One great tip is to look backwards regularly when hiking, stop turn around and take in the trail and scenery. The trail looks different going the other way. It’s helped me many times especially in woods.
as an ex military man, I would add sunblock or a cap to protect yourself from the sun. It gives your head and neck that extra protection that helps prevent sun/heatstroke or a nasty headache.
As a former military man I find it hilarious you suggest sunblock as an option and assume you are referring to your coast guard (possibly air force or navy) enlistment as "military" service.
@@btd1993 Sunblock protects you from burns--- sunburns. Equally important is the added protection it provides against skin cancer. And I would go further than wearing a "cap" which protects only your eyes and your face but leaves the rest of your head exposed. I would wear a Sombrero or at least a hat with an all-around brim that provides shade front-side-&-rear. I've found that it actually keeps me cooler than a ball cap alone.
On same note Sunglasses, can't say how many people if in higher up still snow in summer get the snow Blindness on a mostly cloudy day with the thin clouds that the sun gets through about 50%. Or those hiking on very sunny days do the same thing to themselves.
Re: Safety of "clear, clean water" in the mountains... Many years ago, my friends and I were hiking in the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho. We came upon a beautiful little stream, maybe 6' across and a foot deep. Perfectly clear water, no bad smells or any indication of it being unhealthy. About half of us filled our canteens and drank heartily, while a couple people went upstream "to check things out." They came right back, and cautioned that there was a dead deer in the water! We immediately stopped drinking, and went 50 yards or so to see. The deer wasn't recently dead, but it also wasn't completely rotted dry. None of us got sick from it, but lesson learned: You never know what the source of the water is, nor what is in the water. Bring some kind of filtration device, you don't have to be like the pioneers of 150 years ago (and how many of them died from such things?).
Had a similar experience and it's why I never drink straight from a water source. Not to mention it's what's in the water that you can't detect is what will put you in serious trouble. Always filter or boil or treat.
Only exceptions I can think of is when you're at bottom of snowpack it's coming from and can see the entire stream, no trails over it above nor anything else suspicious, or at the source of a spring.
I do not disagree with you but I am thinking about the countless times I drank from streams in my youth. Nothing ever happened. I wouldn’t do it now though!
@@grahamriley8124 Prior to around the mid 1970's it was safe to drink from lakes and streams in the HIGH Sierras, but then giardia (sp?) showed up and you had to be more careful. We never drank straight out of lower altitude sources but in the pristine 9 or 10k alt plus areas with limited access only.
Gatekeeping gets a bad reputation. Countries have borders for a reason. To keep bad folk out. The same thing with hiking. We gatekeep and shame people who litter because they're bad people.
There's just no excuse for anyone out in the wild not burying their poo. Everyone should and does know. Absolutely disgusting habit. Great video. Thanks.
I had a buddy was going to climb Mount Washington and borrow some of my gear to do it. I looked over his pack. Total water load 14 ounces. no jacket or coat. Had a little folding camp chair he was going to take, because "where will I sit?" No extra socks, no wool or fleece, no gloves, no coat. "Its summer man" I repacked his pack, tossed stuff aside, included more, like freeze dried foods, wool hat, mechanic's gloves, wool jacket, polyester poncho, iodine tabs, trail guide and map, three liters of water, a bandana, a small garden trowel and a quarter roll of toilet paper. He was in the wilderness for 60 hours, and used everything I included.
I love how helpful you are! I can’t imagine being so unprepared! I’m a newbie- but I watch the videos and take classes. Can’t wait for more to move to bidets instead of TP. I’m happy to see portable editions available!
Wilderness Steward and Boomer here, lol. Yes, a paper map is an excellent backup, they work without batteries and they are cheap: here in the U.S. you can get an entire National Forest mapped out for just $10-$12 that will easily cover 500 miles of hiking trails. The ever useful compass might be on your phone, but a small analog map compass can be as low cost as $7. All this for less than a battery charger or an annual subscription to a trail app. Thanks for covering the necessary subject of poop. 👍
Another Boomer here 😊. Yep .. a little Compass hangs on one of my day pack loops .. very handy for general direction. If you've done your homework before entering an area, knowing what and how far lies N-S-E-W of you, mitigates a lot of potential problems.
@@thomasmusso1147 NSEW? Is that something like Siri or Alexa? JK I load the route onto my Garmin etrex and have topographic maps on there for the entire region. Also have a backup paper map sometimes.
I usually travel with friend or two, so having 2-3 smartphones with powerbanks is a plenty of redundancy. Compass can be useful to get a sense of direction, especially in poor conditions. Actually pairing it with a map and use as primary way to navigate? No surprise you are soooo old, it took you so much time to get your location triangulated on the map:D
I am convinced everyone needs a compact but reasonable intensity light source, a competent flashlight or headlamp. If light runs out, it will help. Not very heavy.
Personally I feel like everybody should have an plight i3t eos or a streamlight microstream on them for EDC. Why? They are basic one click lights. They are small and light. And the best part, they can attach to hats with the pocket clip to act as a headlamp.
@@zBMatt yea, also if you're contented with other FL made in China, there are a lot of better brands other than Olight. i believe it's just an overhyped product
@@ArchTazer how about you find that gear and list it for me. There’s a reason why these lights are so loved, and that reason is that you’re not going to be able to find something better.
I can attest to the offline trail maps. Went out on an easy hike a few years ago. Fog and rain set in and I ended up following an animal trail for a long ways before realizing I had gotten off the hiking trail. The offline maps were a life saver. I had my phone plugged into an external battery pack and in airplane mode while hiking back. With that being said, a flashlight is a must. It’s very easy to lose day light. Heads lamps are useful while hiking/camping since they free up your hands.
Battery pack - yes! But flashlight depends....if you are in southeastern Alaska in the summer then you only get a few hours of twighlight, just take a little nap and it's light again. 😏
My kit includes a conventional compass (doesn't need batteries), sharp knife, small flashlight, first aid kit w whistle, and non-perishable food (jerky, packaged items). I tend to wear a long sleeve cotton shirt, wide brim hat and pants with many pockets (or a proper uniform). Sometimes, I carry fire making gear. I like a Life Straw but this bottle with a built-in straw is cool. These items helped me on a 9-day tour of the Grand Canyon and 20 months in Afghanistan.
I liked some of the products you talked about. I am a newbie to hiking, one month day hiker and I can't get enough. retired 2 yrs ago, am 67, lost 40+ pounds in the past 22 months and am now hiking 2x a week...
This is what the internet community should be all about! Spreading love and messages like these. It is heartwarming to read your "newly" discovered passion and how positive effect it has had on you. Godbless and keep hiking! 🙂
One thing about carrying water that too many beginners don't think about; actually drinking enough on the trail. Too many times, I've seen people who have water in their pack suffer from dehydration because they "Weren't thirsty." When' on the trail and whether or not you're thirsty, you NEED to drink water BEFORE you're thirsty, and depending on the terrain, temps, humidity and the distance you're going, having a electrolyte drink may be important too.
The water filter thing is true, in most cases. I used to live in Minnesota, and people were often confused about why I carried so much water. They didn't realize that a huge amount of the streams, rivers and ponds there are fed from crop tiles, meaning lots of not only filterable bacteria, but tons of non filterable chemicals from sprays. Needles to say, when they were puking after drinking from a filter, I was just fine with my extra weight in water.
@@tohuss yes, so long as you insure there is nothing dead upstream. However as i described lots of places have water that isnt from mountain streams, and is manmade like the ones i mentioned
@@tohuss yeah… knowing Monsanto and DuPont are in the water source is enough to make me use bottled water. People don’t realize crop fields are sprayed and so are cities/suburbs. So many chemicals are found in our water ways. It’s cleaner than water overseas sure but it’s still not good water. Even our public water towers are full of chemicals and heavy metals.
@gary7vn hospital shortly afterwards. They were fine, because they puked apparently. But yes. I dont know if they did so because of the taste or the poison but whatever the case everyones ok
Retired hardcore hiker here and now that I'm old and crippled up I'm going to travel Europe. I'm interested in tips and ideas, even gear, for older hikers/travelers. Love the channel. Subscribed.
Agree with all of those. I'd also add moleskin. Even with good socks, you can get hot spots and being prepared for them can be the difference between a good experience and agony. (A small first aid kit including moleskin would be even a better choice, but definitely include moleskin.) Oh, and having an elastic bandage is a good choice too.
Foot treatment is my #1 priority for hiking, and I've tried various solutions. I formerly used moleskin until I discovered Leukotape, which is far superior in my opinion. For a long time I taped up all my "problem spots" before beginning to avoid any blisters or wear spots. These days I have been focusing on the best socks and/or liners possible along with an anti-blister ointment. So far, this has been my favorite solution. I virtually never get blisters unless I'm hiking fast on rough terrain for over 15 miles or so in a day... something that will possibly cause blisters almost no matter which solution you choose. Good shoes are also paramount, of course.
To avoid blisters i recommend using 2 socks, the inner one being a sleek dress type thin sock (but breathable) and the outter one being thick and comfy. Never gotten a blister with that
@@Fede_uyz just remember to use socks that don't restrict circulation in your foot by beeing too tight, I also use the dual sock method on militia exercises, one pair of thin knee length standard issue wool socks, and either a second pair of the same, or thin standard issue wool/cotton blend ankle socks or thick standard issue white wool socks depending on the season. I think we got the suggestion from a sgt during basic training as conscripts. Never had any foot problems throughout my 10 month conscript training or the 12 years I've now been part of the volounteer national defence militia.
My navigation "package" includes a paper map in a waterproof cover (looks like a giant ziploc), an orienteering compass, and a small analog altimeter. Being able to chart your altitude can be very helpful in pinpointing your location if your route has a lot of up an down. In many cases your altitude will tell you exactly where on the trail you are. I grew up hiking and backpacking in the the pre internet 90's and a paper map and compass was part of the "10 essentials" (do they still teach that?) Edit: one more bit of "extra" gear I usually bring on day hikes (and always on backpacking trips) is my hiking staff. The north Cascades where I hike most often is wet an full of trees, some of which fall down. My staff with a cleat on the bottom that will dig into wood makes crossing wet logs and steams far easier and safer. It's also long enough to use to vault small streams. It's other benefit is that I can use it with a poncho to make myself a little tent/ shelter, which, even if I don't necessarily need on a day hike, if it's pouring rain when I get to the turnaround, it's nice to be able to eat my lunch out of the wet.
You're a legitimate hiker! So many of us are growing up with the luxuries and comfort of so many idiot-mechanisms like our phones and we never actually learn how to hike and backpack. Simply from a technical standpoint we should all learn how to do that. A skill is still a skill even if you never need to use it!
There is an altimeter app for android phones, probably for other systems too. Paper maps and compass navigation remain useful nav aids, which in moderately skilled hands can give a position fix accurate to a few metres. Maps are, very usefully, often printed on waterproof paper.
I always bring along paper maps and a compass. Getting lost once was enough. At least I knew enough to hike up high to get a view of the area and figure a way back to A road (not the one I was parked on).
Like many people in the comments, I'd like to add my two cents: it's good to have some sort of cream to prevent chafing and sores resulting from sweating. In Brazil, we have Zero Atrito (Zero Chafing, roughly translating), but I'm sure there are good brands in other countries. I got stuck (sort of) on a trail last Christmas and having downloaded maps on a phone connected to a huge power bank (20000 mA) was quite a lifesaver - as a beginner, it's nice to know I was on the right path (no pun intended). Also, great advice. Thanks.
Loved the suggestions! I'd definitely suggest adding a form of personal shelter. A bivi bag, poncho, or tarp is a lifesaver: the little space blankets you can get won't be good enough, and it's no use if you are up a hill while your tent is down in the valley. The storms here last weekend meant I had to use mine, but a bunch of people needed a rescue. So, please, take a personal shelter.
I agree with your suggestion, Kirsten. During colder and wetter parts of the year (here in Scotland some might say that's ALL year but it's not, lol!) I pack a 2-person bivvy bag/tent/shelter call it what you will. Light and just crams down in the bottom of the backpack. Used it once for review (you can find it on my channel) and once for my own comfort when I had to be left behind for a while due to not feeling too good. I have toyed with the idea of using paracord , hiking poles and light tent pegs with it to see if one person could actually sleep in if push came to shove. Atb, Terry
@@TerryMcGearyScotland Yes, loved your review! I usually carry either a bothy bag: a Terra Nova Super Lite Bothy 2 (253g, about £90) if I am with a pal, or a Blizzard 3-layer bivi bag (385g, £35) if it's just me; paired with a very thin Gram Counter Gear Evazote pad (it's a clone of the Gossamer gear Thinlight, around 75g, £20). Worth saying this last weekend, a cheap sit pad (32g, £5) and a Helicon Tex poncho (487g, £25) used as a shelter did a great job, (it was supposed to be a sunny day hike!) and probably fits a beginner's budget a bit better.
@@TerryMcGearyScotland yeah those shelters are great aren't they. Even if just for lunch in bad weather. Have you ever cracked how to turn it into a self supporting"tent?"
Extra socks and extra water every time! I've had so many hikes to where I ended up drinking more water than I thought I was going to. That's something you definitely don't want to be without when you need it.
I'm in New Zealand, and merino wool is the way to go (I sell 55% content at my work, but wear the competitor's, as it's 80% merino, and feels less sweaty when it gets hotter). Merino is also naturally antimicrobial, so it won't stink like a synthetic sock. :) Regarding bamboo.... It's very popular in Australia for bedding (beautifully soft) - but takes waaaaay longer than cotton to dry, I really wouldn't hike in either.
So, for Vegans I always say to use the Nylon or Recycled nylon trail running/hiking socks. The Polyester are too warm for most people in the summer, though I can use some socks with this that are thinner. Regarding the anatomical do not always need it as some people find those type too restrictive and are often the type that have wide wide feet, or they find the ankle part too tight on the foot at the end of the day as some anatomical socks have too tight of a top band part and tend to be the very conforming type. Some people can go full no socks in summer if wearing Trail running shoes or in one case hiking of some models/brands, a few models of the minimal type are made for this as are some trail running shoes made more for racing in wet sloppy, muddy weather, the socks would just be a blister magnet no matter what type used after a while.
@@caseysmith544 Vegans won't buy wool where no animal is killed to harvest it, but they will buy petrochemical fibre products that shed microplastics into water sources whenever they wash them. Just, lmao.
Thanks for posting this! I'm a "newbie" from South Florida (only swamps, rolling hills and beaches here)...just getting my gear, so I really appreciated your info! Have a REALLY GREAT DAY EVERYONE!
Given mountain locations often include mosquitoes, I recommend an effective, scientifically tested mosquito repellent. That means DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR 3535. On the way out of an area with high mosquito density I gave my extra DEET to a suffering couple that had only brought original formula Avon Skin So soft.
Mosquitoes are one thing, but hikers should worry more about ticks and tick-borne illnesses out there. Lyme disease is one among many nasty diseases you can catch from a tick bite. The one that weirds me out the most is the Lone Star tick - a bite can cause a person to develop an allergy to meat.
@@arguchik DEET and picaridin are also effective against ticks. For the most part if you are protecting against 1 you are also protecting against both .
It's a good idea (especially as a beginner) to check in with the nearby ranger station to see what the situation is on the trail, to let them know what hike you're planning on going on, and about what time you're intending to be back by. If something happens and you're stuck, you'll be glad to know that they're coming to get you.
I'm a water maniac, having run out a couple of times in the desert. In 1969 (my first hike, with my father) we didn't filter. In 1979 (my first long distance solo hike) I didn't filter but I had advanced to being uneasy about it. Now, I start the day with at least 3 liters on me (sometimes more), and filter everything.
Part of the problem is people don't know how to select their water source properly. I've never filtered my water my entire life. Grew up outdoors, exploring the wilderness. But we were taught how to select water sources properly. Most humans in all of human history never had access to filtration like we do now.
@@SoloRenegade Most humans in history also had a much higher chance of dying of dysentery than modern humans. Even knowing how to pick water sources, I'm not about to take chances.
@@2020-p2z No, those who died didn't know what they were doing. More people died back then, but due to lack of education. Those who knew how to source water were not the ones dying. I've never yet filtered water from a natural source before drinking it in my entire life. I have never once gotten sick, nor has anyone in my family. But we all knew how to do it correctly too.
@@BeautifulTripsandPlaces Nature creates natural water filters. You don't drink from stagnant pools, you look for clear running water downstream from rocks and sand. There's more to it than just that, but it's easier to show a person by going for a hike than describing in text exactly what I'm looking for in a sourcing location. Water filtration, boiling, etc. can increase your options for sourcing water, but I've always been able to find a suitable source to drink from and have yet to use my water filters when hiking.
Great tips about the socks! I ran into Injinji toe socks recently and was instantly hooked. I use them in regular boots to keep my toes from chafing against each other. But now that I know there’s socks with silver threads for anti microbial purposes I’m even more excited!
A great list, Chase! I would only add one thing that I consider necessary - first aid kit. If I go on a day hike, I take a little bag with a few bandages and painkillers. For longer hikes I’d probably take a few more items, but anyway, a few first aid items are always in my bag :)
Yes yes yes. Ironically, seasoned hikers tend to scale down their first aid kits as they go for longer hikes or just more miles and experience like a PCT long distance hike 500 miles +. The key isn't to have a huge kit, but to have all the basic essentials. One of those essentials in my kit is some pink pepto-bismol tablets. Watching a video that covers how they work and what they work on (mild diarhea, upset stomach and more) is also useful. They are very small and light.
Small hint - throw out some of those useless bandages (little scratch won't really kill you, especially after you disinfect it) and make sure you pack few rehydration salts for fellow (newbie) hikers.
@@borek772 there's really nothing useless about bandages, though more than two rolls is excessive. bandages aren't for cuts and bruises but for securing fractures, covering severe burns or sealing a tourniquet on a catastrophic limb injury so that the injured can't loosen or get it off themselves. Definitely second the hydration salts.
Good advice, and finally someone who mentions how good wool socks are compared with cotton :) I am old school even though I'm young and wouldn't dream of hitting the trail without a paper map/compass, my phone stays in a waterproof bag inside my pack and is only used for emergency, that way I can be sure it will work
Good, basic, informative video. The one thing that a lot of people will forget about is their feet. I'm glad you mentioned different types of socks. In the Aust Army we were very particular about how to take care of our feet. Without which, you would have a hard time getting around. Cheers, mate. look forward to the next one.
Yeah!! I agree with your list! Good socks, good battery and an app that can help you with navigation offline is absolutely crucial!! Plus also, a good rechargeable torche!! I got caught out last time I went hiking (SOLO) in a very dangerous steep treacherous land on a side of a mountain and waist high fern, and I lost ALL light!! I was completely walking in the dark!! Was very scary so j think it's extremely important to have a torch and even a backup one!
Nice to see that you included the trowel part :D It is really something more people should know about. Btw, bought the silverlights through your link in the other video and tested them on a section of the GR11. Best socks I've ever used, and they stay fresh without a wash for days. Thanks for the recommendation!
Ditto on the Silverlights! I bought several pair, and then I got a new job that has me on my feet all day - when I get home at night, my feet aren’t hurting - I’m the only one of all my coworkers that don’t complain about my feet all the time!
Same for me, had two pair of the silverlights on a hiking week, one day with really wet conditions where I have to wring them out several times, but no problems with blisters or chafing. They're just great.
I'll bring an entrenching tool instead of a trowel, it gets the job done quicker, doesn't get blocked by roots, and has infinite other improvised uses if need be.
You sure the silver isn’t actually platinum? They cost a fortune. I would love to have all the latest high tech gear but it’s simply unaffordable for me. If I had to have all the stuff some people recommend, I’d never get to go hiking.
Best tip I’ve ever learned in the Army: massage petroleum jelly (Vaseline) into your feet before hiking. It’ll repel water, reduce hotspots, and lubricate your feet so you don’t get blisters. Never had one since I started doing this.
Vaseline is only second best. Try deer tallow (German: Hirschtalg). And get a second pair of socks. Or nylon socks over your normal socks. They are super thin and work very well.
That's a good idea if you're as stupid as the military and walking way too long with bad socks and shoes. With proper socks your feet should never rub against anything. But I'd always bring petrolatum anyways to cover up cuts.
As a hiker and mountain climber I recommend: 1. Good socks and shoes, don't cheap out on a hike, good health of feet is highly underestimated. No pain blisters and good health of your feet is the most important aspect of the hike. If not the priority, the hike will be a challenge, less enjoyable a a survival risk. Buy a good pair of hiking shoes. I reccomend Falke socks. 2. A pocketknife. Multifunctional for a variety of reasons. 3. For most hikers drinking is underestimated. I see most people drink too little. Altitude hikes also affects your judgement. Most people want to go on and on and forget to drink enough. Dehyration can already start in the first hour. I recommend taking enough drink from the start. At least 1,5 L. With regular drink your backpack will get lighter as the hike progresses. If not it is a good signal you are drinking too little and need to replan your rests and drinking breaks even if you are not thirsty. Drinking from higher streams is not too bad. A safe bet is to generally drink water that looks clean and is from a part of fast streaming water. Here the water gets cleared faster so less bacteria that can accumulate. As a general rule I choose a highest point of the a stream, away from farmland and habititation upstream and away from the beaten path (less likely to have farm chemicals or animal poo downstream, or mixed with human waste). For more low land streams that are cultivated think a filter as a backup is a good idea. But only use it in an emergency. Optionally taling a small burner for cooking water is a good altearnative. Pasteurizing water. 4. I agree offline maps. I've carried charging bricks. For dayhikes I've never really used them. Pgones have very big batteries. But turning off power hungry settings, even in the mountains, can make your phone last all day these days. A batterybank with 10000-20000 mAh performance in the real world thus far has been diaappointing with normal use of the smartphone in the mountains. They may say it lasts for 5-10 chargers (... Between 25-75%, non fastcharging). In reality I often get 3-5 charges maximum.) butbin reality you should subtract about 50% capacity. The cold really reduces capacity bith for the phone and charger, most battery banks cut off of at 10-20% chargers so that you don't brick your battery bank. People underestimate how much energy is lost with wireless chargimg and fastcharging. With all those inefficiencies my experience is that hat you carry less energy than you think. There may be days it works as advertised, but there are also several times the bank shockingly underperforms. For survival 8n the mountains you don't want that to happen. I think all hike4s should carryba compass and paper map. I've experienced enough times where the phone disppointed because of natterylife difficult to see screen due to low maximum brightness in daylight (higher brightness on kills the phone battery fast), imaccuracy of gps (using gps is possible with 3g-4g-5g connection: a-glonass technology) but it takes longer to triangulate your position (up to 2-5 minutes of waiting to connect and locate) and uses up a lot of battery. So use it strategically... only if necessary. The accuracy is also less accurate, can sometimes be accurate to with a couple of meters. This can be desorienting sometimes as it could be de difference between disorienting on the wrong side of the mountain and or stream! Google maps also is not that accurate with details. Many hiking maps have higher detail. And learning a little bit of compass and map navigation can also help navigate more complex terrain, that google maps does not always show. And with a large map you have a better oversight of the area than orienting from a small screen. High detail pape rmaps and a compass are not expensive these days. And lastly always do some homework and look at 3d maps of your trails before the hike. I found it helps immense to build a menatl picture of the terrain beforehand, that helps orient better in moments you notice if the hike goes wrong somehow. Actually hiking can be a far different and aometimes desorienting perspective than if you sat in plane and have a betyer oversight of the area. 5. Sportstape. Many uses for sprains, strains, wound treatment, small gear repairs, blisters in an emergency. 6. A roll of toilet paper. 7. Lastly a piece of paper and pen. Have always needed it on occaisons, for example local authority document signings, the oldfashioned way, small games or notes, leaving a name or adress for people who do not have/carry a phone. Yes there are still people who do not always have or carry a phone on hikes.
Good video, thanks 👍. I would say also bring a spare baselayer. On the sock debate, my goto is Smartwool, but recently tried a pair of Darntough which are great. For water purification I have a Steripen and a Sawyer mini. 2 is 1 and 1 is none as the saying goes with water being so vital. Plus the combo together filter and inactivate harmful water. Keep the videos going, great advice and you present the material enthusiastically with no waffle or techno babble 👍
Hola! Boomer gal (lol), started backpacking in the 70s. Rediscovered the joys in the last five years or so and marvel at the gear improvements. Your channel is so informative, love it! I will be trying the Silverlight socks... thanks for the tip! My Bombas are good for day hikes/trail running but on the JMT this summer they were very slow to dry, no bueno.
Hey Linda, I'm also a boomer who started hiking in the 70s. We thought nothing of carrying a 60lb pack and the original pup tents back then!! 🙆🏻♀️😅🌿 I too am back into it more seriously in recent years I'm really enjoying the gear now. I'm in New Zealand 🇳🇿 🙆🏻♀️ 😊
Darn tough make the best socks I’ve seen. I work in the woods where we are wearing logging boots for 16 hours a day and nothing else has held up nearly as well or held their comfort as long between washes. I also wear them on the same feet every time so they develop a left and right
Flashlight. Sure we have cellphones, but the battery on that needs to be preserved for other purposes in case one gets lost. Especially in winter months, daylight fades faster than people realise. Even on a day hike, be ready for surprises
My second one is starting to crack but that's ok. They are very affordable well worth it and able to last a full year of hard use. - I have often used mine as my strongest tent stake or simply the biggest if the ground is real soft or sandy where basic stakes are no good. - On a recent 250 mile bikepacking trip I discovered that it's an excellent tool for flat tire repairs. better leverage than basic flat tire levers.
The 10 essentials , of course. Because we can't predict what might happen that is unexpected go prepared to spend one or two nights. Thus a couple of large garbage bags, some extra trail bars, a flashlight, an ace bandage for injuries. I made a small first aid kit in an old band aid box with a flip top, fire making supplies. I carry a mini Altoid box filled with dryer lint that has Vaseline applied and wind/rain proof matches . This emergency equipment kept me and my elderly dog alive and reasonably comfortable when a snow/landslide blocked our progress on a loop trail and the distance back was too far to hike as dark fell on what became a 25* night.
Chase, you are one of my favorites. That is because you take a whole life approach. I especially appreciate your knowledge of the body and how it works. Thank yoi. Keep posting.
Re: socks - i used to wear padded socks all the time and i had a lot of problems with blisters and my feet really hurting after each hike. I do sweat a lot and the taping i had to do to my feet to try to prevent blisters was elaborate lol. Anyway, on a short flat walk in a park, i was lazy and tried a pair of normal socks in my hiking boots and i realized that it was so much more comfortable for me! It eliminated all the pressure points and friction. So 1) make sure your socks aren’t too big 2) if one tip doesn’t work, try something else on a shorter hike to see how it goes! I was surprised that less was more for me. I’ve been using Darn tough without cushions. Love the socks but currently having trouble with durability, interestingly enough
For a good “how-to” book on maps and navigation I highly recommend “Wilderness Navigation” by Bob and Mike Burns. It’s very accessible and takes the witchcraft out of land navigation!
What is never missing from my bag is also a small first aid kit with blister bandaids and sunscreen ☺️ Also a small whistle, if you get lost your voice will get tired quickly from calling out but you can blow a whistle as long as you have breath 🤗
Yep the trowel. With kids I would add painkillers, plasters and lollies. And hiking poles (in case of injury they can use them as crutches). We are really enjoying having a filtration system too, saves so much in weight!!!
Remember going from a lower to higher elevation can have a temperature drop, so perhaps a lightweight jacket might be something to have. Also, from experience, a flashlight or headlamp if your hike runs into the evening. I think most of the smaller first aid kits are worthless. Make your own kit, which should include cohesive tape, gauze, antibacterial cleaner. Most kits don’t contain the cohesive tape, which is very valuable if you have hurt a knee or elbow and still need to move. And maybe some OTC pain relievers, heartburn and anti diarrhea medicine. This way you can save wear and tear on the trowel!
I'd say add a tourniquet, but only if you are trained in it's use, and bring an entrenching tool instead of a trowel. Sure, it's a few ounces to a pound heavier, but it has much more utility.
In any case you should have a very thin raincoat that does nothing but repell water/snow. Even if the outside temperature stays the same, your temperature goes up when you move. When I hike I'm topless 90% of the time.
Great selection of topics - I got stick from some of my fellow hikers when I went on and on about good socks but they really make a difference! And while I also recommend hikers learn how to navigate with a printed map and compass, a phone can tell you where you are right now, which is hard to do with a map if you haven't been checking it regularly. I've noticed something similar with new hikers - they simply have no idea how much water they'll need, so a portable filter solution is really worthwhile, and they're quite inexpensive these days.
A few cotton bandanas. Don't weigh anything and can be used for wrapping wounds, moistened to provide evaporative cooling, sun protection for head or neck, cleaning, etc
Excellent advice, remember to download maps for offline use! Also make sure map is accurate first, I went to a tenting only campground once that warned travelers google maps put the location on the other side of the mountain. #1 safety tip, let someone know where you are / plan to hike before you start out.
@@robch4414 Yes, good point. I do update Google Maps regularly now. I take a photo of myself at trailhead and send it to people so they know where I was when I head out on a hike. Also can take photos looking back on trail along the way for tip below about looking back
Holy shit, I just realized that I graduated to pro hiker - I know & use all of those. Even the "bring the goddamn charging cable" bit. What's worth adding: 1. Chlorine tablets for your water filter. Water filter cannot filter out viruses. While animal viruses generally do not attack human hosts - you have to be undercooked-wuhan-bat unlucky (or some hiker upstream peed into the water) to get anything. Still, do you want to be another patient zero? Disinfection tablets are dirt cheap, take miniscule amount of space and while they do not work great on their own, together with Katadyn/Sawyer filter, they create 100% safe solution. I wouldn't bother on a day hike, but on multiday far away form civilization - take the pills. 2. Injinji socks are bulletproof solution for blisters between toes. If that can be problem for you, you will love them. 3. Hiking poles - beginners are usually unconvinced about them, but they are sooo nice.
So true on the poles :nods:. The first time a friend loaned me some to use I thought they were more trouble than help ... then I figured out the rhythm, so to speak, and now I will never go anywhere non-flat without them!
On my first overnight walk with a recognised bushwalking club, I got a calculator and figured how much water I'd need to drink, cook, and wash dishes up to lunch time the next day. I thought about the possibility our overnight camp might not have water. I rescued a few people that day. Camping in Australia is all about water and water quality.
A small (or medium sized) first aid kit! This cannot be stated often enough, it might save your life or someone else's and even might enable someone to save your life! And the knowledge to use the items in this kit, of course, which should be compulsory to everyone in an ideal world... Mine also has a Torniquet (CAT) in it. I love campfires and tend to carry a big knife or axe or machete and a saw for processing wood. I hit my left hand once with my hatchet - at home and I was very lucky that day. That experience was bad enough. Thinking what might happen in the woods... I don't want to die out there and I don't want someone with me to just from a deep cut that could have been treated with the right equipment. And for the water part: Besides a filter I also carry some coal tablets against poisonings of all sorts. Also useful for food poisonings, of course.
Picked up some silverlight socks after your video a few months back before hiking for 6 days in the high Sierras a little warmer than I was used too but they were great 👍
I just recently switched to wool sock and love them, no more cotton for me. 👍🏻😎 I'm using Smart Wool and Darn Tough socks, I will try Grip6 when I get the chance.
Beginners tip no.1 - Take enough water with you for your entire trip (especially day hikes). Hipsters want to drink from streams with their fancy filter bottles. There could be a dead animal upstream , there could be someone's urine going straight into your bottle. Take known good water.
I just subscribed to your channel. I am getting into hiking now that I have been getting into boondocking/overlanding/car-camping. Thank you for your tips in this video. Starting off with good habits is much nicer than having to relearn the proper way later...or learning the hard way by getting lost! 😳 I am excited to go on day hikes with the new things I have learned. I'm going on city trails first, so if I screw up, I don't die. 🤣 Watching your video helps me to feel confident that I can be safe exploring a new activity. I look forward to watching more of your videos.
After runing a few times at the begining of the season into overgrown thorns i now have a pair of pruning shears with me. Makes going threw more enjoyable and prevent slaming your folower's face with pointy bits.
My family and I went canoeing/camping in the Florida glades when I was a child. I had to poop like crazy. My family told me to poop in the water. Even as a child I knew to dig a hole and cover it. I believe some things are instinctual but we somehow lose that ability for a variety of factors.
Good video. I'd like to point out that if anyone is looking at a power pack bear in mind that due to voltage differences you'll never be able to transfer 100% of the pack's power to your phone. The general rule of thumb is to rely on 66% of the power packs rated capacity. Regards socks I do love wool but if it's going to be wet I'll wear my waterproof socks, they're brilliant.
my katadyn for water has been a big difference maker. I know that there are other good brands out there too, but this one is so easy to use (sawyer you really have to squeeze hard, and you need a separate bottle to put the purified water in) and is compact (life straw is a big hard bottle that tends to leak).
I like the injinji socks cuz i was having trouble from my toes rubbing together. although that may have been largely due to my boots being a size too small. that was a liner sock so i wore it under my hiking socks, two layers of socks can help prevent blisters. I also carry a spare pair of socks.
Your are right on Anker batteries, I have been using them for years always getting the latest and giving the older slower ones to the kids. They all still work and are heavily abused.
for beginner hikers going out in winter, get microspikes or crampons! and if your doing steeper slopes get an ice axe. Dress in layers so it's easy to take off and on. hiking in snowy conditions can get pretty cold but surprisingly it can also get kinda hot. don't be afraid to stop to add or remove a layer. and lastly get good gloves!
Always navigate by map and compass, yes because there’s a chance the phone will fail but also because it’s important to build experience and get practice incase you do really need it.
I’m pleased to hear you provide an alternative to made in China products. Place of origin is one of the most important factors in my purchasing decision making. I wish more reviewers would cover it.
Modern tech I do love but I do back all my systems with old school analog stuff, once you are even 2 or 3 miles out you are basically on your own. Plan to provide for you and all possibilities within the hike you take. A bit of precaution and pre planning can alleviate some real issues. Nice video thank you for sharing your experience.
I've seen a lot of people not bring a headlamp or other light on a pretty serious day hike (8 miles total out and back with 4000ft elevation gain) and have to go down in the dark when it took longer than they thought. They had phone flashlights but it was not really safe. A good headlamp doesn't cost much and is pretty bright for at least long enough as it takes you to get back to the car. And you can charge a lot from that battery bank too. Noticed this a lot in the northwest US where the mountains are tall and the sun sets really early the winter half of the year. Gloves are another thing. Had a hike on Rainier when it was super warm out but still snow on the ground and wind. Once your hands got wet, the wind made them really cold, but it was hard to hike without them on the snow.
I always carry 10# more than anyone else I’m with, I love my gear!!! I don’t mind crossfitting more weight up a mountain when I can relax just as hard when I get to camp. It amazes me people make it a competition on who can spend the most on the least amount of stuff… I prefer to push myself to be stronger and earn all the extras in my pack… chair, hammock AND a tent, fishing gear, firearm, a couple beers, my journal, binos, enough water I can splurge on tea before bed and coffee in the morning…. I go out to experience the world, not to rough it! 😂 obviously weight is a consideration, but I would always encourage people to step up and carry whatever they want to take, it will change their wants and help them understand themselves and their own personal priorities after a couple miserable rucks with unnecessary weight on their back. Not everyone needs to hit a 12# base weight. 10 miles with 40# or 20 miles with 20#, for me it’s the experience of going, not necessarily how fast I go… then again I’m not a “thru-hiker”, I’m not going 1k miles over 6 months 😜 I’m going fishing or whatever for 5 days!
Re. Smart phone as a navigation aid-agree they’re useful with map of area downloaded prior (as you suggest). This might be obvious, but putting the phone in airplane mode on a long hike really helps preserve battery life. Oftentimes, when cell signal is weak or unavailable, the phone spends extra battery searching for signal. Plus some apps are doing things in the background. Airplane mode can really help extend life. Also, a few photos won’t matter much, but if you take a LOT of photos, bring a separate camera so you’re not drawing down phone battery. That cell phone could save your butt (but don’t count on it), or at least help you navigate.
The fear of carrying a few extra pounds in the form of water seems to trump the simple preparedness of taking it, and lots of hikers justify this highly irrational decision to themselves. If you have to think up justifications for not carrying water or not enough then you probably should be carrying more. The right amount of water is always going to seem to be too much at least until you get to the halfway point.
I've had the best luck with Darn Tough brand socks, even compared to other high end brands. I've had 3 pairs over about five years and all 3 are still in good shape, I don't machine dry them.
powerbanks can fail to, happend to me last time, and phones too. On non local long distance hikes i would always print a map. Ulvang Super Socks 👌 Better than Darn though and Silv in my opinion.
Totally, my heels just healed three weeks after my kevlar-pro-socks ate them. In shoes I have used for two years. So Yeah… bad sock may ruin everything.
I've used Darn Tough socks. Made in US wool socks. I'd also suggest sock liners underneath the socks especially if on a multi-day trail. I've never had a blister using sock liners.
Can't say enough good about the BeFree. I was hiking the Uinta Highline Trail in Utah a few years ago, and it was my first time using the BeFree in earnest. The initial 50k of the trail is pretty dry, with only one absolutely reliable source. I was being lazy about carrying a lot of water, so I misjudged how hot the day was going to get and how much I was going to sweat. By three in the afternoon I'd done 35k and was completely through my 2L of water. The few streams I'd found on my map turned out to be dry. I was getting desperate and then I came across a small muddy puddle in the middle of the forest road I was following. Surround by cow parties. Well, with a bit of pre-filteting through my buff, The BeFree took that filthy water like a champ and produced a stream of crystal clear drinking water. I filtered a litre and drank it, then two more to carry. The bad water clogged it a bit, and the flow rate wasn't as good as it had been, but I didn't get sick or dehydrated, so 10/10. I usually stick it in my day pack as well, since it's so light and useful.
Oh my life has changed since finding men's wool socks at Walmart in the hunting section. I have like 6 pairs of Real Trea plain beige wool-blend socks, with an extra xx-thick pair in my Winter hiking kit. Allllways carry a pair of extra socks.
Try Pacerpoles. No wrist strap needed and a much better handle angle than any other pole. Much more comfortable and efficient. (Not sponsored, just my favourite piece of kit)
@@nabooshaman6107 Your recommendation of Pacer poles shows clearly that you have not used regular trekking poles with correctly wrapped wrist strap. Because then you would understand that the correctly wrapped strap means you need not grip the poles hardly at all. You can actually have your hand open and still put all your weight on the pole. Also the placement of the pole is not limited by the movement of the wrist, as the grip is loose. Added benefit is the possibility of using the tops of the poles when you need to reach low down like jumping across streams etc. Furthermore: when needing your hands for something like handling a camera, you can simply drop the poles and they will hang freely from you wrists. And: if you fall down letting go of the poles leaves your hand free and you will not crush your fingers between the ground and the handgrip. With these Pacer poles these things happen: you need to squeeze the grip all the time, which is tiring. The idiotic string strap does not hold any weight and when you lot go the grips stay in the way making you unable to use a camera, binoculars etc as the grip sticks up. Same thing if you fall down, you have no free hands to cushion you fall. What comes to the angled design there are also normal trekking poles with grips at an angle. The designers of these contraptions clearly have misunderstood how the strap on standard poles work and how it should be wrapped around the wrist. If they did, they would not have designed these idiotic grips for their poles.
@@DavidWilliams-tk3dy Never. But I have used regular trekking poles for 25 years for thousands of kilometres both in Europe and Nepal. Problem with regular poles is that only a fraction of people use the wrist strap correctly (over wrist and between palm and the grip) and thus have no idea how efficient and comfortable the strap is carrying all the weight to the hiker without needing actually even hold the poles. Also much more nimble than gripping the pole like you have to do with Pacer poles for example, or regular poles not using the strap correctly. Pace poles might work ok on flat ground, like they show in their videos. On uneven and steep trails where you have to reach left and right, up and down they do not. Nothing beats regular poles with the strap used correctly. One can manipulate the poles with fingertips, no need to have a death grip on the pole grip, and still put full weigh on the poles any time. Without actually gripping them.
I agree that many people do not use regular poles correctly. In my experience Pacerpoles are the superior choice. You haven't used Pacerpoles. I used regular poles for many years before switching to Pacerpoles. I have used both types extensively in both UK and Nepal. I have never experienced any of the issues you describe with Pacerpoles. I find them far less tiring on the hands. They only require a similar amount of effort to grip the handles and place the tips as regular poles, it is just more ergonomic and comfortable. The wrist elastic on Pacerpoles is perfectly adequate and does just the same job as a regular strap to catch the pole if you drop it, or need to hold a camera etc.
I did a 6 day trip on the ontanogin in the U.P. it was in the spring and I must have seen and smelled 50 dead deer in or along the edge of the river. Really made me glad I had a good filter.
Used to have terrible blister problems on my toes. Injinji toe socks solved the problem. Use them as a liner with darn tough or other thicker wool socks over the top. No more blisters.
Great advice but would like to add in reference to mobile device battery stuff. Get a good waterproof case with option to attach a lanyard if your using your phone to navigate to keep your phone safe around your neck so you don’t lose it or drop it. Don’t forget a good quality short cable for recharge.
If you want a "shortcut" for the maps, you can take screenshots of the maps in the area where you'll be hiking or climbing. BTW, I eat vegan and I wear wool. There are a LOT of vegans out there who don't wear wool because they don't understand that sheep need to be sheared for the same reason people need haircuts. Wearing wool doesn't make you not vegan.
Be careful with poop recs! While catholes are recommended for lots of backpacking, high-use areas get uh...filled up fast. The most recent recommendations are to use wag bags and pack your poop out! Especially in popular spots and ecologically sensitive areas. Alpine terrain can also make digging problematic. They're pretty inexpensive and easy to use!
Poop and pee should be done 200 feet away from water sources. Saw a pretty popular hiker youtuber videoing his buddy discreetly peeing behind a bush but only about 10 feet from a stream. Really wrong!
For water I prefer having either just a stainless steel water bottle for EDC (you can boil with it and it keeps cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot for normal day life) and when hiking I carry a smart water bottle with the Sawyer. Extra kit, yes, but barely any weight and lots of capability.
One great tip is to look backwards regularly when hiking, stop turn around and take in the trail and scenery. The trail looks different going the other way. It’s helped me many times especially in woods.
I do this regional. Such good advice!
Excellent tip. And every time you stop for a break, as you leave swivel back and scan where you were. One day you'll be surprised!
Uncle Ray Mears taught me this. Never forgot it.
Great tip! This is a must-do.
Great habit even for when you're driving. I learned to do this while caving where it can be absolutely critical.
as an ex military man, I would add sunblock or a cap to protect yourself from the sun. It gives your head and neck that extra protection that helps prevent sun/heatstroke or a nasty headache.
As a former military man I find it hilarious you suggest sunblock as an option and assume you are referring to your coast guard (possibly air force or navy) enlistment as "military" service.
@@reedabuke9205 mechanised infantry actually. You're such a badass for not using sun block good luck with that heat stroke.
@@btd1993 Sunblock protects you from burns--- sunburns. Equally important is the added protection it provides against skin cancer. And I would go further than wearing a "cap" which protects only your eyes and your face but leaves the rest of your head exposed. I would wear a Sombrero or at least a hat with an all-around brim that provides shade front-side-&-rear. I've found that it actually keeps me cooler than a ball cap alone.
On same note Sunglasses, can't say how many people if in higher up still snow in summer get the snow Blindness on a mostly cloudy day with the thin clouds that the sun gets through about 50%. Or those hiking on very sunny days do the same thing to themselves.
As a combat engineer I was always more worried about IEDs and gunfire than the sun..plus, A shemagh is better than sunblock
Re: Safety of "clear, clean water" in the mountains...
Many years ago, my friends and I were hiking in the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho. We came upon a beautiful little stream, maybe 6' across and a foot deep. Perfectly clear water, no bad smells or any indication of it being unhealthy. About half of us filled our canteens and drank heartily, while a couple people went upstream "to check things out."
They came right back, and cautioned that there was a dead deer in the water! We immediately stopped drinking, and went 50 yards or so to see. The deer wasn't recently dead, but it also wasn't completely rotted dry.
None of us got sick from it, but lesson learned: You never know what the source of the water is, nor what is in the water. Bring some kind of filtration device, you don't have to be like the pioneers of 150 years ago (and how many of them died from such things?).
Had a similar experience and it's why I never drink straight from a water source. Not to mention it's what's in the water that you can't detect is what will put you in serious trouble.
Always filter or boil or treat.
Only exceptions I can think of is when you're at bottom of snowpack it's coming from and can see the entire stream, no trails over it above nor anything else suspicious, or at the source of a spring.
I do not disagree with you but I am thinking about the countless times I drank from streams in my youth. Nothing ever happened. I wouldn’t do it now though!
@@grahamriley8124 Prior to around the mid 1970's it was safe to drink from lakes and streams in the HIGH Sierras, but then giardia (sp?) showed up and you had to be more careful. We never drank straight out of lower altitude sources but in the pristine 9 or 10k alt plus areas with limited access only.
I would be wary. Did it once Iceland where a guide recommended it. Even tap water can have occasional parasites that escape the system.
It's not gatekeeping when you're teaching about leave no trace. It's education, and people need to know and should be following those rules.
Gatekeeping gets a bad reputation. Countries have borders for a reason. To keep bad folk out. The same thing with hiking. We gatekeep and shame people who litter because they're bad people.
The only traces I leave are for the forensic team
@@billygula5145 😳
There's just no excuse for anyone out in the wild not burying their poo. Everyone should and does know.
Absolutely disgusting habit.
Great video. Thanks.
@@dave6148 animals don't, and people are animals.
💧Water: drink a lot *before* you begin the hike, and leave with the bottle full.
This. If you don’t PreHydrate then you’re just playing catchup trying to run from dehydration or heatstroke.
I had a buddy was going to climb Mount Washington and borrow some of my gear to do it.
I looked over his pack. Total water load 14 ounces. no jacket or coat. Had a little folding camp chair he was going to take, because "where will I sit?" No extra socks, no wool or fleece, no gloves, no coat. "Its summer man" I repacked his pack, tossed stuff aside, included more, like freeze dried foods, wool hat, mechanic's gloves, wool jacket, polyester poncho, iodine tabs, trail guide and map, three liters of water, a bandana, a small garden trowel and a quarter roll of toilet paper. He was in the wilderness for 60 hours, and used everything I included.
Good friends speak up. Good on you.
I love how helpful you are! I can’t imagine being so unprepared! I’m a newbie- but I watch the videos and take classes.
Can’t wait for more to move to bidets instead of TP. I’m happy to see portable editions available!
Wilderness Steward and Boomer here, lol. Yes, a paper map is an excellent backup, they work without batteries and they are cheap: here in the U.S. you can get an entire National Forest mapped out for just $10-$12 that will easily cover 500 miles of hiking trails.
The ever useful compass might be on your phone, but a small analog map compass can be as low cost as $7. All this for less than a battery charger or an annual subscription to a trail app.
Thanks for covering the necessary subject of poop. 👍
Finally, a boomer that knows how to LOL. Thanks for your comment Sir.
Another Boomer here 😊. Yep .. a little Compass hangs on one of my day pack loops .. very handy for general direction. If you've done your homework before entering an area, knowing what and how far lies N-S-E-W of you, mitigates a lot of potential problems.
@@ChaseMountains Don't underestimate we Boomers .. we've made it this far 😊.
@@thomasmusso1147 NSEW? Is that something like Siri or Alexa?
JK I load the route onto my Garmin etrex and have topographic maps on there for the entire region. Also have a backup paper map sometimes.
I usually travel with friend or two, so having 2-3 smartphones with powerbanks is a plenty of redundancy.
Compass can be useful to get a sense of direction, especially in poor conditions.
Actually pairing it with a map and use as primary way to navigate? No surprise you are soooo old, it took you so much time to get your location triangulated on the map:D
I am convinced everyone needs a compact but reasonable intensity light source, a competent flashlight or headlamp. If light runs out, it will help. Not very heavy.
Personally I feel like everybody should have an plight i3t eos or a streamlight microstream on them for EDC. Why? They are basic one click lights. They are small and light. And the best part, they can attach to hats with the pocket clip to act as a headlamp.
@@zBMatt which are made in China.
@@SimonBrisbane it’s good gear, does that matter.
@@zBMatt yea, also if you're contented with other FL made in China, there are a lot of better brands other than Olight. i believe it's just an overhyped product
@@ArchTazer how about you find that gear and list it for me. There’s a reason why these lights are so loved, and that reason is that you’re not going to be able to find something better.
I can attest to the offline trail maps. Went out on an easy hike a few years ago. Fog and rain set in and I ended up following an animal trail for a long ways before realizing I had gotten off the hiking trail. The offline maps were a life saver. I had my phone plugged into an external battery pack and in airplane mode while hiking back.
With that being said, a flashlight is a must. It’s very easy to lose day light. Heads lamps are useful while hiking/camping since they free up your hands.
i have avenza on my phone, just the free version, and free topos for all the area. it has indeed been useful to not get lost out in the pj country
Battery pack - yes! But flashlight depends....if you are in southeastern Alaska in the summer then you only get a few hours of twighlight, just take a little nap and it's light again. 😏
i have a stupid question, if you're on airplane mode then how do you know where you are on the map? how do you find yourself to navigate out?
@@KlemheistDidn’t know that, thanks for the info.
My kit includes a conventional compass (doesn't need batteries), sharp knife, small flashlight, first aid kit w whistle, and non-perishable food (jerky, packaged items). I tend to wear a long sleeve cotton shirt, wide brim hat and pants with many pockets (or a proper uniform). Sometimes, I carry fire making gear. I like a Life Straw but this bottle with a built-in straw is cool. These items helped me on a 9-day tour of the Grand Canyon and 20 months in Afghanistan.
I liked some of the products you talked about. I am a newbie to hiking, one month day hiker and I can't get enough. retired 2 yrs ago, am 67, lost 40+ pounds in the past 22 months and am now hiking 2x a week...
This is what the internet community should be all about! Spreading love and messages like these. It is heartwarming to read your "newly" discovered passion and how positive effect it has had on you. Godbless and keep hiking! 🙂
One thing about carrying water that too many beginners don't think about; actually drinking enough on the trail. Too many times, I've seen people who have water in their pack suffer from dehydration because they "Weren't thirsty." When' on the trail and whether or not you're thirsty, you NEED to drink water BEFORE you're thirsty, and depending on the terrain, temps, humidity and the distance you're going, having a electrolyte drink may be important too.
Water is heavy so I try to scout out water sources ahead of time so I know how much I need to carry.
The water filter thing is true, in most cases. I used to live in Minnesota, and people were often confused about why I carried so much water. They didn't realize that a huge amount of the streams, rivers and ponds there are fed from crop tiles, meaning lots of not only filterable bacteria, but tons of non filterable chemicals from sprays. Needles to say, when they were puking after drinking from a filter, I was just fine with my extra weight in water.
water streams coming down from the mountain are usually okay, as they're naturally filtered by the rocks.
@@tohuss yes, so long as you insure there is nothing dead upstream. However as i described lots of places have water that isnt from mountain streams, and is manmade like the ones i mentioned
@@tohuss yeah… knowing Monsanto and DuPont are in the water source is enough to make me use bottled water.
People don’t realize crop fields are sprayed and so are cities/suburbs. So many chemicals are found in our water ways.
It’s cleaner than water overseas sure but it’s still not good water. Even our public water towers are full of chemicals and heavy metals.
People were puking?
Really?
@gary7vn hospital shortly afterwards. They were fine, because they puked apparently. But yes. I dont know if they did so because of the taste or the poison but whatever the case everyones ok
Retired hardcore hiker here and now that I'm old and crippled up I'm going to travel Europe. I'm interested in tips and ideas, even gear, for older hikers/travelers. Love the channel. Subscribed.
Agree with all of those.
I'd also add moleskin. Even with good socks, you can get hot spots and being prepared for them can be the difference between a good experience and agony. (A small first aid kit including moleskin would be even a better choice, but definitely include moleskin.)
Oh, and having an elastic bandage is a good choice too.
Foot treatment is my #1 priority for hiking, and I've tried various solutions. I formerly used moleskin until I discovered Leukotape, which is far superior in my opinion. For a long time I taped up all my "problem spots" before beginning to avoid any blisters or wear spots. These days I have been focusing on the best socks and/or liners possible along with an anti-blister ointment. So far, this has been my favorite solution. I virtually never get blisters unless I'm hiking fast on rough terrain for over 15 miles or so in a day... something that will possibly cause blisters almost no matter which solution you choose. Good shoes are also paramount, of course.
To avoid blisters i recommend using 2 socks, the inner one being a sleek dress type thin sock (but breathable) and the outter one being thick and comfy. Never gotten a blister with that
@@Fede_uyz just remember to use socks that don't restrict circulation in your foot by beeing too tight, I also use the dual sock method on militia exercises, one pair of thin knee length standard issue wool socks, and either a second pair of the same, or thin standard issue wool/cotton blend ankle socks or thick standard issue white wool socks depending on the season.
I think we got the suggestion from a sgt during basic training as conscripts.
Never had any foot problems throughout my 10 month conscript training or the 12 years I've now been part of the volounteer national defence militia.
@@SonsOfLorgar yeah, i usually just wear thin dress socks with my regular comfy ones outside. That is usually enough
Duct tape works better imho
My navigation "package" includes a paper map in a waterproof cover (looks like a giant ziploc), an orienteering compass, and a small analog altimeter. Being able to chart your altitude can be very helpful in pinpointing your location if your route has a lot of up an down. In many cases your altitude will tell you exactly where on the trail you are. I grew up hiking and backpacking in the the pre internet 90's and a paper map and compass was part of the "10 essentials" (do they still teach that?) Edit: one more bit of "extra" gear I usually bring on day hikes (and always on backpacking trips) is my hiking staff. The north Cascades where I hike most often is wet an full of trees, some of which fall down. My staff with a cleat on the bottom that will dig into wood makes crossing wet logs and steams far easier and safer. It's also long enough to use to vault small streams. It's other benefit is that I can use it with a poncho to make myself a little tent/ shelter, which, even if I don't necessarily need on a day hike, if it's pouring rain when I get to the turnaround, it's nice to be able to eat my lunch out of the wet.
You're a legitimate hiker! So many of us are growing up with the luxuries and comfort of so many idiot-mechanisms like our phones and we never actually learn how to hike and backpack. Simply from a technical standpoint we should all learn how to do that. A skill is still a skill even if you never need to use it!
@TIA1988 oof
@TIA1988 Bosnia?
There is an altimeter app for android phones, probably for other systems too. Paper maps and compass navigation remain useful nav aids, which in moderately skilled hands can give a position fix accurate to a few metres. Maps are, very usefully, often printed on waterproof paper.
I always bring along paper maps and a compass. Getting lost once was enough. At least I knew enough to hike up high to get a view of the area and figure a way back to A road (not the one I was parked on).
Like many people in the comments, I'd like to add my two cents: it's good to have some sort of cream to prevent chafing and sores resulting from sweating. In Brazil, we have Zero Atrito (Zero Chafing, roughly translating), but I'm sure there are good brands in other countries.
I got stuck (sort of) on a trail last Christmas and having downloaded maps on a phone connected to a huge power bank (20000 mA) was quite a lifesaver - as a beginner, it's nice to know I was on the right path (no pun intended). Also, great advice. Thanks.
Loved the suggestions! I'd definitely suggest adding a form of personal shelter. A bivi bag, poncho, or tarp is a lifesaver: the little space blankets you can get won't be good enough, and it's no use if you are up a hill while your tent is down in the valley. The storms here last weekend meant I had to use mine, but a bunch of people needed a rescue. So, please, take a personal shelter.
I agree with your suggestion, Kirsten. During colder and wetter parts of the year (here in Scotland some might say that's ALL year but it's not, lol!) I pack a 2-person bivvy bag/tent/shelter call it what you will. Light and just crams down in the bottom of the backpack. Used it once for review (you can find it on my channel) and once for my own comfort when I had to be left behind for a while due to not feeling too good. I have toyed with the idea of using paracord , hiking poles and light tent pegs with it to see if one person could actually sleep in if push came to shove. Atb, Terry
@@TerryMcGearyScotland Yes, loved your review! I usually carry either a bothy bag: a Terra Nova Super Lite Bothy 2 (253g, about £90) if I am with a pal, or a Blizzard 3-layer bivi bag (385g, £35) if it's just me; paired with a very thin Gram Counter Gear Evazote pad (it's a clone of the Gossamer gear Thinlight, around 75g, £20). Worth saying this last weekend, a cheap sit pad (32g, £5) and a Helicon Tex poncho (487g, £25) used as a shelter did a great job, (it was supposed to be a sunny day hike!) and probably fits a beginner's budget a bit better.
Indeed I carry a storm shelter and an emergency bag that has the foil stitched into the inside.
@@TerryMcGearyScotland yeah those shelters are great aren't they.
Even if just for lunch in bad weather.
Have you ever cracked how to turn it into a self supporting"tent?"
@@KirstenBayes Thanks. You are very well equipped. I must look up that poncho. Could almost have included a buoyancy aid for our last walk!
Extra socks and extra water every time! I've had so many hikes to where I ended up drinking more water than I thought I was going to. That's something you definitely don't want to be without when you need it.
I'm in New Zealand, and merino wool is the way to go (I sell 55% content at my work, but wear the competitor's, as it's 80% merino, and feels less sweaty when it gets hotter). Merino is also naturally antimicrobial, so it won't stink like a synthetic sock. :)
Regarding bamboo.... It's very popular in Australia for bedding (beautifully soft) - but takes waaaaay longer than cotton to dry, I really wouldn't hike in either.
Once you try merino wool you never go back. It is the best material hands down.
@@Medevicerep I second this!
Try "Alpaca" wool sox... even better...
So, for Vegans I always say to use the Nylon or Recycled nylon trail running/hiking socks. The Polyester are too warm for most people in the summer, though I can use some socks with this that are thinner. Regarding the anatomical do not always need it as some people find those type too restrictive and are often the type that have wide wide feet, or they find the ankle part too tight on the foot at the end of the day as some anatomical socks have too tight of a top band part and tend to be the very conforming type. Some people can go full no socks in summer if wearing Trail running shoes or in one case hiking of some models/brands, a few models of the minimal type are made for this as are some trail running shoes made more for racing in wet sloppy, muddy weather, the socks would just be a blister magnet no matter what type used after a while.
@@caseysmith544 Vegans won't buy wool where no animal is killed to harvest it, but they will buy petrochemical fibre products that shed microplastics into water sources whenever they wash them. Just, lmao.
Thanks for posting this! I'm a "newbie" from South Florida (only swamps, rolling hills and beaches here)...just getting my gear, so I really appreciated your info! Have a REALLY GREAT DAY EVERYONE!
First aid kit!! Never go into the wilderness without one.
Given mountain locations often include mosquitoes, I recommend an effective, scientifically tested mosquito repellent. That means DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR 3535. On the way out of an area with high mosquito density I gave my extra DEET to a suffering couple that had only brought original formula Avon Skin So soft.
Just be careful when it comes to DEET, it can stop your body from sweating on your open skin.
Mosquitoes are one thing, but hikers should worry more about ticks and tick-borne illnesses out there. Lyme disease is one among many nasty diseases you can catch from a tick bite. The one that weirds me out the most is the Lone Star tick - a bite can cause a person to develop an allergy to meat.
@@arguchik DEET and picaridin are also effective against ticks. For the most part if you are protecting against 1 you are also protecting against both .
Ultrathon is my go to brand
@@arguchik
I'm trying to go vegan anyways.
It's a good idea (especially as a beginner) to check in with the nearby ranger station to see what the situation is on the trail, to let them know what hike you're planning on going on, and about what time you're intending to be back by. If something happens and you're stuck, you'll be glad to know that they're coming to get you.
I always call my best friend as I leave, tell him what trail I'm on, and what time I will roughly call him back.
One thing I always carry and always hope it stays unused is the emergency blanket. Great recommendations overall!
Edit: and buffs
Definitly. Doesn't weigh a thing and could be a lifesaver either for myself or for someone else. Even better: a small emergency foil bivy bag.
i always take an emergency bivvy with me kinda the same thing innit
Buffs?
Fits the saying, better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.
Yep, I have yet to use my emergncy blanket (came close a few times), but I still carry one even on day hikes.
I'm a water maniac, having run out a couple of times in the desert. In 1969 (my first hike, with my father) we didn't filter. In 1979 (my first long distance solo hike) I didn't filter but I had advanced to being uneasy about it. Now, I start the day with at least 3 liters on me (sometimes more), and filter everything.
Part of the problem is people don't know how to select their water source properly. I've never filtered my water my entire life. Grew up outdoors, exploring the wilderness. But we were taught how to select water sources properly. Most humans in all of human history never had access to filtration like we do now.
@@SoloRenegade Most humans in history also had a much higher chance of dying of dysentery than modern humans. Even knowing how to pick water sources, I'm not about to take chances.
@@2020-p2z No, those who died didn't know what they were doing. More people died back then, but due to lack of education. Those who knew how to source water were not the ones dying. I've never yet filtered water from a natural source before drinking it in my entire life. I have never once gotten sick, nor has anyone in my family. But we all knew how to do it correctly too.
@@SoloRenegade so how do you? :)
@@BeautifulTripsandPlaces Nature creates natural water filters. You don't drink from stagnant pools, you look for clear running water downstream from rocks and sand. There's more to it than just that, but it's easier to show a person by going for a hike than describing in text exactly what I'm looking for in a sourcing location. Water filtration, boiling, etc. can increase your options for sourcing water, but I've always been able to find a suitable source to drink from and have yet to use my water filters when hiking.
Great tips about the socks! I ran into Injinji toe socks recently and was instantly hooked. I use them in regular boots to keep my toes from chafing against each other.
But now that I know there’s socks with silver threads for anti microbial purposes I’m even more excited!
A great list, Chase! I would only add one thing that I consider necessary - first aid kit. If I go on a day hike, I take a little bag with a few bandages and painkillers. For longer hikes I’d probably take a few more items, but anyway, a few first aid items are always in my bag :)
Yes yes yes.
Ironically, seasoned hikers tend to scale down their first aid kits as they go for longer hikes or just more miles and experience like a PCT long distance hike 500 miles +. The key isn't to have a huge kit, but to have all the basic essentials.
One of those essentials in my kit is some pink pepto-bismol tablets. Watching a video that covers how they work and what they work on (mild diarhea, upset stomach and more) is also useful. They are very small and light.
Small hint - throw out some of those useless bandages (little scratch won't really kill you, especially after you disinfect it) and make sure you pack few rehydration salts for fellow (newbie) hikers.
@@borek772 there's really nothing useless about bandages, though more than two rolls is excessive.
bandages aren't for cuts and bruises but for securing fractures, covering severe burns or sealing a tourniquet on a catastrophic limb injury so that the injured can't loosen or get it off themselves.
Definitely second the hydration salts.
Good advice, and finally someone who mentions how good wool socks are compared with cotton :) I am old school even though I'm young and wouldn't dream of hitting the trail without a paper map/compass, my phone stays in a waterproof bag inside my pack and is only used for emergency, that way I can be sure it will work
Good, basic, informative video. The one thing that a lot of people will forget about is their feet. I'm glad you mentioned different types of socks. In the Aust Army we were very particular about how to take care of our feet. Without which, you would have a hard time getting around. Cheers, mate. look forward to the next one.
Yeah!! I agree with your list!
Good socks, good battery and an app that can help you with navigation offline is absolutely crucial!!
Plus also, a good rechargeable torche!!
I got caught out last time I went hiking (SOLO) in a very dangerous steep treacherous land on a side of a mountain and waist high fern, and I lost ALL light!! I was completely walking in the dark!! Was very scary so j think it's extremely important to have a torch and even a backup one!
Nice to see that you included the trowel part :D It is really something more people should know about.
Btw, bought the silverlights through your link in the other video and tested them on a section of the GR11. Best socks I've ever used, and they stay fresh without a wash for days. Thanks for the recommendation!
Ditto on the Silverlights! I bought several pair, and then I got a new job that has me on my feet all day - when I get home at night, my feet aren’t hurting - I’m the only one of all my coworkers that don’t complain about my feet all the time!
I think you have just sold me on the idea of these socks.
Same for me, had two pair of the silverlights on a hiking week, one day with really wet conditions where I have to wring them out several times, but no problems with blisters or chafing. They're just great.
I'll bring an entrenching tool instead of a trowel, it gets the job done quicker, doesn't get blocked by roots, and has infinite other improvised uses if need be.
You sure the silver isn’t actually platinum? They cost a fortune. I would love to have all the latest high tech gear but it’s simply unaffordable for me. If I had to have all the stuff some people recommend, I’d never get to go hiking.
Best tip I’ve ever learned in the Army: massage petroleum jelly (Vaseline) into your feet before hiking. It’ll repel water, reduce hotspots, and lubricate your feet so you don’t get blisters. Never had one since I started doing this.
Vaseline is only second best. Try deer tallow (German: Hirschtalg). And get a second pair of socks. Or nylon socks over your normal socks. They are super thin and work very well.
That's a good idea if you're as stupid as the military and walking way too long with bad socks and shoes. With proper socks your feet should never rub against anything.
But I'd always bring petrolatum anyways to cover up cuts.
As a hiker and mountain climber I recommend: 1. Good socks and shoes, don't cheap out on a hike, good health of feet is highly underestimated. No pain blisters and good health of your feet is the most important aspect of the hike. If not the priority, the hike will be a challenge, less enjoyable a a survival risk. Buy a good pair of hiking shoes. I reccomend Falke socks. 2. A pocketknife. Multifunctional for a variety of reasons. 3. For most hikers drinking is underestimated. I see most people drink too little. Altitude hikes also affects your judgement. Most people want to go on and on and forget to drink enough. Dehyration can already start in the first hour. I recommend taking enough drink from the start. At least 1,5 L. With regular drink your backpack will get lighter as the hike progresses. If not it is a good signal you are drinking too little and need to replan your rests and drinking breaks even if you are not thirsty. Drinking from higher streams is not too bad. A safe bet is to generally drink water that looks clean and is from a part of fast streaming water. Here the water gets cleared faster so less bacteria that can accumulate. As a general rule I choose a highest point of the a stream, away from farmland and habititation upstream and away from the beaten path (less likely to have farm chemicals or animal poo downstream, or mixed with human waste). For more low land streams that are cultivated think a filter as a backup is a good idea. But only use it in an emergency. Optionally taling a small burner for cooking water is a good altearnative. Pasteurizing water. 4. I agree offline maps. I've carried charging bricks. For dayhikes I've never really used them. Pgones have very big batteries. But turning off power hungry settings, even in the mountains, can make your phone last all day these days. A batterybank with 10000-20000 mAh performance in the real world thus far has been diaappointing with normal use of the smartphone in the mountains. They may say it lasts for 5-10 chargers (... Between 25-75%, non fastcharging). In reality I often get 3-5 charges maximum.) butbin reality you should subtract about 50% capacity. The cold really reduces capacity bith for the phone and charger, most battery banks cut off of at 10-20% chargers so that you don't brick your battery bank. People underestimate how much energy is lost with wireless chargimg and fastcharging. With all those inefficiencies my experience is that hat you carry less energy than you think. There may be days it works as advertised, but there are also several times the bank shockingly underperforms. For survival 8n the mountains you don't want that to happen. I think all hike4s should carryba compass and paper map. I've experienced enough times where the phone disppointed because of natterylife difficult to see screen due to low maximum brightness in daylight (higher brightness on kills the phone battery fast), imaccuracy of gps (using gps is possible with 3g-4g-5g connection: a-glonass technology) but it takes longer to triangulate your position (up to 2-5 minutes of waiting to connect and locate) and uses up a lot of battery. So use it strategically... only if necessary. The accuracy is also less accurate, can sometimes be accurate to with a couple of meters. This can be desorienting sometimes as it could be de difference between disorienting on the wrong side of the mountain and or stream! Google maps also is not that accurate with details. Many hiking maps have higher detail. And learning a little bit of compass and map navigation can also help navigate more complex terrain, that google maps does not always show. And with a large map you have a better oversight of the area than orienting from a small screen. High detail pape rmaps and a compass are not expensive these days. And lastly always do some homework and look at 3d maps of your trails before the hike. I found it helps immense to build a menatl picture of the terrain beforehand, that helps orient better in moments you notice if the hike goes wrong somehow. Actually hiking can be a far different and aometimes desorienting perspective than if you sat in plane and have a betyer oversight of the area. 5. Sportstape. Many uses for sprains, strains, wound treatment, small gear repairs, blisters in an emergency. 6. A roll of toilet paper. 7. Lastly a piece of paper and pen. Have always needed it on occaisons, for example local authority document signings, the oldfashioned way, small games or notes, leaving a name or adress for people who do not have/carry a phone. Yes there are still people who do not always have or carry a phone on hikes.
Good video, thanks 👍. I would say also bring a spare baselayer. On the sock debate, my goto is Smartwool, but recently tried a pair of Darntough which are great. For water purification I have a Steripen and a Sawyer mini. 2 is 1 and 1 is none as the saying goes with water being so vital. Plus the combo together filter and inactivate harmful water. Keep the videos going, great advice and you present the material enthusiastically with no waffle or techno babble 👍
Love smartwool, but I am a huge fan of Dartmouth. I don't mind paying good money for a quality sock.
Hola! Boomer gal (lol), started backpacking in the 70s. Rediscovered the joys in the last five years or so and marvel at the gear improvements. Your channel is so informative, love it! I will be trying the Silverlight socks... thanks for the tip! My Bombas are good for day hikes/trail running but on the JMT this summer they were very slow to dry, no bueno.
Hey Linda, I'm also a boomer who started hiking in the 70s. We thought nothing of carrying a 60lb pack and the original pup tents back then!! 🙆🏻♀️😅🌿
I too am back into it more seriously in recent years I'm really enjoying the gear now.
I'm in New Zealand 🇳🇿 🙆🏻♀️ 😊
Darn tough make the best socks I’ve seen. I work in the woods where we are wearing logging boots for 16 hours a day and nothing else has held up nearly as well or held their comfort as long between washes. I also wear them on the same feet every time so they develop a left and right
i got a pair but they're just too small. do they stretch over time?
Flashlight. Sure we have cellphones, but the battery on that needs to be preserved for other purposes in case one gets lost. Especially in winter months, daylight fades faster than people realise. Even on a day hike, be ready for surprises
I am a beginner & a trowel (same kind you have) is one of the first things I ordered…even before seeing this video. 😊
My second one is starting to crack but that's ok. They are very affordable well worth it and able to last a full year of hard use.
- I have often used mine as my strongest tent stake or simply the biggest if the ground is real soft or sandy where basic stakes are no good.
- On a recent 250 mile bikepacking trip I discovered that it's an excellent tool for flat tire repairs. better leverage than basic flat tire levers.
my favourite part about this video is when you talk about about poop a fly buzzes past lol.
The 10 essentials , of course. Because we can't predict what might happen that is unexpected go prepared to spend one or two nights. Thus a couple of large garbage bags, some extra trail bars, a flashlight, an ace bandage for injuries. I made a small first aid kit in an old band aid box with a flip top, fire making supplies. I carry a mini Altoid box filled with dryer lint that has Vaseline applied and wind/rain proof matches . This emergency equipment kept me and my elderly dog alive and reasonably comfortable when a snow/landslide blocked our progress on a loop trail and the distance back was too far to hike as dark fell on what became a 25* night.
I screenshoted this comment, this is excellent advice and I appreciate it
Good on you. Great ideas. Love to your dog.❤
Chase, you are one of my favorites. That is because you take a whole life approach. I especially appreciate your knowledge of the body and how it works. Thank yoi. Keep posting.
Re: socks - i used to wear padded socks all the time and i had a lot of problems with blisters and my feet really hurting after each hike. I do sweat a lot and the taping i had to do to my feet to try to prevent blisters was elaborate lol. Anyway, on a short flat walk in a park, i was lazy and tried a pair of normal socks in my hiking boots and i realized that it was so much more comfortable for me! It eliminated all the pressure points and friction. So 1) make sure your socks aren’t too big 2) if one tip doesn’t work, try something else on a shorter hike to see how it goes! I was surprised that less was more for me. I’ve been using Darn tough without cushions. Love the socks but currently having trouble with durability, interestingly enough
For a good “how-to” book on maps and navigation I highly recommend “Wilderness Navigation” by Bob and Mike Burns. It’s very accessible and takes the witchcraft out of land navigation!
What is never missing from my bag is also a small first aid kit with blister bandaids and sunscreen ☺️ Also a small whistle, if you get lost your voice will get tired quickly from calling out but you can blow a whistle as long as you have breath 🤗
Excellent content & advice! Add darn tough socks to the list. Outstanding wool socks with a lifetime guarantee. Thanks for the great video!!!
The trawl (shovel) thing is actually mentioned in scripture!
Yep the trowel. With kids I would add painkillers, plasters and lollies. And hiking poles (in case of injury they can use them as crutches). We are really enjoying having a filtration system too, saves so much in weight!!!
Remember going from a lower to higher elevation can have a temperature drop, so perhaps a lightweight jacket might be something to have. Also, from experience, a flashlight or headlamp if your hike runs into the evening. I think most of the smaller first aid kits are worthless. Make your own kit, which should include cohesive tape, gauze, antibacterial cleaner. Most kits don’t contain the cohesive tape, which is very valuable if you have hurt a knee or elbow and still need to move. And maybe some OTC pain relievers, heartburn and anti diarrhea medicine. This way you can save wear and tear on the trowel!
I'd say add a tourniquet, but only if you are trained in it's use, and bring an entrenching tool instead of a trowel.
Sure, it's a few ounces to a pound heavier, but it has much more utility.
In any case you should have a very thin raincoat that does nothing but repell water/snow.
Even if the outside temperature stays the same, your temperature goes up when you move.
When I hike I'm topless 90% of the time.
Great selection of topics - I got stick from some of my fellow hikers when I went on and on about good socks but they really make a difference! And while I also recommend hikers learn how to navigate with a printed map and compass, a phone can tell you where you are right now, which is hard to do with a map if you haven't been checking it regularly.
I've noticed something similar with new hikers - they simply have no idea how much water they'll need, so a portable filter solution is really worthwhile, and they're quite inexpensive these days.
I think you mean you got schtick* 😊
@@judylloyd7901 Where I come from, I definitely 'get stick'! (UK) (sch not in our vocabulary!) 🙃
A few cotton bandanas. Don't weigh anything and can be used for wrapping wounds, moistened to provide evaporative cooling, sun protection for head or neck, cleaning, etc
Excellent advice, remember to download maps for offline use! Also make sure map is accurate first, I went to a tenting only campground once that warned travelers google maps put the location on the other side of the mountain. #1 safety tip, let someone know where you are / plan to hike before you start out.
It's very simple to post corrections to Google Maps information or locations (they do get updated after a while) and helpful for those who come after.
@@robch4414 Yes, good point. I do update Google Maps regularly now. I take a photo of myself at trailhead and send it to people so they know where I was when I head out on a hike. Also can take photos looking back on trail along the way for tip below about looking back
Silverlight socks - yes - I will never go back! Worth every penny!!!
I bought 3 ankle pairs in the early summer, I just bought recently 5 crew pairs 💞
I back silverlight socks %100
Wft read how poisonous silver is for the nature!
Ok Chase, I’m ordering the socks. I can’t believe they have worldwide free shipping.
Thanks again.
Good choice, i wear them all day everyday. Thanks Chase for the rec!
Holy shit, I just realized that I graduated to pro hiker - I know & use all of those. Even the "bring the goddamn charging cable" bit.
What's worth adding:
1. Chlorine tablets for your water filter. Water filter cannot filter out viruses. While animal viruses generally do not attack human hosts - you have to be undercooked-wuhan-bat unlucky (or some hiker upstream peed into the water) to get anything. Still, do you want to be another patient zero? Disinfection tablets are dirt cheap, take miniscule amount of space and while they do not work great on their own, together with Katadyn/Sawyer filter, they create 100% safe solution. I wouldn't bother on a day hike, but on multiday far away form civilization - take the pills.
2. Injinji socks are bulletproof solution for blisters between toes. If that can be problem for you, you will love them.
3. Hiking poles - beginners are usually unconvinced about them, but they are sooo nice.
So true on the poles :nods:. The first time a friend loaned me some to use I thought they were more trouble than help ... then I figured out the rhythm, so to speak, and now I will never go anywhere non-flat without them!
I'll agree on the chlorine/purifying tablets. I keep some in my first aid kit for just-in-case. Takes up effectively no weight or space.
On my first overnight walk with a recognised bushwalking club, I got a calculator and figured how much water I'd need to drink, cook, and wash dishes up to lunch time the next day. I thought about the possibility our overnight camp might not have water. I rescued a few people that day. Camping in Australia is all about water and water quality.
A small (or medium sized) first aid kit! This cannot be stated often enough, it might save your life or someone else's and even might enable someone to save your life!
And the knowledge to use the items in this kit, of course, which should be compulsory to everyone in an ideal world...
Mine also has a Torniquet (CAT) in it. I love campfires and tend to carry a big knife or axe or machete and a saw for processing wood. I hit my left hand once with my hatchet - at home and I was very lucky that day. That experience was bad enough. Thinking what might happen in the woods... I don't want to die out there and I don't want someone with me to just from a deep cut that could have been treated with the right equipment.
And for the water part: Besides a filter I also carry some coal tablets against poisonings of all sorts. Also useful for food poisonings, of course.
Picked up some silverlight socks after your video a few months back before hiking for 6 days in the high Sierras a little warmer than I was used too but they were great 👍
Thanks for the tips. Can’t seem to find any 💯 wool socks, any pointers welcome…👍
I just recently switched to wool sock and love them, no more cotton for me. 👍🏻😎 I'm using Smart Wool and Darn Tough socks, I will try Grip6 when I get the chance.
Smartwool was my choice of sock for a long time, amazing stuff. Still use them in winter, especially their PhD ski sock 👌
Beginners tip no.1 - Take enough water with you for your entire trip (especially day hikes).
Hipsters want to drink from streams with their fancy filter bottles. There could be a dead animal upstream , there could be someone's urine going straight into your bottle. Take known good water.
I just subscribed to your channel. I am getting into hiking now that I have been getting into boondocking/overlanding/car-camping.
Thank you for your tips in this video. Starting off with good habits is much nicer than having to relearn the proper way later...or learning the hard way by getting lost! 😳
I am excited to go on day hikes with the new things I have learned.
I'm going on city trails first, so if I screw up, I don't die. 🤣 Watching your video helps me to feel confident that I can be safe exploring a new activity.
I look forward to watching more of your videos.
After runing a few times at the begining of the season into overgrown thorns i now have a pair of pruning shears with me. Makes going threw more enjoyable and prevent slaming your folower's face with pointy bits.
My family and I went canoeing/camping in the Florida glades when I was a child. I had to poop like crazy. My family told me to poop in the water. Even as a child I knew to dig a hole and cover it. I believe some things are instinctual but we somehow lose that ability for a variety of factors.
Good video.
I'd like to point out that if anyone is looking at a power pack bear in mind that due to voltage differences you'll never be able to transfer 100% of the pack's power to your phone. The general rule of thumb is to rely on 66% of the power packs rated capacity.
Regards socks I do love wool but if it's going to be wet I'll wear my waterproof socks, they're brilliant.
my katadyn for water has been a big difference maker. I know that there are other good brands out there too, but this one is so easy to use (sawyer you really have to squeeze hard, and you need a separate bottle to put the purified water in) and is compact (life straw is a big hard bottle that tends to leak).
Honestly, such a god video. Couldn’t agree more. Every one was great
I am currently learning the importance of good socks!
I like the injinji socks cuz i was having trouble from my toes rubbing together. although that may have been largely due to my boots being a size too small. that was a liner sock so i wore it under my hiking socks, two layers of socks can help prevent blisters. I also carry a spare pair of socks.
Your are right on Anker batteries, I have been using them for years always getting the latest and giving the older slower ones to the kids. They all still work and are heavily abused.
Don't forget to bring your bluetooth speakers so that other hikers and the wildlife can enjoy your taste of music!
All those other hikers aren't glaring at you, they are just super interested and want to remember the coolest person they've ever seen!
for beginner hikers going out in winter, get microspikes or crampons! and if your doing steeper slopes get an ice axe. Dress in layers so it's easy to take off and on. hiking in snowy conditions can get pretty cold but surprisingly it can also get kinda hot. don't be afraid to stop to add or remove a layer. and lastly get good gloves!
honestly, my ice axe has probably saved my life quite a few times now (especially when I'm being a wee idiot)
Always navigate by map and compass, yes because there’s a chance the phone will fail but also because it’s important to build experience and get practice incase you do really need it.
Google, take me to the peak...Google! Google, hello?
Thx for the informations... just a little thing: Katady isn't from the US, but from Switzerland.
I’m pleased to hear you provide an alternative to made in China products. Place of origin is one of the most important factors in my purchasing decision making. I wish more reviewers would cover it.
Darn Tough are made in VT.
Unfortunately 99% of people couldn’t care less
Modern tech I do love but I do back all my systems with old school analog stuff, once you are even 2 or 3 miles out you are basically on your own. Plan to provide for you and all possibilities within the hike you take. A bit of precaution and pre planning can alleviate some real issues. Nice video thank you for sharing your experience.
I've seen a lot of people not bring a headlamp or other light on a pretty serious day hike (8 miles total out and back with 4000ft elevation gain) and have to go down in the dark when it took longer than they thought. They had phone flashlights but it was not really safe. A good headlamp doesn't cost much and is pretty bright for at least long enough as it takes you to get back to the car. And you can charge a lot from that battery bank too. Noticed this a lot in the northwest US where the mountains are tall and the sun sets really early the winter half of the year.
Gloves are another thing. Had a hike on Rainier when it was super warm out but still snow on the ground and wind. Once your hands got wet, the wind made them really cold, but it was hard to hike without them on the snow.
I always carry 10# more than anyone else I’m with, I love my gear!!! I don’t mind crossfitting more weight up a mountain when I can relax just as hard when I get to camp. It amazes me people make it a competition on who can spend the most on the least amount of stuff… I prefer to push myself to be stronger and earn all the extras in my pack… chair, hammock AND a tent, fishing gear, firearm, a couple beers, my journal, binos, enough water I can splurge on tea before bed and coffee in the morning…. I go out to experience the world, not to rough it! 😂 obviously weight is a consideration, but I would always encourage people to step up and carry whatever they want to take, it will change their wants and help them understand themselves and their own personal priorities after a couple miserable rucks with unnecessary weight on their back. Not everyone needs to hit a 12# base weight. 10 miles with 40# or 20 miles with 20#, for me it’s the experience of going, not necessarily how fast I go… then again I’m not a “thru-hiker”, I’m not going 1k miles over 6 months 😜 I’m going fishing or whatever for 5 days!
A refreshing perspective! Thanks for this.
Best made in USA socks, darn tough hands down. They changed my 4 years old pair with holes without any questions
Re. Smart phone as a navigation aid-agree they’re useful with map of area downloaded prior (as you suggest). This might be obvious, but putting the phone in airplane mode on a long hike really helps preserve battery life. Oftentimes, when cell signal is weak or unavailable, the phone spends extra battery searching for signal. Plus some apps are doing things in the background. Airplane mode can really help extend life. Also, a few photos won’t matter much, but if you take a LOT of photos, bring a separate camera so you’re not drawing down phone battery. That cell phone could save your butt (but don’t count on it), or at least help you navigate.
The fear of carrying a few extra pounds in the form of water seems to trump the simple preparedness of taking it, and lots of hikers justify this highly irrational decision to themselves.
If you have to think up justifications for not carrying water or not enough then you probably should be carrying more.
The right amount of water is always going to seem to be too much at least until you get to the halfway point.
I've had the best luck with Darn Tough brand socks, even compared to other high end brands. I've had 3 pairs over about five years and all 3 are still in good shape, I don't machine dry them.
powerbanks can fail to, happend to me last time, and phones too. On non local long distance hikes i would always print a map.
Ulvang Super Socks 👌 Better than Darn though and Silv in my opinion.
Not a boomer but I love land nav via map & compass, i bring them everytime. but I’ll use the phone too. It’s a fun skill to have.
Socks are rly as important as the shoes.. they make a big difference
Totally, my heels just healed three weeks after my kevlar-pro-socks ate them. In shoes I have used for two years. So Yeah… bad sock may ruin everything.
This video was suggested by RUclips, that's why I bought a pair of socks with synthetic and wool at decathlon (MH900) and they are great. Thanks!
I've used Darn Tough socks. Made in US wool socks. I'd also suggest sock liners underneath the socks especially if on a multi-day trail. I've never had a blister using sock liners.
Used the Injini liners on my last 2 section hikes. Game changer!
My go to sucks and I have never had any issues.
Love your videos man! What kind of gloves are those you're wearing?
I use the try on socks you get at shoe stores, they're free and make decent liner socks.
great! i would add a couple of energy bars to avoid bonking down
I liked the use of the word "bonking" thumbs up for you good sir
Can't say enough good about the BeFree. I was hiking the Uinta Highline Trail in Utah a few years ago, and it was my first time using the BeFree in earnest. The initial 50k of the trail is pretty dry, with only one absolutely reliable source. I was being lazy about carrying a lot of water, so I misjudged how hot the day was going to get and how much I was going to sweat. By three in the afternoon I'd done 35k and was completely through my 2L of water. The few streams I'd found on my map turned out to be dry. I was getting desperate and then I came across a small muddy puddle in the middle of the forest road I was following. Surround by cow parties.
Well, with a bit of pre-filteting through my buff, The BeFree took that filthy water like a champ and produced a stream of crystal clear drinking water. I filtered a litre and drank it, then two more to carry. The bad water clogged it a bit, and the flow rate wasn't as good as it had been, but I didn't get sick or dehydrated, so 10/10. I usually stick it in my day pack as well, since it's so light and useful.
Dont buy food. Everyone hangs their food at night for free
Is yr name Yogi by any chance? 😂
@@Sco1ful hey boo boo
@@josephspruill1212 😆😆
Gittttt , bear. You gitttt outta camp
Oh my life has changed since finding men's wool socks at Walmart in the hunting section. I have like 6 pairs of Real Trea plain beige wool-blend socks, with an extra xx-thick pair in my Winter hiking kit. Allllways carry a pair of extra socks.
Trekking poles! And learn how to wrap the wrist strap correctly, makes the use 5 times more effective.
Try Pacerpoles. No wrist strap needed and a much better handle angle than any other pole. Much more comfortable and efficient. (Not sponsored, just my favourite piece of kit)
@@nabooshaman6107 Your recommendation of Pacer poles shows clearly that you have not used regular trekking poles with correctly wrapped wrist strap. Because then you would understand that the correctly wrapped strap means you need not grip the poles hardly at all. You can actually have your hand open and still put all your weight on the pole. Also the placement of the pole is not limited by the movement of the wrist, as the grip is loose. Added benefit is the possibility of using the tops of the poles when you need to reach low down like jumping across streams etc. Furthermore: when needing your hands for something like handling a camera, you can simply drop the poles and they will hang freely from you wrists. And: if you fall down letting go of the poles leaves your hand free and you will not crush your fingers between the ground and the handgrip.
With these Pacer poles these things happen: you need to squeeze the grip all the time, which is tiring. The idiotic string strap does not hold any weight and when you lot go the grips stay in the way making you unable to use a camera, binoculars etc as the grip sticks up. Same thing if you fall down, you have no free hands to cushion you fall. What comes to the angled design there are also normal trekking poles with grips at an angle. The designers of these contraptions clearly have misunderstood how the strap on standard poles work and how it should be wrapped around the wrist. If they did, they would not have designed these idiotic grips for their poles.
@@tapioportimo2551 Out of interest, how often have you used Pacer Poles?
@@DavidWilliams-tk3dy Never. But I have used regular trekking poles for 25 years for thousands of kilometres both in Europe and Nepal. Problem with regular poles is that only a fraction of people use the wrist strap correctly (over wrist and between palm and the grip) and thus have no idea how efficient and comfortable the strap is carrying all the weight to the hiker without needing actually even hold the poles. Also much more nimble than gripping the pole like you have to do with Pacer poles for example, or regular poles not using the strap correctly.
Pace poles might work ok on flat ground, like they show in their videos. On uneven and steep trails where you have to reach left and right, up and down they do not. Nothing beats regular poles with the strap used correctly. One can manipulate the poles with fingertips, no need to have a death grip on the pole grip, and still put full weigh on the poles any time. Without actually gripping them.
I agree that many people do not use regular poles correctly. In my experience Pacerpoles are the superior choice. You haven't used Pacerpoles. I used regular poles for many years before switching to Pacerpoles. I have used both types extensively in both UK and Nepal. I have never experienced any of the issues you describe with Pacerpoles. I find them far less tiring on the hands. They only require a similar amount of effort to grip the handles and place the tips as regular poles, it is just more ergonomic and comfortable. The wrist elastic on Pacerpoles is perfectly adequate and does just the same job as a regular strap to catch the pole if you drop it, or need to hold a camera etc.
I did a 6 day trip on the ontanogin in the U.P. it was in the spring and I must have seen and smelled 50 dead deer in or along the edge of the river. Really made me glad I had a good filter.
The "hell yeah brother, yee yee" out of nowhere had me dying 😂
Used to have terrible blister problems on my toes. Injinji toe socks solved the problem. Use them as a liner with darn tough or other thicker wool socks over the top. No more blisters.
The Best thing i learned was the Water Filter
What brand is that water squeeze bottle with filter?
Great advice but would like to add in reference to mobile device battery stuff.
Get a good waterproof case with option to attach a lanyard if your using your phone to navigate to keep your phone safe around your neck so you don’t lose it or drop it. Don’t forget a good quality short cable for recharge.
If you want a "shortcut" for the maps, you can take screenshots of the maps in the area where you'll be hiking or climbing. BTW, I eat vegan and I wear wool. There are a LOT of vegans out there who don't wear wool because they don't understand that sheep need to be sheared for the same reason people need haircuts. Wearing wool doesn't make you not vegan.
@Anton Chigurh then no one is vegan because everyone uses animal products.
The sheep are bred for the wool. They don't just find sheep with a lot of wool in the wild and help them out, lol.
Be careful with poop recs! While catholes are recommended for lots of backpacking, high-use areas get uh...filled up fast.
The most recent recommendations are to use wag bags and pack your poop out! Especially in popular spots and ecologically sensitive areas. Alpine terrain can also make digging problematic. They're pretty inexpensive and easy to use!
Poop and pee should be done 200 feet away from water sources. Saw a pretty popular hiker youtuber videoing his buddy discreetly peeing behind a bush but only about 10 feet from a stream. Really wrong!
For water I prefer having either just a stainless steel water bottle for EDC (you can boil with it and it keeps cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot for normal day life) and when hiking I carry a smart water bottle with the Sawyer. Extra kit, yes, but barely any weight and lots of capability.