Bad Backpacking Advice You've Probably Heard

[@HawkEye-cm5wb]

Hikers: You can be light, or you can be comfortable Military: How about neither

[@asmith7876]

If it's cold, they make sure you're freezing, if it's hot they make sure you're drowning in sweat. FTA! 🤣

[@deepsubmergence9357]

The military has the uncanny ability to take something that's fun and suck the fun right out of it.

[@SultanofSpey]

@@deepsubmergence9357 uh, there’s nothing fun about walking up a 30 degree slope to over 10,000 feet with 75+ pounds on your back and if there is a trail, you don’t walk on it. Stop thinking the two activities are remotely similar. They aren’t

[@skyking1516]

Actually, the addage is this: "Light, comfortable (sometimes say sturdy), cheap: choose two qualities you want". Because it's unlikely that anythign will be all three.

[@asmith7876]

@@skyking1516 Kinda like "cheap, fast, good, pick two."

[@rman713]

“Better to have and not need” does apply to a few lightweight items, in my opinion - Mylar blanket, lighter (and tinder that works when wet), rain gear (even just a 2oz plastic poncho), Imodium, and backup water purification tabs/drops. These are lightweight items that could save you from hypothermia and illness.

[@toocleanpappas5397]

From my Green Beret friend. "Yeah, we may have hiked with 100 lbs packs. But we hiked for 2 days then we got picked up. We didn't hike for months on end day after day." He was a smart guy.

[@echo6echo419]

I've often had this thinking. They aren't called "hikes" they are "forced marches". They are meant to get you from one place to another to get into or out of an area, not to travel from one side of the country to another.

[@HunterJE]

I've recently come back to serious hiking and backpacking after a good while off and the trail runner revolution that happened while I was away has been such a breath of fresh air coming back, never had a pair of hiking boots my feet actually liked and always felt like the best I could hope for was less-bad, and it's been amazing how much a difference this new option in trail footwear has made...

[@Peter-mf6gd]

Marine Corps bought and tested Arteryx packs in my Battalion. They decided the quality and load carrying abilities weren’t worth the cost of the pack, even though we loved them. So we went back to carrying heavy junk to save a few bucks. “Military Grade” means it was the lowest cost bidder that met a subjective standard set by some desk jockey.

[@Weathernerd27]

And yet the lowest cost bidder probably still wanted an arm and leg for them. The military is known for paying $200 for a stapler.

[@Peter-mf6gd]

@@Weathernerd27 exactly. Unfortunately all of the government is like that. And as Americans we are allowing 12% real inflation so they can pay for it.

[@Grizzly907LA]

The ILBE was phased out because it didn't fit properly with body armor.

[@Peter-mf6gd]

@@Grizzly907LA the Arcteryx pack was never adopted. It was tested only. And the pack worked great. It was the price per Marine the Corps had the issue with.

[@mirjahmlinen2698]

So they decide to have the cheapest and heaviest alternativ.

[@RegEdmunds]

It's nothing to do with hiking but as a person born and bred in the UK, I just love your USA accent.

[@jeffsmith72]

I worked for REI. I agree that it depends on the person you talk to. Many/most of their workers have little or no long-distance backpacking experience. Past thru-hikers are the best people to get advice from.

[@ReplicaGT350]

[@KathyW5]

On your crowing about trail runners, at age 70, in 2017, I changed to trail runners and have never looked back. The wide toe box and light weight are key and the zero drop is perfect for me. They also have great grip on rocks and slippery surfaces. I'm still wearing them, well, new ones, and at 78 I still plan to do some lighter hiking next summer. Thank you for introducing me to Altras.

[@nycrae]

Love my altras!!

[@t.vanoosterhout233]

As for physical prep, I found that regularly hiking on fairly flat terrain with a light backpack gave me insufficient condition to take on more hilly or even mountainous terrain with a heavier backpack. Going up and down 100-step sets of stairs a couple times with a heavier backpack, for several weeks, seems to have helped. Man, age 59.

[@wohlhabendermanager]

Same. I live in Northern Germany, in a region that's called "The Northern Plains". The highest elevation in my area is a mole hill that's a whooping 160m tall. That kind of terrain did not prepare me well for hiking in Norway. Before my next trip I will definitely carry my pack up and down the stairs a few times per day, starting a few weeks in advance of the planned trip.

[@hikinggsdmom8754]

That shot of Perk coming out of the water will NEVER get old.

[@shawnieadams1319]

Never gets old!!

[@Navy1977]

I guess I'm behind the knowledge curve. Who's Perk?

[@ChrisSunHwa]

@@Navy1977 One of her best hiking friends. I believe she met him on the Appalachian Trail. 🙂

[@Navy1977]

​@@ChrisSunHwaThanks, I missed that connection. Going to use up one of my old guy brain fart cards on that. 🤔🤷🤦🤣🤣🤣🙃😆

[@ChrisSunHwa]

@@Navy1977 No worries! It happens to us all sometimes! 🙃

[@anthonykent00]

I love this just list! I'm going to carry one vote: Don't solo hike is 100% NOT bad advice for a new-ish hiker. It goes along with day hikers being the ones who need to be rescued.

[@rjensen2586]

Day hikers tend to get lost and hurt without the ten essentials, at least the ones you read about in the news. They also tend not to carry satellite communication devices.

[@nwba]

I served in the military and learned to hate hiking, it took me many years to let go of it, get lighter stuff and learn that hiking is a fun activity and you can enjoy it and enjoy the view instead of hauling a bunch of heavy and super durable gear lol

[@penultimateh766]

Hey man, you're gonna need that entrenching tool....

[@ChrisSunHwa]

@@penultimateh766 lol!

[@RandallJung]

Same! 😅

[@alpo2smith]

Same. Walking the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route in 2013 changed my thinking about hiking/walking (forced marches, 2 x 10s, etc.)

[@GeoffOdom-nn4ez]

Yes, the Marine Corps made me hate all he things I loved like hiking, camping, and shooting. 😂

[@Thaihandmade-wd9mh]

The Army also did an extremely thorough research about the weight of footwear and how it affected wearers. The result was that, for leg strain, every pound of extra weight in your footwear was the equivalent of 5 extra pounds of weight in your backpack. My hiking boots are 2 pounds heavier than my trail shoes; I'll never go back to boots.

[@Vladimiradventurephotography]

Thank you. Great analytical advice from a real hiker. I tried hiking in runners and switched back to my hiking boots. Many modern hiking boots are a crossover between runners and boots. They are light, not stiff, but offer better ankle and foot protection, than runners. I don't really need ancle support, as I always do a lot of stretching. Of course it also depends where you're hiking. Most of my hikes are in Scotland and Norway, often above tree line. Just like you've said - we all different.

[@RoyADane]

Regarding taking a SPOT device, Garmin InReach or similar device there are two, true stories I would like to bring to everyones attention. Just recently, a young woman from New Mexico was taking pictures in Colorado, when she fell off a cliff. She managed (with a badly broken leg) to drag herself to the bank of a river. For 2 days, she tried to flag down trains on the Durango and Silverton railroad before she was finally noticed. I met a hiker at the Cajon Pass McDonalds who got really lucky one winter. He was hiking in Central Washington when the snow became a whiteout. During the whiteout he missed his turn. He ended up hiking 20 miles further than he intended, before he bumped into some snowmobilers who told him where he was. He said that since then, he NEVER goes on trail without a GPS.

[@skyking1516]

Another possibility is a PLB. This does not require an annual subscription, but has other pros/cons.

[@backpacker3421]

REI services a lot of outdoor hobbies - running, biking, climbing, kayaking, car camping, and yes... backpacking. The stores will generally try to have a diversity of employees with experience in those areas - meaning the number of truly avid backpackers on staff is probably a small portion. In my experience, you'll usually find most are runners and bikers who enjoy camping. Then there will be a few backpackers, and if you're lucky, a couple serious kayakers or climbers. If you want good advice there, MAKE SURE you ask the employee what their experience level is with the particular activity you are buying for. I've never seen one be bothered when I ask. And if they don't have the kind of experience that gives you confidence in their answers, don't hesitate to ask if there is somebody working today who has more experience. They don't work on commission, so they are happy to help find the best person to answer a question.

[@OldMountaineer]

An infantry soldier must carry extra ammunition for his/her own weapon, extra belts of ammunition for the squad machine gun, extra water, extra radio batteries, possibly a couple of mortar rounds for the mortar section, and probably a couple of claymore mines. A very rugged, rigid rucksack able to carry 80 to 120 pounds, for 20 or 30 miles without killing the soldier is required. The only civilians that might need such a rucksack are backcountry hunters who carry heavy loads of meat, and mountaineers on an expedition who carry many pounds of mountaineering tools, rock and ice protection, rope, equipment, fuel to melt snow, etc.

[@rodrigocappato4207]

It All depends on what you do! If you are just hiking in well paved and marked trails, no bush around you picking your equipment, you are just interested in making longer distances at less time as possible, YES, ultralight gear is the way to go! HOWEVER, if you go off trail passing through bush, going to wild camping, canoe trip, etc..., probably your ultralight backpack and trail running shoes will tear up in the first trip to the woods, And yes, have redundancies in these cases, specifically with regards to ways to light fire, cutting tools and navigation!!! So, be aware about this and adjust your gear based on what you are planning to do!!! It would be good if you had taken this in consideration during your Advice. Greetings from the woods in Sweden 🇸🇪

[@apsynto]

I have no worries about throwing my backpack few meters down onto rocks when I have to climb down an obstacle safely und unhindered. Nor pushing through thick foliage while wearing my rain gear. Nor setting up my bivi on sharp rocks when the situation necessitates it. And least of all about totally ripping my shoes to shreds during a tough descent on a scree covered slope. That peace of mind is worth hell of a lot more than saving few kilos. I might not be the fastest but I'll get there. When I am up there I am not in any particular hurry

[@gustavbostrom1536]

Well, I do a lot of that "bushwacking" off-trail in Sweden too (Sarek, Off-trail Ptarmigan hunting etc..) . I do agree that heavy equipment is of course a lot more tolerant for that kind of activity but I find that my ultralight stuff have mostly been durable enough if you can accept having to use a sewing needle now and then. All my ultralight backpacks are still fully functional after 15 years+ of hiking. As for trailrunners they definitely do tend to wear out quite fast, but there is still not a chance that I would switch back to boots again for summer hiking and this definitely also includes long trips in Sarek off-trail as well. It is a misconception that ultralighters with trailrunners only walk on prepared trails. As an example, the kinds of trips Jörgen Johansson has done are for more off-trail than the vast majority of Nordic hikers has done (See www.fjaderlatt.se/ for example). Unfortunately the bad durability of trailrunners means I have to buy new shoes every second year or so, but they definitely last longer than a season normally.

[@RS-pk4mp]

As ever, Dixie is the voice of reason and sanity in backpacking. Ultralight can be almost a religion to some, but like all cults, think long and carefully before becoming a zealot! You'll hike longer and continue to hike in older age (73 yr old here) if you follow her advice and balance comfort and weight. And yes, wear trail runners. For years I tried to make boots work and ending up with discomfort and regular blisters. Trailrunners (and Imjimjin toe socks) and blisters are rare and small. Keep hiking!

[@timlois]

I agree 100%. UL is fine I guess, but I'm not going to forgo comfort to save one pound. It's funny though, I've had the exact opposite experience with footwear as you. I've tried to force trail runners for years and it never worked. I've finally accepted that lightweight mid-height boots are for me.

[@lonewolf025]

Trailrunners are great for trails that are mostly established. Were I going across the AT I would probably use TRs. That being said, I backpacked along the Border Route Trail by the BWCAW in northern MN and I was thankful for my boots. The trail is so overgrown and rocky in areas I would've had some banged up ankles without them. So I think it's definitely a do your research on trail conditions situation for footwear.

[@wohlhabendermanager]

Everyone has to find their own footwear, and it largely depends on where you want to hike. I have ankle problems, and I twist my ankles very easily (seriously, it's my biggest talent). Earlier this year I was hiking in Norway on very rocky terrain, and without my boots that protect my ankles as well, I think I would have twisted them so severly, I would had to have call search and resuce. Plus, heavy boots offer protection trail runners simply don't. It's not fun to slip off a rock and get your foot stuck in between two large stones. It's flat out dangerous if you are only wearing light shoes that don't have a hard shell. So yeah, I wear very light shoes when I am in well established areas with flat and wide trails. But I would seriously injure myself if I would wear those in less established areas.

[@jsog6]

Great video: many many people (u-tube potato’s) confuse prepping, bug out, and back packing. The hardest thing is clearly defining your requirements ( number of days, mileage, weather). I use the “one is none” philosophy for water treatment and fire starting. A key military design cornerstone is the gear must have longevity. Being retired Army I can attest to weight and wear and tear on your back and knees.

[@raktoda707]

"You must wear 2 pairs of Sox to prevent blisters" Thanks for the reminiscing of ages gone by tips.Good to see you bright and cheery, outdoors is heaven to most of us

[@karlzaunbrecher8241]

The section about shoes vs. boots gave me flashbacks to when I first began backpacking 50 years ago. We wore high-top leather mountain climbing boots because nothing else was available. Nowadays, I wear light-weight, low-top trail shoes and love them. BTW, re military issue gear, my first "light weight" boot was an Army issue jungle boot.

[@johnh.2340]

Been using my OD green jungle boots this past week working on clearing logs and brush on a hill side on my property. The Panama soles are great for uphill grip.

[@Worleywoods]

I do love the saying 2 is 1 and 1 is none for fire, water, and shelter. This is as simple as carrying a 3 oz bivy sack, an extra lighter and some water purification tabs. (The bivy is mainly for when I'm leaving base camp for day hikes or summiting)

[@stevefritz5182]

If I didn't hike solo, I wouldn't be able to leave the house.

[@KeeganHikes]

The advice of going "couch to trail" has always been my biggest criticism of thru-hiker's youtube. The injury rate alone is enough for me to advocate against it. Thank you for bringing it up! -Hornet AT '23

[@amysthe-wise-one8493]

RE: needing a PLB (Personal locator beacon) or inreach... I took the lesson of Mitzi Clemons to heart and never hike without one. Rather have it and not need it than need it & not have it. It's worth the 6oz for peace of mind for everyone else and it's there if needed. Her dayhike turned into a worst case scenario. Listening to her daughter months after the fact explain where everything went wrong changed me fully. Your Sawtooth Mountains experience reiterated the wisdom of having one. The MilSurp gear is never the stuff you'd choose for yourself, especially for hiking unless absolutely necessary. (Almost all of mine was second-hand to afford the fun trips!) Back to watching.

[@DrewBoswell]

Regarding training for hiking, the older you are the smarter it is to train for a hike, especially for those of us in our 60s. In general, the more fit you are, the less you'll get overuse injuries.

[@deepsubmergence9357]

That's a big amen, brother. When we were 20 YO we could jump off the couch and go run a half-marathon...those days are over. I maintain a good foundation fitness level year-round by hiking, biking, yoga and indoor rock climbing. But, before I go off and do a week of backpacking or rock climbing, I start more focused training about 6-8 weeks in advance where I increase my workout load, because getting an overuse injury on day 2 of a 10 day outing is a really bad idea.

[@amysthe-wise-one8493]

Given I live at a low elevation, I have to trail for the big mountains - and that starts in August, including oxygen restriction. Not training is begging for injury or worse when going up into the mountains, especially in Winter and Spring. Even then, the only time I'm in boots is winter since my feet need a touch more stability with microspikes.

[@stigcc]

Same with body weight. Chances of injuries increases drastically with weight.

[@SultanofSpey]

It’s called POU. Philosophy of Use. What are you doing? Why are you doing it? What environment are you operating in and for how long? I guarantee I can live off what’s typically in my pockets for 2-3 days. It won’t be fun or comfortable, but it will get done. Backpacking on KZbin and particularly on channels like yours is not about backpacking truly, rather it seems to be about getting from one place to the next often as quickly as possible. My POE never aligns with speed per se, and if it does, it’s a relatively short distance up to about 20 miles. Since my primary purpose or POU for backpacking is extreme solitude, no one is coming for me if things go wrong. For me, two is always one. I always have backup systems for all priorities of life: thermoregulation via clothing, shelter and fire, water procurement and disinfection, navigation, signal, first aid, snd food. I’m just out there alone doing as I please rarely on a trail so I’m not backpacking really.

[@jumpingjbug]

The rain gear is a biggie. I live in the Pacific Northwest and it's amazing how many people go hiking in the Olympic rainforest and don't bring rain gear because "it's the middle of summer, it won't rain". It's called a rainforest for a reason folks.

[@Paulie55]

Goose here AT thu-hike 1997. Good advice Dixie. When I started my hike way back when it was my first ever backpacking trip. In other words I had not done one single day of backpacking in my life. But, was very fit and somewhat prepared. Learned most lessons the hard way and really fast. Most important things for me was it’s going to be hard thru hiking so ya’ll need to toughen up mentally. But It doesn’t have to be hell on earth. Enjoy, go slow at first. Obviously keep your weight as low as possible. Just do what you can handle for the first month or two. And, enjoy every single day on some level. It’s gonna be all right. Have fun. I hated 20 mile days. I loved weekends in town. 50% pain for 50% pleasure. Remember that cause it’s pretty accurate. But I watch videos of folks hiking the AT in four or five months these days. Doesn’t make any sense to me. You’re taking a vacation from reality. Enjoy yourself. I did my thru hike in 6 1/2 months and had lots of fun. What’s the bloody hurry? Well, the rest of your life you can stress about numbers. 40 hours a week. 8 hours a day whatever. When you’re thu hiking you’re free. Do what you want. Keep the goal in mind and have fun. Will be the best accomplishment of your life. Nobody will ever take that away from you. Believe it.

[@VinceFowler]

7 years Infantry, 4 of those in an active airborne unit. I stopped carrying 99% of my military issued gear after a few backpacking trips. Today - it’s all light weight gear, 18lb base weight in the spring, summer, and fall, and a 20lb base weight in winter. Military Motto: Pack light, freeze at night. Ultra light motto: pack light, move fast AND stay warm, even at night. 😉

[@JamiesCaniacManiac]

I (as stated) was in the military & started off using my old issued gear for backpacking but couldn’t wait to replace that heavy crap. & before you switch to trail runners/ zero droppers throughly test. Great vid

[@backpacker3421]

Backup water treatment is a very good idea. Personally, I bring tablets as a backup (enough for a week unless it's a short trip), because it's a very light and small option, and because I worry that if my filter gets frozen or craps out early in a trip, I'll run out of fuel and then be SOL for both food and water.

[@frstesiste7670]

I always distrust advice in sores, REI and others. Not because it's bad but because I don't know the background of the employee, and also because they might be influenced by store policy about the products to recommend. That said, I've gotten lots of good advice in stores - but you have to know when to listen and when to ignore it. Also, people working in stores can have knowledge about how many returns they get (and why) on products which is info that's hard to find elsewhere.

[@sofort99]

"Military grade" means designed by an incompetent committee that will never have to use it and then built by the lowest bidder.

[@josephmartin1540]

Ms Dixie, loved this! Best briefing that I've heard in a LONG time. I do enjoy a good briefing from someone who DOES know what they are talking about! PS. Ditched the boots by the early to mid 1970s, because they were just bad for everything, including hurting my ankles. Reckon they were great when they were the best technology - like for my Grandpa in the Great War! Might still be useful for backpacking if on a trail where one might run into horizontal Punji Sticks...

[@ulibredulli]

My kid recently went to the dolomites and the tourist information recommended boots because the gorge they were hiking had sharp stones in ankle height. Luckily a good shoe store helped us find some that didn't need breaking in

[@nancycompagnie6500]

about not taking your shoes of...i just walked 3 months from my home to Santiago (not the same as a thru hike, i know 🙂), i took my shoes of and stuck my feet in a creek or something like that every time i had the chance. I carried a small microfiber towel in my front pocket. The cold water took away any fatigue 🙂

[@robwoodring9437]

Military issues cotton base layers. Tells you most of what you need to know on this subject.

[@SophisticatedDogCat]

But how else can I get people to thank me for my service while on the trail?

[@robwoodring9437]

@@SophisticatedDogCat fackin lol. Good one!

[@doctorrachel]

The Marines taught me that “cotton kills” and my issued baselayer was polypropylene during cold weather training.

[@robwoodring9437]

@@doctorrachel and the army guys make crayon jokes about the marines.....It seems those jokes ought to shift to the proper branch, eh?

[@Joab38]

REI! I did wear the green vest for a few years and ROFLMAO... When I'm in Really Expensive Inc these days and hear employees recommending gear, I often have to bite my fist and walk away. Boots - a pound on the foot equals three on the back. Unless you're carrying a ton of weight, like hiking out a deer carcass, you don't need that support. Re: zero drop, I used to roll my ankles all the time. When I switched to zero drop, it never happened again. Another wonderful channel video!

[@caldera6869]

So about "broken-in" footwear. I see this as good advice, because a day ot two into a hike is not the time to find out a new shoe/boot you bought doesn't work, fit, or feel as nice as it did in the store. Especially if most of your audience are newer to the activity, it could be arguably dangerous suggesting there is no need to put a few miles on new footwear before setting off to the mountains. If you knoe a shoe that works for your feet, and are just replacing a set, is the o ky context in whixh i agree with your advise on this. Aside, I didnt realize Trail runners becanr so popular. I discovered them about 15 years ago and have not turned back. Winter/deep snow...just add gators.

[@Brittle_sees]

Love this!!! The only time I like boots is if it's rocky because I often shove my feet between rock and bump into stuff so it literally stop rocks from smashing my ankles. They don't give me any extra stability or better walking ability.

[@kristymoore7052]

I’m sixty. I started hiking with my backpack😮 everywhere and anywhere I could starting in February in anticipation of my JMT thru hike this past summer. I finished recent,ly and it was the HARDEST thing I’ve done in my life, had not trained, I may have failed. Starting out, out of shape, may be doable, but prob less than enjoyable.

[@gregsmith9125]

Improvise, adapt, overcome every hiking adventure. Carry the gear for each trip that you need. Each hike is going to require changes in gear so the best setup is items that can provide multi uses. Weight vs Light weight for me depends on the time and distance. So all your advice is great from your video. It is up to every individual hiker to make the correct choice for what they are going to be doing. These videos are great for people to refresh their memories.

[@KD7QOW-np9gd]

Hiking boots are very necessary if you're doing a lot of steep bushwhacking and scrambling off trail like I do, but if you're staying on maintained tread, they are a bit overkill.

[@Jack-ol8bb]

Yea I backcountry hunt and sturdy boots are key when carting a heavy pack on rugged, off-trail terrain; but I’m in trail runners for any hike on a well maintained trail

[@mattsstuff1268]

This was a very good video. I appreciate the tendency to focus on data-based decisions rather than common assumptions. So often common advice has no basis in science.

[@danshaffer5916]

I have ALWAYS appreciated your practical approach and advice. I’m also appreciative of your overall philosophy to find out what works for you. I’ve followed you for years and you are the best.

[@Theegreygaming]

the advice to stop and air out your feet is definitely military advice. service members of all branches are given boots, not ultra-light trail runners that are well vented, so it is an absolute must that you stop and at the very least change out your socks at least once a day. for backpackers the basic difference in their gear means this is less important, but I would argue that it also depends on how you have your shoes and socks set up. if you have ultra tight fitting socks like Darn toughs, it's hard enough to get your feet in them when they're dry and not swollen, so point taken there, but if you're using something a little looser, like Pacas, then it's not nearly as hard to get your socks back on. the same for shoes, if you don't have your shoes set up with some sort of semi-permanent lacing then you can always loosen them to get your feet back in them and tighten the lacing down again. there's also a difference in risk factor between dry hiking when it's cool (little sweat), dry hiking when it's hot (lots of sweat), or wet hiking (lots of water, mud, and other debris inside your shoes). for the milsurp debate. militaries usually issue gear based on very specific combat environments, but they also try to plan for every possible situation at the same time (2 is 1, 1 is none type mentality), but durability is the primary concern, not weight savings, that's why military packs are historically over 70 pounds(and that's pre-body-armor). people who say if it's good enough for the military, it's good enough for me, I would wager are either ex-military, or still on active duty, and are familiar with the equipment and physical fitness requirements to use it, or are completely ignorant and just do it as a point of pride (well if I can pack 70 pounds of gear 30 miles over 3 days, I'm pretty much already a Marine, type mentality). personally if I was backpacking in milsurp gear it would be because I'm specifically looking for a challenge and unique experience, not because I think it's better. for training. there's some truth to that, however, you need a physical fitness baseline. if you live a completely sedentary lifestyle at sea level, you probably shouldn't be strapping 35-50 pounds of gear to yourself and high rough mountainous terrain over 5000 feet, bad things will happen. but if you're already pretty active, gym, walking, hiking, etc, and you're already aclimatized to the general altitudes you're going to be hiking, sure training may be an unnecessary step.

[@PeterLyons-x4f]

I love hiking and working in Altras. I hike in the White Mountains of New Hampshire using the Lone Peak All Weather Mids and I think there great.

[@bigizzysworld4253]

You should also fill your hiking shoes with dirt from your front yard. That way you don’t miss home!

[@jeffreycarman2185]

😂

[@jamesadams2334]

Good video Dixie! Good info. I, myself cannot wear trail runners. They just destroy my feet. I have tried several companies and models even the companies that other shoe work for me. I just can't find trail runners that work but, I don't wear heavy hiking boots. I have found that low, light hikers do work for me, and they are close to the weight of the trail runners. The slightly thicker soles stop the injuries that I was getting prior. Think what you want to hike with beforehand and then experiment. I did 2 thru hikes of the A.T. and wore my sunglasses just one day out of both hikes and I also carried a very small knife and never used it either hike.......but I do carry my liter of whiskey.🤣 BTW, hikers are fortunate going to my local REI for advice. That location has 2 past A.T. thru hikers and a 4 time A.T. thru hiker working there.

[@backpacker3421]

Ankles and knees both... if you have stability issues, the best solution is usually strengthening the muscles that work those joints. 30 years in the military, and I can say with confidence that even 9 inch tall combat boots do very little to stop you from rolling your ankle. And I only use boots if I'm going to spending the majority of a trip over the snow elevation - and then it's goretex boots with snow gaiters. But that is the only time I've ever found boots to provide any benefit over trail runners.

[@kirkbass7319]

It was due to your advice in a past video, that I started using Altra hiking shoes. I have used their All Weather high tops on several overseas trips and local hikes. The wide toes are a major selling point. They were my only shoes in England and Scotland. I love them. I have some problems with plantar faciitis and also some metatarsalgia. Inserts have helped. My wife decided to try some Altras after hearing me talk about them. She loved them on our England hikes! Now she is a convert! Thanks for your continued advice!

[@RagtimeBillyPeaches]

About twenty years ago I had an REI employee tell me that: "This pack is the only one you should have. I carried seventy-five pounds to Lake Winnemucca for an overnight last weekend." Lake Winnemucca is about three miles south of Carson Pass, along the PCT and TYT. I thanked the salesman for his suggestion, and moved away. In the REI shoe department, I also had a salesman tell me that: "These are the boots for you, all the firemen wear them."

[@HitechProductions]

I still remember the look on the REI sales persons face when I said I wanted to try out a pack with 100 lbs in it... uh, uh, uhm, I can't do that. Maybe 50? 😎 It was my first internal frame pack. I had no idea how to adjust it. Her hands few across the straps and it fit perfectly. I didn't touch the adjusting straps for years. 😉

[@airo30]

I am a firefighter. And I would never wear my fireman boots for anything else than fireman related things... these boots are horrible!

[@StevenSmith-y1e]

Might cause a "stink" here especially from Ms Dixie. I did a lot of 3 day trips in the 80's and early 90"s. After SEVERAL trips I got to looking at what weighted so much. Turned out I was carrying almost a pound of coffee,cream,sugar,salt,pepper which I just never used. Coffee in the trail just wan not in my schedule

[@user-lv7zk3cv6t]

A thru hike will train you, but you have a higher likelihood of failing if you are not previously conditioned, either due to injury or giving up due to the difficulty.

[@ArswieWaende]

Thank you for all the good advices/suggestions.! It is much appreciated🥰. I personally would add 2 more items as exceptions of the "no redundancy-rule", especially when hiking remote: Navigation and a second lighter.

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Yes! I should’ve included those.

[@iChefTheImpossible]

I love trail runners for rucking or hiking. For my big hilly and rocky backpacking trips I prefer my hiking boots. Also it is usually muddy and cold when you stop.

[@alanwatts5445]

Love your channel. Trying to get my grandkids to watch so we can go backpacking when they are older. But... Footwear is a VERY individual thing. Try more than one thing to figure out what works for you. Every serious ankle injury I have had, I was wearing running shoes or trail runners. For serious hiking/ backpacking I always wear high top boots. Granted, I have abandoned the heavy, stiff, leather boots of my youth for much lighter and more comfortable gear. When I was in the Army, I always had about half a dozen items in my ruck that I purchased on my own. Some items were so popular you could find them in the PX. Now retired, there are 4 or 5 items in my backpack that are military equipment. Military stuff is not good just because it is military, but it is not bad just because it is military.

[@VincentHarrydragonphire]

I think the idea of "better to have it when you need it than to need it and not have it" is not bad advice. I think the problem you describe is defining what is "needed". The spirit of this advice is around life saving items not extra pillows.

[@paulsmart5199]

Disagree...I've seen so many folk saying not to carry bear spray. Nope I'd rather have it and not need it

[@davidnickell9381]

Informative video. I am often in wilderness areas in the U..S. I have both a civilian compass and a military compass. The civilian compass is definitely simpler to use. But I have owned several civilian compasses, but only one Camenga. It is far more durable and there is no problem with bubbles because it is not liquid filled. I think that is an important distinction between them.

[@conniesrawsomekitchen]

congrats!!!! UR always an iNSPIRATION TO ME AND MY DAUGHTER!

[@Vellzi]

Great video! Loved the military stuff part. I've always hated that attitude of "It's good enough for the military!" The military isn't (generally) prioritising the absolute possible best, it's taking the most efficient and effective option that works en masse.

[@frankhupp7402]

Thanks for the informational reply.

[@skyking1516]

This is an excellent collection of... advice :-). The only thing I think you missed is a backup item that can be a matter of life and death: if you need (emphasis: need) corrective lenses, then please carry backup corrective lenses. In addition, I would advise a couple of things to minimize the likelihood of losing items while you hike: 1) Develop the habit of "policing" an area when you get up to leave, i.e. when you stand up after taking a break, you should pause and scan the area to make sure that you are not leaving anything behind.

[@skyking1516]

2) Be organized! Pack everything in your pack in a systematic/logical way that you have developed. This might involve the use of multiple small/light stuff sacks or ditty bags.

[@Weathernerd27]

Some of my former military friends never want to go backpacking again after their experiences in the military which is a shame some of my best memories are backpacking. After carrying an excessively heavy poorly fit pack through a flat boring scorching desert constantly worried about being shot/mined I don't blame them. Hiking is so much more fun when you have well fitting pack thats only 30-40 lbs and are going through beautiful terrain in cool temperatures. I have gone out for up to a week at time with a 30-40lb pack and been comfortable it can be done.

[@diamondeyethunderbow5678]

Not getting shot at helps a lot too.

[@Weathernerd27]

I'd pack even lighter if ultralight gear didn't cost a small fortune. But the 30-40 lbs is light enough to where I can still somewhat enjoy the trip.

[@Roland14d]

03:00 It is still common for certain types of soldiers to ditch military issue gear and get lighter civilian equipment.

[@ChrisSunHwa]

My mom and I have had a busy and rather stressful day. It was so nice to see the notification for this video tonight! Thank you so much, Dixie! It's just what we needed! 🥰🥰🥰

[@nowyouareoneofus9684]

Some very good advice here. Especially the waiting for somebody else part. Undertaking a trip like this (or f.e. a lont roadtrip) fined with a pendulum momentum which is very personal. My exoerience is that having yiue own rythmn outweighs the company and safety part.

[@martharunstheworld]

Everyone is different when it comes to shoes. I LOVE Atra trail running shoes! I can only wear zero drop shoes. But remember, if you have never worn zero drop, you may have to take your time to get used to them. I've seen a lot of videos where the hiker or trail runner, has problems because they are putting way too much mileage on their trail running shoe without getting used to the zero drop. If you want a zero drop trail running shoe as a hiker or trail runner, get used to them first. Don't give up the trail running shoes you already have, try out the Altras off and on.

[@Pygex]

Greetings from Finland! I agree on the military gear except for the backpack, but then again I also do a lot of hunting and Savotta just makes the best modular stuff. I have a couple sizes of Savotta made backpacks with some pouches as well (military quality, they make all the stuff for our military as well) so I can always have the smallest pack that holds all my gear for the trip with no rattling gear. While the packs are not the lightest, it is certain that they will not break on me no matter how much abuse they go through in a thick brush. The most important aspect of the backpack is the fit. If it doesn't fit your body it doesn't matter how much it weighs, it is not going to be a pleasant carry. For boots, I totally recommend barefoot shoes for 3.5 seasons. The only time I don't recommend them is when you have a lot of partially melting snow that you have to walk through. The soles on the barefoot shoes are too thin and flexible for that so when the snow suddenly gives way under your feet you will smack your feet and toes against uneven ice, rock and branches all the time. However, if it is proper wintertime I just use my winter barefoot shoes with woolen socks no problem. Nevertheless, if you are not familiar with barefoot shoes don't go straight into big hikes with them, you gotta build up some feet muscles with them first with regular daily activities or you can injure yourself. I don't know who gave the German advice of not taking off your shoes during a hike. When I did my obligatory service in Finland we were told to pause every 50min for 10min and swap between two pairs of socks whenever needed to have dryer feet and let the swapped out pairs air dry a bit while walking. For the rain gear I always have this rain poncho in my bag that can be used as a rain jacket/poncho but it also has the tarp metal rings around the edges where I have some paracord already in place so I can also make a quick shelter out of it. This came in handy last summer when I was out with the kids and we got surprised by a short intense rain storm. For saving with weight, I am a big fan of multi purpose gear, just like my rain poncho. If it can be used for more than one thing, it's OK for it to not be ultra light.

[@apsynto]

I'm there with you on backpacks! Jaakari M(with or without Hatka)for 3.5 seasons and L for deep snow and low low temperatures. I usually have my barefoot shoes with me on longer trecks but use them mostly around the camp to give my feet a break and for water crossings. Unless the trails are really good and smooth I don't feel comfortable with them for any great distances

[@angelarodriguez8118]

Going to be fitted at a running shoe store is my advice. I’m an endurance runner I actually don’t hike 😂 but I love this channel so much! I think I would like to try a through hike because I do love putting time on feet:)

[@williamcarothers8385]

Use what works for you and stay safe and have fun on your next adventure.

[@mmgee]

“Oorah” Dixie! ‘But I did stayed in a Holiday Inn Express last night’

[@2cofitb]

The military carries ammo. That’s why the pack is heavy. Otherwise it’s “pack light, freeze at night”. Military advice is not for fun.

[@3nertia]

I mean, to be fair, if you're sleeping comfortably then you might be too sound asleep to notice an incoming ambush xD

[@doms.6701]

The pack is heavy for many reasons besides the ammo.

[@jhaas68865]

When I was in the pack issued was the duffel bag. A giant sack with support and two shoulder straps. That was it unless you were in certain roles. The gear issued even for training was heavy for what it should have been. Sleeping bags being one and we did not have sleeping pads. The first training exercise I did we had mummy bags to use in our tents on cots. Sounds great but the cot allows air flow with compressing the bag and killing the thermal layer below.

[@griffcrammond6640]

The other part of ''pack light, freeze at night is: pack heavy, get all sweaty.''

[@doms.6701]

@griffcrammond6640 never understood the "pack light, freeze at night" motto. I love winter backpacking and my pack weighs 30ish pounds. Slept in 5°F comfortably, and not with an expensive ultralight bag haha.

[@vinightshade6026]

5:55 was majestic

[@annonone93]

In defense of the boot, I love hiking in my Doc’s (not a military boot). I know it’s not designed to be a true hiking boot but for me it keeps my feet dry and it breathes enough. I have joint instability and roll my ankles (sometimes I do it passively when I’m just standing around). Having the high ankle really helps when I’m hiking and an ankle roll happens (cuz it will happen). It’s not painful for me it just means I have to be careful of how I’ll fall or where I’ll fall. Also the wider toe box is so much better your feet. If the shoe is pointed at the tip it’s hindering your foot. Also I hate debris in my shoe and gators would be a sensory nightmare for me that would block stuff from getting in the shoe. But this is me. Plus my boots helped my plantar fasciitis that was persistent for over a year. I no longer have issue when I wear my boots. I do joint exercises and work on ankle strengthening but that comes with the territory of have joint instability

[@PassifloraCerulea]

Here's a question for you (and other boot wearers): do you wear boots every day, around town? I wonder because I never wear boots except for the brief period I tried to hike in some. I had a horrible time because they made my feet feel "stupid" but I wonder if that's at least in part because I never wore boots unless I was literally on the trail. Like not even driving to the trailhead 😅

[@annonone93]

@@PassifloraCerulea yes, but I also at work when I’m on production floor need to wear safety boots. I used to have to wear safety boots with met guards too (different job), so my doc’s (not the safety toe ones) are much less clunky even compared to work boots. The only time I don’t wear boots is if I’m lazy and put flats on or slide for work (or need to dress up a bit) or working out at the gym. I get boots aren’t for everyone tho cuz they can be clunky but the big thing everyone should have regardless if it’s a boot is have a wide toe box shoe.

[@PassifloraCerulea]

​@@annonone93 Yeah...very interesting. I remember college friends who absolutely loved their Doc's, so it's not all that surprising that you can hike in them just fine. And I'm all about wide toe boxes too. Altra was a breath of fresh air when I first tried a pair on-widest toe box I'd ever worn! Could have been roomier still to make my baby toes happier, and I heard they may have come under fashion-induced pressure to narrow their toe boxes since then, but it was such an amazing difference.

[@chrisc1140]

@@PassifloraCerulea Other boot wearer here, I'm military so I wear boots at work (but I work in an office, so I get the lightest comfiest ones I can for that) so I'm used to the feel. But it also helps that I always wear pants when hiking instead of shorts unless it's hot AND humid so that helps with feeling like it looks weird. ...also I normally keep a comfy pair of shoes in my car for driving to/from the trailhead

[@PassifloraCerulea]

@@chrisc1140 Cool. Also interesting.

[@giro994]

Part of the breaking in of shoes is paying attention to hot spots or minor adjustments that are needed. My La Sportiva boots really did need some breaking in, even without leather. I jumped into a short backpacking trip with them, and had some issues on my feet, especially around the heal of the boot. But since day ~10 with them, they've been pretty good. I've had Asics running shoes for decades, and don't really need any break-in time with a new pair of them. Buying my first set of Brooks Cascades, I used them on a couple trail days before a backpacking trip. They did fine, but I needed to adjust the laces a bit. It seems like it goes with your lesson of going in without training. If you go in with new shoes or boots, pay more attention to any little problem, and fix/mitigate or rest if needed.

[@JV-ko6ov]

From whar ive seen is no one has any idea the best type of footwear is best for wet/cold weather

[@sagehiker]

The thumbnail today was hilarious. Rain gear sized big enough to fit over my synthetic puffy has been a lifesaver and major comfort item in daily use in desert winter or Rockies in summer.

[@deepsubmergence9357]

Except in winter conditions, I wear trail runners to backpack all of the time. I just wrapped-up the Snowdonia Way and a section of the Brecon Beacons in Wales a few weeks ago. When I was packing my gear I vacillated between wearing trail runners and Gore-tex boots. Like Scotland, it rains A LOT in Wales. We had only 4 dry days in 3 weeks on the trail with more water crossings than I can count. Also, ankle-deep bogs and water cascading down the trails were a daily occurrence. For those trail conditions, I was super glad I wore my La Sportiva Gore-tex boots. I've spent thousands of dollars on trying out different shoes and the La Sportiva's fit my foot and how I walk better than anything else I've tried. My trail runners, rock climbing shoes, mountaineering boots and hiking boots are all L.S. and now I know precisely what size to order and styles to get so that my feet no longer suffer.

[@sdevans2]

I think the most useful skill gained in the military that crosses over to backpacking is land navigation. So many rely on electronics without basic map and compass skills. But agreed on military gear. “Military grade” isn’t exactly a compliment lol.

[@Alex-od7nl]

ah, now you are a true thru-hiker. all great advice.

[@toryevanss4512]

I love REI, but I don't ever ask for advice there. I'm sure they have some great people, but somewhere around 2007 I went there for my first backpacking pack and they sold me a smaller-capacity men's backpack - I'm a 5'3 lady. I didn't use it that often so it took me years to realize how much more comfortable I could be in a pack that fit me correctly! As popular as Altras are, I've made peace with the fact that I'm someone who needs that 12mm drop. Love my Soloman trail runners as well as my Brooks Ghosts for off-trail. I used to think I needed the ankle support of hiking boots, but it's absolutely true that I've managed to twist my ankles while wearing them lots of times. What really made a huge difference for me was TREKKING POLES. I do have a pair of waterproof boots I wear in winter when it's very cold and wet and I know I"m going to be walking through puddles or shallow streams.

[@walter772]

Great advice Dixie and very helpful! Thank You!

[@HitechProductions]

I hate trailrunners when hiking. My ankles tend to hurt and there is no protection for my ankles when slamming them into rocks. I've also never twisted an ankle in boots, but I have in non-boots. I "feel" the side of he boot pressing into my leg when my ankle is exceeding its limits. I do use lightweight boots that just cover my ankles. All that said, I convinced my wife to try trailrunners after using boots on one trip. She always uses trailrunners now. We are all different.

[@jazziered142]

I think the key thing is you have to figure out what works best for you, and not follow other people's advice as a hard line you have to do.

[@annonone93]

I agree completely with you. I love hiking in my doc and people think I’m crazy for picking those. I have the same issues you pointed out

[@PaulEgges]

@@jazziered142 Exactly, I have less foot issues with Trail Runners, but then I never have ankle issues. I find boots get wet and don't dry, and I have no issues with blisters since I changed to trail runners. If you find boots works better for you then by all means go that route. I don't consider myself a great backpacker, but I have completed the Colorado Trail (480 miles), the Three Passes Trek (100 miles) Nepal and more recently a 50 mile trek in Iceland.

[@PassifloraCerulea]

LOL, what are you doing that you're slamming your ankles into things? When I briefly wore the heavy, thick, stiff boots of yesteryear, I had little sense of my foot placement and it was much easier to twist my ankle. Switching to trail runners I had way better foot placement, and the few times I do place my foot badly I can feel the ground as I'm putting my weight down and I can usually recover before I hurt myself . Sounds like whatever you're wearing lets you do something similar, but I never got the hang of it in the boots I tried.

[@HitechProductions]

@@PassifloraCerulea It happens, and I am very sensitive to even small bumps on my ankles. I'm wearing lightweight "tennis shoe" boots, think Hitechs. The boots I wear have the same soles as trail runners and I can feel the ground as well in them. I get the added ankle protection, feel, and I believe support. Since I've had such good luck over the last 40+ years I'm sticking with them. 😉 My first pair of hiking boots were the traditional leather things with the thick vibram soles. I quit wearing them after I put them on a scale! I think together they weighed more than my empty pack! I still have them and they are in great shape 40 years later. They have very low mileage. 😂

[@pixelpoppyproductions]

Loved the discussion on shoes specifically! Strengthen your feet - not your shoes.

[@chrisc1140]

15:00 this is why I take my entire 60L bag on all my day hikes 😎 Okay _really_ it's to help make sure I'm used to the weight, and it's not _all_ my day hikes. Sometimes I just want to put in miles instead. But especially when I'm starting out in the late afternoon after work it's nice knowing that if I get stuck out I'll be fine...except for my sleeping bag. I throw in a random like $30 felt bag instead of constantly compressing down my nice down bag.

[@johncartmell1129]

Great vid, one of your best imo. Every newer hiker should see this. 👏👏👏👏

[@peterweller3575]

As many said, it depends on the person and the terrain. I use trail runners. For trail running. For what I call hiking, what would be closer to mountaineering for most here if I get the coments right, I use boots. That were the classic leather boots of the period back when I started. What's good for the military is good for me. Yes. Fiddled around with some military boots. German standard issue for hot climate were good, but the first ones in decades to give me blisters. Same supplier, british specs and they're the best I ever had. Light and durable. Another pair is made by german fed police specs. A bit heavier, but also suitable for motorcycling on my "bike and hike" trips. Telling from all the scruffs my boots have, the trailrunners would not have lasted long. But we are talking Alps, especially Dolomites around 3000m here. Also, I had the fanciest rain jackets for years. Smiled at the guy from the military who showed up with a military poncho for rain gear. Gave it a try later on and I won't go back. Aside from the other uses for that piee of kit. Oh, and my old school german military pants. They outlasted almost everything I had and are still going on. Lightweight stuff clings to the legs whenever the get wet for some reason. The military ones are "stiff", so they do not touch much of the skin. Wet pants? No problem! Bottom line: I know both and use it according to the terrain I will be facing. But "all military gear sucks" is utter nonsense to me.

[@jonathangauthier3549]

I really appreciate this video and the content therein. I'm not an ultralighter, nor a military fetishist, nor am I anywhere close to being in good shape. I'm a fat guy looking for my own balance of creature comforts and minimal weight to stay motivated to go out there and hike, camp and hunt. I watch primitive survival techniques, people like Dave Canterbury, as well as hikers like yourself and Miranda Goes Outside to get a better idea of what I ACTUALLY need vs what I can build, burn or use as a multipurpose item. For me, I'm seeing that everything is a balance and a compromise. I should bring a lighter AND a ferrocerium rod to be able to make fire. I should have 2 ways to make fire (burning wood and a camping stove) in case of fire bans. I should have a way to filter AND purify water chemically or by boiling. I need extra cordage. I need a knife, a multitool, a couple light sources, sleep gear, protective clothing (like a rain jacket or poncho), and my hunting gear. It all gets to be a little excessive, even though it's all basic necessities. That's where having some knowledge of primitive survival are helpful to cut down on weight, at the expense of instant convenience. I totally agree that military gear SUCKS! As a teenager, I was in peri-military organization known as Cadets. It was basically scouts for poor kids with a love for military surplus gear. Everything was super heavy and cumbersome, and definitely caused me more pain than was needed. They also made us wear combat gear which chafed and added extra weight. So I 100% agree that "what's good enough for the military is good enough for me" is utter bull plop! I also can't afford the high end hiking equipment, so I have to get creative. Basically, I'm trying to find a nice middle ground. Maybe my ranting can give you ideas for future videos? If not, it felt good to air my opinions. Best of luck and thank you

[@tomwolf9420]

Big thanks for suggesting the Topo Athletic Terraventur 4! I was a die-hard Altra guy but tho I didn’t had zero drop issues I felt every pebble through them. The Topos do much better in this realm.

[@sirguy104]

Good video. People don't understand that back packing is different from soldering.

[@myself248]

Instructions unclear, brought a roll of 63/37 RMA and I'm not sure which pocket this is supposed to go in...

[@WagonWheels707]

+1 for locators and day hikes. We get more calls to the boyscout trail than any other. 5 miles total but lots of roots and trip hazards. As far as I can remember we've been called once for actual backpackers since joining SAR a few years back.

[@Siamotutti161]

I think the Germam Military guy confused something. In the swiss military they taught us to not take of the boot in case of an injury like a broken bown or a strain in the foot. There is the problem of swelling and the Idea is that the highe show would provide some stability until one would reach a save place and could get proper medical care. And as far as I know it is that sentiment that is also though in Germany. However people are just bad at remembering instructions.

[@celuria4481]

HOLLERING at the REI one. When I was getting into backpacking, I had a friend who worked at REI, and I asked them about fabrics and stuff. and, naturally, they recommended something made out of merino wool. We live in Florida. Unless I feel like going on a multi-week long trip (which I don't have the vacation time to do frequently) most of my backpacking and hiking will be in- you guessed it! -florida. Florida tends to be 2 things: hot, and humid. Wool has the benefit of keeping you warm even when it's wet, which is the opposite of what you want here. "cotton kills" may apply in places with low humidity, but there's barely a 10 degree difference in the hottest time of the day and the coolest, here. lows under 60 are uncommon, even in the winter, and if it gets down to freezing, it makes the news. You want something that's breathable and dries quick here. Cotton's great, but when you see pictures of Steve Irwin (australia has a similar climate to ours) he's wearing linen, which is less common, but even more breathable than cotton. Wool? You'd be out of your mind to wear wool here. you have to have respect for nature, and the climate in which you're hiking. there's knowing the gear, and then there's knowing how the gear will be used, and boy howdy did my friend have one but not the other.

[@sigmav7100]

Great comments, especially regarding REI!

[@Karen-dq8nw]

Although I agree about not having to break in trail runners, I do always wear any new shoes multiple times before going out on a remote trail. Sometimes that particular pair will have a defect, like a sharp edge on a seam, that can cause problems. Better to know it and exchange them before you go.

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Good advice!

[@dogbark100]

OMG how do you keep up the new content? Long time backpacker and subscriber… loved this and agree.👍