Brand
• Osprey: Known for highest quality backpacks
• Other quality brands: Gregory, Mystery Ranch

Hip Belt
• Essential for weight transfer from back to waist
• Helps avoid back injuries

Why No CamelBaks (Bladders)
• Complicated, leak-prone, and difficult to clean
• Hard to refill and track water usage
• Most experienced adventurers prefer traditional bottles over bladders

Size (Measured in Liters)
• 36L: Compact, for day trips
• 40-60L: Ideal for 1-day hikes
• 60-80L: Suitable for 2 to 5-day trips
• 80L+: Best for 5+ day expeditions

Waterproofing Options
• Waterproof backpacks: Often too heavy
• Backpack tarp: Lightweight solution
• Poncho: May cover smaller packs, but not large ones

Trekking Pole Tents
• Uses hiking sticks as poles
• Ultra-lightweight
• Quick and easy to set up

Cowboy Camping (No Tent)
• Only for experienced outdoorsmen aware of risks
• Exposure to insects, snakes, wind, and rain, and the elements

Hammocks
• Often heavier than tent setups
• Increased exposure to elements
• Ideal for warm, forested environments

Duck Down Sleeping Bag Insulation
• Highest quality insulation
• Lightest and warmest option
• Often the most expensive

Sleeping Bag Liners
• Acts as a "sheet" for your sleeping bag
• Helps keep the bag clean and adds warmth

Storage Tip
• Store loosely packed to preserve long-term quality

Inflatable vs. Foam Pads
• Inflatable: More compact, more comfortable
• Foam: More durable, easier to set up/take down, generally cheaper

High Cut vs Low Cut Shoes
• High cut: Prevent rolled ankles and more protective
• Low cut: Best for hot, flat, sandy areas

Online Shopping Tips
• Can't try on shoes when shopping online
• Try on at Cabela’s, REI, or Scheels to find the right fit WITH your hiking socks
• Allow time for returns or ordering different sizes before your adventure

Wool vs Cotton Socks
• Cotton Socks: Absorb moisture, become cold when wet
• Wool Socks: Wick away moisture, remain warm when wet

Break Your Shoes In
• Essential to wear new shoes for a few weeks before your adventure
• If short on time, use old sneakers instead

Blister Prevention
• Good hiking socks help reduce or eliminate blisters
• Properly broken-in shoes are key
• Feet develop calluses over time with long-distance walking

Stainless Steel
• Keeps drinks cold without producing condensation.
• Dents rather than cracks when dropped.
• Heavy (1-2 lbs) and bulky, making it unsuitable for backpacking.
• Tends to be more expensive.

Plastic
• Lightweight (<0.3 lbs) with a simple design.
• Porous material can retain an aftertaste from non-water drinks.

Filters
• Filters bacteria but not viruses
• Filters out particulates
• Can be difficult to use

Why Avoid CamelBak (Bladder Packs)?
• Complicated to use and maintain.
• Leak-prone and difficult to clean.
• Hard to refill, and you can’t easily track water usage.
• Most experienced adventurers prefer traditional bottles over bladder packs.

Purificaitn Tablets
• Chemically kills bacteria and viruses
• Doesn't filter out particulates
• Takes time to work
• Can leave a bad taste in water

Wood Walking Sticks
• Strong, supports body weight and heavy loads
• Durable, but may splinter over time
• Heavier than trekking poles
• Not compact, difficult to store

Trekking Poles
• Lightweight, ideal for long hikes
• Versatile, can double as tent poles
• Collapsible for easy storage
• Unable to support full body weight like a wood walking stick

Trekking Pole Benefits
• Reduce pressure on knees
• Improve uphill efficiency by engaging arms
• Provide extra balance during river crossings
• Lower risk of falls and rolled ankles on downhill terrain
• Can double as tent poles for compatible trekking pole tents

Why Wear Long Shirt/Pants
• Shields skin from harmful UV rays.
• Offers defense against insects and poisonous plants, reducing skin irritation and allergic reactions.
• Provides coverage against thick vegetation.

Qualities to Look For in a Hiking Shirt
• Breathable and moisture-wicking fabric to keep you dry.
• Lightweight material for ease of movement and to avoid overheating.
• Light colors are ideal for hot summer hikes, as they reflect sunlight.

Dress For The Season / Climate
• Hot Weather: Opt for lightweight, breathable clothing to promote ventilation and keep you cool.
• Cold Weather: Layer with thicker, insulated clothing to retain body heat. Fabrics like wool or synthetic blends work best.

Multi-Tool vs. Knife
• Knife: Typically unnecessary for most everyday carry (EDC) needs.
• Multi-Tool: Preferred for its range of built-in tools, which usually includes a knife.
• If you only use a knife for opening Amazon packages then you don't need it.

Leatherman vs. Swiss Army
• Leatherman: Heavier and bulkier, featuring pliers and a rugged, American-made design. We recommend it for its versatility and durability.
• Swiss Army: Lighter with a classic, time-tested design, ideal for lighter carry and essential tools.

Batteries
• Removable external batteries: Allow easy replacement and flexibility.
• Common sizes (AA, AAA): Widely available and versatile.
• Remove batteries when not in use: Prevents leaks, extends lifespan.
• Use fresh batteries each trip: Ensures brightness and duration.

Size & Headlamps
• Compact flashlights: Prioritize for portability; weight and size are key.
• Headlamps: Preferred for practical, hands-free convenience.

Mechanical vs Automatic Watches
• Mechanical watches are primarily for fashion and status.
• Automatic watches are simpler, require less maintenance, are more durable, and offer better precision—making them the practical choice.
• Best for adventuring: Automatic watches excel in functionality and reliability.

Smart-Watches
• Highly functional, acting as a mini-computer.
• Offer features like notifications, fitness tracking, and more.
• Require frequent charging, often daily, due to high battery consumption.

Food Options
• Choose calorie-dense, protein-rich, and carbohydrate-heavy foods that require minimal preparation.
• Good options include peanut butter, tortillas, tuna and chicken packets, nuts, protein powder, crackers, cheese, trail mix, oatmeal, dehydrated pasta, sandwiches, ramen, protein bars, dried fruit, hot cocoa, instant mashed potatoes, and Snickers.

Titanium vs. Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum
• Titanium: Lightest and strongest option, but poor heat transfer.
• Stainless Steel: Heavy yet strong, excellent heat transfer.
• Aluminum: Lightweight but less strong, moderate heat transfer.

Metal Pot Heat Transfer
• Poor heat transfer can lead to excessive fuel consumption

Battery Pack
• Simple and quick: Easy, efficient to use.
• Affordable: Widely available from various manufacturers.

Solar
• Complex and costly: Provides unlimited power but relies on direct sunlight.
• Unreliable in varied conditions: Often impractical for seasoned adventurers.
• Battery packs still needed: Essential for energy storage.