MORE TIPS I wish I KNEW as a BEGINNER BACKPACKER

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[@drums4jay]

Good advice. I figured out the ear plugs real quick, thanks to a neighboring camper grabbing until 3am.

[@kimberlysmith7540]

Another option on the shoe buying thing: go try on/purchase shoes towards the end of the day, ideally after going for a short hike so your feet are their “biggest” when you go to check out new ones!

[@john_kelley]

That’s a fantastic idea.

[@rachescakes]

I feel famous! 😆 Heading out on the Sheltowee tomorrow and will definitely have my earplugs.

[@Smokeybeesnatural]

Definitely wish I had some on my sheltowee thru-hike. Those darn whipporwills!

[@john_kelley]

Awesome! I just hiked 9 miles of it yesterday.

[@JeremiahStringer]

I can confirm... You snore 😂 Love the whole video dude!!!

[@john_kelley]

I call it “Backcountry Serenading”. 😂

[@campedoutandwayward3978]

Seriously...I’ve been binge watching these videos!! Great dialogue, helpful information. That and it’s so refreshing to see a fellow thick man out in the bush😆 cheers friends 🍻

[@jonsanford2515]

You’re spot on with tent size for most people. I hike with my 10 year old, who weighs 70 lbs. His max pack weight is limited to about 15 total pounds. He’s maxed out with his sleeping bag, pad, water and snacks... so we share a 2 person tent. I’m really looking forward to when he’s big enough to carry half of the 3 person tent.

[@john_kelley]

Lol. I’ll bet that gets tight.

[@olgaguer6443]

Thank you!!

[@wingit41]

I'm amazed at how much I have reduced the number of clothes that I pack. A refined layering system only needs a couple of tweaks, no matter the season or weather prediction. Don't worry about wearing the same shirt and shorts/pants for three days! A rain jacket is about the smallest and most versatile piece of clothing a backpacker can pack (IMHO); I would say that it adds 20 degrees of comfort which will save your butt if the weather doesn't track with the weather report! Clothing Layers; everyone talks about it but Test & Refine YOUR System!

[@johnbicknell4748]

And a 2 person storm shelter if your on your own. Storm shelters weigh the same as a kitten. If your tent flies of in the wind and you ain't got a storm shelter you.... Could be in trouble. A petzl head/wrist strobe will send a signal up 300 metres if your looking to get spotted, 1 red flare, 1 white flare for getting spotted if you ain't got a petzl strobe or just light the biggest bonfire you can.

[@josephjamison5007]

While preparing to thru-hike the PCT my feet grew a full size, permanently. This was after a 20 year career in the Army. Unfortunately earplugs don't work for those of us who have tinnitus. Your buddy snoring isn't as bad as isolated ringing. I do recommend wearing earplugs to protect your hearing, so you don't have to suffer like I do.

[@maxman1244]

Agreed, isolating my tinnitus is absolute hell Louder and can become painful quickly lol

[@TennesseeSlim]

If I'm using a sawyer squeeze ill carry an extra o ring. I've even been able to help others who have lost theirs.

[@playgroundchooser]

Earplugs for sure! I sleep in Grizzly country. Your brain plays tricks on you hard core at night. I wish I would have studied my routes better sooner: if I was going to be hiking close to a stream, why did I fill my 3L Platypus from the start? 🙄 No need to carry that much water when it's less than a minute away.

[@john_kelley]

We all get better at that stuff as we hike more.

[@Acid741981]

The earplugs are a great tip. Thanks for sharing

[@john_kelley]

No problem

[@unpavedexplorer338]

Nice information JK. Take Care and Keep Exploring The Outdoors.

[@john_kelley]

Thank you

[@niceone1swe]

Absolutely agree with all the tips in the video, so true!

[@john_kelley]

Glad you agree!

[@denakelley4363]

Great point about how most "two person tents" are going to make you snuggle if you actually try to put 2 people in them.

[@john_kelley]

Thanks!

[@YourJourney2Wellness]

The foot growth may have something to do with carrying the added weight and pressure on the feet. Ask most Mamas out there - super common to have your feet grow a size or two after babies. I use to be a narrow size 7 now three kiddos later, i'm the same weight i was pre-babies but just bought my trail runners in a size 9! I cant imagine my feet getting any bigger being only 5'3". I'll be a hobbit! Haha.

[@ScottValler]

Make sure you know the plan too! If you've ever been backpacking with someone and didn't know the route, where you were headed, where to get water, etc. you will understand how important this is. People get separated, sick, etc. and lack of knowledge in the back country is a terrible feeling.

[@john_kelley]

Absolutely

[@brenttesterman1198]

A pre-trip briefing is vital. Check out each other's gear/whos carrying what, Go over the topo maps and have a discussion, try to get firsthand knowledge, familiarize yourselves with landmarks ie; water/rivers, elevations, and other trails that may intersect, if you can have a fire, scenic jazz, fire lookouts, snowpack, weather, the average rainfall for that time of year and Ranger stations. The sense of peace and the effect it has on the overall enjoyment of the trip when these things are done are incalculable! Enjoy edit: Oh yea, cut your darn toenails! The above comments are what we did in the 70s and early 80s, we didn't have, need or use phones, sat/com, GPS, solar/batt. or UL gear, that was how we kept the weight down.

[@singledad1313]

When buying your first backpack after buying all your other gear first, take your gear with you if you to buy your backpack from a local outfitter. That way you can see how it all packs and how comfortable the pack is all loaded. A good salesperson will be able to help pick out a pack that is suited to your needs, size, level of fitness, and carry preference. Plus they can help you properly adjust your chosen pack to fit you properly.

[@john_kelley]

Usually, you can bring it in a pack liner so you can just drop it down into the pack.

[@DorisHikingAdventures]

Excellent tips!

[@john_kelley]

Thank you!

[@markperry4474]

Ear plugs, not just snoring and beasties, the rain can also be noisy hitting the tent.

[@richardstamper51]

I got the Big Agnes Tiger wall "3"!! Still liter then most tents (2 and ever 1 person) and enough room where we can play cards in the rain.. :)

[@john_kelley]

Great tent!

[@alankee1065]

Whip or wills are great when you first hear them and suck at 3 in the morning. Lol

[@john_kelley]

Exactly!!!!

[@johnbicknell4748]

True, if your a size 9,buy a size 10 in hiking boots.

[@malikhaidar]

I'm subscribing now, just because of the pack and the earplug. I know earplug will plug my ear and give me a good night's sleep but for some reason, I didn't really consider bringing it...

[@blackibex]

Really good tips! 👍

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Love the new intro (mine's shorter now too!). Cool tips!

[@john_kelley]

Thanks

[@terriplays1726]

I take these ear plugs whenever I stay overnight somewhere. From snoring people, to partying people next door and annoying AC units - there is so much noise that makes me sleep badly.

[@alimfuzzy]

Can go one better. Get the earplugs that have a string attached to each other so you don't lose one. Or bring multiple earplugs. But now I actually wear sleep headband with headphones in them.

[@pipedog9702]

These were all great tips, as were the last six. I’m more of a camper, so I’m not a hiker or a backpacker but would like to. I’m going back and forth about the ear plugs though. Camping wise, with a known group, it seems like having them could be a great idea. I have had night interrupted buy guys sawing logs all night. But when I’m camping with buddies, I’m usually so tired that after the countless reps throughout the day and night, from doing 12oz. curls around the fire until 0200, that I just crash until daybreak wakes me. Safety wise, and like I said, I don’t have any experience with hiking or backpacking, I’m not sure I want to be separated the one of my senses that could give me the extra second or two that could mean the difference in fending off an assault. I I don’t know the stats on assaults by man or best would satisfy this line of thought though. This is just a thought I’m having about trail life and backpacking or hiking, and setting up camp with people I don’t know. Of court this line of thinking also goes along with my expectation that I would be solo, which is probably not a recommendation for backpacking possibly. Then there is the idea that if you are soloing, in remote places, and off the beaten path, with very little to no chance of other explorers in the area, then plugs might be a good thing to keep with you, provided you are not in areas with large predatory animals like lions, tigers, bears or Clinton operatives. Of course, if a person was paranoid to that point, maybe we should just stick to online backpacking. Thank for the videos.

[@alextosto3809]

At 5:50 I'm dying laughing. I made that mistake when I was first getting gear, too much gear vs. not enough bag! These Vids are great man!

[@zachmiller9175]

My advice is get your boots used from rei, my sister and I got high end boots half off, with barely even a mark from the laces on the suede tongues.

[@john_kelley]

Those sales are great!

[@DaveOffGrid]

One of the things that's hard to know even when you're more experienced but especially when you're a noob is water consumption. How much do you need to camel up with? Where are the water sources? How much will you need when it's 80 degrees vs. 40 degrees. There are a TON of variables. I should prob consult with GearTest Outdoors? Hahaha

[@john_kelley]

Even if you’re pretty sure you know, you should still check with that guy. He’s great!

[@SouthernHike]

New sub! Great info John. I can for sure agree to all of these! Great vid!

[@KUEHLKUEST]

Very cool John!!

[@john_kelley]

I appreciate it!

[@cyprant]

New intros are fun! But your original is my favorite.

[@john_kelley]

Thanks!

[@Greggsvlog]

Solid advice.

[@john_kelley]

I appreciate it!

[@dayhikingforoldies9792]

Great vid with some sound advice, which I wish I’d known when I started out....

[@john_kelley]

Thank you!

[@LeonidasontheTrail]

Went from a size 10.5 to a 12. I even had to go to a 13 when I tried out Inov-8.

[@john_kelley]

It blew my mind when it happened.

[@TakeNothing4theJourney]

Great tips! Keep it coming. Reach one teach one.

[@john_kelley]

Thanks!

[@JourneyontheTrail]

Good tips!

[@john_kelley]

Thanks !

[@operationseekingtruth]

Great intro!!! Where you when I was buying my first boots. Smh My only thought on ear plugs or using white noise (which I do) is not being able to hear a dangerous animal in your area. Not that much of an issue where I usually camp and hike.

[@MaryTravels53]

I like it!

[@john_kelley]

Thanks!

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

I discovered the wide sleeping pad issue early on. Really annoying. Great tips John!

[@john_kelley]

Thanks!

[@redwhiteblue7831]

Great tips for beginners... I love my 1p MSR Hubba tent, it's my go to over my 2p MSR Hubba Hubba... I'm over 6'2" and 230 lbs. But I did recently buy a 3p Nemo Losi for the wife and I. Great video and tips. Here's a tip, let loved one's know where you are going and when to you'll be back. Take care.

[@john_kelley]

Great tip

[@kiltrohiker5568]

The backpack thing can work either way I think... I wanted to buy a65L backpack without any pockets outside or any secret pockets inside, because I have the bad habit to take "just in case" things. So I take what I need and if it doesn't feed in my pack it's because I don't need it. But I can see the logic of buying the backpack after you got all your gear.

[@john_kelley]

Interesting take

[@markcummings6856]

Good info. Plus, all feet swell towards the end of a day. And for winter, buy even larger if non insulated to accommodate thicker socks or even two pairs of socks.

[@john_kelley]

Good idea!

[@katieharrison9281]

My "new" info was the weight limit idea of 10-20% of your own. It really helped. specifically with our kids' packs. We knew how much we needed to carry for them so they wouldn't be overwhelmed. Wish it worked for us. 🙄 Can't wait til they can help carry this crap! My husband and I are outfitted like it's an expedition just for an overnight! re: tent size - I've got a Alps Mountaineering Ibex 2 man and it fits me and my husband (6'1") and our gear. Obviously we like each other, but it's not crammed like I've been before. Using just by myself it was a bit excessive. I just got the same but in a 3 man for my 3 girls (12, 10, 6). Out last trip they used my Alps Mountaineering Chaos 2man.....should've tried that out first!....even though they were a bit smaller then there was definitely no room for 3 sleeping pads. Luckily they sleep on top of each other all the time anyway. Since they set it up inside the open face shelter, their gear didn't need to fit in with them. (They were afraid of the bugs and "other things" hence the shelter AND the tent)

[@john_kelley]

Yep. Taking kids is definitely work, but, if they fall in love with it, it’s totally worth it.

[@tilleylepew5944]

Earplugs for campsites next to railroads !!

[@john_kelley]

Every time!

[@tilleylepew5944]

@@john_kelley Sometimes the rails to trails system runs along the system that replaced it. At a distance it's nostalgic, but there's times you can feel 'em thru the ground .

[@john_kelley]

I can imagine

[@briansaucy4871]

I think the most important piece of gear is the shoes and in my mind the best starter shoes might just be Merrell Moab Ventilators (1 size bigger) and hike with them and with experience you'll want to try something (groovy?) but you'll have the Merrel's to use in the garden.

[@john_kelley]

I’m on my second pair of those

[@shaggyterrell8460]

I think that’s all preference. Try different things to find what you like. I actually hike in (cheap) Whitin barefoot trailrunners and my feet feel much better than in Merrell’s or other regular shoes/trailrunners. Actually my feet and back both started feeling much better after switching to barefoot shoes for everyday use as well.

[@mackjenkins7721]

Hey John how's it going man. You touched on some good things man. But I did learn something new from this video. I did not know that even at an upper age your foot can still grow. Man I like walking around and hiking in the woods and things like that but I don't need my foot to grow no bigger than what it is now. Man I can't find a shoe for my foot now. But that is good advice about the black toe. I have not had a black toe before but I have cracked my big toenail. I got to take it gotta to hurt. John I have a question? I need a water filter system! Which one would you recommend or did you do a review on one? I miss your ending of you being funny man. Good video man keep up the good work.

[@john_kelley]

Hey Mack!!! Check out the sawyer squeeze. That’s one of the easiest to use and most dependable ones out there. Most Walmarts carry them.

[@mackjenkins7721]

@@john_kelley Hey John!!! Yes I've been watching a lot of reviews on the sawyer and the LifeStraw. The sawyer has been looking like number one for now. I'm just wondering about those Sawyer bag. I heard the bag be busing at the top of the bag and am thinking about getting a different bag. Have you had this problem before.

[@john_kelley]

@@mackjenkins7721 yeah. Check out the Cnoc Vecto. I’m a big fan. I’ve had one for three years now.

[@dayhikingforoldies9792]

How about this; wear plastic glove liners in really, really wet weather. I use the free ones available at fuel garages. Although my hands sweat like crazy, their going to realistically get soaking wet inside my not-waterproof gloves regardless. At least with the plastic liners, I can slip my wet gloves on/off, on/off, on/off a gazillion times in a row without any friction causing them to turn inside out! I’ve proven this to work countless times in the Lake District and Snowdonia....

[@john_kelley]

Nice!

[@kevinsmith948]

Backpack choice, it’s hard to put ten gallons of stuff in a five gallon bucket

[@john_kelley]

True story

[@Doc_Watson]

2-person tent=1-person tent Learned that many years ago car camping. Looking at the person layout picture on the packages of the commercial tents, you could easily see that all floor space was sleeping space. No space for storage. Looking at backpacking tents, it seems even worse. Glad I moved to hammock camping. Pro: space for your gear under your hammock & tarp, Con: in most cases you don't share your space with someone else (this could also be a pro depending on who you hike with. ;-) ) and everyone needs their own so unlike a tent you can't share the load.

[@john_kelley]

Yep. I’m a hammock guy, too, and I always have plenty of space.

[@quietjohnoutandabout6578]

i have been getting black toe for thirty years. I am seventy years old. My last black toe was in March 2020. I still dont have a full nail.. My brother gave me that name twenty five years ago. Thanks for that information

[@john_kelley]

That sounds painful!!! Hope this helped a little.

[@Silkstep]

Earplugs? But what about if that snapping twig really is a bear and he eats me? What if those rustling leaves really are a herd of rabid skunks? Ever been eaten by a herd of rabid skunks? I bet it hurts. A Lot. Obviously you have not, or you would not advocate wearing earplugs while you sleep I wager. The only reason to bring earplugs is to give them to your hiking buddies. Like, Hiking with Jason or Jeremiah Stringer Hikes, to use while sleeping. Explain that you snore, and you care about their sleep. Then, when the rabid skunks come, you hear them and get ready, but your hiking buds have their earplugs in and they don't hear them coming. While the skunks are eating them, you make good your escape. Good tips in your video, but mine might save your life. :D

[@john_kelley]

😂😂😂 You need to write a book!

[@Silkstep]

@@john_kelley One day I hope to share some stories around a campfire in The Gorge with you. Verbal is better than written. Maybe a little bourbon too. Kentucky of course. ;)

[@john_kelley]

👍🏼

[@gregoryash395]

Compass,map and/or gps app

[@john_kelley]

Yep

[@biscuitblanco5599]

Can you recommend some shoes and inserts? I attempted the Centennial Trail in SD in the fall and only got 88 miles in before I had to come off trail because my feet were destroyed. I wore Altra Timp 1.5s, liner socks, I pregamed with Leukotape and I stopped at lunch to let my feet breathe. None of that helped. I still developed massive blood blisters on the balls of my feet. Help please!

[@john_kelley]

Check out the Altra Olympus and the saucony mad River tr. Both have more cushion than a lot of other shoes out there. Hoka speedboats are great, too. Definitely hit up an outfitter and try those out. I’m a big fan of Tread Labs insoles, specifically the Pace insoles. They’re pricey, but awesome.

[@benhikingoutdoors1632]

Just to offer my experience.... I went through a few shles before finding the right pair... from Salomon Speedcross then to Altra Superiors then to Altra Lone Peaks, then to Moab Vent 2's and THEN found the LaSportiva WildCats. I love them and dont plan to use any other shoe to hike in.

[@Silkstep]

These guys have given excellent advice. I feel the need to add though, that everyone's feet are different. What works for John, may or may not work for you or me. What works for Ben may work for you, but not for me. I hope you find the shoe that is for you on your first try. Go to REI or similar, and try some different ones on and see what feels best. Try the ones suggested here. But, I fear, if you fall in love with hiking, get a bigger shoe tree. You're going to need it, heh. I have 2 sets of boots, 3 pairs of hiking shoes, 3 pairs of river shoes, and one set of camp shoes. (trying to find the "perfect" ones) Only one of those do I never wear anymore-too tight in the toe box. Some are waterproof, some are not. The trail I am heading for determines frequently the shoes/boots I take. May your search be swift and sales line your path to The Shoes.

[@biscuitblanco5599]

@@john_kelley Thank you, Sir!

[@john_kelley]

No problem

[@BackcountryExposure]

I slightly disagree on the shoes. I think a lot of it depends on your foot shape. A bigger shoe for my skinny princess feet equals pain.

[@john_kelley]

The big thing is to find what’s right you. I love that you take your girls into the backcountry

[@christopherhaak9824]

Having done a fair amount of hiking, I don't think your shoes need to be that much oversized - actually, that can cause problems. I've lost toenails also, so I can understand this issue. They really only need to be about the width of your thumb larger, or about 3/4". What actually helps more are the following - keep your toenails trimmed at all times, they should never extend beyond the compressed end of your toe. Lace your shoes up tighter and if your shoes have them, use the ankle lock lace holes at the top. If your shoes are laced and tightened correctly, there should be minimal sliding of your foot in the shoe both going up and down (of course down is what does the toes in). Most people lace their shoes too loosely, their feet slide in the shoes leading to toe issues and blisters.

[@robertveronda4225]

Ear plugs? Are for spending the night in hotels/city, I can't sleep with all the noise there. How many of you that use ear plugs live in the city as opposed to the country? Plus with tinnitus like others have said its painful.

[@HikingHarter]

The shoe tip is on point, wish I had learned that myself. But one thing I could share, wish I knew is this - there are things other than bears that can growl in the woods! My wife and I were hiking the npt (northville placid trail) and we heard this grrrr, grrrr. We stopped and waited, nothing. We started talking louder and continued hiking. We heard it again but louder GRrrrr, GRrrrr. We started hitting our trekking poles together, yelling hey bear, then nothing. We came up over a small crest in the trail and we heard GRRR, GRRR. We looked around didn’t see anything, then we looked up. It was a tree that had fallen on another tree and when the wind blew it rubbed and made a growling noise. That adrenaline rush was better than any cup of coffee to wake us up! So I wished I learned, trees can growl 😂

[@john_kelley]

😂😂😂

[@sk-wx1cf]

Yes! :) Trees rubbing together can make all kinds of sounds, including very creepy sounds, like a child sobbing. I've been stopped in my tracks before, until I've figured out the noises. Now at least I know to check for trees when I hear unusual sounds.

[@gregmortonoutdoors]

You feet start to flatten as you age. Mine have gone up an entire size.

[@john_kelley]

I have insanely high arches. If mine flattened a little, I wouldn’t mind.

[@donatzerodayslife]

It’s painful. Right foot one year, left foot about 8-9 months! And yes I went up one size

[@graves1860]

Ear plugs in a group, good. Ear plugs solo, that's when the universe is gonna send a bear or a mountain lion to murder-mouth-stab me to death because I won't hear them coming.😀

[@scottshoe842]

To the first point: try the runners knot. Or with boots, try a double surgeons knot right where your ankle is.

[@littlefeet13]

Unless........ you have tinnitus, hell no on the ear plugs.

[@cwgibbs55]

So . . . It's o.k. to be "black toes intolerant"??

[@PopPopTN]

🙌🙌🙌🙌. Well done.

[@Renagade]

I'm Blacktoes intolerant.

[@rangersmith8601]

Only a fool would wear earplugs while sleeping outdoors.

[@john_kelley]

Ok

[@brenttesterman1198]

Especially if you're very fearful.

[@adelekhagna]

So many bad advices. Mostly the backpack advice

[@john_kelley]

😂