1) Gaiters (small trail runner style). Blocks debris from getting in your hiking shoes. Great for the desert. 2) Coolmax Wigwam liner socks. Prevents blisters. 3) Leuko Tape. Similar to Moleskin or as called second skin. Leuko Tape stays on when it gets wet. 4) The Buff. A cloth that has so many purposes. 5) Rain Jacket w/Pockets.

Nice video. I've been an avid hiker and climber for the last 30 years. Here are a few more items that I rarely leave home without: 1) For hiking, a good pair of high quality, telescoping hiking poles. The ones designed for hiking have a small "basket", are lightweight and rugged. Black Diamond and Leki make some really nice ones. Hiking poles help with balance and take some of the shock off your knees.... 2) High quality earplugs. Great for busy campgrounds, inconsiderate neighbors and the rare but sometimes unwanted sounds of nature. Earplugs always help me get a decent nights sleep. 3) A good headlamp. One of the essentials for doing almost everything after dark. 4) Eye sleeping shades. Block out about 90% of ambient light. Especially useful if you have a tent partner that stays up late reading or you're trying to catch some z's after the sun comes up.

We used cheap knee high hose in the military as liner socks. Keeps the blisters away at a fraction of the price.

I always bring my binoculars. I got the smallest pair of Nikon I could find and I never regret having them. Any time there is wildlife or a tremendous view (which happens often and is the main reason I enjoy the outdoors) the binocs provide such a spectacular look at it! You can notice so many little details you would have missed; this last weekend I got to see elk on the other side of a river, but because I had my binocs I could see them licking their lips and flipping their ears. It was like I was on the same side as they were. They're fantastic for star gazing too - I can normally see about 8 stars in the Pleiades but when I look through the glass I can see dozens, not to mention just checking out the surface of the moon. Even the little guys are a bit of a chunk but I've had so many great experiences with them, I always regret not having them when there's a view.

Darwin, I have been away from backpacking for approx. 10 years and have been doing loads of research on updating my old gear. After hours and hours of research I have come to consider you the best source of information for light hiking gear. Thanks and keep up the good work

Lol, just watched the “gear I’m over in 2019” and #1 was gaiters

1. Hand sanitizer (good for cuts n dirty hands, also burns for 5 mins in any weather to start a fire) 2. Gloves and yes liner socks 3. water hyderation backpack 4. Waterproof multipocket pants 5. Shemaug or bandana 6. Odorless baby powder in a zip pack, beeswax candles and mini soap, a pack of gum, small scissors, foldable knife, rechargeable headlamp, a needle n thread kit, 20 feet of jute twine for my tarp and space blanket, lavander oil to keep bugs, mosquito n flies away. Of course for my eye glasses I carry an extra pair along with its repair kit

"she had amazing feet" made me laugh

I used wigwam liner socks about 20 years ago! I'm just getting back into backpacking, and they're one of the first things I bought. Love your videos, thanks!

you are one of the two I truly enjoy watching concerning backpacking do's and don'ts. I gain tons of really cool ideas you. Thanks Darwin for taking the time to record, edit and post all your vids for us all.

I’ve just started doing day hikes, the whole channel has been wonderfully helpful to me, but this one in particular has been fantastic! Thank you so much.

As a bald guy, my fleece beanie is my "always with me" piece of gear. I've been wearing the same Mountain Hardwear Micro Dome for over 15 years.

I never leave to go camping or hiking without lip balm. . . I don't leave ANYWHERE without lip balm.

+100 on the liner socks, blister free since 2000, great vid!!

Rain jackets/pants are also really useful for bug protection, especially for canoepacking. Those places that have mosquitos that are immune to deet, or mosquitos that are just plain nasty, the rain clothing is a life saver

Knee high gaiters, absolutely essential for Australian bush hiking 🐍

that's funny! just watched a vid of yours where you stated you will no longer use your dirty girl gaiters

This is why your channel is my favorite, go-to, resource for tips, advice, and information. No obnoxious, bullshit, narrative, just good, solid, information. I've actually had to get a small notebook to record a lot of things so as not to forget. Q&A for a future discussion, posdibly: I've been thinking of going stoveless for the desert section of the PCT because meal hydration accounts for a lot of precious water; so I'm wondering: do you change your trail meal habits accordingly? And have your meal choices or food items changed since the AT?

Hi Darwin, about the socks issue: yes, as an outdoor educator I can definitely say what is going on is that the two socks/per foot are doing the rubbing against one another INSTEAD of rubbing against your actual skin. So important - it’s friction!. And I think some folks CAN definitely hike long distances with just the one pair. But not I ! Great videos. Keep ‘em comin’ ...

Going on my first backpacking trip next year (2018) with a friend, who is also a newbee. Buying the gear through out this year, and your channel is a big help!

Excellent vid and I couldn't agree more. Headlamp is the other key essential I gotta have.

I usually carry 4 buffs. One as a hat (because I hike in windy conditions), one for my neck and two as gloves (so my fingers are free for scrambling on rocks).

Some good tips. I think I will check out the mini-gaiters, I had not heard of them before. THe leuko-tape (American name for it, I presume?) is indeed excellent- it is so common in Europe I had not even thought of it as "gear", but I do always pre-tape my heals, as they otherwise get blisters. And yez, is holds until I take it off, 2 weeks later. It works very well. I was surprised the rainjacket wasn't number 1. I hardly leave home without one. I agree with those below who said headlamp as well, hand sanitizer is also a very good idea, and the liner socks (use dyears ago, may try again after this tip). Also, I think no one has mentioned the humble sponge. It is super useful for "moisture management" in the tent, especially in winter and autumn camping, and has loads of other uses.

these videos are superinformative and we'll put together. thanks for taking the time to make them.

Great series of videos, great quality, presentation, and sound advice. I am an avid hiker and overall outdoors enthusiast and I agree with your content. I don't use all of the gear personally ( although I have used it at some point in my adventures ), but for what you have talked about and the facts around them, it's great content.

It's one of the best videos I've watched on UKposts. Eggcellent!

Thank you for the great tips! I will definitely try the liner socks next time.

Thank you. It's very helpful and informative. My favorite is the Gaiter.

This video was just FULL of good, useful, information. Thanks for sharing.

What your missing like most and something I am bring in my Day Pack and Back pack a couple of WalMart sacks from the check out. They only weight a gram. Why like on my hike to a Beautiful Waterfall I picked up some trash a couple subway cups and sandwich wrappers. No I not asking you to pick up every thing just a little especially on your way into town. Don't forget a little hand gel. :) We love the Outdoors give it a little help. Thanks

Great video with solid info! I don't think I heard you mention the words Survival or Tactical a single time! Thank you!

Great advice! I picked up a pair of Dirty Girls several months ago and love them! I Always bring a Bandana with me but ill try the buff... Thanks for the video!

I'm definitely going to add the Wigwam liner socks to my list. 👍 Thanks.

Good video bro. , our top five are pretty similar I do believe I alter it a little bit I like bandanas personally the best multi-purpose tool. I carry rain jacket without a doubt, except mine is Pancho style, I don't use a separate cover for my backpack so it's very important that my rain gear covers everything, I don't use your fancy foot things but I do always carry extra socks and sometimes double up, I think my four and five though would have to be my coffee pot which is a multi-purpose tool, and I think we have to say fire starter because I don't rely on a cook stove. although I have done long-distance trails with less when I did the Trail of Tears I only carried what I could fit in a burlap sack that I threw over my shoulder so I could feel the authentic feeling of being forced across the land unprepared. so many of my ancestors died on those trails, I know they call it "Trail" of Tears but there's actually five different trecks that I have done so far. keep up the great work I would appreciate getting some feedback from you and maybe a little communication it helps prove the point that you can have two completely different styles but still get along together with opinions and discussions, but maybe I'm wrong in this case. not the first time I've commented to you and at this point it won't be the last although from a creators standpoint I think it's valuable for you to spend one day a week communicating with your community because without us where would you be?

You are right about the liner sock 100%. I learned that trick when I was in the military for our long ruck marches. It is night and day difference. I tend to use a dress sock as my liner and it works great.

Great video thanks. I've just ordered leuko tape on your recommendation to be prepared for the next trip in March. Never used those buffs but I can see how useful they could be. Subscribed.

I've used a buff for ankle compresion when I rolled my ankle while hiking. BUFF-saved my ankle.

Great video Darwin! Just curious, where did you get the A/T buff?

Thanks for the video and information, Im doing a thru hike next year on AT and found your videos very informative and ill definately make a few changes to my gear thanks to you

That's a pretty dang good list! I'm really now considering 4 because I already have a great rain jacket. For me I'd add my suunto traverse A. It's allowed me to go on new hikes and old hikes with confidence that I'll essentially never worry about getting lost and not being able to find my way back.

Wind breaker, sock liner, knife, water filter in my bottle and first aid/booboo kit.

I'm so grateful I learned about Leuko tape on my first backpacking trip... I was pissed when I couldn't find it for sale at any local drug stores and outraged with the price, but it is so worth it! I like to carry a little lemon essential oil to help get all that stickyness off once you try to remove the tape... its either that, googone, or a month of shit sticking to where the tape was lol May not be gear, but I pretty much always have an extra snack on me... no matter how long or short the activity I'm planning on doing, life happens and things run later than planned. Once I start getting hungry, my patience is out the window and often with that, my best judgement

I will never backpack without a liner sock again after I was in Grand Teton. I had been hiking for only tow days and I already had at least 5 blisters on each foot. I was loaned a pair of liner socks, and I couldn't believe how much of a difference it made. I could finally enjoy myself.

Great list. Another must have for me is a Rain Kilt. I have one from ULA and Zpacks. Very versatile for warmth, changing, carrying fire wood and of course quick on and off in a rain storm.

Awesome information. Thanks for sharing. Keep up the good work! :-)

I discovered silk liners my first US Marine infantry Bn. in 1976. What a different out come after each forced march. The Marines that didn’t listen to me, their Corpsman, soon became believers.

Your channel is what inspired me to get into camping and your tips are worth thier wait in gold!!

Darwin Brother, I LOVE this video. I went and got everything on this list. I already had the BUFF for several years tho. The helium II is fantastic and easily a favorite piece of gear.

My favorite hiking gear is my van..

My buff is my absolute favorite thing on the trail.

I ordered a Helium II rain jacket today based on your advice. Looking forward to using it.

Minnesota is quite humid in June- August, so the lightweight buff is great. Keeps the sweat out of my eyes. Agree and recommend. 👍🏼

Silver emergency blanket, solar lightbulb and a lifestraw, but I am a noob and I over pack

Leuko tape or as I would call it Leukoplast: This stuff is older than anyone alive and it worked beautifully for the last century. A German invention from before Germans invented cars. What I think is really funny is that even modern replacements can't match the original. I know I used it 40 years ago and it's still in every pack I take to go anywhere. It's more versatile than duct tape and that sure is a statement

Thanks for the info - I really like your review style and the information is really useful.

My Shemagh. 100%. Never thought a sheet of cloth would end up being my favorite piece of gear I own.

And how many of these items, besides #1, are now on the "I'm over it" list.

Never heard of LeukoTape and I had never considered liners BUT I get tons of blisters taking these on my next hike lets see if it cuts down on my blisters!!! Thanks for the tips!

I hunt in the Rockies and the one piece of gear I would not hike without is my rain gear. I've seen too many adventures spoiled by rain. Trying out tall waterproof Gaiters this year which will help keep water out of my boots and help protect my lower legs from injury when climbing over dead falls. Good video...

Always helpful to get tips from experienced backpackers. I'll put Leuko tape on my gear list.

I will put one thing in the comments here about Leuko Tape. Don't overdo it!! I used this stuff to save my feet during my first summer as a trail guide and by the end of the summer it was ripping skin off with it when I tried to change the tape. Be careful with such strong adhesive.

Great Swiss Army knife and a compass.

On longer trips wool blanket definitely, there's a reason they were common from ancient history until modern age and especially when here in Norway a large heavy isolated jacket isn't always the most comfortable and energy efficient to walk with.

I’m from las cruces New Mexico and ur stories are so good and are just like me. You’re honestly a big inspiration for me to get out there and do what we do.

My headlamp, food, flask (1l) and a big aluminium bottle, rope, knife, lighter/matches

Which trail do you recommend for first time families on the Appalachian? 5days with water access and fishing?

Hey Darwin, thanks for all the good videos and hiking advice ! Its definitely helped me consolidate some of my gear ! I use gaiters aswell but im def going to check out the lighter version you have shown here. I also like the buff thing your using, I personally carry a hankerchief but i may switch to the buff seems a little more usefull. I do also carry my beanie i live in upstate ny and hike the adirondacks frequently and it can get windy and cold up here in the afternoons even in the summer especially near the summits, but who knows maybe the buff will replace both for me? Thanks man!! ADK's for life !!

Awesome video! Learned some new stuff. Your channels is one of my faves for hiking because you always have great info and seem like a great guy.

Used shemaghs before. Never tried a buff. Will give it a go. Excellent channel. Really enjoying your vids. Subd. Cheers, mate....

I would use my buff for anything, except as a kleenex. ew I had the same rain jacket for 11 years and it was always within range. Then one day it got a rip in it. I couldnt repair it and finally had to throw it away. That felt like a friend had just died.

Great video just when I thought I had everything! I got blisters on the CDT right at the start. I ordered liner socks, a lite weight buff for summer and leukotape. I agree 100% with you about moleskin. I loved the dirty girl gators in the desert they work. My favorite gear is my sea to summit pillow got on your recommendation and my q core inflatable pad both make sleeping on the ground so much more enjoyable.

Good info here! I also have and use a buff for EVERYthing!👍😎

Agree with you on the rain jacket, mine is a GoLite make of GoreLite, will definitely try the gaiters out.

Oh man I agree with the leukotape recommendation. I used to use it preemptively in spots that are prone to blisters when I was in the army before endurance marches in bootcamp. But I found that there are many tapes that do just as well. Basically search for stuff like "dressing tape", "medical cloth tape", "surgical tape" and particularly anything that says "zinc oxide adhesive" will work great.

Fantastic video! So much valuable information so quickly .. thank you!

Love my liner socks. Got my first pair when I was working construction and had to be in steel toe boots all day. I'm treating my current ones SO carefully because my favourite kind got discontinued. Might have to try these ones.

I always have Leukotape when I go on a hike, but I don't think leaving it on a wound for 2 weeks is a good idea. When I've used it, I've always peeled it off every night while getting ready to go to sleep, cleaned the wound, and rebandaged (or for blisters left them unbandaged until the morning).

Im addicted to buffs, just because they make me feel snuggly and safe around my neck 😂 but I mean, yeah they are great for hiking! Also, the make dog buffs if you have a dog. Like how whippets and greyhounds, get cold, you can get them a fleece buff for winter hikes :)

Glad to see somebody else loves liner socks. I’m a bit shocked that so few people use them and even more surprised, that fewer people still, have even heard of liner socks. 40 or so years ago I learned about them in the Boy Scouts when hiking at Philmont. Back then we didn’t have CoolMax and other technical (Gucci) fabrics, so we used nylon Sunday/dress socks as liners.

Just stumbled onto your site, and appreciated the recommendations. Earned yourself a new subscriber.

Hey that is really funny. Here in Germany Leukotape ( it is called Leukoplast here) is like the absolute standard anti-blister method. I learned to tape my feet with it when I was 14 or so. It also prevents blisters. You don't need to wear liner socks, if you just tape your feet at the usual blister spots with your leukotape. Tape up your toes and your ankles and all your 'favorite blister spots' and you won't get any blisters. Works like magic. I also carry one of my buffs on any hike or trip that I go. So all in all we have at least two items in common. Thanks for all your videos and best wishes from Germany.

You should should sew a small piece of microfiber cloth to inside off your buff to keep your glasses clean.

Nice selections, I agree. Would be tempted to add my Patagonia nanopuff pullover to the list, never hike without it.

Great vid. Never go without space blanket here is Alberta the Rocky Mountain weather changes from summer to winter in an instant. You never know!!

Hey there is a video idea for you: 10 ways to use a buff

Huh, never thought about Liner socks or leukotape, definitely giving those a try. Personally I never leave home without a pocket knife or my Leatherman Multitool. Even when hiking they both come in handy for soooo many things I cant see why more people dont carry them. Definitely agree with the portable rain jacket and the buff, those things are amazing

Awsome video again. One piece of equipment I never go without on a 2 or 3 day trip or longer is parachord. It can be used for everything: food hangs, bandages, tent straps, or just passing the time making knots and bracelets out of.

Awesome Darwin! ...as always. I have been hawing and humming about whether or not to get gaiters or not (the PCT will be my first desert hike), but after watching your recommendations I believe I will venture into new territory.

In addition to what is mentioned in the video and on the top of my head: A battery free map (For the younger generation: it's called "paper"), a compass, one of my Swiss army knives, something to start a fire with.

I also was expecting the good old ass-pad to make the list :) Great items!

One of my favorites is the Marmot Windshirt. Just right to put on when you want something a little more than a t-shirt.

So I used liner socks for the 1st time hiking Sawtooth... Thank You 🙏🏽😅

Always bring a dirty girl hahaha.

Talcum powder. Great for stopping blisters. Also invaluable for preventing chafing round the parts.

Thanks a million for sharing.. New to Hiking/ camping and I can use these for that AND my long distance running & preps! #Subscribed - JB

yes darwin, i love my buff as well. i am obsessed with hm, i have four of them

bug net to go over my hat. Mosquitos love me.

i spent 20+ years in military and did thousands of miles of road marching / hiking / orienteering ... simply wear a thick pair of wool socks ... never had a blister. (with correct fitting boots)

Hey Darwin I can't begin to tell you how much I love watching you and how much I have learned! I am 67 years young (lol) and just started backpacking although I have been hiking the north Georgia mountains for over 20 years! I have watched a ton of videos but you are definitely my "go to" guy! I will not hike without my bandanas laced threw the straps on my pack but am now considering a Buff! Thanks for the great tips! Happy Hiking!

Always informative & useful hiking gear videos. Thanks. 🌲🥾⛰️🌳