Who doesn’t love a great hiking video?!? Nobody. Exactly what I was thinking. So here are 14 of the best hiking YouTube channels.
These are not listed in any particular order. Enjoy!
Here’s Your Hiking YouTube Channel List!
1) Dan Becker – 225K subscribers
“It’s pretty much an epic channel,” states Dan Becker’s About Me page, and I can agree. He does a lot of gear reviews, tips, and a good amount of YouTube Shorts. He also makes a bunch of really solid common beginner mistakes videos.
2) MyLifeOutdoors – 71.9K subscribers
The MyLifeOutdoors channel does a ton of great gear reviews, trip coverage, and general backpacking tips. He’s also got a lot of lightweight backpacking gear content.
And he actually joined up with the above-mentioned Dan Becker in one of his more recent videos.
3) Darwin onthetrail – 313K subscribers
Although Nic “Darwin” Rakestraw is done making YouTube videos in the traditional sense, he’s recently released a trailer of some of what he’s been working on. (Posted below).
He still has a huge backlog of videos about thru-hiking, gear reviews, Q&A, and more. His focus is now mostly on running his media production company, OE Media.
4) BackpackingTV – 98.8K subscribers
Host Eric Hanson leads the way for BackpackingTV, bringing you backpacking tips, reviews, and a studio backdrop that’ll give you serious gear envy.
5) The Hiking Rev – 17.2K subscribers
The Hiking Rev focuses a lot on the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) in his videos. Showing on-trail footage while hiking certain sections as well as helping those new to the outdoor world.
Here’s a compilation video of his 2020 PCT thru-hike.
6) Arielle Shipe – 14.3K subscribers
As of this writing, Arielle is actually in the middle of her very own PCT thru-hike attempt. She’s documenting her journey along the way. Her channel has featured many other outdoor adventure videos, including some of her #vanlife lifestyle.
Here’s her most recent video documenting her PCT journey.
7) Chase Mountains – 142K subscribers
Chase Mountain’s channel has hiking tips, and some gear-related videos, but he also has a bunch of strength/fitness-related videos. Stretching, strengthening, and posture correction. You name it.
8) JupiterHikes – 60.9K subscribers
JupiterHikes has a ton of thru hike-related videos; tips, gear reviews, etc. He hasn’t posted in 4 months….but for good reason. He was actually out hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. And per his Instagram account, he finished it on August 1st, 2022. Congratulations!!!
9) Outdoor Adventures – 73K subscribers
The Outdoor Adventures channel is all about beginner tips for backpacking and hiking. He’s got a huge backlog of videos as well as a great community so jump on in.
10) Spend More Time In The WILD – 52K subscribers
For those in the US hoping to see or explore what hikers in other parts of the world are up to, here’s the channel for you. Abbie is based in the UK and shows off many great hikes from the area.
Per her YouTube channel, Abbie Barnes created Spend More Time In The WILD “with the aim of inspiring & empowering individuals to enjoy more quality time outside for the benefit of improving mental and physical health & well-being, whilst building meaningful connections with the natural world & each other.”
11) Justin Outdoors – 54.7K subscribers
As a Canadian outdoorsman from Calgary, Alberta, Justin’s channel provides exactly what you think it would. Content related to the great outdoors! Including a bunch of gear reviews, some This Product Vs That Product videos as well as some cool out on the trails videos.
12) REI – 376K subscribers
Of course, they don’t just produce hiking-related content, but I feel I can’t not have REI listed here. They put out a lot of helpful stuff, including gear reviews, tips, and even a ‘how to keep your feet happy’ video for hikers.
13) Kraig Adams – 709K subscribers
Kraig produces a lot of beautifully shot hiking videos from all over the world. All while mostly hiking by himself! He’s got a few tips and gear-related videos. But he mostly lets nature just show off in his videos.
14) RVA Hiker Girl – 7.64K subscribers
Going local on this last one and showing some love to a fellow RVA hiker, Jacqueline, aka “RVA Hiker Girl.” She does a lot of Appalachian Trail section hiking, but also camps, kayaks, fishes, and paddleboarding. Her channel is growing pretty quickly so I’ll probably have to change the above subscriber list here soon.
Wrapping Up
That concludes my list of the best hiking YouTube channels (for now at least). I’ll jump in here every once in a while to update or add any channels that I may have missed or started watching. Cheers, and happy hiking!
