4 Overpriced Pieces of Backcountry Gear I'll Pay For

[@CliffGray]

I knew this video would get some blow back so a couple points that I feel could be clearer in the video: 1. The Nano is a day hunt weight reducer. Meaning, instead of having a full size charging pack in my pack 100% of the time, I carry it. This saves me 6-7oz in my day pack. I wouldn’t recommend it as your only charger on a long duration hunt. 2. The shooting bag seems off the wall to folks. Let me reiterate, I use something else (rolled up jacket, etc) as a rear rest when I’m being super weight sensitive. Having said that, I guide people all the time on backpack hunts that carry 8.5lb rifles when they could carry a 7.2lb rifle. Accuracy is why they do that… yet a consistent rear rest seems like a weight waste 🤷🏻‍♂️ The bag is just a variation of achieving the same thing, perhaps with less weight burden.

[@joshsmith3650]

I have a meme on my phone of Paris Hilton wearing a shirt that says “Just Stop Being Poor” and the meme is comedically endorsed by Sitka lol I use a $1,200 sleeping bag/neo air mattress combo so I can sleep well with my bad back while saving weight. But I also use a $8 54oz plastic water bottle and sleep inside a 3 man $100 tent. The meme is funny but at the end of the day, people will decide through trial and error on which items they need to invest in the most. For me, house slippers for camp is more important than a shooting rest. If I ever miss a shot within 300 yards I will probably ditch the slippers and bring a shooting rest instead. Idk why people care so much. You do you and people like me just enjoy the input on what you find helpful with your style of hunting. You have changed my whole approach to ultralight hunting from your diet video alone, these are all a bonus

[@chrisgunsandguitars1403]

A rear support in shooting is more important than many think no matter the weight of the rifle. Doesn’t matter the distance. The bag shown is great option. What’s faster? Taking off a jacket and rolling it up into a makeshift rear support, or just unclipping a lightweight and squeezable rear bag that can also be a cat nap pillow?

[@joshsmith3650]

@@chrisgunsandguitars1403 agreed. I’ve never been in a situation where I needed more than the land I’m on and the pack I am carrying. But acknowledge there will be a day where I’m in a crappy situation where I would have killed to have a proper rest

[@00skeletor00]

I use Anker power banks. I keep one in camp, and have one with me at all times, a bit on the heavier side, but I can fully charge my iPhone 5-6 times..

[@4martell4]

Agreed- I’ve used Anker also for a few years hunting, they are very reliable.

[@wcndguy5302]

Yep used them for years. Very reliable.

[@Outdoor-Tactics]

Love Anker banks as well

[@JBarAngus]

I use Milwaukee battery with a converter on top

[@matthelmick6642]

Love mine too!

[@joshsmith3650]

Me- “Hey Cliff, what angle do you prefer on your knifes? 17 degrees?” Cliff- “we’ll actually….” 24 minutes later Me- “are we still talking about knifes?” Haha Just bustin balls. I really do enjoy the full nerd in depth detail you go into.

[@CliffGray]

Bwhaha 🤦‍♂️

[@cannistershot2277]

Totally agree on the use of a Grayl water purifier. I've used one for several years on jungle mountain hikes down in Colombia where they have literally been life savers. My first trip I used a LifeStraw bottle like the one shown here, but there is no way to pour out filtered water from that method for food use, or to share with a buddy, etc. since it requires sucking through the straw. I repurposed the LifeStraw bottle as a simple carrier - so I filter water in the Grayl, pour it out into the LifeStraw bottle (no straw inserted), and then refill/purify the Grayl. That way I have twice the water ready to use on my person.

[@chupacabra8821]

1:48 dark energy power bank 5:52 shooting bag 8:32 axe 16:04 knife 20:55 grail water filter

[@PikeSlayer69]

Ty you just saved me 23 minutes

[@IntenseAngler]

Great video as always Cliff! And some pretty sweet gear there as well 👍 I've watched my share of gear vids over the years and I can say that your recommendations are among the very few that I trust 100% man.

[@CliffGray]

Thanks man! I appreciate the support.

[@bobinmontana777]

I like your blunt tip skinner. The Grayl filters out viruses and has carbon filtering making great tasting water. Pre-filtering dirty water, even with a bandana is a good idea.

[@johnstallone1916]

Phoenix shooting bags are a game changer. Especially as a guide they changed the way we hunt and has increased our success rate

[@trevorjohnson7440]

Well, it just goes to show to show that you do get what you pay for!! Hey Cliff, I just want to say thank you for taking tome to share your knowledge with us! I learn something new from you every week and can't say how greatfull I am for that. I made some of those homemade fire starters of yours! they work great! Thanks again God bless!

[@CliffGray]

Thanks for the support Trevor! 👍

[@aaronwilcox6417]

Grayl filter with an millbank bag is just well worth the price of admission. One thing to consider about chisel grinds on something like that axe is the bevel or grind will make it a right hand or left hand tool depending on that bevel. The same is true of the old hewing axes used for squaring up timber. They came in right hand stroke or left hand and they make chips fly. Keep that bevel preference or side in mind if you go that route

[@CliffGray]

For sure! And wish I would have mentioned that. They sell both variants 👍

[@colinmckim4515]

I love the Grayl filter. I haven't used my other filters since I got one. I found a second smaller size on the roadside hunting last year so now i have both sizes. Way faster than a pump style and also serves as a water bottle.

[@darrensmall4313]

Great video as usual Cliff. I appreciate your experienced reviews.

[@CliffGray]

Thanks Darren 👍

[@irvingk3631]

1 Great Video, love the straight talk, no nonsense. 2 I'm an electrician, agree reliability can be priceless when you need it most, such as your charger. Don't compromise. Like other commenters i also use Anker for reliability but it is heavy. Nano for lightweight and features. 3 Love the knife design, please let me know how much it is? is Josh Smith busting your chops? What a Menace, LOL. I may or may not have one of his knives. 😉 Hope you continue to do well. -Irving

[@TG_Wyers]

Nitecore NB10000. 5.29 oz. An ultralight backpacker favorite, and justifies the new dark energy solar panel.

[@seanwgg]

you beat me to it. Not cheap but half the weight of a comparable Anker

[@asmith7876]

Nitecore makes some killer products.

[@oldfunsfrontporch5390]

I agree. It charges super fast too

[@jamesmooney5348]

Right on Cliff! That knife is going to be cool!

[@CliffGray]

Thanks!

[@journeyman7189]

Great recommendations Cliff. that Dark Energy power bank has been on my radar for a while. I've have to look into getting one. Nate

[@bradleyrichmond9411]

Keep the awesome content coming!

[@mrawesomnable]

Just so you are aware you waste a lot of energy doing wireless charging. If you want to get more out of that battery pack just use a cable.

[@caseygenson7773]

What Hoodie are you wearing at the 5:15 mark in the video?

[@JLJoe-n3h]

A brand i recommend looking into is Stroup Knifes. After getting one a few years ago its all I use.

[@Drakehilt]

I went and bought the dark energy pro after watching this. I also got their plasma fire starter. They off a military discount through govx for 30% off! Definitely going to be worth it on my upcoming elk hunt

[@mitchg9285]

Hello. Enjoyed the video. Do you prefer soft rests to hard rests? Have a Harris bipod and a rugged ridge rear rest?

[@mpenlandmoto]

Good approach to gear

[@aquila_brown]

Where do I get the food pyramid shirt? Love it!

[@CliffGray]

Haha! I sell it on my website. It is made/ship through a third party at the moment. I’m gunna take that stuff in house in a couple months to get better pricing for folks!

[@fishduckdog]

Please do ​@@CliffGray

[@Jon-ki2px]

What type of steel is your skinning knife made of?

[@CliffGray]

52100 high carbon

[@slicksbeagles1]

Where are they made and prices Thanks Keith

[@MrChiumiento]

That knife you have is the same exact knife that dexter Russell makes that’s been made in the US for a long time by Dexter Russell

[@richardhenry1969]

My thoughts exactly

[@CliffGray]

similar but tip shape is quite a bit different and it isn't as big. Dexter russell you are referring to is probably almost identical to the Victorinox beef skinner

[@GunDolfOutdoors]

Yes, the Green River Skinner has been around forever and works great! Just like the companies remaking the Nessmuk and charging a premium because they changed one little angle and made it “better”

[@littleJohn6500]

as a butcher by traid i just couldn't believe how many people had never seen a lamb skiner before i pulled one out at hunting camp i see hunters coming around i cant believe it tooks so long

[@mrawesomnable]

Are you wearing the Powder Duckworth hoodie?

[@bobmoandfriend]

How many uses are people typically getting out of one Grayl filter?

[@rustyshackleford7785]

Quicksticks with 3rd leg or tripod? Thanks for the info, as always. Edit, already have the poles..

[@Joeblk10]

Man now I really need one of those bags and sold out. Hopefully back in stock by seasons. Great tip

[@MisSorryforthespam]

wonder how comfy the Phoenix Shooting bag would be as a pillow?

[@Thetinebroken]

❤The topic ...and is that a 44 Mag hanging on the wall behind you?

[@philipmedlin8902]

What camo do you weare. I like the pattern ?

[@chomper1329]

patterns don't matter as much. The objective of camo is to break apart your silhouette. Most animal eyes are completely different than human eyes, and the things that they pick out are different than we do. Think a lion in the Sahara, it's tan like it's surroundings. A panther looks black but has some spots that are lighter colors, a mackle taby cat is black on top with a white underbelly with striping, a Tiger is orange with black stripes... it's all an effort to break apart their silhouette so that when an animal looks in the direction of the predator stalking them the prey do not see the silhouette that looks like a cat, or a human, or any predator really. Those stick out pretty well. Sparkles on a bass boat are for the fisherman. Don't get caught up in the commercial consumerism. Plaid worked in the past, it'll work today.

[@kurtissschmidt76]

what steel is your skinner?

[@CliffGray]

52100 high carbon

[@justincowley84]

Sooo did you give a price on that knife? I been wanting a single bevel knife. I haven't thought about a point or no point. But you made a good point about no point.

[@lostnwoods44]

That knife looks to have a Nessmuk knife profile similar to the ESEE JG5.

[@williammitchell8612]

I love that knife!!!

[@herdbull]

Awesome video bro thanks

[@shaunlehman9158]

My battery bank from sportsman’s warehouse was $50 it’s 20,000 mh. It will charge my iPhone 5 times. It’s just a little bigger than the one shown here

[@CliffGray]

How much does it weigh?

[@shaunlehman9158]

@@CliffGray I would say it’s roughly the size of 2 of those ones dark energy ones put together

[@americansafarico]

Big takeaway. Cliff really likes axes. Love the OCD energy there!

[@CliffGray]

Bwhaha yes I’ll admit it, I do

[@h4l414]

Expensive knives aren't necessary, a $30-$40 D2 steel knife is great, old high carbon knives have been doing it for centuries. Anything other than wool, so Gucciflauge is all the rage but earth tone wool is still the king. Jetboil, an inexpensive mini camp stove for $20 or less works great and saves a hundo. Ammo, coreloct or interlock style ammo just plain works for far less than designer ammo that either over or under expands.

[@ulbushcrafting6592]

Refreshing topic, for me. So over the - dollar store/common man/walmart , etc. some of us out here make money.

[@messyfisherman4140]

I have a wierd off brand power bank i got from amazon around 6 years ago i can charge one phone to full charge 6 times on one charge with that thing i paid like $15 for it

[@CliffGray]

How heavy is it? I actually have one with similar results and it has all the cords attached. Thing is amazingly convenient but 3x as heavy also.

[@1bobharvey]

I'm getting finicky about weight. Everything I purchase these days is through the lens of being lighter, and will it work. But most of my hunts start with a 2 mile 2000' climb through alder hell and I want my pack tiny for ducking and weaving 😂. That knife looks sweet tho.

[@CliffGray]

I hear ya. Outside of the nano, none of this stuff really applies in an ultralight focus. On a longer duration backpack hunt even the Nano would probably be swapped for a larger charging block, having it in my pack all the time, avoiding duplication.

[@FreeRange1234]

That knife goes back to the Mountain Man era, at least.

[@iddddaduncan]

InReach should be on that list also.

[@asmith7876]

That's a beautiful axe.

[@anthonyclark9159]

That lambskinner is well over a 200 year old design??? Shit, dexter has been offering the same exact design with plastic handle for 40 years or more. I have a 1095 skinner thats almost 100 years old, exact same knife, just different maker or handle configuration, 25 dollars on ebay with walnut handles and brass pins.

[@stevemccallum6429]

Ok so what are they

[@StrateOutdoors]

I like getting f'd over on tag applications all over the west and having nothing to show for it

[@tfred2129]

Blackweb power banks are the way to go. From the mountains of Afghanistan to the deserts of iraq back to New Mexico, they have nwver failed me and i can get several complete charges and charge other devices

[@it_is_what_it_is_brotha]

Water filtration has been one product I cant confidently make a decision on. I run the sawyer mini but there are tons of options but no one ever seems to do a review on effectiveness. I honestly don't care how fast something can filter, if it doesnt remove beaver fever and the likes. This is one product area that we need a real scientific test to compare available products. Guide any water pathogen scientists that can assit Cliff ha?

[@CliffGray]

It’s a good point. The wild thing is I have filtered a ton water over the years, lots of which would be highly suspect… I’ve never been sick across all sorts of filters. But I have had giardia twice. One was from poor choices, not filtering water. The other was ironically from town water contamination in a remote town. I’d love to hear a scientific explanation but I wonder if ANY filteration, even technically failing filters (sawyer or platypus type filters that have been frozen) reduce the counts of the bugs low enough that it doesn’t cause issues in most cases 🤔

[@rustyshackleford9017]

sawyer is now my back up. grayl and katadyn be free for on the go and katadyn gravity bag for in camp

[@deanbrantley]

My sawyer is on every bike ride. I’ve used it alot, twice today in the North Carolina mtns as a matter of fact. Let me shed how much water I need to carry on my back cause I’m in area of abundance of water.

[@rasputinsson6038]

Not sure about the science of it, but a good system I've started using is a Sawyer squeeze with a Cnoc water bag to collect and filter water with. A lot faster than using a something like a water bottle, and a good way to transport water too.

[@1459rony]

Man, you lost me on the shooting bag.

[@waynetoneseekerandersen2213]

I was thinking to comment how many hunters going to take dedicated shooting bag??? Then your comment popped up. Yup

[@CliffGray]

I actually wish I would have dug deeper in this. Your reaction would probably have been my reaction a year ago. What I have come to realize is, even in the backpack hunting realm, guys will lug a rifle weighing 12oz-20oz more than they “need” to because that rifle is more accurate… yet an 8oz bag that does the same thing is a nonstarter. Yes, you can use lots of things as a rear rest, but something consistent helps a lot. Do I take it on really really weight sensitive hunts? No.

[@waynetoneseekerandersen2213]

@@CliffGray I know your point, but don’t most guys try to use thier pack?

[@CliffGray]

@@waynetoneseekerandersen2213 yes, as a front rest. Your rear rest/support is almost just as important.

[@waynetoneseekerandersen2213]

@@CliffGray do you have a review of the ONX app? I am looking into a maps system and gps location system. A little overwhelming

[@BillyWeisbergII]

Mannnn, one day I'll get me a Jordan Jonas axe

[@WutangPham]

You once made a video about why professionals use cheap Victorinox and Dexter Russell knives instead of expensive knives and why the added cost wasn’t worth it. That’s doubly true with axes. Are you getting a kickback from the sales of the axes? It’s a little disappointing and hypocritical because your axe is twice what a Swedish granfors Bruks is. You can get an American made council tool axe for a quarter of the price. And you’re asking 330 for your knife? That’s 100 more than the Montana knife company knives you featured in that past video that you said weren’t worth the asking price. This video kinda feels like a sponsored advertisement

[@CliffGray]

That’s exactly why I told people to go buy a $30 lamb skinner from Victorinox before they think about buying my knife. Reality of the knife deal is, for me to have a customized knife, I had to work with a 100% handmade knife maker. High end materials, a tiny run (15 knives). If somebody was looking for the “value” deal, would I point them to my knife? No. However, it was the only way for me to get something that was made with my input. I’m proud of the knife and they are beautiful, but someday I’d like to make products with my input at utility/value of Victorinox. It’s going to be awhile before I’m in that realm of scale. You’d probably be pretty surprised how little I make on one of those knives. Jordan’s axes are the same way… small run, hand made. If you want to buy something with the intricacies of his input, that’s want the economics look like. Same deal, I’m willing to do that. I didn’t say anyone else needs to. Jordan gave me one axe as a buddy, I paid him full retail for the other. Thanks for the comment and chance to address it 👍👊🏻

[@WutangPham]

@@CliffGray that’s fair, I can dig it man 👍

[@dieselfrk13]

I thought it was a nesmuck knife

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

Backcountry chargers that prove their weight ,, Anker and Nitecore ..... 5k ,,10k or20K mAh ..

[@justinv9209]

Nano doesn’t even fully charge your phone? Not sure that’s worth it.

[@CliffGray]

So I don’t think I was clear on this. I don’t use the Nano as a primary camp charger. It’s purely a reliable safety backup. It’s half the weight or less than a full size charging block. So I can have a bigger block at camp but I always have the Nano with me.

[@michaelogden5093]

Shooting bag... sold out.

[@CliffGray]

Bummer. They may have low stocks this time of year… check them out to see if they stock up before the season

[@wesnelson4792]

Marsupial Gear has them.

[@kellym3531]

You draw a nice butter knife.

[@teachsuhow2dugy215]

Grayl and Katadyne Be free all the way. The sawyer BS with bags and squeezing and smart water bottles is a waste of time/space. I had homies still squeezing their bags while I was ready to rock many times.

[@timshapleyadventures]

NEBO 4000 mAh gives me 1.5 charges on my phone, small and sleek in the pocket, totally reliable $29.99 This video reeks “paid advertisement”… come on Cliff your audience is a lot bigger than the yuppies hiring you for guided hunts.

[@asmith7876]

The $60 charger he shows in this video is 3000 mAH. Ridiculous. I have an extremely rugged Biolite that was $80 and 10K mAH. I thought that was a crazy price.

[@anthonyclark9159]

I disagree with you on the axe. I carry an axe, and use one in the field and at home daily, for all kinds of things. I own fifty axes of all types, and I can tell you 100% no axe is worth more 100 dollars, unless you have super specific needs(timber sports, carving, or something that makes you all your money.)

[@CarlSanford76]

Where did he learn to say convex and concave? Anyone else think he pronounced that weird?

[@CliffGray]

From ur mom

[@caloneal9884]

I've guided 176 bighorn sheep hunters over 300 elk hunters and I'd hate to say how many deer and antalope hunters and I'm 59 years old and I've never owned any camo clothing, as for electric stuff I tell my hunters to leave that shit at home it don't work where I hunt at.

[@PhilDoesItAll]

GPS works where you hunt.

[@bpdp379]

No headlamp?

[@anthonyhall8356]

Man would be a fool to pay $350 for an axe.

[@paulthelefty]

Man who can afford a $350 axe probably not a fool… 👀

[@ORBoy80]

I wouldn't buy a single one of these things. 😂

[@zacktaylor3441]

I like a lot of your content but this felt like a shameless add video. $300+ for a axe, a shooting bag, a charger that seems worse than multiple other options on the market ?

[@Mex_the_Fox]

Sorry to say but I'm not sold to even one of these items.... There are so many equally good items for WAY less money... This was only a marketing video... Stuff like this kills reputation.... All the fanboys go crazy now, but this is the truth

[@1UofACat12]

How much were you "comped" for trying to convince people to buy a "moose axe" for hunting? Seriously? As far as the charger goes, I was seriously considering getting one until you said how worthless the changing capacity is. Charging your phone to ONLY 30%??? Come on, you are so much better than this. I know you got the axe for free too BTW. I really appreciated most of what you've shared in the past, but this video is not helpful at all.

[@CliffGray]

“I know you got the axe for free” yeah, of course you do. It was literally the very first thing I said about it. I also bought another one. A charger’s capacity to charge is almost perfectly correlated to bulk/weight… the use case here is as a safety/backup mechanism in my pack at all times. Carry a pound brick that will fully charge my phone isn’t the point. You might not agree with some of my thoughts, that’s all good. But I’m not a fan of a guy commenting on stuff when he clearly didn’t even watch or pay attention to the video.

[@1UofACat12]

@CliffGray My points are we're looking for gear that's helpful & that which we can rely on. A super light charger that doesn't charge much isn't helpful as we can't rely on it to provide true backup & charging capabilities. A 30% recharge to a phone isn't truly "backup" when other products provide true backup in the "500%" range that realistically don't add significant weight to a hunting backpack. As far as the axe goes, sure you bought another one, but if you need an axe, why not just carry a chainsaw in the panniers of your horses? Realistically, nobody will ever carry one in a backpack. Will a guide pack an axe for setting up a camp for clients who are paying $10,000 each for a guided hunt or drop camp? Maybe, but that's not 99% of us looking for ideas on what to spend our limited hunting dollars on. BTW, yes I agree with you regarding its likely few actually use the gear they show for recommendation purposes as they get free stuff to pimp it. I'll tell you what we'd love to see though, is all of the gear you tried because the reasons you don't like something doesn’t necessarily mean we won't like for other reasons. Some of us are not sheep that blindly listen to what someone else says & base our gear on their opinions only. Sharing the products you tried would truly be helpful to us. Let us hear both sides, the pros & cons, not just personal opinions. Now that would really be appreciated!

[@CliffGray]

@@1UofACat12 I get it. Your suggestion is a good one and a great topic for a video. On the axe front, I had an axe on my saddle everyday I ever outfitted/guided horseback. But yeah everyone has different use cases. All good

[@tonesmith909]

Most expensive item, a hunting guide!😂 Cant believe some of you pay for it, whats the point? Just buy a mounted animal and be done with it.

[@monokheros5373]

Never even thought about carrying a shooting bag : BUT this wone is awesome YOU should pay full price and buy it..... great marketing ... and if you had respect .. you are now ignored

[@CliffGray]

👍 sounds good. Later. I have zero incentive related to the sale of that bag.

[@GeneralLeather]

This is the worst video ive ever seen

[@Slic17]

Listen, videos and content creators need sponsors and gear to plug. It's nothing new, just understand that as he plugs some items. Doesn't mean you must run out and buy them.

[@treyn-hv4ye]

TRUMP 2024!!!