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Gear in this video:
Sleeping Pad: https://geni.us/TxL9KKl
Quilt: https://geni.us/JZvsbtZ
Pillow: https://geni.us/JGBYwtT
Pillow Topper: https://geni.us/8AhSV
Tent: https://geni.us/rdkyrUN

I love that you recorded this in the rain, letting beginners know that backpacking is still pretty great even when it’s not all sunshine and endless vistas.

Everyone knows a Pinewood Derby trophy is a must.  Having one atuomatically makes you hike faster and longer.  It's just science.

I wear a low profile headlamp around my neck while sleeping. If something goes bump in the night I can quickly light it up without looking for it in  a dark tent. Bring electrolytes to add to your water, cramps are no fun. Hiking poles help to cross swift streams,  take the strain off my knees,  hold my tarp tent up and can be used to splint a broken bone. Cut your toenails a few days before your hike. Big fan of pillows too.

My experience is that cold, wet conditions are no place to go stoveless.  Also carry a thick “cream of” type soup packet.  If you find yourself under your shelter in dry insulating layers and still have issues stopping the shivering, fall back on the soup. Works every time for me.

One great tip I've learned is that if you're cold and you have a nalgene water bottle, or any other water bottle that can handle boiled water, you can boil or heat up water with your camp stove, put the water in your water bottle, and put that in your sleeping bag to warm up in your tent or hold it next to your body in your clothes to just warm up in general.

@outdoorboys brought me here. Love your channel, prayers for you and your famil.

My main tip is, you don’t have to go out and get all new stuff for backpacking. If you have a wool sweater, that you don’t mind if it gets worn out, use that. If you have a rain jacket that doesn’t weight 2 pounds, use that. Also, buy used stuff. There are plenty of people out there buying the latest gear, so look on online forums for resale and find stuff like tents sleeping systems, etc. evaluate it fully before purchase.

Love the "embrace the suck"

Here in the English Lake District our mountain rescue teams help people every week of the year after their phone battery dies and they were depending on it for mapping and navigation.  Also, they deal with people with hypothermia in every month of the year.

Love the ultralight trophy

Top Tip - Perfect Your Wet and Dry Routine!
Experiencing inclement weather?  Keep your wet kit on until you make camp.  Erect your shelter and change into your warmers and or your dry kit.  Make a hot drink.  Sort your wet kit, keeping it separate from any dry items. Set up your sleeping system.  Eat a hot meal.
Be sure to wring out your wet kit outside your shelter, if possible.
The following morning, stow your dry kit away and then, here's the kicker, put on your wet clothing and strike camp!  Go walkabout!
Just repeat the process that night or every night you are out.

I remember going on a hike in Arkansas and it was a complete downpour all day and half the night.

It sucked setting up the tent in the rain, everything got wet. Made me wanna bring a tarp on the next one so that I could at least get out of the rain while I set up my tent.

Great tips - never underestimate the importance of a good night sleep. That makes all the difference. I always bring an extra change of clothes just in case of getting wet or when getting very sweaty so I can get out of wet clothes.

3:59 but how will my fellow hikers know of my model car racing prowess?!

Great video on backpacking sleep hacks! One thing I'd push back on: Benadryl will knock you out, but it's not real restorative sleep. It suppresses REM and can reduce deep slow-wave sleep, the stages that actually repair your body and leave you feeling refreshed after a long day on the trail. Studies (like in J Clin Psychopharmacology) show antihistamines mess with normal sleep architecture, and the next-day grogginess ("Benadryl hangover") can be risky when you're on rough terrain.
Also, quick note: melatonin isn't a sleep aid or sedative. It's a hormone your body naturally makes to signal darkness and help regulate your circadian rhythm. A low dose (1-3 mg) just helps nudge your internal clock, especially useful in new environments or with weird sunrise/sunset times on the trail. It supports natural sleep without knocking you out like Benadryl.
For backpacking, focus on sleep quality: good pad, earplugs, eye mask, no caffeine after noon, and let your body do the work. Benadryl is handy for allergies or bites, but not a great regular sleep solution.
Love the rest of the tips, solid advice!

Was slowly waiting for the chair recommendation.

I have a spoon shape bag from Nemo. I find that the best compromise from mummy vs rectangle bags. I love it and can't afford to replace it for a quilt on the off chance it may be better. My advice is that if you like something, stick with it. Don't keep jumping to the latest thing just because it has high recommendations. Replace gear as it wears out or is no longer useful.

Expectations (Embrace the Suck) make such a difference - in backpacking.... and in life. ☮❤🤝

I, for one, carry my Pinewood Derby trophy when backpacking ;)