Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Newer version here: youtu.be/F3zdvnXnBBQ
*Gear I'm Using Now:*
* inReach: hkgy.co/inreach
* Hiking App: hkgy.co/app
* Watch: hkgy.co/watch
* Shoes: hkgy.co/shoes
* Pack: hkgy.co/backpack
* Rescue Insurance: hkgy.co/insurance
*Full Hiking Gear List (What I Use Now - Tested & Not Sponsored):*
hikingguy.com/gear
*More Hiking Content*
* Website: hikingguy.com
* Patreon: patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Monthly Hiking News (free): patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Subscribe: youtube.com/c/Hikingguy
I swapped cotton for synthetics, switched from heavy boots to trail runners, and replaced bulky gear with ultralight alternatives. Cotton holds moisture and kills your warmth when wet. Synthetic fabrics wick sweat and dry fast. Heavy boots wreck your knees on long descents and slow you down. Trail runners give you speed, comfort, and better ground feel. Cutting pack weight means less fatigue and more miles. These three changes transformed my hiking experience and made hard trails more enjoyable.
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*Disclaimer:*
Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend gear I actually use and trust.
Newer version here: youtu.be/F3zdvnXnBBQ
*Gear I'm Using Now:*
* inReach: hkgy.co/inreach
* Hiking App: hkgy.co/app
* Watch: hkgy.co/watch
* Shoes: hkgy.co/shoes
* Pack: hkgy.co/backpack
* Rescue Insurance: hkgy.co/insurance
*Full Hiking Gear List (What I Use Now - Tested & Not Sponsored):*
hikingguy.com/gear
*More Hiking Content*
* Website: hikingguy.com
* Patreon: patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Monthly Hiking News (free): patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Subscribe: youtube.com/c/Hikingguy
I swapped cotton for synthetics, switched from heavy boots to trail runners, and replaced bulky gear with ultralight alternatives. Cotton holds moisture and kills your warmth when wet. Synthetic fabrics wick sweat and dry fast. Heavy boots wreck your knees on long descents and slow you down. Trail runners give you speed, comfort, and better ground feel. Cutting pack weight means less fatigue and more miles. These three changes transformed my hiking experience and made hard trails more enjoyable.
---
*Disclaimer:*
Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend gear I actually use and trust.
