Thank you for this info! I subscribed because I’m really excited to start hiking longer trips and start back packing. Can you make suggestions for safety for solo women? I just got my first pack and will be doing my first trip alone.
I hate to say it, but my best and only advice for safe, solo backpacking for women is - "Don't." Especially if you live on the east coast. Always take a buddy to be safe. It's not the 4-legged creatures which would be your concern. For the most part, they leave people alone.
I recently have been wanting to start backpacking and i have been doing my research on it for all the things i need. I think the thing that's holding me back from starting is probably the price point of everything.. i very much want to spend the money on getting the best thing instead of getting something just to have it and for it to not hold up and end up spending more than if i were to just save and get that top tier item 😅 This video has been very helpful and fun to watch! 😊
Definitely don't skimp on your sleeping system or your tent, but I'm a big fan of the Teton Sports backpacks. You can get their 65L pack for under $90! I have a video on that pack.
I'm in a similar boat, having just started camping in April. One problem you'll find is that everyone had a different opinion on what "the best" is. I already own three different tents, only to have recently discovered that I'm a hammock guy. Kind of glad that I didn't drop big money on those tents. Of course I also have a couple sleeping pads that I don't use anymore either, instead I use quilts (underquilt and top quilt). It turns out that I also prefer alcohol stoves over isobutane, but I have a nice expensive isobutane stove too. I guess my point is, I can't recommend going fancy until your *experience* tells you that you want that fancy thing. The one thing the video didn't mention that I find valuable: keep a light change of clothes (shirts and T-shirt) and comfy driving shoes in the car. Even if the trip gets rained out and you're covered in sweat and mud, something that simple makes the drive back home much better.
I haven't been backpacking yet. I have hiked all day but it's been an out and back. I want to try a thru hike . What keeps me from doing it is that I am afraid of sleeping outdoors all night in the woods. Not a spring chicken. Colorado Girl.
The best advice would be to find a buddy you can go with. I can certainly understand the apprehension about going into the woods alone for an overnight trip. I have an overactive imagination which I have to keep at bay on almost every solo backpacking trip I go on (and almost all of my trips are solo). 😂
The sleeping pad is an integral part of your sleep system and can be critical in getting your insulation levels right! I actually have 2 - a “3-season” pad and a winter pad. I would rather forget my quilt than my pad!
Thank you for this info! I subscribed because I’m really excited to start hiking longer trips and start back packing. Can you make suggestions for safety for solo women? I just got my first pack and will be doing my first trip alone.
I hate to say it, but my best and only advice for safe, solo backpacking for women is - "Don't."
Especially if you live on the east coast.
Always take a buddy to be safe. It's not the 4-legged creatures which would be your concern. For the most part, they leave people alone.
I recently have been wanting to start backpacking and i have been doing my research on it for all the things i need. I think the thing that's holding me back from starting is probably the price point of everything.. i very much want to spend the money on getting the best thing instead of getting something just to have it and for it to not hold up and end up spending more than if i were to just save and get that top tier item 😅
This video has been very helpful and fun to watch! 😊
Definitely don't skimp on your sleeping system or your tent, but I'm a big fan of the Teton Sports backpacks. You can get their 65L pack for under $90! I have a video on that pack.
I'm in a similar boat, having just started camping in April. One problem you'll find is that everyone had a different opinion on what "the best" is. I already own three different tents, only to have recently discovered that I'm a hammock guy. Kind of glad that I didn't drop big money on those tents.
Of course I also have a couple sleeping pads that I don't use anymore either, instead I use quilts (underquilt and top quilt). It turns out that I also prefer alcohol stoves over isobutane, but I have a nice expensive isobutane stove too.
I guess my point is, I can't recommend going fancy until your *experience* tells you that you want that fancy thing.
The one thing the video didn't mention that I find valuable: keep a light change of clothes (shirts and T-shirt) and comfy driving shoes in the car. Even if the trip gets rained out and you're covered in sweat and mud, something that simple makes the drive back home much better.
I haven't been backpacking yet. I have hiked all day but it's been an out and back. I want to try a thru hike . What keeps me from doing it is that I am afraid of sleeping outdoors all night in the woods. Not a spring chicken. Colorado Girl.
The best advice would be to find a buddy you can go with. I can certainly understand the apprehension about going into the woods alone for an overnight trip. I have an overactive imagination which I have to keep at bay on almost every solo backpacking trip I go on (and almost all of my trips are solo).
😂
The sleeping pad is an integral part of your sleep system and can be critical in getting your insulation levels right! I actually have 2 - a “3-season” pad and a winter pad. I would rather forget my quilt than my pad!
I am a beginner & WG make what was bewildering seem very doable.
That's so encouraging!
Thank you!
While watching video, early on I thought, I hope that he mentions carrying a headnet, becuz them skeeters are eating him alive.
They were definitely bad!!