I wished more hikers carried a trowel because of all the poop and toilet paper that littered the shelter areas. For all of you hikers who buried their poop and tp half-assed or not at all on the AT; MAY ALL OF YOUR NOSE HAIR BURST INTO FLAME! Sarge out.
I carry one knife. My Gerber Prodigy. Yeah it's a little bigger than what you talked about, but it's far from a Rambo knife, pretty light, and I use the crap out of it. It's my trowel, my stirring utensil, blister popper, and can split the larger firewood I find on the ground. Plus, I can tie it to a stick as a spear for doing battle with black bears
I'm in Alaska... I'm not leaving my bear spray or my knife at home. But there's no dry wood on the ground, I almost always have to take dead standing. great video.
I carry a concealed gun. Very small, semi light, and will NEVER go without it. Not even a "gun person"--i.e. My carry is my only gun. I don't hunt, and only go to range to keep sharp on CCW skills. While out exploring, was approached by two gentleman who were interested in taking my belongings and made it known that "no" was not an answer. Pulled my CCW, asked them to move aside, and I went on my way (and quickly ended the trip and went home). I would consider myself seasoned in the backcountry and this was a one time experience in the years I've been an outdoorsman. But I'm sure glad I had it that one time. Do some research on thru-hikers. Lots of stories all over the US of people getting robbed, beaten, and, unfortunately, much worse. Carry it concealed, not on your hip for the world to see, and only bring it out when absolutely necessary. This allows you to protect yourself while not spooking people who feel uncomfortable. Everyone wins! Except the people trying to take advantage :)
For the same reason I always wear me seatbelt! I don't plan on getting in an accident but I know I'm better off prepared. No one wants to be the victim so why give someone a chance?
yes i absolutely agree. unfortunately i was in a similar situation and didn't have something to protect myself... never again.. and i agree that its for my own peace of mind and not to be open carried. i would hate to freak people out who are also just trying to enjoy their hike.
@@Kevinschart If you're thru hiking you probably have at least 10k in the bank plus you're probably a hippy that's afraid of guns. Easy target for criminals. Also you sound smugly naive, some people are depraved and will kill over less.
OK, good; two things I learned today: I won't need to bring bear spray on the AT because no one on the AT has ever allowed bears to get into their food bag because "bears are WAAAy more scared of you than you are of them." Good to know. laaaa-dee-da!!! Happy Hiking!!!
I know they're heavy and take up a lot of space, but I believe a pistol is a must on just about any long distance hike. Caliber varies with type of wild life, but personal protection is a must. Compact and sub compact pistols are very concealable (so as not to "scare" other hikers) and very light weight. I carried in the desert for anything from a mountain lion to rattle snake I had to get over. Never needed it, doesn't mean I never will. Better to have and not need, than to need and not have.
Sorry - gotta have the bear spray, - and I would recommend everyone else do the same when hiking or climbing in NW Montana. Many times I felt it was extra weight but I always took it- I"m glad I'm just now watching your list. Two weekends ago I was climbing Rising Wolf and got attacked by a grizzly sow. She missed me by inches on the initial charge, as she went by me she hit a little bit of scree and slid about 15 feet away from me - giving me just enough time to grab my pepper spray. Once she got turned around she started heading back to me and I gave her a shot of spray from about 2 feet away. No doubt in my mind it saved my life. Luckily most people don't have to go through this - but if it ever does you'll need the pepper spray.
Craig, I totally agree. I've seen the biggest scat I've ever seen in my life in NW MT. A friend of mine is now famous after his bear attack near Ennis and I have to say I carry spray ever more vigilantly after that.
After attending the funeral of someone killed by a black bear I don't think I'll ever share the opinion that they're the tame harmless creatures everyone thinks they are.
black bears: "super skittish, they're going to run away" Most yes, but I had one hang out in my campsite all night in the Marble Mountain Wilderness a few miles from the PCT. Bear spray now serves as nothing more than something that makes me sleep a bit more soundly after a rare experience, which is worth the weight imo... Great video as always.
Mike Shoys you can buy these little keychain bear spray things, works for a few seconds wich is enough if any bear should decide to hang out with you. Luckily here in europe we only got mice and rabbits to worry about :p
I had one charge me from my left rear in Damascus, as I walked along completely oblivious to it. I found out after it ran away when my friend, who was hiking behind me, shot his pistol at it and probably saved my life.
Meh I've ran into skittish black bears for sure, but I've also been bluff charged by a black bear. Once hiking in a local mountain I turned a sharp corner in a low visibility area and was 10m away from a cub with no momma bear in sight. I'll definitely be bringing something with me from now on lol
Sadly, two people were just hacked up by a hiker carrying a machete on the AT in southern VA. He should have watched your video on carrying a small knife. Love your vids!
@@marcuslatrent528 i prefer the 10mm get to have more fun by placing super accurate shots. 44 mag is an awesome choice though. Both calibers would explode innards instantly especially using pure copper rounds!
@@marcuslatrent528 theres lots of selections and barrel lengths. You can also get it in a revolver instead of a semi. Theres little 3 inch barrels, 4 inch, 5 inch, 6 inch. You can get it in a 1911 format. You can get it with the cut out already in for a red dot sight. And theres lots of hunting rounds for it since 10mm has been rebranded as a pistol hunting cartridge and it does very well for it
11 murders on the AT since 1974. If you *ARE* going to carry, please: 1. Carry concealed 2. Get professional training and ensure your firearm and any safeties are in excellent working order 3. Have the legal permits for each state/area you'll be in 4. ONLY draw your weapon if it is absolutely necessary in a self-defense situation *There's no need for anyone to ever know you are armed.* That's better for you and everyone around you.
exactly! i will most likely be concealed carrying. it is for my own peace of mind and i would hate to make anyone unconformable. obviously i will only carry when legal to do so and i have extensive training, but its so pointless to open carry on a trail and freak people out.
A Ruger LCP .380 weighs only 9.4oz. It's not my ideal carry piece, and I usually just keep it under my motorcycle seat in case I break down, but you better believe I'm bringing that 9.4oz insurance policy along in a readily accessible pocket. You're right in that I probably won't need it. I've certainly never had to use it on any of my other adventures in the woods, but you're out of your mind if you think I'd leave it at home. I'd bet there were a LOT more small-frame pistols and revolvers tucked away on the trail than you realize.
Half of this video is equivalent of. "I've been driving for five years and I've never been in a wreck so I don't need a seatbelt " . I have seen somebody attacked on the AT by a couple of teenagers And I do know a person who got lost and was very glad to have a big knife. You normally have great videos but this seems very very short sighted with arbitrary anecdotal evidence provided as reason.
My friend saved me from a bear attack in Damascus while hiking down the AT. He shot the ground near the bear as it was charging at me from my left rear while I walked along and it scared him off. And you are right. This guy probably threw the spare tire in his car out and only buys enough toilet paper for a single shit at a time.
A walking stick works okay for scaring off a bear. And you can react way quicker with a walking stick than with a gun. Of course, it depends the type of bear you are encountering. Furthermore, injuring a bear charging at you ( you are not going to stop a bear with normal hand gun ) is the last thing you want to do.
Bullshit, any decent injury on an attacking animal will quickly make them rethink their decision to have you for lunch. It doesn't piss them off, they are animals. A walking stick is a great way to keep them back while you retrieve your gun.
garolonlied false. Shooting a bear in the head is the absolute worst location. 1) it's the smallest and hardest target to hit while it's moving. 2) The bear skulls are incredibly thick. 3) Bear skulls a very rounded and bullets have a tendency to ricochet right off their heads.
Great video. Here is the stuff I either lost or removed on the AT and never replaced: hand sanitizer, camp soap, rain pants (wore shorts anyway) and rain cover for the pack (doesn't work in more than just sprinkles and directs water between you and the pack. Just use a trash bag inside the pack to keep contents dry). Never carried a trowel, but I sometimes wish I had one, though, because it's hard to dig a decent hole sometimes! My favorite method is to lift a rock. Voila, a hole without digging.
I've never done a through hike, but I appreciate having a little mug and one pot. It is nice to drink some tea/coffee while having a meal, but I can see how you could do without it.
Gotta disagree about the trowel. Poop is a big problem in the backcountry in many places, and we need to encourage backpackers to do a good job of burying it. Granted, on the AT there are plenty of privies most of the time so you may not need to dig a hole that often. However, not so on other long distance trails like the Colorado Trail and John Muir Trail. It's pretty hard to dig a decent hole using a stick, trekking poles, especially in the rocky soil found out west. Please encourage responsible behavior. Let's not ditch the orange trowel to reduce pack weight by 2 ounces.
I never said "Don't dig a cat hole", I'm simply stating it is easy to dig it with a trekking pole. I've never had a problem digging a Cat Hole with my Trekking Pole. It's not about the Weight, it's about carrying things that you don't necessarily need. To each their own though.... Thanks for Watching! Hike On, Darwin
I don't carry my handgun for bears. And it doesn't scare anyone because no one can see it. The weight is trivial. Carrying a firearm doesn't have anything to do with being a gunslinger. The world has changed. I wish it hadn't but there it is. I can't think of many things more vulnerable than a small family on a trail miles from the nearest help. Thanks for your videos. Good stuff even for an old timer.
I have zero fear of a bear, I carry a very light weight compact Taurus 6 shot .380 caliber simply because I lost my faith in humanity. You meet the kindest and greatest people hiking the AT but some road crossings and parking lots have low life filth of our society hanging around and I just will not be a victim. Thats all, hey I'll protect anyone else in need and come to people's aid and the small space it takes up in my front pants pocket at the ready is a really comfortable feeling to have when hiking with your kids.
When you make absolute statements such as "do yourself a favor and leave the trowel at home", keep in mind you have 18,000 subscribers of varying skill levels. A lot of new Thru hikers are going to watch your video and start with bad habits. Gotta say I'm disappointed in hearing that. Ridgerunners and trail maintainers will disagree with your assessment that it's easy to dig a six inch hole because they're the ones who see the TP flowers littering the trail. I saw it everywhere on my hike as well. Perhaps you could do a video demonstrating proper LNT cathole techniques using a trowel, trekking pole, and stick and let your viewers decide what they want to use? As for what I leave at home- the back flushing syringe to my Sawyer (which was the most discarded item in hiker boxes in GA this year). I prefer the tiny coupler instead.
Tom Willard well said bro, down here in indonesia, we have 200s volcanic mountain trails, its super beautiful, but what takes a way the fun part is seeing random shit piles covering with babywipes everywhere! it is cool to say you could use sticks and hiking poles, but in reality, people would careless looking for ideal stick to make a decent hole when they NEED to relieve themselves. i just hope this video doesnt make every hiker thought it is a good idea to take out trowel from their list when they dont have any idea trowel is super handy when you need it and could help keeping our outdoor trails beautiful as it is.
Plenty of people try to bury their crap using a stick or pole for digging, result is that they barely cover it or end not digging at all. Glad to see the trowel idea changed. As for bear spray: I am in Canada and encountered some black bears that weren't that scared (even worse if you find one that got used to people). Difference in behavior between black bears and others should not be generalized. Also some want to carry almost no gear and then ask to borrow stuff from others...
as far as bear spray goes, I was in Kings Canyon on my PCT thru hike, and I'm glad I had it, there was a bear that had gotten accustomed to eating trash left behind by some idiots, and the bear was walking right up onto the trail and wasn't afraid of us AT ALL... he rolled a log over and began eating the wrapper of a mountain house some idiot buried there and as we tried to scare it away, the bear crouched over the trash and showed some signs of aggression. we tried to just keep moving forward, but the bear was in our way and when he finally did start to move, he decided to stroll up the trail in the direction we were going, so we had to trail the bear by a hundred or so yards and every now and then he'd turn around. I didn't spray him, but this bear exhibited some seriously dangerous behavior and I'm super glad that I did have a small can of spray at that time. there are only some sections where encounters with bears are more than likely so I only carried the spray in the sections where you also are required to carry a bear canister.
I agree that you don't need a gun on the trail, however, if you are scared because some other hiker decided to carry one, I can only assume you are uneducated about guns.
Dude's talking about 5lb guns and seems to be unaware of the concept of concealment. There's plenty of reliable options under 18 ounces and concealment is a thing.
Agree with you, that a big Bowie-style knife is worthless on a hike, but NEVER rely only on a folding knife when you go on a serious hike, especially on a long distance hike. There are so much parts, which can fail, i.e. the pivot could get loose, so you need an extra tool to fix it. Choose a small, light weight fixed knife, a neck knife for example
I can't even get my room sprays to work all the time! A .44 Spl round may not stop a bear from eating me, BUT, he sure as hell won't enjoy his meal. For the bulk of a spray can, take the snubbie instead.
Fanof runabout the .44 spl would probably be fine for black bear. For griz I'd recommend a Ruger Redhawk with Buffalo Bore 44 mag 340gr hardcast. It may not save you but if you hit the bear it won't survive either. I know of someone who shot a black bear with a 357 using Buffalo bore ammo and the bullet entered the chest and didn't stop until it lodged in the pelvis. Dropped it right there.
For all the pussies who try to be PC, read the Missing 411 books and then realize your hiking stick isn't going to save you when you really needed a gun to save your life.
I enjoy your videos and learn a lot, but I also do not agree with the comment regarding guns and bear spray. You should always be prepared to defend yourself. Otherwise you are a defenseless, willing victim.
His point still stands, the trowel was and still is unnecessary. Rocks and trekking poles haven’t changed since this video came out. He started carrying a trowel to promote leave-no-trace, not because he now deemed it necessary.
You make some great point for thru hikers.I'm 58 now with health issues like one fake knee a steel rod in the other leg and that knee will be replaced next year after the rod is removed(been in 40 years).A stint in my heart from a bad heart attack,diabetes,no spleen and the rest of the things that come with age.Now all I can do is the bushcraft thing and I do it often.I usually go on the appalachian trail in my area then just cut off into the woods.The whole point of this is to say I have run into quite a few black bears over the last few years,on and off the trail,never a problem other than having to change my pants because a couple of them have shown aggression to a point.I would suggest bear spray for all hikers.Never had to use mine but it has saved me from changing my pants just knowing I have it.
I know you posted this vid before the happening on the Pinhote. Man was attacked by a coyote. The man had to save his life by killing the coyote with his knife. Turned out the coyote was rabid and the fellow had to endure the series of shots.
@@ndrthrdr1 What pistol? What ammo? What grizzly? Where do you hit it? How many times do you hit it? You may piss it off, you may kill it. Many many variables. Far too many to make blanket statements like it will only piss them off.
when I go to Colorado I have had a few black bears walk right by me and camp and 5 feet from smoldering camp fire they never attacked but they didn't look one bit scared
OH yeas, also in some areas, especially through parts of the JMT, I have heard that the ranger will ask to see your trowel and some areas require you carry out your used paper. In the Mt Whitney zone, you are required to carry "doody bags" that you pick up at the ranger station to carry out " your #2's".....and pray they don't leak.
I carry bear spray because of the ONE TIME I needed it when a black bear was not taking no for an answer to going thru packs at a shelter. Whistles, clapping, shouting, banging pans together did nothing. We all were thinking bear spray would be nice right now. It is like paying for insurance on your vehicle. I have not been in an accident or used my insurance for over 30 years but I still purchase it. I don't carry my weapon. I did go weigh it after your comment of weighing 5 pounds... my 40 cal. weighs in at 32 ounces loaded. Plus you can spray that moocher on the trail that won't take no for an answer.
1. Trowels are necessary for those of us who are not Jedi backpackers. It takes a certain finesse to dig a 6 inch cat hole with a trekking pole. 2. As for guns on the AT or any trail the best advice is to not even bring it up. If asked just take the "hike your own hike" position. Hikers who don't carry one will NEVER convince hikers who believe " better safe than sorry" to leave their gun at home. Granted you're safer on the trail, but bear in mind you're away from civilization, not the world which is full of crazies. A girl I went to high school with was strangled to death while hiking. A few years ago Meredith Emerson was abducted and murdered while hiking the AT on Blood Mountain in Georgia. 3. If you have a gun what do you need bear spray for?
I live in Canada, and will have to respectfully disagree with your claim that black bears are afraid and will run away. Black bears are notoriously unpredictable. They may very well run away, and often do, but they may decide that you look interesting and come at you. People are killed every year by black bears. Yes they are much smaller than grizzlies, but I still wouldn't want to face one if it came at me. Just my two sense, but I would opt for the bear spray!
There are actually some pretty good videos of black bears coming at hunters. They tend to lose that confrontation but it disproves the idea that black bears always run away. I've had my own encounters with black bears and usually they do run but i've had one not give ground for nothing. She wasn't going anywhere due to her cubs up a tree. I would say if i had come around a trail and encountered her up close it would have been a bad day for me.
I know this a year old, but pretty much everything you said is wrong. Black bears are timid 99.9% of the time. Their behavior is actually extremely predictable. People are not killed every year by black bears - the last reported death was 2017 and there have been 9 deaths since 2010 so averaging about 1 per year. (This includes a photographer who followed a bear and an unlicensed caretaker who kept exotic pets.) Yes, on average grizzly bears are larger on average but this is not always the case. A male black bear can be larger than female grizzly depending on the region and it is important to know the difference between the two as encounters should be handled differently. If bear spray makes you feel better then by all means carry it - I do in grizzly country. I live in Canada too and have had too many black bear encounters to count. Never a grizzly though. Be safe out there!
Considering the 17g(0.6oz) of theTentLab's the Deuce of Spades, do you still think that a trowel isn't a necessity? Digging a 6 inch hole with a stick or trekking pole isn't easy which results in many people not doing it and digging a 1-2 inch hole instead. Thoughts?
People who feel unsafe around firearms are the reason we have firearm safety. Most people carrying a gun are looking out for more then just their own safety. People attacking those who are carrying just for carrying is why I carry concealed.
Most people from rural, country areas have grown up with guns, aren't afraid of them, and don't understand the fear others have. A lot of hikers are city and suburban people trying to get close to natural but who are foreign to the culture of people who actually live and grow up in the rural areas where they hike. They fear what they don't know, like humans will do.
The people who don't believe in guns live in fantasy land and think their magic fairy dust will solve every sketchy situation. Use South Chicago as an example where people can't defend themselves with a gun.
Not only am I super impressed with your information provided, but you are one of the few hiker oriented youtubers who is correctly utilizing light (impressive exposure) and sounds (lapel mic) to make these videos really top notch. Keep it up Darwin! Can't wait to see what your video setup on the PCT is going to be like!
I like the camping part of a thru/section hike better, so I always bring some lightweight camp shoes even though i don't need them. It's nice to be able to slip into something dry and comfortable after a long day of hiking. Also, I use a tent stake to dig catholes and it works just fine.
I had a friend who actually started carrying a gun after hiking for 5 or 6 years. Now, she hikes by herself and weighs about 90 pounds soaking wet. Her dad actually bought it for her after her third or fourth close call with a man trying to rape her and/or destroying her tent during the night/doing weird stuff to her gear. But no one can see/knows that she's carrying it. I do not carry a gun, but I, like you, am a man.
Can't agree on the cup. I like coffee with my meals. I use the Knorr sides so can't make my meal in the pouch. Also the little spade doesn't take up a lot of room and is easier than digging a hole with a stick.
Great videos but I disagree about the bears on AP. If you startle a mother with her cub she will attack you. If you are unable to run a weapon or bear spray would save your life.
I went backpacking with 3 other guys. They all brought guns. I didn't. I returned from a hike and found my roll of TP all shot up, I brought the only roll of TP. I never camped with them again.
I am not opposed to backpacking with a gun. I have done it both with and without and am comfortable enough either way, but bringing a gun and not bringing TP is a gross misprioritization and the trail is definitely not the place for recreational shooting. I wouldnt hike with them again either.
Very high quality videos. My little sig P958 9mm is like an American Express card, I NEVER leave home without it. It's capacity is 7+1. If I need more than 8 rounds I figure I'm screwed anyway. These days you're better safe than sorry. I'm not a thru hiker but a motorcycle camper which is similar to a backpacking as far as packing gear goes.
For the majority of thru-hikers, especially newbies: - Carabiners - Extra clothing - First-aid splints - Camp shoes - Backpack lids/brains - Camp chairs - Camping sinks / showers - Summit day-packs - Camera tripods I've seen all of these items being carried by hikers on the JMT. PS. I sometimes carry a U-shape, hard-anodized aluminum snow stake (sand stakes also work) to dig cat-holes at higher elevations--they are pretty light and very strong. In some environments, the ground is just too hard and compact. You could theoretically use your trekking poles or a sharp stone, but it's quite the hassle.
...when I used to stake mining claims, way back in the N.Ontario bush, our first aid kit comprised of a large women's kotex pad and a roll of electrician's tape...after getting debris in my eyes a few times, I added an eye cup.....the big fancy first aid kits stayed in the tent at the camp site...
I respect your decision not to carry a gun and advise others not to, but please keep your arguments as intellectually honest as possible. "...super heavy and bulky." Kel-tec PF-9: 1" x 6" x 3.6" and 18 oz loaded. "You're gonna scare the hell outta people." Not if you carry concealed, as you should. Re black bears: "....they're gonna run away....." Most of the time (maybe nearly all the time), but not always. I had a relative who was chased up a tree by a black bear that began chewing on one of his feet and had almost succeeded in pulling him down when the cavalry arrived and chased the bear off. I had a momma black bear break in to my car while I was about 50 yards from it, and while she did eventually run away, it wasn't before moving toward me and looking like she was thinking about fighting me for the car's contents. You ain't gonna fight off an adult black bear with your pocket knife, and death by black bear is a horrible way to go. So I also understand and respect the decision to carry a gun. I'm glad your decision has worked for you and hope that continues to be true. Also glad to hear free bear spray is likely to be available.
There was a time when I didn't bother bringing a gun into the wilderness unless I was hunting, but I've had enough encounters with mountain lions and bears over the years that I think it's a bit foolish to try to save a few pounds by not carrying a gun; and carry it on your hip where you can get to it, because if you do need it, you won't have time to fumble through your pack. I have no desire to ever have to stand down a mountain lion with nothing but a fishing pole and stringer full of fish again. Then again, I've never done this thru-hiking thing...not enough time for fishing. But the one thing I would say is that there's absolutely no reason to feel uncomfortable about seeing someone armed in the back-country, it's just a common sense precaution, nobody's threatening you.
Coco, sure, a pistol may not drop an animal instantly after being shot with a rifle or a pistol, people have been shot over 15 times and survived, shot several times and kept attacking or were able to flee. And sure a smaller caliper pistol may be less effective... But at the same time shots have run off all sorts of wild life including people and wild boars... People successfully hunt mountain lions and elephants with pistols, if you just want to generalize.
Carrying a gun is a stupid idea when you can carry bear spray. Does the same job as a gun without hurting the animal permanently, and can also deter the animal by affecting their senses so that they can't attack you.
Dear Coco. Bovine Cookies. Lets educate you a bit here. 1. A cougar likely won't attack you unless you are small like a child. 2. If they do attack, its going to be about food (usually: if they are rabid, sick etc they can attack anything for no reason, which we just saw a few months ago where I live since I actually live in cougar country) and that means they will attack in a manner you won't even know it until they are on you. 3. If you shoot a cougar with just about any firearm, anywhere they will run away unless they are rabid or something. This has to do with predator cats can't afford to be hurt or they can't hunt and if they can't hunt they die. So, they are very much about surprise and killing without risk. 4. Often when hiking you encounter animals as unexpectedly as they encounter you. Which means you may in fact have deploy your firearm. For cougars just the sound of it being fired is likely all you need to make them run away. Bears and bores not so much. 5. You do not need to shoot them in the head. Thats crap. I carry a 357 in black bear country with loads that have been used for hunting bear. I was climbing a glacier one day when I encountered some other hikers and one saw my sidearm. We talked a while and he knew a guy that used the exact same gun as I had, with the exact same ammo to hunt black bears. He has dropped them with one shot nearly every time and not a one was a head shot. Heres a hint. Its best to know what you are talking about before spouting off on a forum where there are people that are much more knowledgeable and experienced than you. 6. Bores are tough but there are people that hunt them with pistols and I even know a guy that drops them with one single solitary shot with a measly little 22lr. Again, you would be served better if you knew at least a little bit about what you are talking about. 7. Lastly, just about every single word you say is complete trash. The list of falsehoods is so long its pointless to address. Go learn something before spouting off.
Coco Jumbo Nonsense. A .44mag with 320 gr. Hardened lead hunting ammo will drop a Black Bear and Cougar in their tracks with a well placed shot any day. A charge that’s sudden enough and you won’t have time to pull your gun. But once on the ground a couple point blank shots and the animal is dead. Now let’s suppose you come across someone being attacked. A well placed shot or two, that you certainly will have time to make will kill either animal and save the life of the person attacked. Those heavy loads wit break through both shoulders, shatter the spine, pulverize the heart or brain, shatter the jaws. Think again man, and get some experience behind you!
“Even a skilled marksman with steady nerves may have a slim chance of deterring a bear attack with a gun.” - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service www.bearsmart.com/play/bear-deterrents/bear-pepper-spray/ You're welcome to argue with the experts all you want, but it's never a terribly flattering position to take.
I've never had to use my spray, but I don't see any reason to stop bringing it. It works on bears, dogs, and people and it helps me sleep better at night having it.
When hiking in Yosemite, there is one item I would add to your list of gear to leave at home: The camp chair. Why? Because in a lot of places like Yosemite, you must carry a bear canister. The bear canister is a multi-role use item. It protects your food from bears and it can also be used as a camp stool. So, if your hike requires a bear canister, leave the camp stool at home.
If you're a beginner, don't take his advice here. You should always take measures to protect yourself. As another person said, this is like saying "I've been driving 5 years and never wrecked so you're stupid if you wear a seatbelt".
as I plan for my hike, I will not need a fishing pole, or a gun or a Rambo knife, but the most important thing I need it my brain, a lot of folks can joke, but you have to think before you act, and not to upset any one but some times we type before we think.
my last name is Becerra, I would be so lucky to get it as my trail name, but common sense mooo , yes we have common sense borne with it, spelling and gramer not so much. lol
A very good sensible video, thanks for sharing. I take my fast hawk axe with me as a bit of a comfort item if I'm being honest plus its a great cutting tool. As far as an axe goes it's really compact, lightweight and yet punches above its weight. I'm a bit of a cross between a bushcrafter and a hiker when I'm out so for me it's a great fit. I also like to use a small folding wood stove and find it easier to process materials to burn with my fasthawk particularly when I'm processing bigger bits of wood that burn longer. I don't mind a bit of extra weight and for me it's worth it. I appreciate that everyone has their own preferences on the trail and I can see why someone using a gas or alcohol stove is unlikely to have much of a need for an axe. Again thanks for sharing your experience.
A lot of people die feeling perfectly safe before they do. I carry a gun everywhere (no exaggeration) I go, it weighs about 1 pound, no one has ever seen it on me. It's worth my life to me.
Yeah, you most likely don't need one, I didn't take one, but would have if weight and money and varying laws weren't as much of an issue for me., But I appreciate the people that always due... I hope I don't have to rely on you someday, but if I do, I will hope you are around. Thanks for exercising your rights.
I usually choose not to carry while hiking/climbing as well, but only because of the weight. It costs me about 28 oz for a loaded polymer 9mm. But you're absolutely right... graveyards are full of people who "just felt perfectly safe" right before they died. And regarding the feelings of various snowflakes who cannot stand the sight of a defensive weapon... when I do carry on the trail (not often), I've gotten nothing but positive comments. A few years ago I passed two women while hiking Cumberland Falls near Daniel Boone National Forest, KY. They saw my gun and one of them exclaimed, "That's what we needed last night!". They swore they'd never hike again without a firearm. Two guys had been following them the day before (in an usual manner with aggressive comments, etc., not merely passing by) and they were pretty upset and scared. So no, Darwin, the sight of a defensive weapon will not scare the daylights out of a rational, intelligent person.
What are the stats of people being attacked, murdered, or robbed while hiking? Feeling safe and being safe can be two completely different things. Can you point me to any examples ("graveyards are full of people who "just felt perfectly safe" right before they died") as it regards hiking? I'm Canadian (and a gun owner) and used to work in the northern bush. Occasionally, if it was allowed, I would bring along a .22 for small game. However, for protection from wildlife, the occasional camp might have a bear gun but no-one ever carried unless they were in polar bear country. Then everyone or someone in the group had a rifle.
I would also add fishing pole/gear. On a trip where your setting a base camp and exploring, sure some fishing can be had. On a thruhike, very unlikely you'll want to spend any time fishing.
Every time I have ever gone on a hike I have run into a bear. That kid killed in Alaska was killed by a black bear, and I know lots of others who have been stalked by black bears. Only a fool goes into bear country without bear spray.
I usually end up finding Soap at a Hostel or Hotel when I really need to use it, so I leave it out of my pack set-up. Thanks for Watching! Hike On, Darwin
REI Snow stakes or the MSR stakes (Not the spade looking one) are probably one of the most versatile pieces of equipment you can have in your pack and are incredibly cheap. I usually bring 2 +whatever Im using for my tent or tarp. (I dont thru hike so these suggestions I think go for all outdoor recreationists) (Thru Hiker stuff) Works as a trowel Works as a backup tent stake or a guyline stake or even a main stake. Works as a camp brush (drag it sideways to clear away rocks etc) Secure just about anything and have multiple holes to use as stop gaps for tying off equipment, keeping things secure in wind. (Other recreation) Fish tie off Anchor line for a kayak Trap/snare line stop I think its one of the most underated tools you can have and can make life so much easier and quicker.
Great list, But gotta have a coffee cup. I made a cup out of a tall coke can with a rolled edge and added a reflects warmer, just couldn't see being without it on a hike. Mainly because I tend to prepare and eat my food in my Imusa cook pot, Boil all my water make coffee, add my grits or corn pudding to the pot and let it sit in it's reflects cozy while I enjoy my coffee. Makes me feel all fancy on the trail ;)..... and at 1.7 ounces, including the silicon wristband I use to keep from burning my lips, why not feel fancy.
I just use my 700 ml mug for coffee if I want it hot. However I have went Stoveless lately, so I just through a Instant Coffee Pack in my water bottle & hit the trail! Thanks for Watching! Hike On, Darwin
I think the point OllieW is making is that some folks like to have their coffee/whatevah along WITH the meal, not before, after, or stirred in. Yes, its a way to lighten the load, just like going stoveless is for some. It might cost more in lightening the fun(for me) than the weight saving adds. Very individual tradeoff. Ollie, I use a cut off water bottle, melt the edge with a lighter. Can be reused a few times after it get crushed.
I've also carried one extra container for coffee. Mine is a plastic Chinese takeout container without a lid. Weighs 0.5 oz and fits outside my pot. I do admit, though, it's not fancy, LOL.
Everybody needs at least one "comfort item", grams be damned. Coffee cup is really important to some, a thick sleeping pad to others, a fresh change of undies to still others. There's always somethin' that outweighs the weight.
The Gerber DIME is the best knife you need. Ultralight knife leatherman-style tool set, tiny tiny tiny. Stuff I left at home: my tiny rechargeable air pump; my Gerber knife/fork/spatula/multi-can opener set, traded it for a titanium spork; left my titanium tent stake hammer at home...that is it, I think.
If you’re thru hiking that 6 inch cat hole is at least a once a day job. Finding the right stick every morning and scratching out a hole is a lot more work than carrying a half ounce trowel that’s made for the job. Work smarter not harder.
ehh the gun part is meh. not a bad idea to have a small 9mm or 38 special. better have it an not need it then need it and not have it. only a few pounds.
Don't know why Darwin assumes a gun has to be huge, other than he doesn't actually know anything about the subject. As for, "Excuse me, Mr. Maniac, but I don't feel safe around you. I'll just leave now.." that works about as well as those "gun-free" signs like the one Darwin put up. There was a murder/attempted murder on the AT this year, and they weren't the first.
Problem with carrying a gun is that several states, like NY and NJ, you need their license to carry a gun, loaded or not. If you must, AND THIS IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE, carry it well concealed. YMMV.
Nothing beats a trash bag hiker snob for a outdoor laugh. Don't get me wrong I really like Darwin's channel but the clueless better-than tho shows through at times.
Something I just dropped from my setup: a portable sink (10 liter collapsible one from Sea to Summit). It just seems like more of a car camping luxury. Even if I were going out long enough to require washing, there are other ways that don't take up as much space and weight.
I will never be in the mountains without some kind of a firearm and if anyone thinks you can’t kill a mountain lion or a bear with a 9mm you have no idea what you’re talking about.
Very cool! I'm also using only the snow peak cup and MSR PR with 1 fuel canister for the 73 mile Sequoia to Whitney hike, just need to boil water for coffee and dinner. Great video on so many levels, thanks man!
Hey Darwin I am a fan from Pakistan and I gotta agree, your videos are the best videos on hiking, camping and backpacking etc. Period. I had a lot of confusion and I definitely got impressed by idiots who pack the whole house for a hike. I learned a lot. Definitely when on a hike, people walk a lot and stay only a little, so why prepare a lot for the little stay and do not consider how a 100 liter pack gonna behave you while walking. I think while talking about poop, you missed the pocket knife. A pocket knife can dig better than a stick or the pointy end of walking poles. Plus if you have a knife with wider blade, it can be just as efficient as a trowel. However, after watching a few videos of yours, I think sometimes you overkill. For example, the gun thing. Most of the people conceal the guns and that's why you did not see many. A gun is not a bad idea, considering the fact that people even get killed on trail (although very rarely). Last thing, I'd love to invite you to Pakistan. Out of world's 8 biggest mountains, 5 are from Pakistan, and God knows I would love to see you making it to the K2 base camp or Baltoro glacier. Cheers Bilal Ahmed
Great advice on Hiking, some of those things I would think would be Must haves.. Like the trowel or bowl.. Bear Spray I would have thought would been a must have out west or up north. Other thing like a big knife or axe for cutting wood.. But really.. a small knife would be suffice.. As for the gun.. Most times.. no you won't need one.. But as for scaring people.. Once you educate yourself on guns.. They become MUCH MUCH less scary.. Plus Most people that carry a gun.. you won't ever see it.. They are made small and very light. I am licensed to Carry, Jobs of the past required me to.. and currently I deal with money on hand and am in places where robberies are pretty common often.. so.. I carry.. that being said.. Carrying on a hike to someone like me.. would be like carrying my wallet, I don't even think about it when I get dressed to leave.. and those I am with, usually never see it.. Unless they are into guns and the topic came up.. So my only point is.. they are not that scary and not heavy.
Here in Montana, Laura and I always take bear spray and a bear canister. I also like to put attach big jingle bell to one of my boots and, seriously, I call out "Hello, bear" when ever I come into an area with limited visibility.
Consider a North American Arms .22, 4.6 oz in weight. Yes, it's just a .22, but better than spray if there is wind. Might even be lighter than bear spray? Agreed that there is going to be minimal danger on the trail. I'm thinking of the random aggressive guy.
My wife brought a MONSTER first aid kid on our SOBO thru-hike, and sent most of it home in Monson... she's a nurse, but quickly decided that she didn't need to bring a huge roll of gauze, 2 epi-pens, 2 pairs of scissors, several types of medicine (just in case someone else needed it) and a bunch of other stuff... Great point about the trowel too. Personally, when I did try to use the trowel, the forest soil is so dense with roots that I could barely dig a decent size hole with that standard orange plastic trowel. Trekking poles worked better in my opinion.
I always carry a gun when hiking the back country trails. I think it would amaze a lot of folks if they knew how many guns are carried by them on the trails. There are some small framed hand guns that take up less space in your pocket than the modern cell phones.
Completely agree with this list. People always ask me how my pack is so small.....because I don't bring crap with me.....The only time I regret not bringing a saw or Axe is when I went ATV camping and a massive fallen tree was blocking our path....But that's not backpacking that's fourwheeling. Made a video about it too if any one is interested.
"don't bring a gun".. 😂 Welcome to the infantry. Care to carry a 27 lb machine gun? I always carry a small Clock 43 (with 7 rounds) at around 21 ounces. Carrying a 25 lb pack and a 21 ounce gun is a LOT lighter than 60 lbs of body armor, ammo, weapon, plus a pack with gear. Heck, our sleeping backs alone run you close to 10 lbs. Anyway, sure, it is highly unlikely to need a gun on trail. More crazy people at the bar than on trail. Animals are not likely to mess with you and can be better handled than shooting at with a 9 mm. But unless you've carried one for years, it's hard to tell how naked you feel without one. Plus I have a bad habit of leaving the trail and going off into wilder places. I've made a few too many risky crossings and climbs where a slip would be bad news. So the pistol could be used as a signal device if needed. With 7 rounds, plus a backup magazine of 6, that's 4 signals. Figure to do this every hour or two hours, and using a whistle as well, one might be able to draw in others to find you. Plus, once you get off trail you're entering the world of people again. And they're worse than any animal or cliff.
I am not currently a hiker, but if and when I do, I carry a small Glock 43 as well, and it doesn't add much weight. No one would ever see the gun, so the idea of scaring other hikers is not a reality.
@@twomstone_17 Seen plenty in the Alaskan interior. I always carry bear spray and at close range it's effective. When you see them from a distance an air horn does a great job of keeping them away. I learned that from a friend who's been living in Fairbanks since the early 70s and who's an avid outdoorsman there.
@@RideWithRen if it's a shy bear not used to humans that may be the case, but that bear wasn't an issue to begin with if an air horn works. I grew up in a small mining town in northwestern Ontario. We literally had black bears wander the streets at night or in people's backyards constantly. You can make loud noise with your voice or a 1oz whistle, can't improvise bear spray. During bluff charges or when they get close and are used to seeing people (like many on these popular trails) an air horn won't do anything.
A gun doesn't weigh 5 pounds. A small .380, .22 or even a 9mm can weigh under a pound, even with a full magazine. I carry when I hike, and it has never been a problem or scared anyone, mostly because I have it where they can't see it.
![How to THRU HIKE the APPALACHIAN TRAIL [Checklists for 4 Phases of Preparing]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Aj56nnXlV50/mqdefault.jpg)
I wished more hikers carried a trowel because of all the poop and toilet paper that littered the shelter areas. For all of you hikers who buried their poop and tp half-assed or not at all on the AT; MAY ALL OF YOUR NOSE HAIR BURST INTO FLAME! Sarge out.
Agreed. With a trowel, you can burry your poop whole-assed (well).
Agreed. Digging with a stick or trek pole, it's really hard to get a 6" depth. Double bag the TP and carry out, plz.
Use the ace of spades ... it is worth the weight..
Would have been punny if you had made the trowel No.2.
Damn!... Why didn't I think about that?
Hike On,
Darwin
You also mentioned there is no point to a big knife...
I would say ditch any knife that doesnt have a point.
I carry one knife. My Gerber Prodigy. Yeah it's a little bigger than what you talked about, but it's far from a Rambo knife, pretty light, and I use the crap out of it. It's my trowel, my stirring utensil, blister popper, and can split the larger firewood I find on the ground. Plus, I can tie it to a stick as a spear for doing battle with black bears
Mike, what is that bear doing while you're attaching your knife to a stick.?
Mrhycannon Obviously he's tying his own knife to a stick
Should I carry a car door in case I get hot I could roll down the window?
LMAO!!!! That cracked me up! Thanks for the laugh!
CamperVan Clark You should just carry a screen door, then you won't have to open up a door, or roll down a window...
Dumb ass.
If u tent the window, you should be good.
No! don't take a car door. Take a Jeep Wrangler door. It's lighter and if you get hot, just throw the whole dam door out.
2019 Darwin: now carries trowl
Glad you mentioned that. I wondered what he'd do when surrounded by hard, caked soil.
@@victorgan347 well he does believe in 'leave no trace behind'. . . .
@@victorgan347 trowels encourage people to dig a proper cat hole and they don't weigh enough to justify not having one
If you want to always be right, you have to be prepared to change your mind!
@@TheAustralianMade Wise words
I'm in Alaska... I'm not leaving my bear spray or my knife at home. But there's no dry wood on the ground, I almost always have to take dead standing.
great video.
I carry a concealed gun. Very small, semi light, and will NEVER go without it. Not even a "gun person"--i.e. My carry is my only gun. I don't hunt, and only go to range to keep sharp on CCW skills. While out exploring, was approached by two gentleman who were interested in taking my belongings and made it known that "no" was not an answer. Pulled my CCW, asked them to move aside, and I went on my way (and quickly ended the trip and went home). I would consider myself seasoned in the backcountry and this was a one time experience in the years I've been an outdoorsman. But I'm sure glad I had it that one time. Do some research on thru-hikers. Lots of stories all over the US of people getting robbed, beaten, and, unfortunately, much worse. Carry it concealed, not on your hip for the world to see, and only bring it out when absolutely necessary. This allows you to protect yourself while not spooking people who feel uncomfortable. Everyone wins! Except the people trying to take advantage :)
For the same reason I always wear me seatbelt! I don't plan on getting in an accident but I know I'm better off prepared. No one wants to be the victim so why give someone a chance?
yes i absolutely agree. unfortunately i was in a similar situation and didn't have something to protect myself... never again.. and i agree that its for my own peace of mind and not to be open carried. i would hate to freak people out who are also just trying to enjoy their hike.
they wanted your camping equipment? they were willing to kill you over it?
This didn't happen
@@Kevinschart If you're thru hiking you probably have at least 10k in the bank plus you're probably a hippy that's afraid of guns. Easy target for criminals. Also you sound smugly naive, some people are depraved and will kill over less.
Didn't take me long to realize that I didn't need all the extra clothes I tended to carry when new to long-distance backpacking.
OK, good; two things I learned today: I won't need to bring bear spray on the AT because no one on the AT has ever allowed bears to get into their food bag because "bears are WAAAy more scared of you than you are of them." Good to know. laaaa-dee-da!!! Happy Hiking!!!
I know they're heavy and take up a lot of space, but I believe a pistol is a must on just about any long distance hike. Caliber varies with type of wild life, but personal protection is a must. Compact and sub compact pistols are very concealable (so as not to "scare" other hikers) and very light weight. I carried in the desert for anything from a mountain lion to rattle snake I had to get over. Never needed it, doesn't mean I never will. Better to have and not need, than to need and not have.
Sorry - gotta have the bear spray, - and I would recommend everyone else do the same when hiking or climbing in NW Montana. Many times I felt it was extra weight but I always took it- I"m glad I'm just now watching your list. Two weekends ago I was climbing Rising Wolf and got attacked by a grizzly sow. She missed me by inches on the initial charge, as she went by me she hit a little bit of scree and slid about 15 feet away from me - giving me just enough time to grab my pepper spray. Once she got turned around she started heading back to me and I gave her a shot of spray from about 2 feet away. No doubt in my mind it saved my life. Luckily most people don't have to go through this - but if it ever does you'll need the pepper spray.
Craig, I totally agree. I've seen the biggest scat I've ever seen in my life in NW MT. A friend of mine is now famous after his bear attack near Ennis and I have to say I carry spray ever more vigilantly after that.
After attending the funeral of someone killed by a black bear I don't think I'll ever share the opinion that they're the tame harmless creatures everyone thinks they are.
It’s all about the cubs
black bears: "super skittish, they're going to run away" Most yes, but I had one hang out in my campsite all night in the Marble Mountain Wilderness a few miles from the PCT. Bear spray now serves as nothing more than something that makes me sleep a bit more soundly after a rare experience, which is worth the weight imo... Great video as always.
I remember when my little sister used to bring bear spray on hikes
I remember your little sister too, Matty :) Tell her hello...
Mike Shoys you can buy these little keychain bear spray things, works for a few seconds wich is enough if any bear should decide to hang out with you. Luckily here in europe we only got mice and rabbits to worry about :p
I had one charge me from my left rear in Damascus, as I walked along completely oblivious to it. I found out after it ran away when my friend, who was hiking behind me, shot his pistol at it and probably saved my life.
Meh I've ran into skittish black bears for sure, but I've also been bluff charged by a black bear. Once hiking in a local mountain I turned a sharp corner in a low visibility area and was 10m away from a cub with no momma bear in sight. I'll definitely be bringing something with me from now on lol
Sadly, two people were just hacked up by a hiker carrying a machete on the AT in southern VA. He should have watched your video on carrying a small knife. Love your vids!
Thats when carrying a firearm comes in handy! :) never go on a trail without one where help is too far away. Youre your only help out in the woods.
Precisely and Smith & Wesson makes a really awesome ultralite titanium 44 Magnum. How do you think a 44 magnum would do against the machete?
@@marcuslatrent528 i prefer the 10mm get to have more fun by placing super accurate shots. 44 mag is an awesome choice though. Both calibers would explode innards instantly especially using pure copper rounds!
@@MatthewUseda definitely! 10mm is a nice caliber. My only complaint with it is the selection of firearms, but the ballistics are awesome.
@@marcuslatrent528 theres lots of selections and barrel lengths. You can also get it in a revolver instead of a semi. Theres little 3 inch barrels, 4 inch, 5 inch, 6 inch. You can get it in a 1911 format. You can get it with the cut out already in for a red dot sight. And theres lots of hunting rounds for it since 10mm has been rebranded as a pistol hunting cartridge and it does very well for it
11 murders on the AT since 1974. If you *ARE* going to carry, please:
1. Carry concealed
2. Get professional training and ensure your firearm and any safeties are in excellent working order
3. Have the legal permits for each state/area you'll be in
4. ONLY draw your weapon if it is absolutely necessary in a self-defense situation
*There's no need for anyone to ever know you are armed.* That's better for you and everyone around you.
NY and NJ are problem states for having their license.
exactly! i will most likely be concealed carrying. it is for my own peace of mind and i would hate to make anyone unconformable. obviously i will only carry when legal to do so and i have extensive training, but its so pointless to open carry on a trail and freak people out.
It's illegal is many of the states on the AT - also, most gun owners are morons, and that's never a good mix.
@@carlosedwardos Hot take
@@carlosedwardos All these people hyperventilating over a damn sidearm and clutching their pearls and the gun owners are morons? Yea, ok.
A Ruger LCP .380 weighs only 9.4oz. It's not my ideal carry piece, and I usually just keep it under my motorcycle seat in case I break down, but you better believe I'm bringing that 9.4oz insurance policy along in a readily accessible pocket.
You're right in that I probably won't need it. I've certainly never had to use it on any of my other adventures in the woods, but you're out of your mind if you think I'd leave it at home.
I'd bet there were a LOT more small-frame pistols and revolvers tucked away on the trail than you realize.
Half of this video is equivalent of. "I've been driving for five years and I've never been in a wreck so I don't need a seatbelt " . I have seen somebody attacked on the AT by a couple of teenagers And I do know a person who got lost and was very glad to have a big knife. You normally have great videos but this seems very very short sighted with arbitrary anecdotal evidence provided as reason.
My friend saved me from a bear attack in Damascus while hiking down the AT. He shot the ground near the bear as it was charging at me from my left rear while I walked along and it scared him off. And you are right. This guy probably threw the spare tire in his car out and only buys enough toilet paper for a single shit at a time.
A walking stick works okay for scaring off a bear. And you can react way quicker with a walking stick than with a gun. Of course, it depends the type of bear you are encountering. Furthermore, injuring a bear charging at you ( you are not going to stop a bear with normal hand gun ) is the last thing you want to do.
Bullshit, any decent injury on an attacking animal will quickly make them rethink their decision to have you for lunch. It doesn't piss them off, they are animals. A walking stick is a great way to keep them back while you retrieve your gun.
It will not make a decent injury unless you hit the skull.
garolonlied false. Shooting a bear in the head is the absolute worst location. 1) it's the smallest and hardest target to hit while it's moving. 2) The bear skulls are incredibly thick. 3) Bear skulls a very rounded and bullets have a tendency to ricochet right off their heads.
Great video. Here is the stuff I either lost or removed on the AT and never replaced: hand sanitizer, camp soap, rain pants (wore shorts anyway) and rain cover for the pack (doesn't work in more than just sprinkles and directs water between you and the pack. Just use a trash bag inside the pack to keep contents dry). Never carried a trowel, but I sometimes wish I had one, though, because it's hard to dig a decent hole sometimes! My favorite method is to lift a rock. Voila, a hole without digging.
I've never done a through hike, but I appreciate having a little mug and one pot. It is nice to drink some tea/coffee while having a meal, but I can see how you could do without it.
Gotta disagree about the trowel. Poop is a big problem in the backcountry in many places, and we need to encourage backpackers to do a good job of burying it. Granted, on the AT there are plenty of privies most of the time so you may not need to dig a hole that often. However, not so on other long distance trails like the Colorado Trail and John Muir Trail. It's pretty hard to dig a decent hole using a stick, trekking poles, especially in the rocky soil found out west. Please encourage responsible behavior. Let's not ditch the orange trowel to reduce pack weight by 2 ounces.
I never said "Don't dig a cat hole", I'm simply stating it is easy to dig it with a trekking pole. I've never had a problem digging a Cat Hole with my Trekking Pole. It's not about the Weight, it's about carrying things that you don't necessarily need. To each their own though.... Thanks for Watching!
Hike On,
Darwin
Tent stakes also work really well. I find them to be a decent substitute for a trowel.
I would add that digging cat holes in the Big Cypress on the Florida Trail is interesting because it's swamp.
Excellent point @Jim Cook! I have also used a stake a time or 2. Thanks for Watching!
Hike On,
Darwin
Same with out here in the NM Desert @Richard Bucker! You can pretty much just use your boot to dig in the sand most times!
Hike On,
Darwin
I don't carry my handgun for bears. And it doesn't scare anyone because no one can see it. The weight is trivial. Carrying a firearm doesn't have anything to do with being a gunslinger. The world has changed. I wish it hadn't but there it is. I can't think of many things more vulnerable than a small family on a trail miles from the nearest help. Thanks for your videos. Good stuff even for an old timer.
I have zero fear of a bear, I carry a very light weight compact Taurus 6 shot .380 caliber simply because I lost my faith in humanity. You meet the kindest and greatest people hiking the AT but some road crossings and parking lots have low life filth of our society hanging around and I just will not be a victim. Thats all, hey I'll protect anyone else in need and come to people's aid and the small space it takes up in my front pants pocket at the ready is a really comfortable feeling to have when hiking with your kids.
i'd leave my bong at home. it's glass, and papers work well in its stead.
Good advice bro
How many ounces should you bring on a thru hike?
@@riverflyswatter asking the real question😂😂
Nick Rodriguez i guess the answer is as much as you think you can carry
@@riverflyswatter id smoke at least half a gram a day, if i had to ration it.
When you make absolute statements such as "do yourself a favor and leave the trowel at home", keep in mind you have 18,000 subscribers of varying skill levels. A lot of new Thru hikers are going to watch your video and start with bad habits. Gotta say I'm disappointed in hearing that. Ridgerunners and trail maintainers will disagree with your assessment that it's easy to dig a six inch hole because they're the ones who see the TP flowers littering the trail. I saw it everywhere on my hike as well. Perhaps you could do a video demonstrating proper LNT cathole techniques using a trowel, trekking pole, and stick and let your viewers decide what they want to use? As for what I leave at home- the back flushing syringe to my Sawyer (which was the most discarded item in hiker boxes in GA this year). I prefer the tiny coupler instead.
Tom Willard well said bro, down here in indonesia, we have 200s volcanic mountain trails, its super beautiful, but what takes a way the fun part is seeing random shit piles covering with babywipes everywhere!
it is cool to say you could use sticks and hiking poles, but in reality, people would careless looking for ideal stick to make a decent hole when they NEED to relieve themselves.
i just hope this video doesnt make every hiker thought it is a good idea to take out trowel from their list when they dont have any idea trowel is super handy when you need it and could help keeping our outdoor trails beautiful as it is.
3 years later and he’s talked about the deuce of spades trowel about 700 times. Lol.
+1 for the Sawyer SP150 coupler and leaving the syringe home!
As far as trowels, the QiWiz Big Dig is pretty sweet!
This year, trowels are all the rage on the AT. Go figure. We've had to reorder several times. Even the pricey Deuce of Spades has sold out.
I load my bag with bricks for the added physical challenge! :D
I also like being mentally challenged! :F
You guys are hilarious
Plenty of people try to bury their crap using a stick or pole for digging, result is that they barely cover it or end not digging at all. Glad to see the trowel idea changed.
As for bear spray: I am in Canada and encountered some black bears that weren't that scared (even worse if you find one that got used to people). Difference in behavior between black bears and others should not be generalized.
Also some want to carry almost no gear and then ask to borrow stuff from others...
How long does it take to dig a 6" deep hole of sufficient volume for a crap with a stick or a hiking pole? Isn't a few ounces worth some convenience?
as far as bear spray goes, I was in Kings Canyon on my PCT thru hike, and I'm glad I had it, there was a bear that had gotten accustomed to eating trash left behind by some idiots, and the bear was walking right up onto the trail and wasn't afraid of us AT ALL... he rolled a log over and began eating the wrapper of a mountain house some idiot buried there and as we tried to scare it away, the bear crouched over the trash and showed some signs of aggression. we tried to just keep moving forward, but the bear was in our way and when he finally did start to move, he decided to stroll up the trail in the direction we were going, so we had to trail the bear by a hundred or so yards and every now and then he'd turn around. I didn't spray him, but this bear exhibited some seriously dangerous behavior and I'm super glad that I did have a small can of spray at that time. there are only some sections where encounters with bears are more than likely so I only carried the spray in the sections where you also are required to carry a bear canister.
I agree that you don't need a gun on the trail, however, if you are scared because some other hiker decided to carry one, I can only assume you are uneducated about guns.
Best response on this entire thread.
Thanks for this comment!
Dude's talking about 5lb guns and seems to be unaware of the concept of concealment. There's plenty of reliable options under 18 ounces and concealment is a thing.
Any idiot can pull a trigger, and many do.
opmike343 And none of those options are legal on the AT. Most AT states don’t recognize concealed carry.
Agree with you, that a big Bowie-style knife is worthless on a hike, but NEVER rely only on a folding knife when you go on a serious hike, especially on a long distance hike. There are so much parts, which can fail, i.e. the pivot could get loose, so you need an extra tool to fix it. Choose a small, light weight fixed knife, a neck knife for example
i rather be the guy who has bear spray and doesn't need it than the guy who needs bear spray but doesn't have it
I can't even get my room sprays to work all the time! A .44 Spl round may not stop a bear from eating me, BUT, he sure as hell won't enjoy his meal. For the bulk of a spray can, take the snubbie instead.
Fanof runabout the .44 spl would probably be fine for black bear. For griz I'd recommend a Ruger Redhawk with Buffalo Bore 44 mag 340gr hardcast. It may not save you but if you hit the bear it won't survive either. I know of someone who shot a black bear with a 357 using Buffalo bore ammo and the bullet entered the chest and didn't stop until it lodged in the pelvis. Dropped it right there.
@@NickFrom1228 you basically can't carry a gun on the AT
Damn right. As the saying goes you don't need it until you do and then you'r fucked.
For all the pussies who try to be PC, read the Missing 411 books and then realize your hiking stick isn't going to save you when you really needed a gun to save your life.
I enjoy your videos and learn a lot, but I also do not agree with the comment regarding guns and bear spray. You should always be prepared to defend yourself. Otherwise you are a defenseless, willing victim.
"the trowel is unnecessary"
Boy, that changed in the last years, Darwin.
His point still stands, the trowel was and still is unnecessary. Rocks and trekking poles haven’t changed since this video came out. He started carrying a trowel to promote leave-no-trace, not because he now deemed it necessary.
You make some great point for thru hikers.I'm 58 now with health issues like one fake knee a steel rod in the other leg and that knee will be replaced next year after the rod is removed(been in 40 years).A stint in my heart from a bad heart attack,diabetes,no spleen and the rest of the things that come with age.Now all I can do is the bushcraft thing and I do it often.I usually go on the appalachian trail in my area then just cut off into the woods.The whole point of this is to say I have run into quite a few black bears over the last few years,on and off the trail,never a problem other than having to change my pants because a couple of them have shown aggression to a point.I would suggest bear spray for all hikers.Never had to use mine but it has saved me from changing my pants just knowing I have it.
I know you posted this vid before the happening on the Pinhote. Man was attacked by a coyote. The man had to save his life by killing the coyote with his knife. Turned out the coyote was rabid and the fellow had to endure the series of shots.
Pinhoti, coyote, life, knife... that was a lot of rhyming.
One camper attacked by a black bear in Colorado last week, another this week here in Utah. I'll just keep packing my gun. Thanks anyway.
Griz pulled a person out of their tent in yellowstone about a year ago. Killed and I think ate. I'll be hanging onto my gun.
@@NickFrom1228 A pistol will just piss a griz off.
@@ndrthrdr1 What pistol? What ammo? What grizzly? Where do you hit it? How many times do you hit it? You may piss it off, you may kill it. Many many variables. Far too many to make blanket statements like it will only piss them off.
when I go to Colorado I have had a few black bears walk right by me and camp and 5 feet from smoldering camp fire they never attacked but they didn't look one bit scared
OH yeas, also in some areas, especially through parts of the JMT, I have heard that the ranger will ask to see your trowel and some areas require you carry out your used paper. In the Mt Whitney zone, you are required to carry "doody bags" that you pick up at the ranger station to carry out " your #2's".....and pray they don't leak.
I carry bear spray because of the ONE TIME I needed it when a black bear was not taking no for an answer to going thru packs at a shelter. Whistles, clapping, shouting, banging pans together did nothing. We all were thinking bear spray would be nice right now.
It is like paying for insurance on your vehicle. I have not been in an accident or used my insurance for over 30 years but I still purchase it.
I don't carry my weapon. I did go weigh it after your comment of weighing 5 pounds... my 40 cal. weighs in at 32 ounces loaded.
Plus you can spray that moocher on the trail that won't take no for an answer.
Finally someone else that can think for themselves & smell the BS.
1. Trowels are necessary for those of us who are not Jedi backpackers. It takes a certain finesse to dig a 6 inch cat hole with a trekking pole. 2. As for guns on the AT or any trail the best advice is to not even bring it up. If asked just take the "hike your own hike" position. Hikers who don't carry one will NEVER convince hikers who believe " better safe than sorry" to leave their gun at home. Granted you're safer on the trail, but bear in mind you're away from civilization, not the world which is full of crazies. A girl I went to high school with was strangled to death while hiking. A few years ago Meredith Emerson was abducted and murdered while hiking the AT on Blood Mountain in Georgia. 3. If you have a gun what do you need bear spray for?
I carry both. The bear spray is my first choice. The gun is a backup. The bear spray will stop them every time.
I live in Canada, and will have to respectfully disagree with your claim that black bears are afraid and will run away. Black bears are notoriously unpredictable. They may very well run away, and often do, but they may decide that you look interesting and come at you. People are killed every year by black bears. Yes they are much smaller than grizzlies, but I still wouldn't want to face one if it came at me. Just my two sense, but I would opt for the bear spray!
There are actually some pretty good videos of black bears coming at hunters. They tend to lose that confrontation but it disproves the idea that black bears always run away. I've had my own encounters with black bears and usually they do run but i've had one not give ground for nothing. She wasn't going anywhere due to her cubs up a tree. I would say if i had come around a trail and encountered her up close it would have been a bad day for me.
I know this a year old, but pretty much everything you said is wrong. Black bears are timid 99.9% of the time. Their behavior is actually extremely predictable. People are not killed every year by black bears - the last reported death was 2017 and there have been 9 deaths since 2010 so averaging about 1 per year. (This includes a photographer who followed a bear and an unlicensed caretaker who kept exotic pets.) Yes, on average grizzly bears are larger on average but this is not always the case. A male black bear can be larger than female grizzly depending on the region and it is important to know the difference between the two as encounters should be handled differently. If bear spray makes you feel better then by all means carry it - I do in grizzly country. I live in Canada too and have had too many black bear encounters to count. Never a grizzly though. Be safe out there!
Considering the 17g(0.6oz) of theTentLab's the Deuce of Spades, do you still think that a trowel isn't a necessity? Digging a 6 inch hole with a stick or trekking pole isn't easy which results in many people not doing it and digging a 1-2 inch hole instead. Thoughts?
I'm not sure why you'd be scared of a guy with a gun on his hip but I do understand the weight factor. Either way, I enjoyed the video.
Unless u sport a very visible LE badge of course u r gonna freak ppl out, dont play the fool
People who feel unsafe around firearms are the reason we have firearm safety. Most people carrying a gun are looking out for more then just their own safety.
People attacking those who are carrying just for carrying is why I carry concealed.
Jonathan Stratton yes, concealed is the way to go
Most people from rural, country areas have grown up with guns, aren't afraid of them, and don't understand the fear others have. A lot of hikers are city and suburban people trying to get close to natural but who are foreign to the culture of people who actually live and grow up in the rural areas where they hike. They fear what they don't know, like humans will do.
The people who don't believe in guns live in fantasy land and think their magic fairy dust will solve every sketchy situation. Use South Chicago as an example where people can't defend themselves with a gun.
Not only am I super impressed with your information provided, but you are one of the few hiker oriented youtubers who is correctly utilizing light (impressive exposure) and sounds (lapel mic) to make these videos really top notch. Keep it up Darwin! Can't wait to see what your video setup on the PCT is going to be like!
black bear just killed a runner in Alaska
Cougar killed a bicyclist near seattle a few months ago. The danger is real. Not frequent but real.
I like the camping part of a thru/section hike better, so I always bring some lightweight camp shoes even though i don't need them. It's nice to be able to slip into something dry and comfortable after a long day of hiking. Also, I use a tent stake to dig catholes and it works just fine.
thats the funniest thing i've heard in a while , "you shouldnt carry a gun because you'll scare the rest of us" lololol
I had a friend who actually started carrying a gun after hiking for 5 or 6 years. Now, she hikes by herself and weighs about 90 pounds soaking wet. Her dad actually bought it for her after her third or fourth close call with a man trying to rape her and/or destroying her tent during the night/doing weird stuff to her gear. But no one can see/knows that she's carrying it. I do not carry a gun, but I, like you, am a man.
On my Jmt hike I ended up spending my backpacking chair home. It was nice but just to heavy.
Can't agree on the cup. I like coffee with my meals. I use the Knorr sides so can't make my meal in the pouch. Also the little spade doesn't take up a lot of room and is easier than digging a hole with a stick.
Yeah the gun stays on the waste during hikes! especially out in Colorado. Glad I live where its open carry
Great videos but I disagree about the bears on AP. If you startle a mother with her cub she will attack you. If you are unable to run a weapon or bear spray would save your life.
I went backpacking with 3 other guys. They all brought guns. I didn't.
I returned from a hike and found my roll of TP all shot up, I brought the only roll of TP.
I never camped with them again.
Yikes! I prob wouldn't camp with them either.... Thanks for Watching!
Hike On,
Darwin
I am not opposed to backpacking with a gun. I have done it both with and without and am comfortable enough either way, but bringing a gun and not bringing TP is a gross misprioritization and the trail is definitely not the place for recreational shooting. I wouldnt hike with them again either.
The AT and the many state forests it passes through are excellent places to shoot as long as one obeys all applicable laws and gun safety standards.
I went backpacking with a guy who didn't carry a toothbrush (only a three day hike), but brought a French press.
Sounds like something I would do. Coffee is my addiction.
This is the famous video that Darwin had to backtrack about later.... the great trowel turnaround
i understand but I'm taking my gun, you just never know. I cant put my life in hopes that everyone is out here simply to enjoy life.
panty boi
Oh boy, you are a real piece of work. All you do is name call with people you don't agree with. Quality character.
Hope you hide it well when your in N.J. because you will go to jail if you get caught. For most states its not legal to cary a gun on the A.T. anyway.
Better to be judged by 12 than to be carried by 6
@@2laughandlaugh blackpowder guns should be legal in places like that.
Very high quality videos.
My little sig P958 9mm is like an American Express card, I NEVER leave home without it. It's capacity is 7+1. If I need more than 8 rounds I figure I'm screwed anyway. These days you're better safe than sorry. I'm not a thru hiker but a motorcycle camper which is similar to a backpacking as far as packing gear goes.
Two black bear attacks ending in death in Alaska this summer.
Well, that's Alaska.
For the majority of thru-hikers, especially newbies:
- Carabiners
- Extra clothing
- First-aid splints
- Camp shoes
- Backpack lids/brains
- Camp chairs
- Camping sinks / showers
- Summit day-packs
- Camera tripods
I've seen all of these items being carried by hikers on the JMT.
PS. I sometimes carry a U-shape, hard-anodized aluminum snow stake (sand stakes also work) to dig cat-holes at higher elevations--they are pretty light and very strong. In some environments, the ground is just too hard and compact. You could theoretically use your trekking poles or a sharp stone, but it's quite the hassle.
Excellent List Boom Jiggy!
Hike On,
Darwin
I agree but guns that one would carry, don’t weigh 5 lbs haha. One could put a pocket carry in a bag for just a few extra ounces.
...when I used to stake mining claims, way back in the N.Ontario bush, our first aid kit comprised of a large women's kotex pad and a roll of electrician's tape...after getting debris in my eyes a few times, I added an eye cup.....the big fancy first aid kits stayed in the tent at the camp site...
I respect your decision not to carry a gun and advise others not to, but please keep your arguments as intellectually honest as possible. "...super heavy and bulky." Kel-tec PF-9: 1" x 6" x 3.6" and 18 oz loaded. "You're gonna scare the hell outta people." Not if you carry concealed, as you should. Re black bears: "....they're gonna run away....." Most of the time (maybe nearly all the time), but not always. I had a relative who was chased up a tree by a black bear that began chewing on one of his feet and had almost succeeded in pulling him down when the cavalry arrived and chased the bear off. I had a momma black bear break in to my car while I was about 50 yards from it, and while she did eventually run away, it wasn't before moving toward me and looking like she was thinking about fighting me for the car's contents. You ain't gonna fight off an adult black bear with your pocket knife, and death by black bear is a horrible way to go. So I also understand and respect the decision to carry a gun. I'm glad your decision has worked for you and hope that continues to be true. Also glad to hear free bear spray is likely to be available.
Considering recent events on the AT, a concealed carry may have saved those 2 people. Just sayin'.
Rather have it and not need it then need it and not have it, crazy world these days with nut jobs abound.
This guy is the type who doesn't waste money on Life Insurance because he hasn't ever Died.
There was a time when I didn't bother bringing a gun into the wilderness unless I was hunting, but I've had enough encounters with mountain lions and bears over the years that I think it's a bit foolish to try to save a few pounds by not carrying a gun; and carry it on your hip where you can get to it, because if you do need it, you won't have time to fumble through your pack. I have no desire to ever have to stand down a mountain lion with nothing but a fishing pole and stringer full of fish again. Then again, I've never done this thru-hiking thing...not enough time for fishing.
But the one thing I would say is that there's absolutely no reason to feel uncomfortable about seeing someone armed in the back-country, it's just a common sense precaution, nobody's threatening you.
Coco, sure, a pistol may not drop an animal instantly after being shot with a rifle or a pistol, people have been shot over 15 times and survived, shot several times and kept attacking or were able to flee.
And sure a smaller caliper pistol may be less effective...
But at the same time shots have run off all sorts of wild life including people and wild boars...
People successfully hunt mountain lions and elephants with pistols, if you just want to generalize.
Carrying a gun is a stupid idea when you can carry bear spray. Does the same job as a gun without hurting the animal permanently, and can also deter the animal by affecting their senses so that they can't attack you.
Dear Coco. Bovine Cookies. Lets educate you a bit here.
1. A cougar likely won't attack you unless you are small like a child.
2. If they do attack, its going to be about food (usually: if they are rabid, sick etc they can attack anything for no reason, which we just saw a few months ago where I live since I actually live in cougar country) and that means they will attack in a manner you won't even know it until they are on you.
3. If you shoot a cougar with just about any firearm, anywhere they will run away unless they are rabid or something. This has to do with predator cats can't afford to be hurt or they can't hunt and if they can't hunt they die. So, they are very much about surprise and killing without risk.
4. Often when hiking you encounter animals as unexpectedly as they encounter you. Which means you may in fact have deploy your firearm. For cougars just the sound of it being fired is likely all you need to make them run away. Bears and bores not so much.
5. You do not need to shoot them in the head. Thats crap. I carry a 357 in black bear country with loads that have been used for hunting bear. I was climbing a glacier one day when I encountered some other hikers and one saw my sidearm. We talked a while and he knew a guy that used the exact same gun as I had, with the exact same ammo to hunt black bears. He has dropped them with one shot nearly every time and not a one was a head shot. Heres a hint. Its best to know what you are talking about before spouting off on a forum where there are people that are much more knowledgeable and experienced than you.
6. Bores are tough but there are people that hunt them with pistols and I even know a guy that drops them with one single solitary shot with a measly little 22lr. Again, you would be served better if you knew at least a little bit about what you are talking about.
7. Lastly, just about every single word you say is complete trash. The list of falsehoods is so long its pointless to address. Go learn something before spouting off.
Coco Jumbo Nonsense. A .44mag with 320 gr. Hardened lead hunting ammo will drop a Black Bear and Cougar in their tracks with a well placed shot any day. A charge that’s sudden enough and you won’t have time to pull your gun. But once on the ground a couple point blank shots and the animal is dead. Now let’s suppose you come across someone being attacked. A well placed shot or two, that you certainly will have time to make will kill either animal and save the life of the person attacked. Those heavy loads wit break through both shoulders, shatter the spine, pulverize the heart or brain, shatter the jaws. Think again man, and get some experience behind you!
“Even a skilled marksman with steady nerves may have a slim chance of deterring a bear attack with a gun.” - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
www.bearsmart.com/play/bear-deterrents/bear-pepper-spray/
You're welcome to argue with the experts all you want, but it's never a terribly flattering position to take.
I've never had to use my spray, but I don't see any reason to stop bringing it. It works on bears, dogs, and people and it helps me sleep better at night having it.
Absolutely.
When hiking in Yosemite, there is one item I would add to your list of gear to leave at home: The camp chair. Why? Because in a lot of places like Yosemite, you must carry a bear canister. The bear canister is a multi-role use item. It protects your food from bears and it can also be used as a camp stool. So, if your hike requires a bear canister, leave the camp stool at home.
Multi-use items, they really do cut down on weight.
If you're a beginner, don't take his advice here. You should always take measures to protect yourself. As another person said, this is like saying "I've been driving 5 years and never wrecked so you're stupid if you wear a seatbelt".
as I plan for my hike, I will not need a fishing pole, or a gun or a Rambo knife, but the most important thing I need it my brain,
a lot of folks can joke, but you have to think before you act, and not to upset any one but some times we type before we think.
Great Point Jonnyfly69!
Hike On,
Darwin
The single item most often left elsewhere. Makes one wonder why the term is "common sense" when it appears to be such a rare commodity.
my last name is Becerra, I would be so lucky to get it as my trail name, but common sense mooo , yes we have common sense borne with it, spelling and gramer not so much. lol
Yes i agree. Lets start calling it uncommon sense.
A very good sensible video, thanks for sharing.
I take my fast hawk axe with me as a bit of a comfort item if I'm being honest plus its a great cutting tool. As far as an axe goes it's really compact, lightweight and yet punches above its weight. I'm a bit of a cross between a bushcrafter and a hiker when I'm out so for me it's a great fit. I also like to use a small folding wood stove and find it easier to process materials to burn with my fasthawk particularly when I'm processing bigger bits of wood that burn longer. I don't mind a bit of extra weight and for me it's worth it.
I appreciate that everyone has their own preferences on the trail and I can see why someone using a gas or alcohol stove is unlikely to have much of a need for an axe. Again thanks for sharing your experience.
A lot of people die feeling perfectly safe before they do. I carry a gun everywhere (no exaggeration) I go, it weighs about 1 pound, no one has ever seen it on me. It's worth my life to me.
Yeah, you most likely don't need one, I didn't take one, but would have if weight and money and varying laws weren't as much of an issue for me.,
But I appreciate the people that always due... I hope I don't have to rely on you someday, but if I do, I will hope you are around.
Thanks for exercising your rights.
Kakunapod, You took the words right out of my mouth! Smh!
I usually choose not to carry while hiking/climbing as well, but only because of the weight. It costs me about 28 oz for a loaded polymer 9mm. But you're absolutely right... graveyards are full of people who "just felt perfectly safe" right before they died.
And regarding the feelings of various snowflakes who cannot stand the sight of a defensive weapon... when I do carry on the trail (not often), I've gotten nothing but positive comments.
A few years ago I passed two women while hiking Cumberland Falls near Daniel Boone National Forest, KY. They saw my gun and one of them exclaimed, "That's what we needed last night!". They swore they'd never hike again without a firearm. Two guys had been following them the day before (in an usual manner with aggressive comments, etc., not merely passing by) and they were pretty upset and scared.
So no, Darwin, the sight of a defensive weapon will not scare the daylights out of a rational, intelligent person.
If someone kills me on a trail, they're probably gonna do it while I'm sleeping or ambush me. I'll pack light and take my chances.
What are the stats of people being attacked, murdered, or robbed while hiking? Feeling safe and being safe can be two completely different things. Can you point me to any examples ("graveyards are full of people who "just felt perfectly safe" right before they died") as it regards hiking? I'm Canadian (and a gun owner) and used to work in the northern bush. Occasionally, if it was allowed, I would bring along a .22 for small game. However, for protection from wildlife, the occasional camp might have a bear gun but no-one ever carried unless they were in polar bear country. Then everyone or someone in the group had a rifle.
I would also add fishing pole/gear. On a trip where your setting a base camp and exploring, sure some fishing can be had. On a thruhike, very unlikely you'll want to spend any time fishing.
Leave all speakers at home. Quit ruining quiet.
going by the comments, another thing that a lot of hikers don't need is your opinion. haha.
Every time I have ever gone on a hike I have run into a bear. That kid killed in Alaska was killed by a black bear, and I know lots of others who have been stalked by black bears. Only a fool goes into bear country without bear spray.
your videos have great audio quality compared to most camping/hiking channels
Never opened my 1.5oz bottle of camp wash, or camp suds, or whatever it was. it just didn't seem important.
I usually end up finding Soap at a Hostel or Hotel when I really need to use it, so I leave it out of my pack set-up. Thanks for Watching!
Hike On,
Darwin
REI Snow stakes or the MSR stakes (Not the spade looking one) are probably one of the most versatile pieces of equipment you can have in your pack and are incredibly cheap. I usually bring 2 +whatever Im using for my tent or tarp. (I dont thru hike so these suggestions I think go for all outdoor recreationists)
(Thru Hiker stuff)
Works as a trowel
Works as a backup tent stake or a guyline stake or even a main stake.
Works as a camp brush (drag it sideways to clear away rocks etc)
Secure just about anything and have multiple holes to use as stop gaps for tying off equipment, keeping things secure in wind.
(Other recreation)
Fish tie off
Anchor line for a kayak
Trap/snare line stop
I think its one of the most underated tools you can have and can make life so much easier and quicker.
Great list, But gotta have a coffee cup. I made a cup out of a tall coke can with a rolled edge and added a reflects warmer, just couldn't see being without it on a hike. Mainly because I tend to prepare and eat my food in my Imusa cook pot, Boil all my water make coffee, add my grits or corn pudding to the pot and let it sit in it's reflects cozy while I enjoy my coffee. Makes me feel all fancy on the trail ;)..... and at 1.7 ounces, including the silicon wristband I use to keep from burning my lips, why not feel fancy.
I just use my 700 ml mug for coffee if I want it hot. However I have went Stoveless lately, so I just through a Instant Coffee Pack in my water bottle & hit the trail! Thanks for Watching!
Hike On,
Darwin
I think the point OllieW is making is that some folks like to have their coffee/whatevah along WITH the meal, not before, after, or stirred in. Yes, its a way to lighten the load, just like going stoveless is for some. It might cost more in lightening the fun(for me) than the weight saving adds. Very individual tradeoff. Ollie, I use a cut off water bottle, melt the edge with a lighter. Can be reused a few times after it get crushed.
I've also carried one extra container for coffee. Mine is a plastic Chinese takeout container without a lid. Weighs 0.5 oz and fits outside my pot. I do admit, though, it's not fancy, LOL.
Everybody needs at least one "comfort item", grams be damned. Coffee cup is really important to some, a thick sleeping pad to others, a fresh change of undies to still others. There's always somethin' that outweighs the weight.
The Gerber DIME is the best knife you need. Ultralight knife leatherman-style tool set, tiny tiny tiny. Stuff I left at home: my tiny rechargeable air pump; my Gerber knife/fork/spatula/multi-can opener set, traded it for a titanium spork; left my titanium tent stake hammer at home...that is it, I think.
"Bears are skittish and will always run away"....
Tell that to the guy who woke up to a black bear chewing on his sons head, last year on the AT.
If you’re thru hiking that 6 inch cat hole is at least a once a day job. Finding the right stick every morning and scratching out a hole is a lot more work than carrying a half ounce trowel that’s made for the job. Work smarter not harder.
ehh the gun part is meh.
not a bad idea to have a small 9mm or 38 special.
better have it an not need it then need it and not have it. only a few pounds.
Don't know why Darwin assumes a gun has to be huge, other than he doesn't actually know anything about the subject. As for, "Excuse me, Mr. Maniac, but I don't feel safe around you. I'll just leave now.." that works about as well as those "gun-free" signs like the one Darwin put up. There was a murder/attempted murder on the AT this year, and they weren't the first.
Problem with carrying a gun is that several states, like NY and NJ, you need their license to carry a gun, loaded or not.
If you must, AND THIS IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE, carry it well concealed. YMMV.
Nothing beats a trash bag hiker snob for a outdoor laugh. Don't get me wrong I really like Darwin's channel but the clueless better-than tho shows through at times.
Man I've gone on maybe 20 hikes and I've seen more than 5 bears. Watch Backcountry and you'll at least consider the possibility of bringing a gun haha
Something I just dropped from my setup: a portable sink (10 liter collapsible one from Sea to Summit). It just seems like more of a car camping luxury. Even if I were going out long enough to require washing, there are other ways that don't take up as much space and weight.
I will never be in the mountains without some kind of a firearm and if anyone thinks you can’t kill a mountain lion or a bear with a 9mm you have no idea what you’re talking about.
Very cool! I'm also using only the snow peak cup and MSR PR with 1 fuel canister for the 73 mile Sequoia to Whitney hike, just need to boil water for coffee and dinner. Great video on so many levels, thanks man!
5 lb gun ?? That's probably the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard.
I don't need to run really fast from a bear ... just faster than you.
Hey Darwin
I am a fan from Pakistan and I gotta agree, your videos are the best videos on hiking, camping and backpacking etc. Period. I had a lot of confusion and I definitely got impressed by idiots who pack the whole house for a hike. I learned a lot. Definitely when on a hike, people walk a lot and stay only a little, so why prepare a lot for the little stay and do not consider how a 100 liter pack gonna behave you while walking.
I think while talking about poop, you missed the pocket knife. A pocket knife can dig better than a stick or the pointy end of walking poles. Plus if you have a knife with wider blade, it can be just as efficient as a trowel. However, after watching a few videos of yours, I think sometimes you overkill. For example, the gun thing. Most of the people conceal the guns and that's why you did not see many. A gun is not a bad idea, considering the fact that people even get killed on trail (although very rarely).
Last thing, I'd love to invite you to Pakistan. Out of world's 8 biggest mountains, 5 are from Pakistan, and God knows I would love to see you making it to the K2 base camp or Baltoro glacier.
Cheers
Bilal Ahmed
Great advice on Hiking, some of those things I would think would be Must haves.. Like the trowel or bowl.. Bear Spray I would have thought would been a must have out west or up north. Other thing like a big knife or axe for cutting wood.. But really.. a small knife would be suffice..
As for the gun.. Most times.. no you won't need one.. But as for scaring people.. Once you educate yourself on guns.. They become MUCH MUCH less scary..
Plus Most people that carry a gun.. you won't ever see it.. They are made small and very light. I am licensed to Carry, Jobs of the past required me to.. and currently I deal with money on hand and am in places where robberies are pretty common often.. so.. I carry.. that being said.. Carrying on a hike to someone like me.. would be like carrying my wallet, I don't even think about it when I get dressed to leave.. and those I am with, usually never see it.. Unless they are into guns and the topic came up..
So my only point is.. they are not that scary and not heavy.
I am 60 yrs old and never once have I needed or wanted a gun
Here in Montana, Laura and I always take bear spray and a bear canister. I also like to put attach big jingle bell to one of my boots and, seriously, I call out "Hello, bear" when ever I come into an area with limited visibility.
Consider a North American Arms .22, 4.6 oz in weight. Yes, it's just a .22, but better than spray if there is wind. Might even be lighter than bear spray? Agreed that there is going to be minimal danger on the trail. I'm thinking of the random aggressive guy.
"the random aggressive guy." ???
My wife brought a MONSTER first aid kid on our SOBO thru-hike, and sent most of it home in Monson... she's a nurse, but quickly decided that she didn't need to bring a huge roll of gauze, 2 epi-pens, 2 pairs of scissors, several types of medicine (just in case someone else needed it) and a bunch of other stuff...
Great point about the trowel too. Personally, when I did try to use the trowel, the forest soil is so dense with roots that I could barely dig a decent size hole with that standard orange plastic trowel. Trekking poles worked better in my opinion.
I always carry a gun when hiking the back country trails. I think it would amaze a lot of folks if they knew how many guns are carried by them on the trails. There are some small framed hand guns that take up less space in your pocket than the modern cell phones.
Completely agree with this list. People always ask me how my pack is so small.....because I don't bring crap with me.....The only time I regret not bringing a saw or Axe is when I went ATV camping and a massive fallen tree was blocking our path....But that's not backpacking that's fourwheeling. Made a video about it too if any one is interested.
It's cool that Darwin changed his stance on the trowel.
"don't bring a gun".. 😂 Welcome to the infantry. Care to carry a 27 lb machine gun?
I always carry a small Clock 43 (with 7 rounds) at around 21 ounces. Carrying a 25 lb pack and a 21 ounce gun is a LOT lighter than 60 lbs of body armor, ammo, weapon, plus a pack with gear. Heck, our sleeping backs alone run you close to 10 lbs.
Anyway, sure, it is highly unlikely to need a gun on trail. More crazy people at the bar than on trail. Animals are not likely to mess with you and can be better handled than shooting at with a 9 mm. But unless you've carried one for years, it's hard to tell how naked you feel without one. Plus I have a bad habit of leaving the trail and going off into wilder places. I've made a few too many risky crossings and climbs where a slip would be bad news. So the pistol could be used as a signal device if needed. With 7 rounds, plus a backup magazine of 6, that's 4 signals. Figure to do this every hour or two hours, and using a whistle as well, one might be able to draw in others to find you.
Plus, once you get off trail you're entering the world of people again. And they're worse than any animal or cliff.
Humpin that 240 ... ahhh the memories
I am not currently a hiker, but if and when I do, I carry a small Glock 43 as well, and it doesn't add much weight. No one would ever see the gun, so the idea of scaring other hikers is not a reality.
Ugh... Yes those were the days...!!!
Why not wear a wrist watch if you are going to carry a small clock ;)
ba dum tis
You mean I don't need a machete, a hatchet and a Bowie knife? Seriously, don't forget the oreos.
bear spray is required in alaska
Yet an air horn is more effective.
@@RideWithRen You've clearly never seen many bears
@@twomstone_17 Seen plenty in the Alaskan interior. I always carry bear spray and at close range it's effective. When you see them from a distance an air horn does a great job of keeping them away. I learned that from a friend who's been living in Fairbanks since the early 70s and who's an avid outdoorsman there.
@@RideWithRen if it's a shy bear not used to humans that may be the case, but that bear wasn't an issue to begin with if an air horn works. I grew up in a small mining town in northwestern Ontario. We literally had black bears wander the streets at night or in people's backyards constantly. You can make loud noise with your voice or a 1oz whistle, can't improvise bear spray. During bluff charges or when they get close and are used to seeing people (like many on these popular trails) an air horn won't do anything.
A gun doesn't weigh 5 pounds. A small .380, .22 or even a 9mm can weigh under a pound, even with a full magazine. I carry when I hike, and it has never been a problem or scared anyone, mostly because I have it where they can't see it.
LCP, baybee!