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

Thank you😭😭
These are very helpful tips
And the problem with fear for a lone woman very true
I've been hesitating for so long and kept talking myself out of it
I'm still at the very beginning of my road but the freedom you feel throughout your entire body is amazing.
Finally a voice in your head saying "this is right"

When you first started backpacking, were you nervous about large predator animals (mountain lions, bears)? If so, how long did it take for that anxiety to go away? Asking for a friend... the friend is me. lol

You're argument for switching from reservoirs to 2x 1L bottles is very convincing. Being able to carry the water in the side pockets outside your pack thereby saving pack space is a big advantage, along with having a greater awareness of how much water is left. These two factors mean this choice makes a lot of sense.
Using the 3D function to locate the valleys, creeks and reliable water sources along the route and learning how to treat the water you find along the way means not carrying too much or too little water which, as you said, can mean a big reduction in pack weight :)

Only thing I can’t figure out yet is how to make a single miserable person in my life willing to backpack lol. They only wanna camp at camp grounds with a pool and only get around via cars …. Help. Anyone in the black hills wanna be pals ?

Congrats on being a brand ambassador for Gossamer. I am on my 3rd too….<3 I first saw Arlette Laan’s and had to have one.

Just this season I made the decision to go backpacking by myself. Like you said, I am tired of waiting for someone to go with me.

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.

Thank you 🙇

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…. 😊

Those who can't and never will, should get out of the way of those who can and always do. Well done for finding your adventure..

This video is so awesome and informative.... I can't believe you don't have 1M hits. Thank you for sharing all of these valuable experiences.

You’re so easy to listen to!! You must be a great instructor 🥰

Girlie tough aint tough enough................Lesbos on the trail ....never speak to them....never camp near them

Cougars stalk....quiet kill.......Back of your neck not blocked from cougar first strike......thats what old school aluminum frame backpack does.........tell me....what else matters......ever seen a cougar kill....I have.

please share what water bottles you use! i love your water system, it sounds so efficient!

I’ve got a 40L and and 60L but neither fit my tent and sleeping bag. How do you do it? I need a winter sleeping bag bc I live in Scotland, and my tent is pretty small. I need all the advice I can get 😂 I never seem to have room for the food I need, never mind a sleep mat.

THIS is exciting- and infectious-

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! 😁

Litewhieght gear n hiking is scary.i see these ppl.on yt sleeping inthe dirt just under a fly(tarp).no stove or sleeping pad.thats end of the world-escaping fromthe robots stuff.

Awesome 😁

Thank you for this. I always pack too much food and water. I'm going to try your advice on my next trip

Hiii, This was brilliant video, Thank you so much. I finally dont feel like silly backpacker who bought 88 L backapck and carried 27 kg Eiffel Tower on back. In every word I seen myslef and now Im laughing how I was hiking in jeans had glass bottle, 3 sets of pots, and plastic boxes instead sealing bags 😂 Im still in 60L backpack but I believe one day I will reach size of your current backpack. I stared same as you, nobody wanted hike with me so i purchased tent from amazon for 17£ borrow backapack and went. And never stopped since ever. Last year they told me I have cancer and backapacking was what helped me all year during treatment. Is very true what you are saying about expensive garmin device and long time i hiked without it, but that feeling of safe is priceless. And so is it with all gear, one can't start without putting himself out there and test in real life. So I learned on my mistakes and understand how humble im becoming ( still have some luxury items like fairy lights) and Im very glad to see that im not only one. Thank you so much for sharing all with us. New subs. I need to check now lots videos. All best Lucy x

Hello, my friend, good luck

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

Nice video.

I am a 70 year old backpacker. I have a Garmin mini, but have to admit I am not proficient at how to optimize it for trip planning (primarily have it for sos since I usually do solo hiking on the AT). Do you have a tutorial video on how to use it or a recommended video to learn?

Have you done the AT? If not, why should we consider you credible? And you're giving other people advice? So you only do overnight? Come on bro. And you make money?

Fabulous Information Kathleen. Thank you for sharing.

Great video, thank you. Im just curious what peoples average daily ration weighs. Im down to about 27 oz per day for a 3000 calorie balanced ration. Any tips to reduce this? Any commentary would be welcome.

Do you use both the Loris and Mariposa packs from Gossamer gear? I have a 60L pack for longer hikes, but am looking to find a good day pack. Btw I’m the girl who recognized you from your channel at Jerry Johnson Hot Springs! Thanks for the stickers!

Take a shot every time she says “pack” “packing” or “packed” 😂
Jokes aside good tips haha

Great video. Your info on water is spot on. I’ll make a change in what I’m doing.

I needed to hear this today!

Love this!

Great informative video, thank you! You have encouraged me to get out tramping (im from New Zealand) by myself!

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.

I think all you need is a carton of condoms?!

Love Backcountry Foodie!! Makes good nutrition out on trail much easier. Great video, Kathleen!

With your water set up, if you really had to go a long ways without a water source, you could keep your 2L dirty bag filled as well, and filter it when needed. I might have to try this next year. That water gets heavy! haha

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

Zoleo is sooo much more affordable than the other options AND it works great

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.

Wednesday, February 21st: Lots of good info from lessons learned. Thanks for sharing Happy Trails! Ross08

Cool video 😊 Greetings from Sweden

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! 🎉❤

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.

Better to live once doing what you want....than living scared your whole life and never really living.

A gun!!!🤣🤣🤣🤣 Freaking USA LFMAO...

This seems interesting, but had to quit after 2 min because of the background music. English is not my first language and it's too hard to listen 😔 with extra sound...
(Trust that what you're saying are interesting enough)

Going to the movie theater is so MUCH more dangerous than being alone in the woods.