5 Backpacking Skills You Should Know

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  • Опубликовано: 21 янв 2025

Комментарии • 139

  • @panhandlejake6200
    @panhandlejake6200 2 года назад +37

    One skill that no one talks about is just how to walk the trail. Most hikers I observe are frequently tripping over common obstacles (tree roots, rocks, etc) - which do often lead to potentially harmful falls and it saps energy. First, learn to just pick up your feet and be a little careful with foot placement on each step. Second, I use trekking poles and I place them near those obstacles as I walk so that the pole acts as a bit of a fence. I rarely stumble or trip. In addition, I see people stepping on top of many of these objects which neeedlesly raises their full body + pack weight - like climbing an extra set of stairs every quarter to half mile. Save energy by just stepping over low rises or troughs. And please practice leave no trace by STAYING on trail even if it looks a little difficult - keeps our precious lands more natural.

    • @traxxas328
      @traxxas328 2 месяца назад

      You’re trying to teach common sense from what it sounds like, which isn’t able to be taught in most cases haha

  • @ms.chelel8527
    @ms.chelel8527 3 года назад +13

    Safety pin :-) that's what we call that thing you use to prick the blister with. Great video

  • @Stoney_AKA_James
    @Stoney_AKA_James 3 года назад +19

    Good video Eric, I would also recommend BSA Merit Badge pamphlets for learning new skills especially for beginner backpackers.
    I use them as handouts in my classes, they are written to be easily understood and have great pictures and photos.
    Backpacking, navigation, first aid, survival, knot tying, etc. are just a few examples!

    • @BackpackingTV
      @BackpackingTV  3 года назад

      Yes that's a great idea! Helpful ideas for newer backpackers.

    • @scout06171
      @scout06171 2 года назад

      What a fantastic idea. I didn’t know the BSA still taught those skills.

  • @RealBoiJare
    @RealBoiJare Год назад +1

    Shout out to my Grade 10 geography teacher, Mr. Sweatman. He taught me how to properly use a compass to navigate precisely as well as how to read maps, as you mentioned. He’s a military guy and was really passionate about it all and even took us on adventures outside to learn

  • @exploringquests
    @exploringquests 3 года назад +28

    Hey Eric, those are great tips! You probably don’t remember, but you are the one that got me into backpacking a little over a year ago. I wanted to Thank You for draining THOUSANDS of dollars out of my account! Lol I chose to buy good gear from the start and it has been great! You also talked me into Mystery Ranch packs. I actually bought the Sphinx, which you showed on this video. It’s been a great pack! Some people will go on and on about how heavy it is, but I think it’s worth the weight to have a bombproof pack. They also say the same thing about the Grayl purifier, but I Love mine as well. I’m getting ready to spend a week doing the Capitol Creek to Haystack Mountain Loop in Colorado Rockies at the end of August. I figured I better learn how to use a compass and read a topo map. I will feel much more comfortable knowing how to do this…just in case. I am carrying a huge Anker charger, but you just never know what will happen. It will be my first backpacking trip in the high mountains, and I can’t wait! Thanks again for all of your helpful videos and once again, this is a great video that every new backpacker should watch!

    • @BackpackingTV
      @BackpackingTV  3 года назад +10

      Wow thank you! And sorry about your bank account. I need to put a disclaimer on my videos I guess! 😂

    • @exploringquests
      @exploringquests 3 года назад +1

      @@BackpackingTV 🤣🤣🤣

    • @traxxas328
      @traxxas328 2 месяца назад

      As stated by @GruntProof himself if you are complaining about the weight of your pack, get stronger.

    • @traxxas328
      @traxxas328 2 месяца назад

      PS I’m the same way, I enjoy knowing that my gear is a little more durable even if it’s a little heavy. I don’t have to be as careful and can focus more on enjoying what’s around me. Plus with a pack, I’d rather be able to throw the pack away from me if need, watch it tumble down a hill, hit a tree still be in one piece. Certain things can be ultra light and make sense, other things need to be a little more sturdy IMO

  • @philsmith2444
    @philsmith2444 Год назад +1

    A recommendation for blisters - use StrengthTape or Leukotape to cover hotspots. Benzoin tincture painted on the blister area will keep the tape from pulling off for a couple days. Round off the corners to help keep your sock from peeling the tape up. If you’re blister prone you might want to apply tape before you head out.
    If you already have a blister, cut a piece of something for padding - gauze pad, piece of CCF sleeping pad, etc - and tape it TIGHTLY over the blister. The foam is also handy to make that protective donut around the blister, which you can then cover with gauze and tape. Then use the StrengthTape and benzoin tincture to hold it in place. Use 2 or more pieces of tape if you have to.

  • @kevinkinzer8164
    @kevinkinzer8164 3 года назад +6

    Eric, I am an experienced backpacker but I still watch your videos because you explain things so well! I sure wish you were available when I started out. Very good tips and very well covered! Experience is the best reference honestly. Just get out there and figure out what works and doesn’t. Take care!

    • @BackpackingTV
      @BackpackingTV  3 года назад +1

      Thanks Kevin, you're too kind! We're all still learning, myself included!

  • @HN76HikeSee
    @HN76HikeSee 3 года назад +3

    Great advice, and on a positive the skills and lessons weigh nothing and take up no space in your pack!

  • @OldNavajoTricks
    @OldNavajoTricks 2 года назад

    10l collapsible sink and a usb powered aquaruim bubbler makes a nice footspa for those achy foot days, drop of teatree oil in some warmed water and you're living the dream 🤘

  • @kevywilliams3304
    @kevywilliams3304 Год назад

    The coat is amazing !!!! I think it’s important to mention the temp of the water … don’t take cold or icy water in your pack… carry room temp . It’s not good for your back or the things along side the bottle in the bag… you also hydrate a lot faster with warm water .

  • @kennethstarr5545
    @kennethstarr5545 3 года назад +4

    Ever since I started wearing Darn Tough I’ve never had a blister.
    Before I would preemptively place leukotape on my heels. Sometimes I don’t feel hotspots, like I said, I don’t get blisters, and I end up with a lot worse. Hence, prophylactic leukotape.
    Safety pins are best used to hold an airway open. But I carry at least four.

    • @mtpstv94
      @mtpstv94 3 года назад

      Problem is that your feet stink to high heaven. Wool will turn a foot that never noticeably smells into the Bog of Eternal Stench.

    • @lanecountybigfooters5716
      @lanecountybigfooters5716 2 года назад

      Love Darn Tough socks AND love leukotape!

    • @philsmith2444
      @philsmith2444 Год назад

      @@mtpstv94 It depends on the person. I wear 2 pairs of Darn Tough for a week at work, alternating days. Even in 800g Thinsulate boots my feet don’t stink. On trail my sleeping socks become my trail socks the next day, and my trail socks get aired out overnight and become my sleeping socks next night. Even with leather GTX boots my feet don’t smell too bad.

  • @minimalenpumpalion6686
    @minimalenpumpalion6686 2 месяца назад

    thanks man for sharing useful information

  • @lynntfuzz
    @lynntfuzz 3 года назад +1

    I love your videos and how you explain things. Thank you!!!

    • @BackpackingTV
      @BackpackingTV  3 года назад

      Thank you so much! Glad they are helpful

  • @batwithglasses
    @batwithglasses 3 года назад +6

    All excellent points Eric!..
    I hereby make you an honorary Canadian for all the effort you put into these videos to promote the great outdoors!⛺🏔🗻🌲
    Cheers bud!

    • @BackpackingTV
      @BackpackingTV  3 года назад +2

      Aww thank you so much! Question, does that mean I need to wear more flannel?

    • @batwithglasses
      @batwithglasses 3 года назад +2

      @@BackpackingTV But of course!...flannel shirt and jeans or the Canadian tuxedo as we call it 😁

    • @m.filion7081
      @m.filion7081 2 года назад

      @@BackpackingTV here's my only tip for beginners .... pure Canadians always backpack with pure maple syrup in their backpack so always backpack along with a friendly Canadian!! Maple syrup surely can't fix a blister but it surely makes your morning camping crepes much better!! Bon Appétit!!

  • @awesomeagnihotrisvlog
    @awesomeagnihotrisvlog 3 года назад

    Hi there totally love your videos…could you please do a video on how to choose hiking shoes please…thanks and namaste from india🙌

    • @BackpackingTV
      @BackpackingTV  3 года назад

      Hey there! I do have a video on coding footwear. But I could probably do an updated one. Thanks for your input!

    • @awesomeagnihotrisvlog
      @awesomeagnihotrisvlog 3 года назад

      @@BackpackingTV Thanks a ton …😻🙌

  • @ScottValler
    @ScottValler 3 года назад +1

    Excellent introduction. For the first few times, go with what you have, consider staying within an easy walk of your car, and see how it goes. We all learn through doing, so go put the knowledge to use in a safe and easy way and see how it goes. Then, learn, adapt, and try again.

    • @BackpackingTV
      @BackpackingTV  3 года назад

      Thanks Scott! I like your approach for beginners. Great ideas!

  • @GruntProof
    @GruntProof 2 года назад

    Outstanding!

  • @robertsimpson6324
    @robertsimpson6324 3 года назад +1

    Essential spare socks 3pairs stop a lot of blisters if changed couple of times a day especially in Australia great vid

    • @BackpackingTV
      @BackpackingTV  3 года назад

      Changing out socks is great blister avoidance!

  • @jacklaporte472
    @jacklaporte472 2 года назад

    New Sub. Getting caught up on back content. Man am I glad that I’ve stumbled across your channel!

  • @leonardspetstop
    @leonardspetstop 3 года назад

    I'm gradually getting things together and getting out hiking with a backpack in tow and your videos have been very useful to me. So, thank you. I definitely have to get an actual backpacking backpack soon, because the rigged up ways I'm making regular bags work is going to be the death of my already bad back, but it hasn't been a terrible overall experience, and has helped me to be able to test the waters on if backpacking is for me or not before investing too much more money. Thanks again for all the great, educational, and useful content you put out on this channel.

    • @BackpackingTV
      @BackpackingTV  3 года назад +1

      Thanks so much Nickie! I can't wait for you to get a nice backpacking backpack, it'll make such a huge difference for your back and your enjoyment! But way to get after it and test if you want to invest in this!

    • @leonardspetstop
      @leonardspetstop 3 года назад

      @@BackpackingTV you're welcome 😁. Thank you for the reply and the compliment, as well.

  • @andrespuiggros
    @andrespuiggros 3 года назад

    Grst tips, crystal clear!! Great work! Cheers from Chile

    • @BackpackingTV
      @BackpackingTV  3 года назад

      Thank you so much! Me encanta Chile, disfruta!

  • @monkeymox2544
    @monkeymox2544 2 года назад +2

    How good is the grayl if hiking in an agricultural area? I've always been perfectly happy using normal filters or chemical treatment when in unimproved hilly and mountainous areas, but I worry about fertilisers, pesticides etc when on or near farmland.

  • @garyprice8330
    @garyprice8330 2 года назад

    Great show very informative and key points

  • @robz4825
    @robz4825 Год назад

    Awesome video. Thanks

  • @ldavis4428
    @ldavis4428 3 года назад

    I got a blister on one big toe, finding it at end of trip. Whew! Got a blister starting on other big toe on my next trip. Grit in socks also started an abrasion on another toe. I put a silicone toe cap on each "owie" toe for daytime fun and removed/washed at bedtime. Also brought blister bandaids, but the y weren't needed. Toe caps also provided some cushioning at some of my toenails.

    • @BackpackingTV
      @BackpackingTV  3 года назад +1

      Toe caps, that's a new one to me. Where do you get them? Sounds like a cool idea.

    • @ldavis4428
      @ldavis4428 3 года назад

      @@BackpackingTV Amazon. I found a thickness and diameter that worked well for me. :)

    • @ldavis4428
      @ldavis4428 3 года назад

      @@BackpackingTV www.amazon.com/s?k=silicone+toe+caps+toe+protectors&sprefix=silicone+toe+caps&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_3_17

  • @rsilver04
    @rsilver04 Год назад

    I’m looking for a really good backpack. style is also something I’m interested in I’d like the Terraframe 50 and one of your other videos on how to pack a backpack. I’m not sure if that’s going to be big enough the black one. i’m looking for one for survival. Worst case scenario like a bug out bag. World is coming to an end, how many cubic inches or liters should I look into?
    20:29

  • @dgdavis1600
    @dgdavis1600 2 года назад

    10:16 In my area an item like that would be referred to as a “chingaletta”.

  • @renemedina8026
    @renemedina8026 2 года назад

    I love backpacking thanks 😊 dude

  • @dariuszdabrowski5537
    @dariuszdabrowski5537 2 года назад

    11:10 In Poland, we call it Agrafka

  • @mr_digdeeper
    @mr_digdeeper Год назад

    do you have a video of what should be in a backpack left in the trunk of your car in case SHTF while driving or you break down in the middle of no where?

  • @feliperivas3814
    @feliperivas3814 3 года назад

    Fantastic video!

  • @4tdaz
    @4tdaz 2 года назад

    I think the implied 6th skill is get gradual experience once youve done the planning. Like any new thing there is a wealth of knowledge to learn about yourself in the environment. Learning what yourself needs is only really understood "out there". Start small to mitigate fears and risks and go with at least one other person. All that will hopefully maximize the rewards. Ideally the other person will come with experience. You'll learn what you need to take care of better the next time, you'll learn what excites you about backpacking. You'll gain investment and hopefully motivation for the next one.

  • @ankushkaul5092
    @ankushkaul5092 Год назад

    Don't see any links to the videos mentioned 😐

  • @treklinda1309
    @treklinda1309 3 года назад

    Very good tips!

  • @renza481
    @renza481 3 года назад

    Eric thank you for all the tips and tricks. Next week doing my first backpack trip. Maybe a good idea is have a small tube off tigerbalm and footcream. Greetings from the Netherlands ;-)

    • @BackpackingTV
      @BackpackingTV  3 года назад +1

      Heck yeah! Good luck on your trip! And yes, balms and footcreams are clutch!

    • @lanecountybigfooters5716
      @lanecountybigfooters5716 2 года назад

      Tigerbalm really smells - if you have bears, that's a problem. Take something unscented.

  • @InfamousMS
    @InfamousMS 3 года назад

    Great content and channel - thank you!

  • @timmo971
    @timmo971 7 месяцев назад

    I still think the ability to light a fire when everything goes south is still the one key skill. You can argue that’s bushcraft and not hiking but it’s in the level of having a blister kit ready.

  • @jameswalkup4299
    @jameswalkup4299 Год назад

    What if I need to carry approximately 15 Liters of water in one trip ? Yes approximately 4 gallons for a 2 night trip out to Big Bend National Park ? What ia the best way to carry such a large quantity of water along with all the backpacking essentials ?

  • @naifnaser4924
    @naifnaser4924 3 года назад

    Wow the video is so good !!

  • @christophercalabrese9257
    @christophercalabrese9257 3 года назад

    I use a pre wrap with medical tape that has worked well for me with blisters in the past.

  • @markperry4474
    @markperry4474 3 года назад +1

    Great tips, except for some of the information on water treatment. The video suggests that you can bring water to the boil and let it cool. The water should be boiled for a few minutes to kill all the the pathogens. I have seen 2 or even 3 minutes suggested, and for altitudes over 6000 ft (because the boiling point is lower) I have even seen 5 minutes suggested.
    One more small thing, the Grayl is not a water filter, it is a water purifier which is a more sophisticated bit of kit than a filter. The Grayl also filters out most viruses and heavy metals too.

    • @BackpackingTV
      @BackpackingTV  3 года назад +1

      As I understand it, bacteria and protozoa can't survive in boiling water. Once it achieves boil, mission accomplished. Extra boiling is just using extra fuel. But I suppose it could be a good precaution at high elevations. And yes on the grayl! I've made that filter/purifier distinction elsewhere.

  • @PixieDuster1234
    @PixieDuster1234 3 года назад +1

    It's called a safety pin and thank you for the tips. :)

  • @p.richter9592
    @p.richter9592 3 года назад

    To deal with blisters, If I've already got them, I use Compeed blister plasters. Compeed is a lifesaver, and works incredible well. Try it, you will not be disappointed.
    If you don't have a dedicated water filtration system, and depends on boiling water, you should as a general rule get rid of sediments in the water before drinking it. Sediments can upset your stomack, or cause irritation. Dependent on what the sediments consists of, sediments could also be harmful in a number of ways, so best get rid of it. One of the ways to do that is with a "Brown filter bag" or "Millbank bag". You can use this bag to filter out sediments before you boil the water, or use a steripen, and get rid of the sediments all together. And of course it's also much more pleasant to drink clear water. My choice though, would be the Guardian filter that you're using. From what I understand, it's a pretty bomb proof system. Only thing it's extremely expensive in Norway ($ 665), and I haven't been willing to spend that kind of money on a filter yet. Hopefully I will get a good deal in the future.

    • @BackpackingTV
      @BackpackingTV  3 года назад

      I gotta try that blister stuff! Sounds perfect. As for the water, I'm not a big fan of Steripen because it doesn't remove anything from the water, just neutralizes them ( hopefully). Guardian is the best system I've used but it's quite expensive and is not compact.

  • @najzain
    @najzain 2 года назад

    I tend to get dehydrated even though I carry 5L of water. Can you give any tips on staying hydrated? Should I carry water or add electrolytes?

    • @RealBoiJare
      @RealBoiJare Год назад

      5L over how long of a time span? Knowing a way to get more clean water on the trail is also key. Also, hydrate well before leaving on a trip

  • @GratefulTrekker
    @GratefulTrekker 3 года назад

    Foot care is so vital

    • @BackpackingTV
      @BackpackingTV  3 года назад +1

      Footcare: the sole of backpacking ;)

    • @GratefulTrekker
      @GratefulTrekker 3 года назад

      @@BackpackingTV I backpack a lot and have skin graphtings on both of my feet from 3rd degree burns it's everything to me!

  • @notnamed2222
    @notnamed2222 3 года назад

    What is the name of that place in the thumbnail?

  • @henrybowden9907
    @henrybowden9907 2 года назад

    Great advice except for the 'boiling water' bit - water should be kept at a rolling boil for at least 5 minutes at sea level and even longer at altitude.

    • @BackpackingTV
      @BackpackingTV  2 года назад

      I’d love to know if I’m wrong on that one. But that’s what one of the engineers of a water filtration company told me and said the 5 minute boil was not necessary. However I’d rather be safe than sorry!

  • @Ali_ReBORN
    @Ali_ReBORN 2 года назад

    That’s a safety pin 🧷 Sir 😊

  • @kokopelau6954
    @kokopelau6954 3 года назад

    Can you spell safety pin?

  • @NoOne-yt6yf
    @NoOne-yt6yf 3 года назад

    I see you're going to the Escalante.

    • @BackpackingTV
      @BackpackingTV  3 года назад

      Escalante is one of my favorite spots!

  • @travel3602
    @travel3602 2 года назад

    Hi mate sorry to comment on your video just wondering how you did your channel art and profile photo As I am a new Vlog channel just started out on RUclips I would like to make my channel a bit more attractive to my viewers

  • @rockytopwrangler2069
    @rockytopwrangler2069 2 года назад

    ... Good video ... what is it ?? ... it's hell to get old .....lol..
    ... Don't rely on high tech 100% in the backcountry ... Always have a compass and quality topo map of the are you will be in ..... Most newer Nat. Geo. maps and similar designs are current and well marked i.e.,, elevations ,structures of interest .. unless you are bushwacking an area with NO trail ... you really don't need a compass ,, but after stopping and setting up camp gives something to do just to get oriented with your location ,, and a great time to teach new hikers ,,young and old ,, the how-tos' of map and compass ..

  • @kevywilliams3304
    @kevywilliams3304 Год назад

    Add 2 Tbs spoons of baking soda to your medical kit … instant disinfectant with or without water ;)

  • @jeanmcgahey1143
    @jeanmcgahey1143 2 года назад

    Thanks for the tips. What's the guideline weight for a 72 kg woman to carry comfortably?

    • @RealBoiJare
      @RealBoiJare Год назад

      Around 14-15 kg. Maybe a bit more. But less is better

  • @AndreFavron
    @AndreFavron 2 года назад

    LOL - "Safety pin" ;P🙃

  • @davidburchettephotography6513
    @davidburchettephotography6513 3 года назад +3

    Safety pin

  • @gamblor1982
    @gamblor1982 3 года назад +3

    It’s called a safety pin

    • @BackpackingTV
      @BackpackingTV  3 года назад

      facepalm. Thanks!

    • @11FreeSpeech
      @11FreeSpeech 3 года назад

      @@BackpackingTV And you need to sterilize the safety pin with a lighter or alcohol before you pop the blister.

  • @iamdew
    @iamdew 2 года назад

    11:20 a pin?

  • @Eric12358
    @Eric12358 Год назад

    safety pin!

  • @AnetteChristiansen
    @AnetteChristiansen 3 года назад

    *shouts to screen* Safety Pin!! ( should probably reevaluate how i spend my Saturday evenings..)

    • @BackpackingTV
      @BackpackingTV  3 года назад

      Sounds like a perfectly acceptable way to spend a Saturday! And you're not alone with the safety pin remark 🤦

  • @josefcarnap7214
    @josefcarnap7214 Год назад

    Its a safety pin.

  • @gusjackson1172
    @gusjackson1172 2 года назад

    Saftey Pin!

  • @TheBackpacker1974
    @TheBackpacker1974 11 месяцев назад

    Never use mole skin..luco and slick runners tape. White paper medical tape

    • @pinchpeak5203
      @pinchpeak5203 9 месяцев назад

      I've been watching this guys videos and he gives a lot of subpar advice

  • @iecrime
    @iecrime 2 года назад

    Safety pin. :)

  • @endingalaporte
    @endingalaporte 2 года назад

    these are "products" more then skills as said in title

  • @joymccann8303
    @joymccann8303 2 года назад

    Safety pin.

  • @pennyburgess9706
    @pennyburgess9706 3 года назад

    Dhoes

  • @desmondyaxley6795
    @desmondyaxley6795 3 года назад

    Lol packing an art form. Lol

  • @TOMinPDX
    @TOMinPDX 2 года назад

    Americans are so strange about measurements. They refuse to go metric yet will tell you that water weighs over 2lbs per liter. Pounds and liters in the same sentence, it just doesn't make sense.

    • @BackpackingTV
      @BackpackingTV  2 года назад +1

      Making sense is not something Americans excel at.

    • @TOMinPDX
      @TOMinPDX 2 года назад

      @@BackpackingTV @BackpackingTV Ha! I live here, Portland, OR but am from UK so very acquainted with you Americans. I got into making espresso at home and in online forums Americans measured their coffee beans by the gram and the resulting weight of the poured coffee by the ounce! Truly nonsensical. 😂
      Anyway I'm a recent subscriber & love the channel. Cheers! 👍

  • @patrickoneill6821
    @patrickoneill6821 3 года назад

    Diaper pin

  • @fuggoff5277
    @fuggoff5277 3 года назад

    Halluzinogenia Magic Mushrooms

  • @sketch334
    @sketch334 3 года назад

    I thought only women have alot of shoes.

    • @BackpackingTV
      @BackpackingTV  3 года назад

      Oh man, I've got tons!

    • @sketch334
      @sketch334 3 года назад

      @@BackpackingTV Is it true that you are better off just using sneakers then high priced boots?

  • @troylynch9749
    @troylynch9749 Год назад

    It's called a safety pin