How to Pack a Hiking Go-Bag || REI

Make spontaneous day hikes easy with a hiking go-bag. Miranda walks you through why you should build a go-bag, what’s in her pack, and some tips for how to assemble your own day hiking go-bag. Plus, the cat finally gets an introduction!
00:49 - Ten Essentials
4:59 - Personal Items
6:35 - Hiking clothes (and things that stay in the car)
Learn more about the Ten Essentials: www.rei.com/learn/expert-advi...
Shop the products in the video on REI.com:
REI Flash 22 Pack: www.rei.com/product/148594/re...
Katadyn BeFree Filter Bottle: www.rei.com/product/116364/ka...
Leatherman Squirt Pocket Knife: www.rei.com/product/802322/le...
Original Buff: www.rei.com/product/136140/bu...
Biolite HeadLamp 330: www.rei.com/product/143321/bi...
The Greatest Spork Ever: www.rei.com/product/824989/sn...
Opinel No. 8 Knife: www.rei.com/product/884528/op...
Yeti Tumblers: www.rei.com/search?q=yeti+tum...
REI Stuff Travel Tote: www.rei.com/search?q=stuff+tr...
Packing Cubes: www.rei.com/search?q=packing+...

[@christiannikodemus]

"bury your poop, not your emotions" someone put that on a t-shirt! 4:57

[@iannicely1]

Christian Nikodemus working on it

[@MisfitsFiendClub138]

Bury your poop was Oscar's idea 💩🐈

[@corbinarnold5998]

Maybe grad quote?

[@ZeroScaleZ]

Also put that on a sticker and fridge magnet

[@russelljackman1413]

I'd buy it! Too funny!!!

[@Dat376]

you could have your own channel, great content for REI.

[@KallyJones]

Love the thought of keeping “go to” hiking clothes in one place.

[@kobe0007]

I am sure she is under contract ;). Much like Buzzfeed youtubers.

[@Risaala]

Yeah, I would subscribe to Miranda in a heartbeat!

[@Spencer-vq7se]

@@kobe0007 she started as a store worker at REI according to linkedin. im assuming her amazing personality was noticed and they brought her to the studio.

[@chaosactually311]

but it is her show gosh darn

[@lifewithashley1259]

I’ve never seen someone else match my level of spork enthusiasm. I love it

[@LizzyTexBorden]

Same here. Never leave home without mine!

[@muddiver9813]

Spork.... First and last word in utensils. I love it! 😁

[@nk6197]

Yay sporks people call me weird for saying the world should just convert to sporks as the only utensil it’s the only utensil you’ll ever need

[@angeladawn805]

we're on titanium sporks now, as my teenage boys have killed so many plastic sporks

[@Seamus3051]

@@nk6197 Can you imagine a " Downton Abby " formal dinner where everyone only had "SPORKS " : -) :-) :-) ??

[@warrenphilips8441]

I will be patiently awaiting the arrival of "bury your poop, not your emotions" t-shirts. Great info and enthusiasm in presenting it. Hooray. :D

[@journeyoflovelight]

REI would be the perfect palace to sell the T shirts...lol

[@CelebralBore]

As a hiking beginner I can't get over the fact that I will need to prepare for bowel movements, even though it's like.. Obvious? Idk, didn't cross my mimd! Very helpful, thank you!

[@Okay-wf1pn]

When she said she whittles did anyone else's heart.... like...... flutter? 🥰

[@kelbyrogers9741]

"Bury your poo, not your emotions " 😂 Saving that quote for later!

[@1utube01]

This is great. The only thing I might add is a small battery bank (one of those little cylinders). I never want my phone to run out if there is an emergency, even if it's a known path near or in a city.

[@angeladawn805]

I work for a New Zealand Outdoor Apparel company. I can't begin to express how helpful your content is for me to relay onto my customers, to keep safe and happy in the wilderness. Keep up the good work :)

[@thomaslcarpenter2105]

I would suggest trading out the blue bandana for an orange one. Orange, not red which appears as black at night. The orange can be more easily seen in case of an unforeseen emergency.

[@fleetfeet9]

Love this tip!

[@andrewnelson3143]

She did have the orange emergency blanket, which also is much larger so more visible. But definitely wise to have something orange as you said.

[@keobrien27701]

Great content. I clip a whistle to my bag.

[@elstennapel]

Love this! Today I left in a hurry and discovered I had forgotten most of my essentials. I always cut a sit pad from a closed cell foam mattress to fit my daypack. Adds some padding to the back and I always keep my booty warm and dry.

[@kimberlysmith7540]

I just discovered these videos with Miranda and I gotta tell you, they are both wildly informative as well as hilarious! Thank you thank you so much for all your awesome information! I never thought of setting up a day hiking pack to just have ready to go, but will after watching this!

[@lilaznkami]

The separate change of clothes is brilliant. Minimizing accidental poison oak encounters to one set of clothes is 👌🏼

[@HotSizzleTV_]

I can’t believe I lived in Seattle my whole life and never experienced hiking in the back countries here. Well covid19 brought out a new hobby I love to do. Besides the gym.

[@freddyt86]

Multiple means of fire starting is a good idea.

[@nk6197]

Extra clothes: warm rain jacket and some socks Fire: storm proof matches Water: revisor and or nalagene Food: trail mix Shelter: tarp First aid: adventure Med kits .5 Navigation: map and compass (gallon zip lock bags are great for some maps to protect them)

[@reddottx]

I've never ever thought about whittling on a day hike. Perhaps I should chill out more!

[@rei]

More often than not it'll end up staying in the car at the trailhead - but when I know I'll have a few hours to kill at a beautiful lake, I'll take the opportunity to brush up my whittling skills! - Miranda

[@thecrossjointguys]

@@rei do you have a name for your spork?

[@brianbechtol7329]

Everyone on a day hike should have these essentials with them in a backpack. I see so many people out on the trail with nothing more than a half empty water bottle and old running shoes

[@rei]

Absolutely. It's always important to be prepared for the unexpected!

[@casasy6692]

I always carry a small gym towel. So when I swim on my hikes I can dry off easy.

[@rei]

Great idea!

[@dcpowered]

Miranda is the star and amabassador of REI or just backpacking in general. Excellent coach! Thank you, Miranda!!!

[@michelledennee5777]

Just discovered you and I’m hooked. So far every video answers so many questions I’ve had that even “expert” hikers with tons of followers haven’t addressed yet. Thanks Miranda!!!

[@calbearsthree3268]

Can you do an update of your day hiking go-bag, including how you pack it in the bag (where you put things) and in your car? Super helpful!

[@ssbtd00m]

Props for the Opinel! Great knives.

[@BucksMom218]

You’re charming and prepared. Yay! Well done! Do more of these!!! 😋🥾🥾

[@rosedeeds53]

❤ I completely forgot about toiletries 😅 glad I watched this

[@tiffanyd8805]

Thank you!! Having a go bag, poop kit, and items in the car seems so simple I wish I had thought of it myself. You are so much fun to watch and broke this down into very approachable steps. My go bag is ready and I'm excited to get out there! Thank you for taking us into your home and sharing your knowledge! Love these videos!

[@PhiferCooksJR1]

I am trying to start doing day hikes with my kids. This has been most helpful. Thank you.

[@ThereGoesDan]

She's so entertaining!! Great content, I'm loving the more laid back approach 🤠

[@tim42310]

So glad Miranda is back!

[@rei]

Thanks Tim! Stoked as always to be here! - Miranda

[@Romin.777]

Finally a hiker with survivalgear. I'm impressed.

[@GhostRyder2008]

The "backcountry bidet" is a great idea for when you don't have baby wipes. Definitely something I'm gonna look into!

[@stephcomfort2642]

Check out kula cloth! They have really cool antimicrobial cloths instead of pee rags. They are only $20 and last a lifetime.

[@chrisroberts6860]

check out the culo clean, screws into a regular bottle. If you want a sperate bottle you could also look at Perineal Lavette Irrigation Bottle (amazon $5) but for a little more potty style (for female) P Style and a Kula cloth.

[@Maria-yf8fp]

Oh, I loved this! and many ideas I never heard before. Leaving hiking clothes in the car is really good.

[@jasondiepen9511]

I'm happy to see others with a hiking go bag! I always have one so I'm prepared for spontaneous hikes!!!

[@rei]

Yes! 👍👍👍

[@blakew5672]

Nice to see I’m not the only one that does this. Most hiking gear closely mirrors emergency/preparedness gear. I keep an emergency kit, or get-home bag, in all my vehicles complete with a change of seasonally appropriate clothing. Doesn’t take much of a leap to adapt it to hiking. It’s one of those things you’ll rarely need, but when you do need it it saves the day. I also appreciate having a ready to go option for planned hikes as well. Keeps me from spending the night before a planned hike double checking to make sure I don’t forget things.

[@elderhiker7787]

Great video and solid info. The two additional things that I always carry is a small day hammock so I can sit and rest and a Firebox nano to boil water for Ramen noodles or coffee. Ciao

[@montananerd8244]

Awesome idea to package little essentials in old pill bottles! I sometimes am too lax in my prep for daytime foraging/hiking...this is a good reminder to step up my game. And yes!!! re: summer gloves!

[@frontRunn3r587]

This is your show gosh darn!

[@RalphReagan]

You have the best content for all of REI

[@larryterry7874]

Your funny and informative on gear basics and necessities. I swear you remind me of my Fieancee she's a Oregon girl. Seams like you may be too. Love your REI video's. You definitely need your own channel .

[@gj0628]

You need your own channel !!

[@awall63]

Great job! Love the cat too!

[@xavierathorne]

I do the same pill bottle thing, only I went with a ferro rod for fire starting. Much more reliable if you’re going to store it for a while. Also I have found that disposable lighters can leak over time.

[@arocker23]

This is a great video. It definitely gave me some ideas.

[@atlasaspects7590]

I really like this "go bag" set up and the edit work on this video!

[@Beertownbill]

After forgetting items on spur of the moment day hikes, I have created laminated checklists of about 20 items that allows me to quickly decide what I want to bring on the hike. I keep this list in the storage bins were I have my gear segregated into major categories. I also have a list for backpacking trips that was created after a trip where we brought EMPTY fuel canisters on a no fires allowed trip. This came after forgetting a water filter on another overnight trip. I have often thought about the "go bag" approach, but the checklist works for me and allows some flexibility.

[@donreinholz8121]

You have a lot of great tips and knowledge when it comes to being prepared. Love your videos. Hi Oscar!

[@njsmwalker]

Great video and some great advice. We have a lot of ticks around here so I always carry one of those little matador blankets (or some plastic sheeting) that folds down to nothing...so not to sit directly on ground....oh..and a pair of superfine tweezers in the first aid kit....

[@DetraDearmas]

Great idea. I'm reworking on mine again for the car.

[@christyrattay5213]

Love these tips! I’m definitely going to look into doing this as well.

[@kkfromsocal819]

Back country bidet!!! Brilliant

[@MrFleetWood91]

Thank you.

[@Jo-bo1mp]

Brilliant content!!

[@marjiecleveland]

Good ideas! Also reminded me to buy a portable bidet for camping and backpacking! Thanks for sharing!

[@katieweiher]

Love this! I have a trail running go-bag.

[@wolffredd2664]

I use the katadyn as well! I haven’t seen many folks use it, but it works so well for me.

[@ashleykbarks]

Lots of people use it backpacking! Not so much day hiking.... But they do use it!

[@ianrudd7442]

Once again you have provided useful info. Now to go upstairs and pack mine.

[@shutupsavannah2195]

I like to have a small bin of hiking go items so I can go through and only add in what I want for that specific hike (especially for the sort of "urban hiking" where I know we're like 15 min max from a busy road). I'm also a huge proponent of learning basic stitching and adding a needle + thread to your fix it kit!!

[@stuarthall3874]

Great video! I always feel self-conscious because I carry a small backpack while others just carry a bottle of water if anything. I do make sure I carry some sort of communication device(s). Certainly a cell phone at least. I also carry my handheld ham radio. It's easy to get an amateur radio license and very helpful, particularly when hiking with others also licensed.

[@higler.]

Oscar is so adorable 😍

[@MasterK9Trainer]

I like that you cover all the essentials I was also happy that you gave an explanation as to why you use a simple compass obviously if it's someplace you've been and there are trails the navigation is not such a big issue the only one thing I would do that you didn't is I would carry a tarp if you have one or two lightweight tarps and you have the emergency bag you can set up a really nice shelter You mentioned you carry those gloves because your hands get cold and one of the golden rules is that if there is something that you need for your health or Comfort then it is an essential item to pack.

[@Outsideville]

Photos of me hiking have shown me in the same clothes year after year. For a while, it was awkward, now it's expected. My hiking clothes aren't in a go bag, but I grab the same stuff every time.

[@charlesdevito4165]

Great list, great video on the hiking go bag I would add or carry a thermorest z-seat for when you want to sit.

[@Bacciagalupe]

The Astral Loyak shoes are AWESOME. My wife and I both love them!

[@candisscott6267]

I love this.

[@kevinwelsh8438]

This is an amazing idea

[@PatrickKeller98275]

Good video. I like to strap a whistle to the backpack; and I leave a hand brush in the car. That way I can get most of the sand, dirt, mud off of my hiking shoes and not get it into the car to bring home.

[@iblamesummers]

Some great ideas. Thank you. ⛰️🏞️🗻

[@LWilli5]

Loved the video. The poop rant was awesome!

[@MasterK9Trainer]

I like that you cover all the essentials I was also happy that you gave an explanation as to why you use a simple compass obviously if it's someplace you've been and there are trails the navigation is not such a big issue the only one thing I would do that you didn't is I would carry a tarp if you have one or two lightweight tarps and you have the emergency bag you can set up a really nice shelter the one of the thing was that you carry those gloves because your hands get cold and one of the golden rules of packing any kind of bag is that if there is something that you need for your health or Comfort then it is unacceptable item to pack

[@russelljackman1413]

GREAT ideas! Thank you!!!

[@leapintothewild]

My bag is almost identical -- except I also carry first aid and a beacon. Dayhikes just mean bandaids and a few Neosporin packets, and I've carried an ACR for 10+ years, currently the ResQLink; won't hit a trail without either! :-) Love these tip videos!

[@haroldgar1]

Enjoyed that very much, thank you.

[@eduardoontiveros3179]

Thanks for info!

[@titanpreparedness]

Awesome stuff great information. I find it very important to be prepared heading to the trail or not

[@cynthiabartz2157]

I would love to see a video of hiking on trail hobbies. I've noticed that people do different things on the trail, like: painting, widdling, and bird watching. I am sure there are more things, particularly creative things, people do on trail and I would love to learn about them!!

[@Chesapeakej4]

Love the vids!

[@landonshumaker1245]

Glad to see the kitty has been cast again!

[@ModernRefugee]

Good kit.

[@raynelson9066]

Love your Videos..

[@fortunatejames5786]

You had me at spoon gouge. Now I'm subscribing!

[@TheTrailDancer]

Love the vids!!! You’re funny!!!

[@gozer3466]

Miranda yesss!

[@markjohnstone5568]

love your cat...

[@X_explorer]

Good clip!

[@TheKPDX]

Really nicely done. Just ran across you accidentally while looking up some stuff for my 9yo son to learn from. We're Eastsiders so maybe we will see you on the trail someday. Keep up the good work!

[@USMC6976]

Always be prepared to spend the night, even on short hikes that you expect to be back before dark.

[@TR-sk8hf]

lol your funny"dont be the guy that poops on the trail"lol.great videos.keep up the great work.

[@heysara910]

Can you please do a video on your specific favorite clothing items?

[@rei]

Hi, Sara! Check out the Miranda in the Wild Video, "What to Wear Hiking in Any Weather!" here: bit.ly/3aWbGie and check out Miranda's gear closet here: bit.ly/3DYsTE7

[@jeraldheinrich3589]

Nice tips for a hiking go bag. Gear explained and for what purpose.

[@carlosnyc13]

Hey Miranda just wanted to say that I have recently started to take up hiking & that I like your style of teaching very much. Thanks for all the tips. I really appreciate you. Anyway hope to bump into you on the trails sometime & say hi. 👋🏽.

[@rei]

Thanks for watching! We're glad you liked the video. Happy Trails!

[@danielleadams4806]

This was great! Please do more and if you do have your own channel please post.

[@sfoeric]

Give Oscar his own channel.

[@micheleaday3902]

Miranda Another Great Knowledge Show Thank You So Much. Im Really Hoping To Be Able To Go This Year Before Snow Falls If Ok By Dr..❤

[@rjstewart]

Nice! I have a similar setup in my daily backpack I take to work in case I have to walk home. Couple of minor thoughts: For fix-it and first-aid I carry small tubes of super glue. Can be used for repairs or even wounds that won’t stay closed. For a compass I always carry one with a mirror. Useful for looking at yourself or more importantly, signalling. In the summer I carry bug spray. Because I live in Canada and membrane filters can’t be frozen, in the winter I switch to a metal water bottle I can boil water in and chemical tablets if I don’t want to stop and start a fire. Your poop kit is pretty cool! Personally though in my EDC kit it would be too much so I just have a half roll of TP I vacuum sealed. I also vacuum sealed a spare pair of socks to keep them dry and compact. I figure I can bury my poop with a stick lol With regard to your extra stuff, when I go hiking I have a 5 gallon bucket I throw my “stays in the car” stuff into so it’s super easy to take it from the house to the car and back.

[@dcchiasson5991]

As a fellow Canadian, may I say YESSSS to bug stuff! Even the shortest day hike can be torture without it at the wrong time of year.

[@JLaddStL]

Haha, I have the same backup water filter, headlamp and Leatherman in the same color.

[@LuckyTown77]

Plastic bag in car. Once in Manitoba I gathered fifty-ish ticks on my clothing. Nice to tie it all up and drive to the laundry.

[@justalurkr]

I loved the poop counter.

[@ryanc5517]

How about a safety whistle packed with your compass?

[@playarabbit]

I try to focus on budget, 6 tablespoons of peanut butter in a small plastic cup from a jar, a few saltine crackers, a bag of tuna, a larabar I just want enough food to keep me full and that can fit in a freezer bag, a pocket knife, a folding fan, Tylenol, or meds, Altoids,but this is a great video for tips👍🏿