How To Backpack And Be Safe - 4 Tips

[@DanBecker]

What are some ways you stay safe on the trail? Let us all know your sweet tips!!

[@hikingtochange7589]

I always have my 38 special. Yes I have a concealed carry permit and I only hike where I know it’s legal to carry.

[@DanBecker]

That’s all good! I teach CCW classes

[@kimrobb1965]

I take my inReach and if it’s a sketch trail I open carry here in Oregon 👍🏼

[@jordanebling2138]

Garmin inreach can help ya stay safe...I just got the mini haven't even turned it on yet ....you mess with any of these yet Dan? I'm excited to try out this weekend

[@mdheinze57]

Don't keep your food at your campsite! Hang it high in a tree (or buy an ursack) and keep it a good 100+ feet away from where you're sleeping. If you're camping in brown bear country, go one step further and cook in a separate location as well. Nocturnal visits from bears aren't usually dangerous but they're not very fun either.

[@Silkstep]

My first First Aid kit weighed over a pound. Now it weighs about 3-4 ounces and has all I need. I always have a few Vaseline soaked cotton balls and slivers of Fatwood to start a fire with one of my two BIC lighters. Shove a nice fatwood sliver through the cotton ball for nice smelling hot tinder that has never failed me. I always carry a compass, and mainly use it to determine where the Sun/Moon will rise or set, and a paper map. I also carry a small Victorianox Swiss Army knife with the tiny little scissors-great for clipping off a broken fingernail or trimming a piece of dyneema repair tape for a patch. Always comes in handy.

[@GubbioGear]

I hope you and the kids rock those fanny packs in the backcountry! Thank you, Dan!!! 🤘😎🤘 BRINGIN' IT BACK FROM THE 80'S!!!!

[@DanBecker]

They are AWESOME! Love it!!

[@linhovenden]

Subscribed, cool stuff!

[@josephjamison5007]

I carry an Inreach, I send a message to my wife from where my truck is parked, and again from camp each night so there is a pattern of my movement in case something happens. In addition to messaging and emergency messages, it also gives me weather and allows my wife and others to track me. I also enjoy having a track of my trip for later. Paired with my phone I can leave it in my pack and access it with my phone via Bluetooth. This day and age, I would consider it irresponsible not to have some type of satellite communicator or PLB in the backcountry especially if you have young kids with you. In the case of an emergency, it will reduce response time exponentially.

[@midlifeadventures391]

Excellent tips Dan. I think to be safe you need to first identify the real dangers. A great backpacker saying is, "you pack your fears". The key is to figure out which fears are justified and which ones are imagined.

[@JJ-mf8ru]

Learn first aid and get certified. It doesn't take much to accomplish this, but the knowledge will greatly increase your confidence level. Not only will you learn to use the stuff contained in first aid kits, you may very well be that person who can help others in case of an emergency.

[@adamfleck956]

And that knowledge adds zero weight to your backpack.

[@Chriztina97]

Fanny packs are awesome. For safety: trekking poles have saved me during some nasty falls! I would not hike without them. Bear spray is on my safety list too. I recently got a Garmin inReach. I solo hike in places without cell service. It gives me good piece of mind.

[@lonniekruse5562]

one thing i always do with out fail is bring my cooking pot and spoon in my tent , clean for sure.and yes the bear will almost kill its self trying to get away when i start playing the drum like a mad man...i even had one run and jump in to the lake and swim to the other side at 2am ...Im in the tahoe forest ca. where bears are part of your trip...LonnieRay

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello my hiking friend, thank you for sharing another fine video. I use the 5 P's procedure: Prior planning prevents poor procedure. I always bring a fire kit which contains the following: fero rod which also includes a magnesium strip, regular matches, waterproof matches, cotton balls with vaseline, a zip lock with dryer lint, small chips of fire starter, alcohol fuel from my alcohol stove. Depending on fire conditions and weather, I bring an emergency highway flare (as a last resort). You take care out there. Look forward to see you on the next one. 🤗

[@USMC6976]

Put that flare where you can get to it quickly. It works better then bear spray. Even a grizzly will respect it.

[@alexanderweaver9182]

Great video, Dan! Just a couple ideas: (1) add a large clean bandana (or a shemagh) to your first aid kit to use on large bleeders, as a tourniquet, as a sling, etc. The wound or injury will help you determine its use. If a tourniquet is applied make sure a notation is made on the victim's forehead if he or she is unconscious. A visible "T" is sufficient. Keep a large magic marker in your first aid kit. (2) I carry a small burlap sack with various fire tinder including trioxane, fatwood, magnesium shavings, etc.in case natural resources are too moist from rain or even dew. Ignition sources include a Bic, storm-proof matches and striker board in a waterproof container, ferrocium rod and a magnifying glass (mine is on a Suunto MC2 compass). I always include a well maintained survival kit in my pack. On occasion I do carry a Simple Shot sling with 3/8 ammo or a Ruger but only for protection or warning device to the two legged idiots who seem bent on destruction. I've encountered numerous wild animals but only once did I feel threatened by a mountain lion. During hunting season either wear something bright orange or at least carry it on your pack. On a set of trekking poles I wrapped two inch orange duck tape on each one. If you hike solo never wear earbuds but stay "tuned" to your environment; hard to hear a charging animal if you're rocking to Bon Jovi!

[@HIC392]

I keep about 3 feet of duct tape on my treking poles It's there for all the reasons we carry duct tape but it is also a great FIRE STARTER. Take a 2-3 inch piece, rip it into small strips, light it with our Bic lighter we all carry.

[@bearanoia673]

Me too 😁 it's great!

[@michaelmcphee2930]

Me too and on the other pole some medical tape.

[@cavscamping]

When I first started hiking, I carried a trauma kit with a tourniquet, roll gauze, and a bunch of cravats etc. Health care providers are the worst one's to put kits together 😂 My current medical kit has almost the same set up with a more trail practical setup. Safety is so important, but I also think experience is definitely necessary to know what you need on trail.

[@TraumaRNKen]

Thanks for another entertaining and informative video Dan. For fire starters: I take a tin soup can, put it over the stove and melt candle wax in it (any cheap non-scented candle just shaved down). Then I drop the Vaseline soaked cotton balls in it. I talk them out with chopsticks and let them cool on aluminum foil. When you are ready to start a fire you just chop or cut a corner off and twist it to make a candle stick effect. The whole thing will burn off in about five minutes. I have a little baggie with a few of them in my fire kit.

[@jimhill715]

For a fire starter I made mine with a cardboard egg crate. I stuffed dryer lint into each hole and then filled the whole thing with candle wax. I had leftover candle gear so I even added a wick to each. I cut it into 12 starters and keep one or two in my pack in case I ever need to build an emergency fire. Each may weigh an ounce or two and they burn for a long time which is great for starting stubborn wood. A lot less messy than petroleum jelly but a little heavier. I just took my son on his first backpacking trip to Albert Mountain in NC this weekend to hike a few miles on the AT. The weather turned out to be exactly opposite of the forecast. We got Poured on except around noon when the forecast said it would rain. I may have to look into getting a watch like yours that can tell me when the pressure is changing in case the forecast I have is not accurate or changing due to the mountains I'm climbing. Both my son and I had tarp failures that left our hammocks and bags wet. I would be interested in seeing your thoughts on what to look for in a good tarp and how best to hang it. This may have been my 10th time using that tarp (and almost half of those times had rain) but the first time to really fail when I needed it to stay dry.

[@JeremiahStringer]

I like to bring a blow dryer and extension cord to start my fires 🔥 Works like a charm

[@normarinker3245]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@janetstarr9554]

ROFL! Luv y'all Jeremiah Stringer!

[@JeremiahStringer]

Lol. Thank You! Much love @@janetstarr9554

[@duenge]

Genius...pure genius...

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

I took a quick look at Jason's channel and decided to sub. I generally don't start a fire but I do carry impregnated cotton balls and a couple of Esbit Cubes. Thanks for the video.

[@2laughandlaugh]

Hey Dan....I'm subscribed to a few channels( yours included) about hiking and backpacking and your the only one the makes me laugh on a regular basis. Thanks for the humor and all the good tips you give to us fellow backpackers. 😀👍

[@nicholerindom796]

I went over to THE Best Backpacker and subscribed bc of his cool into music. Oh and then I watched a video or 3.

[@felipecastellon4740]

Here in SoCal, last week, there was a couple lost for 5 days. The news said at Mt Baldy. By looking at the news, where they parked and what they were attempting I think they were hiking on Ice House Canyon to Cucamonga peak. They were rescued by SAR. My wife and I did that same hike in late Feb. We turned back when we knew it was too sketchy. Others did as well. I think the most important thing is knowledge acquired with some class like scouting or other classes and experience. If you have things but don't know how to use them or don't use proper judgement. Things go wrong. No one goes out expecting to get lost or run out of nutrition. Knowledge is key. Emergency transponder for when you depleted all other options. Go to a nearby hike that you are familiar with. Use the gear (ten essentials) they don't have to be big until you are sick of doing the same old hike. Then get tired of another hike little by little. Take bigger hikes with experienced people. Be safe and hike on.

[@DanBecker]

Fantastic tips Filepe!!

[@curtislinden9297]

Newbie from Massachusetts but moved to SoCal a few years ago. Just now finding out about backpacking and so excited to take advantage of my close proximity to national parks and forests over here. I’ve been scouring KZbin for videos (against your better wishes ;) but of all the people I have found, I enjoy your energy, perspective and humor the most of anyone I’ve found. Really appreciate you dude! Glad to see 400 views in just 2 hours - you deserve that type of upload response and more! Bless

[@HikingHarter]

Dan, great stuff as always. Here are my top 3 - 1. Research the trail or area. There are a bunch of websites and reviews of trails and I always search KZbin on the area I’m hiking just for some quick tips. 2. Pack a extra meal and a water filter, even for a day hike. You never know if you or someone you are with or meet may be in a situation. I was a Boy Scout so I am always prepared. 3. Bar in InReach or equivalent satellite GPS for emergency communication and tracking. It sets my family’s mind at ease and my own. Just knowing if an emergency arises, rescue is one button away. Oh and for fire, I bring a bic and a fero rod. Keep up the great work -

[@DanBecker]

Great tips, Jim! Thanks for sharing!

[@TheFleetcaptain210]

Great tips. I roll up the Katadyn 0.6 litre BeFree water filter and put it in a day pack pocket. Just in case. Also, if I am doing a longer day hike then I often print out satellite photos from Google maps and put them in a waterproof bag with my trail map. Maps are great, but sometimes knowing what a landmark looks like can help you get oriented.

[@YankeeTankerOutdoors]

#4 is the big winner.. well done dan

[@countrygirl63baker64]

Hi Dan, Fire starter for me is dryer lint, i save it in the winter and use it throughout the year! Works for me😊

[@suspicioustumbleweed4760]

I have a compact flashlight style torch for doing... erm... concentrates and a small bottle of butane. The spark the torch gives even when empty will light a stove and also light petroleum jelly soaked cotton fibers.

[@normarinker3245]

Great video! I also always tell someone approximately when I should return and I research the area. For fire starters I save up dryer lint, toilet paper rolls and thick cardboard. When I'm really bored, I shred up the cardboard and let wax dry on it then cram as much of that and some lint as I can get into a tp roll and cut them in slices. Your videos are always so good. Congrats on the fanny packs, They look really well made!

[@alistairj4851]

Fire starter for me is dryer lint with a good squeeze of alcohol based hand santizer on it. Burns good and strong enough to catch alite even mildly damp twigs.

[@tessareeddesigns1355]

This was perfect timing! I am embarking on my first solo trip this weekend and am nervous!

[@DanBecker]

😮 wow that’s awesome!! I’ve never done a solo before. I just love going with people!!

[@selenajones1712]

Hey u got this ,,,,,,swamp gal here,,, Just think of what you NEED & make your items do double duty,,,

[@TransylvanianHiker]

My favorite is hiking above treeline, so no use for firestarters there :) I make sure to make some noise periodically, especially when the wind is blowing at me (animals won't smell me out) or at dusk and dawn (they are more active). Really cool fanny packs!

[@HikeCamp]

The Russian doll technique....LOL Very cool little packs... I have made a video on this subject as well and posted it a few weeks ago... Well maybe a month. My favorite fire starter is cotton pads with natural color shoe polish (also made a video on that one...lol) . Great tips my friend 100% .

[@leapintothewild]

Number One: Personal Locator Beacon. Period. I’ve carried an ACR for 10+ years, even on local day hikes, but there are Spots, InReach, etc, as well. It’s on my belt so I’ve got it on my body even when I take off my pack. Folks need to wake up to the fact that phones don’t always have service, and batteries die.

[@DollarBlazing]

You forgot to talk about how to stay safe from crazy serial killers that hide in the woods. ;-) . Great video again Dan!

[@DanBecker]

Ha!! 😂😂😂

[@timshel011]

All fun and games until Big Foot gets you! No thanks I'm staying home...

[@DanBecker]

🤣🤣🤣

[@markfletcher8084]

All good info. I would still have something for self protection from two-legged creatures and/or hike/backpack with groups.

[@janetstarr9554]

I think you nailed it!!! My top 5 minimum even for day hikes... #1 let someone know your plans (this has got to be Number One! I send extended family a gps pinpoint from cell phone before we head out) #2 bring a map (Too many times people get lost on a short unplanned day hike!!!) #3 check the weather (Amen! My hubby needs to listen to me on this one. LOL) #4 bring way to collect/purify water (top priority for safety. Got to hydrate without illness) #5 rain jacket or poncho (it rains unexpectedly on mountains, lakes and around Texas) Beyond that... #6 whistle!! (especially for my kids!) #7 pocket knife & flashlight (always on me anyway) #8 duct tape (make badages or provide compression) #9 hand sanitizer (hygiene before eating and after potty breaks prevents illness) #10 fire starter & fuel (i need to do this even on day hikes cause you really never know)

[@chipkormas2840]

Dried corn Cobb's soaked in hit candle wax. Eat the corn and let the Cobb's dry out. They weigh nothing when dry. Dip them in melted wax and them soak a bit up. Again let they dry and pack them away. They burn about 10 to 12 min when lit. More than enough time to get a wet wood fire started. And best of all they are light as can be, not greasy, and I carry them in a small bag with a few shreds of pitchwood and a box lighter. This combo has never let me down

[@leapintothewild]

Chip Kormas I grew up on a farm and my grandad saved old corncobs for his wood stove! 👍

[@TheWasatchGearReview]

Great tips Danno! Always looking forward to your uploads! Esbit and cottonballs my brother.

[@statich1]

You can never go wrong with a Blackbeard fire starter. Compact, super light, no mess, and most importantly...doesn't stink. Cut off what you want and even lights in wet conditions

[@chriseidam7319]

I bring a bit more in my med kit, such as two surgical gloves, an Ace bandage, two feminine panty pads I "borrowed" from my wife for hardcore lacerations, a small variety of adhesive bandages, a few aspirin for a heart attack or stroke, Krazy glue for bad cuts, and antibiotic ointment. (I do not use Tylenol nor Ibuprofen because they promote strokes.) For fires, I carry a Light My Fire knife/ferro rod combo, a pencil sharpener to make stick shavings to start fires (that I idea from Alfie Aesthetics), a Trail Designs gassifying Ti-Tri Caldera wood/Isbit/alcohol stove that doubles as a campfire, a Bic lighter paired with a Hemplights hemp wick dispenser, and a combination bear whistle/thermometer/plastic magnifying glass that can light fires. (You can also use a clean, clear sandwich bag filled with water as a magnifier to start fires.) All of that stuff is light-weight. It is nice not carrying fuel canisters. I will carry either Isbit or alcohol, but not both. But I prefer the wood. For navigation I carry a compass, a paper map, Alltrails and Guthook's apps/and altimeter/compass apps. I also have a nickle-size watchband compass that is very light and convenient. Trekking poles = safety. Wool bed cloths in cold camping = safety. Two extra days' food. I hike in the White Mountains a lot. Leg injuries are common. Bear spray. (This one because my mom bought it for me, insisting I always carry it. It is really for her peace of mind that I carry it. Yeah, she's a worry-wart) Bear canister, which though heavy, is just so much easier and more secure than any bear bags. I use it as a seat in camp. Sunglasses with amber lenses that give shaded trails more definition. Sun block. Roasted garlic I eat to keep away the ticks. Non-toxic bug spray. KT tape. Lastly, a gallon of dark gray enamel paint, so I can paint a tunnel wall on any nearby rock face in case I am being pursued by an overly-aggressive coyote. It sounds like a lot of extra weight to carry. Frankly, it is. It sure knocks me out of the ultralight hiking class. But aside from the gallon of paint, a lot of that stuff gets used and serves double-duty.

[@kan-zee]

2:00 good clip with the Phone !! 2;43 Poor showing☹️ on the *fanny packs* ..we can only see your reaction , but not so much the items you got... 7:24 would be better if you put in some B roll images, of what your talking about...weather examples, clothing layers, Planning routes etc ,

[@DanBecker]

I totally agree! My problem is, no joke, I literally started learning how to use a camera around Thanksgiving of last year! I will definitely work on upping the quality and making better videos with better B roll! Thank you!

[@MiyagiontheTrail]

Esbit cubes smell great also! You can freshen up your pack as you hike. I like to put one in my sleeping bag and one in my clothes bag. Pro-tip! 🤣

[@DanBecker]

🤣🤣🤣 yes they do! They always remind me to never leave dead fish in my backpack!!

[@BackpackingWithJason]

Great tips Dan. I love Jason channel. Best Backpacker is a really cool channel. I bring Wet Wood fire starters. #1 rule is never ever wear a fanny pack 😂🤣😂.

[@curtisscott8546]

My go to fire starter is one that I make. You dip 2", 100% cotton rounds into wax and then let dry. They are waterproof, compact, and cheap (I think I spent $1 for 80 and a few cents for the amount of wax used). When you want to start a fire, just tear them into two or more pieces to expose the cotton fibers and they should burn for at least a few minutes.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Holy fanny packs! First Aid training is one of the best investments I think anyone can make when spending a lot of time in the backcountry.

[@chadwillms1849]

Great job dude

[@fearsomefawkes6724]

I always bring a whistle. Sometimes I will also bring and emergency blanket, ways basically nothing and it's good peace of mind.

[@michaelwatson5856]

I always leave a route card and map along with a few handy apps and I have registred with the the 999 text message service as you are more likley to get a text through in a low sevice area . Also the Emergency service runs on a weaker signal if your phone is saying emergency only chances are you can still call 999. As for a fire kit I carry cottonwool and a small bit of tinder and I carry the light my fire knife which has a rod on the handle

[@AmyRoutt]

To answer your question of the day-I pretty much never build fires when I'm backpacking. haha those fanny packs are awesome! Kind of jealous to be honest

[@RainyDayForge]

Here are 2 safety tips. 1. Practice. Get out there and learn some basic outdoor skills such as making a fire. Inspect and test out your gear, such as your first aid kit. 2ndTIP! Don't do Stupid Shit (mitigate risktaking) when you're way out in the wild. Ask yourself, should I jump over to that other rock and maybe twist my ankle? No, straight up No. Be smart. Great vid, Dan.

[@gt5228z]

If you make your own, get a big first aid kit for home use and take bits of it with you. Keep the rest at home, that stuff comes in handy. Anyways I keep mine in a small stuff sack. Most first aid kits come with a small Red Cross booklet with instructions. I bring it and the following: small pocket sewing kit, Imodium/anti diarrhea (only the kind where each pill is wrapped individually, no bottles), medical tape(core removed), mole skin, a couple anti septic wipes, a few triple antibiotic pouches, some gauze, a wound compress/arm slings, bandages of various sizes, some asprin/tylonal(individually packaged pills), an antihistamine (bee stings etc), couple anti itch pouches, and sterile rubber gloves. Seems like alot but im always hikking with others, usually 1-3 others+me. It only weighs 6.5oz and could come in handy in a dangerous situation.

[@vjensen56]

I was hoping to hear about how to keep safe from other people while you are backpacking. There are plenty of videos about running into the wrong people on trail. Any advice?

[@RomeoJN]

I would say #4 should be first! Good call on pointing out that people shouldn’t bring medical gear they don’t know how to use! A full suture kit may be helpful in some limited circumstances, but don’t expect the person who stumbles on you to be a doctor who knows how to properly use it!!!

[@USMC6976]

learn to sew, then you can do it yourself.

[@nathansharp3193]

I keep one page of the free newspaper from the grocery store folded into some wax paper for getting wet wood going if I need to. I can tear off a little at a time and get several fires off of one newspaper page for a few pennies worth of wax paper. The wax paper burns very well especially when folded over with newspaper in several layers. I also keep one small firestarter stick with a matchtip built onto it. I never use it. It's my guaranteed emergency reserve fire starter that will burn for several minutes by itself. If all goes well I will always carry that hopefully unnecessary weight. I forget where I heard it - somewhere on KZbin I'm sure - that you don't need to carry an emergency survival kit with you when you go backpacking. Your whole backpack is, and should be, your survival kit. A spare lighter, a backup light or batteries, a few extra snacks, and at least two water containers (in case one fails) should probably be in your pack already. I know that I already have my shelter and a place to sleep, extra layers of clothing, water filter, etc. Everything I need to survive comfortably is already in my pack. The limiting factor is water and food before real discomfort sets in. That said, THE MOST IMPORTANT THING, if at all possible, is to bring a buddy. If you do break your leg where there is no cell phone service and you don't have a satellite connection, your buddy is your best hope. Your buddy can set up a shelter for you, or around you without moving you and go get help. Hike with a buddy. The buddy system is a tried and true safety measure. I've done lots of solo backcountry adventures, but it's much riskier going solo than it is to simply bring a buddy along. Bring a buddy. I also always keep an emergency fanny pack inside my emergency fanny pack that I use if my main fanny pack blows out. 🤪 NOT REALLY!!! Those were really nice looking fanny packs, buddy 👍

[@inkblots-life1111]

Bic lighter always, carry a magnesium firestarter in hip pocket, also doritos chips double as a fire starter.

[@rhodeislandhiker4745]

Great video dan not enough people talking about safety , I personally carry a gps spot gen 2 I have a bad knee but love to solo hike and do overnighters and I and especially my wife always feel better knowing I have it shoot out from little Rhode Island

[@DanBecker]

That’s a great idea! I’ve definitely considered getting something similar but have not pulled the trigger as of yet.

[@michaelmcphee2930]

E Dan we don't say Fanny Pack Down Under but bum bag. Fanny is the front bum. Cracks us up. I stopped wearing synthetic under layers because of the stink. Merino works well for me.

[@DanBecker]

🤣

[@woodstrekker6345]

I saw a scary lady on the AT at Spivey Gap Saturday morning.

[@JMD1965]

Number ONE tool to have with every one (especially if you have kids in tow)... A whistle!!... Every one needs a whistle!!... A LOUD one !!

[@josephthompson2187]

Personally I just feather wood. And use the trust bic to get it going. Even when it's wet it typically works but can take a little longer.

[@MultiGunner65]

One day I was walkin' and I found this big fanny pack And I rolled the pack over and underneath was a tiny little fanny pack, and I was like, "That fanny pack had a child."

[@youwild4432]

Fire Starter - EZ Fire Firestarter Gel Packets. Light the corner and it burns like napalm. Easiest thing I've found. Just double wrap it in a plastic bag...because you REALLY DON'T want this stuff to ooze out into your pack! I like it because once you light it...it's completely consumed. No garbage to hike out! You can find it on Amazon!

[@maryellenhikes5953]

Safety meeting! 😎

[@DanBecker]

😂😂🙌🙌

[@shadow6pt533]

Does anyone bring ferro rods on the trail anymore? Thanks

[@DanBecker]

Hi Brandon! I actually do own a couple of the ‘light my fire’ fire steel’s. The ‘scout’ and the full-size. I’ve brought them out on several trips but actually never ended up using them. I always go to my bic mini. However, I definitely understand the useful application for them as they will work in any weather!

[@shadow6pt533]

@@DanBecker thanks for the reply. Have your lighters always worked in really cold weather? That's my only concern with relying on them. I plan on bringing rain proof matches as a backup. I now realize that heavy ferros just aren't needed. Education! Thanks!

[@DanBecker]

I have been able to light fires down into the teens with a bic lighter. I normally don’t camp much colder than that. If I was concerned it wouldn’t light I would definitely bring my fire steel along with something easy to light.

[@TheWasatchGearReview]

I sure do!

[@adventurebythemile]

What about the the 2 legged predators?

[@TheWasatchGearReview]

Carry a sidearm

[@FOLLOWINGWALKERSWORLD]

Must be fanny pack week!! Palant'e & Zpacks just came out with new ones. HOWEVER they don't seem as good as the Best Backpackers. Sorry to deviate from your subject. Hopefully after all my years hiking I hope I know how to stay safe. followingwalkersworld

[@DanBecker]

He made some great fanny packs for sure!

[@jchiker7642]

Instead of soaking the cotton balls in petroleum jelly, why not soak them in triple antibiotic + pain killer. That way if you get a cut you just take some and put on your wounds. And you still have the fire starter

[@scottpiner2149]

Great video, Dan! Awesome info! Here are some things I do to stay safe. When kayaking... - Submit a float plan with the ranger station and with family - Float plan also includes possible alternative routes/points of interest For maps... - Pick up a paper map at the ranger station - Download offline topo maps with the Avenza Maps app - Download georeferenced aerial maps (.tif files) from EarthExplorer (earthexplorer.usgs.gov) that can be imported into the Avenza Maps app Bring a medical kit that I know how to use I would like to pick up a Garmin InReach at some point. For fire starters I use Coghlan’s Fire Sticks. Those Esbit cubes looks pretty cool though so I may give those a whirl. I forgot to add...for weather, I use www.weather.gov. I particularly like the hourly forecast at the bottom (Additional Resources > Hourly Forecast). It’s all data and no frills.

[@DanBecker]

Awesome tips, Scott! Especially letting the ranger station know where you are! Yes I highly recommend Esbit Cubes. They are awesome! The only thing is that they have a really bad smell to them… Kind of like rotten eggs!

[@alexwbanks70]

Fat wood is a great fire starter and really inexpensive. I usually bring a stick or two along. You can get a big 3 lb bag at Menards for like $7.

[@DanBecker]

Awesome to know! Thanks!!!

[@glameow12345]

I was trying to figure out is backpack.tf is safe but this will work

[@selenajones1712]

HeyDan ,,,,,swamp gal here,,, I'm mixed blood native american,,& we wear jingles to dance , ,I am a solo thru hiker so I wear my jingles in the back woods ,,,,I don't like walking up on hogs or bears ,,, On the E C T will B the 1st time with '"in reach " & u guys get over it fanny packs r a must for your camera s & phone ,ECT,,

[@USMC6976]

My chest pack holds as much or more than a fanny pack and it doesn't interfere with my pack.

[@paintballpreppertmvawomani1341]

I have a new way to do cottonballs.!?

[@delphinelesterlost3285]

I'm in Australia, we know not to start fire ever way too dangerous

[@Fibonacci620]

4:28 Is when the video actually starts

[@DanBecker]

No joke!! Get to the point, would ya Dan?!!!!!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@codybarlik4524]

Is this Dan Becker? Or DJ Khalid?

[@AdrianSilva-cn4ty]

I always carry toilet paper and chapstick when in the back country... Together they make great kindling to start a fire.

[@DanBecker]

Great idea!

[@MiyagiontheTrail]

I just wait for Dan Becker to show up and build a fire for me. No fire starter needed. 😎

[@DanBecker]

Just let me know what campsite you’re at and I’ll be there!

[@john-davidchambers2496]

👍

[@USMC6976]

Redundancy on fire and water, always.

[@garrycollins3415]

The only animal that scares me is a skunk.

[@LandonWhitsitt]

WHY ARE YOU SO NICE AND POSITIVE 😏

[@DanBecker]

Jesus!

[@noneya6334]

@@DanBecker , nice!! I thought u were gonna say DMT. I watch JRE a little too much

[@noneya6334]

@@DanBecker , by the way, Joe Rogan uses a Fanny Pack while in the woods too. I listen to that dude a lot....

[@mrlewisholmes]

First comment :)

[@DanBecker]

First reply!!! 🤣

[@alexlyons7632]

What about carrying a firearm while backpacking?

[@DanBecker]

I’m actually a firearms instructor. I have carried in the backpack country quite a bit.

[@towermonkey2000]

@@DanBecker what holster do you use? I'm looking for one to carry on the trail, but haven't found one I like yet. My EDC is an iwb that will not work with a pack on that has a Hip belt. The shoulder holster works ok in the winter because I mostly have a jacket on to cover it but it is not an option the rest of the year. I was thinking about a fanny pack holster or one I can wear under my sternum strap. I want it to be accessible but also concealed. A chest rig with a pouch out frount (firstaid) and weapon behind would be ideal. It would stay on me even when the pack is dropped.

[@DanBecker]

Great questions! Actually while I’m on the trail I will sometimes carry my Smith & Wesson M&P shield 9 mm. It fits perfectly inside of my Zpacks hip belt pouch. I do also have a Hill People Gear Recon chest pack but I find that get super sweaty so I haven’t used it in a while.

[@jeremyboss3634]

Whatever Jim Halpert

[@justalurkr]

Nesting fanny packs ftw

[@barb0138]

Lol not wild animals it is the people I am afraid of.

[@EricFleming231]

is he shouting? I feel like he's shouting.

[@bearanoia673]

🤣👏🌲

[@steveg3981]

Apart from environmental issues the biggest threat is other people. Therefore get tooled up with appropriate weapon.

[@barb0138]

U r way off topic

[@Seereeus]

A lot of tips coming from someone who barely backpacks?

[@DanBecker]

🤔 are you seereeus? Maybe you should make your own video of tips since you must be an amazing backpacker.