Favorite Hiking Gear

00:00 Favorite Hiking Gear 2023

[adampetriw]

Your videos inspired me to complete 1600km (1000mi) of hiking this last summer. This next summer I will be attempting the Great Divide Trail in Canada as a solo hiker. I don’t think most people realize how much work goes into documenting your travels and making these videos. You’re an absolute legend at this point!

My favorite piece of gear was hands down the Arc’teryx Cormac hoodie. It’s like the Ferrari of sun hoodies. Extremely lightweight, drys in a flash, absolute perfection. I took that thing everywhere with me: Canada’s coast line, subalpine and alpine, up mountains, on glaciers, in snow, rock climbing, etc. It’s incredible. On my adventures, I always kept thinking about your channel and how you would probably love one of these. It’s currently sold out, but you should consider getting one before deciding to make your own. When you wear one, and only one, garment for months at a time, you want it to be quality. I’m sending you this gift so you can buy one (hopefully they put out new ones in the spring, but you never know with Arc’teryx; they are not the heavyweight version currently on sale). I bought the Amazon version, and there was no comparison. That said, you are a humble and simple man that has showed all of us that expensive gear is not necessary for incredible adventures, which is something I loved about you from the beginning. This is a small way to say thanks… the inspiration you gave me, and so many others, over the years to finally get out there and have incredible adventures is ultimately priceless. Again, many thanks,

from Alberta, Canada

[claudia]

I really like that you are still using gear from years ago. Sends a nice message about using what you have, not spending a ton of money on the hot new thing, and being a bit less consumerist.

[lf]

For anyone concerned about the cost of all of this, just buy the material, not the brand name. For example, the Path Projects Killam pants are 100% polyester. Polyester is a very cheap material to produce. It's literally plastic that has been processed and fluffed into fabric. Most of these brands are using marketing to trick you into thinking you need $100 pants for hiking. Just buy 100% polyester jogger pants and they'll be exactly the same give or take. There are a plethora of brands that sell polyester, nylon, spandex blends for very cheap. It may just not be a brand you've heard of, not sold at REI, and not marketed for hiking purposes, but at the end of the day, it's the same thing. Polyester is polyester. If money isn't an object for you, buy the expensive brands. Why not? The diminishing returns are huge though. After having several of these brands, I can't bring myself to pay what they ask anymore. It isn't worth it. I just buy plain items with no logos like the Amazon hoodie that he mentions in the video. It's just as good as my $90 Kuhl poly/spandex blend hoodie, and I'm confident it will last just as long.

I've also climbed over 15 mountains and am an avid hiker, and I've always asked the guides what they wear. Roughly half just wear random branded items and often times it's very old gear. None of this is necessary, but if it makes you feel good, then go for it. I don't doubt that these things are of better quality overall, but again, the diminishing returns are massive. Buy what you can afford, and don't wear cotton. You'll be fine.

[HyperliteMountainGear]

Can't wait to see the Waypoint 35 along with you for upcoming adventures!

[derbirider]

I really enjoyed that you were Open about Brands sending you their products

[andytavs]

Thank you kraig,
Very informative as I am looking at some new hiking gear.
Going hiking in Azores Portugal in February. Then Latin America, peru, Chile and Bolivia in April. Your videos have inspired me plenty. Look forward to 2024

[SubaruObk]

Hey Kraig! Thanks for putting in the effort of making a video about your gear. I love your vids, the soothing voice, nice shots, the music. Its a very, very calming experience to watch your content. I wish you a great year, lots of miles to hike and videos for us to see. Thanks!

[playarabbit]

Thanx for doing these videos man, having a wife and kids traveling the world from time to time it's great to watch your videos to think more minimalist mindset in packing so I can make sure we're not traveling heavy

[jata]

This video covers your hiking gear - can you also do a video on your 'travel' gear? Like how do you have all this in your carry-on luggage only? Do you travel with any other clothes or bags?

[DagUTube]

Great, and clear. Thanks! I still need the tutorial to pack everything (at least camping gear + clothes)n in this small bag

[rosek]

So you finally went with Darn Tough socks!! Can't believe it's taken you so long to find out how great these socks are. They're the only hiking socks I'll wear. Welcome aboard--better late than never! 😁

[eldiablo]

I can vouch for darn tough socks. Been wearing them everday for over a decade and when you wear them out they will send you a new pair.

[eric]

It's interesting to see both the updated gear as well as what is still favorite after being used for a while. That old favorite gear is actually the best recommendation as you must have tried different gear to realize what is best. I've dialed in my gear this past year and will be doing the Four Pass Loop in June 2024, inspired by one of your past videos 🙂

[alanjones]

Excellent Kraig, thank you.
Been a challenging year for my family and I think many others...
Really looking forward to your positive, value creating videos in 2024
I've severe osteoarthritis in my right hip so all the light gear tips are great!
hoping to do the Camino Portuguese with my neighbour and his dad next September... hip permitting !
best to your family these holidays... love to the recent Instagram posts...
Alan

[TpetPlayr]

Glad you finally found Darn Tough Socks! They truly are the best! And I can vouch for their return policy as well.

[NoeticEidetics]

That Patagonia pant is one of the best damn pants in the world. I have a greyish blue pair and I wear them pretty much every day. Hope the company keeps them around for a long time.

[bv]

So helpful. Thank you for updating this video!

[MarieVaugn]

A very extensive list! My favorite thing to take with me is my HomeFi hotspot, it's been so helpful.

[bigbrowntrout]

Excellent video! Thanks for sharing your best gear of the year. It's awesome to see items that work well for you that are on the cheap and some higher priced stuff that you've put through the ringer. The variety is helpful! Many thanks!

[DaveCraige]

Great ideas. Thanks for sharing your gear ideas openly.