If I was a BEGINNER BACKPACKER Today, THIS is What I Would Do Differently

Backpackers! Make sure you use a Packing List for EVERY backpacking trip you go on so that you reduce the chances of forgetting to pack something for your trip. I created a Backpacking Gear Packing list for you to use when planning your next trip. Click here to get my Backpacking Gear Packing List FREE: bit.ly/3TUMaBK

"I should take this in case this happens" "Don't pack my fears" is my motto these days.

Wouldn't it be cool if occasional hikers/backpackers could "check out" or "Rent" a satellite SOS device from their local library, sheriff's office, AAA, or the park's visitor center. While renting, they could fill out the emergency information, confirm contact with their emergency contact person, and opt in/out of 30 days of travel insurance and annual airlift insurance for that area of the country.

99.99% of the people that say you should never backpack alone have never gone backpacking themselves.

Biggest mistake I made thus far was taking food based off weight to calorie ratio. Not anymore. Ill take heavier food if it means I enjoy the meal. And im also testing food in the comfort of my home. I just set up my cook set up in my kitchen. This way I can iron out the issues. Lots of great advice

Packed my bag 3 times last night.....watched your video and now im dumping it all back out to re-pack, Thanks!

I seriously love dehydrating my own backpacking meals! Using the backcountry foodie has been a game changer. Having homemade food out on trail is such a big comfort for me.

"Don't buy gear just because you saw it on YouTube." Best advice ever! I love how truly genuine and authentic you are. Gear is expensive and running out to buy the newest stuff just because you saw it on YouTube or Instagram could lead to a needlessly expensive proposition.

I just bought my pack tonight! I’m taking my first backpacking trip in May and solo. It’s people like you that encouraged and empowered me to take the plunge! 🎉❤

Don’t forget to make a physical fitness goal before your adventure and keep a warmup/stretching routine cheat sheet handy

I served in the Marine Corps as infantry. When we go hiking we carry light loads with only items we need. We call it ratfu..king. Its process of discarding everything we don’t need down to plastic wrapper, paper cardboards, extra crap, but we always top off water. For food, we take MRE which are pretty light and has own heater. We never carry things we don’t need. Once I became civilian and watch people carry stoves, gas, foods galore with a huge backpack and weight made me giggle.

I love hiking and sleeping out in nature, and you're right! No one really shares my enthusiasm for it, so you have to make the choice: wait for the few trips you can convince someone to go with you, or go and have your own adventure! Like you my solo trips been a really good experience for me. Being a husky guy it wasn't as scary for me, so hats off to you for getting out there, great video

I've watched your channel for a while and this July at age 66 is my first ever 2 night 3 day back packing trip on Vancouver Island with 3 other ladies. I'm using almost all borrowed gear and already I have people telling me my pack is not big enough. It's 30L. It's only 3 days. I don't think you can make a mistake if you have the essentials. Love this video. Thank you for sharing

I've been backpacking (and many sorts of outdoor activities) for more than 2 decades, I try to be as minimal as I can be depending on where I'm going, and yeah, lessons are still coming in. What you shared, I've also been doing, but it also took me some time to realize many things, with many times by trial and error, but I guess that's how things are nowadays with so much tech and info out there. But as for the good practices, experience is sometimes a tough teacher and having people like you share your experiences for others, is definitely a gold mine for learning. Thanks for the vid and kudos to your outdoor journeys!

A lot depends upon your climate…in the desert my water reservoir is my #1 go-to … there are often no additional water procurement places, so I would always want more water than necessary …. I find a small tarp to spread out on the ground to be nice to cover the rocks and stickers, etc. when hanging out. Also I would be bereft without the ability to write and journal…. Finally where are your binoculars? Oh my one of my #1 priorities…just because I can see so much more! The birds, the trail ahead, the wildlife…. Thanks for the video—I enjoyed it and learned some things—especially the idea of practicing packing rather than shoving everything in to figure out later lol…. 😊

I guess I’m a pre-Beginner Backpacker…gathering my gear but haven’t actually gone yet! This encouraged me so much! I’m going to buy the tent and set a date! 😁

How much water (and electrolytes) depends on where you hike, how much you sweat, use for your needs, and distance between sources (if reliable). You really have to learn what you need. Desert Southwest, where there is often 10+ miles between sources, with sunexposure, decent ascents per mile, means I carry more, including my electrolytes.

I'll be going on my first backpacking trip in May. Its going to be 3 day trip, and I'll be going alone. Most people are trying to convince me not to go alone, and they want me to find someone to go with me. But theirs no one who can nor wants to do this, so I've held firm that I'll be going. Alone.

I've learned to carry an extra device charging cable and to keep it in a super safe place where it won't be damaged during pack loading. I destroyed mine on a trip and had to backtrack many miles to the nearest town. Bummer.

My biggest packing errors are always “emergency items” I almost never use. That said, the times the survival stuff was needed, I was grateful. I try to train for each outing so that my “extras” don’t weigh me down.