That was to the point, no nonsense, very good. Im in my 50s and have started cutting down on the pack weight. Yes, my stuff is a variation on yours, a poncho instead of a tarp, i use alcohol stoves on day hikes and so on. Usually an SAK and maybe a Hultafors or Mora knife. There's a smaller pocket Worksharp too which is fine if you want a sharpener but I usually just wear a leather belt and strop it for a day hike.
I'm 61, from Europe and still a bushcraft, outdoor & survival instructor. I also go backpacking on other continents. Day hikers usually get in trouble because of the thing they don't bring but I agree to bring only useful stuff to keep the weight down. Start with a loud whistle and a small compass. Carry a pocket knife like an SAK or multitool like a Leatherman and a small fixed blade camp knife like for instance the Mora Basic 546. You don't need a sharpening device on a day hike even if it turns out you're gonna spend two weeks out there. Carry a leather belt and strop the blade after use. Last time I was backpacking the countryside of Thailand for 2 months and didn't bring a sharpening device.
The knife thing set me thinking. Here in the UK we don't have bears or wolves or cougars, which is a mighty relief. We don't need razor sharp knives at all for the outdoors. However it is perfectly possible to get lost, fall off a cliff or down a gully, twist an ankle or suffer hyper or hypo thermia in really volatile weather. I am 70. For a solo 12-15 mile mountain walk in unfamiliar and empty high country, usually in the Welsh hills, which might take 10 hours, I carry a 35 litre day sack containing: waterproofs (the grade depending on the season) unless there is absolutely no prospect of rain for two days; waterproof socks plus spare liner sock in case my boots get inundated in a stream or marsh (it has happened twice); enough savoury and sweet food for 3 meals or 6,000 calories; a pen-knife to cut my pork pie or my apple !; a high quality flask of piping hot water good for 30 hours (1litre) to make coffee or tea; a litre of cold tap water - but 2 litres if the temperature is rising above 21 C (streams may be dried up); coffee, tea and soup; a head torch with spare batteries; a fully charged battery bank; printed-off gridlined OS maps together with a compass; on a small tablet, an electronic OS mapping software showing available tracks, paths and showing my position - but frequently the GPS signal is blocked by cliffs or tree cover, so I need the hardcopy map in a waterproof case, and compass skills; a waterproof "bivvy bag" to crawl into if I get stuck out overnight or get injured; a mobile phone for emergencies, but switched off until I need it; a first aid kit with codeine painkillers for toothache, burn relief, insect bite treatment and a wide range of plasters and bandages for cuts and sprains. Oh and a waterproof sit-mat. Usually my thick fleece and jacker are strapped over the top of the closed sack, so I am carrying about 18 Ib. Often , I will come across younnger walkers carrying tiny sacks on their backs, but the only reason it bothers me is that they are not equipped to help themselves or someone else if bad stuff happens. I try to carry less than 22lb weight when long-distance back-packing without camping, but to be honest, you don't worry about it after a week walking. You just have to make sure you have enough liquids to drink.
Just found your site, excellent stuff. I have started to change out my stove depending on the time of year. Both are pretty light. I use a Tangia alcohol stove or MSR Whisper Lite, but as you mentioned, burn time is a secondary consideration. I will start wading through your previous video's. New sub and greetings from Canada.
I am 70 and play a lot of pickleball and also do weight lifting to strenthen legs and upper body along with a good stretching regimen before pickleball. I use poles when hiking downhill. Please do more videos on how seniors can train for day hikes. TY
Great video! I'm getting older and also dealing with back issues. I've cut my pack weight AND my body weight down over the last two years. You brought up some really good points.
I have to laugh at some video’s because some people seem to be carrying everything but the kitchen sink, lol. For me, where I take my day hikes, is in our local state park. I have cell service and duty ranger’s phone number, so I honestly don’t take much. I ALWAYS carry at least a 32oz full Nalgene bottle, or bigger. There are always several people every year that hike around the lake trail (about 5 miles) and don’t bring enough water. Other than my water, I have a SAK in my pocket, fixed blade on my belt, GI poncho, for rain, in my sling bag and that’s it.
Differences make the world go around for sure. One think I have found although not one hundred percent. Those with all the gear and never been used a lot of the time they do not even know how to use some of it. Darwin awards aplenty sad to say.
I've got a pretty light stove setup with a Trangia mini and Esbit Triangle stand/windscreen. 8 ounces of racing methanol ($6/gallon) in a plastic vanillin bottle cuts most of the metal weight you get with the butane/propane stoves and is good for about 6 meals. Optional windscreen from heavy foil and 2 paper clips. Cheap aluminum Evernew 1 pint saucepan from 1980. For really light, one of my Cat stoves don't require a stand and weight less than an ounce. Maybe add a shorter wind screen if stormy. In a pinch, I can make a stove from aluminum or tin can trash and my SAK. Just add the methanol. Methanol is not picky about temperature. That Boker fixed blade and wrench knife look nice.
A lot of people carry paracord or bank line. I find the 300 pound polyester hollow braid kite line is lighter and smaller and doesn't stretch when wet like nylon does and is actually a better price. I haven't ever needed 550 strength for shelters since none of the materials are even close to that strong. A ridgeline is the only thing that might need that strength if you're carrying a 10x10 tarp and have lots of wind, but the small tarps to cover for a bad hike aren't going to need 550. You can run a double line if you're paranoid for the ridgeline and singles for the tie-outs.
I take 10mg Pred every day. I do not care for Gabapentin but I prescribe it for some and it does wonders for nerve pain. I plan on an epidural very soon. Been putting that off but I need to listen to my body. I do not support chiro when there is stenosis. Usually that is a short term fix then back again over and over. Consult with a neuro surgeon and get two opinions. I am assuming you have.
Could be correct but a couple days or a weekend you gotta be cooking some gourmet meals to go through a cannister. At least that's my thoughts. Over five days it makes sense.
I don't see why you would want a knife sharpener on a day hike. Or why you would ever want a knife sharpener. If you chose properly, river rocks work fine.
Weighs about an ounce or two. My day hikes in the fall, winter may or may not include game to fill the freezer. My habit or obsession is a sharp knife. Clean one squirrel or a few fish I like to have it sharp. One tiny ceramic rod is like having a pencil.
That was to the point, no nonsense, very good. Im in my 50s and have started cutting down on the pack weight. Yes, my stuff is a variation on yours, a poncho instead of a tarp, i use alcohol stoves on day hikes and so on. Usually an SAK and maybe a Hultafors or Mora knife. There's a smaller pocket Worksharp too which is fine if you want a sharpener but I usually just wear a leather belt and strop it for a day hike.
Nice. Ty Stay safe
the idea of a geriatric workout is fantastic. I'm 62 and am very interested in such a video.
Sounds good stay tuned
I'm 61, from Europe and still a bushcraft, outdoor & survival instructor. I also go backpacking on other continents. Day hikers usually get in trouble because of the thing they don't bring but I agree to bring only useful stuff to keep the weight down. Start with a loud whistle and a small compass. Carry a pocket knife like an SAK or multitool like a Leatherman and a small fixed blade camp knife like for instance the Mora Basic 546. You don't need a sharpening device on a day hike even if it turns out you're gonna spend two weeks out there. Carry a leather belt and strop the blade after use. Last time I was backpacking the countryside of Thailand for 2 months and didn't bring a sharpening device.
Please watch the original video attached in discussion " what I do bring" ty for the comment.
The knife thing set me thinking. Here in the UK we don't have bears or wolves or cougars, which is a mighty relief. We don't need razor sharp knives at all for the outdoors. However it is perfectly possible to get lost, fall off a cliff or down a gully, twist an ankle or suffer hyper or hypo thermia in really volatile weather. I am 70. For a solo 12-15 mile mountain walk in unfamiliar and empty high country, usually in the Welsh hills, which might take 10 hours, I carry a 35 litre day sack containing: waterproofs (the grade depending on the season) unless there is absolutely no prospect of rain for two days; waterproof socks plus spare liner sock in case my boots get inundated in a stream or marsh (it has happened twice); enough savoury and sweet food for 3 meals or 6,000 calories; a pen-knife to cut my pork pie or my apple !; a high quality flask of piping hot water good for 30 hours (1litre) to make coffee or tea; a litre of cold tap water - but 2 litres if the temperature is rising above 21 C (streams may be dried up); coffee, tea and soup; a head torch with spare batteries; a fully charged battery bank; printed-off gridlined OS maps together with a compass; on a small tablet, an electronic OS mapping software showing available tracks, paths and showing my position - but frequently the GPS signal is blocked by cliffs or tree cover, so I need the hardcopy map in a waterproof case, and compass skills; a waterproof "bivvy bag" to crawl into if I get stuck out overnight or get injured; a mobile phone for emergencies, but switched off until I need it; a first aid kit with codeine painkillers for toothache, burn relief, insect bite treatment and a wide range of plasters and bandages for cuts and sprains. Oh and a waterproof sit-mat. Usually my thick fleece and jacker are strapped over the top of the closed sack, so I am carrying about 18 Ib. Often , I will come across younnger walkers carrying tiny sacks on their backs, but the only reason it bothers me is that they are not equipped to help themselves or someone else if bad stuff happens. I try to carry less than 22lb weight when long-distance back-packing without camping, but to be honest, you don't worry about it after a week walking. You just have to make sure you have enough liquids to drink.
Very nice. Ty for adding what you carry. Makes sense and hopefully will help others. Continue to be safe.
Just found your site, excellent stuff. I have started to change out my stove depending on the time of year. Both are pretty light. I use a Tangia alcohol stove or MSR Whisper Lite, but as you mentioned, burn time is a secondary consideration. I will start wading through your previous video's. New sub and greetings from Canada.
Ty for adding that advice. Appreciate you watching. Welcome aboard.
I am 70 and play a lot of pickleball and also do weight lifting to strenthen legs and upper body along with a good stretching regimen before pickleball. I use poles when hiking downhill. Please do more videos on how seniors can train for day hikes. TY
Sounds good. Impressive activity. Coming up in next video. Stay tuned.
Thanks Dan! I also only carry one blade besides my pocket knife.
Please do a video on geriatric workouts! Lord knows 🙏 I need it.
I will.
Great video! I'm getting older and also dealing with back issues. I've cut my pack weight AND my body weight down over the last two years. You brought up some really good points.
Ty appreciate you watching. Stay tuned.
Hello 👋 my outdoors friend, Thank you for this informative video. All the best to you. Stay safe out there. 😊
Thanks, you too!
I have to laugh at some video’s because some people seem to be carrying everything but the kitchen sink, lol.
For me, where I take my day hikes, is in our local state park. I have cell service and duty ranger’s phone number, so I honestly don’t take much.
I ALWAYS carry at least a 32oz full Nalgene bottle, or bigger. There are always several people every year that hike around the lake trail (about 5 miles) and don’t bring enough water.
Other than my water, I have a SAK in my pocket, fixed blade on my belt, GI poncho, for rain, in my sling bag and that’s it.
Differences make the world go around for sure. One think I have found although not one hundred percent. Those with all the gear and never been used a lot of the time they do not even know how to use some of it. Darwin awards aplenty sad to say.
I've got a pretty light stove setup with a Trangia mini and Esbit Triangle stand/windscreen. 8 ounces of racing methanol ($6/gallon) in a plastic vanillin bottle cuts most of the metal weight you get with the butane/propane stoves and is good for about 6 meals. Optional windscreen from heavy foil and 2 paper clips. Cheap aluminum Evernew 1 pint saucepan from 1980.
For really light, one of my Cat stoves don't require a stand and weight less than an ounce. Maybe add a shorter wind screen if stormy. In a pinch, I can make a stove from aluminum or tin can trash and my SAK. Just add the methanol. Methanol is not picky about temperature.
That Boker fixed blade and wrench knife look nice.
Ty for the suggestions. Appreciate it. Hope you get in the upcoming drawing.
A lot of people carry paracord or bank line. I find the 300 pound polyester hollow braid kite line is lighter and smaller and doesn't stretch when wet like nylon does and is actually a better price. I haven't ever needed 550 strength for shelters since none of the materials are even close to that strong. A ridgeline is the only thing that might need that strength if you're carrying a 10x10 tarp and have lots of wind, but the small tarps to cover for a bad hike aren't going to need 550. You can run a double line if you're paranoid for the ridgeline and singles for the tie-outs.
Nice. Great suggestions. Appreciate the comment. I like the idea of your tarp suggestions. Ty for watching.
I would be interested in the prep for us old guys
Got it. I will Richard.
I don't usually carry a sharpener, i find with my Grohmann, carrying a strop and using it frequently will work for quite a lot of uses
Yes, would love to hear about your training regime.
Coming very soon.
I would find videos addressing the challenges of the elderly afield very helpful… 😉
Ty that helps
Good video. I will carry more just to be prepared for anything.
Absolutely..I used to every time.
Glad you are in the medical field because when I heard you carry "only one knife" I went into cardiac arrest, and now need CPR!
Lmao still have my pocket knife. Got my pants on got my knife.
New subscriber 👍🇬🇧
Ty welcome aboard. Great to have you
For day hikes, check out the two stealth stoves from Polymath in the UK.
Like the Nesbit?
I suffer from spinal stenosis. My legs burn like they are on fire but still go numb. I'm sure you understand nerve pain. Any suggestions?
I take 10mg Pred every day. I do not care for Gabapentin but I prescribe it for some and it does wonders for nerve pain. I plan on an epidural very soon. Been putting that off but I need to listen to my body. I do not support chiro when there is stenosis. Usually that is a short term fix then back again over and over. Consult with a neuro surgeon and get two opinions. I am assuming you have.
I thought the reason to have the fastest stove was the fuel consumption
Could be correct but a couple days or a weekend you gotta be cooking some gourmet meals to go through a cannister. At least that's my thoughts. Over five days it makes sense.
Never seen someone sharpening a knife on any hike.
I have...me get older and forget to sharpen your blade. Plus I rarely see stoves on a day hike but I enjoy the warm coffee or food.
I don't see why you would want a knife sharpener on a day hike. Or why you would ever want a knife sharpener. If you chose properly, river rocks work fine.
Weighs about an ounce or two. My day hikes in the fall, winter may or may not include game to fill the freezer. My habit or obsession is a sharp knife. Clean one squirrel or a few fish I like to have it sharp. One tiny ceramic rod is like having a pencil.