I Asked 357 Backpackers What Gear Beginners Should Actually Buy

Comments · 198

• NA

  @NateTheNatty · 2 months ago · pinned

  I was actually the nephew who ended up receiving this backpack after my aunt won the giveaway. It outperforms my old hand me down Arc'teryx pack by a long shot. Thank you so much!

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• KR

  @KristyNotDoneYet · 2 months ago

  All of us backpackers have gone through the journey to better dial in our gear through trial and error and over time, but as a beginner, you don’t even know if you are going to like backpacking. Unless you are made of money, who can afford or justify some of this stuff. It’s a commitment for sure when starting out.  My beginner advice; borrow, rent, buy used or buy from REI and take itty bitty trips. You’ll soon learn what is working gear-wise and what doesn’t.

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• HD

  @hdgjkag · 4 days ago

  Really enjoyed the video! Great content and very helpful.

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• HI

  @historyman08 · 2 months ago

  The best ROI you'll get on backpacking gear is in your comfort, on trail and at camp. I spent plenty of time cycling between cheap gear because I was afraid to take the plunge. The three big things I recommend to upgrade first are your pack, footwear, and sleeping pad. Buy a good backpack that fits you, don't worry about the pack's weight as much. A pack with a good frame that fits your body and carries extra beginner weight well feels like a feather on your back. Footwear is also super important, get shoes and socks that fit you. If you can, get shoes a little bit wider than you need, but not too much. The extra space will make your feet much more comfortable when they swell after putting up big miles. Finally, a quality pad is important for recovery and warmth. Get something that relieves pressure and keeps you warm, it'll let you recover well for the next day of hiking.

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• TR

  @tridudyonthetrail · 2 months ago (edited)

  This is extremely interesting data… obviously, there are so many variables, so I’m looking forward to the next round of results. Thanks for putting this together! Happy trails!

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• RO

  @RobAnz2026 · 2 days ago (edited)

  I was watching the part where you gave the Naturehike backpack as a gift. <br><br>That’s actually the next backpack I have been looking at. I live in China and I can get the Rock 2.0 50L for $55.<br><br>I’ve seen a lot of good reviews on it!

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• WI

  @wisenber · 7 hours ago

  Half of the fun of the first couple of years was getting equipment dialed in.<br>Now, the busier trails have most people carrying a &quot;top five&quot; list.

• KE

  @kevinmorning8622 · 2 months ago

  You touched on it a few times, I noticed the theme building. Don&apos;t complicate your cooking system until you figure out what food you&apos;re going to like. Then you brought it home. Beginners don&apos;t need to break the bank just starting out. Get what&apos;s going to work, reliably, and make you want to go back out, instead of packing it in. &nbsp;And consider borrowing and buying used. Get enough of what works for you, then find your way to hike your hike.<br><br>Nicely done.

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• ME

  @megibug · 2 months ago

  Hey Ricky, fantastic job with this video!👏🏼 So interesting to see how the survey develops as more people contribute (I need to as well!). Great idea and thoughtfully presented👍🏼<br><br>I started backpacking this year at age 64 so I’m definitely a beginner! For the most part I’ve been VERY happy with my choices so far☺️ I do wonder if perhaps I should’ve tried a quilt🤔 I went straight to a bag since that’s all I’ve ever known. Sometimes when I get twisted up I wonder if that was a missed opportunity lol🥴

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• RO

  @RobAnz2026 · 2 days ago

  So many opinions out there about anything and everything. I watched a lot of videos and tried to gather advice and then take that advice and decide myself what I wanted to purchase and try out on my first hike. <br><br>I took care of the most important thing and that’s body comfort. Socks, shoes, clothes, food and sleep! <br><br>My feet felt fine after an 11 mile day on Isle Royale with my Merrell shoes that were discontinued.

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• DM

  @DM-fv7hw · 2 months ago

  Great video! &nbsp;Since starting backpacking in the 90&apos;s, I&apos;ve seen how all this gear has evolved. &nbsp;Start simple, buy on sale or used, be careful of the hype. &nbsp;Cheers!

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• HI

  @hikingmovie · 2 months ago

  Thanks for the mention. I sent a link to my nephew that you sent the backpack &nbsp;to. He really likes the pack. Thanks so much.

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