Why the Hell do hikers WASTE money on this backpacking gear?

[@helpfulcommenter]

I didn't bring a first aid kid and I died. Now I haunt your comment section.

[@robertmartin8762]

Bloody well done. You made me laugh. Irish Bob says be well and learn constantly.😇🤗😎🍀🇨🇵

[@ericcomp7032]

Your mom says hi 👋

[@stephenwalsh9284]

I cut my arm off but because I had mac and crack I made it to safety

[@CMBauer]

Haha

[@helpfulcommenter]

@@CountryB4Party Oh, hi Mark. Nobody said anything about bear bells. Are ya lost Mark?

[@josephjohnson6849]

Soldier here, we do bring an IFAK pouch which includes tourniquet, guaze, dressing, chest seal wound patch, nasal tube, and probably other stuff depending on the soldier to the field.

[@bobjimbob709]

The bear bells aren't supposed to be intimidating, just informative. Black bears are only scary when they get scared and the bell gives them a heads up that you're nearby. That being said I've never carried one because I can't stand the noise.

[@marciadawsson9002]

Someone had to say it lol good job sir 👏

[@aurusblack1244]

I use one because I turned a hairpin corner in dense cover and nearly walked into a deer. We were only 2 meters away from each other. Scared the shit out of me, scared the shit out of the doe, so...I just use one now.

[@kd5nrh]

IMO, people vastly underestimate how loud, stinky and clumsy we are. If I can hear another hiker for ten minutes before they come into view, then any wild animal that can't is defective and should be hauled back to park maintenance until they get it fixed.

[@sirridesalot6652]

How to tell Grizzly bear scat from Black bear scat. Grizzly bear scat has bells in it and smells of pepper.

[@michaelrichards2310]

Dinner bells for bears

[@marknicholson5293]

I have hiked here in Montana for over 40 years. Used to be that the park rangers would not let you hike in the national parks without them. I used bells until a few years ago and never had a bear encounter. I do not use bells any more; the rangers say bear bells do not work. Now, I frequently call out in an operatic voice, "Hello, bears," when ever I am hiking through areas with short visibility. That seems to work as well as the bells did.

[@alexroselle]

Bears, meanwhile: “why are all these tourists yelling ‘hello’ at me?”

[@jimizxztheorginal]

What do you do when the bear replies "Good morning hiker!"

[@plaguepandemic5651]

My first aid go-tos: -bandaids -bigger bandaids -max strength ibuprofen -small tube of neosporin -Gold Bond friction defense for chafing -Aloe for sunburn And for camping stoves: the MSR pocket rocket, it's like $50, super lightweight, and small enough to literally just fit in your pocket. Also, EXTREMELY fuel efficient.

[@kd5nrh]

The big kit lives in the car, so it's really more geared for second aid. The hiking kit is pretty much a couple of each size bandages, a pack or Bleed-Stop, (or Celox or any other clotting agent) some sort of itch reliever, either an Ace-type bandage or some sport wrap type tape, and (because I've had a couple of serious knee and ankle injuries over the last few decades) the most supportive knee and ankle braces I own. Same with the shower kit: my on-trail hygiene is pretty much the cheapest wet wipes I can grab at WalMart or Dollar General on the way. Those double for a hand "wash" before tending a wound. In some areas, I'll throw in one disposable razor in case I need to shave an area to get a bandage to stick.

[@wisehart77]

I bought my jetboil in 2005 for about $65-70. It's held up well over the past 18 years (longer than you've been backpacking I'm guessing). It weighs a few grams more than a Ti cup and a Chinese stove, but it's sturdy and reliable and efficient. I use less fuel with this stove and therefore, have to carry less with me. There are certainly alternatives available that work just as well, or are cheaper, or weigh less. But I hardly consider my jetboil a waste of money.

[@bluefungi]

Yea these youtubers seem to think they know everything. But yet most of em have only doing this for a couple years it seems. From I've seen a jetboil is well worth the money and I had a cheap stove from amazon break on me already. The little stands that hold the pot one of em just fell off when I tried to pack it away. Those cheap stoves are hit and miss with the quality.

[@jeffreycarman2185]

It’s not a waste of money if you like it. Picking the gear to backpacking with is 100% a matter of preference. Clearly Kyle is emphatically voicing his opinions for entertainment value. I haven’t got a Jet Boil but I have looked into it, and the benefits of a Jet Boil (more efficient use of fuel, quicker boil time, ease of use, etc.) aren’t compelling enough to justify the weight or the cost. But you do you.

[@geraldreeves9264]

When hiking in bear country, instead of bear bells or bear spray, just make sure to hike with someone who runs slower than you.

[@HortZaporig]

Then bear will hunt you first, then your slower companion.

[@SteffenThomsen]

This is why Flossy hikes with Kyle.

[@geraldreeves9264]

@@HortZaporig negative. Bears are lazy scavengers when they can get away with. Trust me on this-I’m part bear. 🐻

[@unjarredoutdoors5513]

Keep a led hammer 🔨 and you won't be a part of the missing. One could hope...

[@TheGunNerd]

Be a man, carry an M16A5 concept rifle

[@hobofab]

The reason you don't need a big knife is you are a trail backpacker but if you are a backcountry backpacker you need different gear and big knife and a rifle or shotgun is a good idea.

[@alyk]

As a backpack beginner I put together my own first aid „full kit“ and then sort things out according to the hike I wanna do. After a while you feel comfortable packing less, but there are some items medicine I swear by now and that aren’t included in a normal kit you can buy.

[@EthanDurant]

True. Crystal meth isnt included in most first aid kits you buy at the store but that shit works wonders

[@nancyst.john-smith3891]

And how do we convince you to share your wisdom?

[@kd5nrh]

Same: big kit in the car, and before a hike, I swap in anything I might need for my lightweight pocket kit. Lots of things can change in Texas: I'm unlikely to need bug repellent in cold weather, or far from any water source in the middle of a drought, but it's critical when hiking along an active stream in spring or summer. Not likely to need salt capsules when it's 70F out and I have several electrolyte packets on me already, etc.

[@do4699]

As someone who grew up around bears, bear bells aren't actually a bad idea. As you mentioned, bears don't like noise and will generally steer clear of you if you make noise. However, what you didn't mention is that you want the sound to be non threatening sound can cause the bear to be aggressive. However, that being said most people make enough noise as they move that creating additional noise is generally not necessary. You can also use your voice in a non threatening way to get a bear to go away. I had a neighbor once get rid of a grizzly that took an interest in her by singing I'm an Old Cow Hand (an old country song). So well a bear bell would do the same thing, unless you would freeze up if you encounter a bear, your voice works just as well.

[@halifornia2001]

From the National Park Service website: "Bear bells may be a popular item to put on your backpack, but they don’t effectively warn a bear you’re in the area. Bears won’t hear the bells until you’re too close. Yelling, clapping, and talking are more effective ways of alerting a bear to your presence." Let's stop pretending bear bells are actually worth buying. The only thing they do is annoy every hiker around you, and yourself.

[@AllThingsConsidered333]

Sadly I don’t have a good singing voice - if I tried to sing to a bear he would likely swipe me a good one and Behead me just to make it stop lol

[@glenn2595]

Knorr is really good! Cheap! Filling! Thanks Kyle.

[@justrusty]

I carry a couple of Mountain House or similar brands when I go on long hikes just for the convenience. Sometimes after a long day, you just don't feel like doing anything but to cook up some water. But yeah, not as the only or even primary source of dinners. I once wrote in a comment that the purpose of a first aid kit is to stop small problems from becoming big problems (like cuts getting infected.) I was told by one commentor basically you had to assume bad things were going to happen and prepare for any and all of them. Well I've dislocated my shoulder while hiking (well, actually, while falling). Nothing I can bring in a kit can solve that, at least not within a reasonable weight allowance. Concerning the Jetboil: I saw so many of them that I gave one a try and I love it. I was on an Esbit; superlight, but the fuel adds up and you basically have to carry all you'll need because the tablets (which do not burn clean despite what they say) are hard to come by. Overall, the JetBoil was lighter because of the fuel issue. Also, to get the Esbit to actually work, I had to carry a windscreen. Just an example of trade-offs. On balance the convenience and coolness of the JetBoil overrides any minor weight penalty (for me; your results may vary.)

[@youngjun3]

In most cases you'll either only need 1-2 fuel canisters or you'll have resupply points. A BRS-3000T + cup + 2 fuel canisters (1oz + 2.5oz + 2*4oz) is still lighter than a Jetboil + 1 fuel (12oz + 4oz).

[@smileygladhands]

I just pack what I think I'll need, make note of what I don't use, then thin out my kit accordingly. Every person has different needs and different levels of comfort. I say just do trial runs and make note of what you need or don't need but thought you did. It may take a while, but your kit will be custom designed to fit your individual needs. That said, this list is a good start. Also, the jetboil is probably a bit much for car camping. If I have my car, I'm just going to bring a full on 2 burner Coleman so I can do some proper cooking. There's been a ton of hiking and camping gear that's come out over the past 10-15 years with cool names and high prices to fool the newer people who have a bunch of money and no experience. I mean, $150 camp stoves and $600 one person tents? Come on...

[@richardross7219]

60 years ago, we whistled while we hiked which would alert wildlife. When we got transistor radios, we used rock n roll to scare things away. A man should always carry a knife. A scout knife or a Swiss Army Knife is very handy except for self defense. I generally agree with you on clothing except the socks. I prefer 3 pairs of socks. Didn't Taylor carry a big Jet boil for her thru hike? If you add a Heetsheet Emergency Blanket you can handle colder weather without much weight added. Nice video. Good Luck, Rick

[@michaelb1761]

Yeah, I carry 3 pairs of socks too, and the extra ounces are worth the comfort and clean(ish) and dry feet that the extra pair of socks provided.

[@richardross7219]

​@@michaelb1761 I learned in the Army. One pair on my feet, one pair hanging from my ruck to dry, and and one pair in a waterproof bag inside my ruck so that I can sleep with dry feet. Also had a can of foot powder. Good Luck, Rick

[@robertk4552]

We have been using the larger Jetboil Sumo for years with an 8 in fry pan. Just ordered the smaller JetBoil MiniMo. We also bring along a pocket rocket. We keep our packs comfortable to carry, take off, put on. We worry about total weight rather than the weight of each item. The Jetboil hasn't been an issue for us. I would ditch other gear before including dehydrated meals as part of our meal plans.

[@Archer21344]

You can tell grizzley poop, it has bells in it and smells like pepper spray

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Facts

[@NJGardengirl1961]

OMG. Best comment EVER

[@2laughandlaugh]

We hike for 9 hours straight, then bitch because our stove won't boil water under 3 minutes. I never understood that. You're at camp now...bring it down a notch or two.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

😂 I never thought about this

[@BurroGirl]

Anyone backpacking should watch, no study, the Gear Skeptic's videos on science-based nutrition for the trail - what to eat that will give you the most calories for the weight, what to eat for breakfast/lunch/dinner, and the best ratios of carbs, fats, and protein. He has these awesome must check out charts to help you choose foods , all kinds. And videos on hydration and electrolytes.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

I'll have to check it out!

[@BurroGirl]

@@KyleHatesHiking it was SOOOO useful for hubby and I. He's kind of funny too at times. He stays completely anonymous, which drove me crazy because I wanted to know what his profession is. Has to be some kind of teacher or professor maybe in the medical field. He's a backpacker himself and a really good teacher. I was blown away. I'm a science minded skeptical person myself and this guy is the real deal with his information. He's not selling anything either. Just super generous sharing what he's learned from researching the literature and his own experiences.

[@memathews]

You sold me, I'm checking him out! Thanks

[@BurroGirl]

@@memathews Coolio!

[@dustythomas2598]

Those Jetboils look cool. Maybe if I saw the brick in half that I use to pound stakes and cut the bristles off my toothbrush I can make room for the extra ounces and bulk.

[@kirchoffkyle]

I may be biased due to a lot of canoe camping but extra socks is not something to skip out on

[@ke9tv]

No big knife, because all that Kyle cuts when hiking is the cheese. Only time I've brought more than two pair of socks is on the Northville-Placid. I brought four pair. One was for sleeping. The other three were because I got grit in my socks from all the mud. I'd wash a pair at just about every stop, and put on whichever pair was driest. Without that system my feet would have been hamburger. Stove: You didn't even mention the pop-can stove! Basically free, you can resupply your fuel at any gas station, and it never needs maintenance unless you stomp it or something.

[@sirridesalot6652]

Unfortunately pop can (soda can) stoves are illegal in a number of places.

[@ke9tv]

@@sirridesalot6652 True enough. But they're lawful in a lot of the places Kyle has vlogged about. (I have two stoves other than the popcan (one burns isopro, one gasoline), but the popcan is by var the lightest and cheapest)

[@alexygoat8440]

Hiker and a doctor here.... your first aid kit should include a few band aids, hand santizer, some leukotape, benadryl ( a MUST for random a$$ bites), tylenol and motrin, immodium ( bc the poops are gross), and maybe some first aid ointment. If you take Rx meds, plan to take 2-3 days EXTRA in case bad sh$t happens.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Internet doctor, checks out

[@michaelb1761]

Excellent Good to hear someone agree with me, except instead of bandaids, I carry gauze pads and leukotape with which I can make a bandage of whatever size I need.

[@mrwhirly0358]

The purpose of the bear bell was not to scare bears away, but alert them that you’re coming. That being said, I’ve been told by multiple park rangers that the sound they make does not travel well-especially in windy areas- and it’s really only effective under the best possible circumstances. And if you ever gone camping, you know that “the best possible conditions” shouldn’t be something you expect! Edit: I live on the east coast, so no grizzlies. These rangers were only considering black bears when saying this.

[@snubblebubble4937]

In Glacier National Park, the tell you that bear bells at best have no effect, or at worst actually attract bears because the bears are unfamiliar with the sound and are curious.

[@splashpit]

Dinner is served

[@martinoutside]

I thought the purpose of a Bear Bell was to irritate other hikers 😂

[@venturefree.]

@@martinoutside I use it on my dog for the same reason this guy just said and also in case my dog gets a little ahead of me and I can hear where hear she at But I wouldn't necessarily recommend it cuz it does make a lot of noise and it gets annoying so I kind of stopped using them 😂

[@nedanother9382]

the bells aren't designed to scare off a bear but to prevent the bear from being surprised by you. They're already scared of you and want to avoid you. hence the delightful sound vs something to scare. I took that GD knife on my first two trips before I got my mind right. And your wrong Kyle....YOU do need to bring a big first aid kit....I may need it. And hell yes EMBRACE your funk #no toiletries

[@michaelb1761]

I haven't had a dehydrated "backpacker" meal yet that tasted as good as a salami and cheese burrito, peanut butter burrito, or refried bean, cheese, and corn chip burrito. And, all of those option I just listed have better nutrition, taste better, and cost much less than the dehydrated/freeze dried meals. So agree on all of the other items. I took a wilderness 1st aid course as part of work, and the instructor had this 4+ lb 1st aid kit. Are you kidding me?!

[@RAkers-tu1ey]

Bells; they are intended to prevent a surprise encounter, they let the bear know you are approaching. So, if the bear wants to avoid you , they will. If they want to check out your pack, then they will do that. Big Knives; Backpacking and Bush craft are different activities. Big knives are for bush craft. First Aid: I bring too much. I was an EMT, and I just can't help myself, but at least I know how to use it all. Toiletries; I keep a BIC razor in my first aid kit, for shaving around serious wounds to make bandaging and clean up easier. I use hand sanitizer for most clean up, and also deodorant. Stove; you said it all.

[@BuckeyeReid1865]

Didn't bring up a chair, maybe Kyle's evolving

[@freeheel748]

Maybe. He has an enlarged cranial area but a small frontal lobe.

[@daven.7685]

@@freeheel748 🤣🤣🤣

He’s not old enough. Just wait until those knees start crack-a-lacking.

[@freeheel748]

@, Lol. A few years from now he'll be sponsored by Helinox and Geritol !

[@davidreidy5750]

@@freeheel748 haha🤣🤖🥁

[@GrumpyGillsFishing]

My only problem is fitting all my camera gear into the bag.

[@furleyforever]

I use a bear bell when mountain biking on dual use trails. Works great for that.

[@alanstrange2421]

The only compelling argument I've seen for a Jetboil is that the efficiency results in less fuel use, saving money on that end. But I'm going to stick with my super cheap and Hella light BRS 3K and Toaks 750 for the foreseeable future. As far as the prepackaged meals go, they are expensive, for sure. If I'm on a multi-day trip I usually take one of those along with some kind of dehydrated grocery store foods (mashed potatoes with summer sausage, etc) for my other meals.

[@TonyRueb]

I will defend dehydrated meals. Yes they are expensive, but you can find them on sale often and you can stock up. I'm not planning along through hike, I'm only out for a few days at a time typically, It is so easy to arrive at camp and just well water and wait. I only use them for dinner and using three to four at a time doesn't really cost very much.

[@shawnr6117]

Gonna have to disagree about the knife. Some people need a big knife in order to feel comfortable on trail or because of how they hike and camp. I personally have multiple knives to choose from depending on the trip

[@josephjohnson6849]

As for socks, multiple rolls or pairs is great. Can't skimp because of sweat. Oh and cotton kills. If you're in cold weather I'd advise a silk and waffles base and mid weight pj's they are really good.

[@WayneTheSeine]

My knife is going with me anytime I go in the woods for one reason, to process wet wood in the event I have to get a fire going. The likelihood might be low but that one tool can save your life. I see and hear so many stories where "evidence at the scene indicates they tried desperately to start a fire. It does not have to be a bowie knife but a full-tang belt knife with even a 3 1/2 blade can process wet wood and get to the dry stuff. You will not do that with a pocket knife. That being said, I am not a backpacker but spend a lot of time in the woods fishing creeks and streams, hunting, and hiking. So, admittedly, grams mean nothing to me.

[@jakecook9881]

Thank you for calling out the jet boil. I think those really excel in the overlanding and hunting markets. But don’t really belong in the ultralight backpacking world. I partly agree with a knife if you don’t know how to use one, you shouldn’t bring one. But if you do know how to use one, it’s a nonnegotiable.

[@DARTHDANSAN]

Gear you do want , garmin inreach mini and 66i, power bank , solar panel , flashlights and headlamps , ham radio, survival milar space blanket , whistle

[@woodsman335]

The only one I disagree with is Jet Boil. I use one and have for years. Theyre highly efficient. I can get 22 boils from 1 small can of gas. Loss of heat is almost nothing.

[@yonickyg9719]

jet boil... may be expensive, but i have had mine since they first came out...durable & efficient & reliable. GREAT for backpacking...

[@gravityslave6277]

Gotta disagree with the big knife one. It's the most important tool you can bring. From cutting materials (cordage, vines), processing wood, used as a hammer (tent/tarp stakes), opening canned items to even personal defense. That credit card knife isnt enough.

[@deannefalise2784]

I didn't bring a first aid kit. Wacked the $hit out of my shin. Bloody mess. I did thankfully have an alcohol wipe, applied pressure and slapped on a piece of leukotape. That tape is the bomb. It's the only thing that works on blisters. Everything else slides off my sweaty feet. Of course, you have to be careful removing it unless you want to rip off some skin. Great video! Laughed my butt off.

[@kevinbaskovich7973]

As far as knives. I like the smallest swiss army knife. It weighs almost nothing. It has a set of tweezers which are handy for removing splinters as well as other jobs. It has a small sharp knife for slicing food making a feather stick whatever. It has a pair of scissors which replace the scissors of a first aid kit. You can use them as nail clippers, for sewing and certain gear repairs. Some have a tiny pen in the place of a toothpick

[@caseysmith544]

A way to save mony if allowed to use them (some places you can't due to laws/laws due to drought or due to other wet weather/materials in area) is buy the cheaper wood burning stoves off Amazon or e-Bay but not getting the name brand that looks nearly the same to actually he same on these to save weight as these will be very light, not to mention you are not carrying fuel with you, you are using it on the trail. This often gets around laws on ground fires as this contains the fire to the thing. Most of these same wood burning stoves in the cylinder shape not all but most can use a heat tablet if they are the next level up and properly set up for the use of those tablets, to get around the laws on no fires, if you are in a place with few trees, or lastly the weather is too wet most of the year to use the wood in the area you are. I have seen most of these stoves for under $30 but above $14--$15 for good ones not made of aluminum as those very cheap style wood burning stoves are not durable.

[@preston1172]

Forget bear bells! While on the AT in I think it was Vermont I ran across one guy with an entire wind chime attached to his pack! Was more impressed than anything

[@KirbysBelt]

I use MSR because it holds a bigger pot. . I hike with other people and we eat the same thing as a group for big meals. We alternate who carries the pot, plus it's not heavy.

[@daven.7685]

If you really need flavored electrolytes, sure, spend the money. I make my own electrolyte mix using the same milligram ratios as LMNT by using salt (or baking soda), a crushed potassium tablet, and a crushed Gaviscon tablet (for the magnesium). It does the job, and taste-wise it’s a step-up from plain water.

[@josephjohnson6849]

If you want a stove for cheap, tin can stoves ftw. Super cheap, made from soda or food cans. Has holes poked to breathe, burns on regular high proof alcohol, debris or kerosene.

[@noodlesthe1st]

Bring a straight razor. Doubles as your knife. Alternatively bring a safety razor and you can take the blade out when you need it as a knife.

[@alanwrobleski]

With you on the jet boil. Too many people got swept up by their marketing and cool name. Other stoves do the same thing for less money and less weight.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Exactly! Thanks Alan

[@michaelb1761]

I've never been in the situation where I needed my water boiled 1 or 2 minutes faster than with my cheap stove. Usualy the water is boiling faser than I have the food packages open or whatever anyway.

[@kdavis4910]

@Kyle Hates Hiking I always thought those buying jetboil stoves were being conned and ripped off. I can afford it, but I would never spend that much on a stove. Big rip off imho.

[@lutze5086]

​@@michaelb1761 the point is gas efficiency i.e burn time

[@vaseklepic12]

Jetboil minimo has awesome heat control and heats the bottom evenly thanks to the heat exchanger, which makes it great for cooking (not just boiling). It also has a strainer in the lid that works great for straining loose leaf tea

[@Harry-Giles]

My first aid kit has an emergency tracheostomy kit and a small mechanical ventilator, a lightweight laparoscope in case I need to remove an appendix or gallbladder and a portable X-ray machine. Comes in just under 72 pounds. I hurt my back on the the first day and never went camping again.

[@brendonnashca]

But did you die?

[@Harry-Giles]

@@brendonnashca Only once

[@lesstraveledpath]

The freeze dried meals are handy for the END of a long trek without a resupply. Freeze dried food tends to be the most weight efficient meals you can get - but they are expensive, which has the bonus of also lightening your wallet while on trail. For 4 to 5 days, prudent choices from the grocery store are more than enough. I am a knife guy...but a small or medium Swiss Army Knife is all that you need. The SAK Classic is less than an ounce and is all you need to cut open food packets. The scissors are handy. The nail file, tweezers and toothpick are good for hygiene.

[@erichobbs4042]

Calorie density is not great for most freeze dried meals. For the same weight, you could put together a meal with more calories just by using grocery store items with a bit of oil or, my personal favourite, mayonnaise condiments packets. About the only advantage of the freeze dried meals is that they are dead simple to make and require almost no thought.

[@lesstraveledpath]

@@erichobbs4042 You can add that same oil & mayo to the freeze dried meals as well. I like having some sesame oil for asian flavored dishes - this is one of my favorite add-ins for trail meals. Freeze dried meals typically have 110-120 calories per net weight ounce, as packaged. Mac & Cheese and some of the breakfasts are around 140cal/oz. Given 100cal/oz as a goal, most freeze dried tend to be over that metric. I also prefer the "full meal" aesthetic of the pre-packaged meals, when compared to the calorie play of instant ramen & olive oil or Pb straight from the jar. YMMV. Freeze dried also tends to reconstitute better than dehydrated, but that may just be my own personal preference. Dehydrated tends to need a longer soak time or a few minutes of simmering to bring it all together, IME.

[@timlois]

The Benchmade 535 Bugout is a great backpacking knife. Super generous blade size. Great quality. Under 2 ounces.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Good to know!

[@Max-yg1yz]

I prefer to bring a knife with a flat head screwdriver only because my trekking poles are telescoping and the locking sleeve will work itself loose over time.

[@kd5nrh]

Mora Companion and/or Scout are rock solid, extremely light, big enough to handle anything short of a machete, and under $20. I also have the tiny CRKT S.P.E.W. mounted on my hip belt for quick access because I have terrible luck with tear open packets and the hip belt makes it hard to get to my EDC Kershaw Leek.

[@adamcrupi6472]

Bear bells - yes! I was on a trail for 4 days in the Canadian shield boreal forest this week and the bear bellers were definitely there. I would outright refuse to hike with anyone using one. They just destroy the nature part of the hike. On Jetboils, I've been using mine for 10 years now, so I can testify they do last a long time. Mind you when I bought it, it certainly didn't come close to the $150 (Canadian) that they are today. I think they were in the $70 range (Canadian). I've tried a lot of different cooking systems and I just keep coming back to this one.

[@BurroGirl]

I wear a neck knife always when on trail. It's super sharp, it's right there within easy reach, and is great for all kinds of things including self-defense God forbid. I also need it in case of emergencies with the ropes connecting my pack burros together. (Yes I take my stuff on a burro or two cause my back and feet can't carry weight anymore but I still HAVE to get on the trails or I'll die! PS I still got Ultralight and lightweight gear and clothes for my burros to carry! I don't want them working any harder than you all do! )

[@lioneljonson161]

Nice to hear you take care of your ass.

[@memathews]

I used to hike occasionally with "The Goat Lady." She was hilarious and fun on the trail. Her pack goats carried all her gear and were very friendly to have around camp, they cleared the camp area and warned of coyotes, bears, and other visitors.

[@marcsorensen2985]

to each their own ill keep using my jet-boil and sitting in my camping chair...also my pack weights 30lbs. and has for the last 30 years #UH hiker

[@patrickbateman3146]

30lbs is heavy? Man, I remember rucking 70lbs.

[@ryeblocker2297]

Section hiker ?

[@unknowuser1843]

Always carry multiple knives. Though, I am into bushcraft and all that too

[@chasel1305]

I was in Canada and every person who worked in the parks and some tour guides all told me the bears have horrible hearing and don’t even really hear the bells and they have learned to stay away from humans yelling not some jingle bells.

[@jwmmitch]

Some of this is pretty funny as I figure out how to trim down my pack... My gf and I are AMAZING at taking too much food. Like it's almost a super power. Our most recent trip (we dont have that many under our belts yet) was more of Overlanding then hiking in. So I tried to pack only what I would actually need and put the "extra" in the vehicle in case we needed it.... we still had WAY too much of everything lol

[@markmayhew7893]

i used to work sanitation at a medic clinic, and i built my first aid kit out of supplies they had to throw away (unopened, unused, but one day after the official expiration date). So much of it is completely unnecessary. The antibiotics and bandages are cool, but i don't need a suture kit, since I'm unqualified to use it anyway.

[@dudeymcduderson]

I have a Soto windmaster and a Jetboil Minimo. I love them both but if I'm actually cooking food rather than boiling water then I much prefer the Jetboil.

[@vaseklepic12]

Jetboil minimo works great, but it makes my cook kit (with medium fuel canister to simplify logistics) heavier than my shelter

[@Twopennysau]

Been backpacking for 46 years and seen all of these and more. But you will need to claw my Jetboil from my cold crusty dead hands before I’ll give it up. I lurve it. It is magnificently efficient - I can get 5 nights on the trail with one small canister of gas - even eating those dreaded freeze dries for 3 of those nights & 3 breakfasts (I eat fresh food for at least the first 2 days/2 nights of my trips)

[@KyleHatesHiking]

haha well hey, as long as you enjoy it!

[@jordandale85]

I thru-hiked with travel deodorants. Smelled far better than most. My first aid kit was the duct tape wrapped around my trekking poles. You also don't need a stove at all. I did however, carry up to 10lbs of gatorade powder. lol Seems they only sell it at walmart.

[@callumgill7019]

Wearing deodorant in the backcountry might be the quickest way to make enemy’s on a thru hike lol

[@jeroen1989]

To be honest... the sound of jingle bells on the radio indicates the start of the most fearful periods to listen to music on the radio and scares me away pretty quick.

[@deekelley891]

The forest absorbs sound-which is why it is so easy to be lost and no one hear you yelling-so a little bell sound isn’t going very far ahead of you. My loud voice saying, ‘hey, bear,’ is much more likely to be heard. And my bear spray or hubby’s secondary deterrent are more than enough.

[@RJ-ek7ov]

I use wipes to take care of the high funk areas. No excuse to be totally rank. I wouldn’t be able to stand myself.

[@RhodokTribesman]

Being clean makes you 1 ounce heavier, therefore making you ineligible for the ultralight® crew

[@Redsr5]

I don’t carry bear spray or bear bells ….. just a Henry 44 mag with 8 in the tube

[@victorinoxcollectorbrazil2669]

I’m a EDC guy and I agree totally with you. Hahaha Most of my daily set up (flashlight + small bic + knife) has less than 150g and in the woods is almost the same.

[@Bill_tyler]

I carry whatever steel I want to 👍

[@EverythingIsPhotogenic]

I didn't bring a giant first aid kit and I died. Pay no attention to the fact that I am commenting on a KZbin video... What I do in the afterlife is my own business.....

[@KyleHatesHiking]

😂😂

[@cdanielautry]

AT thru hiker here. Agree on all except the bear bell. I put one on my dog and saw only one bear the entire trail and it was running away. It also helps me keep tabs on the pup if he stops behind me or decides to jump off trail chasing a chipmunk.

[@escapingmonday2501]

The only piece of gear that I need while hiking is a phone with all of Dan Becker's videos downloaded on it. (Please don't ban me from the channel)

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Banned

[@Jinxlikestohike]

7:20 I just ditched the underwear altogether. Better airflow less chance of chafing or having sweat build up near the Crown Jewels

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Hiker trash

[@michaelb1761]

I alternate. I bring one pair of boxers that I rinse out and wear every other day. I'm sur I'll eventuually graduate to full time free ballin'.

[@nickdarr7328]

I have amoxicillin, morphine, Percocet, whiskey to sterilize and cocaine to numb any toothaches. I usually don't get very far because I seem to stub a toe or get a splinter and need first aid

[@JRoss707]

A guy's going on a hiking vacation through the mountains out west. Before setting off into the boonies, he stops into a small general store to get some supplies. After picking out the rest of his provisions, he asks the old store owner, "Say mister, I'm going hiking up in the mountains, and I was wondering; do you have any bears around here?" "Yup," replies the owner. "What kind?" asks the hiker. "Well, we got black bears and we got grizzlies," he replies. "I see," says the hiker. "Do you have any of those bear bells?" "What do you mean?" asks the store owner. "You know," replies the hiker, "those little tinkle-bells that people wear in bear country to warn the bears that they are coming, so they don't surprise the bears and get attacked." "Oh yeah," replies the owner. "They're over there," he says, pointing to a shelf on the other side of the store. The hiker selects a couple of the bells and and takes them to the counter to pay for them. "Tell me something, mister," the hiker inquires, "how can you tell when you're in bear territory, anyway?" "By the scat," the old fellow replies, ringing up the hiker's purchases. "Well, um, how can I tell if it's grizzly territory or black bear territory?" the hiker asks. "By the scat," the store owner replies. "Well, what's the difference?" asks the hiker. "I mean, what's different between grizzly scat and black bear scat?" "The stuff that's in it," replies the store owner. Getting a little frustrated, the hiker asks, "OK, so what's in grizzly bear scat that isn't in black bear scat?" he asks, an impatient tone in his voice. "Bear bells," replies the old man as he hands the hiker his purchases.

[@aurtisanminer2827]

The bear bells are used to let bears know you’re nearby without surprising them. Mose bear attacks are due to surprising a bear. Creeks and rivers are really common places to sneak up on them because they cant hear your foot steps over the flowing water. I wear a bell and keep it silenced until I am near flowing water. So far I have not seen any bears with my bell jingling and I hike in thick bear territory all the time.

[@CountryB4Party]

Bear bells don’t scare bears away, they let bears know you’re coming. They would rather not interact with YOU, and you certainly don’t want to surprise THEM. I don’t bother with them in the lower 48, but I used them in Alaska when hiking through dense brush. Silenced when visibility was good.

[@margaretwandel5660]

I don't carry much in first aid but learned I needed tweezers after my dog got quilled. Some benydryl would also have helped.

[@kickerofelves85]

No food(other than crack and cheese) ✅ No knife✅ No first aid✅ No clothes ✅ No hygiene ✅ No stove✅ Well I'm off for my thru hike, wish me luck!🤞😂

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Lmao you should be successful!

[@vl4n7684zt]

How can you tell the difference between grizzly scat and black bear scat? Black bear scat has berries and grubs in it. Grizzly scat has metal bells and smells like pepper spray. ;)

[@emeliehammarstrom15]

I'm gonna go buy me a ultralight backpacking chair thanks to these tips!

[@KyleHatesHiking]

NOOOOO

[@SinAlameda]

I LOVE my chair, I will always take it

[@richardhenry1969]

Best investment I ever made. But I also carry a fixed blade bps adventurer. Really all kidding aside I love my chair. And hammock

[@TheGunNerd]

@@KyleHatesHiking I will hike with mres from a local surplus store and is more expensive than dehydrated foods

[@jenniferrosenberry7662]

We use bear bells in vet medicine for seizure patients! They jingle when they have grand mal seizures in the clinic

[@randallminchew6780]

I’ve never used Bear bells. In southern Utah where I live and hike bears are so rare we just tell people there are no bears.

[@YesItsMeYaBoiMCnuggie]

What I have is, headlamp, tarp and hammock I just like that more, first aid only really bandages and blister bandaids and bandaids and for burns the bandages, multitool, rainjacked pants 2 under wear, 2 pair socks, paracord and wet wipes and a sbit clocker, stuff to write on if something happens I justvwrote it down so I can't forget to tell emergency services if they can come and my patches and a plastic waste if I get lost and want people to hear me and a survival straw toothbrush and paste too, that's it, it's like 16 kg so yeah that's all and I walk up to 250 kilometers with that, yes I use the Dryfood I just like it more that I can just make cold water in and it's still gonna be soft noodles instead of all crunch.

[@syberphish]

This explains all the bear poop I've found with bells in it. Always wondered about that.

[@Zapruderfilm1963]

I had Bear Bells but thanks to a medical specialist the swelling has ceased.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

😂😂

[@robertestrada9643]

I ALWAYS carry a Storus super horn instead of bear bells or even bear spray in most cases

[@dontall71]

I once saw what looked like an official US Forestry notice at a trail head that read "You are about to enter Black bear and Grizzly habitat. Wear bells on your person and carry bear spray. When on trail you may see bear squat and can tell what kind of bear made it. Black bear squat will be smaller and contain berries, Grizzly bear squat will be much larger, contain bells and smell like pepper spray."

[@itdidnotworkmichael]

Kyles new favorite word: intuitive

[@yppykya]

'honestly' he does say that a lot.

[@wendybeattie6935]

I purchased a bear bell once and my relatives said that they call it the “dinner bell” that the bears know you have food lol

[@patrickglaser1560]

The theory is you don't want to surprise bears, not necessarily scare them off; You surprise a bear, they attack you.

[@christophercooper7210]

I carry the A L I C E PACK medium size , field strip, lightweight, no tent , no stove , cookware, or anything of comfort, use a cortex sleeping bag w wool blanket, heavy duty rain tarp all military , stuff , down to my MRE meals , mid size saw, machete, two 2liter canteens & my trusted 45 acp in case shit gets real lol can't trust bear spray lol

[@rmcgraw7943]

My bear belt is the .44 Magnum caliber. Does that work?

[@callumgill7019]

Works far less than bear spray but it does work

[@Eddie-ij1cc]

I can't afford a jet boil anyway... or a 300 dollar sleeping bag or a 600 dollar tent...I hike for the love of hiking., I'm also two years behind on trail running shoes because they cost less then half of the up to date styles ..

[@Errcyco]

The only thing xtra weight you shouldn’t worry about is candy.. shit is gold on a chilly night man.

[@saskhiker3935]

What no talk about camp chairs? Btw I love my camp chair. Not for a through hike just regular backpacking.

[@AlmightyG1969]

Where do you get crack and cheese? I'd like to put on the miles.

[@sargeoutdoors]

My adive for people worried about bears..i teach them how to identify poop and it goes like this...1. if bear poop has berries, bees, and plants in it and smells like pepper spray..black bear...2. if it has berries, small bits of fur fish heads smells like pepper spray and has bells in it...brown bear..3. if it has a bunch of bells smells like a lot of pepper spray and has a lot of bones in it..grizzly bear..4. if it has tons of bells a canister of bear spray and fingers from a human and nothing but meat...RUN...Polar Bear!!!

[@smaakjeks]

I didn't bring a bear bell and as a consequence I got attacked by a novelty sized large first aid kit. Learn from me.

[@alreadylost6587]

Needle and thread athletic tape and some bandaids.

[@lavernelee908]

I hike and backpack extensively in heavy bear country. Bear bells make a monotonous sound that everyone, including bears tune out. Sing and talk to yourself in areas where visibility is reduced.

[@WolfPackM98c]

This man really said to not bring deodorant. A travel stick is $1 and a couple ounces at most. It goes a long way managing stench and moisture. Nah, Imma insist you bring some 🤣

[@nickdarr7328]

The bells aren't to be scary to the bear. It's supposed to make the bear aware. Because a surprised bear is dangerous