Backpackers Gear Guide For Beginners

[@BrentonCarr]

Watched your videos for years. This one is a gem.

[@unclefreedom213]

Good info I fall more into the bushcraft side than the backpacker side. I don't run tents but do run a 10x10 and a 5x7 mest with a hammock. I usually carry my Esse6 hm, Mora classic no1 and a silky gomboy for wood and game processing and then a separate tool roll with a carving kit. Always carry an axe either a boys axe in winter and a crafting axe or or hatchet in spring and summer. If I'm scouting long distances several days I carry a tomahawk

[@gracievillarreal9641]

Thank you for the information. I especially love the info on the first aid it and I love the folding saw.

[@TheFudgeStop]

I'm new to backpacking, not the outdoors. I thought I had a good idea of what to bring until I watched this video. Great job and thank you. You definitely are going to make this trip alot more pleasant for me. Thank you.

[@markspangler8573]

Great intro to camping vid. Good recommendations without the need to sell the farm. Thanks.

[@cassshields5106]

The luci light is great little solar light for around $15. Also a bundle of 550 para cord or tared bank line great inexpensive items. Storm proof matches always useful. Any good hat goony hat is my preference since you can fold them up and put em in your pocket. Bandana for cleaning cook wear or whatever needs a good wiping. And lastly a good whistle for rescue if God forbid you get lost or hurt. Just the little things that you might not "need" but are nice to have.

[@theaveragewoodsman6002]

Great video, brother! I've been camping since I was a little kid and I have always gone super minimalistic. I just sleep on the ground with my wool blanket, and if there's rain in the forecast I'll bring a tarp. But my girlfriend has really started to get into camping as well and she likes to be more comfortable. We've been planning a two week backpacking trip to Yellowstone and this video is really going to help.

[@lucascurrah6010]

The Average Woodsman wool blankets are better than sleeping bags

[@markcoraa]

Awesome, thanks sooo much. Ive seem over vids and equip. prjces were thru the roof, cost of one singular backpack cost more than my entire pay vheck. Prices of some other equip was the same, an entire pay check. That kind of prices makes a person thick that normal working class don't deserve to go camping. This was great. Gives me a starting point, and I can always get that $250.00 knife or that $600.00 tent later.

[@ZachBrimhall]

I'm a few years late seeing this video. Excellent info. I have the Kelty Salida 2 person tent. It is fantastic. Comparing it to my Big Agnus Copper Spur 2man UL, the Kelty is a great tent.

[@317jmdam]

I have and use most of the items you listed or similar versions. Can't go wrong with any of it. The gear isn't as important as the experience. But quality gear can help make the experience more enjoyable.

[@tddurrin8902]

Thank you for putting this together. I'm a newbie to the backpacking world and you have a lot of very helpful suggestions.

[@toocleanpappas5397]

I can see this as a good setup for short hikes maybe overnighters. Things I would change for beginners. You don't need a saw, you don't need a lantern, you don't need a big Morah knife (I own two and love them, but for hiking I use a Gerber folding knife weighing .6 oz. I can feather sticks with it, and any other non bushcraft thing I would need.) There are good really light packs for about the same as you suggested. The Crown 2 from Granite Gear is a great choice (60 L). Cook kit, have a 600-700 ml titanium pot, you don't need extra cups. Basically what I am getting at is that you want to lower the weight a new backpacker is carrying. The less they carry the more likely they will enjoy their hike. There is a saying for hikers, "You carry your fears." And people will think they need things (Like cups) but they can easily go without them. Also, things they should always have. 3 mini bic lighters in different places. Cordage. And a really easy but important one, a trash compactor bag to line your pack with. Keeping your clothes and sleeping bag or quilt dry will literally save your life.

[@thawk5987]

Nice video. A couple thoughts after just having been out recently in the Sierra's for several days. 1) If you're out with more than a couple people a pump filter is really worth it for quick water processing. That and a very lightweight bucket (allows debris to settle at the bottom) are really useful so you don't have to constantly be going down to the stream/lake to pump. 2) A rainfly from a large tent works as a great (cheaper) option to the tarp you mentioned if you're really on a budget. You can often find them for minimal prices at thrift stores etc. But like you said, skeeters can ruin this option :) Also a painters ground cloth is a great (light) option to keep your pad/sleeping bag off the ground. 3) For cooking options. If you're in a place where you can build a fire, a 12x8 lightweight grate works both to put a pot on, or (if you're a fisherperson) to grill some nice trout on. Saves weight on both the stove and fuel. Ounces=pounds=pain! 4) instead of metal spoon and knife kits, we just bring a spork. Works pretty darn well. 5) For the first time we brought some cotton balls rolled in petroleum jelly. First night it was windy and cold and rainy and we were worried we wouldn't be able to light a fire. Those fire-starters caught fire and held fire even in that rain. Definitely worth bringing if you plan on lighting fires. 5) For packs, I've found that old external frames are really awesome. As long as the material and all the belts and buckles have held up, the old packs are honestly easier to organize and find your stuff in. My brother had an internal frame and never could find his stuff, whereas my Dad and I had externals where everything was within easy reach and finding. Also you can usually find them pretty cheap online on Craigslist or Facebook Free and For Sale. Anyways, just my .02. Keeping your weight as low as possible (shoot for 1/6th of body weight) will make your trip that much more enjoyable as you get out into the beautiful wilderness. These are a few of the tricks my dad has discovered in the last 40 years of backpacking and my 10 years.

[@GustoStCool]

I'm still rocking my MSR Sweetwater filter. Thrunite T10 flashlight. Still kicking with my Coleman Peak 1: Apex II stove. Bear Grylls Gerber dime multi-tool & Compact Scout knife. North Face Stormbreaker II tent. Heavy as hell, but lives up to the name. Again, still rocking my old MSR Alpine cook set from 1997. I'm a Klymit Static V pad guy too! We're pad pals! Thermarest Compressible pillow. Still packing with my old Lowe Alpine Crossbow 90. First Aid kit...one of those Coleman tin can ones that I tweeked with stuff I jacked from my work's first aid kit. I just have one of those little cable chainsaw thingy saws. Yeah, I like talking about my stuff. Shut up!

[@LandonWills]

Great vid and very needed in this community at this time. Good on you for reading the needs of your viewers.

[@mmarcelo77]

Another great vid Aaron. I’m a backpacking white belt and this was super helpful. I’ll be using the links to get some gear on Amazon. Thanks.

[@toddk1377]

This is great content. For back packs, I suggest going to a sporting goods shop and trying multiple packs to see what fits well. Some are non adjustable and some are. Some are comfortable to carry with or without weight and some become uncomfortable as weight is added. I really like the military surplus packs. Favorites are the FILBE and the Alice Pack. For good budget gearz I always suggest military surplus. The materials used and the construction is beyond good quality, only downside is most of it is used so there may be wear as well as being heavier, but they last a lifetime and for what you pay, it's hard to beat imo.

[@navaxoalaska1022]

Thank you for your great video Tomorrow i will have my cousin from ohio and will spend 2 days to the mountains. Love and respect from Greece.

[@MrPincheloko]

Great video I'm new to the backpacking really excited to go on my first trip

[@lordrichard8184]

100% cotton bandannas are a must. So many uses. And also like a 100 ft of paracord or bank line

[@camillejohnson5186]

The sawyer also fits onto standard thread water bottles. So you can connect a smart water bottle to the top and bottom and it works like a gravity/ squeeze system. Instead of the inconvienent water bag.

[@JMD1965]

Good video. I would recommend 2 or 3 sheets of heavy aluminum foil with the cook kit. It can be used as a makeshift cooking pot, lid or drinking cup or a dry platform for fire making as well. As for a backpack... I recommend looking at a Teton... Quality without the heavy price.

[@HusbandnWifeDuo]

I watched this video on youtube on my TV and am leaving this comment here. I liked the video and am subscribing to your channel. The only problem I have is that I hike with photography gear (around two Pentax cameras with a 300 mm, 100 mm , and 15 mm lenses). I have been using camera backpacks meant for hiking, but am now looking for a hiking backpack for overnight stay (or 2 days of hiking) that can accommodate my camera gear as well. I will get there soon, but in the meantime, I will buy some essential stuff recommended by you.

[@buchsg]

HusbandnWifeDuo I.m in the same boat, carrying medium format (digital or analog) maybe 20lbs of photography gear, I found that osprey atmos ag is the right choice for my use... can carry a lot of weight without pain

[@Nightknight159]

Saw some questions about sleeping bags which GT didn't cover because there are so many options and it really comes down to your environment you are going to be backpacking in. One really important thing to remember when choosing a bag is that, generally, the temperature rating you choose on a bag should probably be about 10-15 degrees lower than the coldest temperature you expect to have overnight. As an example, I sleep in a down Kelty Lightyear 20 Degree bag on nights that never get below about 35-40 degrees because I like to keep myself warm. I would freeze to death if I went out on a 35-40 degree night with a 40-degree bag. Some of this depends on if you sleep cold or hot, but if you don't know how you sleep in the woods I recommend being safe. You can always throw a leg out, unzip the bag altogether, or even shed clothes if you get too hot, but if you are wearing all your clothes and you are still cold then you are screwed. The Temp ratings assume that you are sleeping with a layer of long underwear on and that you have an insulated sleeping pad under you (insulated sleeping pads make a huge difference in your warmth overnight). Make sure you take that into consideration. Women, in general, do not stay as warm as men at night. Keep this in mind as well. Some bags will have 2 temp rating, the higher temp is usually the temp that the average woman will sleep comfortably in the bag while the lower temp is the temp an average man will sleep comfortably. For a beginner on a budget, there are basically two kinds of bags you are going to be looking at, Down and Synthetic. Each has their Pros and Cons. I would say unless you have tons of space and don't really care about weight or you are sure your bag is going to get wet because your are crazy and are going to sleep under a tarp in a downpour try and find a Down bag. If you have a good tent you should keep yourself plenty dry. Down Pros: Lighter Warmer Packs Smaller Down Cons: Generally more expensive than synthetic Loses warmth if it gets wet (waterproof down is becoming a thing, but can add price) Down fill weight, you will generally see something like 650, 700, or 800, means how much air an once of the down will trap which in essentially its insulating power. The higher the fill power the smaller and lighter the same temperature bag will be. An 800 fill 20 Degree bag will pack smaller and weight less than a 650 fill 20 degree bag. Of course the higher the fill power the more $$$ you will fork out cause...life. Synthetic Pros: Generally cheaper than Down Keeps warmth better if it gets wet Synthetic Cons: Heavier Not as warm Packs larger Backpacker.com does some great reviews of sleeping bags to help you choose what is going to work well for you once you decide if you want a Down bag or Synthetic.

[@jondrayna6978]

Great advice, overall. I do a lot of solo canoe trips, so the priorities are different, but I wouldn't go too gung-ho on the first aid kit. (Eye wash?!) Light Days Oval Pads and a roll of tape will get you through some pretty bad injuries. Chapstick/sunscreen should have been mentioned somewhere. I always come back with lots of leftover food. (Then again, I almost always catch a meal or two of fish.) Tent-free tarp camping is NOT OK where there are mosquitoes. But again, overall, great advice here!

[@MegaMastiffman]

Very good video for new people and even not so new the med kit is a big one

[@jayjenkins4721]

Without going down the rabbit hole...beginner backpacking for those with unlimited income. As a somewhat beginner I've spent about $250 total for what I need and use. Your tent and backpack are already hitting what I paid for everything I have. Good gear, don't get me wrong, but for a beginner who might not go again, this is pretty pricey.

[@michaelcariello6233]

Love the vid. Do a series on backpacking gear. Next clothing for all different climates

[@hepler228]

Thank you for the video I love getting the beta quality at a reasonable price

[@roaddogrichard]

Best Backpack I've found : Osprey Atmos Anti-Gravity 50/65 liter yes its more but caring an ill-fitting backpack is the worst thing you can do. I've had 4 others before I bit the bullet and got fitted for one that I can wear like a glove. Huge difference, enough said. Happy Trails Ya'll!

[@dsm2xtreme]

Great video for newcomers! The price points are spot on for quality but cost effective products. I lean a bit to the solar side for lighting, lanterns,etc. but that just my personal preference. New sub for sure!

[@troymanning3150]

Great list! A lot of stuff I don't remember seeing reviews on. Will go back and find them soon

[@kevinbender4598]

I was just on that trail to Parika lake in August! (that meadow was a lot browner when I went though)

[@guinpen4452]

-has to be full tang mora: am i a joke to you ?

[@danwilder7945]

Nice video. I’m an experienced outdoorsman but I love the price on the headlamps. I use a Thrunite TH10 for my search and rescue work. I truly believe it’s the best if you really need “Big Light” in an emergency and are willing to carry it and an extra battery. I’m ordering 2 of the headlamps you recommend for my other bags. Thanks.

[@TsiRoadkill]

Ive got a 8$ chinese stove and its never failed me highly recommended.

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello my outdoors friend, thank you for sharing this really fine video. I am finalizing my gear selections for an early spring venture to the Northern Sierras. You offered some great options. Please take good care out there. The very best to you and family. 🤗

[@gottogofishing4929]

I have a pretty large rainfly from a tent I no longer use would that be suitable for tarp camping?

[@gideonstactical]

Sure if you can stand it off fine.

[@lockedon8953]

I think the 3 most expensive things in your pack should be backpack, IFAK, and water purification. My belief is one should NEVER cheap out there

[@TainoXtreme]

Good presentation. Good subject. I liked it so much, I subscribed. The selection of gear you’re presenting is good. There are other good alternatives but there is so much out there you have to choose something. In my opinion, a tarp is the way to go. I combine that with a mosquito mesh pyramid shelter. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you.

[@Cheeseiest1]

I'm a knife nerd so I wish this wasn't the case, but a fixed blade knife is one of the first things I ditched when I started doing multi-night backpacking trips because I've found it's entirely unnecessary. They're great to have if you're car camping or staying in one spot for multiple days and may be doing more work with wood or eating fancier meals, but for me when through-hiking it's just unnecessary weight.

[@extremelyrightwingmexicani6948]

My Addition is, I love Blade HQ. The BEST customer service on the web.

[@ojibwayinca8487]

Incredible help. Thank you.

[@subbystyle]

Fantastic video!! Watch all your videos. Please keep it up!!

[@rsmith2658]

How did you have your knife attached at 18:36? Paracord?

[@dcmsr5141]

Good video, the importance of good sleep after a long hike requires good bedding, I can't find anything better than a hammock, and is lighter

[@chrisbridges538]

Is the Klymmyt brand mat ideal for an eno hammock?

[@xLimito]

Great list, thanks for the help!

[@TRG916]

What pack is that you had on at the start and end of the video? Its tan

[@firefighter2699]

Check out the fire maple stove on amazon, similar to the pocket rocket, but for $46 and it works great since I’ve had it.

[@Nathanallenpinard]

The Lynx 1 works too if you are on the taller side as it's 90", though it's thinner.

[@david.leikam]

Great start... Thank you and God bless!

[@cashmoney9256]

Nice video. Thanks for the suggestions. I'm gonna get the knife and tarp!

[@michaelaraiza7301]

What are the first 2 backpack you were wearing in the beginning of the video

[@Fedaykin8]

Literally just bought two Sawyer Mini's, one I put inline in my hydration pack and one extra for on the fly filtering. Awesome product.

[@tylerc3447]

I'm new to this and, dang this looks fun😁

[@joshuabowman2260]

What is the name of the knife used processing wood during the headlamp portion?

[@gideonstactical]

Joshua Bowman my Kabar becker BK2

[@joshuabowman2260]

gideonstactical that's what I suspected . I love that knife, especially its brute strength to edge control ratio

[@jeremyhuffman3284]

What type of sleeping bag do you recommend?

[@commanderstud2417]

About how long does one of those propain canisters last using the pocket rocket? Also can you use the green propane canisters?

[@linoosprey3906]

The first thing you shoulda recommend, for beginners backpackers as for experienced ones is a personal locator/satellite phone They ain’t cheap but what’s your life worth ?

[@Joinordie718]

What kind of compass are you wearing on your watch?

[@phillipdavis5241]

When showing the flashlight did you notice the two eyes staring at you in the background?

[@knivesedge7205]

Would that stove work with any fuel canister

[@stephenfewson7188]

Great tips mate. G'day from Australia 🇦🇺

[@TheWildBuckOutdoors]

Mora Gerber is phenomenal

[@MoosesGearGooReview]

Great recommendations. I like and agree with almost all the gear. I would also recommend REI brand products. REI products are high quality gear that is created and designed for Backpacking. If anyone is getting into backpacking I would steer clear of "tactical" gear. Its often over built and too heavy. I love your channel and I know you love the Stanley cook set, that is the one thing I can't agree with. sure for $15 dollars it will do the job. But if your learning to backpack then go for anodized aluminum or titanium cook kits. GSI makes some of the best cook kits. thanks man

[@iqfend]

Hello, what machete do you use?

[@ck4214]

I absolutely love my Merrell boots! They were really easy to break in and I have never had a blister! I couldn't help but notice you wearing some in the video. Do you prefer them over trail runners? I have been questioning if I am missing out by not making the switch.

[@mmarcelo77]

Also. What shoes or boots do you recommend for a three day hike?

[@gideonstactical]

Mark Marcelo merrell moab mid tops

[@mmarcelo77]

gideonstactical Thanks Aaron. You da man bro.

[@chrispiatt2235]

Recommending specific boots is absurd. Mark, it is important to find something that works for you. It may be boots or trail runners, or something in between. Unfortunately, you need to just try on multiple pairs until you find something that feels right.

[@JMD1965]

Whether you decide trail runners or boots.. I second the Merrell brand. Worth the investment

[@Brad-OTRT-Webmaster]

Thanks for the recommendations Aaron. Love your videos!

[@coltonellis2581]

What brand of shirt are you wearing in this video? I tend to wear lighter weight long sleeves to help keep the sun off me as much as possible. Normally I wear a PFG style. Didn’t know if you recommend a different one.

[@gideonstactical]

Colton Ellis sure those are good. This is a similar north face version

[@coltonellis2581]

gideonstactical awesome. I will check them out. Also my last trip I scored a GSI Javapress from your recommendation. Great piece of gear for us coffee junkies. All my buddies on the trip ordered one when they got back home.

[@HikeHuntHaul]

Hello, I am looking at everything that boils water out there. Everything from jetboil flash, msr, and the Etekcity Ultralight Portable Outdoor Backpacking Camping Stove with Piezo Ignition. This last item has me intrigued because it is cheaper option but reviews on amazon are really high. Do you have any experience with this flame devise? Any recommendations towards choosing it? Thanks for the help. :)

[@TarotTrismagistus]

Great vid! Thank you!! Now I have the confidence of not looking stupid when getting invited with my pro camping friends XD

[@scottfadely3463]

Im really interested in the Olight H05 Active for all the features for $15, but the only place I found it on Amazon was for $80! G.T., if you know where I can find it for $15, please let me know because I’d like to purchase it.

[@youngfinance8019]

what knife is on your bag strap at the beginning of the video thanks

[@gideonstactical]

ForeverYoung Kabar Globetrotter with Azwelke sheath

[@nwprepped]

Great video, two questions. What brand are the yellow sun glasses your wearing and what brand is the Fanny pack?

[@nwprepped]

The Fanny pack looks different then the one you did a video on awhile back.

[@FPShkED]

Would you bring your Junglas with you? I always think Junglas and an Esee 4hm will be a good combo for everything

[@Javad01]

Thanks for your helpful video.

[@ericmatthews3307]

How much do your packs usually weigh on multi-day trips? I'm not an ultralight backpacker by any means, and I don't count ounces, I count pounds, but I can't seem to get my pack below 45lbs with base weight, water, food, etc.

[@nickhdeep6leatherworks338]

How did I just find your channel? awesome outdoor channel

[@Grizzly907LA]

Why no military surplus gear?

[@litawolf1684]

I don’t see your link for build your own first aid kit.

[@nateplattner4250]

Awesome videos! Love budget item reviews.

[@Solo_adv]

Thank you for the video you really do help a lot of people. I was noticing your black wrist watch I was wondering if you could tell us about it sometime or what would be a good survival watch solar vs. Battery Etc

[@yoderd2080]

Have you ever used any OV (outdoor vitals) products?

[@tremerefury]

How does the Strongarm compare to these?

[@gagebrown8688]

What would you recommend for conceal carrying while backpacking?

[@FastTacX]

I wouldn't conceal carry while backpacking no point. Just open carry you're out in the wilderness.

[@untrucmarrant]

45 dollars a pillow, damn dude, calm your sponsors ! ahah

[@Javad01]

You can try "Klymit Luxe Pillow" which has the same quality but it's cheaper!

[@IAmApollo]

Shoot just get a Treckology pillow for 15 bucks and be just a nice and comfortable.

[@KH-wy7le]

Soooo... You can't use the Sawyer Mini Filter outside of Northern America hey? Damn, I wish that someone had told me that when I first bought one. Because I've used mine all over Europe and a few places in North Africa too.

[@pretzl9554]

0:26-0:40 Which trail is this?

[@BillGreen2]

Another great video, I will have to remember to come back to this. Thanks!

[@eddierodriguez7250]

bro what backpack are you rocking in the beginning of the video?

[@gideonstactical]

Eddie Rodriguez vanquest markhor45 its a little to small for backpacking in my opinion

[@kevinbender4598]

gideonstactical Child’s play, I’ve backpacked with a 30 liter. (It sucked to pack it tho)

[@TheMcpvideo]

Awesome video ✌️

[@fxrober]

Viewers, before you take the advice here to buy and use a Kelty Salida tent, check out it's review at outdoorgearlab.com and elsewhere. He's right, it _is_ a fair starter tent for basically mild summer weather, but there really are better options out there. I'm glad it has worked for him and his family; for family backpack trips it's obviously been fine. But look at the REI Half-Dome series before buying. Same price range when REI has them on sale twice a year or so. One big difference to watch for is that less expensive tents like the Kelty are made largely of polyester, not nylon. Polyester is less desirable. Just saying...just look. Sorry, no Amazon links for REI gear, though.

[@lilasiankid214]

Great video!! Thank you.

[@thronebreaker6950]

What waist pack is that?

[@carpetman3666]

great vid.. made me think about what I carry

[@scherry2900]

the problem with the sawyer is they can't filter chemicals. in well developed countries for example you can get a problem with fertilizers. I have one for trips in the alps. But would not recommend it for most areas in high developed countries like germany, france and so on .

[@catlady8324]

:08 The “Guy’s like this” guy is such a dork. 🤓 I’m sure a cool, hip dude like you can set him straight! 😎

[@maryistulsafox]

Folding lightweight Garden Spade for it you know pooping