Gear I STOPPED Taking Backpacking

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Winter Layering: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4DKp2iVrblpiZY Why I don't take Bear Spray: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n567pJuPlsqLqJY Layering sleeping pads: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJCnaouirbqqd7M Dyneema Rain Cover: geni.us/AN73 Water Bottle Tube Adapter: geni.us/x0ojc8r *Bear Research:* Halt Tested on Bears: bit.ly/3n0sVWn Spray vs Rocks: bit.ly/3bVcqon Bear Attacks are rare: bit.ly/3kp3pbD How Dangerous are Black Bears: bit.ly/3F3qBUG *Most the Gear I DO Take:* Zpacks Arc Haul: geni.us/3pBiA ZenBivy Light Bed: geni.us/5319bg BA ZOOM UL Pad: geni.us/gprgMe Duplex Zip Tent: geni.us/Agxnca Plex Solo Tent: geni.us/ahG1KjD Toaks 650 ML Pot: geni.us/yfCYqCh Pocket Rocket Deluxe: geni.us/3MrUHA BearVault 450: geni.us/qJ0A Hilltop Food Bag: geni.us/nh21IP Bogler Trowel: geni.us/evIJfd Farpointe Alpha Hoodie: geni.us/EGWb9nd Zpacks Rain Jacket: geni.us/7BYPG Gossamer Gear Umbrella: geni.us/Sd687 Nitecore NU25 UL: geni.us/3ThMg Nitecore NB10000: geni.us/uVqBML Helinox Chair Zero: geni.us/Zremfj

[@kevinharding2099]

I’m 74 and have hiked all my life (and done limited backpacking). I agree with most of your assessments, but I always still carry a knife for emergencies and for small tasks and I carry bear spray when in bear country. I have never used the spray, but it gives me peace of mind and let’s face it, humans are far more dangerous than bears and bear spray works very well against humans!

[@Swimdeep]

As a 61 year old solo female hiker, I just said nearly the same thing as you. ✊🏼🌿 Edit: Autocorrect mistake

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

If I wasn’t flying for most my trips and bear spray wasn’t $50 to just be thrown away when it’s time to get back on the plane. I might take it more. But for humans not bears.

[@nedanother9382]

I was gonna say it was a waste of time carrying spray...until the end. Yes take the spray. Cheers

[@Petit-Jose]

@@MyLifeOutdoors A flying hiker !

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Lol. Quite the opposite

[@jdf585-p2g]

Knives are incredible, versatile tools. I carry one every day and use it all the time. Not having one on a hike or backpacking trip would be a no go for me.

[@tavelkyosoba]

You can use them for anything...but they're the wrong tool for everything, and you know it's the truth lol. One time i left a knife in pants pocket and threw it in the laundry, it opened up midwash and put little burrs all over the dryer drum, and then those burrs shredded 2 loads of laundry before i realized what happened...upon reflection i realized I'd never actually even used a knife out of "necessity", bur rather because i couldn't be bothered to walk 3 feet to get the right tool, and decided i really don't need to carry one. Have never looked back.

[@FelloDello]

​@@tavelkyosobato me it just seems like your hatred of knives comes from your incredible ineptitude, when dealing with them.

[@ASAP2525]

@@FelloDellonaw he’s right if I was given the choice of a knife or a hatchet in a survival situation it’s no contest knife looses every time. Knifes are like multi tools the mid at everything but better than nothing

[@tavelkyosoba]

​@@FelloDello yes gary, yes.

[@tavelkyosoba]

@@ASAP2525TBH I use kitchen/utility sheers more than anything. I know they're not mountain man cool but my god are they useful. I like the kind that come apart so you can use the blades for shaving or carving if you need.

[@k1bsTV]

I personally think "no knife" is far more of a leap than "no bear spray in black bear country". I've felt the same away about bear spray for a long time, but a knife is definitely worth the 0.32 oz, IMO.

[@michael83479]

I think it's worth just taking the little victorinox Swiss army knife that is .7oz it has scissors, a knife and some tweezers. I've really only needed the scissors but for now I have it with me

[@k1bsTV]

@@michael83479 Yeah, I usually pack an Opinel No. 4 (hence the 0.32 oz). Big enough to be handy, weighs next to nothing.

[@donaldstrader7241]

@@k1bsTV Opinel knives provide a lot of cutting length for weight and size. I know someone who did the John Muir Trail, with a couple others, and took a Victorinox Compact and an Opinel Slim. He said the Opinel was in frequent demand for food prep. I can't say I have hiked enough to have a valuable opinion, but my last trip to New Zealand, and hikes there, I used a Victorinox Huntsman and used it frequently for all sorts of things. Now I'll have to watch the video. ;-)

[@overwatchxrescue]

The biggest issue with taking knives on trips is that there are often so many legal regulations when going through international borders or into airports. And even sometimes state or provincial laws. Sometimes it feels like it's not worth the hassle!

[@donaldstrader7241]

@@overwatchxrescue You have a point, although a non-locking SAK should probably pass muster most places, if you are not trying to enter secured areas. I have thought a couple times, especially if flying with no checked bags that a pair of EMT shears might be the way to go. Either full sized or less to seem even more inoffensive. They will cut cordage, bandages, food packs, and can serve as a scraper. Plus they are low cost. One never knows. My daughter was injured (glass gash to a hand) on a trip to Australia and she had her Mom's Wenger AT Clipper with her to trim gauze/bandages as she was returning to the states. She is relatively diminutive, inoffensive, and had carried the Wenger AT (AirTravel) Clipper through several checkpoints on her meandering trip. She was stopped by some overly officious security person who said the nail file was too pointed. Because of the shape I could see them checking it, but barring it? Say what. I think just because he looked at it (or wanted to keep it?? if one was cynical) he wanted to justify the check. It would have been a pain as Victorinox now makes a Clipper version, but not the AT without a blade like Wenger had available. I have carried the same model both checked and unchecked and never had a problem. IIRC it was checked a time or two and immediately passed when the "blade shape" was just a fingernail file. What had always concerned me was that instead of a blade they put in an eyeglass screwdriver. which having a very small tip, is sharp. Of course they did not comment on the arguably more pointy part as it was not shaped like a blade, I guess. I don't know how she managed this, maybe a sympathetic airline employee who thought security was being ridiculous, she managed to go back and check it. So all was well in the end, after probably some stressful rush. I told her she might have been able to go out to a sidewalk and file away the dull "point" so it was squared off. But of course her solution worked better.

[@Macherian20]

As an Alaskan you learn very quickly to never say never…. I always have a knife and have needed it in an emergency and have needed bear spray on multiple encounters. Again, Alaska is a unique place and calls for a much different level of preparation than many other places in the lower 48. I’ve had it go from a warm 70F in the mountains with bluebird sky to 29F and snowing with 40mph winds in just a few hours. Ironically one of my out of state friends who came with us on the trip asked why the heck we needed to pack puffy jackets and gloves. He understood that evening!

[@burningsporkdeath]

I've done Alaska and Montana and I agree with all of this.

[@Andy-Mesa]

Groundsheets aren’t just to protect tent floors. They work for siestas, cowboy camping, shade, extra shelter, hitch signs, or keeping anything you want off the dirty ground or floor. You can even just use an emergency blanket and have it pull double duty. It also prevents moisture from getting up through the vestibules and provides a nice little porch.

[@turtlepoi]

and hammocks!

[@andrewb4130]

I have a footprint in front of my tent as a landing pad to put my shows on and to get dressed on.

[@texasirving4815]

Yup how can you even consider not taking a ground sheet if youve ever camped in the rain …. You know …required

[@DuelCreek]

And easier to clean than the bottom of the tent.

[@donovanarmstrong7853]

The footprint is more for wet ground. It’s to help ensure your tent isn’t getting wet underneath, keeping you warmer.

[@libertybysweat6281]

Definitely, I camp out on the BC west coast and you couldn’t stay warm or dry without protecting the bottom of your tent.

[@andrewwhitehead2002]

Supporting that from the UK. The footprint really reduces condensation on the inside of the fly sheet.

[@GarGri]

Rather than saving a few grams on the weight of a footprint, I'm taking mine to keep the underside of my tent dry in the morning when dew has saturated the underneath of my footprint.

[@phillippitts6294]

That’s a 100% right.

[@Vyz3r]

Yep, you can also use it for more than just a footprint for your tent. It can act as a ground sheet to sit/lay on, a sheet to lay your stuff on, an emergency cover during a rain, and a makeshift carrying bag.

[@Rabascan]

I do disagree with a knife. Even if you typically don't end up using it, it's one of these 'just in case'-things. It's an ultimate and versatile tool and even though I agree that you typically will not need it, the options it offers at such small size and weight make it a no-brainer for me.

[@ReasonableRadio]

scissors can be used for a lot of tasks that might be an "emergency knife" situation, and many that knives can't, however both really isn't a ton of weight

[@Infinitetech-ogda]

@@ReasonableRadio how can you cut a small log with scissors? and what can you do with scissors that you cant do with a knife?

[@fraukeschmidt8364]

​​Precision cutting of wound covering or paper or patches for repairing a tent, for example. So I would carry both!

[@MicrophoneMichael]

@@Infinitetech-ogda I think the larger point here is, your tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad will keep you warmer than starting a fire. Even assuming you’re making kindling to with your knife and that log, was it because you couldn’t find dry kindling and because your tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad had all failed?

[@RobertPasekoff]

I've gone back and forth on the tent footprint. Ultimately, I've decided that I prefer to use one. When the rain keeps coming down long enough, even the best ground prep occasionally fails. I have found that I just seem to stay dryer with a footprint than without one.

[@julietousignant3253]

Even without rain, I feel that footprint keeps humidity away. I've too been septic about the foot print, but I tried it in camping with a car so I didn't care about the weight and it was a revelation! Not sure I would take it on every hike, but surely when it's been raining or I'll stay close to river beds.

[@user-jk2zm7uq5s]

This + usually the footprint will be moist/wet and dirty (from the dirt/earth) in the morning, if only because of condensation (moisture from the ground). I'd rather pack the dirty/wet/moist footprint seperately from the dry tent to have a nice, clean and dry tent the next night. Sometimes the ground sheet gets sandy too - I'd rather keep sand away as far as possible from tmy tent, especially the zippers. Wet, dirty sandy muddy ground sheet goes in a small freezer bag away from the clean and hopefully dry tent so it can't wreak havoc over there. Instead of a custom footprint I simply use a thin (=lightweight) sheet of plastic (cut to size) from the painting section of the home and hardware store. (Its intended use is "covering furniture once while you paint your walls/ceiling). Once it looks/is worn out it gets replaced - and one package (30 sqare meters or something) lasts a decade or so. And yes, I'd rather have a gash in a thin, easily replacable piece of groundsheet than in my tent floor. And yes, I already had to tape it at least once on a trip. Also: no prickly things on the ground where you hike?

[@Swimdeep]

@@user-jk2zm7uq5s Better than the plastic, is a cut-to-size piece of Tyvek for your footprint. It’s hardier, easier to clean up, and provides some insulation from the ground the plastic sheeting doesn’t.

[@JordanBuzzy]

interesting. my experience has been that water gets trapped on top of the footprint and never goes away

[@ResumeStudios]

@@JordanBuzzy make sure your footprint is just a bit smaller than the actual tent flooring so that the tent covers it completely. This will keep most moisture from getting between the footprint and the tent. Otherwise, yea the water will stay around a while between the two

[@MyAnno1404]

The knife is essential for a survival situation that might arise when your other gear fails. You ll never use it - until you need it.

[@VincentGroenewold]

Yep, agreed there, as well as a compass or a small fire starter.

[@sebi2395]

I go minimal gear/ survival “mode” a lot, during all seasons, from 60F to -30F. You will use the knife 99 percent of the time for battoning wood, nothing else. Solution, i carry a folding saw. Getting logs is better than sticks - long lasting fire, low maintenance, less effort overall, high heat obtainable with different setups.

[@MyAnno1404]

@@sebi2395 a saw will work aswell but is actuelly bigger and weighs more then a knife. Thats why a knife is essential - atleast if you dont bring a saw ;-)

[@Mezekaldon]

But, to at least do the thumbnail justice, the knife probably doesn't need to be multi-thousand dollar Shirogorov. A $150 Manix 2 lightweight is probably better anyways.

[@alancalkins2656]

I don't leave the house without a pocket knife

[@Obi-Wan_Pierogi]

Knife. My dad gave be a small pen knife years ago. He told me I should always carry one. I never did... until he passed away. Today would have been his 77th birthday. It also marks the last time I spoke to him one year ago... The knife goes with me every time I hike or camp. I rarely need it, but it's not about that for me.

[@mikeroy6713]

I think there’s a time and situation for all these pieces of gear depending on the area. I will never, ever wear trail runners in the snow again. Until I have a garage full of tents like you do, I will continue to protect my tent with some sort of footprint so it will last. And never will I ever forgo a 2 ounce knife because I don’t want to carry the extra weight.

[@tapani4587]

The closed cell pad is definitely a winner in my book. I was no a 8 day trek a while ago where all the others had only inflatable mattresses. Every single brake I'd have to share my pad it with someone. It was basically our couch for the week whenever we were eating or just lounging at camp. They're fast to throw on the ground and pack back up, gives instantly a warm, dry, and soft surface to rest on. Edit: and they are silent to sleep on :) No creaking mattress whenever you turn like some inflatables.

[@cerenademe9433]

I LOVE my Z-Seat cushion! It's only 2 ounces, and with my skinny, boney a$$, it's really nice to have something that hangs off my pack, weighs practically nothing, and give me a place to rest my sit bones when there's nothing but rocks.

[@turtlepoi]

that footprint will do the same

[@ExtremeSquared]

Also, the combination of his comments about "one pad leak in 15 years", and not needing a tent footprint, suggests he is confined to a type of terrain that is easier on gear. This just won't apply to a lot of areas. Closed cell foam is better than a flat inflatable pad.

[@wohlhabendermanager]

On my first hike I needed a knife to put a new hole in my synthetic leather belt. Because apparently I lost so much weight on the first day that my trousers kept slipping down, even though I already was on the very first notch of the belt. And let me tell you, trying to climb up some rocks is way more difficult when your trousers slip down your backside. 😅 So yeah, I would always bring a knife. You never know what you might have to use it for!

[@dave_clarke]

It often feels like a lot of what people carry is to look the part rather than what is needed, and I have certainly been guilty of this in the past too. Whatever the case, it is important to recognise also that just because you didn't use it on one trip, doesn't mean you won't on another. For instance, I am a bikepacker. I am for sure taking tools and stuff to deal with punctures every single time. I carry a Leatherman rather than a dedicated knife. It does everything I need and I think I could do some basic firewood prep with it if I absolutely had to.

[@mikeroy6713]

Good point. Like first aid /repair. Best case scenario is you don’t have to even look at it but if you’re caught without it…..

[@siberx4]

Using your waterproof shell as an extra warmth layer when it's particularly cold is a great tip and is something people forget about. Reducing air exchange and cutting wind with the outside using a (mostly) impermeable layer lets your insulating layers work much more efficiently. I don't bring a big folding knife, but I do always bring my swiss army knife. It's smaller/lighter and has a large enough blade to be useful, in addition to the scissors/pliers/openers/tweezers/picks etc I'd want to bring anyway. Black bears are, by and large, pretty chill. Unless you do something very stupid they won't give you trouble. Grizzlies are a different story.

[@wolf1066]

My standard for hiking is to wear a polypropylene t-shirt since it wicks water away from the skin when I sweat. Weather turns cold/windy, I just throw my single-layer windproof, showerproof (not fully waterproof) jacket on and instantly feel fine again - just a layer of polyprop and a layer of nylon. Cutting out that wind or cold air does utter wonders. When I stop moving, I might feel inclined to throw a fleece layer on for more warmth - but when I'm toiling along the trail, feel plenty warm without it.

[@dadiesel44]

I work outside year round. Southern USA so it doesn’t get real cold. But in the coldest months I discovered a light rain jacket over a regular ass hoodie will keep me warmer than any carhart or other similar heavy jacket ever will. And is lighter and more comfortable

[@mcsequoia5107]

Not a very experienced backpacker here, but I get not carrying a dedicated knife, but I'd still carry a small Swiss Army Knife, as it has a small blade, tweezers, scissors an awl and screwdrivers. It's on my key chain already anyway. I'm also of the mindset that some basic tools might come in handy for someone else in my party or someone we encounter.

[@grundegrimstad4703]

I SO agree on the non waterproof shoes! Not bringing a knife is plain crazy..

[@Willy-hs7uu]

Been years since I hiked, but remember my "waterproof" boots were always wet, your feet just don't "breath" as well, so they were always damp even when I did not get wet. really want to get back to hiking someday, ( wife and kids and work to support them now) but if and when I do, I won't be using waterproof boots.

[@joonies82]

I agree with almost all, great vid. Def need knife however. I find I use it quite a lot in the woods. Knife is like a first aid kit - I know a lot of times you may not need it, but the same goes for bandages, moleskin, band aids, tourniquet etc Knife has also so many uses if you bother to get it out. Love the vids, as always!

[@1519Spring]

For me, it's about the size of the knife. Only as big as you need it to be.

[@joonies82]

I say bigger the better hahaha. Yeah that's prob why my base weight is usually at least 25 pounds 😂

[@d.i.m.eproductions6925]

Do you carry field dressings and celox/quik clot?

[@russjohnson9330]

Groundsheet: save the nylon foot print for car camping where the ground may hold broken glass or sharp-edged bottle caps. Use a poly-cro ground sheet under the tent. Practically weightless and doubles up as emergency tarp, solar still, etc. Knife: i actually like to cook real foot on a backpacking trip. plus the occasional bonanza of edible wild mushrooms. so I take an Opinel knife. not the best quality blade, but the round handle is very comfortable for food prep. Plus, I don't worry about loosing a $300 Benchmade on a backpacking trip. the Opinel #8 fits my hand perfectly and is $20. you are going to need a good pair of very sharp scissors if you use Leukotape. So pre-cut the tape and stick a few pieces down on a piece of backing for labels (is you have a home office and do mailing). Rain cover: I believe in double protection. I use durable trash compactor bags as a pack liner PLUS a silicone & nylon rain cover. Pro tip: my rain cover is florescent orange. I use it on perfectly clear days in hunting season in areas where a certain square footage of safety orange is required on the body. Waterproof boots: Yes for cold wet weather. Just remember gaiters for snow. Long Underwear: Those are my pajamas and I can layer over them if it gets really cold. Or wear them while I wash my other clothes on a town day on a longer trip. Close-cell foam pads: I cut mine in half lengthwise and taped it to make a "Hinge". Perfect for padding to sit a few people on for a lunch break in wet/cold weather. Fold in half for a log or ledge or use in "L" configuration for a bench with a back. Quick to deploy in an emergency. I lead groups and someone always needs to sit to put on moleskin, adjust crampons, wrestle on an knee brace, or sit and wait for help due to injury.

[@asamcqueen3513]

I'm definitely still on team hydration bladder... for the most part, largely because I want the extra volume of water. Though if I know there will be a water source nearby I've got a grayl bottle that might start to change that. Also definitely still on team pocket knife, mine's proven too useful for too many little tasks (like fixing a tent pole so it could actually be used), but that's my experience so mileage varies.

[@HostileTakeover2]

Ditto. Unless I'm hiking near a known source of water the majority of time, like a river, I'll be carrying quite a bit of water in the bladder and use a pump style filter to fill it. Of course, I'm usually with a small group and we find it easier/quicker to use one pump for all of us than each have a squeeze or gravity setup. And if I'm lone, I might do a gravity and just keep a spare lightweight bag for the dirty water, but usually just stick with the small pump. And you'll never find me without a knife of some kind, usually a multitool.

[@4Arcana]

Me too. Pumped out of puddles too many times to not take a traditional pump and bladder. Inline filters only work where there are creeks or lakes, and that is not where I usually backpack. More often I pump from two inch deep algae filled potholes. I want 3 liters on the back when I start.

[@fluffbigrollingmarshmallow]

I definitely agree on the quick drying trail runners vs waterproof boots. Last year I bought a new pair of waterproof boots, as my old hiking boots were getting rather worn (leather hiking boots, which I did actually love btw, because, well, leather - molds to your foot perfectly). This year, my first hike, I had pain in my feet I had never experienced before. I ordered a pair of Altra Olympus zero drop, and absolutely love them. What sold me on never going back to waterproof boots was that my first hike with the Olympus was in April, and I was post holing in 2' deep snow, and crossing rather deep snow melt streams. Each time I crossed a stream, within 30 minutes or so my feet felt dry. They may not have been, but it was quite cooling each time I stepped in another stream, and was a relief on my feet. So I feel like whatever coolness was there from the last stream crossing, it was long gone and my feet were probably fairly dry. My most recent trip was five days on the Cohos Trail, which was a stupid idea considering the record breaking rain we've had in June & July. But off I went! Two of those days were in ankle deep, black, slimy, suck-you-in mud all day long. My Olympus looked absolutely trashed at the end of each day, and required some massive scrubbing down in water. Plenty dry enough in the morning, and sure glad I didn't have the extra weight of waterproof boots on top of the black, slimy mud stuck to my shoes as I pulled my foot out on each step every day! I also have never carried bear spray. I live in NH, and frequently have bears in my yard. They don't ever seem too bothered by me, and certainly never approach, but if my dog ( a whopping 12 pounds) is out with me and he starts towards a bear, the bear usually goes up the nearest tree. My cat has even treed a bear before, so after years of experience with them around my home, I've never felt the need to have bear spray. I've only ever hiked/camped in grizzly country once, decades ago, and never even gave bears a thought (young and stupid...). Old and wiser, I'm not sure I will ever hike in grizzly country! LOL

[@carsonjacobs8487]

I see the no knife thing all over youtube with the proliferation of ultra light but I always carry a mora companion; light, cheap, easy to sharpen, insanely durable for what it is. I dont use it every trip but one time i needed it and was glad to have it. Im more of a day hiker and bushcrafty camper than distance hiker though

[@Horde334]

Don't you know if an ultra light person isn't forcibly putting arbitrary weight limitations and even adding something as simple as a map, compass, and knife is is just too much weight and the equivalence of a boat anchor? Jokes aside it does boggle my mind that even carrying a simple swiss army knife is omitted cause its "too much extra weight" maybe its my mindset but even outside the urban jungle if you go out into nature you should never have the mentality of "I've never been in trouble and i won't ever get into trouble" cause that's just blatant complacency.

[@LifeEnemy]

​@@Horde334 Most ultralighters get there from a lot of experience, knowing what works for them and how they could adapt if need be. Not to say that some don't take it foolishly-far. Though I at some point it's more of a challenge/bragging rights kind of thing, which is fine. Different strokes and all

[@Horde334]

@@LifeEnemy true i suppose my biggest gripe is with the ones who make it some kind of dick waving contest to see how light they can pack while going against any form of logic such as learning basic land nav and carrying a map cause overreliance on gps has gotten people lost cause even on established trails people have gotten lost in some way. I'll never really understand the ultra light mindset cause it just involves too much on expecting everything to go exactly as planned especially putting faith in weather reports being 100% accurate.

[@WorldBrilliant]

I guess in the lower 48, black bears are fewer and hunted with dogs. I'm not sure what makes them more skittish of humans, but in Alaska, my fellow guide was mauled by a black bear, it tib/fib'd his leg. He survived by stabbing it with his knife. A high school kid running a relay in our town was eaten by a black bear, they found his shoes. A black bear tried to crash through my porch door to attack me while I was sitting on my couch, I was charged and stalked by a black bear on a hiking trail. I've seen black bears behave just as erratically as brown or grizzly. I've learned the hard way to not underestimate black bears. If not carrying spray or a knife, maybe have a tent stake handy in case you need to fight for your life. Unlikely? Sure, but with bears of any color, anything is possible. And if they DO decide to attack...your odds of survival without anything to defend yourself are incredibly low. Maybe I just have bear PTSD lol

[@michael83479]

Honestly bear spray sounds 1000 times better than a knife in those scenarios

[@WorldBrilliant]

@michaelnewton8347 It can be, but also depends on weather conditions, wind, practice, etc. And assumes that you have sufficient reaction time to use it. All of my aggressive bear encounters, I did not have time to deploy my bear spray. So I think it's good to have a backup. In case you do get attacked, some way to "tell" the bear you're more trouble than you're worth. It could save your life.

[@fluffbigrollingmarshmallow]

Holy crap!

[@HostileTakeover2]

For the pack liner, I flip-flop between a contractor bag and one of the mint-scented kitchen trash bags. Mint scented because raccoons & certain other critters don't like that smell so aren't tempted. Plus makes my stuff smell nice :)

[@nedanother9382]

good lord unless you're in the 3 square miles of this country that doesn't have black bears - that is a horrible plan and one of only two ways to get actually eaten by a black bear. never ever have a sweet smell in your tent. That bear will take your pack and everything in it and if it has to go through your tent or you to get it, it will. You'd be NO worse off if you hung a hunk of meat over your tent. You have only been really lucky because that bear can smell mint from 7 miles away. I'm sorry for the rant but if there were ever advice to follow, this is the best you'll ever get. It's step one of backpacking. no toiletries, no pills, no scented chap stick, no sweet medicine in your tent, no lotion. zippo. and my personal advice - get a bear can for all of that - hanging sucks. cheers, please don't get eaten.

[@HostileTakeover2]

@@nedanother9382 Wow, you really jumped hard straight to the assumption that everyone heads only into the areas you're familiar with, with only the intent you're thinking of. Anyone doing any research into their destination, which is a given, will find out what the predators like & don't like and plan accordingly. No I haven't been extremely lucky, it's been well planned each time; I'm just rarely in bear country so don't have to worry about it... hell, half the time I'm not even in USA. That's the reason I flip-flop on which bag I use - know what's appropriate and what's not, and where I am most of the time, it's completely appropriate. Those times it's not, or I'm expecting heavier rain or deep water crossings, I use the contractor bag. Next time tone down the rant and make fewer egregious assumptions.

[@fluffbigrollingmarshmallow]

@@HostileTakeover2 To be honest, I think you should have mentioned in your original comment when/where you do use a mint scented trash bag, and when you don't. Not to avoid getting jumped on, but to avoid giving the impression to someone less knowledgeable about hiking that a mint scented trash bag would be a good idea just any old place. I know it isn't your responsibility to worry about idiots out there that don't do their own research. But we all know there are most definitely idiots out there. I live in the White Mountains, and the amount of idiots that can't seem to grasp how the weather can change in a nanosecond is proven almost every week with SAR deployments to save said idiots. Many times they aren't saved. I think being clear about the times/reasons you use a certain item - especially if that item could be deadly in many scenarios - is just prudent. JMHO Safe and happy hiking!

[@dereinzigwahreRichi]

The big advantage of a tent footprint in ongoing bad weather is that you dont have a muddy piece of ground in your apsis but a piece of sober ground you can put you stuff on, also your raingear and backpack that you dont want inside your tent nor to be totally muddy. Sure, you could do this with a piece of groundsheet just for the apsis but protecting your tent floor isnt the worst either. You could use a tarp for both functions that you can also set up over your tent as a sun protection when its extremely hot or for a bit of protected group space outside.

[@lukepaulson3428]

Imagine if a KZbin channel said “lose 10 pounds and carry whatever you want”. That would be a controversial statement.

[@jsvalina3503]

I've been watching a bunch of ultralight backpacking videos and have been thinking that exact thing.... Lol 😂

[@ericlam7657]

I mean some of the people that do backpacking don’t have 10 lbs to lose….

[@patty109109]

@@ericlam7657true-most can, however. I see the same thing in cycling. Pay an extra grand to save 2 lbs when you’re 20 lbs overweight. What’s the point.

[@pavel9652]

I was thinking the same in cycling for a long time. The issue with backpacking is that a heavier backpack is less comfortable, but perhaps this is a matter of having an excellent backpack or using it correctly.

[@Swamp_Lad]

@@patty109109 😂 exactly my thought, back in the day was looking into carbon frames vs aluminum forbid Mountainbike and decided not to spend 1000 extra for a kilo less and instead cycle more and loose (which I did, was 76 kilo at 190 now 100 at 190, so I easily can shed kilos 😂 before I buy ultralight stuff

[@chasecreechproduction6914]

The rock kick while talking about cleaning your camp site was comedic gold

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Lol. That was all I did to prepare it for my tent.

[@marclaliberte5491]

I've owned three air mattresses, and none lasted more than two weeks without puncturing. Maybe I'm doing something bad, I don't know, but I've gone back to closed cell foam pads. Now, I'm not geting any younger and I'm a side sleeper, so my hips don't like it when I sleep on a lone closed cell foam pad. I therefore double it with a 1/4" EVA foam pad. Total weight for both pads is 1.25 pounds (600 g), R value is 2.8, confort is a tad less than an air mattress but good enough. This is superfast to set-up and take down and will never fail me. Reliability is the key for me there.

[@josephsweeney4219]

I'm with you on just about all of these. I do bring a knife -spyderco ladybug - but it's tiny and weighs next to nothing. I also carry a small pair of scissors. I no longer bring rain pants - I find a rain kilt lighter and more comfortable.

[@blarfroer8066]

I wear water-repellant zip-off trousers which are made for cycling (which I do a lot). They keep me dry in a light rain and don't weigh me down if they actually get wet in heavy rain.

[@SummitSeeker546]

The most important aspect to backpacking, for me, is a dry, safe, and secure nights sleep. I’m a big fan of a tent footprint to protect my tent floor from abrasions and moisture and to protect my inflatable pad from a possible puncture. Nothing worse than trying to sleep on a pad that leaks air or is flat. The closed cell foam pad is one of my favorite items to have with me. It’s my sit pad, yoga pad, star gazing pad, stove wind breaker, vestibule door mat, gear dump pad, and sleep system leveler (use as a wedge to level out the ground of a sloped tent pitch), and when used under your air pad provides additional warmth and prevents slippage (a must for dyneema tent floors). I won’t backpack without one!

[@Obi-Wan_Pierogi]

We don't have bears in my region of Poland. I keep pepper spray in hip pouch for random drunks or boars. I've never needed it, but I like having peace of mind. I use a drinking tube from a bladder. My water bottles have a sports cap. I just widened the hole of the cap and the tube is now pressure fit in place in the cap. I carry an extra sun shirt as an extra layer when sleeping.

[@huwadamson]

People who are serious about knives often aren't so keen on a Swiss army knife, but the number of times I've needed the tweezers or toothpick on a hike far outweigh the times I actually used the blade.

[@HostileTakeover2]

Besides abrasion protection, a footprint is great protection against damp/wet ground when you don't have a choice. And at 3 oz, I don't mind bringing my 6 Moons Polycro footprint on every trek. If I know it's going to be rainy, I might bring the one that goes with my tent as it's only 10 oz, but I'll still have that 6 Moons regardless since it weighs nothing and takes up no space.

[@Joab38]

Great video!!! Tent footprint: Though I generally cowboy camp with a tarp as backup, when I do use a tent I use the space blanket I keep in my emergency kit as a footprint. Not as durable but I've never had an issue, mostly due to the reasons of tent reliability in this video, I'm guessing. Water Bladders: Never liked a bladder with a drinking tube because it's hard to gauge how much water you have left. Def prefer hard bottles and the platypus unbottle (in the pack w/o a tube). Closed Cell Foam pads are the best!!! Lightweight and can double as a sit pad on breaks, especially since they are stored on the outside of your pack so easy to get to. Plus, you never have to worry about failure. Pairing with the multipurpose space blanket as a footprint, I've stayed plenty warm to below freezing w/o a concern in the world. Waterproof Boots: Mistake #1 = boots, waterproof or not. The only time you need boots is if you are expecting to carry really heavy loads (hunting, yes; backpacking, no). Trail runners are the better choice in most situations and waterproof is okay if the expected conditions are in play. Long Underwear: Don't disagree, but I still bring as part of my sleeping set, rarely wearing at any other time, but also good to have as part of a backup system. Knife: I don't go anywhere without my Leatherman Skeletool multitool. Just personal preference. Bear Spray: 100% spot on.

[@jeffreycarman2185]

This is exactly like me.

[@TracyHall_DreamsAndLogic]

One suggestion to try: the inflatable pad definitely gives you more *distance* from a cold surface - but the air itself still circulates, and in my limited experience can feel pretty cold. With the thin closed-cell (if you're using it) on TOP of the inflatable, thermodynamically you are likely to be *better* insulated than if it's *below* the inflatable.

[@ricoelectric]

finally someone else said it

[@Drinksfromtap]

Never thought of it that way but it makes a lot of sense!

[@turtlepoi]

Yep!

[@sidecut999]

Nope. The good inflatables have horizontal baffles to limit convective heat transfer, and aluminized mylar to limit transfer infrared radiation. Look at R values. My mattress is 4.2, foam pad around 2. I've used a closed cell pad underneath a mattress on snow to up the total R value, but it would work either way. Choose the order for comfort and utility, which for me is putting the foam pad on the bottom.

[@nycrae]

I had a weird moment with a coy-wolf when I scared off it's dinner... a sensitive moment with a mom deer I startled in the rain... and several odd experiences with men. That bear spray is a must for a woman alone or with a puppy

[@d.i.m.eproductions6925]

It’s not going to do anything for you against a moose or brown bear

[@chiefJohnWright]

I bring along a small (

[@jenellsaphid]

Yep. Lots of big animals out there, not just bears.

[@ringhof]

Footprints are mainly for wet conditions with lots of rain. It gives the tent an extra layer against water leakage. When you hike a week way up in the northern polar region - a footprint is essential to be able to sleep in a dry tent.

[@joostdemoor138]

The thing that will keep me using boots (waterproof or not) is ankle protection. I hike in areas where I'm often days away from any help. Twisting an ankle the becomes a major risk imo, especially when carrying a heavy pack. Secondly, there is the issue of durability and consuming less. I can use my boots for many years on end on the trails. When soles wear out, I can replace them. By contrast, I can easily imagine shredding a pair of trail runners in no time on hard trails or off trail.

[@klang180]

I've been using trial runners for years and never once twisted my ankle and so I do wonder if this is a strength thing. Your point about durability is a fair point although depending on the materials and methods of manufacture one pair of good boots might be worse environmentally speaking than many trial shoes.

[@fluffbigrollingmarshmallow]

I found that when I switched to trail runners, I have not twisted my ankle even once, even when hiking late at night, after a full day of hiking in mud, and wicked tired. But with boots? It happened all the time - not bad ones - but little twists that you could walk off in 30 minutes to an hour. I believe the reason, for me, is that trail runners are so much lighter, and you have much better foot placement. Almost every single time I hiked with boots, any ankle twist was due to poor foot placement. I also believe that trail runners help strengthen your ankle, and gives you much better flexibility. Unless you have those boots laced up like figure skates or hockey skates, or are clamped into ski boots, any protection you think they provide is actually false. No one laces hiking boots like that, so any sever twist or break will be similar regardless of boots or trail runners. With boots, I used to clip my ankles with the other foot a lot - doesn't happen at all with trail runners. I think the only protection my boots provided was from my own clipping of my ankles - stopped using boots and the problem was solved. 😂

[@wolf1066]

@@fluffbigrollingmarshmallow I agree with every observation you've made, there. All the problems I had that I needed boots to "solve" were caused by the boots themselves. I got to the point one time that I felt so unstable - we were rock-hopping along a river... large curved smooth boulders... and trying to walk on them in my boots was like trying to balance a plate on a bowling ball - that I took my boots and socks off and went barefoot. Instantly I had no more problems, my feet didn't slip, my ankles didn't try to buckle sideways and I felt several orders of magnitude safer. Next time we went out I wore running shoes - until I could afford to buy purpose-made trail runners. Had no problems since going away from inflexible boots.

[@fluffbigrollingmarshmallow]

@@wolf1066 Hmmm, I never thought about the inflexibility of the soles of boots - but now that you mention it, I'm pretty sure that is part of the reason for my feeling so much less prone to ankle twists in trail runners. There is limited tactile response from the ground/rock/whatever through the sole of a boot, whereas trail runners have a great deal of tactile response. I think that tactile response has a great deal to do with a person's sense of balance and how you correct imperfect foot placement almost immediately with your body, location of foot pressure, etc. I just know I seriously doubt I'll ever go back to boots. 🙂

[@wolf1066]

@@fluffbigrollingmarshmallow Tactile response is crucial, also the ability to conform to the surface. The moment I took my boots off and my bare feet could curve to match the surface of the rocks, I was stable. I had far better contact with the surface and could feel what surface I was on. Couldn't go back to flat planks after that, needed footwear that would curve to fit the terrain and give me a better idea of the angle etc.

[@CoryDAnimates]

I would definitely suggest use the same evaluation process for everyone to minimize their packs instead of just dropping everything. Take stock and every year account did you use it or consider using it? After a trip did you regret removing it? Always be prepared, but weight matters and studying what to expect is also part of the experience.

[@ILoveJeeps]

It's better to have a knife and not need it, than to need a knife and not have it.

[@ecoheliguy]

As someone who has worked in the most remote locations in Northern Canada. We generally don’t take a rifle or bear spray inland. They same can’t be said about coastal, west coast grizzly and arctic/Hudson coast Polar bears we 100% percent have protection. Black bears are the least of our concern. We are always cautious for Polar, Cougar, and Wolverine. All three will not hesitate to vastly kill you, and two of the 3 will hunt you no different then they will hunt any other food. Knife: I use a single blade for batoning wood if making fires. But generally I have a leatherman skeletool which I primarily use for the pliers, and screwdriver. Only time I use the knife blade is to cut rope and cord. I agree that sharp scissors, or a razor blade pretty much covers 99% of what the knife blade would do when Backpacking/thru-hiking. But the knife comes into its own when doing more of an expedition,canoeing, coastal kayak.

[@dddhhh2612]

Great video. My thoughts: For the tent footprint, I've found it useful when setting up a tent on already wet ground. Tent bottoms are water resistant, not waterproof. Otherwise the interior of the tent will get wet. (I have pretty high-end equipment) For water bladders, when I hike in a group and manage water for more people than just myself, a gallon-sized bladder is an easy way to manage water for multiple people in a campsite. For half-inch closed cell foam pads, I bring a 2-foot section for multiple uses, mostly in cold weather situations: a nice seat cushion (better than a wet log), an extra layer of insulation under (or over) my inflatable sleeping pad, and occasionally just use as a clean surface to lay out a bunch of small items I want to keep out of the dirt. For a knife . . . never use it except for food prep. For bear spray . . . not necessary on the east coast. Bears want to get away from me. Though the adrenaline rush when running into a full size black bear is pretty intense.

[@JeffCorcelius]

Everytime I've gone camping I've needed a knife. Now, a lot of the items on you're list I agree with. I also bring 550 Cord all the time. I know I don't need it but it's that boy scout in me that won't let me leave it at home.

[@d.i.m.eproductions6925]

Fun fact, you don’t need it until one day you do

[@rotaman8555]

I see your points, but for me personally: I wear waterproof boots, because I live in Alaska the trails are always wet; I carry a closed foam pad in Alaska because I need to protect my inflatable pad from sharp rocks and it adds Rvalue without much weight; I carry bear spray always, again because Alaska; I always carry a picket knife. Always. My two bits. Good video!

[@Swimdeep]

HYOH. The choices you’ve made aren’t mine but you have arrived at these decisions through experience. As a solo female, I would never hike without my neck knife and bear spray. People are animals too.🌿

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Unfortunately hiking as a solo man has less risks. I think your choices are wise.

[@kevinstarski1598]

hyoh ???

[@nedanother9382]

Man you need to come west and experience our backpackers....best people in the world. Love my Eastern Sierra towns and people. Hitch hiking is still a regular thing. It must be different when you have close towns that aren't kinda built around the hiking and biking communities. I'd ask that you reconsider your spray. Totally not needed for bears and you have the neck knife for any other problems. If you still don't feel safe take a much smaller spray designed for people. I love my female backpackers whether solo or in groups. As long as your out there. Such a show of strength and confidence. Just beautiful. Cheers

[@shantelwoods9064]

Absolutely I cary wasp and hornet spray works well for coyotes.

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

@kevinstarski1958 HYOH = Hike Your Own Hike

[@MrFreeGman]

Camp fires and fishing go hand-in-hand with being outdoors for me. Not bringing a knife is like not bringing shoes. It just makes no sense. I actually bring 4 knives - ultra light pocket knife that never leaves my pocket, a swiss army knife (mostly for the other tools on it), a bushcraft knife for camp fire tasks, and a small hunting knife with a razor sharp edge for dealing with cooking tasks and cleaning fish/small game. I use all of them. Sure I could survive with just one, but try fileting a fish with a knife with a scandi grind that you've been batoning wood with. It's a bad time and may just ruin your catch. With that said, I'm more of a canoe camper, so a bit of extra weight isn't that big of a deal for me. If I were hiking 20k per day I'd probably make do with less.

[@elizabethpatitsas565]

Maybe I'm just unlucky but I got a small tear in the bottom of my MSR Hubba Hubba about five years ago when camping in Algonquin Park. Bought and have carried a footprint for it ever since. The footprint has doubled as a tarp for rest stops in rainy conditions, and is pretty lightweight.

[@BohdanWynnyckyj]

Footprint is much more useful in the heavy rain or storm for your gear not to get wet through the floor. Another option is to dig a canal around the tent for the water to go somewere.

[@nebula0024]

Personally, in all my years I've never needed bear spray in Black Bear country. Had a few encounters, but those lazy giants have always just sauntered off once I started yelling and banging pots together. Had an encounter with a mamma and her cubs a while back, but in that case I just stopped dead and backed away. I waited quite some distance away until they wandered off in a different direction. If I was in Grizzly territory, it might be a different story though like you said.

[@d.i.m.eproductions6925]

Bear spray ain’t going to do anything to a grizzly, handguns don’t do much to a grizzly lol

[@tacticalidiot175]

@@d.i.m.eproductions6925 hard cast revolver round might, but no one wants to carry a huge revolver around

[@frstesiste7670]

I've started hiking in the boy scouts and used a foam pad for around the first 10 years. They are great when you're young and can sleep on one, extremely durable, never leak and are super convenient as you can use them during the day too to sit on. If I still could sleep on a foam pad that would be my first choice. Used a tent without a footprint for even longer. Didn't even know that was a thing (in the eighties) and not using one never caused problems. Since then I've tried one and found one advantage. With wet ground it keeps the tent drier and less dirty, but I dont need the manufacturer's one. The thinnest and lightest drop cloth will do the same trick at a fraction of the cost. I've never owned or carried bear spray and I've hiked both the PCT and the AT. Cant see any reason to carry it in black bear country. I've met around ten black bears and never been able to get the camera ready fast enough for a picture. In grizzly country I'd of course get carry it. I always carry a knife, usually a tiny one. How do you split a bagel without a knife? Scissor just won't do and I've never carried scissor on a hike. The knife will cut Leukotape too and in an emergency help me start a fire. Waterproof boots. Don't use them anymore. Switched to waterproof sneakers in the mid-eighties. Hard to find for a while, but easy now. I'd never use them (in snow or really wet conditions) without gaiters though - just don't make sense to not protect the top from easy access for the water/snow. That said I used both waterproof and non-waterproof shoes on my thruhikes depending on the expected conditions. There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of shoes. There are even conditions that call for boots - but I don't do mountaineering stuff anymore.

[@Daruma_Studio]

Could this be a video not trying to sell me stuff?! Let's see!

[@daviddemmers130]

Nothing upselling!

[@JohnnyMcMillan]

I forget his name but that ginger hiker/backpacker, everyone of his videos its just a list to his amazon links

[@Daruma_Studio]

@@JohnnyMcMillan Isnt that this guy?

[@Wilma5532]

​@@Daruma_Studioi think he meant Zach Fowler?

[@richardscott7778]

I just slapped a water filter in line to my water bladder and it worked great. The filter came with an extra tube and just used that. Fill the bladder as normal and go. It's not any harder to sip water through. No extra adapter needed. Also had a inflatable sleeping mat get SEVERAL holes in it, after only a few uses. How you've only gotten ONE in years is a miracle.

[@lukefitt56]

I’ve always been a big over packer so I appreciate these kind of videos. I think the foot print idea is one I’ve been debating after my last hike where I was setting up in the dark and didn’t quite get it right and it rained all night and pooled up on the foot print and got into my tent 😅 I would have been much better off to just have my tent and let the water flow and drain

[@hakusnowninja]

You could just put the footprint inside your tent for a situation like that. I've done it once or twice. Personally I'm more worried I will do something to puncture the floor than the ground wherever I set my tent up puncturing the floor.

[@gregvanpaassen]

Your footprint is likely too big, with the edges visible when the tent is up. The edge of the foot print should be a couple of inches inside the tent floor edge all around. Also, something we used to do for rain back in the '60s was dig a little trench all around the outside of the tent, and then have a short 'tail trench" leading away downhill. That trowel is not just for cat holes. But fill the trench in again before you leave - leave no trace!

[@TokinWhiteKid]

Great list. I do prefer a water bladder though and have agreat system to refill it. My Camelbak tube has a removable mouthpiece with the quick disconnect fitting so I used that adapter that come with Sawyer squeezes and i can refill my bladder with a sawyer/smart water bottle using the camelbak drinking tube without having to remove the bladder from my pack.

[@sydshome]

This video was so helpful. I’d love a packing guide for chronic over packers! I overpack largely due to wanting to be prepared for everything and the anxiety of not having something I need. However that results in way too many tshirts and socks being packed in 😅

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

I’m glad you enjoyed it. Most people are too settled in their fears to even question some of these items. Thanks for watching

[@nedanother9382]

First you should be carful wishing for a list on backpacking among 10's of thousands of people who are dyeing to tell you exactly how to pack, and about every little thing they have and why. The best reason for a simpler load out - I was you, prepared for anything, so much so I couldn't find what I needed when I needed it most. Result: worst trip in 12 years. F Light, thats a byproduct of Uber Simple with maximum retrievability. Second, this channel might be the best info out there for people looking to up their game a bit. Great advice. My rules: It must be painfully simple with minimal to no moving breakable parts You must embrace your funk - ZERO toiletries, no wipes, no deodorant - a poop kit with Whissy Wipes for TP (lotion for woman addicted excepted - its not a sufferfest) Food is fuel - the lightest most efficient way to get calories and nutrients in a bear can. repackage everything. Your kitchen needs to be no more than a spoon, stove, cup, and a lighter. No pots pans or extra cups No silly coffee set ups. Good instant is awesome in the back country - and I'm a coffee snob(ish) You must be able to stay warm / cool - without relying on "extra" clothing - worn clothes, base layer, insulated layer and shell. no more other than extra socks. Liners in shorts to save under ware. This is one of the hardest parts, but the one I love. Its a wonderful obsession to figure out the puzzle that works for you and covers you in all conditions and fits the space and weight requirements. You must be prepared to get soaked, sleep dry and if all is right start the next wet morning knowing what you were wearing is still soaked. Things have to dry with body heat type thinking. Accept the reality that if you are hiking in the rain - you will get soaked. If you spent 600.00 on a rain suit you will be soaked in a 600.00 rain kit. It's physics. just be prepared to stay warm while wet and be able to change when you stop. Like a computer theres a hundred ways to get it done. There in lies the fun as well as a money sucking vortex with no bottom. I just love it. For the record I hike the Sierra. Need to prepare for everything all the time. Its gonna snow for gods sake where I'm going for the next 3 days... in late August!. Its high altitude where the location is the show and prize...there is where a kit like this shines. I'll go out next week with a bear can and pretty bullet proof kit for 5 nights at 23ish lbs. I have never not even once wished for a single piece of gear that used to go on trips but is now left home. You'd think you would have a tougher time, but its just better and better the simpler the kit. I'm babbling but I'll give you one of my solutions. I don't take the extra clothes. got soaked through under my rain jacket and was stuck with soaked clothes the next morning. If it was still wet out I would have been miserable. I'm still not taking extra cloths but I took my puffy that was no good in the rain and switched it out for 3 pieces of gear that weigh no more than a hooded Ghost Whisperer. There really isn't any cost savings and its a tiny bit bulkier but that bulk is not one mass but three. A wind shirt and not one but two alpha direct hoodies (farpoint Crusier). Combined they are way warmer than the puffy but can be used in layers of insanely breathable warmth. It feels like you're wrapped in a teddy bear. In the worst case scenario I'd put on all layers including a sun hoodie that I wear and my rain jacket I'm sporting 5 Hoods!! None of it down and all in about 10 ozs depending on the wind jacket (required). With only improving the packability I solved the cloths problem and got rid of down that couldn't be used like these fleece layers. There see what you get when you throw out a wish like that. I have an extra permit next week...you in.

[@Eunegin23]

I am usually hiking in the mountains, mainly the Alps. I stopped packing / using boots and switched for most of my hikes (depends on the terrain of course) to approach shoes and other low cut shoes. Lighter and for me the better fit. Never the water-proof version. Having said that, I wouldn't do that if I were not well trained and experienced to avoid problems or injuries. Always in the Rucksack: extra socks and an extra merino T-Shirt.

[@the_joe_reynolds_foundation]

Do you have a video on basic knots you like to use? And/or do you even use them?

[@JonSchlueter]

Footprint is useful when camping on clay or muck that you see in the swamp areas, but not so much as in sand or dirt. If you end up in a downpour on clay/swamp muck it can require you to actually scrub to get rid of the clay from your tent.

[@Klatubarada1979]

The best thing I ever did with all these "backpacking" tips is to use trail runners instead of boots. I use the ultra-lone peaks and I can't see myself ever using a different shoe. Dry out in no time. I never take a knife either. I use that tiny equinox with the scissors. Great for cutting moleskins and dehydrated meals. You would NEVER see me without bear spray :D

[@charlescollier7217]

The environment in which we hike, what kind of hiking we do, how long we're going to be out there for - all of those shape what is and isn't necessary or expedient, so I find no fault with this list if it works for you. In my tropical rainforest, there's no way I'm going without at least a short machete. It's simply a necessity for my terrain. I'm with you on the water bladders though. Too hard to clean.

[@chiefJohnWright]

I find myself using sissors more than a knife, but still bring one along just in case. However, I swapped out my 100 gram pocketknife for a 13 gram 9mm snap knife ($2 at a hardware store) that lives in my 1st aid kit.

[@d.i.m.eproductions6925]

I will Never understand why people risk their life to saving money on essential gear. I Carry leatherman raptor shears, Fox karambit, IFAK with T, and a handgun everywhere I go

[@nathanielkatz6938]

On the closed cell foam issue. Some people including myself simply do not feel comfortable on air beds. Ccf mats are light, cheep and durable, they can be used day or night and can be cut down to save weight and space. CCF GANG FOR LIFE

[@hug8956]

Not only are you unlikely to need bear spray with black bears, but I have witnessed people use it to protect against dogs while bikepacking and they probably sprayed themselves more...

[@garyconnors2104]

The domestic dog is a greater danger than a black bear. I have been attacked twice. Each time the owner intervened just in the nick of time. When in sheep herding country, carry bear spray; not for the bears, for the dogs!

[@jameshatley9390]

My old tent has a well patched floor, and I use a mylar sheet underneath. I like putting the tent away dry. Heavy rain often drains under the mylar sheet, too. Been on the trail for more than 40 years and I've never taken a knife.

[@michael83479]

Yea people talk about it in a survival circumstance that it'll save your life. But realistically I don't think it'll change much. I'm not bushcrafting or whatever. I hike on trails and stay either a designated campsites or close enough that I'll be fine. Worst case I hole up for a day and wait for others or just use my satellite messenger.

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

I agree. But convincing people of this is nearly impossible.

[@jameshatley9390]

I wouldn't try. I always had a big medical kit with some scissors for tape, etc., and stuff for fixing toenails. We would always try for five or six nights out with a group. New hikers got the light packs. So much of the weight was dehydrated food.@@MyLifeOutdoors

[@effectivemelody]

You have shown me it's always good to be constantly evaluating your equipment. Can't bring everything. You have shown that knowledge and experience is the most important thing

[@RobertFallon]

I agree with you about the 3-4” stand-alone knife. I find a small 2” blade as part of a mini multi-tool will do all necessary tasks just as well.

[@peacefulplaces3634]

I bring a small knife for common camp tasks, and I only bring a larger one if I'm going to be fishing.

[@neobello6736]

@@peacefulplaces3634 Yep, smallest Victorinox/Wenger (mainly use the scissors and toothpick) and if fishing a cheap lightweight Mora.

[@zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz736]

Please don't listen to influencers about your survival. Listen to your climate, your landscape, your weather and seasons,, listen to your gut.

[@billyrandell]

I've gone back and forth on CCF pads. Other than my first very cheap one, I agree that all of my inflatables have been more comfy, lighter, and better R value than my Nemo Switchback. But I work as a paraprofessional for a very poor school district, so money is always extremely tight. I'm usually in the neighborhood of 200 pounds, sleep on my side and toss and turn a lot. Combined with the fact that I dont own a tent and the only thing between my sleeping pad and the ground is a sheet of polycro, the inflatables just get torn up too quick. Im okay at patching, but that reaches its limits. I ended up with the switchback when I was hiking the Colorado Trail and my pad stopped keeping air overnight even after I patched every leak. It's pretty much bomb proof and has never given me problems. I cut it down to just cover my torso and hips so the weight disadvantage isn't as noticeable. I also bought a super cheap old foam pad from our used gear store that gives a similar level of support and have switched from sleeping on a mattress to that pad when I'm at home. I got used to it pretty quickly, and now my switchback almost feels more comfortable than matresses and pads because its what my body is used to.

[@Valaran1]

Of course snow will get in the top of your boots if you don't wear gaiters...

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

The snow was hard enough we weren’t post holing much at all. So I just left the gaiters in my pack…but very slowly snow got in and once it did the boots were wet the rest of the hike.

[@thorstenreitz7302]

Hm, I've had four punctures and two damaged valves on self-inflating pads. The damaged valves were particularily annoying, because they couldn't be repaired with a patch kit at all. So in very cold conditions, I will also potentially bring my ancient ridge rest as additional insulation & fall-back. In winter conditions, I also always have a set of long warm underwear with me, as an emergency base layer. I have actually needed it once and was very happ to have had it.

[@brandonbullard2523]

I also leave bear spray out of my kit unless I'm in grizzly territory. However, each year I hear more and more instances of hikers/bikers/trail runners having to use their bear spray on moose. As far as a knife goes, I'm the same - I take the Renegade Outdoor UltraFire razor knife out if I need to cut food. I've packed a few ribeyes into the mountains this year and it sure was a treat. Totally with you on the waterproof boots as well! I really only stray from your list when it comes to the footprint when using technical fabric shelters. I've definitely had worse luck with sleeping pads than you have, and maybe I'm just used to the old tyvek and tarp days where I lay out my footprint before setting up the shelter. Oh! Items I quickly ditched in my outdoor ventures: bug spray and sunscreen. I cover up to solve both of those issues, and a bug head net doubles as a stuffsack for my cook kit. Keeps my bedding cleaner and my skin doesn't break out, all while keeping potentially dangerous chemicals far from natural areas. I also ditched ran jackets and rain pants. I sweat too much in them, even the vented lightweight ones. I moved to a poncho which also covers my pack - eliminating the need for a pack cover or liner. Now the chair, that's sticking with me ALWAYS. #takeaseat

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Haha. No knife but you know I have a chair!

[@panhandlejake6200]

Always good to evaluate your gear needs in order to improve camp efficiency. Footprint: I elect to use one (3 oz polycryo) as it keeps the bottom of my tent cleaner - particularly in wet weather. I just go off of a JMT section hike with 36 hours of constant drizzle from Hillary - my footprint was filthy and I was able to pack it away separately. If I did not have it, that dirt would have spread across the tent body when I packed it away. If dry weather is guaranteed, then a footprint may not be necessary -- but I personally will still elect to use one. I do use long johns as backup sleeping insulation - in place of a cocoon, for example. With the exception of winter camping, I don't think I would use them outside of my tent. I have very light silk long johns which have increased my comfort level on unexpectedly cold summer nights high in the mountains. I stopped carrying a 'big' knife long ago - instead I use a much smaller Victorinox which has served all of my needs. I still elect to use water RESISTANT boots - I like the ankle protection from rocks, etc. They have stayed dry even in the long rain on the JMT - I did switch to water shoes for a few deep water crossings. I also carry waterproof socks to protect my feet in the event that the boots do soak through.

[@JustinOutdoors]

NO KNIFE?! How are you going to spend 12 hours building a shelter, fileting the rabbits you snared, and fending off deer when you get into an emergency!?!?!?!?!! #lostallcredibility

[@michael83479]

Mfw I don't have a K-Bar that would have totally saved me against that grizzly bear

[@Andy-x3i8y]

Yikes! I personally know two people that have been attacked by black bears and sent to hospital. Data around murders being more likely than bear attacks is absolutely bogus and confounded. This is simply due to the fact that there are far fewer people spending time in bear habitat. Most people are infinitely more at risk of dying from homicide than they are from dying while traveling in a space craft. I think the United States is a lot different than Canada when it comes to this issue. There are so many people in the United States that the bear population seems to have been pushed out of many areas where people are hiking. Where I spend my time, it is more likely I will see a black bear than not while on a day hike. A family member recently had to file an insurance claim to have the side of their house replaced after a black bear ripped a hole through their wall. I suspect these recent bands on bear spray in some US national parks will soon be reversed after someone is seriously injured or killed.

[@TheJohnreeves]

Maybe others have said it, but I think some of this is just situational. The non-inflatable pads and footprint I think are particularly suited to places where you have a lot of thorns. Desert areas. Goat heads I hear may be all over in some places, and they'll go right into your pad. But if you're not in an area that has them (most of the Pacific Northwest), yeah the ground is usually quite soft and won't get through the tent and pad.

[@karenschocher1790]

This old hiker thanks you, you're a wealth of knowledge, enjoy your channel

[@MrKuken911]

Great video, as always! I do carry a tyvek footprint for extra protection and in case of heavy rain, or just to lay down on it during the day if needed. I dropped the knife a long time ago. To me this is by far the most useless item, except for the super tiny Swiss army knife that also has scissors, tweezers and tooth pick. Super handy. No waterproof shoes of course. Learnt that during severe weather conditions. I was soaking wet and the next day the shoes were still wet. Except in winter of course. And no water blader. Too much hassle.

[@d.i.m.eproductions6925]

It’s useless until you’re in a survival situation, unless you bought one of those cheap knives then it’s just useless no matter what

[@d.i.m.eproductions6925]

Also, if your boots got wet then that’s on you. Should have done more research into layering, spent more money on a higher quality boot such as Merrell or Lowe, bought OTTE leg gaiters and used merino wool socks.

[@jotairpontes]

I have to disagree with two things: not carrying a knife or a gun is really dumb. Those two, If you can, you carry. Knives are one of the most versatile tools around and don't take space. Guns are to protect yourself and your family, mostly from bad humans, not animals. And let's be honest, bad humans are more dangerous (cruel, sadistic, etc) than regular animals out there.

[@jenellsaphid]

I always bring a knife or bear spray, or sometimes both, even on smallee day hikes. I'm female and often alone and these work as great deterrents for *anything* i might meet up with. I will also always bring the tent foot - I've only got one good tent and I plan on taking the best care of it I can. Love the shell over the clothes idea though.

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Unfortunately hiking as a solo male has less risks. I think your choice is wise.

[@mark2727]

Thru hiker's tend to be minimalist when it comes to their personal choices of their equipment. Having attended wilderness survival & jungle survival classes in both the Marine Corps and as a civilian. I highly recommend a fixed blade knife that has a full tang. Reason is that it's a tool you can use over and over again. I do tend to go slightly tool heavy into the bush. I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it, and that goes without saying about a side arm in any bear country. Yes, you can get by without those items and that's your choice. I'll keep my "survival pack" with me at all times and you can just go without. Happy trails to y'all.

[@d.i.m.eproductions6925]

This, all it takes is one time not having what you need, and you end up a statistic. Your post is based in reality, thank you

[@blarfroer8066]

I like having a closed cell foam mat to sit on it while it's folded. More comfortable than sitting on the ground. I've read reviews about my sleeping pad (Exped Synmat 7) being a little sensitive to spiky objects, so I bought a used German military groundsheet to put underneath. Packs up small, weighs little and costs less than 10 bucks second-hand.

[@xianthrops]

I've been returning to backpacking after many years and two kids. Your videos are fantastic, thank you! What kind of gear do you use when backpacking with your family? What tent arrangement and how do you distribute gear?

[@tc2156]

I don’t bring any of these during the summer except the nyloflume pack liner. I find it plenty big enough for my quilt, clothes, and electronics. My bear canister is also inside the liner just because I like to place it on top of my quilt and stuff my puffy jacket around it. But I’m usually carrying 22lbs for a 3 day trip. I’ve used the same liner all summer. It’s held up really well and I’m not exactly gentle with it. I do wear/bring base layers in the winter since I live in cold Colorado.

[@tgilbs]

I used to bring so much clothing!!! While it is nice to change into clean clothes each day, it's just not worth the weight. I just have a set for day and for night and try to keep my layering pieces pretty minimal (but effective.) I also stopped bringing a footprint for my tents, although sometimes it makes me nervous because I am often camping on granite and have definitely been in a situation where there was at least an inch of water under my tent and I was very thankful the tent was still waterproof! I still bring a whistle, but it's probably unnecessary. It came in handy once, when a slower hiker in my group got turned around and was able to be located because she had a whistle (we had not heard her shouting). I have a small multi-tool that I will still bring, but it is mostly handy because I use it to open my bear can (which I am required to bring in most places where I backpack!) Great video and I agree on all your points. I slowly converted to trail runners -- they do dry out very quickly on a warm day! And I love the bottle/tube adapter -- I can finally give up my bladder which is super annoying to refill!

[@collinmc90]

People tend to forget that the majority of hiking trails these days are well populated by other people who could help in a survival situation or at least are travelled heavy enough that you aren't really doing anything that dangerous. People pack all these extra things cause they are going into the "wilderness". It's like dude, my home boy scooter hiked this trail in flip flops while tripping on mushrooms. You will be fine.

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Great point. I just responded to a comment about military survival kits and I thought. My plane didn’t crash in enemy territory…I’m on a weekend hike with everything I need to be comfortable for days. I’ll be fine.

[@jenellsaphid]

That really depends on where you are lol.

[@collinmc90]

@@jenellsaphid absolutely! I just think most people doing an overnighter or even multi nights during peak hiking season when weather is decent most people overestimate how much survival type gear they really need. You got food and water, decent clothing you’ll be fine.

[@uniktbrukernavn]

0:25 Make a custom footprint only for the vestibule. Buy a cheap heavy duty tarp at a hardware store and cut it to size (the kinda tarp they use to cover firewood etc). It'll keep your gear dry if you have to set up tent on wet ground. Make sure that it doesn't protrude outside the tent because it'll collect water - I found that out the hard way. I've had mine for 10 years. Just make sure that whenever you enter/exit the tent you kneel down on some gloves because you're not gonna see the rock underneath the tarp - you'll feel it though.

[@johnkerber9578]

I’m pretty happy with my setup already but love these kinds of posts! Anything cheap that will increase the quality of life is always worth checking out. Going to purchase a few of these. 😊

[@1PZfan]

Instead Nylofume, I have found that oven roaster bags, turkey size, work just as well and are so cheap who cares if they have to be replaced. I've been using mine for several years now and never had to replace though.

[@DrRobotica778]

Replace the footprint for a piece of tyvek house wrap. Cut it to the shape of the tent/footprint and tough adhesive tape to make pole/stake loops. Keep the protection/dryness you want of a footprint but at a lighter weight.

[@miken7629]

I agree with skipping waterproof boots, they become buckets, instead I bring neoprene dive booties to use as dry socks, gonna try some waterproof dry socks next trip. You need to make sure your shoes are not canvas or cotton, they get wet, absorb water and stay wet for days, need synthetic polyester type shoes that do not absorb water. I need a knife because I bring 8oz block of Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese and need to cut off chunks.

[@michael83479]

Most valid reason to bring a knife I've seen so far in the comments

[@pathfinder7614]

I'm with you on everything except the knife. I have several knives depending on where I am at, what I'm doing, how long, ect. Most people get knives way bigger than they need. Personally, if I need a "serious" outdoors knife, I love my BK18 by kabar. Little 4 inch blade. But most of the time a simply vitorinox Swiss army knife will suffice. I prefer the ranger grip 78. Very basic. The knife is one of those tools that you don't need until you do. I can definitely understand not needing a fixed blade, even something as small as the BK18 harpoon. But a good folder I'm a pocket takes up no space, almost no weight, and if you need it, you got it. That's just my comfort level though. Great video!

[@Conan3145]

Food for thought! I take one Nalgene 22oz All Terrain Bottle because of 20 years use, a Swiss Army Knife Tourist for just in case. Waterproof boots because they are worn in and won’t wear out. No pack liner, water bladder, foam or long underwear. No griz in Australia so no bear spray - and it aggravates the local dropbears, best just to run 😀

[@Filce100]

I gotta add that the knife is not just a dead weight but its also a hazard in winter when its cold and its not wise to get your hands in the open, if they get cold you will have problems reheating them, so i always prepare the food to be consummated right away (sandwiches, wraps, fruits, things that only need water etc.) so i get as little exposure to the cold as possible .

[@davidnovakovich5583]

A knife is a must, always. Once in 3rd grade our teacher was trying to pull a staple out and asked if anyone had a knife. About a half dozen of us raised our hands. Maybe us in Alaska are different? A good knife isn’t just a tool, it can also be used for self defense. As a bonus, I never have to carry nail clippers. For me, it’s the first aid kit that I almost never take. I take duct tape instead. Had a tent rip on a float trip, possibly from UV degradation, and taped it up with duct tape. Used it that way for 15+ years. Made butterfly stitches a couple of times with it. Can slow a leak in a raft in a pinch. Being in remote locations you have to be able to make due.

[@MultiTipsie]

Hi there, I am tired so I keep this short (er then planned); - Footprint or bigger groundsheet. Not only to protect the tent from punctures. Moist and fungus get more chance when the tent is in immediate contact wind the ground. The coating of the underlayer of your tent wear of less easy. i.e. It stays better waterproof and fungus resistant. Also it prevents from moist build up on the tentfloor due to condensation. When experience heavy rain (when big enough or with connection points for the tent, it can prevent from water build up underneath and in the tent! As an extra cup so to say. Important though is that the sides are post underneath the outer lining of the tent, otherwise it does the opposite, namely collecting water. When your tent gets packed again, no dirt, animals, thorns, little stones or small branches come along into its bag and can make live so much worse when unpacking again due to logical scenarios. The only thing you have to do is to clean your footprint in some water and place it in its own bag. You can even go as far as to use it as an underlayer for isolation when it is real moist and cold! Moist can be way colder the a very cold but dry day! - That matras; Also against moist but also isolates and can bring comfort. Also on your way on the trail and everything is wet like fallen trees. You can use it with a plastic bag around it or underneath when you want to sit down. It keeps you from the cold and wet floor. Personally I wouldn't have taken that matras to begin with though. A good self inflating matras is way better. Especially when it is getting really cold, but have a comfort night of sleep will help you immensely when out and about for a month or so! - Waterproof shoes. What you showed in this video was not very good quality! I had mine for 13 years(!) before I had to buy new ones! And I wore them in the army intensively on all kinds of ground and basically wore them daily! You said that you had water problems because of deep snow. Again, besides the quality, when you have good boots and strapped them tightly and use also waterproof pants that cover you shoes, it shouldn't happen!, Never with me at least! And when damped, and your are in your tent again, get out the inner soles and place them so that they can dry! When you are walking on very rocky and sharp ground, chances are your feet get hurt by something sharp or whatever! Strong boots prevent wear and tear and feet injuries. When your shoes are broken you have a problem! Also of course when your foot is injured. And And also better when in an area with thorns near the ground or snakes crawling around. A knife. Don't know why you didn't need it! BTW, my most used tool was the multitool! A good strong multitool is worth gold! Of course, choose the one fitting your needs. Let the shop owner inform you! Also, when having a good rustfree knife and multitool is a must! otherwise it rusts fast but also is a sign of weakness (the knife, not you). Better spend some more on good equipment then cheap and problematic. What also is a very good idea to do take with you....Multiple aluminium rescue blankets! Especially when your are wet and cold, but also against heat from the sun or isolation under your matras. They are strong and you can use them as any gear and they will last a long time normally and very light! So, happy camping!

[@tanvach]

I love my foam sleeping pad! I actually don’t like chairs (and i tried both Helinox zero and REI Air) but prefer to sit cross legged on the CCF pad. Add R value and also I can nap any where instantly.

[@paigekoenig9323]

Knife always goes with me. Feathersticks, batoning wet firewood, cutting paracord, prepping food. Clip on the belt, throw it in your pocket. I always have a mini pocketknife in my first aid kit.

[@tonywillingham8109]

The folding matt is indispensable. We use it to sit on, to lay in the meadows/balds, as door matts for hammocks and tents, to pile gear one when unpacking at camp, as a back cushion in our ultralight packs, protect inflatables in rocky camp sites, etc... And black bears are mostly harmless.