Excellent kit! 1. Water, and a stainless steel single-wall water bottle and lid. 2. Snacks: energy bars, trail mix, etc. 3. Some extra warm clothing, hat/scarf, rain jacket. 4. Small first aid kit: band-aids, moleskin, etc. 5. Topographic map of the area, compass. 6. Fixed blade knife. (His was a Mora LightMyFire, with fire steel and whistle) 7. Headlamp, with SOS flash or strobe preferred. 8. Signal mirror. 9. Survival safety whistle, orange. 10. Fire starting tools, 3 different types. (Bic lighter, matches, fire steel and striker) 11. Waterproof Tinder, in ziploc baggie. ( petroleum jelly cotton balls) 11. Space blanket, reusable 5’x7’, bright orange. (Tip: pre-tie loops on corners for easy use, and add 4 tent stakes) 12. Cordage, 550 paracord, 50 feet.
With respect, and to those commenting positively on here while claiming to be “experts”, you have to question the experience of someone that starts a campfire in a stone fire ring (watch the opening scenes of the video), WITHOUT first clearing the duff away from the ring!!! If a fresh stick of wood on the fire heats up and pops, and throws sparks on those leaves….. Beginners take note, 6 feet of clean dirt all around the ring! Second, to the wise guys that think the list is way too much for a day hike; planning, prep, and gear are a response to the anticipated exposure. If your day hike is in Central Park, you’re probably good with just a water bottle. 😁 Go up to the Adirondacks of upstate NY, or several of the other mountainous, northern states, just for a day, and you are going to want all of that list, and if it’s winter, even more. If you are in NH’s White Mountains and become lost and need help, make sure you have your wallet! As soon as you pull that app-loaded iPhone out and call 911, the state can and will bill you for every dime of staff & volunteer time and equipment (including helicopters!) needed to bring you out. Other states to a greater or lesser degree are following NH’s lead. Accidents happen, go prepared!
I have seen hundreds of survival, hiking and bushcraft video. Your lessons are the best ever because you have a unique way of explaining which made each task easy and clear.
Thank you for using a Tripod, so many of these video have people that think they can hold the camera steady but by the end of their video, I feel I need some Tylenol.
Excellent. Throw in a Shemagh or Bandana too! Excellent for sun protection, a sling, a scarf, filtering water, wiping away sweat, blowing your nose, wiping your a.... you get the point!
Very useful advice. some very good tips which I was not aware of, so thanks Ranger. I'm starting to visit the wilderness in Arizona again after being seriously injured while hiking a few years ago. I wasn't prepared at all and could really have died, so all of you hikers, heed the advice. An emergency can occur with ever step.
I always carry a 5ft long and 1 ft wide piece of orange-fluorescent fleece in my pack, in each corner is a safety pin attached. It can be used a s scarf/and hat, for sitting on it, and .. most importantly...as a signal flag in case I get lost or injured. Made also a coat for my dog from the same material. Boy, that color shines when the light hits it. We use these items also in winter for our late-evening walks. Btw, the good polar fleece does repel rain to a certain point, and if it is soaked, you stay warm for quite a while. Ask my dog... LOL
Best day hike video I've watched recently. Been watching a lot to get ideas, this one was best overall! Could have just watched this and not watched about 10 others lol. Thanks!
Unless I'm mistaken, you want to make sure the bottle isn't a double walled stainless bottle. Otherwise, the water won't boil (or will take a lot longer to boil).
Remember "The Ten Essentials" by the Seattle Mountaineers. And a Day Pack will keep you safe over night and bring you home safe the next day. My Swiss Army Knife was the only knife I carried for decades. And now the Swiss Army Knife is for back up ! My Head Light has a Red LED for star parties ! And any LED flashlight that uses two CR123 or one 18650 batteries... And the flashlight is great for collecting DNA samples. Tethered to my Swedish Fire Steel is a large yellow plastic Hansen Pencil Sharpener from Home Depot to make tinder from a twig or Fatwood. Take only pictures, leave only footprints and kill only time. tjl
Love the cotton balls soaked in Vaseline. On a rainy day, dry tinder can be scarce. Next best thing to Boy Scout Matches for starting a fire (gasoline).
Ranger Mike, CZcams recommended this video, and It was on point... I've been day hiking, and on the way back to the truck (about 2 hrs or more)an older man asked, how much further is the peak ? He's only wearing shorts T-shirt, carrying very little water. Dusk is within maybe 2 hrs. I asked him... bare minimum, do you have a headlamp? Of course he said no. I told him you probably won't make it up to the peak before it gets dark... you definitely won't be able to see on the way back... He kept going. I see it all the time... I could only imagine how often you see this every day.
Thanks for watching! You'd think the "older" men would have developed more common sense by their age. Maybe they've just made it this far on sheer will and stubbornness. :)
I got stuck in a swamp when my boat broke down. My small everyday pack got me out pretty good. My knife was a stockman pocketknife, did everything it needed to do.
@@mwillblade Oh man, that's crazy! And you lived to tell the tale, bravo! 👏👏 What do you make sure to have in your bag now that you may not have had during that most unexpected expedition?
I like the backpack and it's contents and I have a large S.O.C. backpack which I keep packed with most of what I would need when camping out or in an emergency situation. As for my first aid kit I have a larger one and there is even two kits in my backpack, and one in my EDC bag. I live in Arkansas so we can carry larger knives and I keep a folding knife in my pack, and wear a full size knife on my utility belt. As for water, I have two canteens with me. One is a military issue canteen, and the other is one with a filter in it to purify water, or to carry extra water. I also keep a water filter in my backpack with the hose, and bag to purify water with, along with tablets to purify water.
You might want to include on this list a good pair of hiking shoes or boots. Seriously, I saw a guy at the top of an 11,000 ft mountain and a 9 mile trail (one way) wearing rubber flip-flop sandals. He said they left in a hurry and didn't have time to grab some shoes. This guy hiked a rugged 18 mile trail in open-toed flip-flops. Anyway, shoes or anything else for that matter are only a suggestion.
Pff, that's nothing. I met a guy on my AT hike in 2015 that hiked the entire trail in flip flops, no backup. He'd done about half the trail by the time we met up and his feet looked better than anyone else in my parties' did. Everyone has their own style, maybe he just preferred flippies.
I'm a bushcraft, outdoor and survival instructor since 1986 and FULLY agree with your recommended list. I would thrown in some duct tape and zip ties for quick repairs. I also bring my bushbox to be able to make a smaller and controlled fire and still boil water. Water purification tablets in your first aid kit/survival kit might help also. A lot of day hikers don't see the need for all this stuff and as a result they are the category that needs search and rescue the most. Wondering if US topographical maps use imperial or metric?
Say Heah Ranger Mike, One of my Fav. Go To Hike Kit is something that I put together. I made it lite, I put together a lite trio of cutting tool, I like the Mora 2000 which I added my Mora Hatchet and Bacho Laplander Saw. Very Lite, A while ago I bough a few closeouts, Fold Over Camo Purses that I use as my Haversack that carry my Mora Hatchet, Bacho Laplander with a few C's and some you mentioned in this video, I carry the haversack over my shoulder and it's lite. Infact I look very people friendly which I am anyhow, But yeah, I could find a nice scenery and enjoy a nice afternoon delight, Coffee and a nice cigar, it just doesn't get any better. Infact, getting ready for Sun trading session which I just finished, I'm enjoying a nice Ternano 90 Noventa Cigar and watching you, Thanx You and a job we'll done. ,, .
Great video; seemed to end abruptly though? An item not mentioned - tape. 2 different POVs - signal mirror on dull day can still be effective, use head torch / flashlight as light source; and as Colorado Parks video advises, bright blue better than orange for air signalling, as in autumn orange can blend into dying leaves colours so will stand out less. Gram weenies do scare me how they don't carry metal water containers, signalling gear, etc.
Trista Ochoa the training isn’t hard. Every two years I do the 8-Hr class for the WFA certification and that’s pretty much all you need to know how to use a tourniquet.
For a day hike I would need a day pack with at least the following which is a lot more than 3: *Bottle of water *Water filter *Water cup *Energy bars *Jerky *Lighter *Knife *Flashlight *Extra flashlight *Bugnet *Bug repellant *Heavy revolver *Extra ammo
When on a day hike I need the ability to night over son my gear is a sleeping bag and little tent hand warmers 'up with lid. Candle lantern kevlar 250 lb thread and a yucca hiking pole laracord wrapped first aid kit witth tape and scissors and triple antibiotic and roll bandages. And razor blade. I carry chaga for tinder and tea also cotton and vasaline and a jeep lighter and a michmetal rod and a weatherman and 2 huge baloons and muslin sacks for air or water. You know the Romans could march soldiers under water with a goat skin air bag. And I carry 2 huge hundred gallon trash bags..yeah they make them that big for poncho etc also ducktape smart phone ziplock bags esbit cubes some peices of sapwood and baggie to gather sap. And I take ancient greek honey cakes pound oc flour pound of honey pound of eggs pound of olive oil or butter or cheese and some raisins. Bake at 350 and soak in strong wine in a muslin rag in a tin...will keep for years. And I have a liter stainless water jug. And I have towell tabs and survival tabs and candy and jerkey or sausage and pancake flour and oil Im good for 2 weeks of food if I catch nothing I carry fishooks sinkers and lures and shrimp scent and rat traps double bottled skunk oil straws. I can process yucca seeds and root cactus fruit.sand pads acorns. (they keep a year) grass seedmakes good cereal! And you can make pottage of fir and pine needles seeds and inner bark. Cattails are edible and my pack of cards is a pack of edible and poisonous plant picture cards with idm on back. I carry money and bowstring and a good buckknife and a mora chisel knife I carry an awl a shovel handsaw and my estwing hatchet whose handle never breaks and it is light and sharp yeah. And I put this stuff on a magnesium kelty backpack with a good waist band. D[n't think you can backpack with a shoulder bag..it screws up the discs of your spine. ..put the weight on your hips and take extra socks and drg clothes and tennies or sandals if you are in the damp forest. I try to be ready for a month or two if I need to or if I go into the inner wilderness where one needs to go with a partner or have a well trained dog which by the way can be fitted to carry its own food and can keep you warm at night and is wonderful protection. I try to limit myself to a 50 lb pack not counting extra food and water for the inner wikderness and a 15 to 20 lb for a day hike always remembering the day or 2 or 3 can turn into a two week survival marathon or a six month terror if you are really lost and injured. For deep wilderness be at least 30 lbs overweight and in superprime condition ;carry a 22 rifle single shot you can use a scope but don't need one and have a partner if you have any good sense at all. And a satellite phone and flares and a few fire crackers and bear spray and a loud air screetcher and a mirror and a powerful flashlight and trail markers all help get you rescued. Some powdered magnesium can be seen from miles and iis great firestarter also have a little alcohol to dress wounds cure a sore throat or burn in an alcokol heater. No hundred pound packs like roman soldiers carried or 70 lb marine packs no no no go light go high tech use magnesium frame pack kevlar carbon fiber titanium. where possible . Squeeze every pound but not every ounce and certainly not every quarter ounce because valuable little things are worth carying And take a bible or new testsament with ppsalms and proverbs to get some spiritual food and maybe a harmonica to amuse yourself and the animals whom the music will attract. Remember you can run across anything you can think of out there in the inner wilderness including angels demons ets elemental spiirits ghosts your own fears your own insanity and paranoia portals time warps and you may realize that nature knows much about you and may be kind or hostile to you. And if you spend enough time out there talking to the trees and rocks you will get a strange far away look in your eyes of those who have seen and know too much.
@@CreachterZ Survival tips in the Hawaiian environment would be cool though. Not much of that content out there, that's for sure. 😄 Wonder if they have Hawaiian preppers now come to think of it. What survival challenges could they possibly be facing...? Inquiring minds want to know.
nice sound advise I have similar items to do similar things but some things different example I got hatchet ( small axe ) and tarp 10' × 12' instead clothing I got wool blanket and cotton blanket for ground liner got large contractor garbage bag and beach towel also candle to help start fire cigarette lighter matches wrapped in swan wrap and 1 fire starter cotton & vasaline I use medium type hand held flashlight bear spray I put instant soup packet and bacon treats for my dog and 2 containers + single lined metal water bottle I study the area on maps ahead of time but do have compass put in extra socks and trunks ofcourse paracord and twine a solid hunting knife on me extra flash light in pocket extra lighter matches fire starter on me ( pockets )
Hey. What kind of measures do you use against ticks? I'm looking for those who are impregnating clothes and ticks in contact with such clothing are dying. 😆
hey ranger mike! so you're park ranger in nyc? this is my first time discovering your channel and thanks for the advice in this video! I'm looking forward to be in the park internships but its really hard to find one like your class in particular. I do live in nyc but the only thing is I don't want to be any where outside of nyc and I don't want to commute that long actually I've did done some of my research but its really hard to find for my internship. School is almost over and I need to find one actually before the summer school comes. I'm turning Senior next year and I want to be in the park internship really bad neither over the summer or school year if there's any volunteer or any internships are available here in nyc. Please I would like to know somethings out there. Thanks Makoto Sekai,
Thanks for watching Makoto. I left the Rangers back in 2015 and live in Hawaii now. Not sure about summer internships for HS students, but during the school year the Rangers have a program called the Ranger Conservation Corps in each borough. Check out the PARKS website for more info!
+David R i came out of yosemite high country after breaking my water bladder . the ranger as if U was okay as i pumped water straight into my mouth. fire are not allowed in many places.
+raymond bailey Technically, yes you can, but how many times, and how many chemicals are you releasing? In a survival situation, do what you can, but I'd rather have the stainless bottle, please! Thanks for commenting!
I disagree the whistle Ranger Mike showing an orange whistle in the video claiming is a better option than referees whistle. He even uses the words "extra loud" and "extra far". FYI the whistles referees use are commonly Fox 40 classic delivering 115 Db. while the one shown is only 100 decibels. For survival proposes The Fox 40 Sonic blast will deliver 122 db. and the UST Jetscream 122 db.
Some people are knife lovers, but you are the first whistle lover Ive met. Thanks for the info! Another concern with a whistle that has a "pea" in it is that your breath can cause it to freeze up and get stuck if it's extremely cold. Just something to consider.
Ranger Mike I’m a relatively new hiker and, coincidentally, I just purchased the Fox40 brand Sonic Blast safety whistle the original poster mentioned- Fox40 safety whistles are pealess, so do not clog and they work well in icy conditions; they are also designed to automatically flush out any water when blown, so great for fishing & boating safety! I had never before known that people could be “whistle lovers” either! LOL! But the Fox40 website showed me a company that’s been making high quality whistles (for safety, for referees, and goodness knows what else!) for a few generations, and they have a dizzying variety available that apparently sell well. Who’da thunk, huh? 😂😂😂 Thanks for your helpful video, by the way! 💐
A day hiker is probably going to be a novias so in a national park or trail can still be a bad day. Phones as a reliable navigation tool in my option is stupid. They run out of power, have no signal or break. Most people don't even know how one works. The people who have been hiking for years get compliance, as do most drivers, that is why most accidents happen close to home. If you don't carry what you need to survive (I don't want to die) then you just might not. Paper map, compass, fire, shelter. signaling is a every time you go out, and the ones who say don't worry need a swift kick.
Dennis Nowland NO he's right you can use non-lubricated condoms as water bags. They hold about a liter of water and the Duct tape is important as it has many uses like as a bandage or binding and it can even be used as a fire stater
It always amazes how many outdoors guys that do not explain the reason for the hole in a signal mirror. The hole is to see through to aim the Sun's reflection at how ever you are trying to signal.
+L TF I actually made an entire video on using signal mirrors. Takes a long time to explain properly, so I didn't want to devote a ton of time to it in this basic gear list video. Thanks for watching! czcams.com/video/mugGizTXw6w/video.html
Never pack for a day hike. Always pack as if you're going out for 3 days. Fire starters, food, water, and of course protection. People go missing in national and state parks every year. Too many to be exact. You'd be surprised to see how easy it is to get lost by just venturing off the trail to get that picture of the nice lake. People go missing and their disappearance is never solved. Some professionals are baffled by it all. They always picked one for having a large pack, but one of those who knocked me for it was lost in WA for 3 days.
Did anyone notice that he said you can’t boil water in a plastic water bottle?That is absolutely false-I have done it many times,and it was taught to us in SERE school while I was on active duty.
Great instructional for novices. Please include KNOWLEDGE in the list. Survival items are useless If you never used them before (saw people bring survival knives still packed in plastic with nothing to open the package - No kidding). LEARN how to make fire, build a shelter, etc. Put your stuff to use BEFORE you rely on it!
Nothing brings out the loonie comments like a survival video. Doubt me? Check them out. Some guy with 38 ways to start a fire will have 300 crazy comments and 5 reasonable ones.
Nice video man. I have a question. Dont you worry about wild life out there, while you walk in the woods? What if you meet a bear or a wolf out there? How can you defend yourself?! Are you carrying a sidearm?!
Damn that's a lot of stuff to carry on a day hike, lol.. Carry light, carry a few emergency items in your med kit and call it a day. Seems like this pack is set up for a luxury camping trip, lol.
I don't think this is good advice because these items don't address "The Rule of 3's". Day-hikers don't die in the wilderness from starvation. Only a few die from dehydration. Most die from exposure or the inability to stay warm overnight. This is your first priority. Instead of thinking about cool little gadgets, think about what you need to spend the night comfortably given the night time temps. That's what will make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a survival situation. Here's what I carry: silnylon poncho, 36 hour 3-wick candle, 2 mylar space blankets, 25ft duct tape, 4 3 mil contractor bags, lighter, headlamp, extra batteries, knife, compass, rain pants, long underwear - top and bottom, balaclava, 50 ft 550 cord, fire kit, LifeStraw, 2 1-gallon freeze baggies, one 600 ml Ti cup. The 4 contractor bags can be filled with dry grass or pine boughs to create a bottom and top layer for sleeping. The tape is for closing the tops so you have nice rectangles. The poncho, mylar space blankets, and cord are for creating a tarp shelter with an inner reflective layer. The candle is for warmth. In a pinch, you can sit with some kind of insulation under your butt, wearing the poncho with a space blanket wrapped around you, and the candle under your legs if it's too wet to start a fire or you're not mobile because of an injury. The cup and gallon baggies are for water purification/storage. Everything else should be self-explanatory. Optionally, if you're going to take food, don't mess around with low calorie food bars. You need as many calories and protein as you can store. Get the 30g of protein bars - the big ones.
Don Alan Assuming we're talking about something more substantial than a couple miles in an urban park? It's a little more than I'd carry, but not much. You plan for a "day hike," but pack as if you *might* get overtaken by night. A missed trail connection, an injury that would be relatively minor elsewhere, lots of things can happen.
Dehydration can kick in very early, the 3 pm heart arrest can be triggered by dehydration. Same with starvation, within 6 hours without food my energy level is halved increasing the risks of accidents and cold.
Snow White Of course, DAY HIKE means you should figure you get lost, break your leg while a blizzard rolls in. What did you think, you go out at 5AM and back around lunch time?!!!! DAY HIKE means 3 to 14 days.
i advocate using a fixed blade knife also but only a full tang not some $15 P.O.S. mora! ive broken more of those things than i care to think about get a good quality knife that is full tang not partial or post tang
you've broken loads of moras? wtf are you doing lmao batoning 10inch knotted oak? or throwing it at a brick wall over and over. The knives are a decent entry knife that could last most people decades.
Excellent kit!
1. Water, and a stainless steel single-wall water bottle and lid.
2. Snacks: energy bars, trail mix, etc.
3. Some extra warm clothing, hat/scarf, rain jacket.
4. Small first aid kit: band-aids, moleskin, etc.
5. Topographic map of the area, compass.
6. Fixed blade knife. (His was a Mora LightMyFire, with fire steel and whistle)
7. Headlamp, with SOS flash or strobe preferred.
8. Signal mirror.
9. Survival safety whistle, orange.
10. Fire starting tools, 3 different types. (Bic lighter, matches, fire steel and striker)
11. Waterproof Tinder, in ziploc baggie. ( petroleum jelly cotton balls)
11. Space blanket, reusable 5’x7’, bright orange. (Tip: pre-tie loops on corners for easy use, and add 4 tent stakes)
12. Cordage, 550 paracord, 50 feet.
Spectacular video, very helpful. Ranger Mike is the best!
With respect, and to those commenting positively on here while claiming to be “experts”, you have to question the experience of someone that starts a campfire in a stone fire ring (watch the opening scenes of the video), WITHOUT first clearing the duff away from the ring!!! If a fresh stick of wood on the fire heats up and pops, and throws sparks on those leaves….. Beginners take note, 6 feet of clean dirt all around the ring!
Second, to the wise guys that think the list is way too much for a day hike; planning, prep, and gear are a response to the anticipated exposure. If your day hike is in Central Park, you’re probably good with just a water bottle. 😁 Go up to the Adirondacks of upstate NY, or several of the other mountainous, northern states, just for a day, and you are going to want all of that list, and if it’s winter, even more. If you are in NH’s White Mountains and become lost and need help, make sure you have your wallet! As soon as you pull that app-loaded iPhone out and call 911, the state can and will bill you for every dime of staff & volunteer time and equipment (including helicopters!) needed to bring you out. Other states to a greater or lesser degree are following NH’s lead. Accidents happen, go prepared!
Good basic list of day hiking items. I've added a TP baggie that includes TP, a carry-out bag, a few baby wipes & hand sanitizer.
I have seen hundreds of survival, hiking and bushcraft video. Your lessons are the best ever because you have a unique way of explaining which made each task easy and clear.
Wow! What a nice compliment. Thank you!
Didn't even watch the video yet. I saw Ranged Mike and the thumbnail and knew it was a go. Ranger Mike bless this hike!
Much thanks!
Thank you for using a Tripod, so many of these video have people that think they can hold the camera steady but by the end of their video, I feel I need some Tylenol.
Or Motion sickness pills
Excellent. Throw in a Shemagh or Bandana too! Excellent for sun protection, a sling, a scarf, filtering water, wiping away sweat, blowing your nose, wiping your a.... you get the point!
Very useful advice. some very good tips which I was not aware of, so thanks Ranger. I'm starting to visit the wilderness in Arizona again after being seriously injured while hiking a few years ago. I wasn't prepared at all and could really have died, so all of you hikers, heed the advice. An emergency can occur with ever step.
Thanks for the reminder to be prepared Jim. Glad to hear you are getting back on the horse and hiking again. Best wishes for your upcoming trip!
Like I say Hope for the Best but expect the worst
I am curious as to what you would have liked to have with you in the emergency?
I always carry a 5ft long and 1 ft wide piece of orange-fluorescent fleece in my pack, in each corner is a safety pin attached. It can be used a s scarf/and hat, for sitting on it, and .. most importantly...as a signal flag in case I get lost or injured. Made also a coat for my dog from the same material. Boy, that color shines when the light hits it. We use these items also in winter for our late-evening walks. Btw, the good polar fleece does repel rain to a certain point, and if it is soaked, you stay warm for quite a while. Ask my dog... LOL
Best day hike video I've watched recently. Been watching a lot to get ideas, this one was best overall! Could have just watched this and not watched about 10 others lol. Thanks!
Thanks for the kind words!
Unless I'm mistaken, you want to make sure the bottle isn't a double walled stainless bottle. Otherwise, the water won't boil (or will take a lot longer to boil).
Correct. Even worse, an insulated bottle could rupture or explode. Single wall bottles on the fire only.
You got a point.
You can actually boil water in a plastic bottle. 😂
Thank you for clarifying this!
Remember "The Ten Essentials" by the Seattle Mountaineers. And a Day Pack will keep you safe over night and bring you home safe the next day. My Swiss Army Knife was the only knife I carried for decades. And now the Swiss Army Knife is for back up ! My Head Light has a Red LED for star parties ! And any LED flashlight that uses two CR123 or one 18650 batteries... And the flashlight is great for collecting DNA samples. Tethered to my Swedish Fire Steel is a large yellow plastic Hansen Pencil Sharpener from Home Depot to make tinder from a twig or Fatwood. Take only pictures, leave only footprints and kill only time. tjl
Far the Best and most realistic video i have seen...
Thank you so much for this information!
Extra batteries for your headlamp is a must.
Plastic Apple He said DAY hike!
Karl Ruehs No shit., Exactly what I was thinking.
@@catlady8324 if its day hike you dont need headlamp😂😂😂👍
@@catlady8324 The headlamp is for when your day hike turns into a longer than a day hike.
@@Jesuswillbeback wrong
Super helpful video.. and hope to become a ranger some day
Love the cotton balls soaked in Vaseline.
On a rainy day, dry tinder can be scarce.
Next best thing to Boy Scout Matches for starting a fire (gasoline).
**IMPORTANT PLEASE NOTE**
Single wall stainless steel bottle only... Never use a double walled (insulated) bottle over fire.
Good video. Accessible items for the average day hiker.
Ranger Mike,
CZcams recommended this video, and It was on point... I've been day hiking, and on the way back to the truck (about 2 hrs or more)an older man asked, how much further is the peak ? He's only wearing shorts T-shirt, carrying very little water. Dusk is within maybe 2 hrs. I asked him... bare minimum, do you have a headlamp? Of course he said no. I told him you probably won't make it up to the peak before it gets dark... you definitely won't be able to see on the way back... He kept going. I see it all the time... I could only imagine how often you see this every day.
Thanks for watching! You'd think the "older" men would have developed more common sense by their age. Maybe they've just made it this far on sheer will and stubbornness. :)
+Ranger Mike... LOL
I got stuck in a swamp when my boat broke down. My small everyday pack got me out pretty good. My knife was a stockman pocketknife, did everything it needed to do.
How long did it take you?
@@wmluna381 Two days! It felt like a week.
@@mwillblade Oh man, that's crazy! And you lived to tell the tale, bravo! 👏👏
What do you make sure to have in your bag now that you may not have had during that most unexpected expedition?
@@wmluna381 A small machete would have made life a little easier.
I'm 6 years late but these are still good tips
I love this video.. Thank you so much :)
Hi there Ranger Mike, just found your channel and I'm loving it. You just got a new subscriber. Greetings from Andreas on Off Grid Sweden 🇸🇪
Ah, the home of excellent knives and axes. Thanks for watching!
Thank you very informative, I've learned a lot...
for folks who take things literally: Neither Knives nor cord have millions of uses, but they do have dozens of uses. :o)
I like the backpack and it's contents and I have a large S.O.C. backpack which I keep packed with most of what I would need when camping out or in an emergency situation. As for my first aid kit I have a larger one and there is even two kits in my backpack, and one in my EDC bag. I live in Arkansas so we can carry larger knives and I keep a folding knife in my pack, and wear a full size knife on my utility belt. As for water, I have two canteens with me. One is a military issue canteen, and the other is one with a filter in it to purify water, or to carry extra water. I also keep a water filter in my backpack with the hose, and bag to purify water with, along with tablets to purify water.
Good stuff! That really is key.
rain poncho's are a must
That's a solid hat you have there. Very nice
You might want to include on this list a good pair of hiking shoes or boots. Seriously, I saw a guy at the top of an 11,000 ft mountain and a 9 mile trail (one way) wearing rubber flip-flop sandals. He said they left in a hurry and didn't have time to grab some shoes. This guy hiked a rugged 18 mile trail in open-toed flip-flops. Anyway, shoes or anything else for that matter are only a suggestion.
Pff, that's nothing. I met a guy on my AT hike in 2015 that hiked the entire trail in flip flops, no backup. He'd done about half the trail by the time we met up and his feet looked better than anyone else in my parties' did. Everyone has their own style, maybe he just preferred flippies.
I'm a bushcraft, outdoor and survival instructor since 1986 and FULLY agree with your recommended list. I would thrown in some duct tape and zip ties for quick repairs.
I also bring my bushbox to be able to make a smaller and controlled fire and still boil water. Water purification tablets in your first aid kit/survival kit might help also.
A lot of day hikers don't see the need for all this stuff and as a result they are the category that needs search and rescue the most.
Wondering if US topographical maps use imperial or metric?
Very good ideas, Thank you very much
Thanks for sharing!
Say Heah Ranger Mike, One of my Fav. Go To Hike Kit is something that I put together. I made it lite, I put together a lite trio of cutting tool, I like the Mora 2000 which I added my Mora Hatchet and Bacho Laplander Saw. Very Lite, A while ago I bough a few closeouts, Fold Over Camo Purses that I use as my Haversack that carry my Mora Hatchet, Bacho Laplander with a few C's and some you mentioned in this video, I carry the haversack over my shoulder and it's lite. Infact I look very people friendly which I am anyhow, But yeah, I could find a nice scenery and enjoy a nice afternoon delight, Coffee and a nice cigar, it just doesn't get any better. Infact, getting ready for Sun trading session which I just finished, I'm enjoying a nice Ternano 90 Noventa Cigar and watching you, Thanx You and a job we'll done. ,, .
Thanks for the kind words Paulie! Happy trails and happy smoke!
Thanx You, Ranger Mike, I enjoy your channel. ,, .
Great video and you just got a new subscriber!
Great video; seemed to end abruptly though? An item not mentioned - tape.
2 different POVs - signal mirror on dull day can still be effective, use head torch / flashlight as light source; and as Colorado Parks video advises, bright blue better than orange for air signalling, as in autumn orange can blend into dying leaves colours so will stand out less. Gram weenies do scare me how they don't carry metal water containers, signalling gear, etc.
Taken my first Hike up the Barr trail for my 62nd birthday, never done this before.
Did you survive?
This is the best outdoor channel ever. Do you do nature talks showing plants and wildlife?
Thank you.
Thanks for watching!
YES AWESOME VIDEO 🎉🎉 🎉🎉 WATCH COUPLE VIDEO S SO FAR -YOURS ARE THE BEST -CHARL SOUTH AFRICA -REALLY APRICIATE IT
Nicely done!
+Life is Beautiful Thanks, and thanks for watching!
Great video!
Yeah great video lol
Good vid Ranger Mike
+gerald santos Thanks!
Carrying a tourniquet (CAT Gen7 is what I like) is a must, in my experience.
Only if you have the training to use it.
Trista Ochoa the training isn’t hard. Every two years I do the 8-Hr class for the WFA certification and that’s pretty much all you need to know how to use a tourniquet.
@@enzowarren9832 An 8-hour course every 2 years to learn how to use 1 item is like asking people to go to college for a semester these days. 😊
Super!
For a day hike I would need a day pack with at least the following which is a lot more than 3:
*Bottle of water
*Water filter
*Water cup
*Energy bars
*Jerky
*Lighter
*Knife
*Flashlight
*Extra flashlight
*Bugnet
*Bug repellant
*Heavy revolver
*Extra ammo
my new knife is the boker magnum Persian it has G10 scales, full tang, 12 cm blade length, stonewash finish, 5mm thick blade
great vid, coming from an experienced person.
Thanks for the compliment!
very nice video atb John
youtube... the father i never had
When on a day hike I need the ability to night over son my gear is a sleeping bag and little tent hand warmers 'up with lid. Candle lantern kevlar 250 lb thread and a yucca hiking pole laracord wrapped first aid kit witth tape and scissors and triple antibiotic and roll bandages. And razor blade. I carry chaga for tinder and tea also cotton and vasaline and a jeep lighter and a michmetal rod and a weatherman and 2 huge baloons and muslin sacks for air or water. You know the Romans could march soldiers under water with a goat skin air bag. And I carry 2 huge hundred gallon trash bags..yeah they make them that big for poncho etc also ducktape smart phone ziplock bags esbit cubes some peices of sapwood and baggie to gather sap. And I take ancient greek honey
cakes pound oc flour pound of honey pound of eggs pound of olive oil or butter or cheese and some raisins. Bake at 350 and soak in strong wine in a muslin rag in a tin...will keep for years. And I have a liter stainless water jug. And I have towell tabs and survival tabs and candy and jerkey or sausage and pancake flour and oil Im good for 2 weeks of food if I catch nothing I carry fishooks sinkers and lures and shrimp scent and rat traps double bottled skunk oil straws. I can process yucca seeds and root cactus fruit.sand pads acorns. (they keep a year) grass seedmakes good cereal! And you can make pottage of fir and pine needles seeds and inner bark. Cattails are edible and my pack of cards is a pack of edible and poisonous plant picture cards with idm on back. I carry money and bowstring and a good buckknife and a mora chisel knife I carry an awl a shovel handsaw and my estwing hatchet whose handle never breaks and it is light and sharp yeah. And I put this stuff on a magnesium kelty backpack with a good waist band. D[n't think you can backpack with a shoulder bag..it screws up the discs of your spine. ..put the weight on your hips and take extra socks and drg clothes and tennies or sandals if you are in the damp forest. I try to be ready for a month or two if I need to or if I go into the inner wilderness where one needs to go with a partner or have a well trained dog which by the way can be fitted to carry its own food and can keep you warm at night and is wonderful protection. I try to limit myself to a 50 lb pack not counting extra food and water for the inner wikderness and a 15 to 20 lb for a day hike always remembering the day or 2 or 3 can turn into a two week survival marathon or a six month terror if you are really lost and injured. For deep wilderness be at least 30 lbs overweight and in superprime condition ;carry a 22 rifle single shot you can use a scope but don't need one and have a partner if you have any good sense at all. And a satellite phone and flares and a few fire crackers and bear spray and a loud air screetcher and a mirror and a powerful flashlight and trail markers all help get you rescued. Some powdered magnesium can be seen from miles and iis great firestarter also have a little alcohol to dress wounds cure a sore throat or burn in an alcokol heater. No hundred pound packs like roman soldiers carried or 70 lb marine packs no no no go light go high tech use magnesium frame pack kevlar carbon fiber titanium. where possible . Squeeze every pound but not every ounce and certainly not every quarter ounce because valuable little things are worth carying And take a bible or new testsament with ppsalms and proverbs to get some spiritual food and maybe a harmonica to amuse yourself and the animals whom the music will attract. Remember you can run across anything you can think of out there in the inner wilderness including angels demons ets elemental spiirits ghosts your own fears your own insanity and paranoia portals time warps and you may realize that nature knows much about you and may be kind or hostile to you. And if you spend enough time out there talking to the trees and rocks you will get a strange far away look in your eyes of those who have seen and know too much.
Wtf did I just read
Where are you? We need more videos!!!!
I saw in an old comment from 4 years ago that he made these videos as a goodbye gift for the park service before moving to Hawaii.
@@wmluna381 Aw! What, they don’t have internet tubes in Hawaii? I like this guy’s video!
Thanks for the information.
…I guess.
@@CreachterZ Survival tips in the Hawaiian environment would be cool though. Not much of that content out there, that's for sure. 😄 Wonder if they have Hawaiian preppers now come to think of it. What survival challenges could they possibly be facing...? Inquiring minds want to know.
Good information.
Nice video
Nobody ever lists TOILET PAPER...
Because nature is full of leaves, smooth stones, snow and chipmunks.
I always carry toilet paper, wet wipes and dog poop bags for bring my waste back to civilization.
Ranger Mike 😂😂😂
@@rangermike6651 Hmmm, you perked my interest with chipmunks 😂
good vid! I found a goood quality flint match in roadeavour.
Little over kill for a day hike but I get it
Good advice. I subbed too BTW.
Much thanks, and happy trails!
No probs!
Just my superman cape
I always have a gun and spare ammo, bank card too.
nice sound advise I have similar items to do similar things but some things different example I got hatchet ( small axe ) and tarp 10' × 12' instead clothing I got wool blanket and cotton blanket for ground liner got large contractor garbage bag and beach towel also candle to help start fire cigarette lighter matches wrapped in swan wrap and 1 fire starter cotton & vasaline I use medium type hand held flashlight bear spray I put instant soup packet and bacon treats for my dog and 2 containers + single lined metal water bottle I study the area on maps ahead of time but do have compass put in extra socks and trunks ofcourse paracord and twine a solid hunting knife on me extra flash light in pocket extra lighter matches fire starter on me ( pockets )
Jesus Christ, punctuation, man!
Hey. What kind of measures do you use against ticks? I'm looking for those who are impregnating clothes and ticks in contact with such clothing are dying.
😆
I bring Sgt. Jess on hikes. She's a magnet for them and I get left alone. In general, long sleeves and pants tucked in to socks goes a long way.
About to start Fallout New Vegas on hardcore mode and thought it’d be a good idea to watch this before I begin :-)
underthenorthernstar I appreciate the hell out of this comment 10/10 this made me laugh I know the struggle be safe in the mojave my freind
Gonna try out 76?
Make sure your cotton balls are real cotton, synthetic will not start. At least I've never had any luck!
What backpack is that?
Might need some bug spray, so the insects don't carry you off. I guess a cell phone wouldn't do you much good.
hey ranger mike! so you're park ranger in nyc? this is my first time discovering your channel and thanks for the advice in this video! I'm looking forward to be in the park internships but its really hard to find one like your class in particular. I do live in nyc but the only thing is I don't want to be any where outside of nyc and I don't want to commute that long actually I've did done some of my research but its really hard to find for my internship. School is almost over and I need to find one actually before the summer school comes. I'm turning Senior next year and I want to be in the park internship really bad neither over the summer or school year if there's any volunteer or any internships are available here in nyc. Please I would like to know somethings out there. Thanks
Makoto Sekai,
Thanks for watching Makoto. I left the Rangers back in 2015 and live in Hawaii now. Not sure about summer internships for HS students, but during the school year the Rangers have a program called the Ranger Conservation Corps in each borough. Check out the PARKS website for more info!
alright thanks
a filter or water purification tablets is easier then fire. building a fire takes time and effort ergy.
Life requires time, effort and energy.
+David R i came out of yosemite high country after breaking my water bladder . the ranger as if U was okay as i pumped water straight into my mouth. fire are not allowed in many places.
Paracord? Pfft. I make my rope out of coconut shells like a real man.
Shadow Hamster sure if you can find coconut. And you use the fibers not the shell
hart, haha, but he's a real man.
Great, if you’re on Gilligan’s Island!
No! you didn't spend at least $199 on your knife, you won't survive an hour in the woods! And how can you build camp without a tactical pen?
why did you quit CZcams btw its 2018
if you fill a plastic bottle you can boil it on a fire.
+raymond bailey Technically, yes you can, but how many times, and how many chemicals are you releasing? In a survival situation, do what you can, but I'd rather have the stainless bottle, please! Thanks for commenting!
If you need to boil water in a plastic bottle I suggest using Hot rock to make it boil this is a lot safer than putting the bottle in a fire
6:23 ...a Freudian slip of the hands perhaps?!
I disagree the whistle Ranger Mike showing an orange whistle in the video claiming is a better option than referees whistle. He even uses the words "extra loud" and "extra far". FYI the whistles referees use are commonly Fox 40 classic delivering 115 Db. while the one shown is only 100 decibels. For survival proposes The Fox 40 Sonic blast will deliver 122 db. and the UST Jetscream 122 db.
Some people are knife lovers, but you are the first whistle lover Ive met. Thanks for the info! Another concern with a whistle that has a "pea" in it is that your breath can cause it to freeze up and get stuck if it's extremely cold. Just something to consider.
Ranger Mike I’m a relatively new hiker and, coincidentally, I just purchased the Fox40 brand Sonic Blast safety whistle the original poster mentioned- Fox40 safety whistles are pealess, so do not clog and they work well in icy conditions; they are also designed to automatically flush out any water when blown, so great for fishing & boating safety! I had never before known that people could be “whistle lovers” either! LOL! But the Fox40 website showed me a company that’s been making high quality whistles (for safety, for referees, and goodness knows what else!) for a few generations, and they have a dizzying variety available that apparently sell well. Who’da thunk, huh? 😂😂😂 Thanks for your helpful video, by the way! 💐
Did you ever work at the Grand Canyon? You look familiar to me.
A day hiker is probably going to be a novias so in a national park or trail can still be a bad day. Phones as a reliable navigation tool in my option is stupid. They run out of power, have no signal or break. Most people don't even know how one works. The people who have been hiking for years get compliance, as do most drivers, that is why most accidents happen close to home. If you don't carry what you need to survive (I don't want to die) then you just might not. Paper map, compass, fire, shelter. signaling is a every time you go out, and the ones who say don't worry need a swift kick.
Those types won't listen. It's a story as old as time.
and dont forget your waterproof jacket and overtrousers.
Dennis Nowland NO he's right you can use non-lubricated condoms as water bags. They hold about a liter of water and the Duct tape is important as it has many uses like as a bandage or binding and it can even be used as a fire stater
I know, it's happened to me a few times
U should do Naked and Afraid
It always amazes how many outdoors guys that do not explain the reason for the hole in a signal mirror.
The hole is to see through to aim the Sun's reflection at how ever you are trying to signal.
+L TF I actually made an entire video on using signal mirrors. Takes a long time to explain properly, so I didn't want to devote a ton of time to it in this basic gear list video. Thanks for watching! czcams.com/video/mugGizTXw6w/video.html
Thanks for getting back to me those are awesome video's you do.
+L TF Much thanks, and happy trails!
Never pack for a day hike. Always pack as if you're going out for 3 days. Fire starters, food, water, and of course protection. People go missing in national and state parks every year. Too many to be exact. You'd be surprised to see how easy it is to get lost by just venturing off the trail to get that picture of the nice lake. People go missing and their disappearance is never solved. Some professionals are baffled by it all. They always picked one for having a large pack, but one of those who knocked me for it was lost in WA for 3 days.
Proteins? Why one need is carbohidrates,.sugar...energy! Thanks for the advice
Carbs and sugar will give you a brief boost , but they won't stick with you. Protein will take you much further.
I guess if you have to poop the cotton balls could also come in handy........
How is this video fitting the title “3 basic gear”?
3 is the # of this particular episode in the video series.
ya. ok. Well I'm a Chinese Jet pilot on the weekends . give me a break bro.
Did anyone notice that he said you can’t boil water in a plastic water bottle?That is absolutely false-I have done it many times,and it was taught to us in SERE school while I was on active duty.
...and I ‘ve seen it on YT and could not believe it, but saw it 😳
Yes, but it's a pretty horrible, last ditch thing to do. Irishdefense77, any cancer come up on you yet?
Great instructional for novices.
Please include KNOWLEDGE in the list. Survival items are useless If you never used them before (saw people bring survival knives still packed in plastic with nothing to open the package - No kidding). LEARN how to make fire, build a shelter, etc. Put your stuff to use BEFORE you rely on it!
Nothing brings out the loonie comments like a survival video.
Doubt me? Check them out.
Some guy with 38 ways to start a fire will have 300 crazy comments and 5 reasonable ones.
So true...😂
Nice video man. I have a question. Dont you worry about wild life out there, while you walk in the woods? What if you meet a bear or a wolf out there? How can you defend yourself?! Are you carrying a sidearm?!
ummm you can boil water in a plastic water bottle just don't let the flames go higher than the water level inside the bottle.
That's true, but stainless is always far more versatile, which is why I prefer to carry that if I have the choice.
better yet use hot rocks to boil the water instead
Add a solar lantern
Minute 3:59 😂🤣
Damn that's a lot of stuff to carry on a day hike, lol.. Carry light, carry a few emergency items in your med kit and call it a day. Seems like this pack is set up for a luxury camping trip, lol.
Famous last words for some.
He says he allergic to wool, but he's wearing a wool uniform sweater! WTH?!
He said it was synthetic
Thats a lot of crap for a day hike. Whats your pack weight? A lighter pack means lower rish of getting stranded and needing all that.
In a survival situation you could walk back to your car.
Ok bud ttyl...
I don't think this is good advice because these items don't address "The Rule of 3's". Day-hikers don't die in the wilderness from starvation. Only a few die from dehydration. Most die from exposure or the inability to stay warm overnight. This is your first priority. Instead of thinking about cool little gadgets, think about what you need to spend the night comfortably given the night time temps. That's what will make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a survival situation.
Here's what I carry: silnylon poncho, 36 hour 3-wick candle, 2 mylar space blankets, 25ft duct tape, 4 3 mil contractor bags, lighter, headlamp, extra batteries, knife, compass, rain pants, long underwear - top and bottom, balaclava, 50 ft 550 cord, fire kit, LifeStraw, 2 1-gallon freeze baggies, one 600 ml Ti cup.
The 4 contractor bags can be filled with dry grass or pine boughs to create a bottom and top layer for sleeping. The tape is for closing the tops so you have nice rectangles. The poncho, mylar space blankets, and cord are for creating a tarp shelter with an inner reflective layer. The candle is for warmth. In a pinch, you can sit with some kind of insulation under your butt, wearing the poncho with a space blanket wrapped around you, and the candle under your legs if it's too wet to start a fire or you're not mobile because of an injury. The cup and gallon baggies are for water purification/storage. Everything else should be self-explanatory.
Optionally, if you're going to take food, don't mess around with low calorie food bars. You need as many calories and protein as you can store. Get the 30g of protein bars - the big ones.
Don Alan Assuming we're talking about something more substantial than a couple miles in an urban park? It's a little more than I'd carry, but not much. You plan for a "day hike," but pack as if you *might* get overtaken by night. A missed trail connection, an injury that would be relatively minor elsewhere, lots of things can happen.
Dehydration can kick in very early, the 3 pm heart arrest can be triggered by dehydration. Same with starvation, within 6 hours without food my energy level is halved increasing the risks of accidents and cold.
Did you miss the part about DAY HIKE
He had an emergency blanket and 3 ways to make fire. Did you watch the video? other than that your stuff isn't bad either.
Snow White Of course, DAY HIKE means you should figure you get lost, break your leg while a blizzard rolls in. What did you think, you go out at 5AM and back around lunch time?!!!! DAY HIKE means 3 to 14 days.
No glock ??
Glock 43 would be good for day hiking.
You can leave your paranoia at home. lol
i advocate using a fixed blade knife also but only a full tang not some $15 P.O.S. mora! ive broken more of those things than i care to think about get a good quality knife that is full tang not partial or post tang
you've broken loads of moras? wtf are you doing lmao batoning 10inch knotted oak? or throwing it at a brick wall over and over. The knives are a decent entry knife that could last most people decades.
I agree if you can get a more expensive better knife do it though of course, if you want to.
@@troopygino I'm the type that loses and misplaces things on the regular. No way am I investing in any knife over $40-$50. And I really like knives.