BACKPACKING GEAR AWARDS 2023

[@DanBecker]

As much as I tried to be thorough, in typical Dan Becker fashion, I forgot a couple things.. Battery Bank... Trowel.. Pants.. 🤦🏻‍♂ So they are listed in the description. Probably forgot more but I'm sure keyboard warriors will let us all know

[@MrTangent]

Was wondering. Maybe a part two? Great reviews, btw!

[@jeremiah1528]

Lol. "I'm a 3rd degree Blackbelt in Keyboard Warrior"..... ( lips moving but not to the correct sound ).... Lips STILL moving..... 😆 🤣

[@sheilasunshine9173]

@@jeremiah1528 😂

[@SpaceCaptnFace]

im greatful you didn't list best backpacking spot. so many areas are getting loved to death by people broadcasting absolutely every spot they come across.

[@privateeye2490]

Try the Peak Refuel meals.

[@mygoldfishdrown5178]

I'm gonna make a video called " gear I cussed at this yr".

[@PopPopTN]

Lol. I'd watch that!

[@DanBecker]

😂👍

[@fjr2004]

Send the link

[@stunnin420ify]

No you won’t/didn’t

[@dayakwarfighter7477]

I will watch that

[@danielcluley870]

Put the fuel canister valve side down in your pot. The concave bottom will give you a little more room on top to fit more in the stove pot.

[@ScottKent]

Thanks for talking up Sawyer again...they are a wonderful company with great products. Using both a BFree and a Squeeze on the Florida Trail I can now say with confidence that the Sawyer will always be my primary from now on. I went through 3 BFree filters during the 1100 mile hike (Florida water is hard on filters), but my Sawyer is still working just great...besides, after looking at the BFree I came to realize that most of the filtering is done by only the section of the filter closest to the mouth piece whereas the Sawyer forces all of the water to travel the full length of the filter.

[@JohnathanAulabaugh]

I think sawyer is great for everywhere in the US except florida. I know a few who have gotten sick using sawyer in FL

[@ScottKent]

@@JohnathanAulabaugh Any filter, as opposed to a purifier, will fail if used on the canals in South Florida. The agricultural runoff, including the chemicals from the fertilizers, are impossible for anything less than a purifier.

[@JohnathanAulabaugh]

@@ScottKent exactly but it’s not just canals. Any water not taken direct from a spring is likely to have ag chemicals in Florida. The St John’s and all of its tributaries run through agricultural land and they are always finding sewage plants where something failed and spilled. My opinion, supported by facts, is that filters alone are not adequate enough for Florida

[@calid.]

Greyl is the only good filter, everything else is crap

[@toomucheffort100]

And the Award for Best Backpacking Gear And Tips Channel goes to you Dan! Love your style and dry humor!

[@CrimsonAnjel]

I can say i prefer a headlamp AND a handheld flashlight. Some situations are better for a headlamp, others are better for a handheld. Take both, it's only a few ounces more.

[@Waveyak]

Hey Dan, I appreciate and respect your equip reviews because they are based on real world testing. So many sites on KZbin do these top ten list, often with some kind of cheesy computer generated voice. How they base their ratings is a big mystery. A lot of amazing gear in this one. Being a gear junky it’s really useful to have this kind of real life feedback. It helps minimize the amount of stuff I want to buy a test for myself. You’ve made a supporter out of me for the Sawyer products. I find their humanitarian efforts really incredible. Keep up the good work. Love all your videos. 👍 Big thank you to you and your team. ❤️

[@davidweidemann7275]

Cumulus equipment is amazing! I have a couple of sleeping bags and a quilt already. The company really cares about the clients satisfaction.

[@GideonSmit]

Love my Cumulus quilt.

[@scottkirklin7154]

Epic list - I can second (or third) the praise of the budget-friendly Paria Outdoors Bryce series of tents. Bulletproof and dirt cheap for the high value they provide.

[@ozedude7082]

I took the Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra all through 2 Hawaiian Island trails (incl Na'pali) and it was by far the easiest pack i've ever hiked difficult mountain trails. Its pretty durable too as i abused it all the way and it also endured sea water and lots of rain. Great pack!

[@dougdonaho]

As a beginner I love the fact that you had multiple categories. They may not all apply to me right now but at some point they very well could. I think the small flashlight and the small leather man would be like you said great everyday carries. Thanks for the tips and I look forward to your upcoming videos.

[@marcruffet9970]

Thank you Dan. Your transparency and integrity are inspiring. Not to mention the top notch quality you and your Team have produced so far. Long live to your channel and please continue sharing your passion!

[@sarahlikescanoes]

I have had the xero z-treks for over a decade now and yes, I do sometimes hike in them, especially after a river crossing in good weather. On many multiday treks I just keep going after the crossing and walk for another kilometre or more to let my feet dry off and give my feet something different. They are also great for exploring around a campsite or checking out a saddle or peak that's only a hundred or so metres in elevation from your tent. Very comfy and I use them when I'm in towns or pre/post-trip. Plus, you can wear them with socks!

[@rbp6231]

I really enjoyed this video and I love your honesty when something doesn’t work well. I also love that you don’t discount a manufacturer just because one of their items didn’t work well. ie Big Agnes. Keep your integrity and God will continue to bless your channel. Tell your lovely wife we miss seeing her😊

[@dairithborquez8265]

I love watching your reviews specially when you mention the space and how it would do with tall people or people over 200lbs my husband is 6’5” and it’s hard to find good reviews for products that are comfy for tall people 😊

[@billbrayley6836]

Fantastic list! Keep the great videos coming Dan! Very helpful… for me I think the Soto Windmaster as opposed to the Amicus would have closed the gap for best stove because it also closes the gap between the burner and pot 😉.

[@Funkteon]

You're absolutely right about the Sawyer Squeeze - Nothing, literally, nothing beats it when all things are considered. And paired with a 3L 'Browns Bushcraft Millbank Bag' for pre-filtering, you won't even need to backwash your Sawyer...

[@ewmetzler]

Another plug for the Cumulus Panyam 600 - when you order a bag from Poland, they will customise it for you. I am a side sleeper so I ordered more down in the back of the sleeping bag. And it’s amazing that it only cost $19 to ship from Poland! And it’s RDS down.

[@shaggyterrell8460]

I tried the Helinox and the REI Flexlite air. I really prefer the Flexlite, it’s more comfortable to me. I’m 6’3 and feel like I’m going to flip over backwards on the Helinox. It’s also a little lighter weight and cheaper which is a plus. It’s totally a preference thing, I’d highly suggest just going into REI and trying them both out. Also, great videos!

[@roselee_explores]

Absolutely love the Nitecore headlamp ... by far one of my most used pieces of gear (on and off the trail!). My next favorite is the Toaks Titanium Long Handled Spoon with polished bowl ... absolutely the best eating utensil I've tried/used backpacking. Great video!

[@NTB_Retro]

I have the Toaks titanium long handled spork with polished bowl. It’s great!

[@jasonspeer1964]

Hey Dan love the content. Just wondering if you ever thought about doing a video on what good load out for kids day packs would be. Even great gear you have used for your kids?

[@thedaxreinitz]

Yes! Just went on my first backpacking trip ever to Caprock Canyone in West Texas (took many tips from Dan's videos) with my oldest two kids, ages 10 & 8. We had a blast but definitely struggled to get everything packed in/out...especially with no water sources and needing to pack in all our water (we took 4 gallons) for the weekend.

[@slippers.outside]

I have 8 and 11 year olds that I’ve taken out separately, not yet together. Would love to see this!

[@southernohiohiking]

I have 5 sons and we are looking at backpacking starting this spring. Interested as well!!!

[@sanderdekeijzer]

Absolutely great vid! I prefer the Helinox Ground Chair as it’s more stable and doesn’t sink in the ground. Also I use the same Toaks 750/MSR pocket rocket setup and therefore I cook on the ground. The ground chair makes this for me more comfortable as I don’t have to bent over

[@PatriotPopp19]

I bought all my gear 6 yr ago used and discounted , took me about a year to get it all and its decent brands but all still quite heavy im at like 35 pounds for 1 night n that with no water packed...All That nice gear together to go on a trip would take me 10 lifetime to buy. Its such a shame too.. i think it would help so many people feel better if they would or could get out n enjoy nature more... all i ever want to do is go hike and explore and see the beautiful parts of Life . We only get the one for a short time ,and i feel like mine wasting away because even working 40 plus hours a week i cant even afford a vehicle to go camp anywhere much less with all that nice stuff too.. those of you who are able to get out there in the woods with all your fancy gear i really hope yal know how lucky and blessed you all are.

[@nathancabrita3729]

Qq

[@ugiboogy1111]

you don't need all this crap to enjoy the woods!

[@bobdole234bd]

There are tons of similar lists with good gear for hundreds less that are also light weight options. Just look for "budget ultralight gear loadout" or some such whatever and copy their list. You won't lose much functionality from this list and you can upgrade and trade gear out when you don't like something bad enough.

[@sot8343]

People have been backpacking before ultra light was a thing. Maybe we should all strive to hit the gym more often.

[@scottsaz]

Hey Dan!! Great list!! I have the Toaks 550ml and can nest a 100g canister (upside down - threads facing the bottom), my Soto Amicus stove, and a mini bic. The lid fits, however you'll need to use the mesh bag or a rubber band to keep it all together. I have a DIY reflective pot cozy that works well for this. Cheers!!

[@hiddenleaf414]

Do you use the Toaks 550ml for personal camping coffee mug? I was just looking at the 550ml and 650ml for that purpose.

[@wanttogo1958]

@@hiddenleaf414 I have the 650. It would be a big mug. The 550 would be a better size if you’re using it only as a mug. Check out the Evernew 400 ml or their 570 ml cups. They are lighter than the Toaks option and you can buy a separate lid for the 570 should you decide to use it for cooking. They both have graduated marks for measuring which is a nice bonus. The 400 will nest inside of the 570.

[@scottsaz]

@@hiddenleaf414 I use the 550ml as my primary pot for boiling water (holds a bt over 2 cups). It's a decent size for a mug but I think they also make a 450ml that might be a better size.

[@Away.Aweigh.A.Way.]

For me, I have a new favorite layering system. Assuming I’m not super exposed and need my OR Echo hoodie, the rest of the time I’ve found the perfect setup for me, which is a Smartwool 150 short sleeve t-shirt as my base layer, followed by a Senchi Designs Wren hoodie. Oh my god. I can’t believe it took me so long to find alpha direct fabric but it is 100% the best active midlayer ever made. You look a bit like a muppet, but nothing is more comfortable. Then I pack either my Outdoor Vitals Vario hoodie or my Ghost Whisperer depending on how cold it’s going to be, and round it out with the Montbell Versalite rain jacket. I’ve struggled for years to find the perfect layering system and for me, this is it.

[@wanttogo1958]

I’ve read the Alpha Direct doesn’t hold up well when worn under a pack unless you add a hard shell on top. Do you wear your Senchi while backpacking or just in camp/as a sleeping layer?

[@Away.Aweigh.A.Way.]

@@wanttogo1958 hey sorry just saw this. Yes I wear it while on the move. It’s a perfect active layer. I’ve put a few hundred miles on it and haven’t noticed any signs of wear anywhere.

[@patriotichunter6434]

The amicus stove is my go everywhere stove. Use it at lake to fry fresh caught fish with titanium frying pan, use it hiking hunting, fishing scouting, and road trips to make fresh coffee on the road. Thing has held several years and gets used 150 plus days a year for one reason or other. Great video

[@Bnasst]

That flex tail pump is also the best way to stoke your fire. The battery life is awesome. I've used it for like 3 hours on and off, stoking a fire with wet wood!

[@Ginvilla]

5:41 Cumulus Panyam 600 has fill of 850 class Polish White Goose Down, which is equal to american 950 standard. European and american standards are bit different in numbers, but in fact are the same. Something like differences in land and nautical miles :-) Polish White Goose Down is considered as best sleeping bag filling. Panyam 600 sleeping bag is fabulous as well.

[@axcx5951]

Malachowski sleeping bags are also great, especially Ultralight series.

[@Ginvilla]

@@axcx5951 That's rights. I own Małachowski UL300 and UL900 and are best in its class.

[@melissafrederick9362]

I’m so glad to hear that the ZenBivy made your list. ❤ It’s the only piece of gear that I haven’t switched out since I first started backpacking. I have the 25* lite and the 10* lite. My 25 was in need of replacing so I purchased the 25* core for the upcoming season. You can’t beat ZenBivy, especially if you’re a side sleeper or toss & turn a lot.

[@georgemartin1498]

Thanks for your evaluations Dan! I learn something every day from someone. For other viewers I would like to add this: if you want and can afford the best sleeping bag, then you should get a Western Mountaineering bag. I have two: the Alpinlight 20deg. and -10deg. I have at least a half dozen other brand models, all very good, but none equal or surpass the long term performance of the WM bags!

[@agunslinger9349]

Yes!!!! Pinnacle Foods. All amazing, but the chicken cheddar dumplings one is like heaven on trail. My son wants them off trail! I would pay whatever they want for that much filling quality food packing.

[@BrandonN86]

the sawyer squeeze may not be the most efficient filter but it is reliable and simple and packable ! good choices on gear

[@LadyGreyAgeingDisGracefully]

I live in tropical weather so shorts and t shirt are a must but after my first leech experience last month I’m leaning towards long sleeves and pants now. The best is what suits the environment.

[@kayakcobber524]

Always wears t-shirt combined with a longsleeve blouse. Keeps it comfortable.

[@HilltopPacks]

Sweet we made the list!

[@00brs]

5:54 Speaking of Cumulus sleeping bag. The brand is from Poland and all their sleeping bags are made there. The main reason is that Poland is known for making highest quality down feathers. In fact a lot of non-Polish brands also use down filling made in Poland. Cumulus is one of top tier brands but there are also others: Pajak and Malachowski that are making really good stuff. Biggest advantage of Polish down sleeping bags is that you get top quality for a resonable price. Also Cumulus give you option to customize your sleeping bag or create one using your specification.

[@WombatBrunft]

Always mindblowing to see how much cheaper, not saying really cheap, the equipment is in the US e.g. the Hyperlight Southwest is $520 here in Germany. Same goes for much of the other UL gear.

[@mtnlover]

I liked seeing your western mountaineering sleeping bag as top (one I haven't tried yet, but their reputation proceeds them). I would be curious to see a comparison between that one and a Feathered Friends sleeping bag, if you ever get the opportunity to try one. We went with Feathered Friends because we live in Washington, and they are based in Seattle. Their reputations seem similar, so we went more local: but I would be curious to hear from someone if they are able to compare them. Thanks for another great video!

[@dennispaine1624]

Both top of the line bags. I have an overstuffed Sequoia. If I were local to Feathered Friends I would have bought one of their bags. I do have a pair of their camp down booties. Like the fact the down sock and overboot can be separated. Keeps my feet nice and warm winter camping!

[@daninsf648]

I have a Feathered Friends semi-rectangular bag which is very comfortable for me at 6'2" to roll around inside while being wrapped in 360º of blissful down-feathered warmth. I can also attest to their amazing customer service.

[@s4nd_ie42]

Best headlamp, which will also attach to your cap , is NEBO myco headlamp It's worth a look, ULTRA light and rechargeable ! I've converted my partner who used to use a PETZL

[@rachelsingleton6314]

Great reviews of gear! I have always used Sawyer for my H2O system. I had read about their help for filtered water in some countries. Saw it first hand in a remote village in Nepal in March 23. Well done Sawyer 👍🏻

[@shaggyterrell8460]

Check out his videos on the sawyer humanitarian efforts, they’re great!

[@murphreport]

I love my zero's. I have done 14 miles in them, it trail permits. Zero has great selection

[@visnuexe]

Add up the cost of your list, picking one if you have several for a category and let us know the total so we can go to the bank and take out a loan to be best outfitted! LOL! It's really nice that some of your choices showed you cared more about quality than a given brand of packing supplies. Thank you!

[@MiaMeezy]

Dan thanks for an awesome gear review! Thanks for sharing what Sawyer is doing, Ive always been a fan of Sawyer now I am for life! God Bless you

[@drcattyish]

Experience of hillwalking and camping in Scotland means I love a totally bomb proof waterproof jacket and I have a selection of waterproof trousers (rain pants) for every type of weather. My best rain jacket for Scottish rain is a child's jacket I bought second hand for £5 which has been perfect in drenching sleet.

[@ropersix]

Stoked to learn about that Cumulus Panyam. I've been wanting a quality 20 degree down bag, but haven't been wanting to pay the $600 for that WM Alpinlite. So I'll check out that Cululus one, which I've never heard about before.

[@jacobkazmierczak9325]

Hey Dan, just wanted to say you have really inspired me and educated me on backpacking. I am also from SE Wisconsin and you have shown me what I have available around me to go backpacking! Thanks!

[@hiddenleaf414]

I live in Milwaukee, WI and this show has really helped me out a lot too! Where are your go to places in WI?

[@DavidSmith-fz8ju]

Zip lock still makes a massive zippered bag.or those vacuum storage bags.$80 trash bags are soooo totaly cool you should get a couple to use as pillow cases so you can sleep on them all the time.

[@roberttrinies7698]

I love my hydration bladder. I drilled a hole in the cap of a platypus collapsible bottle and run the hose into the bottle (A little 3m Marine Adhesive), the threads are compatible with the Sawyer and Smart Water. There's no funny taste, and I keep the bottle in the side pocket outside my pack for easy filling. ✌️

[@hollyc5633]

Love your reviews! Just a suggestion would be helpful to viewers is to say the full name of product at end of review like you do at the beginning. I know you do that sometimes. Keep up the great videos ❤

[@alvinasistio2657]

For headlamp, I am using Olight's Perun 2 Mini and it is really amazing. It has a high IP rating for dust and water ingress, high lumens, red light, SOS, magnetic charging, etc. The magnetic end is also useful at times.

[@paulmason6860]

Would be great to see you try an Aarn Featherlite freedom pro pack from New Zealand with the balance pockets. They aren't as light as some ultralight packs but the load is balanced better so that you carry it more efficiently.

[@DaleSheltonsPage]

Thanks for doing this. May I suggest next year you move it up to November? This would be great right before black Friday.

[@dennispaine1624]

Fun video Dan. I actually ordered the Flextail pump with your discount code. I normally inflate my winter mat with the cover bag but have wanted to try a mini pump. Thanks, agree with many of your choices.

[@deekelley891]

That was a lot of work! Thank you for the information gleaned from real life. Since I am only a well-prepared out-and-back hiker, most of this isn’t applicable to me, but it’s always good to learn new things. And there are products here I do use as well. I am very interested in the shoes, as I’m a Keen’s boot gal interested in a sufficiently sturdy running shoe. Many people seem to be going that direction now days.

[@DanBecker]

Keen makes great stuff as well! I have several of their boots

[@jeremiah1528]

Brooks are the most comfortable shoe you will ever wear.... they're made very well too ❤️.... There's a reason foot doctors recommend them so much....

[@GideonSmit]

Keen hiking shoes served me well for years. I have not tried the Brooks shoes, haven't seen them for sale in England yet. The last few pairs of Keens have been less comfortable than I expected. So lately (the last 2 seasons) I have been wearing Topo Athletic Trailventure. For my feet (wide) they are so much more comfortable. I think also more durable than Altra.

[@ms7fam433]

Glad you are sooo definitive... I couldn't agree more...and disagree more with your picks. That's what makes these videos fun. Thanks for continuing to introduce us to such a variety of gear.

[@benry007]

Great list. I actually added 3 items to my camping wishlist while watching this video.

[@ericnoakes7235]

Hey Dan here is an upgrade to your diamond spot. I use to run that headlamp until I found this company FENIX LIGHTING. Any of their lights blow black diamonds lights out of the water. They utilize the 21700 batteries that light up the world and have super long run times.

[@arlenesolis024]

I have followed your recommendations, and they are great. I got the air mattress pump, a coat that I never take off, and so many more. I have to get my wallet ready to go shopping 🛒

[@Gianluigi_Cimmino]

@DanBecker in my opinion the Paraia Outdoor brice 1p is comparable to the naturehike cloud up, they have the same technical specifications and both come with a footprint, the only differences are the price and waterproofness. cloud up 1 120/140 $3000mm clud up 2 140/170$ 4000mm Paraia Outdoor brice 1p 145$ 4500 / 5000 mm

[@EricFleming231]

super ultra light - let's just say "very" light. Very is a new word, I know, but it gets the job done.

[@Thumpermad]

By Far the Best review I've seen anywhere on KZbin thanks Man. I love checking out the Premium gear available and seeing how close other brands can come to it the closest hiking store that we have in Australia is like Mountain Designs there's a few niche stores that are prohibitively expensive so pleased I came across your channel just for the record I am an ADV Motorcycle Guy who loves the tech cheers mate Happy Trails

[@mojosdad68]

Always enjoy your vids Dan. Thanks for the Flextail discount code, just bought the new 2X model in KTM orange!

[@keithlaurenz3774]

Just 60 seconds of care before setting up your tent (far less than what you mentioned for the tarp) will prevent any pops in the pad. I went the whole Pct without a single pop!

[@xmetal280]

Nice list! I am generally an ultralight kind of guy but do sneak in some luxurious things here and there that make my life easier, and I had not seen that little air pump/light combo. That is fricken awesome, I love dual purpose items and a compact lantern and easier way to pump up my pad is just perfect. Ordered. :)

[@UserManson]

“Your rainjacket lives 99% of the time in you pack” May I introduce you to my best friend Norway?

[@robertkelleher1850]

I know it's a big trade off, but for an extra 14 oz the Nemo moonlight chair gets you 2 more inches off the ground and it reclines. Those 2 inches make a world of difference on my knees trying to stand back up.

[@DNGR369]

Dan already made a video about the Moonlight and the best chair being the big Agnes Skyline etc. I would take the Agnes 100% as I'm not 5ft tall with short legs

[@DansEarway]

My 25yo therma rest xL has never given me (200lb M) a reason to replace it. Which, fyi, has survived multiple six month long desert dirt bagging rock climbing excursions. 👍🏻👍🏻 My pack, sack, bivy and stoves are similarly vintage. Tents however ..rarely last me more than three years.

[@HermannKerr]

I cannot say I would agree on everything but you brought a few things to my attention that I had not considered. But add in "The equipment you already have is the best, because it is free.". I hate canister stoves because most of it is junk (the canister). I have gone through more stoves that I can count and under most conditions the Trangia is a fine stove with piles of setups. Western Mountain make the best sleeping bags (2 - my first one was stolen) I have ever owned. When it comes to your headlight choice I cringe because it has built-in batteries mind you that pocket flash like looks super cool. Good reviews.

[@viktor.egelund]

5:11. Good point about the width of the Western Mountaineering Alpinlite. I use the Versalite 6'6". For a while with the bag expander wedge, but now back to using it without. An overfilled Alpinlite is close to my optimal all-around bag. Badger MF if you want even more space.

[@devildog17013]

That was definitely an excellent, comprehensive list. Another good one would be a "Best Of" list for 2022-2023 listing the same items, but with lower priced, "best bang for the buck", items. I know you did show some less costly, almost just-as-good items, but I'm referring to an entire list of comparable, lower priced gear. In any case, this video was excellent and very informative. Thank you!

[@DanBecker]

Thanks! And it’s in the works currently!!!

[@devildog17013]

@@DanBecker Sweet! Good to go. I happily await its release.

[@HeatherTuynman]

Love what Sawyer is doing to provide clean drinking water around the world, but I wish they had a way to open it up and dry out the filter. My house regularly drops below freezing (like daily in winter) and therefore I don't know if my filter has frozen while it is in storage in between trips so they're only good for one trip for me (or one season in the summer). Also I worry about mould growing inside the filter. Otherwise great product but for these reasons I'll be switching to something else.

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

.... Quite the list ,, but it was for a whole year ..... Most is pretty good stuff ...... Most is overpriced ..... As a gear junkie ,, even I have limits .... ... The Sawyer video you showed was an emotional overload ,, their heart and generosity is commendable ,, but I still prefer other filter systems ..

[@nathanj9354]

Thank you. We love products reviews. You are fair with all your expectations. Keep the videos coming. 💯🔥🙌✊👍🙏

[@scottrock27]

Patting myself on the back for adding a few items from this list for my bikepack trips last year. Your reviews certainly helped!!

[@aleksandrsnaidjonovs1462]

Hi Dan, what happened to Nemo Tensor Insulated being your fav sleeping pad? It weighs ~500g (17oz), it has R value of 4.2, it's wide and comfortable. Any particular reason you have stopped using it?

[@bauhausoffice]

Dan, of course I subscribe and I got to say man you are incredible. I’ve got to say thank you. Every time I watch and listen to one of your shows I think God I’ve got to thank this guy he’s amazing. All the best to you in this new year thanks for all these excellent reviews you’ve guided me Through my journeys. Cheers.

[@paulherman5198]

This is a great video. I still think I need at minimum a 3 person tent to take my GSD with me. Mostly because she lays out in the most awkward way. I am working on finding a good backpacking setup for me and my roommate. I'm 42 and he is 50. So lightweight and durable is a must, For most of the little things we have been able to cheap out on.

[@OB17358]

Hey! That dragon is at the Albequerque Zoo!

[@jukkavv]

Camera and lights make new studio look really great! And Dan is the best! And so is the Eric ... Darn I cant decide 😉

[@takinisurvivalchannel3812]

I don't touch my water bladder. The mouth piece is quick detach, and then I attach the hose of gravity filter (it has a matching qd socket), and it fills up, even in a full pack, and the gravity filter doesn't have to be suspended above it. Detach the gravity filter hose with a press of the button, reattach the mouth piece (it just clicks in). That's it. No leaks either. Platypus use to make them, but I found them from generic sources too.

[@caseyk6625]

Big Agnes Mica Basin camp chair is the best backpacking chair that I've found, hands down. It's 1 pound more than the Helinox, but it's stronger and sturdier for a bigger guy like me.

[@baca4490]

because of your videos and maybe one other backpack gear video i purchased the mini pump and i LOVE it!! it works perfect for my air pads and other things.... i did try it on a full size air mattriss and its not quite strong enough for that but thats fine. i do want to find a vacume bag that will work with it (the ones at walmart didnt work). not to mention the light on it is perfect for small tents!!

[@johnoswaldfebresjr.4318]

Can you review the KULH “The One” series? Or the Radikl Outside pants? I want to find the best gear for a go bag in ANY situation.

[@JCrozier1]

Super long video, but totally worth it. I'm definitely interested in some base layer stuff, as I'm learning about Merino wool right now. I definitely need to buy some of these products. Thanks so much.

[@Away.Aweigh.A.Way.]

I switched to merino base layers this year and I’m never going back. They’re SO good. My favorite is just a Smartwool 150 short sleeve t-shirt.

[@JCrozier1]

@@Away.Aweigh.A.Way. How did you pick a brand? There are so many choices out there.

[@Away.Aweigh.A.Way.]

@@JCrozier1 good question. The answer is that I just tried a bunch on and went with the most comfortable. Bonus is that Smartwool is super popular, so you can find them on sale all the time from REI and other outfitters. Other brands I liked with similar market shares are Icebreaker, Minus33, and REI themselves. I actually just looked it up and Smartwool has the exact shirt I wear on sale right now. “Men’s Merino Short Sleeve Tee”

[@JCrozier1]

@@Away.Aweigh.A.Way. just looked at Minus33. Finally, i find a company that makes big boy sizes.. THANKS!!

[@Max-lf4br]

with the Sea to Summit watercells, i believe the MSR dromedary kit works as an adapter to turn it into a hydration pack, however i myself haven't been able to test it.

[@DNGR369]

I've seen heaps of complaints about the MSR one. Leaking and just low quality etc. They look cool so that's sad but S2S have high quality control and are much better brand anyway.

[@a.w.thompson4001]

Please continue to have trouble deciding, Dan. 😉 I liked seeing more options, and often people backpack in different conditions, e.g. winter quilt vs. summer, etc.

[@bcloetta]

Great all round list. We share love for many of the same companies and products. I bought the zero sandals and they are great, but I plan to try some fitflop water shoes (think cheap Walmart swim shoes) this season only because the sandals are so hard to put on and take off in a hammock🙄. I also carry the OV quilt. Mine is 0 degrees…a little heavy but oh so warm and comfy! I’m cheap, but sprung for the Durston 1p pro and can’t wait to take it out. I’m keeping my old Durston as a loaner for friends.

[@Swearengen1980]

The downside is every KZbin channel is they completely ignore an entirely different market that has a huge overlap in gear: Hunting. Companies like Kuiu make outstanding products and do have light gear alongside heavy. I wouldn't trade my puffy or pack from Kuiu for anything on these lists (and I've tried some of them).

[@bcloetta]

@@Swearengen1980 Oh 100%. I don't own any Kuiu but have a friend who uses lots of their gear. Wool sun hoodies: Duckworth (fly fishing)--light, comfy, good looking! I don't fish.

[@Taich0u]

The thermarest regular sized pillow really is THAT good. I bought it for backpacking, but it’s replaced my regular pillow at home. It’s the most comfortable pillow I own in GENERAL.

[@shayzoo2]

Interesting hearing you talk so glowingly about the garmin in reach. In the past I always thought it was the one to buy, but this year I have heard multiple people on thru hikes say they aren’t working, and that it keeps saying it can’t connect to a satellite even though they are on a bald with a clear view of the sky. Makes me nervous to use it now.

[@jbrown2099]

Our group found pinnacle foods and stowaway gourmet last year. Game changer. Worth the price for the convenience and the INSANELY good food.

[@user-dz3gz4pm5d]

Super helpful thanks, I traded out 2 pieces. I'm starting PCT next week, so I'm grateful, thanks again

[@WestieWestie]

Hey Dan, can you please also state weights in Metric? Otherwise, it's only people in the US who fully understand you! Thanks mate.

[@DanBecker]

All of the weights should be listed on the screen in grams and kilograms as well as ounces and pounds

[@germanoutdoors7096]

Yeah cumulus panyam 600 is dope. Use it since years and LOVE this thing.

[@relleknoj]

Thank you.

[@timv8149]

Thanks Dan, I watch all your videos but this end of year list I personally like the best! We all as backpackers, campers and outdoor enthusiasts love your content!! Great job, keep it coming. "I would like to see Western Mountaineering develop more options into their bags. I like allot of the options and the dimensions on my Sea to Summit ACIII I only wish it was 950 down rather than 750 and a real pocket internal or external for something big enough for a cell phone. That way the same space can fit my water filter, chap-stick, headlamp etc. " Thank you again! See you on the trail one day.

[@rogermeyer860]

UGQ quilts still tops in my books. So many options, top quality and customer service.

[@maxwellpruett-ny9es]

Other than the prices on some of it, it all is spot on. Don't sell your home and backpacking you'll go broke.

[@ryanjohnson8550]

Have you ever reviewed the Chilkoot sleeping bag from Stone Glacier and compared it to the Western Mountaineering Versalite and the Panyam 600 by Cumulus? Love your channel. It helped me select a bunch of gear last year for hiking the John Muir Trail. Heading back out this year to do another 6 day through hike! Thanks for all the good content!

[@jjlansing11]

Great list Dan! I would recommend you divide some of your categories. Rather than list two sleeping pads, or five tents, you should do Best ultralight tent and best freestanding tent. For sleeping pads this bothered me with your sleeping pad review video where you couldn't decide; why not just have a Best winter sleeping pad and a best 3-season sleeping pad. You could do the same for sleeping bags too: Best summer, best 3-season and best winter. Footwear: Best boot, best trail runner, best camp shoe, best sleeping booty.

[@billgoins6056]

I love your lists. This is a great one. If I'm helping a beginner backpacker, however, then we're saying the best stuff is $10K to get started. Challenge.... same list with nothing over $100. Maybe the items aren't the BEST... but they could be far more approachable for someone that wants to get into backpacking.

[@wanderlust62]

Ugh, those water pouches in hiking backpacks...one more thing, they take forever to dry out! I removed mine, disconnected the tubes (adjusted to use for straws with another deeper container or...for hummingbird fountains). Now when I am camping, I hang it on the hook to make sun teas! I know, it still takes a long time to dry out, but I use it in rotation, rinsing only. Between November and March, it has completely dried out. 🤣 I hike and long all day, but I'm backtracking or circling back to my campsite, but I have found your reviews great because I've been able to camp in more conditions and be comfortable. I also used some of the sleeping equipment on mission trips to remote places. Thanks for you sharing and your humor! (Oh, and it is guys and gals, just saying. If it wasn't for this gal, some guys would have starved trying to get a fire going.)