Best Hiking Gear - The HikingGuy 10 Essentials

[@theochamberlain6765]

Super glue is something we always keep in our kit. Waterproof wound treatment in seconds.

[@stevenchen6752]

@@theochamberlain6765 fun fact you can get this japanese product called liquid band aid. It smells like super glue and it kills germs but beware it stings hard

[@MikeWD9JJV]

May I suggest a broad brim hat. Being older, the dermatologist is now freezing bad things off my temples.

[@adeserti]

And my dermatologist just bought a new boat

[@ChopperChad]

sun gloves too

[@MastaSquidge]

Keeps rain off my glasses and has a built in bug net!

[@browsman2328]

I always wear a broad brimmed hat that I bought at REI 10 years ago that they don’t even sell anymore. I live in Northern California, the best California I might add, but my dad was from Ireland, not Northern Ireland, and I inherited pasty white skin, I’ve been to Ireland (County Kilkenny) to visit relatives and believe me we glow in the dark, so for me it’s long sleeve shirts and long pants ALL the time and I have a55 gallon drum of sunblock in my garage.

[@stevebeggs8327]

The Tilley brand hats are excellent for sun protection

[@sophieisabelle3762]

Re chemicals on your skin, I promise that a) sunscreen has plenty of chemicals, so if you’re worried about putting chemicals on your skin and want more natural options, a mineral sunscreen might appeal, but b) natural does not mean safer. The research around bug repellents shows they are safe, I’d not worry about it. The risk from insect borne diseases or just infections from a bite is almost certainly greater than the risk from the repellent.

YES! Finally someone else who appreciates convertible trousers.

[@aliensoup2420]

A must-have in high altitudes 8000ft +, or even desert hiking to protect from brush and nasty insects/snakes.

[@LP-jn4tw]

So glad you made this video. I'm always interested in your thoughts. The one thing I carry that most people don't is about 5 feet of cohesive bandage wrap (which stretches out into more like 10 feet). Very lightweight but will give good support to a sprained ankle or wrist, as well as many other uses. Adheres to itself, so no fastening hardware to add weight to it either.

[@azclaimjumper]

I make my own Energy Gel - 50% Brown Rice Syrup, 30% Molasses, 20% Honey. I do add water otherwise it is too thick be be squeezed through the bite valve on my 5oz Hydrapak Squeeze Tube. All natural sugars. Pre-Cooked bacon is my preferred protein/fat snack - anytime/anyplace. I'm still wedded to my 3L Hydrapak water bladder/drink tube/bite valve instead of so-called "Smart" water bottles. My Sawyer Squeeze is my preferred water filter for all the same reasons as you. I'm still wedded to my Garmin 62ST GPS. I'm still wedded to my ACR ResQLink Personal Locator Beacon as my last resort rescue device to be used only if I'm unable to crawl back to the trailhead. Mine is the old style with flashing lights instead of the newer scrolling text. My preferred ignition source for a fire is & always has been FireSteel Gob Spark Ferro Rod/Striker. I wear the Outdoor Research Sun Runner cap which includes a removable side panel when covers the back of my neck & both sides of my face + it has a bill.- for sun/UV protection on my head/face/neck. You made no mention of cordage - I always have 50' of #36 Bank Line just in case. I'm a contributor & prefer HikeArizona instead of All Trails, as my source for downloading tracks, reading hike descriptions, getting co ords of water sources along the hike trail, or looking at photos of the hike. I always wear a think pair of leather gloves to protect the palms of my hands when I trip & fall. Yes, I "liked" & am a long time subscriber. Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada

[@CCTChief]

Great information, I carry in my survival kit a small sewing kit, sturdy needle and strong nylon thread. It has coming in handy on several occasions.

[@francisblackwell7597]

Thanks!

[@Hikingguy]

WHOA Thank You!!!!!!

[@Sasmita707]

Thanks!

[@Hikingguy]

Big big thank you!

[@DarkFire515]

Great list! The only advice I'd add would be to not compromise / economize on your footwear or your backpack. Your feet and back will thank you both in the short term and also years down the line.

[@briannv9900]

You might want to consider using a small pill bottle and wrap Leukotape and duck tape on the outside, much easier way to use the tape. Inside -I keep a safety pin, antiseptic wipes, Tylenol packet, band aids, tooth picks, fatwood, 2 birthday cake candles, a few strike anywhere matches and a cotton ball.

[@lukeh9635]

I do similar, but wrap a lighter in duct tape. Duct tape can also be used for starting fires.

[@ericcook8422]

This is how outdoor folks find out what's out there. I appreciate your video.

[@VivianInTheOC]

Thank you Hiking Guy!

[@JustFrozen77]

After all the research I've done I thought this video would just be entertaining, but it still turned out to be informative with some great ideas that I'm going to put into play. Thanks! Liked and subscribed.

[@SonniaPlatten]

Great list! The only advice I'd add would be to not compromise / economize on your footwear or your backpack. Your feet and back will thank you both in the short term and also years down the line.

[@7drunkenmermaids431]

Shoes, pack and sleeping system should never be compromised for economy.

[@itywhat6499]

This is my first time watching your channel. Great info. The one item I always carry is a stainless steel, 7.5-inch shoe horn from Amazon. It doubles as a shoe horn and trowel. It's an item I have carried for years and has been well-used. I do carry an extra pair of socks and will change them occasionally on hikes. So it's nice to have a shoehorn. You can guess the other uses along with toilet paper. Hint: wash before reusing...haha.

[@WeekendsOutsideFL]

Videos like this help me prepare for my future hiking endeavors. I’ve been doing small and short little hikes for awhile now and collecting gear for bigger hikes, and I appreciate this helpful experience! I dream of some time in the next 10 years, and I save $1.11 per day towards that dream! Who knows what job I will have by the time I do it, or how this hike will affect my career! But I’m with you on placing a high importance of realizing that dream

[@stevevanness8274]

Found you by way of T.rex Arms. Isaac mentioned your channel in one of his Garmin videos. Impressed by all the info I have learned on your videos so far. Keep up the good work.

[@l.a.973]

Great video !! I always carry my mesh hammock to keep me off the ground. I hike in the tropical rain forrest.

[@RoyLopez-w9m]

I still use my Garmin InReach......its the full size but i find it easier to operate and read being the larger size. And soon to purchase the Nemo backpack. Great video sir.

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you!

[@expatadventureturkey9324]

Thanks for the information and suggestions on kit, really appreciated. Keep the content coming 🤙🏽

[@ChopperChad]

The Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap with removable skirt is the best sun hat I’ve found. Super light weight, well vented, and packable. The removable skirt does a nice job of protecting your neck and the side of your face from low angle sunlight.

[@rockinbells8351]

Are those big nets you can put on the front of some hats useful or a waste of money?

[@kevinwaters-marsh217]

Awesome video. I love learning from those with great experience and I truly appreciate your knowledge base. I'm in Australia and will use your advice for our 2024 trekking season which starts in April ( our Autumn). Stay safe and happy trails 🙏

[@ronaldrose7593]

Great informative video my friend, thank you for sharing it. All the best to you. Stay safe out there.😊

[@rickhise]

I like the no nonsense info facts, no pets just great info

[@furyofbongos]

I like the Victorinox Classic SD 7 Function Pocket Knife, especially for the scissors and tweezers. I've used the file also for toe nails digging in.

[@redwhiteblue7831]

Solid gear, solid information. Thank you for sharing. Take care HG.🇺🇲

[@amigatommy7]

Had my Black Diamond poles for a few decades.

[@robertcolby8227]

Great video!

[@chriswells156]

I really enjoy your channel. Keep up the great work. Both my ophthalmologist and dermatologist advise wearing good sunglasses when sun is the least bit bright. They should be capable of almost eliminating UVA and UVB rays to reduce chances of developing cataracts, macular degeneration, and other serious eye problems. For hikers and cyclists they also prevent eye damage from tree branches and airborne items, including dust, sand, and insects.

[@chriswells156]

@mrjohnwaad I hike at 5000 to 14000 feet, usually in bright sun. I usually need tinted glasses.

[@TheAndrewBen]

This is such a great resource. Thank you for making thte time to create this video!

[@Hikingguy]

thank you!

[@jazzfan7491]

Great advice all around

[@christinerolle3876]

Thanks again Cris .2 thumbs up. I like that trowel.I have 3 already.but I love that idea.

[@k1k2lee]

Use a rock or stick that’s already there

[@Iron-Outdoor]

Thanks for these tips!

[@enriquediaz7547]

I really like “Maplets” for our local county parks (or amusement parks, universities, etc. I just started using the Osprey Manta for the rear angled water bottles! I’ve Jimmy-rigged many shoulder water holders.. but they really belong where the designers/designed them for. I’m also starting to use a zpacks FUPA for quick access (binoculars, phone, electrolytes, snacks, ham/radio etc. )

[@TheAdventuresOfLiz]

My must have is my outdoor research Moab bucket hat for sun protection on my face, can never go wrong with sun protection ☀️ also a great sunscreen is blue lizard. It’s pricey but works amazingly well

[@pmm1044]

SAR folks recommend an air pad or foam pad so you don’t have to sit on wet or cold ground waiting for search and rescue to arrive which typically require an overnight stay.

[@thomascraft6854]

ZipLock Bags -- Get Freezer Bags -- 1-Quart 1-Gallon 2-Gallon -- Freezer Bags Stronger ...

[@andreakreutzer7214]

I really appreciate all your videos. They are presented very clearly and go right to the point. And there is very little i disagree with - and i really appreciate the gear suggestions. I am happier not to have to test out devices only to find they are not the best options out there. However, given you had a section for your day hike emergency kits, I highly recommend you err on the side of an ultra-precautionary approach in your video. I respectfully suggest that there are three critical meds and 2 more very lightweight pieces of safety gear highly recommended even for day hikes: An aspirin in case you experience heart or stroke symptoms, Antihistamine in case of a bee swarm or snake bites, to slow down the heart rate, and ibuprofen in case you experience a soft tissue injury such as swisted ankle or if you tweak your back. A total of 6 tablets total should do the trick ! And, something/anything, that might offer support (tensor bandage is multi-use, and a soft ankle specific version is ideal if you twist an ankle and have to hoof it out any distance. You already have other stuff in your kit to act as a sling if you fall and chip or break an elbow/wrist…Finally, I’ve seen many trips and spills on the trails, and folks have hit their head, split a lip etc. I recommend a sterile pad (don’t laugh, even a pre-wrapped thin feminine pantyliner works and is very absorbent) to press and stop bleeding. These items might take up to another 25% of space i saw you had for your current emergency kit, but they are potential life savers, and/or could save you from extreme discomfort in the event of a spill on the trails. Cheers! And keep on doing those fantastic videos !!!

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you for adding that, agree and will update!

[@MarkTime90]

Great video!

[@godizself1]

With all those different navigation backups to the backup, you should never get lost. Me, personally, I would become discombobulated. Happy Trails

[@cwesley2005]

Great video! Osprey 2.5L bladder, altra lone peaks, laukotape best gear!

[@francisblackwell7597]

Fantastic video, as always. Keep 'em coming!!

[@mattj6940]

I’m a little sketched out by using lemon Eucalyptus oil in grizzly country given how fragrant it is and the lack of research on whether it’s an attractant, especially if I’m backpacking. After a summer in Alaska, I’ve found Picaridin to be a good repellant. Doesn’t melt your plastic like deet and studies show it to be safe from what I’ve been able to find.

[@Hikingguy]

Yea haven't used it in Grizzly country, what you're doing there makes sense, and I used Picaridin for years before I found out it was synthetic. I gave the natural option and try and it worked in my neck of the woods, so stuck with it.

[@grbta1124]

Great list. For day hikes I love the Mountainsmith 13L lumbar pack. I like the convience of the shoulder strap it makes entry into the pack while moving very simple. Thanks

[@Fluxxcapacitor52]

Great video man! You got the Sayers mixed up. The mini is the one you have in this video that fits over the smart so well. Thank you again for the great info🤙

[@Hikingguy]

Yup there's a note on the bottom about the regular though

[@mercedeslimon9821]

Great info. Thank you!

[@c.ontraluz]

Super great video! As an MD may i suggest adding a CAT Tourniquet. Always good to have one, since its the kind of thing that happens too fast to wait for emergency services. My going out kit is just as small as yours plus some antihistamines in case i come in contact with an allergen or some plant that messes me up, and always always the tourniquet, even for a couple hours hike. They weigh basically nothing and they save lives. Any other things are basically fluff unless youre going to specific scenarios that need specific things.

[@JarradShaw]

Research the Komperdel(sp) trekking poles that Justin uses. It has more cork surface and it has a cold shoe on the top.

[@kiml.3564]

Thank you! Very informative.

[@bruceclyne5254]

Nice job. Keep up the good work!

[@fearfeasog]

Many thanks, Sir Hiking.

[@chaosncheckt9356]

Just finished my Appalachian Trail thru hike and I went through six pairs of HOKA Speed Goat 5. Only downside I found were the Lone Peaks seem to have better traction on wet rocks. I used the ZOLEO and regretted it and wish I had stayed with my Garmin InReach. I would guess about 1/4 of the time the ZOLEO failed to send the four hour location update. As for water filters, I started with the Sawyer but around 800m I switched to the Beefree Squeeze Bottle. If you stick with the Smart Water Bottle and Sports Top, you can use the Sports Top to back flush the Sawyer.

[@Hikingguy]

Big congrats and thank you for sharing all of that. Glad to hear the Speedgoats did well. I've done sections of the AT through PA and I can only imagine the nice stack height helped on those sections where the shale is stacked straight up/down. What made you switch to the Befree? I've used it quite a bit, no holes or problems, but I preferred the Smartwater hard bottle instead of the floppy Befree when putting in/out of my bag. Maybe it's just a personal preference thing, but if you have issues with the Sawyer, let me know if you have a sec.

[@chaosncheckt9356]

@@Hikingguy No issues with the Sawyer, it worked great. I was looking for something a bit easier to use and provide me with one additional water container when going into a camp site far from water. I kept my Befree in a side pocket so the only time I accessed it was at a water source when my pack was off. I used it to fill a 1L smart bottle with sports cap that I kept in a pocket on my shoulder strap. I carried a second 1L that remained empty, unless there was a particular long stretch with no water or as I said earlier, I was going into a dry camp site. Personally, I thought the Befree had better flow

[@Hikingguy]

@@chaosncheckt9356 Good to know, I like the mix of both. I used to use the Sawyer and carry the Befree in my emergency kit but over 2 years I just have one filter. And with you on the flow for the Befree. A few years ago a buddy and I did the Timberline with fanny packs in 2 days (slack pack with night at the lodge) and carried almost no water, just using the Befree at the numerous streams.

[@softwarephil1709]

I’m not a hiker, but I enjoy your channel.

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you!

[@adamwagner2782]

Thumbs up and comment. Thank you!

[@peterbedford2610]

Good stuff

[@SofiaPolyakova-pc6co]

I love your content! Really good recommendation. I just wanna share what I found really useful for the hiking - Flint Steel Pro Fire Starter! I got mine from Amazon just for 22$.🔥

[@jeruncan]

I find that I too drink more water when using a bladder and I think I’ve solved most of the draw backs. Check into source outdoors they are an Israeli company that typically supplies their military as well as civilian market. They have the best bite valves and bladder material I’ve ever found as well as quick connect kits that allow me to refill and filter the bladder without ever having to remove it from my pack. Then I just carry a small water bottle to use for food when I get to camp that’s separate from my drinking water.

[@B_r_u_c_e]

Thank you.

[@rodyazzie]

Cool. Great video.

[@pavan20100611]

Nice one 1️⃣. Great tips about gear. BTW, when is Epix Pro video dropping? Can’t wait :)

[@Hikingguy]

Sorry will have it in the next month - it'll be a 1 year video but it's overall great

[@alvarogaitan2529]

thanks so much great job God Bless You

[@reneebeckloff7855]

Thanks for the updated list! I’m using the coros Vertex watch now- UNBELIEVABLE battery even with gps running. One day i’ll ask You to compare against the Garmin :)

[@Hikingguy]

Maybe I'll check one out now that you can download maps onto it

[@josephlau8476]

I like hiking very much too.

[@davidfritzen4474]

Great recommendations I will use some. I would suggest an extra plastic bag to pack the toilet paper out. Here in the Pacific Northwest there are just so many people out now that I think we have to.

[@hectorescobar7013]

Try Van’s Man sunscreen. It works great on me. Uses safe ingredients and it is a family owned business (out of Southern California). Thanks for sharing your 10 essentials!

[@fearthebeard.outdoors1189]

Nice one 👍 thanks for keeping it real . chaos from Scotland 👍 OUT

[@harrytraction1380]

Another great video. 👍

[@davidplotkin5173]

I'm supporting thru an Amazon link for everything I buy. Thank you again! QUESTION ON SHOES - Amazon has awesome sale on Topo Traverse. But in a previous comment you said it wasn't all it was cut out to be. Can you quickly summarize why, and why Pursuit 2 over that? I don't do thru-hiking but do rocks, gravel, creeks, scree, etc thru Ventura and S Barb counties, soon to do Red Rock in Vegas as well. Am used to 7-17mm heel drops in various shoes. Thank you!

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you! Traverse isn't as cushioned as the Pursuit 2 and the upper isn't quite as comfy, also a tad narrower.

[@garywheeler2055]

“The other emergency kit” that’s hilarious 😂 🍻

[@H444-f2c]

Thanks for the help 🙂👍

[@Ayele37]

Jolie vidéo j'ai aimé ca

[@youlandasendy06]

Verry good👍

[@ElaineTyler-c5l]

After all the research I've done I thought this video would just be entertaining, but it still turned out to be informative with some great ideas that I'm going to put into play. Thanks! Liked and subscribed.

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you!

[@LibertyGarden]

One ply? That's not where I would cut weight. 🤣🤣🤣🤣Great video. Thanks.

[@melibita]

Great suggestions. 👍

[@peterbedford2610]

I liked your suggestion of he Osprey Stratos as a day pack for those of us that hate back sweat. Do you think there's a similar pack , but smaller from any other company?

[@Hikingguy]

The Hikelite 18 is a great choice - I used to use it all the time: bit.ly/44KygUk

[@peterbedford2610]

Thanks

[@jeffengel5339]

check out some of the gregory packs

[@TrekSavvy]

I really enjoy your videos! Thank you for sharing! I am hiking the Zion in August, including Angels Landing and The Narrows. Is there footwear you would recommend for The Narrows, for the wet conditions?

[@Hikingguy]

In Aug hiking sandals are a great choice - alnk.to/9T8rFT6

[@TrekSavvy]

@@Hikingguy Thanks for the info and link. When I order, I will use that link!

[@JacobDrosdick]

My original comment was deleted for some reason, don't know why...but I would recommend a solar charger instead of a battery pack that can't use solar. Being able to recharge your battery pack when you don't have access to an outlet is critical to keeping your stuff charged up, especially if you're on an extended trip

[@alankelly349]

Hi Jacob, which solar charger do you use?

[@bytecode5834]

Thanks for the gift

[@albert21able]

I was a British Army Airborne Combat Medic, and would take soldiers' blood pressure before airborne selection, everything you said is totally correct, if a soldier failed the blood pressure test, we would take his blood pressure over a week, as you said white coat syndrome had to be taken into account, because a soldiers career was at stake.

[@Bill_tyler]

@@albert21able I was born on a cold , rainy Sunday at 2am.

[@amigatommy7]

Waterproof paper maps are still great.

[@blingaling1]

Garage grown gear sells the flip cap bottle toppers for under $2 each. Don’t have to buy an extra water bottle to get the top.

[@jameslee1329]

After downloading the map on Alltrail, how does it track your position in airplane mode?

[@Hikingguy]

If you alllow location access the GPS works in airplane mode

[@behindenemylines9033]

I still use my Garmin InReach......its the full size but i find it easier to operate and read being the larger size. And soon to purchase the Nemo backpack. Great video sir.

[@ViajanteNato]

Hey man seems that you know a lot about GPS devices which device that you recommend for recording the track with high precision with very high quality data some device the check for GPS very fast. Sam is very slow phones. For example they check once per second incentivised to check 10× per second. I would like to use one device that I could record data and then exports to the computer later, which device do you recommend?

[@Hikingguy]

Get a GPSMAP 67 ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmrQimSGfqdsl6c ) - you have granular controls over how to record a track

[@jamescook6289]

Awesome

[@sierraseb3311]

I also bring a sandwich size or quart size ziplock in my poop bag to pack out used TP which should never be buried. I also have a few aspirin and a day's worth of any prescription drugs. Love that flash light/fire starter. Will add that to my daypack. Another excellent video. Thanks

[@johneason6540]

Wow, we carry so much of the same gear for the same reason

[@OzMan9989]

Dude, that TP roll is crazy. I use half a roll every time I go at home! 😂

[@kevinfridman6154]

Is the carrier you have for your water bottle part of the pack or an attachment? Thanks for the in-depth reviews. Appreciate them.

[@Hikingguy]

It's listed on the Zpacks page for the backpack under add-ons - here's a link: bit.ly/3LO6JLb

[@clarkansas6590]

Good job

[@helvettefaensatan]

Would you consider merging a first aid kit with a toiletry bag?

[@Hikingguy]

siure

[@jetmikeg]

Where do you get the carrier for the water bottle? Did not see it listed on your gear list.

[@Hikingguy]

It's listed on the Zpacks page for the backpack under add-ons - here's a link: bit.ly/3LO6JLb

[@shaunamackay2390]

I suffer from extremely heat sensitive hands and feel. I am looking at heated gloves in particular for a New Year’s hiking/snowshoeing adventure in Yosemite. Do you have any suggestions or recommendations.

[@Hikingguy]

Just emailed you

[@shaunamackay2390]

Received. Thank you so very much! @@Hikingguy

[@MIAMIC70]

Garmin ForeTrex 801 GPS as a backup is great and bulletproof. Source Hydration water bladders are the best.

[@vader2757]

Hi buddy I have a question in regards to my Fenix 7 Pro and my Inreach Mini2, which setting do I have to adjust on either device to allow both devices to measure the same distance. I find that once I have finished my hike that there is a difference btw the distances that are measured.. both devices are started at the same time via the explorer app. Your input would really help. Thank you.

[@Hikingguy]

Good question - this will help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnm3ipmJl9mkitU

[@toistersolutions]

What made you switch from hydration bladders to Smart bottles? Was it the simplicity, weight, something else? I'm thinking about switching, but worry I won't drink enough water on the trail. (Sorry if you answered this one already!)

[@Hikingguy]

I def drank more with the tube/bladder, but the simplicity of the bottles was a winner for me. I find I stop more to drink, which is okay. But just the simplicity, strength, and weight of the bottle seem to make more sense. Carry 2 bottles and water filter and it's pretty much bombproof with redundancy.

[@toistersolutions]

That makes sense. Thank you!

[@Jasonye-c3z]

Hi man, do u want to try smart trekking poles with Emergency SOS alarm and live intercom function ?

[@gregbernstein1378]

Dental filling temporary repair kit