Backpacking Tip: Creek, River, and Stream Crossing

Some helpful tips on how to cross moving water when hiking.
Any tips or advice on how to survive in an emergency or wilderness situation should be considered general advice that is accepted as helpful in the backpacking/hiking community. Of course each situation is unique, and these tips may not be helpful in all scenarios. The advice in these videos provides no guarantee of comfort, safety, or survival in the wilderness or elsewhere. Please do more research on your own and decide for yourself what actions are appropriate in your unique situation.

[@Stingingfork1]

Thanks Dan, I've just recently come across your videos and I appreciate the technique tips you offer while backpacking. I've just found out I've been doing the creek crossings the wrong way as a solo hiker. I have usually gone facing the other side when I cross. Also it's much funnier to watch someone using large garbage bags as waders!

[@BackpackersReview]

@whshome Hi, thanks for watching. At 1:49 Dan says to "lean into the current" (not "the water"). Leaning into the current as opposed to "away from" the current. Also, it might be hard to tell, but the current of the stream in the video is flowing from left to right on screen, so the demonstrator guy is indeed leaning into the current (or leaning upstream). I hope that clears it up a bit!

[@thecaptain6994]

I always thought you were supposed to turn sideways to the current rather than face the current since (theoretically) it lessens the force of the current trying to sweep you off your feet.
Have I been doing it wrong all these years?
Also, wouldn’t you want the hiking staff downstream from your feet in order to apply more pressure to hold it in place?
Thanks for any clarification you can provide!

[@Rico-Suave_]

Watched

[@BushcraftingDror]

good video thanks

[@charissevigneau4369]

Really? Everything about this says danger!!! I'm sure someone has already informed you the tripod method. Not trying to be rude but never get your boots wet if at all possible. For one they may never dry out, and two one has much better balance if one can feel the rocks under foot. I suggest aqua socks or I use Vibram five fingers. It would be nice to see a corrected video or take this one down. Someone could really get hurt if they use some of these techniques.

[@TheSkate2skater]

On a short hike, there's no problem with taking off your boots. However, on longer hikes where crossing many rivers a day is inevitable, you're much better off keeping your boots on. Going barefoot is dangerous, since you might step on a sharp rock that will throw you off balance. Multiday hikers generally wont carry a pair of water shoes just for this, not even to mention the amount of time lost taking off and putting on boots every single time. Yes they will get wet, but who cares? If you have proper fitting boots, merino wool socks and know how to care and prevent blisters, you'll survive wet boots until you make it to camp.

[@thedude1744]

I read your comment from heaven. I followed this video and I died.

[@raydorsey9683]

If you have goretex boots and the water isn’t over the top of them, there is no reason you can’t walk through water. Granted, that’s only going to work for water about 6 inches deep (which is what my Hoka Stinson mids will allow) but for that level they work perfectly well. I’ve walked through countless creeks slightly less than the top these boots & my feet are bone dry.