I always buy cheap first when trying new things. That way if I decide I don't enjoy it I didn't blow a bunch of money to discover that. lol I do try to research good budget options though.
I just bought my third. I had a giant one, and a smallish one, and just bought a goldilocks to fill in the middle. Haven't used it yet, but am hopeful that's all I'll ever need for the rest of my life. You hear that, Future Me? THAT'S ALL YOU NEED!
Haha, since 2012... I've bought 6 backpacks within the last 1.5 years! At first I thought that it would be wise to have a single "one-fits-most-situations" 45 liter pack.. Then proceeded to buy another five
I listened to you, and first, I got my tent. Then, my sleep system. I even bought those things according to your guidelines. I paid attention to material, R-Values, EN Ratings, weight, etc. Then I got my backpack. A 45 litre Exped, weights only 1kg. I did many camping trips but I always somehow used borrowed items. Now, in about three weeks, I am off to Appenzell Innerrhoden for a solo multi-day camping trip and I really can't wait to test all my stuff.
I always say that the first purchase you need to make is your sleep system to know what will fit in your tent, then the tent and finally the the backpack.
I laughed at your buddy carrying the grill grate. My wife carried like 48 pounds of fruits and meats for our first one night backpacking trip 😂 ..... you know, in case we needed it for survival!!
I started at age 11 with a canvas Trapper Nelson on a wood frame borrowed from a neighbor, with a $1 plastic tarp and a cotton canvas kapok sleeping bag, and i had the best time of my life. Everything since has been lighter and more comfortable, but the magic of that initial introduction to adventure in 1965 has never faded.
Save money by using Roman candles for animal protection if you don’t carry a gun. Bear spray cost between 30-60$. I can get a 10ball candle for 5 bucks. If I hear a noise at night I just aim in the general area and most critters will book.
I was a day hiker till Dec 2022... did a huge amount of research n testing in back yard wisconsin after starting to invest in gear. First trip was Porcupine Mountains in Jan 2023!! Testing/practice is something I reLly believe in. Day hike with osprey 65, winter backpacking with mountain hardwear amg 105 😄
Hey Dan, agree with you 100%. The first thing I bought was a backpack, bought it on a recomendation from a UA-camr who had hiked the AT. Didn't realize he was an ultraliter, proceded to buy gear and literally overpacked it, not being in hiker shape my shoulders started aching after only 5 miles. Had to camp and then hike back to my car. Ahhh the memories. NOT! Buy your gear first!
I had one of those Coleman sleeping bags! They were made of cotton, lined in flannel and so comfy (at home), but weighed about 6-7 lbs and absorbed moisture like crazy! I still have one for if the power goes out.
Fellow Wisconsinite here. I started backpacking sections of the Ice Age trail in northern Wisconsin about 10 years ago. My first trip was put together with a bunch of stuff I already owned and it was super heavy because some of it was car camping gear. To top it off I made the huge mistake of hiking in blue jeans. But I still had fun and I continue to backpack but with a lot better and lighter gear.
I have had a similar problem over the years, but it wasn't that the backpack couldn't fit what I had, it's that I kept finding new gear I wanted to take! Ultralight went out the window for me years ago, my whole gear setup is divided into individual stuff sacks and compartmentalized, so rather than trying to find just the right pocket to stick each different bag of gear I went with the simple option, I bought a Sea to Summit hydraulics pack 120 liter and I just stuff everything in it and roll it down to whatever size fits what I take that day, it's simple, durable and waterproof. I love it
So needed this video about 7 years ago. Boys started scouts and had to get the basics right away. That good old ozark trail bundle with a tent sleeping bags and even two chairs was a great idea for warm camps. First cold one those sleeping bags were replaced after the first night. They both are still smaller and we got some wal mart 55l backpacks for them to start with which have held up ok and I have a higher quality pack. When they hit that growth spurt we can spend the money for the better packs for them but in the meantime they can steal mine when I am not using it.
I have a Columbia internal frame backpack I bought at Walmart in 1997 just replaced it this year. Although I think it is more patches and repairs than original now it still works. I have a really old metal framed pack I love for hunting trips it carries a ton of weight really comfortably.
I started backpacking in the '90s, when Backpacker magazine's gear guide was the only way to get information. That was fine to an extent, but once I realized that they were pushing products that were from advertisers I kind of soured on them. I then trusted only the specs. But then, a lot of my early gear was homemade and army surplus.
My first backpack was one of those external aluminum frame packs, with almost no padding at all on the hip belt. Fully loaded, it was probably around 48 pounds! We took canned food and full-size bottles of wine! I weighed 120 lbs at the time and could barely lift it, but I hiked 3 miles into the Pecos Wilderness with it! 😂 And this is why my back is messed up today and why I now carry a 20 pound pack!
Here's the thing: I have some car camping gear, some of that is decently light for car gear, and will "work" but as I replace that gear with lighter gear I still want to take trips, and my backpack will be necessary for that. So.... I mean, I won't buy a tent or sleeping bag until next fall at least, but I'm going on 1 major trip this summer and a couple shorter trips as well where I can either afford the extra weight cause it's short or can split the weight of, say, a bigger tent amongst a group. Anyway, my point is I kind of need a pack first, even though that's not supposed to be how you do it
I did much the same thing. And probably bought most things twice or three times over. I was convinced I'd got it all right the first time. My biggest tip (if possible in your area) is to hire some of that gear and see what works for you, what you would change or keep before spending money. Btw I use an Exos 58. Great pack. I find it maxes out at about 15kg before it starts to get uncomfortable.
I would almost say to get sleep system first. Find something that’s comfortable for you. And then make sure you and the sleep gear fit in the tent. Some tents are too narrow or have too steep walls or too short. It might fit you but then you add a big sleeping pad and sleeping bag then you are pressed against the walls.
LOL, this is great! The grey hair shows up when the children do. I've done many things wrong, but I did watch lots of videos prior to buying gear. I've certainly took money out of savings.... to buy gear and items my wide doesn't know I purchased. Love the content! Thanks, I may actually start sharing this content with my wife.
I concur with this, but would caveat (albeit a right of passage) that your should always buy the very best equipment that you can afford at the time. DO YOUR RESEARCH. Find out for sure what it is you really want for the big 3 (and all the other stuff, too) but go as large as you can on price. The motto is "buy once, cry once". I looked at all the greats, then tried to complete my set-up on a budget. All I ended up doing was very quickly buying all the top shelf stuff I should have just bought to begin with, then selling or giving away my original stuff at a huge loss. Thus my second "cry". If you have to save up for a while to do this, then so be it. Or if you're totally just testing the waters, then sure, I suppose, start with some budget items, or better yet see if you can borrow some gear. Just know that almost assuredly, if backpacking turns out to be for you, you're going to end up replacing most, if not all of your gear with better stuff.
Good advice Dan! I have been there. I feel like sometimes I make the same mistakes with cutting edge gear innovations which are immediately overcome by a new and better generation of products. However, buying gear is an endless cycle, so it would seem, BUT I am getting closer to being dialed in for what works for me! It's taken me 46 years of hiking and backpacking to figure it out!
I have had in 25 years 4 backpacks for hiking and few for climbing. Same thing a valid with winter expeditions with sled and skies. Make sure that sled is not to high because it’s small. Also terrain where you are plan to use that. Open or forest.
If you buy your tent and sleep system first, I guarantee you're gonna want to buy other tents, sleep setups and backpacks regardless...cos gear is fun 😂
Thx Dan, appreciate the videos! constructive criticism: would agree with others, switch #1 and #2. Also, would recommend not understating #2.5 as "a little bit of extra room for the other stuff." My food bag is usually bigger than either my tent or sleep system, plus additional layers and all the 'other stuff'. It all adds up. But the overriding principle is very accurate - backpack last. Thx Dan!
When starting out - check out used stores (e.g. Value village), then dollar stores, THEN buy from the other stores. Cheap fork, spoon, bowl, replenish first aid kit materials, cheap ramen, etc
My first backpacking trip was in 1988. I had a north face sleeping bag bought at Fred Meyers, it took up more than half the space in my backpack. My backpack could convert from a soft sided suitcase to a backpack. We took turns carrying a large green, 2 burner coleman camp stove. I took 5 pictures on that trip, but none of me and my backpack. It rained most of the trip. By the end, I couldn't wait to go on the next one!
I also comited those same mistakes, but now I not only follow that order of priorities but I also incorporated some other "formula" to pack, and that is "WHAT GOES OUTSIDE, REMAINS OUTSIDE" Let's see : 1. With just any kind of shelter, I no longer wraph or fold and compress as they come from factory and put it into the rucksack... coz this contaminates, dirty and doesn't let the shelter to dry while we are walking. SO... I reproduce what civil war soldiers used to do with theyre peaces of rugs, canvas, and even wool blankets (now sleeping bags) used to do... only that instead of over one shoulder I attach it to the backpack on top and both sides by rolling and bending those shelters ending up as a big cigar shape. 2. I ruled out to use inflatable mattresses. I just use folding or rolling foam mattresses and I no longer use them into the tent. I install them between the ground sheet and the tent floor. That helps to not to fight with that peace of gear while I sleep or move into the tent. For more isolation I wraph it with 1 o 2 emergency blankets. 3. I evolve all the backpack including all this gear, specially the tent, to prevent tear rips in the fabric even though I roll the tent with the ground sheet... with a raing backpack cover. So this philosophy helps a lot to use smaller backpacks and leaving a lot of room into; specially for carrying food, cooking systems, camera gear, and all those small items that goes in pouches and must be dry and clean.
Dan Becker reveals all! A raw backpacker’s gear “tell-all” ! Lol! So appreciate the honesty and hope that our gear purchasing journeys will be cautionary tales that will encourage & equip others to make more informed decisions from the start!
I bought the same 3 backpacks in the same order as you... The Ozark trail backpack broke on my second trip and cut it short. The osprey exos I bought in 2016 is still what I use today!
i'm still using my first back pack. i bought a used Osprey Atmos 65. all my gear together is 65 pounds. lol i carry a hatchet and small silky and a good knife on my belt. and 6 pounds of weight is my battery pack for my Cpap. that weight includes water filter system and 3 liters of water.
Great advice Dan! I think we have all gone down the path of overpacking and under planning. Personally, I’ve been utilizing a $35 pack from Amazon that works perfect for my day trip adventures along with some complex cooking along the way. As for overnight gear, I don’t want to talk about that…. 😂
i have a 55L backpack for $120 and it is fine for me unless it had no wist bag on the side(4 pounds not heavy) i have 3 tents...3 tables...3 chairs...4 stove...now i stop buying stuff, i focus on using one of them and i feel fine. i have a 3X5m trap (it weight a tonnes)and i just get another 3X2m (weight a pound)for lightweight camping. Try what you "really need" more that you "want" is a fun procedures.
Fellow Cheesehead here Dan. Yes, to be a backpacker living in WI is challenging! Thankfully we have the UP with the Porkies and the North Country trail to fall back on. Love your videos!
Rent item first to figure out what you need if you can find items that will take time to figure out My first backpack was an external frame when I was a kid... In 2013, soooo many thing were more technical and I bought a Gregory 30L....def not big enough....now 2016, find out about light backpacking and ultra light backpacking thanks to UA-cam...it honestly takes time to figure it out...2024, gear is dialed down and Im good now...Gossamer Gear Kumo, Katabatic quilt, Xtherm Max, Arc'teryx hiking pants($15 Value Village SCORE!!!), Snow peak stove and cook kit, ditty things....Got a Zero Degree bag at MEC in 2014 for $3 Canadian plus tax!!!! My camping/ backpacking friends call me the gear gal lol
Funny you took a school pack for your 1st. I did the same and did not take a pad. That was the last time I slept without a pad.I now use the nemo pad thanks to your videos. Thanks!
Got into backpacking last year. Bought a 40L backpack only to find out it wouldnt fit all the gear I bought. Picked up a 65L Osprey Aether and while its a good backpack that fits all my winter gear Ill be picking up something different next year. In fact Im probably going to slowly replace every piece of gear I bought because its all so heavy and I really dont wanna haul a 50+ pound pack while trudging through the snow.
Spot on vid. Even REI does it wrong with their “weighted bean bags”…might help with weight, but not bulk/shape of gear or packing (which that’s the real test on if you have the correct backpack size for gear. Maybe REI should allow real gear in packs for customers to test packs (JAT🤷♀️). By the way, luv the look on your face when you took selfie trying on that “dream” pack, priceless…know that look, have had it myself.
Some stuff only comes with experience. I switched back to an external frame backpack because the way it affects my center of gravity is more natural to me. No amount of testing in a store could have taught me that.
Love! Love! Love! The videos…. I’m just starting out and have learned so much from your videos. It can be very intimidating at first although you and Eric make it easier to get started. Thanks bunches for helping all us newbie’s. 👍
Another solution is to simply purchase the most high and gear currently available on the market. I completely overhaul my entire backpacking gear and transitional ultralight. I purchased everything at the same time now I can never retire. Also I’ve never even seen any of this gear. It’s all in the mail.
I turned 16 on my first backpacking trip and we didn’t have extra money so I used my dad’s external pack, his big sleeping bag, my full size pillow, and my stove was homemade. A #10 can flipped upside down with holes on the bottom for venting and the pot from home sat on the bottom part of the can which is now on top if that makes sense. Inside that was a tuna can with wax and rolled cardboard in it. Everyone else was done eating by the time I got my water boiling. I was too starving to wait for the noodles to cook all the way so I ate crunchy spaghetti. Now I want to find that same route and do it again with my current set up.
Fun. We all have these stories, right? My first trip I had everything dangling and dinging outside my huge backpack because it wouldn’t fit, including my hiking poles that I thought I needed but didn’t use!? Thousands of dollars later, as I keep getting “influenced” I now feel confident, but the next shinny new toy…
Good video. Keepin' it simple (which is good). Hope you do 4, 5, 6 (food, cook system, utensils?). Then, a third video for 7, 8, 9 (rain gear, clothing, foot wear?). Thanks.
I bought my backpacks first. I bought 2, one 55 liter conventional backpack, and one 30 liter 1 lbs ultralight backpack. Then I buy the rest of the gear. I go buy 2p tarp tent for fair weather condition, 3lbs 2p alloy frame tent for windy condition. And 2 sets of UL cooking system, one for 1 person with 650ml pot and 110gr canister, and the other one a bigger two pot 1 liter and 230gr canister. Then I've also gone through few sleeping bags and sleeping pads. In the end I only use the UL backpack, because I like to go light so everything must fit into that UL backpack.
I feel like this is everyone who gets into backpacking 😅, unless you’re dating a hiking expert already who can guide you in your gear choices. I made so many mistakes until I became a “seasoned” hiker. I like to think I have my gear super dialed in now, minus how much food to take. I always take too much still.
My very first tent was a tube tent of 70’s fame or maybe Infamy. After complete disaster of trip, think wind and rain while camping in a field. Next trip I had a Eureka timberland tent, 6 pounds 70’s high tech. Still I carried that tent for 5 year till I could afford to be choosy, still have the tent. My first pack a camp 7 backpack again 70’s high tech external frame. Don’t remember what happened to that. Then at some time later I got buy all new gear when someone broke into my car. I made wiser choices after that.
Is there a reason not to start with your sleep system? I always tell folks who ask to work their way from inside -> out like nesting dolls. I.e. Sleep system goes inside tent which goes inside backpack. So they get the sleep system they find comfortable and then a tent to accommodate that. And finally a backpack to carry it all. Just wondering if shelter first has other benefits and if I should consider modifying my advice 😅
Especially for taller people, sleeping system first might be a good option🤔. My almost 2 m tall partner always has to buy the long version of sleeping gear. When we where looking for a tent, we of course had to make sure that his sleeping pad is not too long for the tent. Luckily there were still a lot of tent options.
Great video, I love the content. The only thing I would add is if one would be making a big purchase to consider what size/kind of bear vault? Bear vault can also consume a lot of space.
I had to buy 5 different sleeping mats , 4 of which I returned. And 3 tents where 2 I returned. Also I tried ultralight quilts which I didn't like. The only promblem is my 2 pound cook system which I literally can't make ultralight because non of titanium pots have draining holes in them
I appreciated the fact that you acknowledged that one useful piece of advice that you gave Mr. Hanson🤣. Did he compel you to do this video? 🤔 Great Video, btw!!!
Hot take: but the shelter, buy the sleep system, don't buy the backpack. The best Step 3 is to concentrate on building a really good bug out bag (hello durable school backpack). Then camp in your backyard or go car camping for about two weeks worth of weekends and overnight trips where you are using the gear in a controlled way where if you have a problem you can fix it without it being dangerous. I vanlife, this is how I dialed in my camp kitchen while cooking in a relative's actual kitchen. Dial in your gear over a few short trips in a controlled setting where you can fix your holes and solve your problems... *Then* buy the backpack. Because you can buy your shelter and sleep system, but we all know that sometimes there are things about that which will need to be swapped out or tweaked until you find something that really works well for you. Give it a good test run in a controlled way to really dial it in. You may end up with things that you find work "okay" but are not great. Perfect! Either those get sold/traded in or go in a car or home emergency kit. Give yourself the wiggle room of a controlled gear testing over multiple days to figure out what works best for you. Then buy -- or maybe event rent -- the backpack.
walking into a hiking store to shop is like walking into a super market just to do grocery shopping but when your hungry, you buy all the crap you don`t need!
I don't disagree with the logic at all, but there is something to be said for the journey. It does help you figure out what works for your needs. Yeah, trial by fire but, it is what it is.
fellow wisconsinite here and people definitely have no idea what backpacking is here haha me and my girlfriend have just recently gotten into it so you give us hope sir
I got the Ozark trail backpack and tent and like you it fell apart and leaked. So I basically said no thanks to backpacking. One and done 😂 but I am definitely thinking about trying it again thanks for the great reviews
What if I only want to day hike and I need a pack? Do I still need to buy a tent and a sleep system in order to get a pack? 💁🏼♀️ or how do I chose the size?
I moved from California to Wisconsin and have absolutely fallen in love with learning about backpacking this last year. You’re right about it not really existing here, any thoughts on the Ice Age trail?
Problem is the best way to learn is to use stuff that doesn't work for you so you start to realize what you like and need. Took me three sleeping pads until I found one that I can actually sleep on.
Follow up question, how do you know how big your pack should be? I mean if you're shopping online you can't try your stuff in the pack and it would be SUPER awkward to walk into REI and just start jamming stuff into a pack to test it.
Depends... typically, how many days? Will you likely be solo or usually with a partner or kids. Colder the bigger. More rain, more room. How big are you? Bigger you are, bigger your gear. Do you need creature comforts. Will you be doing other activities while backpacking, like photography or hunting or fishing or bushcraft. My recommendation is to find one within your budget that is comfortable and get the biggest size. It's better to have too much space than not enough. But when you are packing to leave, do not fill that space if you don't have to. Just because you can take it doesn't mean you should. And those extra pounds? If I can't count your ribs, dropping body weight is just as important as the weight of your gear.
Experience. Go on a weekend hike, see how much volume you really need for all your gear, reiterate. I'd recommend renting or borrowing a pack from a friend for the first few hikes to find out what you really need/want in terms of volume, suspension system, etc.
Also, your idea about "jamming stuff into a pack at REI" isn't bad at all. Just bring the biggest items with you (shelter, sleep system), maybe put some clothes into a single stuff sack and ask an employee to show you the packs that could be suitable for your gear.
This is very true, but there are many of us out there that have some gear (prob very old) but not starting from scratch, so advice for order of replacing gear?
I bought my gear and then bought my pack, but then ended up downsizing my gear, lol. So now I have a little too much extra space in it. Guess it's time for a smaller pack too.
buying junk for your first handful of trips is a right of passage
All part of the journey!
You know what’s crazy. Sometimes you buy the junk…….then buy something perceived as better……..use it……and then go back to the junk. Ha ha ha
I always buy cheap first when trying new things. That way if I decide I don't enjoy it I didn't blow a bunch of money to discover that. lol I do try to research good budget options though.
Quickest way to learn as long as you survive it.
@@Cdrop20 I had an old kelty with an external frame. 25 years later, I'm back to using an external metal frame.
Since 2012 when I started backpacking I have accumulated 6 backpacks. Part of my problem is I keep watching these UA-cam videos. 🙂
Truth.....
Truth
I just bought my third. I had a giant one, and a smallish one, and just bought a goldilocks to fill in the middle. Haven't used it yet, but am hopeful that's all I'll ever need for the rest of my life. You hear that, Future Me? THAT'S ALL YOU NEED!
Haha, since 2012... I've bought 6 backpacks within the last 1.5 years! At first I thought that it would be wise to have a single "one-fits-most-situations" 45 liter pack.. Then proceeded to buy another five
🙋🏼♂️
I listened to you, and first, I got my tent. Then, my sleep system. I even bought those things according to your guidelines. I paid attention to material, R-Values, EN Ratings, weight, etc. Then I got my backpack. A 45 litre Exped, weights only 1kg. I did many camping trips but I always somehow used borrowed items. Now, in about three weeks, I am off to Appenzell Innerrhoden for a solo multi-day camping trip and I really can't wait to test all my stuff.
1) gear is fun,2)once you start, it’s hard not to buy & experiment. 3) dialing in what works takes failure. You don’t ‘know’ til you know.
I always say that the first purchase you need to make is your sleep system to know what will fit in your tent, then the tent and finally the the backpack.
I laughed at your buddy carrying the grill grate. My wife carried like 48 pounds of fruits and meats for our first one night backpacking trip 😂 ..... you know, in case we needed it for survival!!
😲😂
I started at age 11 with a canvas Trapper Nelson on a wood frame borrowed from a neighbor, with a $1 plastic tarp and a cotton canvas kapok sleeping bag, and i had the best time of my life. Everything since has been lighter and more comfortable, but the magic of that initial introduction to adventure in 1965 has never faded.
Nothing wrong with buying a backpack first. You just have to know what you're doing and what you're getting, and what you're packing
*DYING* at the grill grate, the axe and the gallon of water......
Me too!😂
The dude with the grill strapped to his back and a gallon of water, is my kinda people. LoL. Basically an Overlander at heart.
On Wisconsin!
Dan, the photo of the guy with the grill, gallon of water, and tent with the shoulder strap is priceless 😂😂😂
Save money by using Roman candles for animal protection if you don’t carry a gun. Bear spray cost between 30-60$. I can get a 10ball candle for 5 bucks. If I hear a noise at night I just aim in the general area and most critters will book.
I didn’t start till in my 40’s. It’s never too late to start. Thanks to u and a few others I had learned a lot before going out.
Sports consignment shops are a great place to get your first backpack.
I was a day hiker till Dec 2022... did a huge amount of research n testing in back yard wisconsin after starting to invest in gear. First trip was Porcupine Mountains in Jan 2023!! Testing/practice is something I reLly believe in. Day hike with osprey 65, winter backpacking with mountain hardwear amg 105 😄
Hey Dan, agree with you 100%. The first thing I bought was a backpack, bought it on a recomendation from a UA-camr who had hiked the AT. Didn't realize he was an ultraliter, proceded to buy gear and literally overpacked it, not being in hiker shape my shoulders started aching after only 5 miles. Had to camp and then hike back to my car. Ahhh the memories. NOT! Buy your gear first!
My first-time hiking on the AT, sometime around 1984 with my 1970's Coleman sleeping bag.
I had one of those Coleman sleeping bags! They were made of cotton, lined in flannel and so comfy (at home), but weighed about 6-7 lbs and absorbed moisture like crazy! I still have one for if the power goes out.
@@christimartin8512 Your description was perfect!
Fellow Wisconsinite here. I started backpacking sections of the Ice Age trail in northern Wisconsin about 10 years ago. My first trip was put together with a bunch of stuff I already owned and it was super heavy because some of it was car camping gear. To top it off I made the huge mistake of hiking in blue jeans. But I still had fun and I continue to backpack but with a lot better and lighter gear.
I have had a similar problem over the years, but it wasn't that the backpack couldn't fit what I had, it's that I kept finding new gear I wanted to take! Ultralight went out the window for me years ago, my whole gear setup is divided into individual stuff sacks and compartmentalized, so rather than trying to find just the right pocket to stick each different bag of gear I went with the simple option, I bought a Sea to Summit hydraulics pack 120 liter and I just stuff everything in it and roll it down to whatever size fits what I take that day, it's simple, durable and waterproof. I love it
So needed this video about 7 years ago. Boys started scouts and had to get the basics right away. That good old ozark trail bundle with a tent sleeping bags and even two chairs was a great idea for warm camps. First cold one those sleeping bags were replaced after the first night. They both are still smaller and we got some wal mart 55l backpacks for them to start with which have held up ok and I have a higher quality pack. When they hit that growth spurt we can spend the money for the better packs for them but in the meantime they can steal mine when I am not using it.
No matter what way you buy your gear you’ll always end up with things you regret buying 😊 or things that you want to upgrade
Dan you're a gentleman and a scholar. I think we all made the mistake of buying what WE THOUGHT we needed for those first initial trips.
I have a Columbia internal frame backpack I bought at Walmart in 1997 just replaced it this year. Although I think it is more patches and repairs than original now it still works. I have a really old metal framed pack I love for hunting trips it carries a ton of weight really comfortably.
I started backpacking in the '90s, when Backpacker magazine's gear guide was the only way to get information. That was fine to an extent, but once I realized that they were pushing products that were from advertisers I kind of soured on them. I then trusted only the specs.
But then, a lot of my early gear was homemade and army surplus.
That's exactly what I did as a beginner. Thank you youtube. 😊
My first backpack was one of those external aluminum frame packs, with almost no padding at all on the hip belt. Fully loaded, it was probably around 48 pounds! We took canned food and full-size bottles of wine! I weighed 120 lbs at the time and could barely lift it, but I hiked 3 miles into the Pecos Wilderness with it! 😂
And this is why my back is messed up today and why I now carry a 20 pound pack!
Here's the thing: I have some car camping gear, some of that is decently light for car gear, and will "work" but as I replace that gear with lighter gear I still want to take trips, and my backpack will be necessary for that. So....
I mean, I won't buy a tent or sleeping bag until next fall at least, but I'm going on 1 major trip this summer and a couple shorter trips as well where I can either afford the extra weight cause it's short or can split the weight of, say, a bigger tent amongst a group.
Anyway, my point is I kind of need a pack first, even though that's not supposed to be how you do it
I did much the same thing. And probably bought most things twice or three times over. I was convinced I'd got it all right the first time.
My biggest tip (if possible in your area) is to hire some of that gear and see what works for you, what you would change or keep before spending money.
Btw I use an Exos 58. Great pack. I find it maxes out at about 15kg before it starts to get uncomfortable.
I would almost say to get sleep system first. Find something that’s comfortable for you. And then make sure you and the sleep gear fit in the tent. Some tents are too narrow or have too steep walls or too short. It might fit you but then you add a big sleeping pad and sleeping bag then you are pressed against the walls.
Good advice... I still have my first backpack (an Invicta bought in the 80's)... I still use it today: to take laundry to the cleaner's LOL
Tip is at 5:34 and is one of the most common tips in backpacking.
LOL, this is great! The grey hair shows up when the children do. I've done many things wrong, but I did watch lots of videos prior to buying gear. I've certainly took money out of savings.... to buy gear and items my wide doesn't know I purchased. Love the content! Thanks, I may actually start sharing this content with my wife.
I concur with this, but would caveat (albeit a right of passage) that your should always buy the very best equipment that you can afford at the time. DO YOUR RESEARCH. Find out for sure what it is you really want for the big 3 (and all the other stuff, too) but go as large as you can on price. The motto is "buy once, cry once". I looked at all the greats, then tried to complete my set-up on a budget. All I ended up doing was very quickly buying all the top shelf stuff I should have just bought to begin with, then selling or giving away my original stuff at a huge loss. Thus my second "cry". If you have to save up for a while to do this, then so be it. Or if you're totally just testing the waters, then sure, I suppose, start with some budget items, or better yet see if you can borrow some gear. Just know that almost assuredly, if backpacking turns out to be for you, you're going to end up replacing most, if not all of your gear with better stuff.
Good advice Dan! I have been there. I feel like sometimes I make the same mistakes with cutting edge gear innovations which are immediately overcome by a new and better generation of products. However, buying gear is an endless cycle, so it would seem, BUT I am getting closer to being dialed in for what works for me! It's taken me 46 years of hiking and backpacking to figure it out!
Learning through mistakes is the best way sometimes.
I have had in 25 years 4 backpacks for hiking and few for climbing. Same thing a valid with winter expeditions with sled and skies. Make sure that sled is not to high because it’s small. Also terrain where you are plan to use that. Open or forest.
If you buy your tent and sleep system first, I guarantee you're gonna want to buy other tents, sleep setups and backpacks regardless...cos gear is fun 😂
Thx Dan, appreciate the videos! constructive criticism: would agree with others, switch #1 and #2. Also, would recommend not understating #2.5 as "a little bit of extra room for the other stuff." My food bag is usually bigger than either my tent or sleep system, plus additional layers and all the 'other stuff'. It all adds up. But the overriding principle is very accurate - backpack last. Thx Dan!
When starting out - check out used stores (e.g. Value village), then dollar stores, THEN buy from the other stores. Cheap fork, spoon, bowl, replenish first aid kit materials, cheap ramen, etc
My first backpacking trip was in 1988. I had a north face sleeping bag bought at Fred Meyers, it took up more than half the space in my backpack. My backpack could convert from a soft sided suitcase to a backpack. We took turns carrying a large green, 2 burner coleman camp stove. I took 5 pictures on that trip, but none of me and my backpack. It rained most of the trip. By the end, I couldn't wait to go on the next one!
True ,,,, I still have a 90L backpack from USA ..never used ... and my top storage ripped Lowe Patagonia I always used ... Way Way too heavy .
I also comited those same mistakes, but now I not only follow that order of priorities but I also incorporated some other "formula" to pack, and that is "WHAT GOES OUTSIDE, REMAINS OUTSIDE"
Let's see :
1. With just any kind of shelter, I no longer wraph or fold and compress as they come from factory and put it into the rucksack... coz this contaminates, dirty and doesn't let the shelter to dry while we are walking. SO... I reproduce what civil war soldiers used to do with theyre peaces of rugs, canvas, and even wool blankets (now sleeping bags) used to do... only that instead of over one shoulder I attach it to the backpack on top and both sides by rolling and bending those shelters ending up as a big cigar shape.
2. I ruled out to use inflatable mattresses. I just use folding or rolling foam mattresses and I no longer use them into the tent. I install them between the ground sheet and the tent floor. That helps to not to fight with that peace of gear while I sleep or move into the tent. For more isolation I wraph it with 1 o 2 emergency blankets.
3. I evolve all the backpack including all this gear, specially the tent, to prevent tear rips in the fabric even though I roll the tent with the ground sheet... with a raing backpack cover.
So this philosophy helps a lot to use smaller backpacks and leaving a lot of room into; specially for carrying food, cooking systems, camera gear, and all those small items that goes in pouches and must be dry and clean.
Dan Becker reveals all! A raw backpacker’s gear “tell-all” ! Lol! So appreciate the honesty and hope that our gear purchasing journeys
will be cautionary tales that will encourage & equip others to make more informed decisions from the start!
I bought the same 3 backpacks in the same order as you... The Ozark trail backpack broke on my second trip and cut it short. The osprey exos I bought in 2016 is still what I use today!
i'm still using my first back pack. i bought a used Osprey Atmos 65. all my gear together is 65 pounds. lol i carry a hatchet and small silky and a good knife on my belt. and 6 pounds of weight is my battery pack for my Cpap. that weight includes water filter system and 3 liters of water.
Great advice Dan!
I think we have all gone down the path of overpacking and under planning.
Personally, I’ve been utilizing a $35 pack from Amazon that works perfect for my day trip adventures along with some complex cooking along the way.
As for overnight gear, I don’t want to talk about that…. 😂
My name is Eric. Thank you!!
i have a 55L backpack for $120 and it is fine for me unless it had no wist bag on the side(4 pounds not heavy)
i have 3 tents...3 tables...3 chairs...4 stove...now i stop buying stuff, i focus on using one of them and i feel fine.
i have a 3X5m trap (it weight a tonnes)and i just get another 3X2m (weight a pound)for lightweight camping.
Try what you "really need" more that you "want" is a fun procedures.
Fellow Cheesehead here Dan. Yes, to be a backpacker living in WI is challenging! Thankfully we have the UP with the Porkies and the North Country trail to fall back on. Love your videos!
I’m a compulsive gear buyer. I still do it despite having high end gear
I would actually go first with the sleep system to know if I have to buy tent for 2 25inch pads or not. But yup great video :)
Rent item first to figure out what you need if you can find items that will take time to figure out
My first backpack was an external frame when I was a kid...
In 2013, soooo many thing were more technical and I bought a Gregory 30L....def not big enough....now 2016, find out about light backpacking and ultra light backpacking thanks to UA-cam...it honestly takes time to figure it out...2024, gear is dialed down and Im good now...Gossamer Gear Kumo, Katabatic quilt, Xtherm Max, Arc'teryx hiking pants($15 Value Village SCORE!!!), Snow peak stove and cook kit, ditty things....Got a Zero Degree bag at MEC in 2014 for $3 Canadian plus tax!!!!
My camping/ backpacking friends call me the gear gal lol
Funny you took a school pack for your 1st. I did the same and did not take a pad. That was the last time I slept without a pad.I now use the nemo pad thanks to your videos. Thanks!
Got into backpacking last year. Bought a 40L backpack only to find out it wouldnt fit all the gear I bought. Picked up a 65L Osprey Aether and while its a good backpack that fits all my winter gear Ill be picking up something different next year. In fact Im probably going to slowly replace every piece of gear I bought because its all so heavy and I really dont wanna haul a 50+ pound pack while trudging through the snow.
I have seen people backpack the Ice Age Trail but that's totally different than backpacking out west.
Spot on vid. Even REI does it wrong with their “weighted bean bags”…might help with weight, but not bulk/shape of gear or packing (which that’s the real test on if you have the correct backpack size for gear. Maybe REI should allow real gear in packs for customers to test packs (JAT🤷♀️).
By the way, luv the look on your face when you took selfie trying on that “dream” pack, priceless…know that look, have had it myself.
Some stuff only comes with experience. I switched back to an external frame backpack because the way it affects my center of gravity is more natural to me. No amount of testing in a store could have taught me that.
That first photo is hilarious!
Actually backpacking does exist in Wisconsin, it is called the Ice Age Trail. Not the PCT or the Appalachian, but pretty cool.
I started backpacking in the late 90’s with a medium army surplus mountain pack and hiked 30 miles over 3 days.
Love! Love! Love! The videos…. I’m just starting out and have learned so much from your videos. It can be very intimidating at first although you and Eric make it easier to get started. Thanks bunches for helping all us newbie’s. 👍
Another solution is to simply purchase the most high and gear currently available on the market.
I completely overhaul my entire backpacking gear and transitional ultralight. I purchased everything at the same time now I can never retire.
Also I’ve never even seen any of this gear. It’s all in the mail.
I’m surprised your goofy friend didn’t bring his Superman lunchbox. Lol
I turned 16 on my first backpacking trip and we didn’t have extra money so I used my dad’s external pack, his big sleeping bag, my full size pillow, and my stove was homemade. A #10 can flipped upside down with holes on the bottom for venting and the pot from home sat on the bottom part of the can which is now on top if that makes sense. Inside that was a tuna can with wax and rolled cardboard in it. Everyone else was done eating by the time I got my water boiling. I was too starving to wait for the noodles to cook all the way so I ate crunchy spaghetti. Now I want to find that same route and do it again with my current set up.
The grill grate 😂
I wish this video existed 3 years ago. Thousands of dollars in mistakes later. Lol I felt this in my soul.
I’d like to see him hike the canyon again and win.don’t give up
Fun. We all have these stories, right? My first trip I had everything dangling and dinging outside my huge backpack because it wouldn’t fit, including my hiking poles that I thought I needed but didn’t use!? Thousands of dollars later, as I keep getting “influenced” I now feel confident, but the next shinny new toy…
Good video. Keepin' it simple (which is good). Hope you do 4, 5, 6 (food, cook system, utensils?). Then, a third video for 7, 8, 9 (rain gear, clothing, foot wear?). Thanks.
I bought my backpacks first. I bought 2, one 55 liter conventional backpack, and one 30 liter 1 lbs ultralight backpack. Then I buy the rest of the gear. I go buy 2p tarp tent for fair weather condition, 3lbs 2p alloy frame tent for windy condition. And 2 sets of UL cooking system, one for 1 person with 650ml pot and 110gr canister, and the other one a bigger two pot 1 liter and 230gr canister. Then I've also gone through few sleeping bags and sleeping pads. In the end I only use the UL backpack, because I like to go light so everything must fit into that UL backpack.
Just carry a firearm like a man and don’t risk forest fires. A Roman candle isn’t going to do a thing in a real situation.
I feel like this is everyone who gets into backpacking 😅, unless you’re dating a hiking expert already who can guide you in your gear choices. I made so many mistakes until I became a “seasoned” hiker. I like to think I have my gear super dialed in now, minus how much food to take. I always take too much still.
A 55 to 60 liter backpack is the best size
All your gear needs to fit into this volume
No more discussion needed
REI Flash 55
Get it fitted
Where was your first hike at? I’m guessing devils lake?
My very first tent was a tube tent of 70’s fame or maybe Infamy. After complete disaster of trip, think wind and rain while camping in a field. Next trip I had a Eureka timberland tent, 6 pounds 70’s high tech. Still I carried that tent for 5 year till I could afford to be choosy, still have the tent. My first pack a camp 7 backpack again 70’s high tech external frame. Don’t remember what happened to that. Then at some time later I got buy all new gear when someone broke into my car. I made wiser choices after that.
Is there a reason not to start with your sleep system?
I always tell folks who ask to work their way from inside -> out like nesting dolls.
I.e. Sleep system goes inside tent which goes inside backpack. So they get the sleep system they find comfortable and then a tent to accommodate that. And finally a backpack to carry it all.
Just wondering if shelter first has other benefits and if I should consider modifying my advice 😅
That works too!
Especially for taller people, sleeping system first might be a good option🤔. My almost 2 m tall partner always has to buy the long version of sleeping gear. When we where looking for a tent, we of course had to make sure that his sleeping pad is not too long for the tent. Luckily there were still a lot of tent options.
dude, you're a baby. Kelty external frame was my first, after a legit hand-me-down BSA pack almost the same... that's old-school. Still funny to watch
Great video, I love the content. The only thing I would add is if one would be making a big purchase to consider what size/kind of bear vault? Bear vault can also consume a lot of space.
I had to buy 5 different sleeping mats , 4 of which I returned. And 3 tents where 2 I returned. Also I tried ultralight quilts which I didn't like. The only promblem is my 2 pound cook system which I literally can't make ultralight because non of titanium pots have draining holes in them
I appreciated the fact that you acknowledged that one useful piece of advice that you gave Mr. Hanson🤣. Did he compel you to do this video? 🤔 Great Video, btw!!!
Hot take: but the shelter, buy the sleep system, don't buy the backpack.
The best Step 3 is to concentrate on building a really good bug out bag (hello durable school backpack).
Then camp in your backyard or go car camping for about two weeks worth of weekends and overnight trips where you are using the gear in a controlled way where if you have a problem you can fix it without it being dangerous.
I vanlife, this is how I dialed in my camp kitchen while cooking in a relative's actual kitchen.
Dial in your gear over a few short trips in a controlled setting where you can fix your holes and solve your problems...
*Then* buy the backpack.
Because you can buy your shelter and sleep system, but we all know that sometimes there are things about that which will need to be swapped out or tweaked until you find something that really works well for you.
Give it a good test run in a controlled way to really dial it in. You may end up with things that you find work "okay" but are not great. Perfect! Either those get sold/traded in or go in a car or home emergency kit.
Give yourself the wiggle room of a controlled gear testing over multiple days to figure out what works best for you.
Then buy -- or maybe event rent -- the backpack.
walking into a hiking store to shop is like walking into a super market just to do grocery shopping but when your hungry, you buy all the crap you don`t need!
I don't disagree with the logic at all, but there is something to be said for the journey. It does help you figure out what works for your needs. Yeah, trial by fire but, it is what it is.
fellow wisconsinite here and people definitely have no idea what backpacking is here haha me and my girlfriend have just recently gotten into it so you give us hope sir
I got the Ozark trail backpack and tent and like you it fell apart and leaked. So I basically said no thanks to backpacking. One and done 😂 but I am definitely thinking about trying it again thanks for the great reviews
What if I only want to day hike and I need a pack? Do I still need to buy a tent and a sleep system in order to get a pack? 💁🏼♀️ or how do I chose the size?
I could watch your channel all day!
I moved from California to Wisconsin and have absolutely fallen in love with learning about backpacking this last year. You’re right about it not really existing here, any thoughts on the Ice Age trail?
How come there are never any pictures of videos of you on trail?
Hey Dan. Do you have a code for Evolved? I'm looking to pickup their pot that you recommend
My trick for saving thousands of dollars is not having thousands of dollars to spend
Problem is the best way to learn is to use stuff that doesn't work for you so you start to realize what you like and need. Took me three sleeping pads until I found one that I can actually sleep on.
I live in wisconsin and wanna get started what's the best places to go backpacking in wisco??
Dan do you ever go to copps?
It’s better to buy cheap gear at first to see if you actually like it for any hobby/sport. Once you are set on it then upgrade to the best stuff
Follow up question, how do you know how big your pack should be? I mean if you're shopping online you can't try your stuff in the pack and it would be SUPER awkward to walk into REI and just start jamming stuff into a pack to test it.
Depends... typically, how many days? Will you likely be solo or usually with a partner or kids. Colder the bigger. More rain, more room. How big are you? Bigger you are, bigger your gear. Do you need creature comforts. Will you be doing other activities while backpacking, like photography or hunting or fishing or bushcraft. My recommendation is to find one within your budget that is comfortable and get the biggest size. It's better to have too much space than not enough. But when you are packing to leave, do not fill that space if you don't have to. Just because you can take it doesn't mean you should. And those extra pounds? If I can't count your ribs, dropping body weight is just as important as the weight of your gear.
and actually REI will stuff it with heavy bags to mimic gear for you!
Experience. Go on a weekend hike, see how much volume you really need for all your gear, reiterate. I'd recommend renting or borrowing a pack from a friend for the first few hikes to find out what you really need/want in terms of volume, suspension system, etc.
Also, your idea about "jamming stuff into a pack at REI" isn't bad at all. Just bring the biggest items with you (shelter, sleep system), maybe put some clothes into a single stuff sack and ask an employee to show you the packs that could be suitable for your gear.
4:25 Dan still uses this exact photo of himself for his thumbnails today
This is very true, but there are many of us out there that have some gear (prob very old) but not starting from scratch, so advice for order of replacing gear?
I bought my gear and then bought my pack, but then ended up downsizing my gear, lol. So now I have a little too much extra space in it. Guess it's time for a smaller pack too.
Why not sleeping pad first? Then you know minimum dimensions of the floor of your tent
Just got back from camping, and come home to a Dan Becker vid!!!!
the first backpack I bought turned out to be a backpack for kids, it was 50L though
SAME! though, i figured...i'm a small woman, it'll probably work (lol). mostly, it was decent. but excited about a properly fitted one this season!