Beginner's Guide to Solo Backpacking: Essential Gear and Setup for Your First Adventure

[@PaulMurley]

While I had a sneaking suspicion that you were stealing public property, but never caught you in the act - all the signs were there.

[@TheCosmicGuy0111]

Huh?

[@PaulMurley]

@@TheCosmicGuy0111 have a look at the fence behind the guy

[@whoswho1233]

Lol

[@thomaznay9109]

good one😂

[@tdiler12]

lol he s been busy

[@lavalandhawaii5998]

I also always bring a couple Ziploc bags for trash to pack out and a kitchen garbage bag that I can put over my pack in the event of sudden rain. A good idea if you are rolling with down. I also bring a Frog Togs rain jacket for myself, it's cheap, light, and is good if you encounter a chilly wind.. Great setup!

[@witty401son]

Rolling with down?

[@Swervios7]

@@witty401son you are using a sleeping bag that uses down, very prone to getting wet

[@Whatareyoueven42]

I hear the frog togs are not very sturdy. How are you finding them?

[@gerardnivek4458]

If I’m a beginner, there’s no way I’m paying this much. After his first three items, I was already at $800. Good video to get an idea of what you need, but the items I’ll buy as a beginner will be from the Walmart camping aisle, thank you very much. If I’m still hiking regularly after a year then I’ll consider. Don’t be a sucker and buy expensive stuff you may only use a few times.

[@tayeretter5668]

Although it is heavier, I found a cheap setup I'm comfortable with. For the pack I bought a Teton 65L pack ($100). Although this is much larger and heavier than he did, I enjoy the extra space. For the sleeping bag I bought a used North face cats meow ($55). For my tent I use the Walmart Ozark Trail 1 person backpacking tent ($35). Not great but for the price you can for sure get a few trips in. For my sleeping pad I got a used Nemo Switchback ($40ish). It worked perfectly for me at 6' 230lbs. And for water I got a Sawyer filter and a 3L Camel back. The rest is easy to find on your own but those are my essentials.

[@scottyk1763]

Gear will break. Quality is everything

[@_josh_cyr_]

@@tayeretter5668yeah I’d love to see this guy fit 5 days of food with “normal” gear in that little pack 😂 It would be fine if he didn’t put beginner in the title! Beginners have zero business dropping that kind of money before their first trip

[@gerardnivek4458]

@@scottyk1763 I do agree. I'm referring to people just starting out that may not stick with it only to be left with $1500 worth of stuff they may only use a few times. Plus you taylor your gear to what kind of hiker you are that only experience can bring. Not flashy advertising of the most expensive stuff.

[@breadvidz8542]

Yeah i totally agree. I would invest in a solid tent that will last you a while then let the rest come with time. There are so many other people that have good recommendations on way cheaper options. This set up is for someone who camps every weekend or more often than the average person

[@msm7927]

Important warning you missed (given that this is a beginners guide) don't mix gray water and white water, meaning: if you start your trip filling your only water bottle with dirty water and drinking straight from the attached filter, don't switch to filling it up next time with filtered water...

[@pixelkitten9502]

May I ask why?

[@HungAF]

@@pixelkitten9502because he said so. Don’t ask questions.

[@jdr711]

@@pixelkitten9502because if you have a vessel which holds unsafe water and you drink the clean water from the filter, that means you could potentially have contaminates in that water bottle so it’s not recommended to switch that bottle to holding safe drinking water, that’s why many hikers bring two water bottles with them, one to scoop dirty water and one to hold clean filtered water, if you use that method, make sure to make it clear which bottle is which, this can be done with a piece of duct tape or sharpie

[@pixelkitten9502]

@@HungAF >:|

[@pixelkitten9502]

@@jdr711 thank you!

[@clausfriishansen2247]

Great video - having not hiked for 15 years I'll restart this summer. Going solo and being old(er) also requires me to reduce from the 40lbs on the back then... :) Thanks for the re-inspiration - can't wait to start buying the required stuff.....

[@HikingwithGus]

I hate the Sawyer bag! CNOC is what I use. In fact I have boatload of the Sawyer bags I have never used. The Jet-boil is appealing, however, if you are ever in a situation where you run out of fuel, or the temps are too cold for the butane stove you can always use a regular pot and a fire to cook you food, which you can't with the jet-boil pot. Good vid as usual Jon!

[@kamujian]

cheers for the video, i am just starting to put my kit together for lightweight solo camping (coming late to it in my 40's) appreciate the breakdown of what goes in your bag)

[@JJB_320]

All my back packing gear was acquired in the late 1990’s, you picked up that nemo tent in your hand and blew my mind. I Might need to retire my 7lb north face lenticular tent.

[@urkelman1480]

My respect for you went up 10x after the poop situation. Thanks for the tips

[@JonConti]

Lol thanks

[@thewolfethatcould8878]

So...I have never hiked but just the afternoon type of thing. Something is telling me that this is in my near future. Well, atleast I dream of it. I sure do miss Idaho. Thanks for this video, I hope one day I can look back at This Day and say, "Might that be the day it All changed?'. Guess time will tell, but I thank you for your videos. Have a great weekend!

[@austin910]

Well I have to know. Was that the day it all changed?

[@DrHappybone]

I'm also interested to know if that was the day :D

[@passagenoir]

dont leave us hanging brother, did they day ever come?

[@xmoogoox]

Did a trip with Jon and this kit is perfect: lightweight and complete

[@Handleyocandleghee]

great video dude, ive just got sucked into the idea of doing this so im going to jump on my motorbike and see where i end up, video reminded me of a few things i nearly left without

[@bk12gage]

mate this is a dream of mine motorbiking and doing this bro

[@JLJoe-n3h]

A brand i recommend looking into is Stroup Knifes. After getting one a few years ago its all I use.

[@chrisrobb8456]

Cool thanks for sharing. I think I want a pillow and smaller sleeping set up, when I'm out with the girl, her bag is all sleeping gear only so it's not so heavy. I think I need to start upgrading that seeing yours.

[@vagabondwildernesswanderings]

Did I miss the rain gear? Mid layers? Puffy? Weather in Idaho is definitely not guaranteed to be warm and dry.

[@KiwiDragn]

Thanks so much for the video! I didn't know they make a portable bidet and that sounds like a lifesaver.

[@eianlim7134]

I'm an ultralighter but this I agree and would recommend to those starting out. relatable and practicle.

[@jeffdur1330]

None of that stuff is ultralight

[@Panda_trax]

Thank you for making this content! Straight to the point video! Thanks again

[@Rundik]

You could use your jacket as a pillow. It's fairly comfortable

[@Tht1Dude]

Had to sleep outside a buddy's house and had a backpack, sleeping bag, and hoodie. Hoodie became the pillow on top of the backpack. Spare clothing is definitely a good enough pillow.

[@BonnevilleTenkara]

Many backpackers seem to discover tenkara.. I'm a tenkara addict discovering backpacking Fishing in the Wasatch and Uintas and don't know any backpackers so going to be trying to get into it this year so I can fish the streams and lakes.

[@josephlau8476]

I like hiking very much

[@NMRocks88]

Good gear choices. Like how you put your Sawyer right on your bottle. Don't know why I never thought of that... thanks

[@exrhodie1234]

OK, saw the sleeping pad thanks.

[@jeffseng6385]

Looks like you’re ready to hit the trail. The sleeping bag and tent were excellent advice for a beginner.

[@samarveersingh604]

Hi, Amazing video. Do you use the same pack for the winter hikes.

[@davbradley23]

Go hiking with the proper footwear, too. Went hiking in my Ariat work boots. Talk about a work out. Stopped every 2 or 3 minutes gasping for air. 😂

[@GameFloWM]

my home sleep config is sleeping foam like 20 cm with 70 cm of wide xD and i'm sleeping well on that

[@mysteriousboi1019]

That's a really helpful video for beginners

[@AshHalls]

That’s a sweet set up, the brain part is my favourite 😂

[@oriolakoh]

have never done more than one day trek or overnight stay, but I think I might do it soon enough! I just need to buy a ton of new stuff 😅 saving this in my favourites cause it was very useful! thank you sir!

[@parknelson3428]

The look when you said “it’s also a rescue tool” made me laugh

[@Maedelrosen]

Thats a nice widget Also insane how much a rubber gasket costs (the bidet), all said and done 26$ and thats amazon (I dont use prime, but 10$ to ship a piece of rubber...?) I'm sticking to poking a hole in a cap

[@galaxyyoutube-kv5mw]

Excellent video!!

[@wrp3]

GREAT video, I've lived in East mesa my whole life 50 years, and superstition wilderness is my playground. Hope to see you out there. Ps. Bring a snake bite kit...

[@Blaze0205x]

I'm just gonna bring some wet wipes instead of the bidet I think

[@skizzarz]

Love it, can you start saying camel's back in a Borat voice?

[@DeepFrydMind]

Shelters should be close to the top of your bags for emergencies.

[@avasgranb1]

Recommend a bug/tick spray, please.

[@dano9498]

So would the bidet attach to the filter so you can wash with clean water?

[@kdub4pres]

I havent had much luck with the Sawyer water filters. Always cloggin up on me. But I like the list of stuff. hiking with 15-20lbs is way more fun than with 40lbs. ;)

[@JonConti]

Ya the Sawyer clogs on me too. I love my gravity filter, it's just so much bigger. Tabs taste gross. If you find a better option let me know!

[@Aqauquarium]

Is a 100L bag to big if I have one more person so I will carry some camp accessories and fishing gear?

[@necrisro]

Haha lost it at portable bidet, I just pour a bit of water on the toilet paper

[@Outbound1219]

only thing i would add is a backpack bivy just incase, nice setup !!!

[@ronec2092]

Nice setup.

[@exrhodie1234]

Greetings from SW Boise! Good video, thanks. I didn't see a sleeping pad there, unless I missed it. What do you use?

[@Canariofilms]

I need to get the Culo cleaner.

[@ryans9664]

Just stating out on my journey this video was really helpful thank you!

[@GenevaAdriana]

Great video

[@Campinginthejungle-vietnam]

Really useful knowledge. Thanks

[@caalinAbyan]

Types of bags an where can we get?

[@kynkotheclown6256]

I appreciate your video.

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello 👋 my outdoors friend, thank you for sharing your camping 🏕 gear video. You did a fine job. Stay safe out there. 😊

[@hermitcrypto2787]

Filter then boil. Never use a survival water filter for a casual backpacking trip and then not boil the water, but if you do always throw it away and buy a new one for the next trip.

[@finncromwell9539]

Love ur vids! I live about 2 hours from Boise, do you know any quick backpacking overnight routes around here?

[@alvarogaitan2529]

great set up thanks

[@BikingNewJersey]

wow great video !

[@fightforfreedomneversurren8610]

Just wondering if anyone carries fishing gear with them and what you use? I hike in Idaho with salmon eggs in the high lakes. I do real good with rooster tails as well.

[@wilcoxtactical3716]

I live in Idaho too. I use a collapsible pole with a bait caster reel. I use this type of reel because they tend to not get tangled up in the pack as much as traditional reels and I carry a small compartmentalized organizer I got from Temu that has rubber worms, sinkers, various spinners and dry bait. It's all very lightweight. The collapsible fishing pole is awesome.

[@TheTrailDancer]

I usually use a 45L pack... I always like to have extra room for food. :)

[@kayleeson509]

Thanks for the tips!

[@shaneodraino8222]

I highly recommend iodine tablets as well as a filter for your water… the iodine tablets purify it and make it safer to drink by killing bacteria and what not

[@shaneodraino8222]

Or boiling your water before you drink it also purifies it, iodine tablets are just easier

[@the404error7]

Out of curiosity, if you're in a state where it's legal to carry a firearm. Would that be a useful tool while hiking in the wilderness for safety? I know personally a few people who carry a 10mm handgun or a .357 magnum revolver for defense against Elk, Bears, and Coyotes. (This is a genuine question, not meant to be politically charged.)

[@xxxtraheatxx7514]

I can’t think of a single reason you wouldn’t take a knife. It’s not useful in every situation, but with zero downsides but a little extra weight, the the upside of protection from everything that walks the earth why wouldn’t you have one

[@asmith7876]

First off, in the USA there shouldn't be anywhere it's illegal to carry...but that's a different topic! I carry everywhere I go in town, every day so when I go to the woods I'm carrying. To be honest I'm more concerned about people than wild animals where I camp. There are bears possibly but crazy humans are a 1000 times more prevalent.

[@asmith7876]

@@xxxtraheatxx7514 I take a knife camping but it's crazy to think it's protection against crazy people or especially wild animals.

[@realtyrocks1969]

If you are between an angry cougar or a bear do you want a pocket knife or a handgun? I'd never go in to the woods without a pistol. I carry a Glock 20 with BuffaloBore 10mm ammo and spare mag in the pack. Your safety is always #1.

[@jeffdur1330]

A bear canister is all you need if you're worried about animals.

[@loganpreskar9209]

Would you really filter your water beter if you have 2 bottles and filter them back and forth like 10 times? Would be cool

[@davidn.8976]

Hey, I got a Nemo Tensor but it's the uninsulated version. Is there any good reason to own the uninsulated version over the insulated, or should I return it and get the insulated one for more versatility?

[@jasonlommen4769]

A good sleeping pad is a must in my book. Never skimp on one. Summer time you can easily get by with a non insulated, but any other season you need an insulated pad. The cold earth will suck the heat right out of you, no matter how warm your sleeping bag. If you can afford multiple pads, you don’t have to worry about it. If you can only afford one, spend the coin on a comfy, durable, good R value pad.

[@67L48]

If you're a hot sleeper and camp in pretty warm weather, than uninsulated will be fine. But, as stated above, the biggest loss of heat is the ground. Sleeping bag insulation only works due to loft (restricting air/heat flow), so the part of the bag between you and the pad isn't doing much, as it's all compressed by your body. So, the only thing between your body and the heat-sink of the cold ground is a thin piece of compressed sleeping bag fabric, your sleeping pad, and the floor of your tent. Even for warm weather, I'd look for an R rating in the 2 range. For shoulder season, I like to see 5-ish. I don't camp in the winter. But, to answer your first question, there are a few good reasons to own the uninsulated version: uninsulated weighs less, uninsulated is less bulky (takes up less space), uninsulated costs less, uninsulated may be quieter (often, insulation uses mylar/reflectix material that can crinkle), and, again if you're a hot sleeper in really hot conditions, you may *want* to lose some heat into the ground to keep from overheating/sweating all night.

[@jeffdur1330]

Somebody loan me $1500 so i can go camping

[@67L48]

Without resorting to crappy gear that won't work, last, or be comfortable to use/carry, you can do it for much less. A person doesn't need Nemo, MSR, Big Agnes gear, necessarily. Paria tents are A+ quality for $160. Klymit pads work great for less than a bill. Tons of great ~50L packs for right around a bill or less. There are really good cooking options that aren't a $200 Jetboil ... simple stoves and an aluminum pot is about a quarter the cost of Jetboil. You'd still be into it $400 - $600 starting from scratch, which isn't free, but it's a fraction of $1,500.

[@Aradxboxrblxplayer]

Even my English teacher did it

[@ImperiumLibertas]

Start small and add one thing at a time. Buying all of this at once is going to be a big ask. As your gear expands so will your ability to stay out for longer. Try starting with day trips, then over nighters, then multi day once you get all the gear you need.

[@kingplayze914]

Fair point. In fact sound advice to say that if you own absolutely none of this stuff already, then you should probably first go with someone that knows a bit. Get a taste of it.

[@parknelson3428]

Great video!

[@lyz1636]

cool video, will be taking some notes!!

[@carolyngreen1673]

Why no rain gear?

[@ramonpernalette6925]

wow!!!!! thakns!

[@JonConti]

You're welcome

[@lshn8457]

nice setup, very helpfull and simple, cheers!

[@Queenwithin]

Cool

[@jeremiahcep]

Not even 3 mins and his "beginner's" guide is up over 700 bucks.

[@Wanderlust302]

And he's saying for beginners 😢😅

[@blbreptiles4126]

He said beginner, not broke. He adds more equipment and nice-to-haves in order to make solo backpacking more accessible to new outdoorsman

[@Aisak_Adventures]

Love the video mann❤

[@selder03]

You had me at "200lb side sleeper" that's me.

[@kylerenaud4627]

Replace a pillow with your clothes wrapped in your jacket or tent bag. A pillow takes up and incredible amount of room

[@ShortBard1]

bro you saw the pillow in the video it’s smaller than a fucking can of soda

[@yeetandrepeat4251]

Lmaooo​@@ShortBard1

[@charlesmurray1220]

"Don't knock it until you try it". 😆😆😆

[@breadvidz8542]

I get buying quaility but what beginer is going ti spend 300 bucks on a sleeping bag

[@johnyoung4129]

Curious what the issue is with the sawyer mini?

[@brianthomason5022]

I did the whole Appalachian trail all I had to do was to join a cult!

[@67L48]

About a year ago when I was researching the various filters, I recall seeing/reading many reviews that the mini had a much, much slower flow rate. Some of that was right out of the box where it was difficult to get a good stream through it and some of that was during use, where the filter just seemed to "clog" and restrict flow. Either way, the reviews were pretty consistent that the mini just didn't seem to work great. I don't have personal experience, I'm just relaying what the various reviewers stated.

[@Mendy_A]

Can anyone right how much all this stuff cost? Just to give me an idea..

[@JonConti]

Honestly a s*** ton. The initial investment in your backpacking gear is probably gonna cost you between $1500-$3000. My philosophy on gear is is to buy "above average." Not the most expensive stuff because the difference between a $500 and a $1000 tent is so minimal. But not the cheap stuff either because A) it will break down and you'll just spend more money. B) You will have a less enjoyable experience and possibly give up the hobby. If you can borrow gear first to see if you like the activity, that would be ideal. You can buy super cheap first (like I did), but if you stick with it you'll quickly realize the necessity for better gear and you'll have to make a second purchase. No pressure in buying gear, do what feels right for you. I will say I've been using this gear for over 3 years now and none of it has needed replaced and I don't see myself buying any new gear in the near future. If you buy quality gear in the beginning it will sting in the short term, but after that you'll be set for years.

[@josephlau8476]

I like hiking very much too.

[@2DogsAndAMan]

If you have a down blanket or jacket DONT pack it as tight as you can to save room. Down flattens under compression and loses the ability to do its job as well as it should.

[@tdg223]

Thanks

[@Voledc]

Yeah this gear is expensive. I am using this as a guide, all kinds of price points on any of the gear. Find what works for you, that’s what I did.

[@Gm22171]

What is the name of the bag

[@BenjaminScott-s4x]

cool

[@Mdnmgr2]

What is size of bag?

[@giovannimerced6473]

34L

[@andrew720511]

what kind of gun do you bring?

[@brianthomason5022]

10 mm Glock

[@phillipleathley5833]

No first aid kit???

[@brianthomason5022]

If you're going to die you're going to die

[@ludodown7713]

The yellow package next to the shot of the blister care was first aid.

[@melaniespinks3974]

@@ludodown7713not enough for severe trauma, bad

[@ImperiumLibertas]

​@@melaniespinks3974TQ, chest seal, and a multi purpose trauma bandage boom done. The trick is the multi purpose bandage since it works as a sling, wound packing, pressure bandage, and loose gauze all in one small package.

[@Everettsoutdoors12]

Gmc sierra 1500

[@FrancoisMcinnes]

Jetboil is cool, but low quality for the price. . Mine my destroyed after one summer. I went with Maple., cheaper and more robust so far

[@allanspqr14]

5 days with a 34l backpack?....

[@SpecialKaire]

Your mom is so cute

[@thomasdooley5904]

Expensive gear. You need a mortgage just for the tent.

[@NationlessNative]

The “culo cleaner “ took me tf out 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@youngsuk3329]

as a 34 yo man, i don't understand the need for men's underwear. i haven't worn once for a decade now, so much freedom and breathability. also the bidet converter thing is genius, tks for suggesting

[@myaloneoly114]

👍

[@oussamasbar1134]

😊😊

[@LandLockedSailor69]

Beginners guide... starts with a $200 backpack $200 sleeping bag and a $330 tent. So beginner friendly

[@bilboswaggenz5945]

Good gear is expensive. Amazon has some decent backpacks for $100, sleeping bags vary on quality as nice material is expensive. And tents that are lightweight are obviously expensive. Don’t want a tent? Buy a hammock and bug net.

[@prestonetheredge9107]

Go front country camping with cheaper equipment if you want to experience camping for cheaper. Backpacking equipment that is going to last and be reliable when you’re 5+ miles from any vehicle is a must, it’s not a cheap hobby

[@LandLockedSailor69]

@@prestonetheredge9107that is some elitist gatekeeping if I ever heard it

[@petergriffin1354]

Can’t put a price on sleep and protection from the elements. Those make or break your trip and can be life or death if it’s freezing out some of the few things you do not cheap out on is sleep and heat

[@kingplayze914]

Watch the British camping videos. More grounded and less kit driven. 6'4" here. Never needed anything different or specialised. Gear is bs. Water n food n shelter. The rest is whatever.

[@elimatejin4456]

Mr beasts twin! Lol

[@skizzarz]

is it just me or is ratos highlighted on your backpack I think atos makes more sense. A Taste Of Struggle.

[@gmbtempe]

Beginner solo backpack setup = 2k in gear. Welcome to the party pal!