along a 12 quart cast iron Dutch oven, I hacked a wooden carrying case for it, to keep it from getting scratched. I use a ling handled spoon, a long handled spatula, a long handled set of knives, and ceramic plates. My luxury items are regular knife fork and spoons from the kitchen drawer. I also use a 5 gallon pail with a lid that resembles a toilet seat, when I am really roughing it. To keep up on the latest trail news I have a Grundig multi-ban radio and full sized earphones. It uses the AC at the campsite, or when out on the trail, it will run on 6 D batteries. My water storage is usually a 6 gallon blue jug with a spigot. I place this on the end of the larger roll-up table that I use outside the shelter. This larger roll-up table is used for cooking on as well, this serves the dual purpose thing that is so popular. (also saving space and weight). If the weather really gets rough during the night, I can always crawl into my 'pack', crank the seat back as far as it will go, turn on the heat, and get back to sleep. Hey, just havin a little fun with ya! I really enjoy your videos. They inspire me to get out and enjoy creation every chance I get. Keep up the good work!!

[@harshglare5017]

110 degree hiking hack: people ask me how do I hike in 110 degree temps out here in Nevada: I wet my longsleeve, fishing hoodie completely with water, then I stick two drenched microfiber cloths in my pants pockets and a third one under my hat. Keeps you very cool for at least two hours!

[@Shortmansydrome]

I'm an Australian hiker, I find wet clothes end up feeling hotter after they finish cooking down and they can be pretty heavy. Better used to carry the water to drink.

[@wayofthehike]

Man, I love how you pulled this video together. The intro was really cool. You did a great job on this one, Darwin!

[@eidiotwind2084]

This is an easy one: When opening a packet, don't just tear the thing clean off, stop right before the end. Therefore, you have only (1) piece of trash and not (2).

[@cuchanu]

That's kind of a life hack in general

[@Snakeyb]

You still have the same amount of rubbish haha. That's like saying snap your chocolate bar in half and you have 2 choc bars...

[@karadagidenbalik]

@@Snakeyb you will be strugling with a piece of plastic in the nature.

[@JessieBanana]

@@Snakeyb I think the point is, it's easy to drop and lose those tiny scraps of paper. I've certainly dropped tiny pieces of paper and had to search in order not to litter.

[@idaklymr]

OCD won't let me leave it dangling

[@tarawiselove]

Superior video, Darwin. I really like the water bottle drinking top, too. So convenient for the Sawyer Micro Squeeze I use. I also use the portable bidet, and it's a game changer. I do have a separate bottle for it because of monthly girl parties, but it only adds an ounce. That stake-utensil idea is great! I'll have to try that. My pack is currently at 28lbs fully packed for a week, including all the food, water, stove fuel I'll need, plus the hybrid bear canister. Here are some of my hacks (be smart in bear areas with some of these): Eliminates a few items and can be reused quite a few times: Carry a few of those super light biodegradable coin towels or towlettes and use/reuse them as firestarter/cooling cloth/wet wipe/dishcloth/washcloth/drying towel/water strainer/food strainer/dry baggie/bandage/nose and mouth mask/overnight condensation attracter/hair tie. Electrolyte hack: empty a chapstick container and put in a water paste of baking soda and potassium chloride. Bite off a sliver of it when needed and wash it down with a few swallows of water. Laundry hack (gals and moms love this one, but some guys do, too): Use that S2S pocket shower as a laundry bag by filling with water and a little soap, adding the laundry, then pushing alternately with your hands to slosh them around. Let out the water and fill again to slosh and rinse. Camp fridge hack: take (or make from an emergency blanket) two mylar bags, one bigger and one a little smaller, and put some dirt in the bottom of the big one before placing the small one inside. Fill in dirt around the small one, then add water to make it moist before putting in whatever you want cooled and closing the top or covering with a moist cloth (coin towel). It won't be cold, but in some climates cool is good enough to set hemp-chia-jello or woodland ice cream. Hybrid bear canister: The only one approved and proven to successfully resist bears and is half as light as a hard-sided bear canister. Ursack Allmitey, Ursack Aluminum Liner, 12x20 Opsak as an inner liner. If carrying it in your pack, add a dry bag because the material attracts moisture from humid conditions (only affects outside, not inside where the food is). Multi-use Cleanser: Half Listerine, half water combo is sudless and is used for disinfectant/toothpaste/mouthwash/bug repellent/shampoo/body wash/laundry detergent/dish cleaner/anti-itch for bug bites and contact rashes. Adding in a few drops of Dr. Bronner's is optional but reduces taste factor. I use the mini droppers for my container.

[@simonpackham5780]

Great tips! Thank you

[@jamesbadham228]

Is the Ursack Allmitey now legal in SEKI/Sierra?

[@danielpittman889]

Second Chance is looking great! So proud of that guy!

[@adventuredogs8773]

I made a micro fleece zip stuff sack for my clothes as it's pretty light and makes such a nice surface for a pillow case with your puffy jacket inside. Otherwise, like others, I don't use any stuff sacks at all, I just stuff my sleeping bag loose in the bottom of my pack liner with my clothes on top 🙂

[@johnholcomb4178]

As an extension of the power bank hack... For diabetics who may not know, if your insulin freezes it won't work anymore. Always sleep with it in your footbox even if you don't expect temperatures below freezing. This also makes it easier to find if you need it in the night

[@sharonreynolds7783]

I wonder if I need to sleep with my unopened disposable contacts as well?

[@bluebellflamesx]

How do you handle higher temps? My sister uses ice packs for day trips and a case she soaks in water. But i dont think that would work for multiple days

[@johnholcomb4178]

I haven't really worried about high temperatures. My main concern has been making sure it doesn't freeze and the bottle doesn't break for whatever reason. I haven't had a chance to go backpacking since getting contacts so I don't know how or if the cold effects them

[@larryfath2673]

To make pushing in my tent stakes easier I use a PVC T union. That way my hand has a rounded wide surface to push against rather than that small tent stake top. It is also easier on my footwear when you need to step on the stake to get it in a little further in hard soil.

[@luboyanev]

For that same purpose I use a stone or a stick

[@rkatrails]

I carry two plastic grocery bags for bathing away from camp. Fill both bags with water, about a 1/4 full. Put a little bio soap in one and swirl it with your had to mix it up. Stick a bandana in to soak it with the soapy water, then wipe all over your body. Afterwards, use the other bag that contains fresh water to rinse off with, using a 10 ounce water bottle with the top cut off to scoop the water... just pour it on the areas you've washed, then dry off. The bags weigh nothing to carry in your pack.

[@antoniabaker7770]

I use bamboo bio degradable coin wipes. I've tested different ones to make sure they truly break down till I was happy with the ones I now use. Size of a coin, add spoonfull ofwater and you have a good sized towelette to completely wipe down at night. I rinse mine and reuse it again in the morning ( if its not too dirty)after the bathroom and it gets buried or you could pack it out. Keeps you cleaner, fresher and less rashes.

[@jamesyech9197]

What brand do you like?

[@antoniabaker7770]

@@jamesyech9197 www.envirocareearth.com.au

[@rachescakes]

Fun collaboration! Thanks for including female hikers. When using a paper map, I like to take a picture of my route with my phone. I mark the beginning, end, and planned stops for the day with a post-it flag.

[@michaelc6881]

This is a savage hack, but I bring a Gatorade bottle to piss in during the middle of the night so I don’t have to get out of my bag and be cold. Just lean to the side, cap when finished, and keep outside in your vestibule. Obviously this only makes sense in the fall and winter but it’s a game changer.

[@bearanoia673]

I agree with Frozen. I dont like to do dishes on the trail so I use the original packaging or ziplocks for cooking. Just clean the spoon & rinse the coffee out of my mug & I'm done!

[@tourguidechuck]

I am soon to head out on the Pinhoti and many of these hacks helped me and I was inspires in other way that solved a few problems for me. Thanks to everyone!

[@roryschlueter]

All time best video you have made Darwin. Trail and life hacks are always welcome.

[@mattasticwildlife9011]

Hiker Hacks: 1) mix 1 pkt hot coco with 1 pkt oatmeal. =choco oatmeal! 2) use clothes inside stuff sack for pillow 3) Be natural. Use leaves to wipe your butt. 💩 4) place reflective emergency foil blanket on floor of your tent to help keep you warm! 5) keep buff wet and around neck to help keep you cool. 6) if having a fire and the smoke is being pushed down towards the ground; its going to rain very soon. 7) stop and actually smell the flowers. Enjoy the simple little gifts nature has to offer. Have fun!

[@amandacook4286]

Amanda Cook I also hate washing my pot so here's my hack. I dehydrate my own meals and snacks, as well as using freeze dried items that I only have to rehydrate and heat, not Cook or simmer. I mix my meal ingredients up and then vac-pack them in the heavier vac pack bags. When it's time to prepare a meal, I carefully cut open the top and pour in the amount of boiling water needed, which I write in sharpie on the bag. I put it in my home made refectix cozy ( thanks Darwin!) and wait for it to be rehydrated. I eat right out of the vac-pack bag like Frozen does. I love not having to wash my pot!!

[@Caseylawton]

Last chance looks so much thinner!! Way to go sir! Looking good

[@noBearAdventures]

What’s up Darwin! My luxury weight is always in my sleep system. Good nights sleep = enjoyable future miles. This is what I’ve started doing... I’ll take the 7 oz. weight hit, and carry a sea to summit reactor liner. But rather than get into it, I’ll use it as a sort of pillowcase for my lightweight and lower r-value pad (Big Agnes AXL insulated wide). Then I’ll cinch it shut at the top. Basically my air mattress has a duvet. That way when I sleep in my quilt, it boosts the r-value of the pad... it’s super soft to lay on... the quilt catches the fabric better than the slippery surface of the pad, and cuts down on drafts... it holds my pillow better than the pad’s surface does... and it’s also is an extra layer of material that can prevent the bottom of my pad from catching a tear or a prick. It’s a few ounces more in my pack, but my sleep has been exponentially better since I’ve started doing it. Happy hiking

[@blakew5672]

1BirdDust Have you noticed it cutting down on the noise air mattresses tend to make as well? I know there’s some that are just inherently loud, but most of the noise seems to come from interaction between the tent floor and the material of the mattress.

[@noBearAdventures]

BlakeW5 it does cut down on it Blake. That is another benefit

[@Craigeek]

Do you use a quilt? Have you noticed a thermal difference? I have one of these (used with my old bag) but haven't used it with my quilt yet.

[@adventuredogs8773]

That's a great idea, and then if it's extra cold one night you can actually get inside it as intended if needed, so multi purpose. Thanks for the great tip :)

[@mtthielsen8342]

For those enjoying the tipi style shelters, such as the old Go Lite Shangra-la, or the many recent clones out there. Have a machinist measure the lower end, of the middle section of of your trekking poles, and have them machine a coupler out of aluminum tubing, with a center ridge to keep the coupler from disappearing into the trekking pole. And you can use the middle and upper sections of both trekking poles, connected together, as the center pole for these taller roomier tents. And then you have a roomy tent with no weight penalty by leaving the original tent pole at home.

[@jamesnolen3934]

I’m loving this collaboration

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Stay Tuned for More Collaborations! Hike On, Darwin

[@jaydavee]

you've got to shake those oatmeal packets up while it's all dry and unopened.

[@oxxnarrdflame8865]

Food hack, I gave up on those tiny oatmeal packets, I use bulk granola and pre mix in powdered milk. On cold mornings I add hot water on warm morning I just add cold water. Taste better and better for you than instant oatmeal.

[@oxxnarrdflame8865]

Hannah D'Onofrio your welcome. I use Milkman brand powdered milk. It’s the best tasting I’ve found. Happy Trails.

[@emmarowley1096]

Oxxnarr D'flame I always buy in bulk with the rolled jumbo oats and make my own granola at home as its so easy and cheaper than shop bought. Unfortunately I haven't found that good of a powdered milk here in England but have put coffee mate powder in a Tupperware pot ready for making my porridge.

[@oxxnarrdflame8865]

Emma Rowley I use Milkman brand powdered milk, I considered using coffee creamer before I found this brand. Here is a link to their web page, maybe they sell it near you. milkmanmilk.com/

[@emmarowley1096]

Oxxnarr D'flame thanks for the link, going to check it out now.

[@erichobbs4042]

I add raisens, brown sugar, and other fruits to my mix. Plus the bulk oats are always less expensive than the individual packets. In town I divy it up into zip lock bags, so I can just cook breakfast in the bag and use my pot for coffee.

[@theprophetez1357]

I like the portable bidet idea. That is the first time I knew they existed.

[@NearlyNativeNursery]

I use to use a french press for coffee. Now I leave it at home and make old timer/cowboy coffee. Bowl the amount of water you wish to have. Once boiling add the measured amount of Course to medium ground coffee grounds (Do Not use fine). Allow the coffee to boil for 1 minute then remove from fire and drizzle a few drops of cold water into the boiling coffee. The cold water droplets change the coffee temp just enough to stop the boiling and that allows the grounds to settle to the bottom. After drizzling a few drops of cold water allow it to set for 30 sec. without shaking the coffee pour off what you want or better drink it up in the pot you boiled it in. this way i can carry real damn coffee.

[@Craigeek]

I need to rewatch this in a week before starting thru-hiking this year lol. Great video Darwin! Lot's of great comments too. What a fun and healthy discussion. Props to everyone!

[@troykallister5138]

Now that was a very cool, useful and fun video! I really enjoyed seeing my favorite KZbinrs, and some new ones, in one very nicely edited and informative video. Would love to see more of these from time to time. Nice work everybody and thanks!! 😎

[@paultaylor9273]

One of my hacks is, using my Sea to Summit pocket shower as my dry bag for my clothes. I'm the type of hiker that loves a hot shower in the evenings when I'm out on the trail. So i carry my pocket shower with me and instead of having in stuffed up in its own little stuff sack, i just use it as my clothing bag instead and get double use out of it

[@Dux22]

Love this video! Tips and colaboration and all. Great idea. :)

[@topherjoe1]

Carry a large plastic garbage bag to cover your toe box once your are in your bag. Keeps your feet extra warm and keeps them from getting damp. Discovered this hack when I car camped once and actually forgot to repack my quilt after washing it! Luckly I had a car blanket and several garbage bags in the trunk, wrapped up in blanket, took the bottom out of one of the bags pulled it up over my chest area and then pulled the one with the bottom in it over my feet and knee area over lapping the bottom of the bag above it. Stayed pretty warm all night. Traps heat nicely. I use the deodorizer kind now and store them with my quilt. Keeps them from getting stinky as well. I dont hike/camp but am a hit and run camper so Iike all my gear to fit in a hiking backpack with the exception of my pop up tent and air mattress, my luxury! . Minimalist works best for quick in and outs! Love watching everyone's video's!

[@trytheoutdoors]

Outstanding. The portable bidet is great but an ordinary bottle works...just regulate the flow as best you can. The bidet principle is how Muslims the world over (and people in Eastern cultures) hygienically go to the toilet. Ensure you hsve soap or sanitiser for the left hand nrarby BEFORE you lift your trousers back up. And this is why we eat ONLY with the right hand 😊

[@trytheoutdoors]

Furthermore....moss, grass, leaves and even stones can be used for the initial wipes before water is used for the final clean. The trick is being able to squat right down whilst putting your left hand in between your legs ready to catch the water being dispensed by the right hand. This also means your left hand is already in easy reach of your private parts. And it also makes it easy to clean your left hand thoroughly with soap (left nearby) BEFORE you touch your clothing. Leaning slightly on your left foot facilitates this. Practise squatting with trousers just removed down to the knee and with the loose material scooped under and trapped under the knees. Sorry for the graphic explanation. It's obvious to those who learn this as children but it can be a mystery to others. I learnt this whilst back packing in Pakistan just before I embraced Islam 33 years ago.

[@uptrail7169]

Frozen's tips helped me when I hiked the SHT in May.

[@jenniferl4861]

I use a bidet at home... on trail seems like a good idea too...

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

I'm definitely giving it a try on my next Big Hike! Hike On, Darwin

[@tomtran9442]

Lol I have a bidet at home too and it’s dreadful to be anywhere without one. I’ll give this a try for sure.

[@jenniferl4861]

Tom Tran right?! Already got one in my amazon cart. Why have I not thought about bringing one everywhere!?

[@janmariolle]

Jennifer Ligsay I have a a very small platypus bag reserved for use with the bidet attachment just to be safe.

[@AB-nv5ti]

The one I'm getting on Amazon...3@$8.99 LEOKE Portable Bidet, Travel Bidet Handheld Shattaf Bidet for Postpartum Newborn Baby Anus Personal Hygiene Cleaning Washing, Outdoor, Camping, Traveling, Driver (Pack of 3) www.amazon.com/dp/B07MH48WHX/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_YvlMDb8QV62NZ

[@nickkanakis3469]

For winter camping I've got a pretty good hack. I always bring two pairs of boot liners for whatever boots I'm wearing. I prefer to have boots with completely removable liners in the winter. I switch out my hiking boot liners for the dry ones once I get to camp. Towards the end of the night when I'm close to get ready for bed I heat up a water bottle stuff it inside the damp boot liners and tie it up so it doesn't come apart. I lay it on top of my pack and let the hot water push the moisture out of the boot liners. Then I have hot water bottle to sleep with, dry boot liners for the morning, and warm water to make my coffee with.

[@domo3552]

Massive thanks Darwin! Some really interesting tips there. The only thing I can add right now, is maybe it's not necessary to carry a spare ultralight headtorch, as a cellphone has a flashlight. Only have one pair of boxer shorts & use them as a flannel. Use your lightweight merino wool 2nd baselayer as a towel after.

[@sethbeiden1305]

I used the exact same bidet on the JMT last year, and have plenty of gear I love, and the bidet was my #1 gear love on that trail. I took wet wipes and dried them out. I allowed 3 per day for wetting with the bidet for back-up clean-up (and would pack them out in my trash) but after 2-3 days, I never needed them. The bidet was flawless in cleaning and it was super refreshing, zero chafing, and ZERO trash left in the backcountry. After seeing toilet paper in random places from people not caring enough to follow LNT, this made me feel really good about my lack of effects on the trail. I highly recommend it to everyone. I even take one while 4x4 offroad camping.

[@therealbennybraden]

Seth Beiden the JMT was my first hike I used mine on. I haven’t looked back yet. I agree with everything you just said. My experience has proven to be my number 1 Gear choice as well.

[@sethbeiden1305]

@@therealbennybraden That is awesome to hear. I feel like I am a public advocate for the bidet, but once you pitch your tent next to someone else's TP sitting on the ground or poking out, you sure want to give that person some valuable intel they are clearly lacking.

[@therealbennybraden]

Seth Beiden exactly man!

[@nicholasoleary6192]

I'm a bivy bag type so my sleeping bag lives in the bivy when its time to pack up the whole sleeping kit goes straight into the stuff sack.

[@andrewcarlson9085]

This was a really nice collaboration! I like this style of video, thanks everyone for the hacks!

[@kevinmason9592]

If you carry a travel towel or some other piece of hardy cloth in your kit, and if it's really cold at night, heat up some rocks by a campfire, wrap 'em in the towel, and put the little bundle by your feet when you sleep or curl up with it by your stomach/chest. Some good, baseball or football sized rocks will keep you warm for quite a while ;)

[@titanpreparedness]

Enjoy the fact you were able to get some others to help you out with this video. Ive heard most of this infor but still good to hear it again.

[@YahushasDisciple]

Love this video! Thanks for sharing a bit from everyone we love, and my girl Hike Oregon! Just missed you both on the Timberline Trail. Twice now. 😏

[@jameshallfishing3377]

I always put my charger during those cold nights in my insulated boots. Works every time

[@barnburner2475]

Been camping every month most of my life. Winter camping, it is hard to motivate yourself to get out of your sleeping bag to get dressed. So put next days clothes in sleeping bag when you lay down for the night and get changed un your sleeping bag when you wake. Much warmer and comfortable.

[@Chrussell1215]

The “Avengers” of hiking KZbinrs! Love the video. Great hacks!

[@RiDankulous]

Good tips! I am lowering the number of items and find multiple uses for items, not only for hiking but at home. Now, all my stuff fits in the trunk of my car, and I can get it smaller.

[@rockclimbinghacks9222]

With a rectangular sleeping bag, unzip it completely then re-zipper it around your hammock - or just slip the sleeping bag tube (with unzipped bottom) around your hammock. This creates a warm pod. Hammock carabiners are unnecessary kit. Instead, use load-bearing cordage to tie a hammock ridgeline with a bowline on either end where the biner would be. Attach tree strap with a becket hitch through the bowline. If you ever need extra strap length, you can detach the hammock ridgeline and use that.

[@tinmanandoliveoylsadventur7129]

Our hack started off being a luxury item. I love the Sea to Summit kitchen sink. It helps with leave no trace. If you are near a water source you can get it. Go away from the trail. Clean your pot, brush your teeth and wet a tissue to clean your business. We once forgot it but always carry 1 gallon freezer zip lock bags for trash or other needs. They do the same as the kitchen sink but you need to close them. Our hack is using 1 gallon freezer zip lock bags for hygiene and clean your pot then turn them into a trash bag. Leave No Trace.

[@natefortin1920]

This collab was and still is awesome.

[@janedeskis6516]

Darwin this was a great help. I actually get to do my first hike every on the AT next year. I’ll take these tips and practice this fall and winter. Thank you.

[@DS-pj3hu]

I lost my trowel and used a sting to dig a hole. I could’ve been using that extra tent stake I had!!

[@DyrewulfNV]

After trying about half a dozen different types of hiking socks (smart wool, etc.) what I finally found to work REALLY well are diabetic quarter-socks, made from bamboo. Very cool on the feet, no blisters, fairly durable. I love 'em.

[@topherjoe1]

Dip or spray your spork handles with bright orange rubber coating, easy to grip when you are cold and easy to spot when doing your camp check...bright orange really stands out against any back drop...used to lose my car keys all the time until I attached them to a bright orange polyester 1 inch flat around the neck lanyard with a swivel hook. Havent lost a set in over 2 years, a record. Can spot them doing a sweep of the room or at the bottom of my bag each time I get out of car to make sure I have secured my keys. Its the mindless set down of items that makes us lose them, all my silver/dark colored small camp items are now bright orange!

[@cakeshoe]

Love the toilet hack. Living in Asia, I’ve become accustomed to never using toilet paper (even in bathrooms). Except I call them ‘butt jets’ ; ) So much healthier.

[@beduiini]

Hi! Backflushing the filter with the drinking bottle contaminates the drinking cap with the bacteria from the dirty water.

[@genefitzgerald3306]

I cut a piece of Tyvex House Wrap to fit under my tent as a footprint. When I saw some houses being built I simply asked the foreman for a scrap piece. He cut an 8x20ft piece for me, enough for 4 or 5 footprints. I went back that afternoon and gave him a six pack of Ale from the Lazy Hiker. My "almost free" footprint weighs about 5 oz and I've used the same piece for nearly 3 years.

[@benjaminyee2038]

As far as utensils I carry a small knife so I can widdle down two sticks and use them as chopsticks. Loose them? just find more sticks. Every trip I widdle new ones and they serve as fun suvineers. Great way to kill time too. When going #2 I like to use a smooth debarked stick or a river rock to clean up the remaindings. Natural, free and every where.

[@kenfrank3782]

Darwin-Loved this one!!! 🤙🏻🤙🏻 Every hack was excellent. And, with every one contributing you turned it into : “Darwin & Friends School of Outdoor Knowledge “ Nice job. 😄

[@bzlucas]

I'm seriously looking into the bidet option. May have to get used to using one at home first. Using a tent peg for making a cathole is also genius. Luckily I've never lost my spork, but now I know what to do if I do. My camping lifehack is to keep a curved needle (they are sturdier than your average needle as they are used for sewing leather) and store it in a dentalfloss box, using the dentalfloss as the thread as part of your repair kit. Also, I second Jane Freeman with the use of a sponge to wipe down morning dew off my tent. It doesn't entirely dry it, but it does get rid of a lot of water in the mornings I'm in a hurry and can't dry off the tent naturally.

[@StarMountainHikes]

Nice video. I liked all the guest speakers and their tips. Thanks.

[@PADDLECAMPFISH]

Great video idea! You learn something knew everyday. I'll be saving my next sport cap on my water bottle, and never knew there was a hiker bidet, I'll have to give that one a try as well. Thanks for sharing!

[@m1cajah]

That smartwater cap to Sawyer filter exchange is genius. I hate carrying the plunger. I know what I'm getting out of my pack today. Oh - I make my own dehydrated meals (since I eat WFPB). I rehydrate them in cleaned and sanitized, but used, Mountain House (or similar) bags. No sense in tossing those bags when they're perfectly re-usable! And light.

[@kathleenmahanwilliams7491]

I would love to know more about your food prep!

[@pattio60]

I use a Kula Cloth for a pee rag. I also cut a Norwex body cloth into quarters and use that for #2 clean up. I put the used #2 clothes in a ziplock and wash at night when I get to camp... let dry and ready to use the next day.

[@samsch6]

Darwin! That is such a good idea to shove your clothes in the toe box of the quilt! I feel so stupid for not thinking of that earlier. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[@mab0852]

Along the lines of your single stuff sack, I use my sleeping pad's pump sack as my stuff sack. I throw my clothes in the bottom, then my quilt, and then my mat folded instead of rolled. When I'm stuffing everything in there I open the valve and air is purged as I roll the top closed. Give it a good final squeeze and snap the valve closed...instant vacuum compression bag. I also use it as a gear loft hanging from my hiking pole and throw my tent sack, stake bag, and hiking clothes in there to keep them off the floor so the pokies I carry can't puncture my pad if I get a little careless during setup. Triple use item! I hate cleanup as well so I take 2 reflective mylar ziplock pouches in a reflective koozie pouch I made to fit. I bulk pack dry ingredients in lightweight plastic bags so I can ditch most of the heavy/duplicate commercial packaging. I mix trail meals on the fly to rehydrate in the mylar bag. When I'm done I pour in some hot water and shake and chug until clean. Every other evening or so I toss in some purifier tabs to disinfect the bag and use that water for my morning coffee and oatmeal. The mylar and reflectix combo will keep food hot for at least 2 hours. The koozie doubles as night time insulation for my batteries and water filter so they don't freeze. The second bag is my odor proof trash bag clearly labeled to prevent mix ups. The closest my mug ever gets to dirty is my morning coffee.

[@fishdip]

This is the first time I wish I was a power bank. Great tips. Hugs

[@psyamok3735]

lol second chance cracked me up! chopsticks and cat holes digger? hope he didn"t mix them up hahahaaa

[@blakew5672]

Well, I guess technically he’s digging with them BEFORE he dirties the cat hole I found it a bit suspect though lol

[@jamesj3325]

Great job Darwin collaborating and putting this together with everyone, loved it!

[@colorpagan]

I got a good one when my daughter was in a special group for kids here in New Hampshire she used these 2.5 gallon bags folded them to get the air out they work great. O if you go canoing take a friut bar they work to fix a hole. Wet it squish them in your hands then put in on the hole.

[@steveh994]

I use the insulated reflexive to make a pouch that fits my water bladder

[@slipknotrob666]

Awesome video!!! Incorporating other people into this one is a stroke of genius. Lots of good tips! I'm going to get some good use out of this on the trail... like Bigfoots' advice, and maybe even the portable bidet. I use a bladder system along with my side waters in dry sections... maybe that could be my bidet, if I can crap near enough to my pack without mis-firing. Thanks again!

[@BrianAdle]

What a great idea for a video! Thank you for introducing me to some other youtube hikers!

[@TheAdventureGeek]

Brilliant! Love the collaborative way this worked. - Julia

[@kellyjohnson3617]

I love this portable bidet. I use it at home as well. I feel so much cleaner everyday.

[@flipside21]

Stumbled in off search, but loved your formatting here. Keep up the great work, Darwin.

[@nelsonpagel2175]

Great ideas, little things can make a big difference on the trail.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

For Sure!

[@luboyanev]

I skip the bidet and the TP, and in stead I use 2 (per session) of those big leafs found in the meadows, and then I finish up by pouring some water with my clean hand (from my water bottle with the sports cap or sawyer filter) in my dirty hand and wash down there for an extra clean feeling, then I wash my hands with dr.Bonners soap. Has worked great, feeling clean and again UL because I don't carry clean+dirty TP and bidet