The Essential Backpacking Checklist

[@dandeleona4760]

I got lost on a well worn trail when it disappeared in fallen leaves in Autumn and suddenly EVERY direction looked like trail. Sun dropped behind trees, temps dropped, too deep in the woods and everyone gone home ... I had no firestarter, no lamp, no bivy, no extra sweater (because it was going to be a 2 hour hike and then back in the car!!) . I turned to the dog and said, "I got us lost. Get me back to the car the shortest way possible." He didn't go back the way we came, he bushwacked over hills and fallen logs, and through muddly hollows for an hour after the sun went down, and when I thought he was just following some bllsht racoon trail, he waited for me at the top of a hill. When I caught up to him he looked down so I looked down .... there was my car in the parking lot. Now I take a bic lighter, a compass, an emergency blanket, a head lamp and a small knife .. and that dog ... if a 'friend' didn't hijack him and take him to oklahoma in the night without telling me.

[@whatshappening708]

Wait what someone took your dog in the night?!

[@dandeleona4760]

​@@whatshappening708 The dog's owner went to the Ukraine, and he gave him to me specifically. To keep my roommate company, he was shared between myself and the roommate. I was between residences but setting up to take the dog because my buddy loved me best. The dog was so happy! :D (no wonder, I spent most of my time inventing ways to amuse him and take him on frequent trail trips, and raw beef :D ) Then the roommate took him. I kept calling to find out what was happening and when he finally answered my calls, he said he was 500 miles away and the dog was fine, but glaring at him. He's an old dog, gray around the muzzle and I'd have given him the best retirement ever, and the dog knew it. Now he's furniture to keep the other guy from being alone. It was an evil move for somebody I thought had ethics. I talked to Ph. in complete sentences, making sure to use nouns he would never understand. But he understood PERFECTLY. I'm certain he had language skills because I tested him all the time with long explanations with unusual synonyms, and then he'd just do what I asked. I could never fool him. We had a blast playing that game. One time I said, "I'm tired and I don't want to go back the way we came. Find me Loop C and we'll get back sooner." He bushwacked and I followed, and sure enough, he got me to the sign post that said, Loop C. This was the first time either of us set foot on this nature preserve. I used to find new hiking places all the time and play with him like that. He loved doing it. :D

[@afailathrone]

@@dandeleona4760 that sounds so awesome, you should get your own dog bro

[@CroakerOutdoors]

Appreciate your story. Will double think what I believe I can "do without" to save weight.

[@jessedaniel1246]

Go get him back

[@eddies8502]

Other things I take- Battery bank, charge cables, sewing kit, patch kit for your sleeping pad. Thanks for the video!

[@mystoragestore8342]

Study solar.

[@christianb8228]

Sink, counter, cutting board…

[@christianb8228]

Joking 🙃

[@RealBoiJare]

@@christianb8228 don’t forget to also bring a toilet along

[@KirstenBayes]

Please: definitely a compass, and a good one. One saved my life a few years ago. It's so easy to get turned around.

[@henrybowden9907]

And, of course, knowing how to use it. I'm sure some of the people I've seen in the past just had them dangling from their necks for show.

[@dandeleona4760]

For what it's worth with no compass, people tend to walk to the right when they think they're walking straight (in the USA) due to 'driver's foot". When driving, the right hip stays flexed from hovering over accelerator/brake, and that's how that leg gets 'shorter' than the other one without knowing it, and we walk in a wide curve because of it. I'm not sure where the leg flex is on European vehicles - right or left - but wherever that hip is flexed over the accelerator that leg will be 'shorter' and their arc will follow that leg too. The only real cure is to stretch the psoas muscle in that hip regularly so both feet rest evenly on the ground and hips are level.

[@dandeleona4760]

Unrelated to topic but still related to 'driver's foot', bunions tend to form in that flexed hip foot too because the leg is shorter, the ball of the foot drops down to take up the height difference and we subtly walk on the ball of the foot on the drivers' foot instead of the whole sole, leading to bunions on that side.

[@wades623]

@@dandeleona4760 drive a manual, can't just leave lefty without anything to do

[@theprophetez1357]

Been there, done that. 😩 Without a map and compass you can get disoriented, especially in the mountains or dense forest, or both.

[@goodestmove8211]

On accidental injury- “ Any injury should be an accident” Well done mate!

[@bradjakubowski8987]

After a few good trips. Your really get a feel of what you need and what you don’t. Packing now is an automatic process. Got it down to a “T”.

[@BackpackingTV]

That's a great place to be, when it's no longer overwhelming. I hope to get more people where you are!

[@Madmaxxxx1984]

@@BackpackingTV 👍👍

[@Kevinheffner25]

Going on my first backpacking trip ever next month. Been looking at your videos all night trying to figure out what I need. I'm an EMT and am in nursing school so money is tight, these videos really help me prioritize my purchases.

[@RichardEnglander]

3y later - how did it go? Are you alive and still doing it?

[@ozzygrunt4812]

Awesome vlog mate, I’m used to carrying a lot of weight, being a former army soldier. But, hiking is a completely different animal, I love it and can’t wait to get out and about. The only thing I’m working on now, is a lite weight tent. Cheers

[@boredandagitated]

The military really beata up all y’all soldiers knees, saving some weight will help preserve what you got left! Thank you for your service man and good luck

[@jeromebullard6123]

Also always carry a lightweight bug net.

[@james35813]

Idk why I never thought of that

[@mystoragestore8342]

Travelling cities on a budget is on the cards for me today. The guidelines of what to have while back packing are great.

[@ruthbutler6725]

My hubby and I are just getting into some backpacking and looking to try something in the spring. This is a great video to get us started! Thanks so much for putting this out. I'm really looking forward to our first trip!

[@thecrankyyankee5114]

If the fire wood is wet - rub it with hand sanitiser GEL. It burns clean/clear and burns like sterno - helps get a fire going in damp conditions.

[@Robert-yp9zs]

A superlative video, along with all the others you have made. Your video series, along with those of Dan Becker, give anyone thinking about getting into backpacking (along with experienced backpackers) a wealth of valuable information. Its almost a situation of "information overload"--so to absorb! This "checklist" is a valuable addition. Thank you.

[@ingrids27ec39]

Thanks for sharing all those tips. I'm hoping to join a camping group later this year...but was daunted and clueless about all the stuff I need to bring. This video gives me a better idea about the basics 😊🌿

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello my Outdoors friend, thank you for sharing this very informative video. All the best to you for your good health and safety. 🤗

[@adrienl4949]

Your videos are insanely great!

[@BackpackingTV]

Glad you like them!

[@glenndorsey9068]

Wish you would do a segment on getting on the trail in the morning. Seems to take me forever to get packed up and hiking!!!

[@BackpackingTV]

Haha, like how to get on the trail at a decent hour?

[@glenndorsey9068]

@@BackpackingTV not so much getting started at a decent hour, but how to get packed up efficiently. Seems to take me forever.

[@danieldancey3162]

@@glenndorsey9068 I know it's been a couple of months but I keep all of my hiking stuff in one place, in a big plastic tub, and I pack my bag the day before so that there aren't any delays on the day I head out.

[@tehsupertoilet]

@@danieldancey3162 I think he means while on the trail, after a night of rest in the tent and packing things back up while camping on the trail

[@Jim553just]

After seeing two of your vlogs, I subscribed. The info is valid and worthwhile, I especially like your succinct approach, so much to learn, so little time. 😉😎😎

[@johnhavel7685]

I got a suunto and it’s pretty darn good. Useful for several things other than just navigation. It’s got a mirror which is useful for inspecting difficult to see areas of your body as well as being potentially life saving if you need to signal for help to an aircraft or someone far off in the distance on a sunny day. It has a magnifying lens as well which could be useful for inspecting things such as if you needed a closer look to remove a splinter or something or to do some finer work of some sort as well as potentially being able to be used to start a fire. It also has a bit of cordage on it albeit only 3 feet or so but possibly enough to help tie a few poles together to form a teepee frame for a shelter. And then finally there is navigation benefits obviously there may be other uses I’m not aware of but having one which is only a couple ounces could be life saving if you need it

[@MegaSusanc]

I just found your channel and I think it's pretty cool 😎 Thank you for sharing your knowledge on hiking gear and more. I'm looking forward to watching more of your videos. KEEP ADVENTURING GOD BLESS YOU 🤗 HUGS 🤗

[@jeromebullard6123]

Wrap about 6’ of duct tape around a lighter. It works for a fire starting fuel in a pinch as well.

[@UrbanNinja26]

Great idea thanks

[@austinhurst467]

Good video! Thanks

[@rickscott332]

I use treking poles like ski poles, I push my self along and that builds musc. on the back of your arms like crazy plus your stomach as well..

[@dm9078]

I have a portable bidet! I don’t leave home without it!

[@BackpackingTV]

So fresh and so clean!

[@thecrankyyankee5114]

I have a Northface Terra 65 - really no place on the bottom to strap the tent. Have to put it on top - only negative I found in the pack

[@adventureswithcorrine]

I take my Inreach everywhere no matter how short the hike. It's my "I've fallen and I can't get up" safety system. Also, I always tell someone where I am going and when I should b back. A quick text is enough. If I am somewhere really remote, I leave a note on my vehicle with my InReach info and emergency contacts and a timeline.

[@BackpackingTV]

That's an excellent way to go!

[@billjames3148]

Will you make a video, Deep winter 5-10 day ski/pulk and build a gear list from that trip. I have a pile of winter gear but do not know how to use it.

[@mikehayden7330]

I don't hear many youtube gear people talking much about solar chargers. Might be a good item to do a future youtube video on.

[@liamallan1056]

Depending on where you’re going I’d include bear spray, and maybe a small electric watch to be aware of how much daylight you have left on a given day

[@BackpackingTV]

Bear spray in bear country is mandatory. But yeah, great recommendations!

[@thecorona1784]

U can use your hand to measure how much sun light is left. Straighten your arm out in front of you, spread your fingers wide with your pinky on the horizon. If the sun is where your index finger is you have one hour until the sun sets.

[@Howtowithpaulaandjohn]

FYI Walmart has some bowls like that in stores now for 50 cents.

[@BackpackingTV]

Good call!

[@josepi529]

Great channel! Great video. Please tell me about the fuel canister you held up. I can't tell what size it is. Looks like an 8 oz/230g. And you said you get about three days out of that particular canister. Is that three days boiling water for yourself only? Or you and a partner? Thanks

[@Choklar_]

I personally had a pocket rocket with an 8oz fuel canister and it lasted me 5 days and 4 nights. I'd make oatmeal in the morning, and a ready to eat meal at night, so two uses a day. So, I boiled water 9 times with mine. I'm not sure how much fuel I have left it in. I'll check later as I'm about to get ready to hike in June. I'll let you know how much is left then.

[@keepermovin5906]

Good to see non ultra light representation on KZbin. It’s good to get other perspectives.

[@tj6111]

A backpacking gear list should reflect the conditions and style of hiking you’ll be doing! No such thing as the perfect loadout for all situations. Also, holy crap. That “ultralight” 2 person tent is the packed size of my 2-door tent, 20° sleeping quilt, and 3-season sleeping pad combined.

[@BackpackingTV]

Totally! Hopefully this provides the basic structure of what to take. But every trip in whatever environment is going to affect it. Also, I haven't dove super deep into the ultralight world of backpacking as I'm such a middle of the road backpacker, so I'm curious. What do you have that is so much more compact?

[@tj6111]

@@BackpackingTV Zpacks Duplex (which is kind of a burrito, their 1Ps pack down into a side pocket), Enlightened Equipment Enigma 20 degree quilt, and the Nemo Tensor pad

[@kpotter78]

My browser is saying that the packing list link you put up doesn't lead to anything anymore. Is there another link you could post maybe? Thanks for the great in depth video series!

[@henrybowden9907]

I suggest a very small and simple sewing kit - basically a needle and a few feet of thread (and a threader) plus maybe a spare button if you're wearing a garment that has them. Also, a pair of spare shoe/boot laces although paracord will work just fine except it's fiddly to get through the lace holes.

[@mukkaar]

Rather than sewing kit, you need something adhesive to patch your rainjacket, tent and sleeping pad. You can do just fine with hole(s) in your clothes or missing button even for extended amount of time.

[@ojibwayinca8487]

Are there any items you would build in redundancy like illumination, navigation, or a tool?

[@christianb8228]

I like your channel good stuff and I appreciate your style of backpacking even though I carry a little more UL gear myself, but I noticed you said if your just eating backpacking meals and need an efficient way to heat up water the jet boil is great , and if your actually cooking meals then a stove like the pocket rocket and a small pot is something you’d recommend, but I think the opposite is a better idea, because you can use the jet boil with the pot stand to use a small pan with it and it just works better for actual cooking imo. I’m sure most people would agree just saying I thought that was interesting when I heard you say that

[@BackpackingTV]

You mean the add on pot stand? I see your point, I've just never been a fan of adding the attachments. But thanks I appreciate your input!

[@christianb8228]

@@BackpackingTV yeah I just think for simply boiling water the jet boil is over kill sure it probably boils water the quickest, but it’s just so big and heavy imo. For boiling water, I would suggest something like a BRS3000 or a MSR pocket rocket or something similar. The opposite of what you said in this video lol anyway…doesn’t even matter, at the end of the day we can bring and use whatever we want and I appreciate you and the content you put out hope you have a good night and are getting out there backpacking 🤙

[@Edy1331]

Thumbs up for the paracord tip. As simple as it is, most packing-list-videos exclude it unfortunately.

[@jdog8362]

How do I get a paper map of each place I want to backpack in?

[@jeffgerbino7021]

I've enjoyed watching your channel it's less pretentious than many of the same genre who seem rather full of themselves. Of course having worked in Media I don't look at presentations the way most others do. I'm at total newbie stage on all this. Bought some reasonable starter equipment from Cabella''s/Bass Pro Shop. Hardly ever hear them mentioned on anyone's channel on this. Of course when it arrived newbie mistake number ONE! Watched your how to pack and quickly realized the sleeping bag I bought isn't really for hiking/backpacking size wise. I went online to get on of those compression sacks but realized that won't work either. I don't think I've heard you bring that one up either? Possibly backpack is too small I did some hunting earlier this year and went for the kill two birds with one stone. Any ideas on a less expensive backpack as in under $100?

[@BackpackingTV]

If you're going for a sub $100 pack, you'll probably have to go used. I don't know of any that retail for under $100. GearTrade.com is a great start. Scour FB marketplace and your local gear shops that sell returned gear. Nothing wrong with going from Cabella's/Bass Pro/Sportsman's Warehouse, just be aware that there is a difference between outdoorsy shops for hunters and anglers and gear shops for backpackers. Hunters and anglers often care less about things being ultralight and ultra small.

[@jeffgerbino7021]

@@BackpackingTV Thanks for the info I'll give that a shot.

[@ryanr6656]

How often do you replace your bear spray?

[@mungiesilvers5544]

How do you process wood?

[@Megan-ii4gf]

He doesn't. The guy's packed titanium and plastic cookware, of course he doesn't cook in wood fires. If he ever runs out of fuel and prepacked meals, and gets lost, he's going to die.

[@ibmtpx24]

That tent is twice the size of the sleeping bag. My tent is packed that is smaller than my sleeping bag in a compression sack.

[@shawnsears7590]

BUG REPELLANT!!!

[@mattparker9986]

Hi, the link to the list is dead. Do you have another link please?

[@BackpackingTV]

working on it

[@mattparker9986]

@@BackpackingTV tks

[@stevemorris3710]

'Super!' :-)

[@cyrilwingnek-qw1ik]

THC?

[@thecrankyyankee5114]

Please purchase an EPIRB. When on sale can get one for less than $300 (Australian $$). It will save your life if you get injured or lost on the trail. The cost is about the cost of hiking shoes. That’s cheap if it saves your life.

[@johndanby1795]

Bug spray, whistle, emergency blanket,toothbrush, deodorant,hand sanitizer, gloves

[@zacharysmith3796]

Where the hell is the link for the checklist?!?

[@RezOutdoorEnt]

People probably like their letterman for fishing or survival situations

[@ericrobison7513]

Bug repellent!

[@littleokie4885]

👍🏻👏🏻⛺️

[@craiggodard6419]

Toothbrush/paste and travel towel

[@lorirath]

Do you have a camp shoe you like? or use?

[@BackpackingTV]

Yes! I like to bring just a cheap pair of sandals. But sometimes I go for luxury and bring Sanuks.

[@jarenbooks5371]

That seems like a lot of fuel consumption for your jetboil.

[@tj6111]

It is. One of those will last me 2 weeks of cooking, not 3 days.

[@CheeseOfTheWeak]

You missed an essential first aid kit

[@Winnie122459]

Checklists to me only make sense

[@gummybear41283]

ya I'd like to see someone force me to carry my poop BWAHAHAHAHA

[@jeromebullard6123]

I care about the environment, but I am *never* going to carry my poop out. I’ll burn it, or burry it.

[@jerrybarnes987]

Then stay home 🤷‍♂️

[@jeromebullard6123]

Jerry Barnes does a bear shit in the woods? Yeah? Well so do I.

[@tj6111]

You only need to pack it out if the national park you’re in requires it. Areas like Moab and Zion in Utah where everything is slick rock and sandstone require it. Nowhere to actually dig and bury it on some hikes! Otherwise, bury away!

[@bennettzug]

@@tj6111 other place u have to pack it out is on climbing trips haha cant exactly just poop on the wall

[@tj6111]

@@bennettzug What, no schmear with your morning bagel on the wall??

[@clay3006]

Hehehe... They always forget the poop bag. That's how you can spot a beginner hiker, they will be holding in their poop because they thought they could simply poop in the woods. Lol, amateurs.

[@artMccolly]

If you hold it in then you are the poop bag.

[@pnwgolfer4798]

I’m sorry but no one is carrying shit around in a bag. You’re in the woods. Kick some dirt on it. Chill.

[@keepermovin5906]

Trowel > poo bag

[@mbezzan]

I hope this kit is for 2-3 people, this is a huge and heavy setup for backpacking. It's not even a budget setup either.

[@Thee-_-Outlier]

No force protection? Seems like a typical backpacker mindset, and why so many die when their trip goes sideways. Also prolly why a leatherman or SAK is overkill to him. Its not a terrible video, but the packing for a trip to Disney tone is inappropriate from a safety perspective. Backpacking in the wildersness is to be taken seriously, not "youre freinds wont let you live it down if you forget the lighter". Gimme a break with this sorta nonsense. This guy isnt stupid, Im sure when he backpacks in the Wyoming wilderness he prepare like his life is on the line. He SHOULD BE preparing other ppl the same way.

[@jeromebullard6123]

Deer hide gloves.

[@mattbigmonster]

I lasted 4.10... Get to the point dude.

[@chasepewitt3439]

Must suck to be a impatient person. He is giving tons of great knowledge in this video well worth the whole watch.

[@PhatChin]

This guy talks so slow. I need to watch at 2x

[@AnimusZen]

"Poop". Grow up, kid.

[@RhodaBraun]

Wrap about 6’ of duct tape around a lighter. It works for a fire starting fuel in a pinch as well.

[@EmmanuelSchmitz]

I don't hear many youtube gear people talking much about solar chargers. Might be a good item to do a future youtube video on.