I just don't want to pay for camping anymore, but don't want to look strange running into the woods w/large pack, & would rather my camp spot be dictated by the views or activities rather than my shelter option. I'm slowly building my pack while trying not to waste money on unconventional, impractical items. Lol.
Great thinking! I don't usually recommend trying to start off ultralight but you should be able to get a pack down to around 40l or so if you can get the sleep system small enough. That won't look too weird.
All great information for a beginner... Back to the basics can help out with something possibly missed.. but then again any input from others helps too. Thank you for sharing . Take care.
Nice! wish this was available a couple years ago, cant wait to watch the rest of the series! I am definitely on the camping side (love my time at camp) but also love to see the sites and working towards more mileage. IT NEVER ENDS! LOL Great Job!
This is a no brainer but hearing you break it down was so incredibly awesome. I am just starry to hike/backpack. So I’m watching tons of videos, deciding what gear to buy and what kind of outdoor adventurer will I become. I’m afraid of beats so car camping appeals to me. Oh and yes, I have subscribed 👍
I w see m on to part 2. It’s so cool to watch your videos. In the past week I’ve seen at least 300 but your natural ability to teach shines through. Wait is it possible that you had me at part 1? Am I in love? 😁Today the AT. Tomorrow the world.
@@BackcountryPilgrim I know I know. Don’t go hog wild right away. Such sage advice. But daddy was a pig farmer (joking of course. They were hogs😜). So here is my starting lineup: Drum roll please - Biolite 750 headlamp, Lexi Micro Vario Carbon Trekking Poles, Jetboil Mini Mo, Osprey Kestrel 38 backpack
I’m excited for this series! My family and I are car campers that do day hikes when we are camping. But, I’ve always wanted to do a multi day backpacking trip with my family. So not only do I need to plan for myself, but also my wife, my 17 and 13 year old sons and 2 dogs. We have a long way to go, but we’ll get there. By the way, new subscriber!
Howdy my friend. I’m curious to know your thoughts. I intend to camp as well as backpack. Obviously I want a light weight tent for the latter. Fir camping I do want something with a lot of space. Do you suggest I get two tents?
My guiding principle is that it is best to get the right tool for the right job. So getting a tent for each application would be best. A "best of both worlds" tent might not exist - or if it does, it likely won't be as good as two tents on opposite ends of the spectrum (and might even be more expensive than two different tents together). So I'd look at what would be the best single tent and then what would be the best of the distinct tents and then make a decision!
Hey Doug - great series and thoughtful approach! I’m an aging (64 yr old) avid day hiker who is setting a goal of getting into backpacking in 2021. I’d eventually like to do some multi day hikes in the western national parks, but am targeting some simple overnights to begin with closer to home (MD). I’d love to borrow some gear as you suggest, but have no friends or family that are into backpacking. I could rent a package for about $150 for a 2-3 night trip, but do you think the learnings would be worth the investment? I’m tempted to just buy gear I’ve zeroed in on from REI or Backcountry and use the liberal return policy to fix whatever I don’t like. Thoughts? Good luck on El Camino - is the trip scheduled? Thanks, Rich
First, thank you! Second, good for you - great goal for 2021! If you can't easily borrow gear, I'd do the research and get what you think will work.Start using it at home so you're ready when it's trail time. REI does have a great return policy, so that gives peace of mind in case of a genuine mistake. Keep in mind that you will likely NEVER be done with your gear setup - so don't feel like you have to wait until it's "perfect." You can always keep what you end up swapping for different setups, sell it on a gear site, or become the friend that can lend gear to others! The Camino is basically a bust for me right now. Even if Europe reopened to Americans this year, I have little interest in going under Covid conditions. A big part of the pilgrim experience is meeting and communing with other people. If that's over, then for me, so is the Camino. I don't need Spain just to go for a long walk. ;)
@@BackcountryPilgrim thanks Doug. So sorry about your trip to Spain! I had a trip planned to visit relatives in Australia and a side trip for some hiking in New Zealand planned in April of 2020 that got blown up by COVID, so I feel your pain. Good advice on starter backpacking gear. I’ll be watching your channel and will check in with a progress report. Thanks again, Rich
When you're hiking you just wear your dirty clothes LOL. ;) Many use a simple stuff sack (can double as a pillow!). If your pack is waterproof / covered / lined then you don't really *need* a dry sack but it wouldn't hurt (might keep some of the smell at bay!).
I’m in the process in reducing my weight. I’m not focusing on super light weight I’ve got a lighter tent and just went to quilt. Now I’m looking for something that’s half the weight of my atmos 50 AG with some of the same amenities as my atmos
We are living parallel lives LOL! Over the summer I upgraded a few items (including a UGQ quilt!) and am about ready to break into a more lightweight system (see ruclips.net/video/kUanD_2uPOg/видео.html). I just got the Durston 40L to see how it stacks up against my Zerk 40. What are you looking at?
@@BackcountryPilgrim I have thought about waymark just wondering it not being as padded as my atmos how it would feel on my back. I really like Gregory but their lighter packs don’t fit me. I have a friend that’s has outdoor clothing company that’s about to come out with a jacket he’s also been thinking a venturing out working with companies to make pack.
Hi Doug. I see a ton of videos on REI. My dad was a bass fisherman so we would always go to Bass Pro Shop or Cabellas. Why do you think there aren’t more hiking videos that reference those stores?
Ive never polled anyone else to find out but based on personal experience here's what I think. I enjoy going to BPS and other sportsman type stores but what I have found is that their gear is usually on the non-specialized "car camping" end of the spectrum and prices are just ok. There are many reasons someone might go to Bass Pro Shop or Cabela's, but there's only one reason they're going to go to REI. I think at the end of the day REI is just more sexy. :-)
Where are you in your backpacking journey? Are you more of a camping or hiking backpacker?
I just don't want to pay for camping anymore, but don't want to look strange running into the woods w/large pack, & would rather my camp spot be dictated by the views or activities rather than my shelter option.
I'm slowly building my pack while trying not to waste money on unconventional, impractical items. Lol.
Great thinking! I don't usually recommend trying to start off ultralight but you should be able to get a pack down to around 40l or so if you can get the sleep system small enough. That won't look too weird.
All great information for a beginner... Back to the basics can help out with something possibly missed.. but then again any input from others helps too. Thank you for sharing . Take care.
All true, red white and blue! Thanks!
I love that you started with the very basics and love your level of detail!! Looking forward to the rest of the series!
Great, thank you!
Nice! wish this was available a couple years ago, cant wait to watch the rest of the series! I am definitely on the camping side (love my time at camp) but also love to see the sites and working towards more mileage. IT NEVER ENDS! LOL Great Job!
You got that right! I hope you enjoy the series!
This is a no brainer but hearing you break it down was so incredibly awesome. I am just starry to hike/backpack. So I’m watching tons of videos, deciding what gear to buy and what kind of outdoor adventurer will I become. I’m afraid of beats so car camping appeals to me. Oh and yes, I have subscribed 👍
Thank you so much! What an inspiring comment! I hope the series does not disappoint. :)
I w see m on to part 2. It’s so cool to watch your videos. In the past week I’ve seen at least 300 but your natural ability to teach shines through. Wait is it possible that you had me at part 1? Am I in love? 😁Today the AT. Tomorrow the world.
Lol! Part 5 should drop in a few weeks!
@@BackcountryPilgrim I know I know. Don’t go hog wild right away. Such sage advice. But daddy was a pig farmer (joking of course. They were hogs😜). So here is my starting lineup: Drum roll please - Biolite 750 headlamp, Lexi Micro Vario Carbon Trekking Poles, Jetboil Mini Mo, Osprey Kestrel 38 backpack
Great start!
This is awesome! Everyone should watch this video. Well done Doug! Crow✌️
Thanks Crow!!!
I’m excited for this series! My family and I are car campers that do day hikes when we are camping. But, I’ve always wanted to do a multi day backpacking trip with my family. So not only do I need to plan for myself, but also my wife, my 17 and 13 year old sons and 2 dogs. We have a long way to go, but we’ll get there. By the way, new subscriber!
Awesome! I hope you enjoy it. There's There's "Backpacking for Beginners" Facebook page you might like that my friend Tim runs. Maybe check it out!
Backcountry Pilgrim I’ll check it out. I just watched your first 3 videos in the series. Great job pulling this info together. Really helpful!
You've inspired me to finish the series! :)
Backcountry Pilgrim awesome! I will watch them all. Thanks for the email also. A lot to think about!
You bet!
Thanks for the review. Any sport is expensive after you get past the casual look.
Very true!
Very well presented video Doug. Take Care
Thank you!
Good bro new subscriber from mexico fam keep it up
I appreciate it!
Howdy my friend. I’m curious to know your thoughts. I intend to camp as well as backpack. Obviously I want a light weight tent for the latter. Fir camping I do want something with a lot of space. Do you suggest I get two tents?
My guiding principle is that it is best to get the right tool for the right job. So getting a tent for each application would be best. A "best of both worlds" tent might not exist - or if it does, it likely won't be as good as two tents on opposite ends of the spectrum (and might even be more expensive than two different tents together). So I'd look at what would be the best single tent and then what would be the best of the distinct tents and then make a decision!
Awesome
Glad you enjoyed it!
Hey Doug - great series and thoughtful approach! I’m an aging (64 yr old) avid day hiker who is setting a goal of getting into backpacking in 2021. I’d eventually like to do some multi day hikes in the western national parks, but am targeting some simple overnights to begin with closer to home (MD). I’d love to borrow some gear as you suggest, but have no friends or family that are into backpacking. I could rent a package for about $150 for a 2-3 night trip, but do you think the learnings would be worth the investment? I’m tempted to just buy gear I’ve zeroed in on from REI or Backcountry and use the liberal return policy to fix whatever I don’t like. Thoughts? Good luck on El Camino - is the trip scheduled?
Thanks, Rich
First, thank you! Second, good for you - great goal for 2021!
If you can't easily borrow gear, I'd do the research and get what you think will work.Start using it at home so you're ready when it's trail time. REI does have a great return policy, so that gives peace of mind in case of a genuine mistake. Keep in mind that you will likely NEVER be done with your gear setup - so don't feel like you have to wait until it's "perfect." You can always keep what you end up swapping for different setups, sell it on a gear site, or become the friend that can lend gear to others!
The Camino is basically a bust for me right now. Even if Europe reopened to Americans this year, I have little interest in going under Covid conditions. A big part of the pilgrim experience is meeting and communing with other people. If that's over, then for me, so is the Camino. I don't need Spain just to go for a long walk. ;)
@@BackcountryPilgrim thanks Doug. So sorry about your trip to Spain! I had a trip planned to visit relatives in Australia and a side trip for some hiking in New Zealand planned in April of 2020 that got blown up by COVID, so I feel your pain. Good advice on starter backpacking gear. I’ll be watching your channel and will check in with a progress report. Thanks again, Rich
Nice basic, Basic Intro, basically 🤙😁🏕
Dangit, I was going for extra, additional, superlative. :)
I used to go often in the Boy Scouts. Been a while. Adulting too often gets in the way. Lol
Boooo adulting! :)
Well hello there. Should I use a dry bag for my dirty clothes or is there a better option?
When you're hiking you just wear your dirty clothes LOL. ;) Many use a simple stuff sack (can double as a pillow!). If your pack is waterproof / covered / lined then you don't really *need* a dry sack but it wouldn't hurt (might keep some of the smell at bay!).
I’m in the process in reducing my weight. I’m not focusing on super light weight I’ve got a lighter tent and just went to quilt. Now I’m looking for something that’s half the weight of my atmos 50 AG with some of the same amenities as my atmos
We are living parallel lives LOL! Over the summer I upgraded a few items (including a UGQ quilt!) and am about ready to break into a more lightweight system (see ruclips.net/video/kUanD_2uPOg/видео.html). I just got the Durston 40L to see how it stacks up against my Zerk 40. What are you looking at?
@@BackcountryPilgrim thank you.
@@BackcountryPilgrim I have thought about waymark just wondering it not being as padded as my atmos how it would feel on my back. I really like Gregory but their lighter packs don’t fit me. I have a friend that’s has outdoor clothing company that’s about to come out with a jacket he’s also been thinking a venturing out working with companies to make pack.
Check out Granite Gear ⚙ Crown 2
I've had this pack for over 2 years now, love it. Oh yeah... you can find it on sale for as low as $129
Hi Doug. I see a ton of videos on REI. My dad was a bass fisherman so we would always go to Bass Pro Shop or Cabellas. Why do you think there aren’t more hiking videos that reference those stores?
Ive never polled anyone else to find out but based on personal experience here's what I think. I enjoy going to BPS and other sportsman type stores but what I have found is that their gear is usually on the non-specialized "car camping" end of the spectrum and prices are just ok. There are many reasons someone might go to Bass Pro Shop or Cabela's, but there's only one reason they're going to go to REI. I think at the end of the day REI is just more sexy. :-)