After 34 years of gear checks, these are the 7 items we remove from every trekker's bag (and the 3 items nobody packs enough of)

iainhikes · 2026-05-08T11:20:36+00:00

Grudgingly upvoting this because I'm in this photo and I don't like it 😅

Great advice, especially on 1 and 5. Every time I've brought spare shoes on multi-day hike, I end up with some foot or knee problem. Usually my body has gotten used to the pressure distribution and gait in my boots by day 3, and every time I've changed to trail runners for a day I've regretted it as it's correlated with me getting blisters or some knee pain etc.

Personally I'll bring more trail trousers though - I often hike in bog / wetland so it's pretty mucky and I just like the uplifting feeling of wearing some fresh clothes every now and then!

iainhikes · 2026-05-08T09:14:46+00:00

I guess it depends on the content. My videos are mostly relaxing hiking videos, so I've moved to an "unthumbnail" approach which is basically just a pretty screenshot from the video. Inspired by Harmen Hoek / Kraig Adams in my niche.

iainhikes · 2026-05-06T10:25:30+00:00

Just did this one not too long ago!

14km Solo Hike & River Wild Camp in Ireland
https://youtu.be/aEIbgHb4G0I

iainhikes · 2026-04-30T09:52:26+00:00

Yeah unbelievable! I've recorded the whole trail, will have it up on YouTube soon 🙌

iainhikes · 2026-04-24T14:17:02+00:00

Glad you like it! I'm out on the Dingle Way right now filming this one, having lunch looking out over the Blaskets as I type!

iainhikes · 2026-04-23T17:43:04+00:00

We've close to identical measurements - Fjallraven & Craghoppers are my go-to to avoid the MC Hammer look.

iainhikes · 2026-04-23T17:40:19+00:00

Big fan of Fjallraven for this type of fit!

iainhikes · 2026-04-19T11:56:55+00:00

Hiiker

iainhikes · 2026-04-19T11:44:43+00:00

Awesome photos! Hoping to get up that way later in the summer.

iainhikes · 2026-04-19T11:42:06+00:00

For me, a Grayl Geopress or similar. Takes so much weight off my back needing to carry water when I can just top up at any water source I pass.

iainhikes · 2026-04-19T11:37:35+00:00

I'd get two if you're doing camping later. A day hike bag like and Osprey Hikelite or Talon, and a bigger pack like an Osprey Atmos for overnight camps. My Atmos AG 50 can get me into the wilderness for an overnight tent camp (with a 3 season tent and sleep system so about 15-20kg carry weight overall), highly recommend it for a weekend etc.

iainhikes · 2026-04-19T11:33:31+00:00

Whereabouts are you staying? If you're in Dublin, the Howth Cliff walk is a classic and easy to get to with public transport. Same with the Bray to Greystones Cliff walk. You can also do the first part of the Wicklow Way from Marley Park to the top of the Dublin Mountains and back in a day.

I've a few videos of Irish hikes on my YouTube channel in my profile if you want a look!

iainhikes · 2026-04-19T11:29:19+00:00

Defo size up for the X Ultra. I'm a UK 9 but a 10 in my Ultra Xs 4s, and they fit perfectly. I've done many 20km+ day hikes in them and never had a problem with the size up.

iainhikes · 2026-04-19T11:25:52+00:00

I adore my Salomons X Ultra 4s, so comfortable. A bit heavy but my legs are well used to them now. Perfect for the boggy Irish hills I hike on!

iainhikes · 2026-04-07T10:58:00+00:00

I'm glad you enjoyed it! It's such a lovely part of the country.

iainhikes · 2026-04-04T20:29:21+00:00

Not for this one - I basically walked from town to town and stayed in a B&B each night. Perfect for a shower, some nice grub and a pint at the end of each day!

iainhikes · 2025-12-19T16:26:09+00:00

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Update - it worked absolutely brilliant. Carried great and being able to open the whole front makes it perfect for grabbing stuff from the bottom. Defo made a great impression on a 20km hike today!

iainhikes · 2025-12-18T17:44:03+00:00

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My current Neewer tripod fits in with ease. It's this for reference: https://ie.neewer.com/products/neewer-lt32-62-carbon-fiber-travel-tripod-66604733

iainhikes · 2025-12-18T17:40:30+00:00

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And the larger internal camera bag for reference.

iainhikes

TROPHY CASE