Has a lack of essentials ever left you in trouble on the trail? Too little water, sunscreen, first aid supplies or other?

@John-jo8cp

3 жыл бұрын

Never in trouble but left my snacks and lunch in my truck doing Mt Elbert in CO. Lucky for me another hiker decided to carry an entire watermelon to the top to share with everyone! Love your videos and looking to do some backcountry hikes in the future!

@AliceFordAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

@@John-jo8cp oh no. I’m sure it was a great tasting lunch when you finally got back to it. Hilarious that someone carried a whole watermelon. LOL

@mikeinthemountains

3 жыл бұрын

Do you carry an emergency GPS locator? The kind you press the button and your location goes out for emergency rescue. Since you hike alone, it would seem to be an essential, even on day hikes. I know 2 people whose lives were saved by pressing the red button.

@AliceFordAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

@@mikeinthemountains Yep I have a Garmin in Reach

@mikeinthemountains

3 жыл бұрын

Saw Garmin when I viewed video again. Ooops!

Good list, simple and smart. Be Prepared. The old boy scout motto

I’m an emergency medical responder so I carry a pretty well supplied trauma pack with me from a former Army medic’s business called Skinny Medic. I also always travel with a Gen 3 Spot Tracker. I would also suggest a small pepper spray unit as a method of self protection just for that minute possibility that you might counter somebody with hostile intent. Although I’m a firm believer that by and large if you turn off the television you’ll find that the world is actually a pretty nice place. Another great video. Thanks.

I love all your basics, very similar to mine. I put them together by watching many videos and reading many lists years ago so, I love that this video is a one stop tool. My first aid kit has a tourniquet. It’s okay to have the simple, old school hospital one (super cheap) or a little more upscale, a combat style one which is easier to use if you’re on your own (the elastic one can serve many purposes though). Also, the matches are in an air-tight waterproof container that functions as an emergency whistle, mini compass and has the match scratch surface in two areas to make sure they actually work. I also add a little pack of electrolytes to mine (like pedialyte powder).

I commented here earlier, but got to thinking about something I always carry with me on hikes, especially in places where there are venomous snakes which may be of interest to you. it's called "Sawyer Extractor Pump Bite and Sting Kit". Old style snake-bite kits used a flimsy suction cup, and one should never try and suck venom out with one's mouth. The kit mentioned is a sort of pump with plunger, which once fully depressed, suddenly creates a lot of suction for drawing out most of the venom. Comes with various adapters for other bites/stings as well.

It's so interesting to see how styles have changed since the 70s and 80s.

@AnonymousSaiyan

2 жыл бұрын

What did you notice in particular?

Great ideas for essential gear. My ears always perk-up when someone mentions fire-start "stuff", since survival fire starter kits are something I specialize in. Being the adventurous person you are, you may enjoy experimenting with flint & steel (or perhaps even bow-drill) for starting fires. Another really nice video - thanks for sharing it.

@AliceFordAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Yes I have a flint stick that I carry on my pack.

@tinderkeep5652

3 жыл бұрын

@@AliceFordAdventures I heard you mention that, but I wondered if it was a "ferro rod" which is typically struck with steel, rather than actually high-carbon steel which is struck with a piece of flint (an actual microcrystalline rock made of silica which is harder than steel). Both are fun, but one is a bit more challenging. Bow drill is even more challenging, but challenging is for some, fun - I'm guessing you're that type.

It might be a good idea to put a red cross on the larger bag you carry your first aid kit in so if someone else is looking for your kit they can find it. I carry my first aid stuff in a Red dry bag with a white cross on it for that reason. And try to keep it toward the top of my bag or in an outside pocket with a cross on it.

Never thought of a waterproof bag. Looooove My Medic bag. Can’t wait to get my Garmin. Never hear of a homing beacon. These are GREAT tips! You don’t always need ALL of this, but honestly when you do you truly kick yourself when you end up needing it.

@AliceFordAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

Yes so true. My little med bag has been valuable so many times

Thank you for the list in the description it was a good review.

@AliceFordAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much. I’m glad it was helpful

Good information. As a long-time hiker and lover of outdoors, I promote adding an 11th item to the essentials list. That item is a rescue whistle. Many packs and other equipment have built-in whistles that will do in a pinch, but a goo dedicated rescue whistle is a must in my pack.

@AliceFordAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

Great suggestion. I need to add a whistle back into my kit

Interesting you mentioned protein shake as one of the 10. I recently did a 50-mile (3-day) hike in the Adirondack Mountains, while in a fasted state (began fast 3-days prior to hike so was already in fat-burning mode [ketosis] when starting the hike) and consumed nothing but protein shakes (one twice/day). Once in a ketonic state, the body can live for days and even weeks off nothing but stored fat, stored nutrients in the liver and fat itself, as well as supplemental electrolytes - the most important being sodium - as long as one remains in ketosis. The only reason I supplemented the protein was the hike was somewhat strenuous, and the body can't repair worn/torn muscle with stored fat. Of course what I just mentioned could prove to be fatal for someone who is diabetic.

Thank you once again 👍 All valuable information

Awesome video, and as always thank for sharing! Definitely agree with the Sun protection one, it creeps up on you but makes the whole difference for you hydration and ultimate health.

Thanks for the video, I do day hikes, so sun protection, hydration, all trails, nutrition ! Never thought of all this other stuff🙌🏻

One of my favorites is wrapping water bottles with duct tape. No extra space used in backpack and just peel/cut whatever length needed.

@AliceFordAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

That’s a great hack! Love that

I think I would add a solid fixed blade knife. If you had to process firewood, it works much better than an Omni tool. Although I would carry both. Love your videos. My family is getting back into hiking.

It is good that you highlight a nondigital compass. Also a map, and people should know how to use them. To put rust in electronics being hiking in some remote area is not the best thing to do. A map and a compas always works. Just like a book.

Excellent Intel, thanks for putting this out:)

Thanks for sharing, Alice. I have a love-hate relationship with water when it comes to hiking. I'm a big man who isn't afraid to sweat so I need lots of it, but the added weight over the first half of a hike is brutal. Spending the day before drinking constantly helps although it can make sleeping through the night difficult. Always a trade-off in life... Protein powder is a good idea since it's not heavy. I normally bring a good mix of carbs and fats to cover both short and long-term energy. I also pack senses of wonder, adventure, and understanding that nature couldn't care less about me, lol.

@AliceFordAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

LOL yes water is heavy but it’s the worst when you’re super thirsty and don’t have any

Good stuff, I carry all that, except the protein powder, will add, also small mirror, tinder pouch with wood shavings and dryer lint good 🔥 starter, small air horn, mace.glowstick, and it all depends on the kind of hiking your doing. Thx 👍

@AliceFordAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

Yes very true it depends on the trail as well. I’ll add a few things here or there too. Small mirror is a great addition as well

Thank you for the valuable, potentially lifesaving, info. ALWAYS good to know!

@AliceFordAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for watching Angie

@AngieVail

3 жыл бұрын

My pleasure Alice! I absolutely love the outdoors and hiking especially alone and in rather remote areas so knowing as MUCH as I can may be the difference between life and death. Subscribed! Keep em coming!

Great video. I carry pretty much everything you mentioned for backpacking, except I usually just carry a small pocketknife with a couple of utensils on it rather than an entire multi-tool, which I rarely used (and those suckers are heavy). For backpacking, I would add that you need a bear bag & rope or a bear canister to save you and your food from bears and mini-bears. You made an excellent point on doing some prep work on the water availability where you are hiking. I originally thought about backpacking at Joshua Tree but when I looked into it, the desert environment was just too forbidding for me (East Coast denizen), so I checked down to camping in one spot and then doing day hikes. That allowed me to fill up several several water cans at the park entrance for my whole stay and just take what I needed for each day hike. On the other hand, if you hike in areas with good fresh water supplies and a good filter/treatment system, you can carry 2 liters or so and filter as you go. But you have to know what you are heading into -- how long are your water carries, how are the springs doing, what time of year is it? Winging it is a bad idea. Some of the navigation apps have comment sections where hikers can leave tips on water sources and caches, etc. Dehydration is a killer, because it leads quickly to disorientation, getting lost, falling, etc.

Very nice Alice!...

Hi Alice! this is going to be a learning/finding out about what I'll need when I go to Yellowstone next month. I also keep a small bottle of hydrogen Peroxide in my FA kit. I checked out "alltrails Pro, and you were right, it is a fabulous trail app. I got it now. I'm glad you mentioned the emergency blanket, it's the one thing you mentioned I don't already have: Thanks. I'm prepared for all seasons essentially, but it's those "out of no-where" events that can get you, so I will be getting one of those blankets, and keep it in my pack just like I do my rain suit, and "poop-scoop". They go everywhere I go hiking, oh almost forgot, my FA-kit's in there too. Never go hiking with it. Great video, Alice. Thanks for sharing with us.

Nice video Alice. I'm 73 and I live next door to Glacier National Park. Been hiking and backpacking for a long time. Like you, I've seen LOTS of people out on the trails day hiking and backpacking who were totally unprepared for not just emergencies, but something as simple as a thunderstorm. Some have no idea what trail they're on. And all would have greatly benefitted from your advice on this video. So I hope this season's Glacier Park visitors were watching. 😎 Regarding 1st Aid kits, I carry several small tubes of a blood clotting agent and two larger blood clotting packs similar to what soldiers carry for the more severe cuts.(maybe 'cause I'm prone to cutting myself 😉 Good advice on satellite emergency devices. People seemed to be surprised when their phones don't work "everywhere". I've had a ResQLink for years. It's good all over the planet because as you know, some of these satellite devices do not work everywhere. I may get one the devices that can text since I hike and pack alone 99% of the time and family/friends wants me to have one. 😉 I would advise getting a GOOD compass with a mirror. Most of the cheap ones are worse than no compass. A ferro rod and a striker of some kind is better than flint and steel imo since they are much easier to use than flint and available in very small sizes. If you hike in an area where T-Storms and hail are common, get a rain jacket with a good hood with a stiff brim. Trust me folks, hail HURTS :) So good video. I hope people are paying attention. pete Going-To-The-Sun Mountain. Taken from Goat Mt about 1500ft above the Siyeh Pass trail. glaciergeezer.smugmug.com/Goat-Mt-Hike-August-15-2020/n-CsJFnQ/i-WmbBZTd/A

@AliceFordAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for all these additional tips. I'll be adding some blood clotting cloths to my kit as well. I went back and forth over the res q link and the in reach but settled on the in reach for the text capability. I agree for international the Res Q link is the best though. I sure hope I can get to Glacier this year too.

Excellent list and in the order of importance too! I carry a water filtration unit on longer hikes. I also usually carry light gloves and a baclava. Covering the extremities is key when the temperature drops.

@AliceFordAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

I just ordered a new filtration system by Sawyer excited to try it out. I also carry gloves and a bandana for my neck and face

Very thorough video. Many people won't think about a light especially if they are hiking during the day and expect to finish well before nightfall. HOWEVER, when I climbed Mt. Washington it took about twice as long as I expected. (As you know it's a rather tough climb.) We came down after dark and without headlamps, we would not have made it. Thanks.

Hi Aliice! Somehow landed on your video. Excellent advice! I subscribed! I call the sting corsage or parachute cord. Milar blankets are too flimsy. In military survival training a guy suggested federal highway bright orange extra large and tough trash bag. Makes sense as it is light and sheds water and you can get your whole body in for great heat retention. Havent tried a survival straw but may do so. First aid kit for me has water purification tablets if needed for backup. Thanks for your list! I have hiked in five years but hope to get back into it this year. Appreciate your inspiration Rich

This is such a cool video :)

I'm a little to the north of Atlanta in Kennesaw.

You’re a great teacher and I thank you for this informative and helpful video. I always carry QuikClot brand clotting gauze just because if you’re by yourself and get a deep cut it could be serious trouble.

@AliceFordAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

That’s a great item to add to my pack. Thanks for sharing

Very good info!

@AliceFordAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you

Alice first time seeing you. Very good video. Thanks

@AliceFordAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you John

Sound advice Alice

Great video.

@AliceFordAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you.

@rommelnavarrette2831

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Alice how can I contribute to your channel.

Hi! I''ve done lots of hiking. Inca trail in Peru, Northern Italy, Iceland, etc. One thing hikers should always have are extra boot laces and carry a couple of pairs in case other people need them as well. Speaking from experience. Great vidoes through the years!!!

@AliceFordAdventures

2 жыл бұрын

Great recommendation. I always have some rope and small string but hadn’t thought of that

Welcome to Georgia, from Macon

Wow! Almost 17K subs! You are getting big.

@AliceFordAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

🙌 10 years on KZread so it’s about time :) thanks for being part of the journey

Great advice Alice. I see people hiking with one water bottle and no backpack for carrying an extra layer or rain coat. Plus you need high calorie snacks if you are hiking very far.

@AliceFordAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

So true Don, I often see people with no pack and a half drank plastic water bottle. There’s a reason so many people need rescues every year and it’s not usually those of us that prepare ;)

Alltrails is very good......

I was watching Darwin and he had some form of bidet. Seems better than space-wasting t.p. Thanks for the video.

Bae posted a new video 😍

Nice video. Have considered doing video on how to use Alltrails app or Garmin (or combination of the two)?

@AliceFordAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

No I haven’t but I’d be happy to.

In my teaching career I would often take groups of colleagues on weekend hikes in the woods and mountains. I found a first aid kit so essential. On a mountain walk we came across two parents with their little daughter who had injured her leg. I was able to treat the child with my kit. Never take children or teens on a hike without a first aid kit!

@AliceFordAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

I agree! Great story I’ve had similar encounters myself

@johnnymac8680

3 жыл бұрын

@@AliceFordAdventures Love your videos, Alice. Keep them coming.

Hello Alice, thanks for the great tips and expertise. Such a helpful video! Just curious to know what is the actual size of the blanket? I would never guess that was a blanket (shelter) haha. Look forward to watching the second video of your hiking food items. Cheers.

@ramsesmorales9151

3 жыл бұрын

I would add to the list things like a hand sanitizer, menstrual products for the ladies, sunglasses, insect repellent, toilet paper, sanitation trowel, knife or multi-tool, small gear repair kit( duct tape, zip ties, etc) binocular, flashlight, bear spray, portable phone charger, personal ID. You can read more about it at www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/day-hiking-checklist.html

@AliceFordAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

That emergency blanket is actually more then 60” so it’s surprisingly large

@AliceFordAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

Yes those are all in my kit

I was waiting for......the mountain $$$$ and a zip bag to carry the used money!

@AliceFordAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

I have never carried money on a mountain but I would certainly be glad to find some stashed in the woods somewhere.

@Lindleyferchel

3 жыл бұрын

@@AliceFordAdventures mountain money = toilet paper. Pack it in pack in out

First Aid kits are mandatory!!!!..... Gaia GPS for me. I also carry...hmmm ....and bear spray

@AliceFordAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

I’m trying he Gaia on my next hike

Hey- What camera gear are you using on your hikes?

@AliceFordAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

It depends, I use a sony a7sii as well as gopro 9, dji osmo pocket and drone depending on location.

@ddphotoadventure2657

3 жыл бұрын

@@AliceFordAdventures Thanks for quick response. Keep up the good work on your videos

You should have some bear spray and flares

I almost died the time I forgot TP!

@AliceFordAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

Lol

@BadHikers

3 жыл бұрын

hahah 100% same

@christopherhaak9824

2 жыл бұрын

Almost any type of vegetation will do in a pinch, although generally not as soft as TP. Sometime it happens.

Rain tarp. About a year ago I made a trek to a remote sea island. Only way out to it is ferry. Before I departed I scanned weather reports. Zero chance of rain. Plan to sleep on beach. Made it out. Went for a swim. Ate dinner. Fired up cigar as sun set. Fire flys. Bats. Dolphins. Lightning. More lightning. Thunder. No way. YES way. Pouring rain for an hour. No where to go. Completely soaked to the bone. A long miserable sleepless night waiting on the sun to come back up. Never again will I venture remotely overnight without a rain tarp!!!

@AliceFordAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

Oh no. Yes always need something for rain especially on an island

Your pretty. Pretty AWESOME

I have been in the mountains for 40 years.i worked for search and rescue. She did not say fire arm. Now I lay you down to sleep.if I never cared one I would not be here.ok

👻 🏞️

Water boter 😂