Trail Running 10 Essentials for Safe Mountain / Backcountry Adventures

The ten essentials of safe backcountry travel and adventure, plus a few extras I believe in and carry with me.

[@TheGingerRunner]

That last minute alone is spot on. Sharing!

[@RunningIntoMyself]

Absolutely

[@Maxwaehrens]

That's easily the best part of the video. I mostly run alone so this is a point I rarely think of I'm ever running with someone, even if it's just running in the city.

[@DA-pu9nf]

People are always confused or have made fun of me when I pack like this for my runs and hikes. I love how thorough and practical you are; people can learn from this. Loved watching your runs on The Ginger Runner’s channel, glad this popped up on my feed.

[@rometimed1382]

Good old, trusty, trail running machete. Never leave home without it.

[@jfallon568]

AWESOME TIP about battery backwards. I always kept one out, but this is easier!!! thanks!

[@chandaharkins4418]

Game changer!

[@HIGHVILLELAUNCHER]

“A launcher pen for my bear bangers” LOL

[@ThorsteinnSverrisson]

Thanks Gary! Would love an updated 2020 version of this video. Also, I was hoping to see some Amazon affiliate links in the description. Would've loved to throw a couple of bucks your way by using them to by some of this gear. Just an idea!

[@TheSamwhyte]

11 - those shades 12 - a beard 13 - feet and willpower so strong you can do ANYTHING!!!!!

[@jessezitting9153]

This is great! Very informative and it's useful!

[@penelopeplods8886]

So awesome. Thank you for sharing Gary.

[@mattmelksham2545]

Gary, Thanks for covering this very important issue in an educational and enjoyable way. I often come across people out in the back country who have nothing of use thinking that everything will be okay.

[@timothygears]

Thank you for sharing Gary....

[@behasty83]

This is excellent, thanks for putting this video together.

[@gregstrom8516]

Wow. I hit all 10! Love your videos!

[@BucketlistFitRunning]

Second time coming back to this. Going to show my wife too. Thanks for this!

[@Mitch.Sanker]

Extremely useful - thanks for sharing this

[@lukerunsfar9276]

Watched this video some time ago and was just adding a few things to my pack and thought of this tutorial. Good stuff Gary. Thanks for adding this great content.

[@torstenvoigt882]

Thanks Gary, this is super helpful.

[@wordsisnukes]

Thanks for this video, Gary.

[@christofs-a1834]

Great advise about the food and having spares mate!

[@toniviudez6371]

Excellent video 👍🏻

[@simonhodgson4941]

Great video, love the big big knife😂😂😂

[@lencekk]

Great video!

[@RunningIntoMyself]

Awesome video! Thank you.

[@gregmckone]

Thanks Gary. This is great!

[@HeartPumper]

That smile after presenting you know what, is sooo precious :D Gary thank you for taking your time and making this video, it is simply essential indeed!!! I saw you while pacing Ginger, just awesome! You're a great person!!

[@lithohedron]

Excellent, and thanks so much for doing this. We see so many people unprepared and it sometimes seems that the more skill and experience they have, the less they care about the essentials.

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

Thanks Gary. Good stuff.

[@ChrisProuse]

All great tips - thanks for sharing! For those who don't want the service plan of the Spot tracker, a registered satellite PLB is a nice way to go too. We carry one of the smaller Fast Find PLB's whenever we're off the grid... and provided it's only used for actual emergencies, Search & Rescue is free here in Canada.

[@AntonioPavia]

Just got a Skin Set 12 ! Thanks for the recommendation.

[@DEWGOSSFILMS]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. :)

[@joshuayoung3319]

Great Video Gary :)

[@jimbergey3624]

I can’t say how much I appreciate the message of this video! Living in Calgary, I see so many people head out into the mountains totally unprepared for anything but a lovely day. It frightens me to think about what would happen to them if even the simplest thing went wrong. I learned a bunch from this video as well, and will be adding some of these items to my already decent essentials. Thanks so much!

[@itstherunningmonkey]

Definedly with you on the emergency bivy topic! Spend a night in Wales on top of a hill after bailing out on the Paddy Buckley Round in one. And damn I felt a lot better afterwards, since I could actually get some sleep on a rock in a windy spot. Relatively that is of course. But I was amazed about how much warmth these things provide!

[@aimee.marie.cherie]

Super helpful for sure. I've gotten lost on a hike before, I went out not realizing how close to dark it was and my phone ended up dying on me so I couldn't notify anyone where I was. I now make it a point to make sure that I carry emergency supplies with me in case, alongside external batteries for my phone(though I also finally upgraded said phone, and havent had that issue since)

[@mikemerunka9901]

+Gary Robbins, thank you! I am hoping to do a 100k adventure across the AT in my home state on New Jersey this fall. this is great info, and an even more awesome source! thank you again.

[@tayloranderson456]

Great vid, liked the intro, also never forget your running sword. Seriously though, might add some Benadryl to you kit if you don't already have it.

[@robertasica6141]

Thanks for this... I needed to know this

[@jamesthach4401]

Gary, this is excellent. Having done a lot of wilderness activities you hit my big ones! But come on the machete is kinda small... 😀 serious note, you will save lives with this video and Ethan is right, that last min is so important! Share and talk and be open!

[@RasDoesBushcraftBackcountry]

this is similar to what we do in bushcraft, redundancies, awesome

[@RomanJoe]

Gary, thank you for sharing your experience! These seems to be essentials for sure! Also wanted to ask, what type of water purifier you use, could you tell more about it? Thanks!

[@mmill9169]

Thanks for these tips! What did you pack to get 4000 calories? I received a great tip from a park ranger in Carlsbad Caverns New Mexico. It was to always carry 3 sources of light. In addition to the head lamp, a small lighter & water proof matches are great. Fire accelerators work great too. I live in Colorado & it gets very cold at night in the mtns.

[@koolaid3879]

Great video! I would love to see a short video of you packing it all up.

[@GaryRobbins]

Will do! A few people have said as much :)

[@koolaid3879]

+Gary Robbins yea, sorry. The comments were not there when I asked. Keep up the good work! Navigation skills for Le Barkley I assume

[@scottfrymire9156]

thanks Gary. I laughed when after showing your small knives you pulled out your machete:)

[@GaryRobbins]

😆

[@jonathancazales1243]

The machete 😂 Love this though, we have to be realist

[@mauriceluffman]

Can you show us how to pack all of this in your pack?

[@GaryRobbins]

Will do, thanks for commenting!

[@mauriceluffman]

thank YOU for such great informative inspirational content!

[@MrTsinobmort]

Thank you!

[@ciorstaidh_hall]

Wonderful video, thanks! I would add to this, a couple of ziplock bags. Very useful for storing your phone and other electronics in so they don't get wet, either during a downpour/when you're stranded, or for any stream crossings where you are at risk of falling in. I also stow my packable down jacket in a ziplock to keep it dry, since wet clothing is pretty useless in an emergency.

[@ciorstaidh_hall]

And not a 10 Essential exactly... but tell ppl where you are going! You'd be amazed how many people take off on a 15 hour hike or run, without letting anybody else know where they are heading, eek.

[@mauimaui9657]

Kirsty Actually this is very essential! Great point.

[@djlamanna1]

Great post. I was wondering how you carry things like the bear banger and bear spray so you are ready to use them on a moments notice?

[@thewimpycamper7692]

great video!!! Thx for sharing! Is there a smaller bear spray option? Those look big and bulky

[@AleckWong]

Is that a stain of blood on one of the knifes? LOL... and not that I'll ever be able to run as fast as you.... but I'll be sure not to run up to you if I see that machete sticking out of your pack.LOL Awesome vid!

[@HuwJones]

Crocodile Dundee moment with the machete - made me laugh. Now that's a knife!

[@psychedeliccheese]

Hey Gary! You should make a fire starter cube using an egg carton cup filled with dryer lint soaked in wax. They are light and burn forever very good for starting a fire wet places

[@oldschoolstreetfitness9864]

Love the video. One question though. Why not just bring a couple bic lighters rather than a fire starting kit? Or in addition to. Thanks for the Video Gary

[@2spoons]

Ha ha ha.....its been a year since I saw this video Gary and I still love it.... (but you do run a hell of a lot more than me the other side of the pond).... no bears in the UK.... yet (global warming might change that but I doubt it).....! - ps damb good advise to people moving into trail running from road running.... on your own.... (which I strongly advise to run as a pair or group - or with a support team if you're ultra running)

[@cryptoastronaut8130]

What do you suggest for dandruff I have a dandruff problem 🤣 btw really nice clear video on how to stay safe 💪😊👍

[@mudfootmissionary7979]

Keep in mind Gary, that compass you are using is (I think) a 30 dollar model that makes intersection and resection navigation techniques difficult or impossible. I recommend you find a lensatic compass at around 60~100 dollars because that extra accuracy will mean better likelihood of rescue (if in a difficult position) or shorter/easier hiking from better route selection. Hope it helps.

[@moonaj89]

good video

[@erickienle]

Big fan, Gary! What kind of sunglasses are those?

[@northernninjarunner5506]

I know when I ran in 🇨🇦 in 2017 I had the bear spray on my belt. We were talking as we ran and said “Hey bear” all the time. Also works with cougars too saved a cyclists

[@wheresjeeves3144]

Hi Gary, How large (in litres) is the pack you carry all this in? Looking at an 11L compared to a 24L and thinking 11L would be enough. Thanks for the awesome vid!

[@firefly7416]

thank you...

[@MoisesJafetCornelioVargas1975]

With respect to the battery reversed in the headlamp, most DC electronics use a diode to prevent feeding the device in reverse polarity but technically you could make the argument that you are actually shorting the device. I would advise testing consciously that a given device would be in working order after doing this because a faulty diode could leak voltage; maybe safer is just to insert some piece of insulant to break the circuit or use electric tape if possible.

[@ebdavies100]

Could I ask which flare you use and where it can be bought from? Thanks

[@akaTheDevil]

A while back you posted a pictures of your gear and it included a big heavy knife. You said you would tell us later the story behind the knife but I never heard the reason. Could you remind us why you had a big fixed blade knife in your kit that day?

[@mikecarney7961]

I just discovered your channel yesterday and it's amazing. Most of your essentials are self explanatory but the watch. What type of watch do you use ? Not looking for an endorsement but it isn't practical to try out different ones. Thanks in advance..

[@aarongranger1662]

What kind of navigation watch do you use or recommend

[@TheodoreK2]

If you are taking your phone out and don't want a big case, I've found that breast milk bags are perfect for most cell phones. Thicker plastic, double zip lock, can still use it through the plastic.

[@reimarberge9293]

You really love Salomon

[@mudfootmissionary7979]

Just two more thoughts: a long sleeve shirt is SPF a bazillion, ask me I live in Papua New Guinea! Dump sunscreen and use a wide rim hat. Second, as an EMT your kit is decent for minor things. Add two elastic gauze rolls and two crepe gauze rolls. You can fix nearly anything with those; fact check with the firefighters! Hope it helps.

[@UltraDad]

Also, any additions or amendments to your top gear from this video? Sorry for the 20 questions but any recommended routes to upload to my Suunto for Fat Dog?

[@SNT16]

small tube of super glue is in my pack too!

[@RunningIntoMyself]

Great tip. Thanks.

[@danielombardi]

Definitely carry bear spray in griz country. But I wouldn't say it's almost guaranteed. Big bears will surprise you with how little it bothers them. Still the most effective way to deescalate an encounter though.

[@kelbywitherspoon5083]

I do a lot of back country hunting and have just started into trail running, it is interesting to see the differences it what you pack compared to what I use. I have tried the steripens and have had problems with failure. I switched over to a Sawyer Mini and have been pleased with the filter time and the weight. I also use a light weight wool base layer (first lite) and a ultra light rain shell (sitka) and have been very comfortable with that down to 30 F. I've noticed that most people in the ultra/trail running community stay away from wool fibers and favor synthetics, which seems odd to me, is there a reason for that?

[@ChristopherFrear]

Do you have a typed list of these that you can share? Thanks for the video!

[@tyomias6906]

Legend himself.

[@dudeinthecrowd]

what camera do you use to record this video ? and should you bring a camera all the time when you do an adventure ?

[@UltraDad]

Hey Gary I’ve been following your adventures for a couple years now (mostly through Ethan Newberry). I have signed up for the Fat Dog 120 this Aug. Considering purchasing the In Reach Mini over the spot. Thoughts? Also any particular bear spray you recommend?

[@kendallhearron9625]

Do you not worry about snake bites? Or would you think a snake kit would be worth adding to you med kit?

[@thesjh]

Anywhere with venomous snakes I would suggest a proper compression bandage is a requirement also in the first aid kit. (yes I live in Australia, though there are also venomous snakes on the American continent)

[@chrisaxling]

Steven Hanley There are no venomous snakes here on the Olympic Peninsula, but point taken.

[@Meritumas]

dog goes before wife, nice :-)

[@GaryRobbins]

😆

[@RasDoesBushcraftBackcountry]

im trail running the trail i thru hiked last year this summer, i always think the same, light inexpensive essentials i or somebody i can help might need

[@rvierra7235]

What is the brand of the mini flare launcher kit?

[@terramareasd3598]

Can you write a list of the things with the precise names of hte gear. Thanks!

[@akaTheDevil]

What kind of water containers do you have?

[@lindyhobbit1]

Cool Sir thanks. Needle and dental floss??

[@yomommashaus]

Just wondering if beard oil is on your essentials list :p

[@eamoncrawford]

00:01 Hey, Dad! Can I...oops sorry, I'll come back.

[@ninja3502002]

It explains the sword while hiking in the mountains.

[@jonathandguppy]

What are your sunglasses?

[@LuoRutina]

I don't live in bear country, but I guess that if you encounter a bear you would need to access the flare/spray very quickly? How do you manage that?

[@Telf]

I use the SCAT belt. scatbelt.com/ And if I'm running by myself, I attach a bear bell to it, too.

[@jpk91]

You are able to pack all in a Salomon vest?

[@jeppelund4239]

I didn't know that you were the blade runner.

[@Themata]

Should I take a machete to Parkrun?

[@nv3831]

dang when did salomon stop including space blankets

[@emilypons956]

Which electrolyte supplements do you recommend?

[@joedevitto5023]

I love Salomon gear, but are there any “generic”/ less expensive brands you recommend?

[@Themata]

Nowhere near as good, but Kalenji stuff is good enough for for me & significantly cheaper

[@michaelhusband3812]

What size pack do you use?

[@anandyahamdi]

How much weight do you usually carry?

[@reecebrodersen4433]

This dude is really smart

[@BreezyInfernoNinja]

What watch is that?

[@Lion_McLionhead]

That beard is almost a bivy sack.

[@seantwine587]

heroineworshipper haha lol

[@BucketlistFitRunning]

haha nice one

[@FallLineJP]

Can be woven into paracord in a pinch