Thank you for the great tips! I'm not at your level yet but I have been trying to get more miles in and have found I struggle with more then 10 to 12. These tips will help a lot. It's nice to hear from older BP that are still enjoying the outdoors! It's inspiring. Keep those realistic videos coming.

Great video, but I did want to see the packed difference between the two fabrics, as dcf packs larger.

Hi Dan, I live rt next to the road up to the NFTH. You were in my back yard while filming this video. I sure enjoyed watching it. Thanks Much, Ovando Ron

Up on Smith Ridge you can find some garnets right on the trail. All the horse traffic have helped reveal these beautiful treasures.

This is a kind of a shaggy dog story but it really speaks to why we do what we do and the fun you can have doing it. Back in 2016 I was at a place called Lake Alice in the Wyoming Range where I ran into a couple guys who were on a mission to catch every subspecies of cutthroat trout, one of which, the Bonneville Cutthroat Trout, once thought to be extinct, is found in Lake Alice. They caught their trout and were about to leave when I asked them where they were going next and they said up to Yellowstone in pursuit of West Slope Cutthroat Troat. I caught a few trout also and stayed on at the lake overnight before heading on to the Wind River Range, the Bighorns, and the Beartooth Plateau up Rock Creek out of Red Lodge,MT. Up Rock Creek I was just about to go off trail headed for some lakes on the Plateau when I noticed some weather moving in. I immediately stopped to set up my shelter, also a Khufu by the way, and soon found myself inundated with rain, freezing rain, hail, and snow which kept up through the night. This was August, 24th. The next morning dawned nicely but with the landscaped covered with six inches of snow over a frozen layer I decided to change my plans and head back out. Needing to come up with a new plan, one I hatched over a nice breakfast in Red Lodge, I decided to drive across the Beartooth Highway, through Yellowstone, and on to the Centennial Valley where I planned to hike and fish in the Centennial Range. Coming off the Beartooh Hwy. I stopped at the Yellowstone entrance where I was told that day was the 100th anniversary of the National Parks, and entrance was free. Well, alright! I travelled on through the park and at one point got out to stretch my legs. As I was doing that and reading a roadside kiosk a couple guys carrying fly roads came up the trail by kiosk and we struck up conversation. Sort of out of the blue I asked them, "Hey, you're fishermen, do you know where a person might catch a West Slope Cutthroat Trout?". They looked at each other, then back at we, and one said, "We've the biologists in charge of restoring pure strain WS Cutts to the Park!". My day is really getting better. They said if I were willing to put in the time to hike in the best place would be High Lake up Specimen Creek, it held some really nice ones. I thanked them and we were about to part ways when one turned and asked me if I were going to the concert that night. "What concert?", I asked. "There's going to be a ceremony up in Gardiner tonight celebrating the 100th anniversary, including a concert with John Prime and Emmy Lou Harris. We've got an extra ticket, want to go?" Well, it was a great evening, August 25th, 2016. Did I mention that it was also my wedding anniversary and the birth date of my daughter? The next day I left the Park at West Yellowstone, drove to the Specimen Creek trailhead, and hiked in to High Lake. Saw nobody on the trail or at the lake and spent the next day resting and catching nice fat WS Cutts. Waking up the morning of the second day I could smell smoke and looking out the door of the Khufu I could see brown smoke scudding by just above the trees. Time to go! Back down the trail I hurried, although I left the smoke behind as the fire apparently was in another valley. Whew... As I approached the trail head I could hear the sound of helicopters and watched as big Chinooks with what looked like thimbles suspended under them went overhead to an area outside the park where smoke could be seen. I was happy to push on to the tranquility of the Centennial Range. It had been an event filled few days.

That packraft does look fun! Love the cameo from your pup in there!

Excellent overview - thank you

Great video! You mentioned there is a DCF food bag that is both waterproof ans bear proof. Are you talking about the one from Adotec?

If you're gonna go for an electric pump, you might as well get the 9gram (yes, 9gram) pad pal.

I just wonder why the fuck living by the clock and chaseing milage is sooo important .. Why the fuck is everything a race from morning to evening ?.

Nice bench Dan, are you a woodworker too?

Finally someone that has thought it thrue all the way! Exactly what I wanted to hear about how to modify my poles. Fuck the baskets and straps. Gonna pimp my poles for tomorrows walk for sure!

My favorite thing about a pump for sleeping pads is deflating the pad - gets it just about factory small in no time!

If carrying a pack gives you sharp pains in the shoulders, you really should check out the Aarn bodypacks. This is a more ergonomic pack design that takes all the weight off your shoulders and spine and leaves your centre of balance unaffected so you walk with a natural gait. This has been proven by reputable research and by thousands of users in the field. As a backpacker in his 70s who also suffers from ME I can promise you it's a game-changer. It does take a bit of time to get used to the new system and get it properly dialled in, so if you get hold of a tester pack, do give it a fair trial. Many people miss out by giving up on the idea too early.

like the end of the video nice humor

I’d be afraid of spending upwards $1000.00 on an inflatable raft. I am a white water rafter💦 Don’t get me wrong. I’ll always rent inflatable singles and doubles all the time. But, purchasing an inflatable raft is a nail biter. Happy White Water Rafting 💦

I have the flex tail pump with the light on it and it’s a great alternative. I can hang it in my tent after inflating and it makes a great lamp.

What paddle and dry suit did you get a deciphering paddle length and looking at the Sherpa’s. I need to find an ultralight PFD and rescue PFT. Care to share your thoughts on your gear decisions? Big thanks

Loved hearing what worked for you

looks like a place a fellow could roam for more than a week. thanks for the journey. love your optimism even when weather turns sour. thank you for making this video

Note that I had issues with the zero pump not turning on in subzero temp. Seems like their provided rechargeable battery is sensitive to cold temp.

The 2-way zip has got to be the dealbreaker

Awesome info! Looks like it might be time for me to get a packraft!

I hope you haven't jinxed yourself by saying you haven't yet rolled your packraft😉 🤞🤞. Tried two flex tail pumps and sent both back and gave up. The first one was cross threaded right out of the box and couldn't unscrew it to get at the battery, which has to be removed for charging; the second one cross threaded itself when I was unscrewing the cap to remove the battery for charging; about two turns and it locked up. And I'm not that ham fisted with stuff. I compared the threads on it to my Fenix HM50R headlamp and the Fenix threads were noticeably better. That was about a year or so ago with the pump so maybe I'll give it another try 'cause I really wanted to like it. Looking forward to seeing your new gear for '25!

Informative and inspiring, as always. Thank you!

What you do on private property is your own business.... On public lands? You lose your private property rights. There is ZERO evidence that guns "deter" bears. And wounding a bear is the worse case scenario. Glacier Park, home to the largest grizzly concentration in the lower 48 went over 40 years before its first grizzly caused death. Millions upon millions of campers and hikers utilized Glacier trails and campsites for decades without loss of life and without the need for a gun.... End of discussion.

35+ years hiking and climbing in Glacier Park.... Dozens of griz encounters - dozens. This is normal bear behavior and you handled it well You alerted the best of your presence, you didn't run or approach, and you spoke loudly in a calm demeanor. On over 6000 trail miles and 100+ peak summits, not to mention backcountry camping and fishing..... I never had to deploy bear spray and was never charged. Love Glacier Love griz

The xlite feelings like balancing on a beach ball.

well done thanks!!

Great video! I love your style of portraying these pieces of information, you remind me of Mike Mentzer.

Great review, ShastaBubba! I really enjoy your attention to detail in all your videos - reminds me of my own need to know it all! I actually just got the same 0F Enigma as you, and wondered what type and size stuffsack you use for it? Best, Rasmus from Copenhagen, Denmark

Thank you Sir, Hoo-Yah

I’m curious about rolling up your Pack Raft for putting on your pack, do you keep the back rest, inflatable floor, foot rest and thigh straps attached to the raft when you roll it up for the pack or pack them separately? Do you bother to bring the inflatable foot rest and thigh straps with you for the SF of the Flathead (Bob)? Thanks for all the videos and info. I’m a fellow adventurer that’s getting close to 60. Just keep moving, use it or loose it. 😊

Thank you for the excellent comparison you hit all the questions that I had . I liked your comment about what is the extra pound of weight savings worth to someone on a thru hike because that is the justification I was seeking for buying the Pro . Subscribed .

Three years later I’m seeing this video 😊 Love the beta! I’m looking at a similar trek in 2025. What dates were you floating this stretch and are you using the SF Flathead gauge above HH Res as a marker for flow? Appreciate the details!

I would be very interested to see a video on how you pack/carry your pack raft, life jacket and paddles. Why you prefer one way or another and are you still using an ultra light pack with the extra weight. Planning on heading over Stadler Pass and floating out to Meadow creek takeout next summer. Just picked up a Gnarwhal in Missoula a month ago.

Thanks for the kind words and putting this together. Good summary. - Dan

Regarding your comments on your suspicion about the longevity of Dyneema fabrics, I would have to agree with you on that, and it seems as the years go by there are more and more reports of thru-hikers on the long trails, having such issues with their dyneema fabric tents. There are a good number of people who also share this view about sil-poly vs. sil-nylon. I had an online conversation with a manager from 3 F UL, whose Lanshan brand tents are made from sil-nylon. While the conversation was a little challenging as English is his second language, he holds onto the notion that sil-nylon is the superior fabric, and people will see after a few short years of use, these new sil-PU tents will degrade much faster by ware, and most importantly by UV sunlight. He maintains that 3F UL could certainly use the same material Durston is using on the XMids, it can even obtained at a cheaper price, but his choice over the long haul is sil nylon.

What is DCF?

Great video: See any snakes that early in the season?

Thanks so much! This comparison was exactly what I was after. Very insightful explanation and has assisted my choice. Absolutely awesome 🙌 🙏

Thank you for your review. I have the 2p and agree it is an excellent tent for solo trips. I have been able to set it up on almost all sites I go to, however, if the site I am going into is really tight for space, which I know from experience or research, or if I want to save a bit more weight, then I use my single pole Zpacks Altaplex. Another great tent as an option for solo campers.

Yes, your body needs water and calories. But also needs electrolytes. And it can get calories from body fat if you’re fat adapted and keto adapted. Added bonus- no hunger. I eat anti inflammatory foods , high in fat and calories, but I don’t even look at calories.

Best comparison between the 2 xmids. Well organized, detailed, concise, and enjoyable. Subscribed! Ty!!

So happy Timber is better.

Recently ended up with a X-Mid Pro 2+ (as the 2 was sold out in the sil poly floor). At least, as a tall person, I can guarantee not having my head or feet touching the walls, this is a major bummer in the first tent I bought (semi-budget 4 season tent).

Been using the Steri Pen for 12 yrs, 4x in the Himalaya & at Havasu Falls, Yosemite, & Mexico & I've never gotten sick! Highly recommend this device! I'm using the Ultra & heading to the Himalaya this Tuesday.

Excellent knowledgeable review. Thank you!

Excellent video. Saved me some money ahahah

Lots of good ideas there. Going to use a few. Thanks