
My website is where I keep everything organized—videos, gear lists, and the backpacking skills that make miles easier. If you want my latest recommendations and trail-tested notes in one place, that’s the hub. It’s also the easiest way to find my current kit and resources without digging through old posts.
You'll be taken to Backcountrypilgrim to complete your purchase.

Worth the Weight? (Next-Gen Jetboil Flash vs. My Ultralight Stove Systems)
1K views · 2026-04-26 15:40:17

My Most Innovative Backpack is Also My Least Expensive!
2K views · 2026-04-19 17:42:50

REPRESENT with a Hilltop Packs Custom Sun Hoodie!
212 views · 2026-04-12 15:38:14

Reopened! Hiking Feather Falls 5 Years After the North Complex Fire
643 views · 2026-04-03 14:27:22

Custom Hiking Sunglasses: Ultra-Light, Ultra-Clear, and Ultra-Tough! (Prescription Available!)
249 views · 2026-03-29 15:43:55

Does Amazon's #1 Budget Backpack (Still) Suck?
503 views · 2026-03-22 15:57:39

Hydrapak's New Fast Filtration Flask!
649 views · 2026-03-15 14:55:26

The World's First Hands-Free Walkie Talkie & Bluetooth Glasses!
620 views · 2026-03-08 15:55:49

Calculating Hike Difficulty (with SCIENCE!)
1K views · 2026-03-04 17:11:38

Balanced Training with a Weighted Vest
510 views · 2026-03-01 17:00:43

What (and Why) I Am Giving Up
705 views · 2026-02-20 16:47:08

The Most Adaptable, Breathable, and Comfortable Hiking Pants I've Tested (Moosehill Convertibles!)
1K views · 2026-02-15 17:00:14

Backcountry Navigation: How to Use a Map with a Compass
3K views · 2026-02-08 16:57:44

Pemmican: Hiking Super Food from the Frontier!
2K views · 2026-02-01 16:43:52

Hiking Mystery Solved: What Can We Learn from This Family's Death?
2K views · 2026-01-25 19:11:11

A Hiker Goes Rucking!
1K views · 2026-01-18 20:55:44

Backcountry Navigation: Map & Terrain Navigation
726 views · 2026-01-02 18:13:31

Backcountry Navigation: How to Read a Map
548 views · 2025-12-28 16:53:45

Hiking YouTube Channels: Are They Worth It? (Plus Free Gear Review Rant!)
1K views · 2025-12-21 16:40:16

Survival vs. Bushcraft Knives: Similarities and Differences
5K views · 2025-12-12 17:40:15

Are Thin Sleep Pads Stupid?
4K views · 2025-12-05 16:52:37

This Survival Knife Can START A FIRE (Even When Everything is Wet)
373 views · 2025-12-01 19:00:59

No More Itch (or Lotions or Creams or Pills): Heat It Instead!
297 views · 2025-11-28 14:00:50

NEW! Mountain Pursuit Layers from Outdoor Vitals!
1K views · 2025-11-23 16:28:56

Smartwater Bottle Upgrades: Cnoc THRU vs. Igneous NOBO!
4K views · 2025-11-14 16:51:38

10 Hiking Gear Gifts for 2025 (Each Under $50)
1K views · 2025-11-07 16:15:38

Outdoor Vitals New Shadowlight Carbon 60!
3K views · 2025-11-02 16:41:44

Ditch the Synth: My PFAS-Free Winter Layers for 2026
881 views · 2025-10-24 16:14:27

My EDC for 2026 (Switching to a Backpack!)
2K views · 2025-10-17 15:45:02

Finding "Middle Earth" in Yosemite Falls!
1K views · 2025-10-10 15:02:59

Are Running Vests the Best Day Packs?
6K views · 2025-10-05 20:30:49

Bougie Backpacking Bags from Two of My Favorite Brands!
789 views · 2025-09-28 15:33:21

Rediscovering the Tahoe-Yosemite Trail (Day 12): Arnot Creek to Clark Fork Trailhead
252 views · 2025-09-21 15:44:48

How to Climb Half Dome with the Cables Down (Gear List, Skills Tutorial, and Tips!)
18K views · 2025-09-13 16:18:16

Metal vs. Plants! "Bio Utensils" from Human Gear
522 views · 2025-09-05 15:55:06

Rediscovering the Tahoe-Yosemite Trail (Day 11): Highland Creek to Arnot Creek
366 views · 2025-08-31 17:47:19

Rediscovering the Tahoe-Yosemite Trail (Day 10): Lake Alpine to Highland Creek
289 views · 2025-08-27 15:59:18

Finishing the Merced River Trail "Bridge-to-Bridge-to-Bridge" Hike (Briceburg to Bagby)
364 views · 2025-08-17 13:31:07

Topo Map vs. Satellite: How I Found These Outdoor Artifacts with onX Backcountry!
372 views · 2025-08-08 19:26:57

LEGIT LUXURY: Opinel + Monbento = Hiking / Camping / Picnic Set!
3K views · 2025-08-03 14:53:33

More Than Headlamps! Nitecore's Light, Air, Bugs, and Energy Gear
645 views · 2025-07-27 14:13:05

Yosemite's Lowest Effort / Highest Payoff Dome Hike!
366 views · 2025-07-18 14:48:21

Does Hiking with Tactical Gear Make Sense? (Amheh Bags Review)
1K views · 2025-07-11 07:00:00

How to Not Be a Jerk On Trail!
911 views · 2025-07-04 15:23:32

Rediscovering the Tahoe-Yosemite Trail (Days 9b-10a Route 2): Lake Alpine Alternate Route
391 views · 2025-06-27 16:10:05

Staying Connected Outdoors: Rocky Talkie's Mountain Radio
3K views · 2025-06-22 15:39:42

A Sketchy Creek Hike to a Hidden Lake (Father's Day Special: Proceeds Go To Cancer Research!)
317 views · 2025-06-15 15:21:24

All-In-One ULTRALIGHT Bathroom Kit from PACT Outdoors!
2K views · 2025-06-08 15:56:52

All-in-One Luggage: The 43L Bagsmart Paz Duffel Backpack!
691 views · 2025-06-01 16:23:27

Things To Do On TOP of Half Dome!
8K views · 2025-05-23 16:54:50

Budget "Big 3" Backpacking Gear from Decathlon!
5K views · 2025-05-18 16:02:48

The Best Layers You've (Probably) Never Heard Of: Montane's Cetus Rain Jacket and Protium Fleece
1K views · 2025-05-09 15:10:01

The Best Daypack You've (Probably) Never Heard Of: Montane's Trailblazer!
3K views · 2025-05-02 21:00:12

Custom Maps Made to Order!
337 views · 2025-04-27 15:02:49

Super Bloom and Mining Ruins Near Yosemite - A Relaxing Hike Down Hite's Cove Trail
312 views · 2025-04-25 16:02:04

Best Duo Sleep System: Zenbivy Quilt vs. Nemo Bags
12K views · 2025-04-18 15:23:42

Exploring a Mine and (Another) Ghost Town Near Yosemite!
518 views · 2025-04-13 14:51:10

My New EDC Flashlights for 2025: Wuben's X2-Pro and G5
3K views · 2025-04-08 12:01:17

I Found a Ghost Mining Town Hiking Near Yosemite!
679 views · 2025-03-30 18:40:00

Is the Best Budget Quilt from . . . AUSTRALIA?
10K views · 2025-03-21 17:26:06

Are Injinji Still the Best Hiking Toe Socks?
7K views · 2025-03-09 16:52:07

When Your Headlamp MUST Work: The Scoutlite Trigo!
351 views · 2025-03-01 17:31:27

My California Camino: Plans, Gear Loadout, and Training Hike!
1K views · 2025-02-23 16:51:12

Solo Tent Showdown: Durston Gear X-Dome vs. Six Moon Designs Lunar Orbiter!
9K views · 2025-02-16 17:45:33

How to Refill, Reuse, and Recycle Used Fuel Canisters with These Two Tools!
2K views · 2025-02-08 16:50:00

Urban Hike With My 15,000th Subscriber!
373 views · 2025-02-01 16:50:00

Why I Love Folding Trekking Poles!
9K views · 2025-01-25 16:40:00

How to Enjoy Hiking in the Rain!
2K views · 2025-01-18 16:55:11

A FULLY FUNCTIONAL Waterproof Backpack - Osprey's Downburst 36!
8K views · 2025-01-12 15:55:47

EDC 2025: My Ultralight Upgrades (inc. Keyport Customizable Multitool)
4K views · 2025-01-05 17:55:24

Gear for the Backcountry Photographer (Peak Designs NEW Outdoor System!)
1K views · 2024-12-29 16:20:00

Dealing with Altitude Insomnia (It's a Thing!)
417 views · 2024-12-22 16:52:27

Take Your Gear and STUFF IT! (Ultralight Bag Upgrades from Hilltop Packs)
2K views · 2024-12-14 20:05:24

Cutting Down My First Tree with the Beavercraft AX4
711 views · 2024-12-08 16:59:06

The X-DOME: A Completely Freestanding Tent from Dan Durston! (Unboxing, First Pitch, & Closeup Tour)
6K views · 2024-12-04 21:37:59

4,750 Pound Base Weight! A Backpacker Goes Car Camping
831 views · 2024-12-01 15:46:56

Ten Christmas Stocking Stuffer Gift Ideas for Hikers (2024)
2K views · 2024-11-24 17:31:04

Rediscovering the Tahoe-Yosemite Trail (Day 9): Camp Irene to Lake Alpine
678 views · 2024-11-15 23:05:29

Rediscovering the Tahoe-Yosemite Trail (Day 8): Summit City Canyon to Camp Irene
696 views · 2024-11-12 20:38:28

My Ultra-Lightest Backpack - the Hilltop Packs RAVEN!
2K views · 2024-11-10 17:02:41

Rediscovering the Tahoe-Yosemite Trail (Day 7): Fourth of July Lake to Summit City Creek Trail Merge
680 views · 2024-11-05 17:34:02

Rediscovering the Tahoe-Yosemite Trail (Day 6): Carson Pass to Fourth of July Lake
706 views · 2024-11-03 18:13:37

What Wearing Minimalist Shoes for a Year Did for My Plantar Fasciitis
3K views · 2024-10-27 17:05:48

"Luggage" for the Traveling Backpacker
9K views · 2024-10-18 19:53:46

There's GOLD in Them Thar Quilts! (The New Outdoor Vitals Stormloft!)
2K views · 2024-10-13 15:13:42

Next Gen Camp Chairs from Crazy Creek!
6K views · 2024-10-04 16:11:13

My Kids' First Knife (Morakniv vs. Opinel Safety Knives)
3K views · 2024-09-27 20:09:00

BUT WOULD YOU DIE??? Backcountry First Aid (With or Without Signal)!
393 views · 2024-09-19 16:25:03

Backcountry Navigation: Off-Trail Hiking (Plans vs. Reality)
1K views · 2024-09-12 19:46:09

I Got to Build a Trail! Restoring the Ancient Dwarfs Interpretive Trail with the NFS and CSERC
346 views · 2024-08-30 15:18:28

Using Drones in the Backcountry?
886 views · 2024-08-23 14:27:01

Sun Protection Without Chemicals: UPF 50+ Clothing from Coolibar!
10K views · 2024-08-16 15:43:58

Rediscovering the Tahoe-Yosemite Trail (Day 10a Route 1): Lake Alpine to Rock Lake
554 views · 2024-08-04 18:50:46

Is It Safe to Climb Half Dome?
36K views · 2024-07-31 00:45:22

Why Semi-Freestanding Tents? (Nemo Hornet vs. Big Agnes Tiger Wall)
8K views · 2024-07-23 20:13:59

Camp Axes! (Is There Really a Difference?)
4K views · 2024-07-12 15:57:37

Why is My GIRL in BOY Scouts?
2K views · 2024-07-04 15:22:52

Fire Tools for Camp: The "Big Three" of Bushcrafting!
2K views · 2024-06-28 17:04:25

Going Stoveless: Is Faster And Lighter The Way To Go?
2K views · 2024-06-21 15:44:16

Hiking Pants Made for Summer! Outdoor Vitals Skyline Joggers
2K views · 2024-06-14 18:10:55

My Go-To Backpacking Gear After 5 Years of YouTubing!
6K views · 2024-06-07 14:44:03

Wuben's Cool Multi-Function Flashlight / Headlamp
628 views · 2024-05-31 19:06:41

My Best Hiking Fail: Bailing on Half Dome
5K views · 2024-05-26 15:46:27

How I Pack My Backpack (Zone System)
2K views · 2024-05-10 23:02:33

Is My Most Expensive Backpack Worth the Money? Chicken Tramper's New Ultralight Pack!
4K views · 2024-05-05 15:21:32

Three Levels of On-Trail Coffee!
2K views · 2024-04-28 17:21:16

Luxury Sleep Pad Gear from Therm-A-Rest, FlexTail, and OneTigris!
1K views · 2024-04-19 15:28:12

Minimalist Gear Neck Knife
670 views · 2024-04-12 16:00:21

The Outdoor Vitals Tern vs. The Appalachian Gear Company All-Paca Hoodies!
3K views · 2024-04-05 15:53:31

Find Yourself (Parody)
487 views · 2024-03-31 14:01:08

The FULLEST COMFORT Sleep System is Now Ultralight (Zenbivy Under 35 oz.!)
12K views · 2024-03-24 18:22:44

The Safest Backpacking Trowel: Human Gear's GoDigg!
3K views · 2024-03-15 16:47:56

One of the Best Day Hikes in Northern California!
826 views · 2024-03-08 15:18:08

BEST or BUDGET? Decathlon vs. My Best Hiking Clothing
4K views · 2024-02-25 15:22:09

The Best Budget Backpack I've Ever Reviewed (Decathlon vs. Osprey, Gregory, and REI)
117K views · 2024-02-16 16:18:46

BENEATH the Base Layer? Warm & Dry with the New ELEMENTAL Layer from Finetrack!
2K views · 2024-02-09 18:02:11

Setup to Sitting to Swiveling in Seconds: The TCEK Camp Chair!
782 views · 2024-02-04 15:46:06

Gearing Up for Hiking!
1K views · 2024-01-27 18:02:36

On Top of Yosemite's Second Tallest Waterfall (HINT: It's NOT in the Valley!)
498 views · 2024-01-19 15:01:13

The ONLY Pants (or Shorts) You Need? Outdoor Vitals SATU!
2K views · 2024-01-12 14:00:17

COMPLETE Full Comfort Shelter System Under 2 Pounds: The X-Mid 1 Pro!
3K views · 2024-01-05 15:00:08

IT WASN'T HORRIBLE! Spending the Night in a Bivy Shelter (Featuring Outdoor Research's Helium)
7K views · 2023-12-28 15:00:48

Best Backpacker Belts
3K views · 2023-12-22 15:00:14

Best Budget Satellite Communicator: Motorola Defy vs. Zoleo
7K views · 2023-12-17 15:24:35

CHRISTMAS GEAR GIVEAWAY!
419 views · 2023-12-13 17:18:09

Adding Ventilation to Your Backpack!
7K views · 2023-12-10 16:00:08

Five Great (and Not So Great) Things About Tarp Camping
4K views · 2023-12-03 15:45:20

Rediscovering the Tahoe-Yosemite Trail (Recon): Clark Fork Meadow to St. Mary's Pass
538 views · 2023-11-29 16:22:32

Zenbivy vs. My Ultralight Sleep System!
44K views · 2023-11-25 16:37:42

Hiking with Heaters? A Review of the iHood Jacket & Vest
613 views · 2023-11-22 15:13:17

Overnight with a 25L Daypack? Full Comfort Sub-9 lb. Loadout with the Etowah Wolf 100!
2K views · 2023-11-19 15:15:57

Stocking Stuffer Gifts for Hikers 2023
2K views · 2023-11-15 16:43:14

Hiking with Her (Pt. 2): Duo Backpacking Gear
638 views · 2023-11-12 15:45:00

Hiking with Her (Pt. 1): Hiking Gear for Hiker Girls
1K views · 2023-11-05 15:45:02

The Incredible Waterfalls of...Oroville, CA???
679 views · 2023-10-29 18:56:52

Best BUDGET or Best BRAND . . . Which Boot is Better?
5K views · 2023-10-22 14:26:39

Leave No Trace Wild Camping
434 views · 2023-10-15 14:23:26

Emergency Gear for Camp, Car, and Home by Luminaid
781 views · 2023-10-08 15:00:35

Multi-Environment Footwear from Astral
2K views · 2023-10-01 14:00:29

The Perfect Hiking Combo: Outdoor Vitals Skyline Shorts and Highline Leggings
2K views · 2023-09-27 16:45:17

My (STAR) TREK to Vasquez Rocks!
409 views · 2023-09-18 18:15:02

Fast Action Spring Assisted Knives from Steinbrucke!
2K views · 2023-09-17 15:00:00

Fanny Pack Perfection! (w/ Customizable Topo Map!)
1K views · 2023-09-10 14:21:09

Featherstone's BACKBONE: A Great Budget One-Person Tent!
8K views · 2023-09-06 22:39:50

Different Backpacking Stoves and Fuels
3K views · 2023-09-03 14:55:12

Rediscovering the Tahoe-Yosemite Trail (Day 5): Echo Lake to Carson Pass
914 views · 2023-08-27 15:00:01

Altra Killer? Is the Topo Pursuit Now the Best Zero-Drop, Wide Toe Box, Trail Runner?
27K views · 2023-08-20 15:15:01

EDC 2023: Everyday Carry Made Easy with a Sling Bag!
12K views · 2023-08-13 18:40:11

LANSHAN KILLERS? Featherstone & Outdoor Vitals Trekking Pole Tents
15K views · 2023-08-06 14:35:55

10,000 Subscriber Giveaway!
354 views · 2023-07-30 15:00:00

Introduction to Via Ferrata: Where Hiking and Climbing Meet!
4K views · 2023-07-23 15:50:03

I Did My First Via Ferrata!
995 views · 2023-07-16 13:16:56

What's the Best Ultralight Trowel for Backpacking?
21K views · 2023-07-09 14:43:59

Finished! I "Red Lined" Pinnacles National Park with the South Wilderness Trail
512 views · 2023-07-02 14:15:03

STILL FLEXING - Introducing the Sierra Designs Flex Trail and Flex Hike Backpacks!
5K views · 2023-06-26 00:11:28

The G.O.A.T Water Purifier?
17K views · 2023-06-18 13:15:02

Why Is This Tent So Popular? The Durston Gear Xmid Pro 2
10K views · 2023-06-11 13:00:02

A Backpack Made from the Ocean! The GOT BAG!
1K views · 2023-06-07 14:04:51

You Can't Get These Views from Any Trail! The Waterfalls of Hetch Hetchy (Yosemite Off Trail Series)
4K views · 2023-06-04 13:15:21

Hiking Essentials for Minimalists
3K views · 2023-05-28 13:00:14

ONE MILLIONTH VIEW Gear Giveaway!!!
583 views · 2023-05-24 15:42:17

Can I Go Ultralight? (Shopping My Own Gear for a 10 Pound Base Weight)
2K views · 2023-05-20 14:03:02

Summit! Pinnacles National Park: North Chalone Peak Trail
664 views · 2023-05-14 14:58:30

When to Carry a Windbreaker (The Outdoor Vitals Nebo!)
5K views · 2023-05-07 14:54:07

Cool New Backpacking Gear and Gadgets for 2023
31K views · 2023-04-30 14:20:43

Lightweight, Durable, Comfortable...and Unusual: The Durston Gear Kakwa 55
31K views · 2023-04-23 14:30:48

Pinnacles National Park: Balconies Cave Walk-Thru and the Longest Loop
1K views · 2023-04-16 15:00:14

How to Find and Repair Sleeping Pad Leaks
9K views · 2023-04-08 16:15:47

Reasons to Use a Hiking Umbrella (Besides the Obvious!)
10K views · 2023-04-02 14:54:54

To All the Gear I've Loved Before (Parody)
682 views · 2023-04-01 21:29:55

Creeks and Crags! Pinnacles National Park: Balconies Trail back to the Old Pinnacles Trail
339 views · 2023-03-26 16:00:08

NEW Vintage Gear! The Iconic Wilderness Experience Klettersack (and More!)
3K views · 2023-03-19 15:00:05

INTRODUCING THE ULTREIA: An Ultralight Backpack that is also Perfect for Camino Pilgrims!
5K views · 2023-03-12 13:00:15

Reasons To (and Not To) Go Ultralight
7K views · 2023-03-05 15:39:32

Rediscovering the Tahoe-Yosemite Trail (Day 4): Lake Aloha to Echo Lake
894 views · 2023-02-26 16:30:54

When "Lightweight" Isn't Enough! New ULTRALight Gear for 2023!
4K views · 2023-02-19 17:00:07

But How Do I Get Down??? Gear for the Vertical Routes!
997 views · 2023-02-12 16:47:59

Rediscovering the Tahoe-Yosemite Trail (Day 3): Dick's Lake to Lake Aloha
783 views · 2023-02-05 16:06:45

Can I Break Get Out Gear's New Trek Chair?
4K views · 2023-01-29 17:00:22

EDC 2023: My Everyday Carry Gear Plus First Tactical Messenger Bag Review!
4K views · 2023-01-22 15:49:03

Is it Pagan to Love Nature?
4K views · 2023-01-16 19:57:41

Rediscovering the Tahoe-Yosemite Trail (Day 2): Rubicon Lake to Dick's Lake
1K views · 2023-01-08 16:22:52

TOP 10 THINGS! (I Plan to Do / Not Do in 2023)
645 views · 2023-01-01 14:00:25

Rediscovering the Tahoe-Yosemite Trail (Day 1): Meeks Bay to Rubicon Lake
2K views · 2022-12-25 17:00:02

A Rugged AND Lightweight Daypack? The Mountain Hardwear Multi Pitch 30
5K views · 2022-12-18 14:00:32

3rd Annual Twelve Days of Christmas Gear Giveaway (CLOSED!)
947 views · 2022-12-12 17:00:07

The Easiest Way to Filter Water Outdoors!
915 views · 2022-12-11 14:00:24

Rediscovering the Tahoe-Yosemite Trail: ALMOST California's First Long Trail!
2K views · 2022-12-06 19:00:13

Was This Gear Worth the Money? My 2022 Year End Review (Plus Bonus Altra vs. Topo Review!)
6K views · 2022-12-04 14:00:14

The Backpacker's Suitcase! Osprey's Farpoint
3K views · 2022-11-27 15:00:20

Best Sleeping Bags for Side and Stomach Sleepers (vs. Quilts)
200K views · 2022-11-20 15:00:00

15 Christmas Gift Ideas for Hikers and Backpackers!
2K views · 2022-11-13 15:00:06

Better Backpacking Food and Trip Planning with Right On Trek!
782 views · 2022-11-06 15:00:07

Breaking News (Literally!): The New "Trek Chair" by Get Out Gear
946 views · 2022-10-30 14:00:19

Filtering Water On Trail, In Camp, or At Home
2K views · 2022-10-23 15:00:28

My Daughter's First Backpacking Trip!
624 views · 2022-10-16 15:00:20

Budget Winter Hiking Layers
719 views · 2022-10-09 15:00:29