Hiking Gear Essentials and Footwear Considerations

Renowned long-distance backpacker Andrew Skurka visits Google to discuss the gear, supplies and skills necessary to make hiking fun instead of a chore.

Described by National Geographic as “one of the best traveled and fastest hikers on the planet,” and named “Adventurer of the Year” by Outside and “Person of the Year” by Backpacker magazine, Skurka recounts what he’s learned from more than 30,000 miles of long-distance adventures, most recently a 4,700-mile 6-month loop around Alaska and Canada’s Yukon.

Whether you’re a first-time backpacker, an occasional weekend warrior, or a seasoned long-distance trekker, you’ll love this guide. Learn exactly what you need to carry – both on your back and between your ears – for all seasons and circumstances through a show-and-tell of clothing, footwear, backpacks, shelter and sleep systems, and more, as well as through detailed articles on foot care, campsite selection and hiking efficiency. Skurka’s practical recommendations give you all the tools and techniques you’ll need to succeed on the trail.

Originally published in April of 2012.

Visit http://youtube.com/TalksAtGoogle/ to watch the video.