Five unexpected uses for gear while backpacking.

Gear that serves multiple purposes means less weight on our backs on adventures. These are five of our favorites:
1. Tyvek wrap is a waterproof barrier used in house construction. We use it as a ground sheet under our tent and for cowboy camping, as well as waterproofing for our sleeping pads.
2. Bear canisters are heavy and unpleasant to carry, but at least they make great chairs!
3. We don't bring sandals or camp shoes on our trips. We do like to relax our feet at camp, and loose shoes worn without socks make surprisingly nice slippers!
4. Tim once got poison ivy all over his face by using a jacket as a pillow. Now we loosely stuff our waterproof clothing bags and they are perfect for the job.
5. We save weight by using a tent that doesn't need dedicated poles. Hiking poles are the only poles our tent needs.

[@DrTomCruisin]

"I wear my shoes as shoes when I'm not using them as shoes"

[@arlenac.2219]

😂😂my brain could not wrap around “slippers”

[@johnd1047]

Y’all are dummies😂😂slippers are shoes you can slip in and out of easily. Shoes with the laces loosed a bunch, that you don’t tie when you put on, become slippers. Magic.

[@andreakay31420]

​@arlenac.2219 perhaps referring to them as "slip-ons" would help. Even though they are still lace-up shoes, being loosened enough to just slip on still counts as slip ons. I've seen people have lace-up shoes only for style. They'll keep them tied and slip them on and off. Either way, it's okay to not understand. It makes sense to them and that's all that matters to them. It doesn't have to make sense to any of us. We aren't living their lives.

[@arlenac.2219]

@@johnd1047 no need to be rude but anyways im just saying i cant imagine wearing my air forces all day sweating in them n all that just to take laces out n call them slippers , slippers to me are suppose to be comfy n clean like after shower or sum but you do you “dummy”

[@NomadicIslanders]

@@arlenac.2219they don’t have that luxury when hiking so for them this is their version.

[@dianemorel4225]

You both should write a book.

[@sk8nchill52]

They definitely have the experience and articulation to keep us interested don’t they?! Greg idea. They could be millionaires. They should be millionaires!

[@whoisthis7151]

@@sk8nchill52cringe

[@alvashoemaker8536]

…these ideas saved a LOT of “excess” weight! ( THANKS for these original ideas…). 👍🏻👍🏻😃‼️

[@pennywood5653]

Titled....Stating The Bloody Obvious.

[@big_bot8006]

They did!🎉

[@spliffin5300]

Some great tips in here but idk if wearing shoes w/o socks is “beyond how it was designed to be used.” 😂

[@heehoopeanut420]

not even that, it just sounds so uncomfortable😭 if my naked foot touched the inside of a walking shoe I think I'd throw up😂

[@nuage9538]

Well it’s not that stupid when you know that a lot of hikers carry a pair of more comfy shoes to relax at the end of the day. Loosening the laces to wear the same shoes in a relaxed way isn’t the first thing that comes to mind.

[@nana-uf5ql]

@@heehoopeanut420same 💀

[@dyingfetus87]

​@nila-paige not to mention, blister city.

[@user-dh6bj2me5p]

Very clever use of Tyvek.

[@sweetascandyxoxo]

It’s crazy how happy these guys are just walking and living 😂 ❤

[@mindywong3839]

It is. I even smile when I climb stairs.

[@Taylor-Hanson]

Following your passion and good company makes all the difference.

[@Tropicalpisces]

It's not crazy. It should be normalized.

[@thomgizziz]

Yeah and everybody on instagram travel every week to exotic places and do amazing things and nothing is wrong in their perfect lives... get a grip, what are you a child?

[@angelamcfadden5741]

I made a summer tent out of Tyvek and fine mesh. Lightest four-person tent ever.

[@dm_9428]

now that's something i would love to see

[@aviation_queen]

OMG! My parents made me a tyvek banner for graduation; I can give it new life!!!!

[@nikkimarie92]

I think your comment is my favorite...congratulations too! 😊

[@meep2253]

Love the creativity and reuse ♻️

[@glenmcreynolds1818]

The hiking tent pole is genius!

[@Onnabote]

A trekking pole tent is pretty brilliant, but using a trekking pole to hold one up is just part of the instructions.

[@jefftickleschitz1265]

So, your shoes double as....shoes?

[@Silmerano]

Packing a change of clothes in a soft sack and using that as a pillow is genius.

[@user-jk2zm7uq5s]

But isn't it sweaty?

[@Lazydaisy646]

Nut not original, been done as long as people have been hiking

[@bascoaful]

That is like the oldest trick in the book😅

[@andrewtierney1]

oldest trick but after 2 days you'll feel like you've snapped your neck

[@Lucario9d]

As much as I love the idea, it isn’t comfortable whatsoever. I don’t know how they sleep well with that as their pillow and with those pads. Much respect for them to have that sleep system and use it for so long.

[@frdmlvr]

Make sure you stick the tyvek in the clothes dryer it helps to soften it up and makes it much less noisy.

[@ericb.4358]

Good tip.

[@jonathanozment4523]

My only concern with that is, would that affect the water resistance...? Sincere question as I don't know...

[@frdmlvr]

@@jonathanozment4523 no it works great .I put it through the wash twice and then the dryer with a pair of runners.comes out softer .lasts a long time

[@jonathanozment4523]

@@frdmlvr thanks for your reply and the tip...

[@lgd4247]

I miss hiking. Good for you two!

[@haroldgretzinger394]

Cowboy camping out in the wild that has got to be quite the experience. I don’t think I can do that. I’ve had too many wildlife come through my camp

[@chelseavanhoof6398]

I love watching you guys. I sleep with 3 pillows and consider camping a trailer… but I can live vicariously through you haha 😊❤

[@wizzkid9668]

Hi just wondering if you have ever heard/done geocaching because you would probably walk by quite a few😀

[@leonatomy]

Can you make a video on how you guys get along so well while spending all your time together?

[@ethan4557]

they have, I remember seeing it awhile ago

[@ablanccanvas]

Brilliant! Thank you! 😌♥️🌟👍🏽

[@TRUUTAH60559]

Hiking with you guys would be like being trapped in a sitcom, always smiling and everything looks so perfect

[@apeshiii]

I LOVE HER PURPLE ADDITIONS

[@wastelandwarrior9738]

Same i love purple

[@wadly312]

Came back to say - I thought this shoe “hack” was a bit of a stretch when I first saw this vid. Since then I did it on an overnight tramp when I couldn’t be bothered taking camp shoes. And. It was genuinely great! I completely changed the fit of my shoes to loose and slip on and was a totally different feel walking around, going to the loo etc with shoes in “loose slipper mode” Will be doing again - not silly at all.

[@jefe2277]

I hope in a decade when i begin my usa/ world journey i find people like yall Much love from Ohio ❤

[@DinoH8sU]

Your adventures inspire me

[@connorr605]

You both have great smiles and look so joyful. Happy for you both.

[@KarlLew]

i sit on the sofa and enjoy outdoor videos.

[@brejaimecastillo8851]

Q: Renee, have yall ever used hot stones to dry your shoes? Does it work, and can they damage your shoes/boots?

[@jeremymanning2132]

Good tips, always useful to have multipurpose gear. i use my towel for a windshield for my stove. Just find 3 sticks', roll the ends of the towel around the sticks and use 3rd stick to push back into a V shape. Works great. 👍👍

[@AliceLafleur-dl3rg]

I love watching Your videos i enjoy them and love love how you dehydrated your food God Bless ❤

[@lightwarrior432]

BRILLIANT 🤩👍🏽 Thank you guys!! 🥾🏕️🗻🏜️🌄🌌

[@gracelyn345]

i personally believe anything literally ANYTHING can be used as a pillow

[@Noah-lo9vb]

In high school I used to cram my jackets into a ball, wrap it in the hood, and sleep on it in class

[@Starlight_16]

Well technically yes, but I imagine things like bricks and rocks would yield as much comfort or provide restful sleep.😅

[@vnyanforj]

So you've never been in a cell I take it?

[@czim100]

Ok I'll go use my refrigerator as a pillow lol

[@acesircombe-jellett1004]

In ancient China they used carved porcelain, stone, or even jade as pillows.

[@letstalkaboutthomasthetrai2476]

I’d love to start thru hiking! It looks like so much fun!

[@nicholascurran1734]

I don't want to discourage anyone considering it. Just know that not every day is paradise. Many, many people quit, and for good reason. Cheers!

[@divinerootvegetable1402]

These are gold ✨

[@travisgrimm]

I used tyvec til I found a polycro sheet in Lake City. I saved so much weight and space

[@wastelandwarrior9738]

I make Polycro sheets. They are great for so many things

[@2fungirlz]

Thank you I’m starting to hike now on my own and I appreciate your videos !

[@pearljj82]

You guys are goals 😊

[@Just_a_CPM_guy]

Imagine sleeping and then waking up to an ice pillow 😂

[@electrontube]

if you wash Tyvek with a couple of tennis balls before use it really cuts down on the annoying rustling.

[@__zj__]

I noticed you guys always use that up-and-down intonation. now that i did i can't unhear it 😂 great vid as always

[@nancyst.john-smith3891]

Sing song, it’s called. It can grate on one’s hearing after a while.

[@BabyBlondie311]

Had to go back and listen. Yeah it can get annoying after a while.

[@wohlhabendermanager]

I use my waterproof pack as a pillow as well. :)

[@michaelkurtz1967]

Enjoy your tips and journeys. Share some of best and some of the worst hikes sometime.

[@pizzaboy4888]

Hi love your video!

[@germaineprien7691]

Your sills out there are SO ingenious especially your freeze dried meals!!!

[@dudapgg]

Omg they’re so happy i love them😭🩵

[@CL-vz6ch]

Wow. Shoes into sweaty, cold, wet slippers

[@SouthFloridaWoman]

Thank you ❤

[@Tosadar_Outdoors]

Cheers to you two 🔥🤘🍻💯

[@danielmize6567]

Tyvak..frigging brilliant!

[@michelleboyd604]

I have enjoyed your videos and simplistic life. Makes me reflect on our waste daily. One thing, Yall are wayyyy too happy. There has to be something that’s not so wonderful about this camping and simplistic life experience. Would love to see that as well.

[@dovie2blue]

They've said before that they do have disagreements at times. No two unrelated people can spend so much time together without having a bit of conflict!!

[@shelbywoo3229]

I love your informative videos. I want to start my hiking journey but it’s a bit intimidating as a complete novice. Thank you!

[@angelajuggalette1255]

You guys should start a part of your channel where to buy stuff like food dehydrators and how to store those foods. I'm very interested I'm this option for allt of reasons but dont know where to start

[@christinarobleto1786]

How do you keep dust from going up your nose when cowboy camping also aren't you worried about wild animals coming up while sleeping that way?

[@ashley_loves_camp]

You guys inspire me so much to try to go on a hike I bet you guys could climb Mount Everest

[@xanthrax6179]

Not that I expect an answer but how do you afford to do this constantly

[@user-jz2bm4wz1g]

Probably living on passive income from family properties or something

[@lukehoppe9445]

Wish I had the time to do this kinda stuff. Alls I do is work and sleep 😢

[@BMoney-tnts]

Skill issue

[@wastelandwarrior9738]

Same 😂. I literally work and look forward to sleeping

[@evacuevas4529]

The stuff sack pillow is my favorite, so comfortable

[@rcg224]

tyvek is genius omg

[@TeeTafoya87]

This one might seem weird, but you can make slippers out of a pair of socks and show goo. They can roll up Just like socks, they can be worn on wet dirt/sand and don’t cost a thing. I lay out a thick pair of socks and then I apply two layers of shoe goo. First layer goes on the sole, second layer covers the soles and a bit of the sides.

[@lauraw.7008]

Love hiking poles becoming tent poles.

[@tom_barks]

I tried the pillow thing but I can’t do it… so uncomfortable for me

[@patrickwalker-nolan7617]

You certainly know how to have fun. 😂😂😂😂😂

[@deathcar]

I'd love to see someone build a complete tent out of Tyvek.

[@wuffos]

It's not very strong, though.

[@ozarklisa1199]

Could you please do a video of any luxury items that you pack? Things you don't need but really want?

[@ozarklisa1199]

I'll start. Paperback book.

[@travisjohnson5369]

You guys are so lucky that you got to do that hike something I've always wanted to do

[@JimmothyJones4799]

Wet shoes with no socks, nahh But tyvek is a good idea

[@roberthernandez3099]

Have you guys ever created a video about beginning hiking? Gear, distance, apps etc.

[@Forestwalker111]

Learned watching YT last 15 years you mean. Site honestly.

[@stevendelcarlo3294]

Good PCT play points

[@jimwhalen4292]

Rolling the pad in the ground sheet is brilliant.

[@butt3501]

Turning your shoes into slippers is something 😅

[@jjlansing11]

You two are so hardcore! I like backpacking as much as the next person, but still bring a pillow and chair. I suppose thruhiking is a different beast though.

[@joannemadden7449]

I have to say, "I've got a lot of respect for both of U❤

[@momoftwo306]

Question. When using a tarp for rain, instead of a tent, I feel like, as with most rain, it does rain strait down, so more then likely you will still get wet or your gear will. Am I missing something or do you add anything on?

[@marcomaiano]

There are many tarp configurations you can use, more open or enclosed, even fully enclosed if needed due to bad weather

[@kashinimeyo]

Plastic canisters to “protect against bears” don’t actually protect your food against bears. If a bear wanted to- they’d get into it. You’re just providing them enrichment toys as appetizers.

[@caseyhayes4590]

It's not a typical plastic canister. It costs about $100, Bear Vault brand. I have this one and a carbon fiber/metal one that costs $300. It's not perfect but it's necessary. You also don't sleep near it or wherever you cook.

[@Diesel-ship23]

Surplus military gear works better than the name brand stuff

[@dovie2blue]

But it's *way* heavier

[@Diesel-ship23]

@@dovie2blue The OG Alice gear can be used and it’s modular.

[@edithharrington2998]

You guys have got this down to a science

[@mhoffman11]

I also love my Hokas. Which model do you wear?

[@dawnkillick8929]

Could I ask where Renee got beanie/warm hat which has a hole for the ponytail? Looks really comfy!

[@Evie-peach]

I love the fact that you walk so much and it’s really cool but I could never do it I would be horrified I’m scared of bears and mountain cats but as long as your happy not something I would do but that is just me !

[@user-yo3sz8xe2s]

Awesome - I so couldn't imagine 25 or 30 miles a day.

[@lucyluna3377]

Can you give some review about unbound 40 HM?

[@LadyM2023]

That beige tent in the video is nice. Does it work good?Do you have links to buy it

[@Robindigsit]

Natural entertainers!

[@ebdo7863]

Shoes for slippers!!!!!!! What next, sunglasses as a hairband!!!!

[@darlingcat]

What is the beanie with a ponytail hole I need that!!

[@Kytti-not-kitty]

it looks like a neck-gaiter thats been pulled up. very helpful for hiking

[@brittanyhull2985]

What dehydrator do you use? 👀👀👀 I think dehydrated meals would be a great meal prep option not just for camping

[@hywodena]

This is one of the best ways to reduce a ton of weight! So many people either carry their own chairs and pillows, or just go without them. You get to have both without any extra weight!

[@TrueHelpTV]

When I'm not hiking, I use my hiking poles for walking.

[@AwesometownUSA]

wearing shoes without socks is a great way to make them smell terrible, smart!

[@jeffML3926]

😳 where do you find those high density seat-canisters!? That is a clutch idea

[@sunnyX19]

Using the clothes as a pillow is a great hack, but I find it a little uncomfortable so I just got an inflatable pillow instead, which I find a lot more comfortable.

[@KevinJohnson-ms4qp]

Im looking at shaving weight for JMT what do yall do about bugs and a tent ? You tarp with bugs ?

[@Gravedigger933]

I wish I could do this, but a childhood injury prevents me from walking too much. I did manage about 16 miles though.

[@JediLoreen]

Those plastic cannisters are stools. 🤔 Chairs have backs. 😉 And sometimes arms. 😏

[@GSJoey]

Is some of the video from the lost coast trail, CA? Thanks

[@okayyeah9745]

Saying that shoes are comfy slippers is insane 😂.

[@okayyeah9745]

But no hate to them they are awesome! And genius. I just thought that was funny.

[@kevmagill5163]

How do you keep rattlers from getting cozy with your body warmth while open air ground sleeping?

[@tomevans4402]

Smart

[@Anna-Maria..]

Shoes without socks. That's a crime against humanity

[@BrownTrout1238]

They sell pillow you can blow up. Maybe 1-2oz.

[@dmmchugh3714]

How/where do you store the bear cans?

[@vnyanforj]

In the trees! They have a lot of videos showing them slinging up beyond Yogi's reach 😉

[@dovie2blue]

But bears can climb...

[@vnyanforj]

@@dovie2blue I'm aware. I don't speak fluent nature but I think the point is they can't smell your food & don't go routing around thru things on the ground..like you in your tent.

[@gryffyleelee]

There's a certain kind of food bag hang that hikers do, and it's supposed to be a certain distance out on a limb that a bear can't climb on and far enough out that a bear's arms can't reach it. ​@@dovie2blue

[@jennb9730]

Can you please make a video of scary things you've experienced while out