10 Backpacking Tips I Wish I Knew 40 Years Ago! | Expert Advice for Hiking Success

I take an umbrella, large size with a sturdy (fiberglass) pole, even on day walks. It has multiple uses: as a walking pole, a sun shade, catching rain water, and I use it to block one end of my shelter when sleeping under a tarpaulin. Strap it to side of my pack when I want to free up my hands.

I love this guy - he's like your grandad giving you advice 😊

One mistake I often see people make on Kungsleden is the whole ultra light trend. People walking around with shoes that can handle puddles but that won't handle cold days or if it's raining for a week straight. The same goes for backpacks without a stable carry system and tents that can't stand when it's windy. Pack light but don't compromise on quality. =)

Wooly underwear, it costs alot but you can literally wear it for weeks and it does not smell bad and it keeps you warm too. Buy some every couple months for a year, it is a type of investment. It is worth it.

Trekking poles are great for getting load of your legs going uphill if you know how to use them. Using your upper body strength helps so much!

Absolutely brilliant episode man, this video deserves more recognition! Love it 👏👏

Solid advice! Greetings from Ireland 🇮🇪

Excellent listing and explanation of your '10 Backpacking Tips', Matti. Also appreciate you sharing your grandmother's wisdom on carrying real food and having wool base layers. (Would like to see a video on your grandmother's food suggestions.) Trekking poles are great equipment choice for hiking, backpacking, and other walking exercise activities (for all ages). Dry bags are a great investment in protecting your gear and helping to have a safe & pleasant adventure. (Ziplock bags unfortunately have become unreliable due to poor quality issues and are not durable enough for extended use.) Thank you for this very thoughtful video. Happy Trails! 🇺🇸 🏕 🌲

Really nice episode Matti, you have a pleasant way of speaking in front of the camera.

Yes, some "proper" food - makes a big mental difference. Each to their own but, though slightly heavier, I now usually carry a wide sleeping mat. The comfort and decent sleep - again, big mental difference.

Hi Matti and Stina. Matti stole the show. Very good info. Light is right either motorcycling or hiking. Look forward to the next vid. All good.

Nice nice nice video. I agree that i (and i believe that others hikers too) would like to see tips (or share experiences) of what kind of food i should bring with me in my expeditions. Usualy i bring rice and sousage, or pasta and sousage, specialy if it lasts many days. Because the sausage is a kind of meet that do not rot without refrigeration. :) Congratulations for this work of art.

In defense of dehydrated meals: it's good to have them as an emergency supply. I've never done any multi-day hikes until this spring and it was a coastal one in Latvia. Despite me staying at different accommodations and passing towns and villages almost everyday, I ended up being out of regular food one evening with no opportunities to re-supply. Was very happy about the decision of packing a few meals with me, dinner and breakfast were secured. Tasted good as well, but this opinion might be biased (hiker hunger)

Looking forward to your film about food !

I am impressed how the mosquitos don't seem to phase you at all 😅.

Härlig video och bra tips. Men framför allt härlig humor 👍

Great video and useful tips. Thank you.

Excellent video. I've started hiking just recently

Super helpful videos, Matti! It would be great to see something about food on the trail.

Great tips and Video Matti, pleasure to watch! Thanks