How To Layer Your Backpacking Clothing (Like A Thru Hiker)

Learn how to choose what clothing to take on your backpacking trips, and how to layer it. You'll find more info and a list of some of the items I mentioned on my website: backcountrybanter.com/how-to-l...
Check out some of our favorite backpacking gear here: amzn.to/34QK7mt

[@patriotkennethburlingham7059]

Getting ready for my 2nd thru hike in a couple weeks. The Pinhoti Trail. I am new to backpacking and I really loved your video on the layers. It helped me a lot, especially the sleep layer which I hadn't really thought about. Great video.

[@nathansharp3193]

Awesome video! I wish I had something this informative before I moved from Texas to Winter Park, Colorado in 1999. I learned a lot of stuff the hard way - through experience. On the subject of beanies and balaclavas, I highly recommend a loose-face balaclava, because keeping a warm neck is very important. A beanie hat gets hot and wet over your head - wool does stay warm when wet. The balaclava can also be put on and pulled up doubling your ear warmth while still being breathable on top of your head. If I had to choose one, I'd go with the balaclava. In winter you certainly want both. Always go with a wool beanie hat, not synthetic. It can be soaked-wet and still will be warm. I also love wool convertible mittens in the cold months - nothing else can be soaked and still keep me warm. If you have to take off a wet layer in the winter for whatever reason, make sure to put it in a pocket near your body so it doesn't freeze solid. A wet wool layer is still a warm layer. Awesome video, this basic information is very important to people just starting! 👍 In the mountains many people say, "Cotton kills." Cotton should not be in your kit. Wool and synthetic are awesome, in that order.

[@mountaincat8]

I have been a backpacker for 30 years but I still learned some good tips from your video. Thanks a million. !!!

[@BackcountryBanter]

+mountaincat8 Thanks for watching!

[@sydneykate]

thank you for the video. it really helped simplify my thoughts on what I believe I need to bring with me on my thru vs what I actually need.

[@AndyOnTheMountain]

Darn Tough socks are an absolute. I also agree they are more durable than smart wool. Looking forward to your video on winter layers as I live in Colorado. I may be doing a winter trip here shortly in the James Peak Wilderness along the CDT. Andy

[@TheJourneyest2016]

Great video and fantastic footage. The editing is great found you on another channel. Excited to see more and I am a new supporter now!

[@michaelsupple6081]

That was 100% spot on in my opinion. I hiked the AT in 2012.

[@thirstyboots57]

Joe, great video. I am going to show it to my scouts next week. I have a similar setup as a section hiker with a couple of differences, i.e, I use my cap 4 hoodie for my light insulation hiking layer, a lightweight wool l/s zip-t for my sleep layer and I include a light windshirt when needed while hiking with or w/o the cap 4 hoodie.

[@BackcountryBanter]

+Gerry Brucia Thanks. And thanks for sharing your setup on here too. It's nice to see how and why others layer the way they do. Everyone has their own system.

[@izbiz671]

Thanks for the vids Joe. I used to bike a lot. Whenever it was cold, I would wear water resistant cycling arm and leg warmers. Maybe it's worth looking at for cutting ounces.

[@billderinbaja3883]

Very good rundown, hike/sleep/cold... great ideas for keeping it minimal.

[@BackcountryBanter]

Thanks!

[@SmackNC]

It's amazing how far your knowledge has progressed from the early days on the AT. It was cool to see you honing it in over the hikes.

[@michaelkork6773]

Pendleton wool shirts!!! By far the most durable clothing I’ve ever found, right there with carhartt double fronts. They have thinner wool shirts wonderful for hiking and backpacking. Every one I own is upwards of 25 years old and heavily used. Can also be found, like I did, in thrift stores here in the pacific northwest for cheap

[@trailbratt6914]

Thanks for the info and good stuff. I agree, layering is super important. You and I seem to have a lot of the same thoughts about materials and needed gear. I am new to the KZbin community and appreciate your channel. I have subscribed and am looking forward to viewing more. Thanks again!

[@BackcountryBanter]

+Trailbratt69 Welcome and thanks!

[@trailbratt6914]

+Joe Brewer you're welcome! :)

[@dougbourdo2589]

First time viewer. Like. Moving to south-central NM in a few years so I am looking to learn more about area outdoors there versus Great Lakes area now. Thanks.

[@KuntryRD]

Nice video. Looking forward to the rain clothing part, since I mostly hike in the east. I used to take a lot more clothes than I do now, since I too have developed my own layering system.

[@johneason6540]

Very good and simple information. Most people overpack clothing Thanks

[@Ureyeuh]

Such a heavily underrated channel. wow.

[@jbstuff]

According to who?

[@MartinPotoczniak]

I love your videos. very informative. thanks man.

[@thurstonhowellthe3rd]

For new folks enjoying these vids I'd just say my preference is definitely for high cut shoes/boots to help save rolling an ankle esp bouncing around on unstable ground. I also like thick socks too as I think they add another layer to soften the pressure underfoot of a full day's hiking. Cheers, C.

[@leeleptus]

To anyone planning on purchasing that Columbia silver ridge shirt, know that they run large. I purchased one recently. I usually wear a medium, purchased a small because I read they run large, which was an understatement, even the small was a bit oversized on me.

[@tullochgorum6323]

Cap 4 seems a heavy choice for the sleeping system @ 10.6oz. It's going to give you less than 10*f warmth. A Cap 1 layer is 4oz lighter and may give you 5*. That 4oz added to a medium quilt as 850fp down gives you 15*f so you're getting more than double the warmth for the weight. Or sleep in the buff, use a 2.8 oz 10 denier bag liner to protect your down and get around 5*f, and add 8oz of down to get an additional 30* of warmth. With a Karo Step baffle you can just move the down to the side on warmer nights. The liner bag is useful in huts and hostels. This setup gives you more than three times the warmth for the weight, but makes it harder to remain modest while doing the laundry! I've never torn clothing badly on the trail, but if I did I would bodge it with tape or a few quick stitches till I could replace or repair - I can't imagine ever needing to swap it out for my sleeping layer. Just thinking aloud. Would appreciate your thoughts...

[@mrantone916]

You know yer gear sir ,. Thank you for your pro tips. 👍

[@MaconHarris]

I can’t wait to go up the Appalachian trail next week

[@Wastelander13]

I found some interesting tips in your video, thank you! You have a new subscriber! 👍

[@BackcountryBanter]

Thanks for joining!

[@jamesbadham228]

Good stuff. I've also liked using silk long underwear as a sleep/extra layer. Lightweight, warm, natural.

[@joesneon]

This was great buddy, thanks!!!

[@mradios4671]

Great video, learned some good tips from your video. Checked the links to products you mentioned in this video, two of them for "Patagonia Thermal" are not working anymore, need some update. Many thanks in advance

[@thenightowldude]

Great advice for a novice hiker Joe.

[@gabaghoul23]

about the rain gear.. 2 suggestions.. either a US GI military poncho that doubles as a tarp/hammock... and/or a set of Frogg Toggs... FT weight literally nothing and you can stand in a hurricane and not get a drop on you.. from experience.

[@hiAndByeISuppose]

I am using almost the same clothing system. Also I carry a hiking pants

[@Agmundrs.Adventures]

If you're worried about the back of your neck getting cold/burnt, just grow out your hair! Awesome vid, been looking for a good hiking "flannel" for a while, think I'll be getting that silver-ridge shirt now.

[@mummy4569]

heh. Exactly the same as me except I use a merino buff instead of the balaclava. I guess thru hikers really do think the same.

[@BackcountryBanter]

You can now find my video on layering your rain gear right here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pX3bm2SQidB2npI Thanks for watching!

[@elitegraphicarts]

Recently picked up the capilene 4 thermal weight hoody and it was one of the best base layer purchases I've made. Thanks for the great recommendation, awesome videos!

[@masterjoshy2988]

Backcountry Banter c

[@spencerdunphy]

Hey Joe, just curious...How do you wear your capilene bottom under your running shorts? I like the kind with the liner inside and I can see how this layering would be good but I can't wear them under when my shorts have the liner inside...

[@darryllzwiers7257]

Try a neck tube. You can keep the beanie, and the tube can just be a scarf, or pulled right up against the beanie to form a balaclava. Should your beanie get wet, tie one end of the neck tube off with some cord, and it's a replacement beanie. Versatile gear.

[@MarkTilburgs]

if you put the buf inside out on your head like a tube, hold the top, twist it once and than pull the top rim down to the bottom rim, the just make a doulbe layered buff beanie.

[@surfandstreamfisher5749]

Very good video, thank-you

[@orangescout1967]

Solid vid...thank you

[@Holdfast214]

Great video as always! I do have a weird question though, how do you get your bandana rolled so seamlessly? Maybe new video topic? LoL! But seriously....how?!

[@BackcountryBanter]

+victor valencia Heheh. Most people start rolling a bandana by flipping one side over and over until it reaches the other end. This makes it hard to get exact though. Here's what I do: 1 - fold the bandana in half to form a triangle. 2 - From the pointy 90 degree angle side, roll the bandana in a tube towards the long hypotenuse side. Rolling is the big secret here. 3 - Flatten the tube in such a way that the seam on the roll is right on the bottom edge of the bandana, where it is hidden. 4 - Tie the bandana onto your head using a square knot. 5 - ??? 6 - Success.

[@anthonytovar9292]

Joe, Great video as always. What is the weight of you clothing system, all-in? You should consider mittens over gloves, they're warmer and lighter. If you're not familiar, check out the railriders eco-mesh side-zip pants. If you decide to ever wear pants, they're great.

[@BackcountryBanter]

+Anthony Tovar Thanks. With my wool beanie and gloves, it ends up being about 26 oz of clothing being carried in my pack. The weight of the clothes worn on my body, including shoes, is around 42.1 oz. I'll check those pants out. I'm always looking for better options.

[@joecool2878]

Where does fall end in temperature and winter begin for you?

[@jmbent77]

Honestly, I think people who grow up in cold climates understand layering. It is all the people from lower latitudes who need to get acquainted with this.

[@xPumaFangx]

I agree. He would have given himself more warmth if he switched out his gloves with mittens.

[@bereantrb]

xPumaFangx True that mittens are warmer but many hikers prefer gloves for dexterity.

[@cjt5mith]

You're right there, but I think those of us from colder climates often make the mistake of taking too much. I like the way this set-up makes best use of a limited number of individual pieces of clothing.

[@dhsu04]

Omg... I just found your channel after buying a lot of stuff that I don't need!

[@yungsmile7546]

At least now that you know this, then you can leave it at home instead of along the trail.

[@greenpola]

Hello Joe, as always great videos. What brand are those sleeping socks with the red bison?

[@BackcountryBanter]

+Larry Greenidge Thanks. Haha, those are actually socks I picked up on the CDT when I was in Yellowstone. They say "Yellowstone" on the bottom and I'm not sure you could get them anywhere else.

[@jazziered142]

Nice to see you Joe... are you going to do a comparison on the big 3? I hope so..

[@BackcountryBanter]

+Jazzie Red Eventually. I want to do it right though, so I'm trying to come up with some categories to compare them by.

[@SensatiousHiatus]

Great video! FYI some of the links on your website are not working...again though, great breakdown!

[@BackcountryBanter]

Thanks for the update! I'll fix those.

[@ImTheDudeMan471]

Hi Joe, I hear a sprinkle of OXY in the hand wash of synthetic clothes on the trail eliminates stinky syn clothes. Like a teaspoon per wash. That's really light. Comments?

[@michaeldobbs5274]

Thank you

[@kennethcaloun5138]

NICE VIDEO THANKS FRIEND

[@MrZimmaframe]

I don't know if it's mentioned in the video but having long sleeves and trousers, rather than shorts reduced your risk of getting Lyme's Disease as it is a barrier against ticks

[@JM.5387]

If you treat them with permethrin. Otherwise, the ticks will happily crawl around until they find their way under your clothes. The waist bands of pants are a popular spot for ticks.

[@RichardBuckerCodes]

do you have a winter recommendation?

[@austindory7788]

This is a really great video and I keep coming back to it when comparing various pieces and thinking about how they might work together. Here's a question though that I haven't seen addressed previously. It sounds like you use the puffy as your outer most layer when hiking on the coldest days, but if you do that much at all, doesn't it wear on the seams of the puffy very quickly. Especially with a Ghost Whisperer I understand that the fabric is somewhat fragile. That being the case shouldn't something be worn over the puffy to protect it and if so what might you recommend? I couldn't help wondering if that was part of the problem with the earlier Montbell jacket that you were using. Or no?

[@BackcountryBanter]

+Austin Dory Actually, this really isn't as much of an issue as you'd think. Though the jacket material is thin, it's actually fairly resistant to abrasion. I've never had a jacket or its seams come even remotely close to wearing through due to abrasion. While I don't wear my puffy hiking much, abrasion isn't something I'd ever worry about. The real enemies of down jackets are embers and thorns. My Montbell jacket is actually still going strong, I just really wanted to try the ghost whisperer out, and happened to find one for super cheap. .

[@sargasm69]

Your carpet looks plush and I can see myself sleeping at the foot of your bed or near the fireplace in the fall and winter seasons. I am good with children and love peanut butter. If you do not already have one, I can bring my own 'Beware of Dog' sign, but just know I am not an attack dog, and am just a fun loving pup who enjoys laying on soft things--such as your lovely carpet. Respectfully, Mr. Peanutbutter.

[@speygeek]

But what will Diane say about that 😨

[@KevinOutdoors]

Looking forward to what you have to say about rain gear and what to do in camp with wet shoes and socks. I bet you are a bread bag guy.

[@bloodyeyeful]

Thank You. Very well done. Any reason you picked Orange for your jacket? I prefer a stealthier color.

[@BackcountryBanter]

+OneEyed Mike It was on sale. But I actually do like the brighter colors too. And in hunting season, I'll put something bright like that on top of my pack just in case.

[@carlosnicolas8688]

hahaha nice video and by the way, your look is so funny!! It is cute though haha It remember me to.. i don't know... A movie or something haha

[@taburke6]

Hey Joe, I really enjoy your videos. I am curious about the MH Ghost Whisperer hoodie. I have read some online reviews that say the jacket has a problem loosing feathers. What has been your experience?

[@BackcountryBanter]

+taburke6 I've never even seen a feather come out of mine. It's a great jacket for those cold (but not winter) nights. A couple of my friends have the jacket as well and have never mentioned feathers leaking. I wouldn't worry about it.

[@mChrest05]

Very nice! Looking forward to the snow/winter clothing video. Does the shirt hold odors? I was thinking of using a Smartwool t-shirt as a travel layer, do you think it would get shredded?

[@BackcountryBanter]

+Michael Chrest The shirt does hold odors, but not badly like some synthetics. I would say it performs better than most, though it's hard to beat wool. I think a Smartwool could be fine for city travel. They are still delicate (and you don't really want to dry them in a mechanical dryer if you don't have to) but should hold up OK to easy use. It's the abrasion from a pack and picks from bushes/thorns that really tear them up. That said, If I were city traveling/backpacking, I'd still choose my columbia silver ridge or something equivalent.

[@mChrest05]

+Joe Brewer Thanks Joe! Yup, my wool stuff shrinks like mad even with line drying.

[@DarthPhaedrus]

Joe -,great video. How about dealing with rain and wind?

[@BackcountryBanter]

+Michael DeCamp Thanks, I'll be doing another video on rain gear at some point soon.

[@sosteve9113]

some good advice my friend atb steve

[@lexi-conby]

great video(s)! regarding socks, do you wear only 1 pair of socks (i.e. do you wear inner sock liners) to reduce blisters or is it not an issue due to shoe choice? thx.

[@BackcountryBanter]

I only ever wear one pair of socks at a time (unless it is super cold). I've never had an issue with blisters, and I mark that up to shoe choice and proper fit. Thanks!

[@rowdybeaver33]

Great video man. So you don't carry an outer/rain shell?

[@BackcountryBanter]

+Keith Stevens I do, I am actually working on a separate video for rain gear right now. Should be out soon.

[@2chill2]

thanks for the info. what do you wear when you wash your salty hiking clothes? do you have a routine or tips for laundry?

[@BackcountryBanter]

Normally I'll throw on my rain gear, whatever that may be. Generally this means that I'm wearing a rain jacket and a rain skirt, hopefully with a towel wrapped around it for modesty. I don't really have any special laundry tips, other than sharing a load with friends to save time/money.

[@2chill2]

+Joe Brewer it sounds like you only do laundry in town. how about your crusty socks? do you have a strategy of keeping your 2 pairs of socks comfortable between towns.

[@sc1]

Nice concise advice. Pressed Liked because of the debunked myth of heat loss from the head

[@jessicathompson236]

The belt can come in use for other needs.

[@Rajo1012]

In your opinions, is it better to go with L or XL sock size when 12 is your shoe size? Product considered: Darn Tough 1/4 Cushion

[@BackcountryBanter]

+Rajo1012 I think either will work, but if you have wide feet, go XL. And in fact, an XL is probably the better choice as the wool will shrink a little with washing.

[@Patinhoe]

Howdy Joe! What kind of Luna sandals are you using? Thanks for all the awesome tips!

[@BackcountryBanter]

+apatino I'm using the Leadville Pacer Gordos. I got the Gordos because I'm hoping to backpack in them eventually. I really like them so far. They're great for hiking and everyday use.

[@Patinhoe]

+Joe Brewer thanks for the reply Joe! Ordered myself a pair, super excited to try em out on the trail!! Keep up the great videos!!

[@thirstyboots57]

Another question, Joe. Do you use a stuff sack for your packed clothing or just pack it loose in your pack?

[@BackcountryBanter]

+Gerry Brucia I just stuff my clothing loose into my (trash compactor bag lined) pack. When they're loose, they fill in the gaps between other stuff sacks and compression sacks and minimize the space used in my pack.

[@BobPreis]

Why hike in the down jacket? Everything I’ve read so far has recommended a lightweight fleece or a wind shirt as an active layer so as not to sweat on the down puffy layer which you’ll want to keep dry for later in camp. Also wondering about wind pants? Seems like a small enough weight penalty to bring a pair and spare your long johns the moisture from hiking.

[@BackcountryBanter]

I've found that I almost never hike in my insulation, save for on a few very cold days. I'd much rather have the added warmth of a down jacket for the 90% of the time I'm not hiking in it. For the other 10% of the time when I am actually hiking in it, I just have to take it off a little sooner than I would a fleece (before I start to sweat too much.) I have a hard time justifying wind pants. My legs just don't get that cold very often. You could try zip off pants that are wind resistant to save weight.

[@BobPreis]

Backcountry Banter thanks for your reply and thanks for your videos! I’m looking forward to the second installment of your Essential Gear series.

[@mikefranks8469]

Basic setup that I carry with me

[@stevencrum9161]

How often did you bath on trail? And how often did you clean your cloths? Thanks.

[@BackcountryBanter]

+Steven Crum I'd shower and try to do laundry about every 5 or 6 days or so when I went into a town to resupply. Sometimes it's not always possible to do both (or either), but if you absolutely must you can always extend your stay in town.

[@kmcca204]

Hi Joe - As a female, Im curious if you have noticed most women following the same type clothing system? A hiking layer and then sleeping layer and thats it. I see a lot of videos from you guys on your clothing set ups, but hardly any women actually talk about theirs, so was curious what you see out on the trail or if you've hiked with other women to kinda of know if they follow basically the same type set up. Thanks!!

[@BackcountryBanter]

+kjm27434 Most Female hikers that I have seen follow a very similar setup. I'd say the majority of female hikers I've seen wear running shorts and a synthetic top as shown in the video. Carrying a base layer for sleeping/extra warmth is normally par for the course too. Some changes that you might see are: hiking dresses (synthetic dresses that are more breezy and comfortable to hike in.) and hiking skirts (again, more airy and comfortable; check out purple rain's hiking skirts).

[@samsmith8870]

Do you have an update of this video?

[@TravelsWithJerry]

Do you have any long hikes planed for outside the US?

[@BackcountryBanter]

+Travels With Jerry I have many places I hope to hike one day, but for now, I need to save up a little money in order to get there!

[@markstanton2362]

Elton John at 1:24 on the left of the sign

[@walterrussell7584]

Kid rock Telling me how go hiking

[@875josh1987]

Hey Joe I wanna do the PCT this year what's the best map/data/log book all in one you would recommend? thanks

[@BackcountryBanter]

+Josh Hassevoort Sadly there isn't one. The closest it gets to all in one is Guthook's PCT app/GPS. You could definitely do the entire trail on it, though that would be risky due to battery and potential problems with the app (This never happened to me though). Other than that, half mile maps are the best choice IMO. I used the app and half mile maps and that was plenty.

[@875josh1987]

+Joe Brewer thanks

[@TheLicewine]

is it enough to just water wash the socks? thanks, chris

[@BackcountryBanter]

+TheLicewine I always recommend two pairs of hiking socks. Even the lightest people I know carry at least two pairs. But that said, water washing the socks does help quite a bit. After I swap into a clean pair, I'll often give the dirty one a quick wash and let them hang dry on the outside of my pack. Water washes are sufficient for about a week and a half. But there comes a point where the socks get so crusty that they really need a good soap washing (or at least a very thorough wash that gets the dirt out).

[@sickbrawler91]

Hey mate is the ghost whisperer fiery red or cherry bomb? Cheers for the video!

[@sickbrawler91]

Also how tall are you and what size did you go?

[@BackcountryBanter]

I'm about 5'10" and I had to go medium due to broader shoulders.

[@BackcountryBanter]

It's something orange. Not quite sure of the exact color.

[@brianwebster2273]

you need to make a video on how to make the rain skirt I am done with with rain pants they always rip so can you make a diy video

[@BackcountryBanter]

I just did: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHWzpp6rab2snpo

[@SHREDD666Z]

Brian Webster ...hey bud I always had the same problem with rain gear ripping too I just about gave up on rain gear...then I found Canadian Forces gore-tex combat rain gear...absolutely incredible...I work with sheet metal and wear it at work a lot and wear it in the bush constantly (thick nasty rough bush in Northwestern Ontario)...3 years now ive had the same pants and jacket no rips no tears its incredibly tough and breathable 45$ used great condition for top & bottoms at a surplus... If you ever have the opportunity to get CF rain gear do it my friend you will be amazed. Look at the seam tape on the inside of gear when buying to make sure it is good (not peeling cracked etc.)

[@adastra3147]

Please link me a synthetic long sleeve shirt!

[@oldunion]

why do all the thru-hiker videos feature darn tough socks and no other company? Smartwool, Icebreaker etc? More durable because of higher nylon content? Better warranty?

[@BackcountryBanter]

For some reason they just last far longer than any other sock I've used, and they are super comfy. I think the material ratios are pretty similar to smart wool etc, but they just perform so much better. And yeah, they have a lifetime warranty and they've always stood by it.

[@oldunion]

makes sense, I do think they have lasted longer than my other brands.

[@therealchickentender]

Gotta second this. I've used all kinds of socks and over the past couple years have been slowly switching out all my socks to Darn Tough. They're just better. I dunno what it is but they are. Last forever and will replace a pair no questions asked.

[@whatilearnttoday5295]

OMNI-SHADE MAIN BODY 100% nylon basketweave OMNI-WICK PANELING 57% recycled polyester/43% polyester mesh Hiking in the heat in that poly would kill me, cotton rocks for arid environments.

[@NurseMurse]

rain jacket?

[@chrismacro2012]

NurseMurse he mentioned in beginning of the video that he made a separate video

[@trakyboy5128]

Well done video. Nice 2 c that u r not so minimum weight thinking that you loose comfort and fun

[@kurtisf3366]

Toboggan 😂 I think the word you are looking for is toque. A toboggan is a wooden sled for sliding down snowy hills.

[@bereantrb]

Kurtis F Regionally it’s a very common term as he used it here.

[@matthewward1832]

I think you're getting your "toques" and "taboggans" mixed up 'eh?

[@Cukito4]

So what EXACTLY is a THRU hiker?

[@renzo6490]

What is a "thru" hiker?

[@ezbleeder]

Its just a term used for hiking from one end of a trail to the other rather than out and back. Commonly used for Appalachian Trail hiking culture.

[@renzo6490]

@@ezbleeder Thank you. Rather like a 'through song' when no musical phrase is repeated.Ex: Strauss' "Four Last Songs'.

[@murphragous]

80% of body heat IS lost thru the head - while standing. Heat rises.

[@archstanton1628]

This guy looks like every plaid shirt wearer we have to airlift off the mountains here. I have no idea what "Thru" hiking is, I assume it's hotel to hotel.

[@woahitstheillusion9749]

Just get a merino Buff instead of your whole hat system

[@jbtravelssolo7596]

sssss ssssssss ssssssssss ssssssssss ugh them s sounds hurt my ear