10 Numbers All Backpackers Need to Know

Рет қаралды 5,526

3 ай бұрын

A grasp of some key numbers will help you plan your long-distance backpacking trip, and help you prepare for some of the key challenges you might encounter along the way. In this video, I explore ten important numbers you should consider before setting off on your long-distance hike or backpacking trip.
Here is a link to the BMH calculator mentioned in the video:
www.inchcalculator.com/harris...
Please feel free to add constructive comments. I freely admit I don’t know all the answers and have blind spots. Feel free to enlighten me. We may disagree, but I’m not afraid of robust conversations.
#backpacking gear, #backpacking, #olderhikers, #pacificcresttrail, #olderbackpackers, #backpackingtips, #backpackingnumbers
Here are my documentaries about our journey on the Pacific Crest Trail:
A Pacific Crest Trail Coddiwomple: • A Pacific Crest Trail ...
Coddiwomple II: A Pacific Crest Trail Documentary: • Coddiwomple II: A Paci...
To access a copy of my free resupply guide, click on the following link: indd.adobe.com/view/5c188b77-...
If you want to support this channel, please subscribe, hit notifications, watch other videos and comment. I strive to respond to all comments. You could also follow AKWild1 on Facebook. Also, I have links to outdoor products that have served me well. I promise I do not accept anything free from gear companies, nor am I sponsored in any way by a company. My opinions about gear and equipment are my own based on my experiences in the field. I want to remain impartial and maintain my integrity, which is critical to who I am. My recommendations are based on my experiences. There are Amazon Affiliate links in the video description. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Here are some products mentioned in this video and links:
Here are links to some products mentioned today, as well as other items I recommend:
Adventure Ready: A Hiker’s Guide to Planning, Training and Resiliency.
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Helinox Chair Zero
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Mini Cork Massage Ball
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Black Diamond Trail Trek Poles
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Curex Insoles
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Dude Wipes
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Closed Cell Backpacking Pad
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Garmin Instinct Solar Watch
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Injinji Trail Socks
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Neo Air X-Therm. A bit pricey, but mine lasted the entire PCT
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I also recommend Darn Tough socks for hiking because the company guarantees their products for life. I have returned socks that have been torn or ripped, and the company sent me credit for new socks. Here is a link that will give you and me a discount if you purchase a pair of Darn Tough socks. darntough.refr.cc/raymondvoley

Пікірлер: 67

@zanderrobertson5138 2 ай бұрын

This is solid gold, thanks so much. What's more, now I get to practice my maths skills by converting it to metric 😁👍

@akwild1 2 ай бұрын

Yes, we Americans do have a hard time with the metric system. This SNL skit always cracks me up. Have you seen it? kzfaq.info/get/bejne/gL-hmbl2kszdm58.htmlsi=NVxc8rcJb7A3ye_x

@randywarnock2937 3 ай бұрын

I have been backpacking since man first walked on the moon (7/1969). And have worked on wildfires for over 30 years. That is 14-16 hour days seven days a week. We calculate that equals 6,500 calories per day.

@akwild1 3 ай бұрын

I imagine my estimate of how many liters of water you drank wouldn't even come close.

@randywarnock2937 3 ай бұрын

@@akwild1 That one of the key points I emphasize during wildfire training. I was working on a difficult fire where we had to have our hands free to climb up rocks and rope. We could only pack first-aid kit and water. Another crew didn’t have enough water was going into heat stroke. Rescuers secured him in basket and flew out on a long line.

@maureenobryan6141 3 ай бұрын

Super helpful equation on the fuel cannister! I can never figure that out, so great to know! I end up with 1/4 full ones and then don't want to take 2 cannisters with me on section hikes. I love the number zero the best! You are always a wealth of info!

@akwild1 3 ай бұрын

Thanks Maureen. There is a device that supposedly allows you to transfer fuel between cannisters. I haven't tried it so I don't know if it's legit. For now, I just go with the two can rule.

@judyfox4957 3 ай бұрын

Fabulous video! I SO MUCH appreciate this channel. Thank you for sharing these tips and your hard-earned wisdom.

@akwild1 3 ай бұрын

You are so welcome! Thank you for your kind words.

@kristymoore7052 3 ай бұрын

Good info. I know me and the 1st few days I almost have to force myself to eat, so I try to plan accordingly and I still bring too much food. I’m hiking the John Muir Trail this summer and it will be the longest and most challenging I’ve ever done. I’m 60 and still work, so one of the big 3 can’t even happen for a few years. I like your idea of packing 2 8oz canisters and will adopt that for the 1st half of my NOBO JMT hike. After, I feel that there are enough resupply places to just bring one small. I like coffee in the AM and tea at night if I am cold, so I prob double to triple the amount of boils than you. Morning coffee at camp backpacking is one of my overall favs out there.

@akwild1 3 ай бұрын

I hope your JMT hike is amazing. I carry two 4 oz cannisters, and use one completely before moving to the next, and then replacing the original in town. You could also probably increase the number of boils per can by using your warmest water first for cooking. That would reduce the amount of time, and fuel, needed to get the water to boiling temperature.

@20Hikecdt23 3 ай бұрын

Thanks. Great video. Keep them coming.

@akwild1 3 ай бұрын

Thanks, will do!

@pw2394 3 ай бұрын

Thank you for sharing this. It makes a lot of sense☀️

@akwild1 3 ай бұрын

Thank you.

@BCVS777 3 ай бұрын

Thanks! Useful info.

@akwild1 3 ай бұрын

Thank you for watching.

@danidaskam1027 3 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I really appreciate your channel.

@akwild1 3 ай бұрын

My pleasure! Thank you for watching.

@peterjohnson6273 3 ай бұрын

Always good. Thanks.

@akwild1 3 ай бұрын

Thank you too, Peter. I appreciate it.

@amynapier3551 3 ай бұрын

Awesome tips. Thanks for sharing your experience and expertise.

@akwild1 3 ай бұрын

Thank you. I enjoy sharing and encouraging others to enjoy the outdoors.

@pt2575 3 ай бұрын

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with us. Thank you for caring about others. Be safe.

@akwild1 3 ай бұрын

You bet. Thank you for commenting.

@sheilahenry7279 3 ай бұрын

My God! 1 month of 15-20miles a day!!!!!! I just did 4 miles & am about to die. I thought 5 mi a day would be good. I’m gonna try to build up. This is my month to start building up

@Feribrat99 3 ай бұрын

Right there with ya on that one. several reasons but yeah.

@akwild1 3 ай бұрын

4-5 miles a day is something to take pride in. You’re moving. That’s the important thing.

@dwaynestewart6095 3 ай бұрын

well, brother, that was very interesting and a great starting point . good information to keep in mind. I'm going to do some checking and see if there is anything I need to change. I'm sure I will find something that needs tuned up a bit. Thanks. Dwayne

@akwild1 3 ай бұрын

Thanks Dwayne. Hope you get a chance to get on the trail and maybe find Willy again.

@UncleGeorgeTV 3 ай бұрын

Great breakdown of numbers to remember

@akwild1 3 ай бұрын

Thank you for watching.

@friederichgerlach9825 3 ай бұрын

I really apreciate your videos, thanks a lot for the qualified tips you give! I would love to come to Alaska for a hiking trip. I am a little bit jealous! You have to plan it in a different way as you do it in Germany, i guess. Here you are never far away from the next grocery store. Alaska is indead more out of my comfort zone! At least, i also have several national parks in my surrounding. Greatings from the black forrest in Germany!

@akwild1 3 ай бұрын

We have some amazing national parks and great hiking trails. I made a video about Resurrection Pass, which is one of my favorite Alaska trips.

@harrymathis4743 3 ай бұрын

Great information!

@akwild1 3 ай бұрын

Thank you.

@glenloewen7507 3 ай бұрын

Great video as always my friend! I enjoy your content very much and am grateful that you’re sharing on the topics you do. Man, I can hardly wait until it’s my turn to do the PCT. It’s not impossible that I’ll be going next year, but we’ll see how the work situation plays out. I love the tip about filling your dirty water bag with snow and letting it melt in your pack. I’ve never thought about that before! I’m toiling about what pack I should bring for the long water and food carries. Historically I’ve always used expedition sized packs because they carry very well and I can put everything inside without ever attaching things to the outside. However, weighing in at the 5.6 lb mark, that may not be the best plan for the miles I’ll be looking at along the PCT.

@akwild1 3 ай бұрын

I can't wait for you to begin the PCT, too. Most hikers choose packs in the 50-60 litre ballpark, with some going lighter than that. Here's a link to the PCT gear survey that might help you dial in your pack: www.halfwayanywhere.com/trails/pacific-crest-trail/pct-hiker-survey-2023/#thru-hiking-gear

@HuangXingQing 3 ай бұрын

Great tips! Again.

@akwild1 3 ай бұрын

Thank you, for watching.

@lukasmakarios4998 3 ай бұрын

I decided that my base weight for backpacking should not exceed 10% of my "fit" body weight. For example, if I'm in good shape at about 175 pounds, my pack should weigh in at about 17.5 pounds. That's base weight, without consumables. Then you can add food and fuel. That should keep your total under 20%, and not demand any "ultralight" gear.

@akwild1 3 ай бұрын

That seems reasonable. I weigh 200 pounds, 190 after a through hike. My pack weight probably settles in at a bit more than yours because I keep adding camera gear to the mix. I know some folks might object to this statement, but after 750 miles on the trail I don't really notice my pack regardless of the weight. It's a non-issue. Thanks for your perspective.

@mtadams2009 3 ай бұрын

If you get a chance check out the channel called The Gear Skeptic. He gets into great detail about all the subjects he covers and breaks with science many myths that have been spread over time. He gets into great detail about the whole boot weight debate. He has the science on burn times and wind. I weigh about 160 and never carry a pack even close to 20 percent my body weight. I shot for about 20 or so and that’s carrying my dog’s gear and food. Take care

@akwild1 3 ай бұрын

Okay, I apologize for the error. I based my info on an old study, which I thought was intuitively confirmed by my use of heavy hunting boots, midweight boots, and trail runners. My legs certainly do get more tired in heavier boots, but I can’t quantify exactly their per pound variable effect. Sorry, I won’t repeat it. I also usually always maintain a backweight less than 20 percent of my body weight of 200 pounds, probably closer to 15 percent.

@sk-wx1cf 3 ай бұрын

6 lbs of food for a 6 day trip and still had some leftover. i'd be fat AF if i ate 3-4K cal of food a day.

@akwild1 3 ай бұрын

That's an accomplishment. How many miles a day do you average, and where are you hiking?

@richardinjapan4578 3 ай бұрын

Question: Pack weight shoud not exceed 20% of body weight. Does this assume so-called "normal BMI?"

@akwild1 3 ай бұрын

I'm not aware of any calculation that figures BMI into the equation. On my long-distance hikes, fully-loaded, I rarely hit 40 pounds, which is 20 percent of my weight, except when I left Kennedy Meadows for the Sierra with Bear Cannister, Microspikes, Ice Axe, additional clothing, food for 10 days, and a couple liters of water. And, I carry 3-5 pounds of camera gear.

@t.vanoosterhout233 3 ай бұрын

Wasn't that 'weight on your feet' figure disproven recently? The idea being that the difference in weight between boots and trail runners only really has an impact if you run, not so much if you hike. Further, some very interesting and important considerations, thx!

@roberttrinies7698 3 ай бұрын

Definitely makes a noticeable difference when climbing, especially when there's a lot of step ups.

@akwild1 3 ай бұрын

@t.vanoosterhout233 3 ай бұрын

@@akwild1 No need to apologize, and I must say that your personal experience seems to confirm the original study! I've just bought a pair of trailrunners and intend to use them this summer instead of my boots which (unfortunately) gave me blue toenails last summer.... so in fact I hope the lighter shoe really does make that difference! 👟👣☺️

@RoyADane 3 ай бұрын

The Gear Skeptic did an in-depth examination of this and came to the conclusion that it "depends". Regarding water carries: in '22, I hiked from Bird Spring Pass to Walker Pass on the PCT. Because it was a cool drizzly day, I only drank 1 liter of water over the 20 miles.

@trepurtrailtrek 3 ай бұрын

Great to see the community being able to share the knowledge. Gear skeptic uses the scientific approach to investigate many hiking "known facts" that turn out to be not so much "known"! Worth checking his channel out. Also boots don't just provide ankle support but also minimise the foot part of the shoe from rotating around the foot. Particularly helpful when going across an incline where there is no path (Brecon Beacons in Wales UK). But on dry well used tracks I do also use trail runners. Love the channel thank you for the content.

@Karen-dq8nw 3 ай бұрын

Zero

@davidsykes5635 3 ай бұрын

Time to go Metric. Only the US, Liberia and Myanmar do not use it.

@akwild1 3 ай бұрын

kzfaq.info/get/bejne/gL-hmbl2kszdm58.htmlsi=QKGCzqEIk8VkzmCf

@davidsykes5635 3 ай бұрын

😂

@wyattroncin941 3 ай бұрын

1 pound on your feet = 5 on your back is NOT real. that study is based on a running pace, comparing very stiff combat boots and running shoes. at a walking pace that difference is at most 2:1, and likely was influenced greatly by wearing boots designed around rucking with 60 to 100+ lbs, providing a huge amount of ankle supporting stiffness to prevent aknle injuries. if you are most comfortable in hiking boot, wear hiking boots. if you prefer trail runners, nothing wrong with those either. but you are not carrying the equivalent of 10 extra pounds in you pack simply because you put on the wrong shoes.

@akwild1 3 ай бұрын

@wyattroncin941 3 ай бұрын

@@akwild1 it's not entirely wrong, a pair of trail runners with a pound of lead in each will cost more energy than taking that weight and putting it in your pack. But the effect is substantially smaller than is commonly believed, and is confounded by the reduced efficiency of a stiffer ankle from wearing boots. Really, the focus should be placed on improving joint fitness and education so that hiking boots aren't considered the standard for many hikers starting out.

@kaspersergej 3 ай бұрын

When you actually read the study, you‘d know that the one pound rule is wrong. Can hikers please stop this rechewing of the same wrong information already please?

@akwild1 3 ай бұрын