2024 Was An Interesting Year For Gear

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Check out Garage Grown Gear: geni.us/m2tzeVo *Gear Mentioned In This Video:* Zpacks Pivot Solo: geni.us/jh7Nd Zpacks Plex Solo Lite: geni.us/iS1P Hubba Hubba LT2: geni.us/5JKt X-Dome: geni.us/oSCtWb ADOTECH Bear Bag: geni.us/kkmS5GY Deploy Hoodie: geni.us/CXpa4eY Pad Pal: geni.us/FbXAC Alpenblow: geni.us/dIjNj9 NeoLoft: geni.us/JUHE Zenbivy -5 Bed: geni.us/6JNG inReach Plus: geni.us/XItumAb Dnsys Exoskeleton: geni.us/cl304Dq

[@lasaldude]

Hey Steve, quick tip. when measuring Db levels. We dont put the sound level meter right near the point source as you, yourself, wouldn't be right next to it. Put the SLM recorder at a normal distance away where your ears would be when taking measurements. Distance makes a difference.

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Good point! Thanks.

[@AffinityPhoto]

@@MyLifeOutdoors typically 1m

[@benry007]

I really appreciate you putting the grams on the video. I really struggle working out pound and ounces.

[@antine1279]

The exoskeleton would be very useful for people with mobility issues, elderly people or (on the resistance setting), athletes for training.

[@tomnoyb8301]

"Maybe it'll catch-on with people who are going to the mall?" Well said, sir.

[@listofromantics]

9:56 - An accurate description of the average .1% Arc-Teryx customer. I look forward to seeing these pants in ALL of the trendiest and exclusive mountain towns and resort villages in the Western / Rocky Mountain US and B.C. (and NYC & LA)

[@StamfordBridge]

Fun stereotype

[@josiemyka6061]

when conducting a torque test like you did you need to pull at a 90 degree angle from the pole to have numbers be accurate and for results to be comparable the angles have to match fairly closely

[@davidcooper8390]

Some awesome gear listed. I have a 25 degree Zenbivy light bed on the way for next years adventures. Thanks for an amazing 2024 and cheers to an even better 2025

[@NathanHassall]

Cool reflection of the years highlights...wishing you a happy new year. The content you are producing just keeps getting better and better I can't wait to see whats in store for 2025. Cheers and thank you!

[@durstongear]

Interesting pole test. Was that 'standard' aluminum tubing DAC 8.7? A test rig like that acts like a big lever where the peak leverage/force will be right at the base where the pole is attached, so it makes sense that all the poles broke right at the aluminum ferrule at the base. I think this shows that the DAC ferrules are stronger than the Easton ones, but doesn't really show the tubing strength itself because that wasn't brought to failure. If you laid tubing sections of equal length over the same span, ensured there was good overlap at both ends, and then pushed (or pulled) down in the center with something that is blunt (so it isn't excessively trying to kink the poles) it would be a good way to test the strength of the tubing itself. The carbon tubing should be stronger *for the weight*. Carbon that weighs a lot less like Easton 3.9 should be roughly similar strength but lighter, whereas thicker carbon tubing like Easton 6.3 should be stronger than DAC 8.7 while still weighing a bit less. Yeah the glue issue is unfortunate. I had talked to Easton about this throughout the development process as I had seen historical reports as well. They said they had experienced some glue application consistency issues but assured me that additional QC checks they had recently added have resolved the problem, which I why I said it was addressed for production. Unfortunately Easton's additional checks weren't as effective as they thought. I have had several meetings with them about this in recent weeks and they are looking at a lot of options to improve the glue on the replacement poles we'll be sending out. It is unfortunate but we'll take care of customers and get it improved quickly. I do think the Easton carbon poles will be a nice pole set once that issue is solved because it does offer higher strength:weight. While we have seen glue issues, we haven't seen anyone break the actual carbon tubing during normal use, so that aspect is working well.

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

I know you will get it all figured out. As always I appreciate the response.

[@gregtalks2327]

You tryna send me an x mid 2 for the new year?

[@L4mTr4n]

@@durstongear my MSR Advanced Pro 2 uses the carbon Easton poles as well and haven’t had any issues. I wonder if the specs of the X-Dome poles are similar to the one on the MSR Advanced Pro. It’s interesting to hear about the difference in quality between the two from the same supplier.

[@durstongear]

@@L4mTr4n The are a scattering of reports of Easton glue issues across I think all brands that use them. It is not a common problem but can affect a few percent of tents. So it is not affecting the vast majority of X-Dome's but so that people can fully trust the tents we will send everyone a replacement.

[@wobblysauce]

Indeed, a combination of bonding and being too rigid can lead to cracks and then displacement of the tube. Some have added a bit of flex when you mix Carbon and Aluminium. Tension v Compression strengths. Pole test is a different strain point than most go through, as it needs to be part of a set length as a join. You can do the math on it. Width and Height of the Arc, from that you can get Radius of Arc, Length of Arc and Angle Subtended by Arc (deg.), as not all tent poles can do the numbers required.

[@Speech_storees]

I unfortunately dont have any of this gear(because i live in the uk) but ive spent the lsst year researching this stuff and i can say that from what ive seen its alright. Love your work Steven, best camping youtuber ever, happy new year.

[@amythinks]

As someone who has never backpacked but watches a ton of this type of content because it helps me pack light for car camping, I find myself very dedicated to Durston. I always see him on comments responding to people, taking in feedback. I love the guy even though I've never bought one of his products. I guess I'm not a customer...more of a Durston groupee. I do recall you having a clickbaity negative title regarding one of the X-Mid tents and then providing a pretty fair and balanced view in the actual video...that irked me cause I thought it was unfair. But I came back...cause you're the best backpacking KZbinr out there...darn you.

[@c0ldsh0w3r]

Umm cool

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

In my defense the title was “I broke the only X-Dome in existence” which was true. I did break it. And admitted it was my fault in the video. But perception is reality and a lot of people perceived that negatively so I ultimately changed it. To the detriment of the video. But that’s ok. Dan is great! I think he is doing great things! I appreciate you watching even if you’re mad at me. 😉 glad to hear I’m the best! That makes my day.

[@JamesClark-lw6sw]

Dan Durston is a CANADIAN who has stolen "his" designs from Amerian designers and then makes them in CHINA. HE NEVER HAS HAD AN ORIGIONAL THOUGHT IN HIS LIFE and he MAKES NOTHING.

[@LMay64]

I picked up one of the new bear bags and I'm stoked to try it out!

[@DKtracks]

For pads I find it extremely important how loud it is. It sounds weird. When it does some plastic crunches while moving I can't sleep. I avoid tons of gear because of this mainly pads and pillows😅 maybe that is something that can be included. Idk if this is to niche or not.

[@UrbanHeartBeatz]

5:32 ook but the food inside is gonna be just mush. Might as well let the bear have it, at that point. 😂

[@laurahikes]

It’s not about protecting you, it’s about protecting the bear :)

[@wolfeadventures]

@@laurahikesand when the food is smashed and leaks through the bag which happens on the Ursack, the bear gets rewarded.

[@laurahikes]

@@wolfeadventureswith ursack, yes that happens. The Adotec bag is waterproof and seam sealed: so no rewards for the bear.

[@grandefromage4607]

Happy new year to you, thanks for all the info you produce :)

[@kellymaszk5832]

With the amount of gear you use and test, I really wish you would get into bikepacking. Great video as always. Happy New Year.

[@crstarkey]

Light aint cheap. True.

[@itsakickpushlife]

It will take a lot for a sleeping mattress to top the Big Anges Rapid SL for me. I love that thing and the loft is fantastic.

[@KathyColorado1]

Thank you! Happy New Year! If I haven't said it yet, welcome to Colorado!

[@CoolHardLogic]

Great overview, though I think there's a caption mistake at 7:42: The sleeping pad weighs 2lb but the caption says 396g. It'd be more like 907 at 2lb.

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Yep! My mistake

[@jeffreycarman2185]

4:53 I’m guessing that a 9 mm Hilleberg tent pole would withstand a heck of a lot more force than the aluminum pole tested, but it’s not really a fair comparison (since the use case for a Hilleberg 4-season tent is much different than a Durston X-Dome, -for one Hilleberg tents weigh more than three times as much as the Durston).

[@georgesolanakis8264]

Thanks Steve! as always great! BTW, I totally disagree with all the naysayers of the X-Dome 1+ review you did! You took a pre-production faulty product and unfortunate things happened beyond your doing and got grief for it! I just don't get it! The last thing I would want is to hide these faults and let the unaware consumer deal with the consequences! I don't own any Durston gear but form what I hear he is an outstanding individual and would take any corrective steps to please the customer. +1 Dan. Keep doing what you do best! Happy New Years ! 🎊

[@L4mTr4n]

Glad I cancelled my X-Dome order early as this confirmed my concern about the poles breaking. At the same time, I’m glad Durston did a recall to try to rectify the issue which I applaud for the great customer service as well. Hopeful to see some stable results in the future because I do like the design of the X-Dome. Very innovative. 🙏

[@durstongear]

Glad you're liking the concept. We have had some glue issues from Easton, but the poles themselves are not breaking during normal use (e.g. no one has broken the carbon tubing using it normally). We are replacing the poles for early adopters they are taking care of and can trust the glue, but the pole set itself has shown to stand up well to high winds when the glue is applied properly.

[@demoncorejunior]

i wonder if you'd feel the benefit of the exoskeleton more with a heavier pack. when i saw that my immediate thought was "how nice, it will take some of the load off my hips" i have a hip injury that is fine up until certain weights, then it becomes a problem. i can't wait for someone to develop a system where your pack connects more directly to the exoskeleton, i think it will be useful for trekking your base camp in, then you can leave it charging with solar while you attempt the summit.

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Something I didn’t mention (but probably should have) is the exoskeleton gets in the way of your hipbelt. I folded the hipbelt out of the way and had a pretty light pack for this video.

[@martywithawhy]

Great recap video! All the best in 2025!

[@KatrinaOutside]

I actually very much like the design of the MSR tent. Just waiting for them to release a short pole Bikepacking version with the most current LT design.

[@tiger2too18]

Happy New Year🎉

[@christopherch7307]

👍🐿👍 awesome content thank you for sharing your passion.

[@jezzarisky]

I am curious if the weight of the exoskeleton offsets the potential gains of the motor's power. Like if the motors are only offsetting say 10 pounds of exertion, and the system weights 10 pounds, it wouldn't be of any actual benefit, or within that margin. Like I don't know how noticeable it would be taking 2 pounds of weight off the effort of walking any more than a zero offset.

[@martinjohnson2549]

3:47 Where is Your PPE buddy?

[@BrisketBrandon]

Merry Christmas and happy new year my friend. Another great video.

[@dahoodgoneloveit4230]

Man what a cool setup this guy has.

[@jeffreycarman2185]

2:54 the haters who were saying that about @mylifeoutdoors don’t understand carbon fiber. Carbon fiber is just not as good at dealing with shearing forces as aluminum. The main takeaway for carbon fiber is the same for all ultralight materials: the trade off for the light weight is that it will be more prone to failure. Yes cheap aluminum poles bend and break, but again the lighter the weight aluminum pole the more prone to failure the pole would be.

[@braunofalltrades93]

All the tent pole issues highlighted is that the company didn't care. Because when you told them about the issue they lied to you and sent em out anyway. They only did a recall because it was gonna cost to much

[@BenBlankenshipvo]

what is the brimmed hat you're wearing? Thank you for the great videos! U Rock!

[@ChristopherGerritsen]

Nice video [and content], as usual👍, happy new year

[@Calico_Man]

I'll be looking for another new knee prob.

[@WatchingYoutube737]

Wouldn't the dnsys be better going downhill. I don't want one now, but my fantasy is that going downhill won't hurt my knees?

[@PapaBoiOutdoors]

Great video! I have to wonder why pole manufacturers do not use a carbon joint piece instead of an aluminum one. It is also odd the inserts break sooner on a carbon pole than an aluminum pole. Maybe the fact that carbon "flexes" at a different rate than aluminum????? Great work and thanks for you in-depth work on gear.

[@benry007]

If you have two different materials with different properties then the tension won't spread evenly. Which is why I think it breaks easier in the carbon poles. It did look like the carbon poles actually bent more before breaking, it just took less force to get it there.

[@wolfeadventures]

No flex or give on thin carbon joints. They would break faster than aluminum.

[@SANCOoutdoors]

My Papaw would say, “Every year is a new year”. Now I say, “Every year is a New WORLD”. Thanks for the Review! EMBRACE The AWE!

[@datengu]

looking forward to the arcteryx exoskeleton pant review!

[@snoop2477]

Thanks for the video. Think you made a typo on the weight of the Thermarest neo loft. Great looking pad for a side sleeper!

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

You are correct. I left off a pound. My mistake

[@snoop2477]

​@MyLifeOutdoors I wish you were right. Still think it is worth it. I carry an Exped foam pad in addition to my 7 year old Neo Air pad for extra comfort

[@forgingluck]

How do you handle multi day treks in desert places where you literally do not have access to any water on the trail?

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

I carry all the water or cache the water ahead of time if possible

[@tom_olofsson]

Thanks for the test on poles.

[@67L48]

Great video. Love your stuff. A+. With that said, we need to talk about 6:15, which can only be described as deceptive, at best. Let me play this game, too. My average headlamp I use is now the lightest headlamp on the market ... when I remove the battery. I have a great 900 lumen flashlight that only weighs 1 oz ... after I remove the battery. I just converted my friend's electric bicycle into the lightest ebike ever made ... by ripping out the battery. Should I keep going? I think those little pumps are good for videographers, vloggers, and media types such as yourself, because you're bringing along power bricks with you anyway (for all of your cameras and such). The vast majority of hikers I know do not. We have fresh batteries in our powered gear and leave our heavy power bricks at home.

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

I don’t use battery banks for my camera. I carry one lightweight battery bank for my phone. It has plenty of juice for 4 days of phone charging plus air pump. I think there are more people carrying battery banks than you think. The Nitecore NB10000 is a top seller on GGG. Not all those people are KZbinrs. I hear what you’re saying but if someone like me is already carrying the battery anyway for something else. Than it’s like free weight. Making these pumps the lightest. And I didn’t mention it but you can power the pump off your cell phone’s battery if your phone supports reverse charging. Backpacking and ultralight backpacking is all about multi use gear.

[@67L48]

@@MyLifeOutdoors Don't get me wrong, I think your stuff is great and you're above board ... one of the most honest and straight-forward reviews of gear I have ever seen. Keep up the good work. I've learned a ton from you. Thanks. Frankly, I think other people's characterization of the Flextail Zero is also a bit off. It's not as simple as stating that it saves a bunch of weight over the Flextail X2. It does. But, it also deletes the light/lantern. So, for me, that doesn't work. When I'm done inflating my pad, my X2 immediately gets hung at the top of my tent, for my lantern (I want my headlamp ready for those middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks). Yes, I can save the weight by getting the Zero ... but then I need to add a separate lantern (e.g., Black Diamond Moji). So, what did I save? I'm probably at a net positive in the end ... plus I have more gear to manage. If you're carrying a power brick/bank, then those little pumps make a ton of sense. I just don't see anyone I know (albeit 2-4 night hikers/campers) carrying power banks with them. It requires a specific use model to realize any benefit, but those little pumps seem to be positioned by several reviewers as an almost universal "look how light they are!" proposition.

[@bihlygoat]

I always carry a battery pack to charge my phone overnight since it is my navigation, camera, entertainment, and diary.

[@67L48]

@@bihlygoat That's great. The point was never that power banks never make the trail. Rather, the point is that carrying a power bank is a very specific use case that is not universal. But, these pumps are presented as the lightest weight pumps as a universal truth. That's misleading. They're only the lightest weight when they align with the very specific use case of carrying a power bank on trail.

[@bihlygoat]

@ that is true, it might be slightly misleading. But no more so than not including the weight of trekking poles in a trekking pole tent. Not everyone carries them, but if you do they can be dual-purpose.

[@earthstar2493]

I'm glad you have your health. I wonder if someone with leg injuries should test the exoskeleton instead.

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

I’m not sure it would help. If too much resistance is encountered the exoskeleton shuts off the motors. I think anyone with a leg injury would probably need it at any resistance

[@I_am_archie]

🤠👍🏻 lol exoskeleton...going to the mall.

[@AffinityPhoto]

Make carbon fiber tent pole inserts for the carbon fiber poles? Must be a reason they use aluminum

[@roberttrinies7698]

Do you mean not hollow?

[@AffinityPhoto]

@ I mean carbon fiber inserts instead of aluminum inserts.

[@wobblysauce]

@@roberttrinies7698 Indeed hollow v solid is a numbers game.

[@agrivere5494]

Montbell Plasma 1000 appears to be lighter than the Black Diamond Deploy. Might be worth testing them both to see which is the ultralight king!

[@Borgonovo-x4e]

The poles broke in that manner but there are thousand ways for a pole to break.

[@goldfieldgary]

The exoskeleton looks like it will supply Mr. Bear with some after dinner toothpicks!

[@oldmanhare]

The Exoskeleton should be reversed to harness the energy of the hiker to charge batteries instead of supposedly helping them. Imagine hiking and charging a battery with your motion!

[@UcranianoUKR]

Arcteryx came out with exoskeleton too

[@mygoldfishdrown5178]

What was the worst gear of 2024?

[@wolfeadventures]

Mayfly sandals?

[@Frostbiker]

Presumably the exoskeleton is most useful for elderly people or people with limited mobility/stamina.

[@Truth-Seeker75]

“Maybe it will catch on with people going to the mall.” I see what you did there.

[@cyan_oxy6734]

Imagine what a product like that could do for people with mobility problems.

[@SeMoArtifactAdventures]

I wonder how a carbon tent pole with a titanium insert would hold up?

[@ScottMillirem]

We might have to start a gofundme for safety glasses

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

I thought about them. Probably should have done more than just think.

[@eric55406]

So the exoskeleton gets 25km or about 15.5 miles. So this is a long day hiking for me, or 2 short days. It really wouldn't make sense for any multiday hike. 1 extra pound of food will get you a better energy return on weight, and the food weighs nothing after your body burns it.

[@antine1279]

I think this is something more applicable for people with mobility issues or elderly people, and personally I think it's a great thing if it can help people who otherwise wouldn't be able to hike, or hike longer.

[@AwkwardQuokka]

Have you been able to combine the Zenbivy sheet and NeoLoft mattress? Zenbivy says the sheet can only fit 3" mattresses, which has kept me from getting the NeoLoft.

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

The -5 bed is seen in this video on the Neoloft. And I’ve used the ultralight half sheet on the Neoloft too with no problems. Haven’t tried a full sheet other than the -5 sheet

[@The-king-boots]

10 stakes for a tent is ridiculous.

[@derekweiland1857]

Yeah, I mean, that has to off-set the lighter weight right? Essentially making it weight equivalent to its predecessor?

[@roosterridder956]

Steve, I heard someone assert that higher fill power down (900+) does not recover from moisture as quickly as lower fill power. I feel like that was possibly the case with my quilt and puffy on the PCT this year. Any insight?

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Makes sense. Maybe I can find some time to test it.

[@mattescobar9291]

What size zenbivy sheet did you pair with the Neoloft? 25 or 30"?

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

25.

[@bw2314]

Steve, what brand and type of toboggan hat is that you are wearing?

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

It’s made by Melanzana. Like all their stuff it can only be purchased in store in Leadville Colorado. The beanies don’t need an appointment but everything else does.

[@bw2314]

@MyLifeOutdoors are the beanies Merino wool?

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

@@bw2314 no it’s fleece

[@zclaus9642]

should tracked your heart rate with the exoskeleton and without on the same hill

[@carldwyer6058]

Ouch! Arcteryx burn!

[@trashduck]

Considered that Dnsys crowdfund but realized those dinky batteries aren't going to be making life any easier. An effective system would need contact with the ground to actually mitigate the weight being carried. In this format it's just helping you move your legs forward and backward and that's not very energy intensive at all.

[@browsman2328]

I am interested in the hat you are wearing.

[@duartegcabral]

Would something like what @Nighthawkinlight did in his video: "A Better Way to Waterproof Fabric", be a good way to reduce the use of forever chemicals? Can you test it?

[@Andy-Mesa]

I don't understand the point of SUL down hoodies. If you're that into weight savings, you'd almost certainly prefer a hoodless jacket and balaclava. Also, holy shit, it's made of 4D nylon? I've seen more durable toilet paper.

[@deguello68]

Happy new year old Texan. Do us a favor, wait a few seconds before you speak, most times your voice is cut off, even when rewinding.

[@OGBirdDog]

Thank you, perfect way to start my birthday! Hit me up, I’ve got some ideas. Thanks for the great content and Happy New Year!

[@HighWealder]

Still trying to reinvent the wheel 😂

[@utube7917]

People wear Arcteryx to the mall? I feel like an idiot, because ive been wearing it in rapidly changing, life-threatening conditions in the mountains and it saved my life.

[@shawn951951]

Mall pants.....LOL 😆

[@Telthar]

I'm cringing watching you stress test those poles without safety glasses. I appreciate the testing but please protect your eyes!

[@mrjones8256]

I hate when you mix adds throughout video we know what GGG is

[@mr.miniaturesmodels8465]

As questionable as the exoskeleton is, it is currently sold out.

[@memphisreines]

Year was a year like any other. People are worse every second it goes by.

[@jaygosuico]

❤ 🔥 👍

[@jasonflt]

the exo Skelton is such a stupid idea, sorry but it is, just saying

[@143DREWID]

Not rich and no time off... nice toy list additions though. Still confused with, Lighter is Better mantra. Costs more, less durability(usually) single purpose, and closet bound. Resource consumption for fashion show hiking is disheartening. A new guitar does not make one a better musician.

[@StamfordBridge]

You've created one image of what ultralight gear is about. Now talk to long-distance hikers and learn what it's really about for them.

[@drumetu71]

what a piece of crap that exoskeleton. what the hell are those motors doing when you have 100kg and another 20kg in the load. I wonder if they still know what to take out to make you buy

[@bryanmclean6898]

Durston fanboys are the worst part of durston gear. Accusing someone of sabotaging a review because you can’t comprehend your lord and savior Dan might fail to make a flawless product is unhinged.

[@Sports_Highlight_Center]

these zenbivy sponsors are getting out of hand. such a pointless and gimmicky setup

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

I don’t know of anyone else who is sponsored by Zenbivy. Their partnership with me has only just started. It’s more than a gimmick I really and truly love it

[@antine1279]

I've never heard anyone who actually has a zenbivy say anything except "I absolutely love it" so that says something