5 STUPID Mistakes New Backpackers make when BUYING GEAR (avoid these)

Stupid mistakes beginner backpackers make when buying their backpacking gear.

BIG THREE 🤘

OTHER SLEEPING STUFF 💤

FOOD & WATER 🍴

CLOTHING 👔

ELECTRONICS 🔌

MISCELLANEOUS 🤘

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#backpackinggear #backpacking

[rodneyp]

As a thrift store shopper I think everyone should buy the most expensive everything when they start. Also size large tall fits everyone so get me that

[AdventureOtaku]

Hey! I worked as an REI Packfitter (and I trained REI staff in how to pack fit) for 15 years! And I think this is a great video. YES! I preach to buy your pack last, or at least after you buy tent, sleeping bag, and pad which is really what is going to determine your pack size. But you left one problem out. A lot of the little outdoor stores, staff don’t know how to fit backpacks. So that is a benefit of REI. They spend a lot - and I mean A LOT! - of money training staff. If the shop you are at can’t measure your torso, walk out. Which brings me to the 6th stupid thing that new backpackers do! They walk into a store, grab a pack off the wall, dont check to see what size it is, don’t get themselves measured, and walks o a register because their friend, or a video told them it was the best pack. Get fitted for your new pack! Great video.

[mmeljac]

I use the bear bells to keep track of my kids. Sometimes they run. Still hear the sound...alive. No sounds...oops.

[longrider]

I've been a member of REI since the late 70's, and I've bought some good gear from them. Not all of what I use, but some pieces here and there. And I am still a member of the REI Coop.

[musingwithreba]

I love Garage Grown Gear for a one-stop online shop for cottage brands. They carry a lot of different stuff, and even ship to Canada with minimal hassle and decent shipping pricing. They even carry some Canadian brands.

[brycewalburn]

I know the ragging on REI is mostly a joke, but any hiker, camper, or backpacker would be a fool to ignore their sales. I realize I'm outing myself as a softie, but I got their flexlite air chair for $50, and I've been loving it. I just got a really great mid-layer for 50% off. I grab some Darn Tough when they're on sale. I like to support smaller businesses when I can, but they're definitely on the better end of "big box" stores.

[wuffos]

1) Buy gear in correct order, backpack last 0:50
2) Don't but too much gear 1:58
3) Buy only backpacking gear 3:26
4) Spending too much money 5:06 5) Thinking big name outfitters are the only option 6:46

[Rawdilz]

The one reason I like REI is I can buy anything they sell and try it for up to one year and still return it and get my money back. None of the cottage brands offer that. That one fact helped me to buy gear to try without wasting a ton of money. I ended up returning three different backpacks before I settled on a Zpacks bag. So I think it’s a real benefit to buy from REI if you are just starting out. The membership is only $30 and they give you a $30 gift card for signing up.

[earthlingannie]

✋️ I nominate Miranda in the wild as a potential guest on Trail Tales when it returns. 😄

[billprice]

REI awesome for some things. For instance I bought a nano air. I can go right to patagonia and get it for $300 or get it for $300 at REI and get 10 percent back in March and have the fantastic REI service. Easy choice.

[giggigidy]

Don't overlook second hand gear either, many groups on Facebook and other sites where some great deals can be found. Just avoid pissy sleeping bags and never buy second hand underwear... I'll never make that mistake twice 🙄

[middleearthchronicles]

Please tell me I'm not the only one who got an REI ad right in the middle of the REI segment.

[stevewright]

You forgot to tell them that cast iron the best cooking gear for the backcountry.

[adamclukabarry]

tip #6: don't think everything you buy needs to be new. there are many options for buying used gear. use them!!

[kylebacon]

Tip 3 reminds me of the time I saw a tent at Walmart labeled “backpacking tent”. The tent was nearly the size of a suitcase and weighed over 5 pounds. Awesome tips and video!

[karencaskey]

The one thing I always tell first time backpackers is don't buy, but rent instead. Even investing money into all the cheaper gear adds up, and if you find out you really hate backpacking, then that's a bunch of wasted money for one trip. REI does have a good gear rental service. And yes, once you start buying gear, definitely purchase things like your sleep system first. I am allegic to down, so I have to buy all synthetic, which tends to be bulkier. Hence, I needed a larger backpack.

[coreymahjoubian]

Kyle did you like the REI Sahara Sun Hoodie you used on the PCT?

[crazyadventures]

Buy once, cry once. A few of my favorite things: Hammock gear premium top quilt, Nemo tensor sleeping pad, ULA Circuit backpack, Copper Spur tent, Packit Gourmet. REI has been a great resource for information AND clothing because of their incredible return policy and member discounts. Favorite clothing: Kuhl hiking leggings, darn tough socks, Patagonia capilene tees, Altra trail runners, REI base layers.

[chili]

Difference between buying cottage and REI is the try on the fit the return and the service. I buy cottage and at REI. Gotta use your noggin and your experience and you will do fine. There are trade offs with ultra light, and not everyone is a through hiker.😊

[VenturingValerie]

I work at REI and still reccomnd cottage companies to ultralight backpackers because it is what I use and know works, REI has a terrible selection of quilts so I always refer them to enlightened equipment and mention the brs stove and zpacks when they are big on weight savings. REI also needs to sell pack liners, all they have is covers and I tell my customers to just use a pack liner instead of a rain cover because it's cheaper and sooo much more effective👍