What You Really Need for Camping & Backpacking | Essential Gear Guide

Camping and Backpacking are one of the best ways to get out into nature so whether it's your first time camping or you're a seasoned trail veteran, this camping gear guide will share the best backpacking essentials you'll need for your next camping trip.

I'm Alex, I'm a travel filmmaker, photographer, and TV host. I've been hiking, backpacking, and camping since my childhood, and that love of nature has led me to many outdoor adventures in the backcountry of North America, Europe, Africa, and New Zealand. In this video, I'll share all my tips and insights on the essential equipment you need to safely and comfortably enjoy the great outdoors without overpacking unnecessary gear.

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#Camping #Backpacking #Gear #Essentials #CampingEssentials #PackingList

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[AlexanderAyling]

Hey Vagabonds!

Comment where you’re from and where your favorite camping trip was! ⬇️


Here's the link to all the gear mentioned in this video.

[ellmatic]

I'm 35 years old and haven't been camping since I was about 14 years old. Recently, for whatever reason (maybe the pandemic), I've become absolutely obsessed with the idea of getting out there. It's a little depressing realizing that I didn't take advantage of my 20s and early 30s to camp, but no better time than the present to start I suppose. Excellent video! Exactly what I needed begin putting a list together. Thank you!

[Connor-wvln]

My art teachers husband climbed Everest and lll never forget the “ounces lead to pounds and pounds lead to pain” Moto he told us.

[erickescalante]

1) Loading your Backpack (A good backpack) (2:53)
2) Tent (4:40)
3) Sleeping Bags (6:12)
4) Pillows (ex: inflatable pillow) (7:05)
5) Inflatable air mattresses (7:44)
6) 2 Sets of Clothing (1 for hiking, 1 for camping) (8:51)
7) A good headlamp (headlamp to have both hands free) (13:23)
8) Cooking utilities (14:14)
9) Bear Canister (for bears of course) (18:39)
10) Water Filter Systems (19:58)
11) Pack Cover (Backpack Cover) (23:40)
12) Mobile Solar Power Bank (24:00)
13) Comfortable Shoes (Take good care of your feet) (24:25)
14) Good set of wool socks, sock liners (comfortable and helps prevent blisters, takes care of your feet) (25:47)
15) Moleskin (Prevents friction on hotspots, for blisters) (26:22)
16) Get a good First-Aid kit (include Bug Spray, Sunscreen, A Good Hat, A beanie for night) (26:55)
17) Paracord and a Tarp (to shelter you from the rain, etc.) (27:27)
18) A Trowel (used to dig a hole when needing to use the bathroom in the wilderness. (27:43)
19) A good knife (preferably a multi-use knife, for fire starting etc.) (28:19)

Full Link to the products he recommended in the video description

[LiamMarcon]

Added tip for headlamps/torches. If it has a red light option it will make your life a million times easier in an environment that has a lot of bugs, as essentially the less white the light then fewer bugs are attracted. Even warm lights make a difference but red lights especially are super helpful, they essentially don't attract any flies or mosquitos at all.

[michaelis]

First off: great vids! Love the load outs, and your explanations! Thanks a bunch. Just want to mention ONE thing that MOST backpackers do not do and that is to tighten the shoulder straps (the ones that are literally on your shoulders). Like you said, the majority (around 70% ) of your backpack weight should be carried by your hips, the rest by your shoulders and back. In order to make sure that the weight is evenly distributed, no more weight "falling" backwards, AND that the backpack takes the shape of your back do the following: A) put on your backpack and tighten your waist strap, B) tighten the regular shoulder straps but not fully yet, c) bend over forwards and hold onto your shoulder straps placed ON your shoulders. While keeping your hands in the same position stand back up. Doing so you will curve the top of the pack to your shoulders, D) tighten regular shoulder straps. The backpack will feel like it is part of you now and will not be pulling weight backwards anymore. Please excuse my English, I am Dutch. Hope this was helpful!

[darylhicks]

That is a lot of stuff. I would not advise people to carry all this. I guide in the Rockies and inspect everyone’s bag before heading out. This is way overkill and absolutely nothing lite weight about it. This video will cost people a lot of money and enjoyment by overpacking, being to heavy and not enjoying the hike as much. The jet boil is so heavy and bulky, you don’t need an entire kitchen set of utensils, overtime all bladders fail and will leak into your pack wetting your gear, and pulling them out to refill is a pain, hard to clean and store when not in use. This is a car camping set up. Solar power is a waste of time and weight. Most time your hiking through tree cover and solar panels do nothing. Any experienced hiker would watch this video and just shake their head. It is a well put together video, don’t get me wrong, but most beginners watching this are going to waste a bunch of money on a lot of unnecessary items. Pocket rocket 2, a spork, and a 750 mil pot. You don’t need plates, tongs, spatula, etc etc. I can;t recommend this as a good video for beginners. This is a base camping load out unless you don’t mind carrying a bunch of unnecessary weight.

[xeniahaberditz]

As a geologist and going ultralighter, I'm amazed at how much stuff you take on the trail. I leave most space for stones if out for fieldwork tho which will get as heavy as your backpack in the end haha. Great to see what you hike with.

[TheKingDrew]

I’m really happy I do this young, I see people who regret not doing it, and this really inspires me

[madi]

As an UL backpacker, I'm impressed by how much you can carry. I would have a hard time carrying 8L up a mountain. Respect to you man! Everyone has their own means and methods, it's cool to see yours. Thanks!

[wildwindjersey]

I’ve watched a lot of these topical videos on backpacking. Most complete, simplified, and clear. Thanks.

[chemistryflavored]

It’s so fun seeing how others enjoy the outdoors. I pack much much lighter but our goals are all the same and that’s beautiful!

[homegadgets]

FOR COFFEE LOVERS, the day doesn't just begin with a good, hot cup of coffee—it seems almost impossible without it. It's not only the dose of caffeine that does the trick, although that does help. It's also the ritual that surrounds it—the smell, the sound, even the wait are all a part of how coffee gets the day started right.

[eggabacon]

Last night I slept in a tent on my back porch and enjoyed it. It was the first time I've ever done something close to camping. I'm already interested in camping, and I'm trying to figure out good ways to do it

[bololollek]

For stoves, I can with a warm heart recommend the good old swedish Trangia kitchen. They are a very compact and lightweight set of a base for the burner, windshield, pots (x2), frying pan, handle and burner system. They are all made of aluminium, but there are some different variations in material. You can choose 3 different burner systems: 1. gas burner, 2. multifuel burner: gas, petrol, or in emergency kerosene and diesel, 3. Petroleum gelatine burner, and lastly 4. the good old traditional spirits burner.
Personally I would stay away from the non-stick version of the Trangia as these will not last you a lifetime like other Trangias would. My burner preference would be the spirits burner, but I am a traditionalist and do not mind the soot. My Trangia is soon to be 30 years old! As long as you do not deliberatly try to destroy your Trangia or do crazy shit like putting a pot on the fire without anything inside, your Trangia will probably outlast you and your kids.

I promise, Trangia do not disappoint!

[iwantcheesypuffs]

Technology has changed quite a bit for backpacking in the past 20 years. Thanks for the review. All my backpacking eq costs less than your pack, but it's also probably twice as heavy(or more).

[lovingmylifeasIage]

Water, shelter, and food are the most important things to consider first along with first aid.

[wuzihuzi]

I already know what I need for backpacking but been looking at other peoples setups and your setup is basically exactly the same as mine!

[wanderback]

You should also get fitted for your bag, REI will do this for you! Helps you figure out your siZe and also how different packs feel. I liked my Gregory pack over the Osprey that I tried on but it’ll be different for everyone!

[multidimensionaltraveler]

That air pillow looks comfy. Looks more comfortable than using wrapped up balled up clothing