As a thrift store shopper I think everyone should buy the most expensive everything when they start. Also size large tall fits everyone so get me that

Hey! I worked as an REI Packfitter (and I trained REI staff in how to pack fit) for 15 years! And I think this is a great video. YES! I preach to buy your pack last, or at least after you buy tent, sleeping bag, and pad which is really what is going to determine your pack size. But you left one problem out. A lot of the little outdoor stores, staff don’t know how to fit backpacks. So that is a benefit of REI. They spend a lot - and I mean A LOT! - of money training staff. If the shop you are at can’t measure your torso, walk out. Which brings me to the 6th stupid thing that new backpackers do! They walk into a store, grab a pack off the wall, dont check to see what size it is, don’t get themselves measured, and walks o a register because their friend, or a video told them it was the best pack. Get fitted for your new pack! Great video.

I use the bear bells to keep track of my kids. Sometimes they run. Still hear the sound...alive. No sounds...oops.

I love Garage Grown Gear for a one-stop online shop for cottage brands. They carry a lot of different stuff, and even ship to Canada with minimal hassle and decent shipping pricing. They even carry some Canadian brands.

The one reason I like REI is I can buy anything they sell and try it for up to one year and still return it and get my money back. None of the cottage brands offer that. That one fact helped me to buy gear to try without wasting a ton of money. I ended up returning three different backpacks before I settled on a Zpacks bag. So I think it’s a real benefit to buy from REI if you are just starting out. The membership is only $30 and they give you a $30 gift card for signing up.

I know the ragging on REI is mostly a joke, but any hiker, camper, or backpacker would be a fool to ignore their sales. I realize I'm outing myself as a softie, but I got their flexlite air chair for $50, and I've been loving it. I just got a really great mid-layer for 50% off. I grab some Darn Tough when they're on sale. I like to support smaller businesses when I can, but they're definitely on the better end of "big box" stores.

✋️ I nominate Miranda in the wild as a potential guest on Trail Tales when it returns. 😄

I've been a member of REI since the late 70's, and I've bought some good gear from them. Not all of what I use, but some pieces here and there. And I am still a member of the REI Coop.

Don't overlook second hand gear either, many groups on Facebook and other sites where some great deals can be found. Just avoid pissy sleeping bags and never buy second hand underwear... I'll never make that mistake twice 🙄

1) Buy gear in correct order, backpack last 0:50 2) Don't but too much gear 1:58 3) Buy only backpacking gear 3:26 4) Spending too much money 5:06 5) Thinking big name outfitters are the only option 6:46

REI awesome for some things. For instance I bought a nano air. I can go right to patagonia and get it for $300 or get it for $300 at REI and get 10 percent back in March and have the fantastic REI service. Easy choice.

Tip 3 reminds me of the time I saw a tent at Walmart labeled “backpacking tent”. The tent was nearly the size of a suitcase and weighed over 5 pounds. Awesome tips and video!

Please tell me I'm not the only one who got an REI ad right in the middle of the REI segment.

tip #6: don't think everything you buy needs to be new. there are many options for buying used gear. use them!!

You forgot to tell them that cast iron the best cooking gear for the backcountry.

Kyle did you like the REI Sahara Sun Hoodie you used on the PCT?

The one thing I always tell first time backpackers is don't buy, but rent instead. Even investing money into all the cheaper gear adds up, and if you find out you really hate backpacking, then that's a bunch of wasted money for one trip. REI does have a good gear rental service. And yes, once you start buying gear, definitely purchase things like your sleep system first. I am allegic to down, so I have to buy all synthetic, which tends to be bulkier. Hence, I needed a larger backpack.

Buy once, cry once. A few of my favorite things: Hammock gear premium top quilt, Nemo tensor sleeping pad, ULA Circuit backpack, Copper Spur tent, Packit Gourmet. REI has been a great resource for information AND clothing because of their incredible return policy and member discounts. Favorite clothing: Kuhl hiking leggings, darn tough socks, Patagonia capilene tees, Altra trail runners, REI base layers.

I love how real and raw your advice is! This helped alot! Thank you!

You should start a discord and allow your fans to network used gear sales and or giveaways

"Aw, this Kyle guy, he's so cool." -No one ever

Walmart surprised me with their real tree and outdoors sections, replaced or updated my gear after spending a ton at REI before discovering. Thanks for the video, been watching your stuff for a bit and yeah it helped me get into outdoor living. Had to emigrate by foot and thru hiking has been a good excuse for basically being homeless. Boondocking is not adverse possession so it really isn't the same for me living outside verses those I meet who are locally always outside.

Difference between buying cottage and REI is the try on the fit the return and the service. I buy cottage and at REI. Gotta use your noggin and your experience and you will do fine. There are trade offs with ultra light, and not everyone is a through hiker.😊

Love your unfiltered personality. Subbed!

As a relative newbie I bought all of my gear from REI. After going on some trips and doing more research, I wound up trading a lot of my gear for cottage manufacturers. Plus, a lot of the ul cottage gear is MADE IN USA!

I’m newish to your channel. Have you talked more about where to get gear. You named like 3 places I had no idea about 😊

I'm so thankful that my dad was already a well seasoned backpacker when he got me into backpacking. I was able to try out some of his gear and my nephews gear to help hone in my shopping list. Only regret was wasting money on a backpacking sleeping bag only to find out I'm a top quilt kinda person. At least I was able to resell it.

I use bear bells for perimeter alarm but maybe that because I usually roll solo

Absolutely agree with backpack last! Luckily when I first started I knew I wanted to stay as minimal as possible just because it’s how I tend to live my day to day life, so I lucked out with being able to fit all my gear in a 40L pack. Don’t regret my choice either, REI Trail 40 pack 🤣

I saw this issue w backpacks:super UL(specific, lighter, more for dialed in ppl), vs more standard old 'tired and true' backpacks. osprey, Gregory ,mystery ranch, REI, mountain smith ect. when u start out, its hard to spend $$ on dialed in gear, u don't understand. Some mix of heavy old stuff mixed w cooler stuff you; ' saw on KZfaq'. I started w a mix of old military stuff and camping gear. my 1st true backpack was an used osprey atmosphere 65. its still my go to winter/heavy cold weather pack(it feels better w heavier weight.

Sage advice. I do agree with you on the big name outfitter stores. They do tend to sell a lot of unnecessary gadgets (smalls) that seem to target the inexperienced backpacker. In addition to the big name expensive gear, rei has their own brand of gear that is surprisingly comparable. When I first started backpacking, I bought the rei womens Flash 60 backpack for $98 and it has served me well. Almost 2 years ago I did upgrade to HMG for the weight savings of one pound but I do still like my Flash 60. 🐻

You forgot to tell everyone to watch Dan Becker videos to learn what you should buy, that guy is great!

I completely understand the point he's making about camping gear versus hiking but I have a question. My husband and I mostly camp but we want to get into hiking local Wisconsin trails. Our goal is to do this summer is 4-5 days on Ice Age trail. We both already have packs, shoes, poles, quilts and cooking/eating system made for hiking and one sleeping bag. Any advice or products out there that DO work for section hikes AND weekend campground camping? Any suggestions on things to buy, not buy?

Lmfao! That closing shot!🤣

Started out with all my junky gear from when I was in Boy Scouts was glad to upgrade but I'm also glad I was able to do a few trial runs with my junk gear to get comfortable with backpacking again. My advice for a trial run would be to do some basic research so you dont carry obviously terrible items and backpack with your junk gear on a night with fair weather. Only hike a mile of two at most which most people can do even with heavy gear and just see if you're comfortable with staying overnight in the woods, maybe crossing the poop barrier. There's more to backpacking than just putting in miles. If you liked the experience or only disliked it because of your gear, then start upgrading.

My husband used the massive zero degree sleeping bag that came from Walmart on our first backpacking trip. 😂 So grateful that we have started from backpacking and not camping. The gear translates much better!

New to the channel I wanna say thanks for the great information and for not being a regular boring ass KZfaqr!!

I have backpacked and hiked for eight years and currently bikepacking/ touring. I bought compression socks, panniers, cook set, fork racks, tent, sleeping pad. I take good care of my gear and things has worked great. Also, I have purchased water filters and purifier drops and tablets. No problem.

I will have you know, I bought all of my gear, as I have be hiking for quite a while, and I still bought a pack that was too small. So, now I have a 24, a 40 and a 58 liter backpack not to mention one that I don't remember the size of that I don't use because I don't like it. I bought most of my stuff at EMS and Dick's, both are in Concord, NH. REI is in North Conway and I hate going to North Conway, there is no easy way to get there and the traffic SUCKS.

I use REI because they have THE BEST return policy. I can try my running shoes for a year and still return them, if I find they are not working out. I haven't found any other company with as good of a return policy.

I have done a lot of kayak camping and love it and I want to do backpacking the cool thing is I can use a lot of the kayak gear for backpacking though I will need to get some different items as lighter and better packability are pluses

I know you can get REI online but we don't have them in England. I like to touch and try on. Not too keen on online for hiking gear.

The majority of my gear is REI...but it is also my second job, so, yeah. That said, I often refer people to cottage industries if our gear does not fit what they need. I love working with customers and realize that sometimes they just need something else. Especially quilts as we don't have many under 20 degrees. Some stores even rent gear, which is great for newer backpackers. You can see what you like and don't like. I have bought a few too many stuff sacks from Hilltops Packs. I mean we all need a steak and poop emoji bag. Research what you need, look at options, and make the best decision for you. And have some self control as you browse Garage Grown Gear. It is a very dangerous place.

I work at REI and still reccomnd cottage companies to ultralight backpackers because it is what I use and know works, REI has a terrible selection of quilts so I always refer them to enlightened equipment and mention the brs stove and zpacks when they are big on weight savings. REI also needs to sell pack liners, all they have is covers and I tell my customers to just use a pack liner instead of a rain cover because it's cheaper and sooo much more effective👍

REI has a great rep for a reason, but compared to when they first opened, definitely more options to consider, though often not in person. But, often a good starting point for checking stuff out. Also, would LOVE to see you do a "bang for the buck" gear rec list. Because damn if that's not a great point! I love that there's reasonably light, affordable tents. Under $350 is very doable for a 3lb tent vs the cost of an ultralight badboy. And zenbivy is starting to look like a good middle ground in that area for sleep gear.

I am a big REI fan. I tell newbies to rent or borrow for the first trip. You truly don’t know if you like backpacking until you did it. For me personally, I got 4 sleeping pads before I made a decision. No other company let’s you do that and return for free. Also I need Lowa Boots for my feet. Only REI gives me a really good discount. That doesn’t mean I am religiously buying everything from REI, but I don’t understand what you are bitching about. REI is a great company.

yeah, made that mistake, bought my pack first, but at least it was under 3 lbs replacing my old one that was 6 lbs.

Best video yet. Hysterical

Miranda and her crew gonna' come for ya' Kyle!!!! She don't take kindly to talkin' junk about REI!

i made the first mistake SO hard, my bag was WAYYY too small for all my stuff and i felt like a bozo 😅

I literally one time saw someone who packed out a full-sized bear canister in an area not required, FULL of s’mores supplies.

A it's good to have a 50-60 litter bag to start with then ajust after your first hike

I made this mistake with purchasing a 65L backpack. I am also on my third tent attempting to lighten the load and find the sweet spot.

I can’t imagine anyone just going out and buying all their gear at once, maybe people in another tax bracket than I. I’m like most, started with cheap stuff on Amazon or somewhere and ok, I like this, then slowly investing and dialing in what works. I’m now about 5k in and counting. I also have lots of stuff that I thought I needed and don’t, but I’m getting that part under control.

I’ve bought really good stuff and yes too much of it one thing is a spork. I use mountain house foods in the bag so after buying every utensil possible I realize all I need is along steel spork/spoon to get to the bottom of the bag.

Any tips on finding cottage vendors?

Get a big backpack first. Size that fits Cornelius keg. 👌

I have an Enlightened Equipment quilt and it's amazingly warm. I bought it with the intention of backpacking and then found out that I can't hike long distances due to knee issues.

Static v air mattress or one like it with a built-in foot pump... Or a pillow pump...

The Miranda pic and the Betty white pic cracked me up 🤣

Bought a Sawyer Filter first. Never used it.🙄 Turns out on day hikes I can carry enough water and never needed it. Oh well.

Bear bells only good for Christmas hiking

Outdoor Vitals and CNOC are two really good outfitters that offer top quality products at prices often less than their competitors, esp. during holiday and pre-season sales.

Rent equipment for your first time. I did and it was great.

How about a vid on; Military Surplus gear, Great Options and definitely Avoids.

6. watching too many youtubers pontificate about gear instead of spending that time on the trail and figure it out yourself.

Damn that was a good video. 👍

So, HMG is no longer cottage?

The one thing NOT to do is to fall for the current "ultralight cottage industry" spiel at the beginning. Leaky tents with heavy condensation that collapse in the wind, uncomfortable packs, hammocks and quilts that let in drafts instead of quality sleeping bags, ridiculously inefficient cooking gear, inadequate footwear that risks injuries and raingear that might result in hypothermia is just not the way to have a good chance at enjoying backpacking and living to tell about it. The prices are huge and warranties few. You are best off to go to a store like REI and get a basic set of fairly light and modestly priced items that have stood the test of time and then get out there and walk! With more experience, you might decide to opt for some of the "ultralight" fantasies if you live in a mild climate and understand better the inconvenience that they will cause as a trade-off for just a bit less weight, or you might choose to move to sturdier, more reliable gear if headed for the cold high mountains, or Alaska. To really save weight, instead watch how much food and water you carry and leave the electronics at home.

I'm laughing at some of your videos, first night out now. Testing what I could fit in my osprey 65 I had... really thinking a 80 or bigger is what I need for winters. Had to leave a lot of stuff I want now... guess I'll see when I wake up in am. 15f is forecasted low

Miranda shout out!

Don't ever expect the stuff you buy to be the thing that you have to use forever or be the thing that works for you bc someone said it was awesome. Companies are always improving products, or coming out with better solutions. I like to rent the big ticket items if I can get my hands on it that way to test it out before I commit to buying. Not a lot of cottage companies do that kind of thing, but it also helps you troubleshoot what works for you and what doesn't. Honestly, not everything needs to be backpacking specific. Some people might bag on me for this, but I use a little covered bowl with a lid as my "plate" that I got for my daughter when she was a toddler to keep snacks in 😂. Instead of spending $10 or more on a fancy metal container with a silicone insulator, I just use something that I already have and it honestly weighs less than some of the options available from backpacking brands in my budget (meaning the amount of money I'm willing to spend). If it's just me I'll leave that at home. But a lot of the time I'm with other people and only one or two of us need to bring a stove and pot so it's an extra I bring to make things easier for sharing. I'm totally guilty of buying my bag first but I lucked out and got the right one on the first try. But at the point in time when I did finally invest in a bag, I had already gone a few times with friends and borrowed their gear so I had an idea of what I would want and need in a pack. Now I'm on the hunt for a new one after years. (I take really good care of my gear so it tends to last and I'm cheap AF)

I have been a member of REI since the early "70" and I can say without hesitation that they are no longer a backpacking store. Sad! They carry more different water bottles than backpacks, sleeping bags or shoes in the store. GGG and Outdoor Vitals are great places to find items and there are deals out there if someone is willing to search for them.

Can someone explain the Dan Becker beef? I think it's hilarious.

Some military surplus is excellent. Some of the manufacturers you see at REI sells to the military

You are the one who said Nalgene bottles are too heavy 😂

I find rei gear and other high end gear at thrift stores. You just have to know what to look for

Garage grown gear is awesome! Newbies Do your research companies like Outdoor Vitals are the BOMB direct to customer, kick ass quality ultralight gear with an amazing staff

At this point there are so many options even at bargain prices. My backpack is in the 2 LB range, my sleeping bag is in the 2LB range, and my tents is in the 3 LB range and I got all 3 for under $250

I'm real big on cutting cost by getting stuff from the co-op"bring back" section. I kind of like finding things already broken in.half price on an expensive piece of equipment?well,yah!an new stuff that a close out ?45$ on a $120 stove,yes please.

Agismax sleeping bag an sol escape bivy, and a tent that weighs between 1 -3.5 lbs... 1-3 person tent...

Rei has the added weight factor especially for the big three, but before the pct i was able to buy 5 pairs of my fav trail runners barely used, like used once and returned, from their 'garage sales' for $30 per pair... A $300 savings. Your editing is so funny.... 'bitches' and cutting to the sweetest old lady ever ... loved it :D

When my Apple Maps tells me “10 minutes to REI, traffic is light” I am spending way too much time and money at REI. But they did take the time to find shoes that actually fit my weird feet.

I know there's no hiking at Hawaii but there should be some cool views u can show us...

Rei has a good shoe search for shoe drop angles.

I wanted to weigh in on purchasing gear Yes buy the backpack last. And yes do not I repeat do not buy name brand expensive gear. And yes make sure it’s specifically says it is for backpacking only. BUT, as far for shopping for gear start off with either big five sporting goods or Amazon budget friendly gear. I highly recommend Teton sports gear to start off with they are reasonably priced on Amazon. Either way you’re gonna go down that rabbit hole of buying gear, so you might as well try to start off with cheap gear to find out what you like or don’t like, if you like backpacking at all

I can tell you as someone from the UK that you are lucky to have somewhere like REI

Bear bag or bear container... Bear container=camp chair... Bear bag is lighter... Dollar tree booboo kit... Has a knife in it .. by reflectics from lowes... Instead of a air mattress... Thin but has great r value... Or a window screen from DollarTree... And a air mattress... Remember there is a tiny pump for air mattresses...

Time stamp 3:11 (signage) :-) , you are a hoot !! Keep on truckin' !!

I love REI, I get my MSR fuel there.....and that's it, literally that's it.

That reminds me i got a gift card for that place and still don't know where tf its at lol

The best thing that happened at REI was I met a thru hiker. And a friend of a friend who thru hiked. So they weren’t trying to sell me unnecessary gear. If your new to backpacking and your first hike is a thru hike don’t take advice from someone who just does 2 to 3 day hikes, because they don’t have the thru hike mentality. Just because it says it’s lightweight doesn’t mean it is, check the weight and shop around.

Feathered Friends in Seattle is a great shop.

I am like number 666. Also, another important one is to avoid buying gear just because it has a discount. I know for sure I was guilty of this when I was beginning, it didn't turned out well. Most discounted items in outdoors stores (that aren't clothing) are usually heavy or have trouble getting sold because people don't like the specs.

Cringe hikers who smoke Marlboros 🤢🤮 vs Epic Marijuana enjoyers

You should change the name of your channel to: Kyle Hates Looking Into the Camera Lens Jokes jokes, great list, don't let the "status" trap get in the way of getting outside and enjoying the great outdoors y'all!

I just recently got into backpacking, but I’ve had plenty of training while in the military so I know I like the outdoors and am comfortable surviving there. People are going to think I’m crazy but I pretty much said fuck it, im gonna full send as a first-timer and I ended up spending a little over 4 grand at one time. Took months and months of continuous research and tips and help with gear and brands from my thru-hiking brother, but I have no buyers remorse and am happy with it all.

Maybe it’s cuz I’m a bit tipsy…but I was legit crying laughing at this video 😂😂

Good list Kyle. But you totally lifted your #1 off of Dan Becker!

No camp chair reference ?