READERS COMMENTS

I'm not having any trouble watching these on my tablet. Maybe you should call Apple instead of complaining to backpacker.com.
Posted: Jul 19, 2011 Android User

I don't ever go hiking without bringing someone with me who can carry me in case I get a boo boo. Seriously people. Toughen up already. Wanna travel light? Get stronger and everything will feel lighter. Wanna stay alive? Plan ahead, then bring the things listed in this video. I'd add extra socks, nitrile gloves, a few inches of floss, combo trowel/personal defense in an item known in the gardening world as a 'hori hori' and, finally, my mind. Don't leave home unless you're ready to have to THINK if plans go awry. Nature for the eternal win!
Posted: Mar 10, 2011 Christopher

I strongly recommend not telling people to take a GPS and/or compass. The speaker should say map and compass. A GPS is optional. (something like that. A GPS receiver run out of batteries and/or be dropped. If the GPS receiver is inoperable the person will be out of luck.
Posted: Feb 22, 2011 Elliott K.

I strongly recommend not telling people to take a GPS and/or compass. The speaker should say map and compass. A GPS is optional. (something like that. A GPS receiver run out of batteries and/or be dropped. If the GPS receiver is inoperable the person will be out of luck.
Posted: Feb 22, 2011 Elliott K.

How about say....... 3 liters of water.....
Posted: Jan 11, 2011 Ken

I agree with Justin. The ability to watch vid from iPAD would be great!
Posted: Jan 11, 2011 Garrett

Can we move past flash videos, please? I want to watch on my iPad too.
Posted: Oct 24, 2010 Greg

Great breakdown. I had most of most of what you had mentioned, but hadn't thought of the pen, whistle, and mirror. Just invested in a lightweight shell set, so I'm almost there. Good call on the baclava as well, especially when you need additional insulation. Thanks for the review!
Posted: Aug 31, 2010 Aaron

Loved this- very good. Don't forget your H2O! If you are afraid to be on a trail without a firearm- please stay home. That's where mine are- too heavy for the trail. For real defense- try a saw-ed off shotgun.
Posted: Aug 10, 2010 Katbird

Sure would be great if I could watch these videos on my iPad.
Posted: Aug 04, 2010 Justin

Jeez, it's just a quickie vid for the masses. There's tons of info online to elaborate. Lighten up you "so called" experts.
Posted: May 12, 2010 keedos

A magnesium fire stick would be a better choice than a lighter. If your lighter gets wet, it won't work very well, if at all. The fire stick, however will work when wet. Also, a basic first aid kit is a MUST, not just in case.

I also agree with Mr. Longo (although he didn't have to yell), some form of personal defense, be it bear spray or a sidearm, should be considered. I carry both. Just be sure to check the laws/regs of where you are going if you are going to carry a firearm.

Great intro to basic day hike packing. Agree with other(s) that this should have multiple parts, or a separate series altogether on the use of most/all of the items.
Posted: May 09, 2010 Dave

A nice video but...

Why extra batteries for a headlamp. Does anyone use non led lights? Those things will run for 100 hours plus.

Posted: Apr 06, 2010 Scott Johnson

Even on a day hike I like to take.... WATER .!! How much and how do you pack it ???? I also like to take a small container of DEET.!!! Unless ther'es a little snow on the ground....
Posted: Mar 20, 2010 ed long

I thought this was great. I particularly liked the duct tape around the pen - maybe I haven't been looking but that was new to me. Have carried a small roll on longer trips, but never thought of that. Thanks.
Posted: Mar 04, 2010 Doug Fitzgerald

I see Roman Polanski's been 'round to evaluate the vid ;)
Posted: Mar 04, 2010 Pete

Good video, helpful. but I sorta agree with philip. possibly use this as an intro video, take it a step further and offer part two and three which include demonstration of using the "just in case" items correctly...in real use cases and tips. I may always be lucky and never need everything in your pack...but I also assume I spend 1/10th of the time in the backcountry as magazine editors/writers do for backpacker.

Posted: Mar 02, 2010 mray

YOU FORGOT PEPPER GAS AND/OR A GUN (I LIKE THE NORTH AMERICAN ARMS 5 SHOT MINI REVOLVER IN .22 WMR)!
Posted: Mar 02, 2010 John Longo

Excellent - nice and simple. I didn't need you to unwrap the "emergency bivvy sack" and crawl into it and I certainly don't need to see the balaclava on any ones head. If you can't visualize that then stay indoors.
Posted: Mar 02, 2010 Jon

Good to see you touched on one of the most basic things about packing for a day hike - never assume it will only be a day hike.

But every list of "essentials" for a hike in the wilderness, whether for a day or a week, should start with the most important essential - the information about your planned route and expected return time left with a responsible friend or relative.

Skipping that and starting with a gear list just makes the presenter look like a store salesperson instead of an expert. I sounds like "here's what you need to buy to survive and unexpected stay in the woods" instead of sounding like "here's what you need to do to reduce the risk of not surviving an unexpected stay in the woods."
Posted: Mar 02, 2010 nogods

ADD A COMMENT