“5 Best Hiking YouTube Channels Every Trekker Should Follow”
Discover the 5 best hiking YouTube channels to follow in 2025. Get gear advice, trail guides, and vlogs from top trekking content creators around the world.
For today’s adventurers, YouTube has become an invaluable resource for planning treks, getting gear reviews, learning survival skills, and getting inspired by real-life hiking experiences. Whether you’re an armchair explorer or a trail veteran, following the right hiking YouTube channels can elevate your trekking game. In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore five of the best hiking YouTube channels, analyze what makes them unique, and offer tips on how to make the most of their content.
1. Darwin on the Trail
Subscribers: 400,000+
Niche: Ultralight backpacking, thru-hiking tips
Why Follow?
- Detailed gear reviews (especially ultralight equipment)
- Honest advice on Appalachian Trail (AT) and Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)
- Philosophy on minimalist and sustainable hiking
Top Videos:
- “Ultralight Backpacking Gear List”
- “Lessons from the Appalachian Trail”
Strengths:
- Real-world experience
- Calm, thoughtful presentation
Pro Tip: Check his community tab for upcoming Q&A sessions with fans.
2. Homemade Wanderlust (Dixie)
Subscribers: 500,000+
Niche: Thru-hiking vlogs, trail life
Why Follow?
- First-hand thru-hiking adventures on AT, PCT, and CDT
- Female-focused trekking advice
- Honest portrayal of the mental and physical struggle of long-distance hiking
Top Videos:
- “Top 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Thru-Hiking”
- “Why I Quit My Job to Hike”
Strengths:
- Authentic storytelling
- Inspires beginner and solo female hikers
Pro Tip: Dixie’s gear breakdown playlists are perfect for new hikers assembling their first kit.
3. Kraig Adams
Subscribers: 600,000+
Niche: Silent, cinematic trekking films
Why Follow?
- Beautiful, peaceful hiking cinematography
- International treks (Iceland, Nepal, Japan)
- Minimal narration — let nature speak
Top Videos:
- “Solo Hiking in the Dolomites”
- “Silent Trekking in Iceland”
Strengths:
- Relaxing, ASMR-style presentation
- Fantastic for planning hikes in Europe & Asia
Pro Tip: Use his route links in descriptions for GPS data and maps.
4. The Hiking Guy (Greg)
Subscribers: 250,000+
Niche: Trail guides, US West Coast hikes
Why Follow?
- Step-by-step hike tutorials
- Trailhead GPS coordinates, difficulty ratings
- Family-friendly and beginner-focused hikes
Top Videos:
- “How to Hike Mt. Baldy”
- “Beginner’s Guide to Hiking Southern California”
Strengths:
- Safety-first approach
- Great for weekend or day-hikes
Pro Tip: Download his free PDF hiking guides for offline use.
5. Adventure Archives
Subscribers: 300,000+
Niche: Nature immersion, camping, trekking philosophy
Why Follow?
- Full-length hiking documentaries
- Gentle storytelling mixed with education
- Food, camping gear, and trail life shown in detail
Top Videos:
- “Winter Backpacking in the Midwest”
- “Spring Trek in the Appalachian Mountains”
Strengths:
- Meditative pace
- Strong focus on environmental stewardship
Pro Tip: Their Patreon-exclusive content includes gear giveaways and behind-the-scenes footage.
Comparing the Top 5 Channels
| Channel | Best For | Unique Feature | Subscribers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Darwin on the Trail | Ultralight hikers | Minimalist philosophy | 400,000+ |
| Homemade Wanderlust | Thru-hikers, women | Authentic personal journey | 500,000+ |
| Kraig Adams | ASMR lovers, visuals | Cinematic silence videos | 600,000+ |
| The Hiking Guy | Beginners, families | Detailed trail guides | 250,000+ |
| Adventure Archives | Nature immersion fans | Hiking documentaries | 300,000+ |
Tips for Leveraging YouTube for Trek Planning
- Use Gear Reviews: Before buying expensive hiking gear, watch 3–5 review videos.
- Map Learning: Channels often share trail maps — use Google Earth or Gaia GPS.
- Join Livestreams: Direct Q&A with hiking pros.
- Follow Social Media: Many creators share flash updates on Instagram or Twitter.
Additional 5 Rising Hiking Channels to Watch in 2025
- Syntax77 — Budget ultralight camping
- BackpackingTV — International treks
- The Trail Hunter — UK treks
- Joe Robinet — Bushcraft and off-grid hiking
- REI Co-op — Professional gear tutorials
Budget Estimation for Creating Your Own Hiking YouTube Channel
| Item | Cost (USD) |
| Camera & Mic Setup | 800 – 1500 |
| Editing Software (Premiere, Final Cut) | 300 – 600 |
| Hiking & Travel Costs | 1000+ |
| Marketing (ads, SEO) | 200 – 500 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I learn hiking skills just from YouTube?
A: Yes, but real trail practice is essential.
Q: Are YouTube gear reviews trustworthy?
A: Usually — but cross-check with written reviews.
Q: Can I make my own hiking channel profitable?
A: Yes — via YouTube ads, sponsorships, and affiliate links.
Conclusion
Whether you’re seeking hiking tips, cinematic trail footage, or complete gear breakdowns, these five YouTube channels will inspire and prepare you for your next adventure. Plus, with the rise of hiking content creators globally, this niche is booming — a great time to learn and maybe even start your own hiking vlog!
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