Backpacking Gear from 2023 Recap; What Worked, What Sucked?

[@bmzeider]

I use a lightweight long sleeve merino wool blend as a sun hoodie that I love. Has all the benefits of the sun hoodies you tried but the merino blend doesn't feel clammy (and I sweat a LOT) and doesn't stink after a week on trail. Great video! Looking forward to what's new for 2024!

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks! Merino is a great option for those who can handle wool blends. What brand worked well for you?

[@ddff5242]

Arms of andes alpacca wool is hands down the best long sleeve base layer I've used. Doesnt absorb as much water as merino so feels even less clammy.

[@bmzeider]

@ShastaBubba Duckworth Snorkel hoodie is my favorite, but they don't make it anymore. You can get the same fabric in the Vapor hoodie but the arms are shorter. I have another one from Minus33 that's also really nice.

[@zinguliwa]

Another thoughtful, illuminating video. And with the added bonus of a blooper reel 😂

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks so much! Very kind of you. :-)

[@memathews]

This is the first time I've watched a video from you and your light-hearted approach had me nodding, so I'm a new sub! I hope to see more thoughts, and some hiking, when you're ready in the future.

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks so much, really appreciate the kind words! First trip of the season coming up in the beginning of April, but there are lots of trip videos and tutorials on the channel already, like this one to Yellowstone NP: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4TLl3h7ebF_mbM

[@VICIOUSVORTMAX]

your content has been very helpful, training for rim to rim in june. cheers.

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks so much and good luck on your epic trip!

[@DuBCraft21]

Thanks for the video, it was nice to hear about your experience with the gear you have been using :) Although, I would highly recommend watching Gear Skeptic's videos on water purification. It is a large time investment (especially if you watch all of the videos in the series as ghere are 6 or 7 of them and are about an hour each) but they thoroughly convinced me that UV Sterilization is not good enough on its own (for my risk tolerance at least).

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks for the reference, I'll check that out! I am aware the the Steripen does nothing to protect from heavy metals and farm runoff (chemicals), also that it does't kill the bugs, just makes them sterile. Ultimately, no method does everything (some folks use both a filter and UV radiation) and it makes sense to choose whatever system best addresses the likely threats where a person is hiking at the time. Thankfully, where I do most of my trips, those two issues are not a problem, but YMMV. Happy hiking!

[@ervinslens]

Lovely upload bud, topic is simply fantastic! 👏👏

[@ShastaBubba]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Andy-x3i8y]

I was thinking you were actually hiking with that growler! Now I get it ha ha ha

[@ShastaBubba]

Dreaming of that reward at the end of the hike! ;-)

[@MTtroutfisher406]

New video!! Whoot whoot! Great review!

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks a ton; appreciate your ongoing support!!

[@jacobrclark58]

It's great seeing the gear you liked and didn't like. I'm with you on the Sawyer. The outtakes at the end are great!

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@VandrefalkTV]

Wooh! Love the video, happy to hear about your experiences! Looking forward to the next one! 😄

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks old friend, really appreciate your continued support!

[@VandrefalkTV]

@@ShastaBubba Of course! I value your content tremendously. 😊 Atb

[@navedkhan6624]

Thanks for the video. I enjoy watching your video. I am also not a fan of sawyer filter and the day I started using Steripen never looked back. I have been using for over 3years now, never had any issues. I am also working on reducing my pack weight buying or looking forward to add some lighter gear to my gear addiction.

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks so much! It is an addiction, for sure. Keep thinking I have my kit all dialed in . . . then another years passes and I've got a whole pile of new gear! Crazy.

[@teddyhcuts]

I didn’t love the rei sahara either but really enjoy the mountain hardware hoodie. The material feels a bit lighter and dries a bit faster imo! Less of that clammy feeling. Love your opinions and the soothing nature of your videos!

[@ShastaBubba]

That's very kind of you, thanks! I'll have to check out the MH hoodie. I usually like their stuff.

[@jngregg]

I have the REI sahara hoodie as well. I cannot wear it if temps will be over 55 degrees or so, it is unbearably hot for me. I'll check out the Mountain Hardware hoodie, thanks for the tip.

[@tallky]

Thanks for the video!

[@tallky]

by the way the common way to write down gram is gr, not gm. Not important but thought I'd mention

[@ShastaBubba]

You're welcome!

[@ShastaBubba]

It IS important, at least to me, so I appreciate the comment and was interested enough to look it up. Apparently, we're both wrong; gm is okay, but the best use is just g (apparently). Didn't see gr mentioned at all, so wondering whether that is the convention is another country? Thanks!

[@tallky]

@@ShastaBubba Ooh that might be the case. I'm from the Netherlands but maybe I'm also mistaken, haha. Don't think I've ever seen gm before, maybe that's an American thing?

[@ShastaBubba]

@@tallky Yep. We seem to always have to do things differently. Sigh. 😕

[@Andy-x3i8y]

You should check out the befree filter. It’s incredibly easy to use and has a high flow rate.

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks, I should take a look at those. Heard the durability isn't so great though -- like it flows great for a while, but quickly clogs?

[@Andy-x3i8y]

@@ShastaBubba I can’t speak to any clogging as most of the water where I am is fairly clear lakewater. I know that the design of the filter does not allow for backflushing. Therefore, the only effective way to clean it in the field is to swish it around in clean water. If I was doing very long hikes in areas where there was a lot of sediment in the water, I would expect issues if not using a bandana or something as a pre-filter.

[@ShastaBubba]

Great info; thanks for that!@@Andy-x3i8y

[@Seoul_ful]

RX100 is a monster camera for its size.

[@ShastaBubba]

I really love it, but need to upgrade from my model ii. What version are you using and how do you like it?

[@Seoul_ful]

@@ShastaBubba ended up selling mine some time ago for the A7C. I needed the ability to switch lenses, but I do miss the form factor of the RX100.

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks!@@Seoul_ful

[@birddogfarms6981]

Funny thing, I'm very comfortable getting up in front of an audience and speaking, but turn on a camera and I get brain fog and almost speechless, let alone tongue tied. Despite showing us some bloopers, you're good at narration on your videos. Hope you are well, looking forward to another season! Tom

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks a bunch, that's very kind of you! Of course, it helps that I'm using a script! ;-)

[@birddogfarms6981]

@@ShastaBubba I stand at a trailhead, turn on the Gopro and suddenly can't remember what I was going to say......😵‍💫

[@ShastaBubba]

One time I was so exhausted I couldn't get up enough energy to smile and deliver a concise review of the day, but I wanted to make sure I remembered all the details, so I told myself, "just do a video diary and I'll change it to voice over when I get home." I ended up using that clip and still think it was one of my best, most real moments.@@birddogfarms6981

[@RuralMontanaLiving]

I have a GoPro Hero10 and like it as well. Check out their Enduro batteries. They last longer and seem to perform better in lower temps. Don't expect a miracle, but they are an improvement over the regular battery. I'm not really a gear-head and am using the same old stuff I always use, but your comment about the most expensive gear ever purchased piqued my interest!

[@ShastaBubba]

I believe I am using the Enduro batteries, but I'll check again. Here's a hint on the tease; remember offering me a ride last summer?

[@RuralMontanaLiving]

@@ShastaBubba The Enduro is white, whereas the normal battery is blue. At least that is what mine are. Wow, good memory! I actually forgot about that. I think perhaps I know what you may have purchased... :) Looking forward to the video.

[@dutchtacos]

Try Duckworth's Vapor hoody. Made just south of you in bozeman.

[@ShastaBubba]

I'll check them out. Thanks!!

[@DrJohn493]

Dan's fireside gear reviews, wouldn't miss it! Love my Hero 11, and also my H8 as a backup and my H7 as an FJC dash cam. Please clarify about the X-mid 2p; do you still recommend it for one person and a pup? I can live with weak magnets. I am so glad I'm not the only one that has those "let's back up" moments! 🤣🤣

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks so much John! Re: the X-mid 2 -- yes, still highly recommended (for a person and a pup too). I was just making the point that someone with sewing talent could add those magnets pretty easily and not spend the extra $100 that I did to sell my old one and grab the latest version. "Fireside gear reviews," I'm going to have to steal that!!

[@DrJohn493]

Steal away, but it has to be DAN's Fireside Gear Reviews @@ShastaBubba

[@ShastaBubba]

🤣@@DrJohn493

[@gdx52]

would ya like to add any comments are your latest pack review from 2023? i feel like i need to buy a new one.

[@ShastaBubba]

Hi; if you mean the Durston Gear Kakwa 40 -- it's still my go-to fav for any trip up to 3 nights. Reaching way back to my old HMG Junction 3400 for longer trips; although I'll probably get the Kakwa 55 eventually.

[@hikingwheather]

I am interested in the selfie stick tripod. Do you know how much it weighs?

[@ShastaBubba]

13 1/4 oz. on my scale. That's without the remote and with the remote holder removed (4 screws). Still works great for me!

[@hikingwheather]

​@@ShastaBubba, thanks so much!

[@erikh8993]

What "cost even more than a DCF tent"? I´m guessing something with a GPS/Satellite......

[@ShastaBubba]

Good guess, but . . . nope. It's nothing electronic. ;-)

[@mountainwanderer]

if you're bringing 2 things to sit on are you going to be kicked out of the ultra-light backpacking club? I look forward to giving my own review of that growler! 🤣

[@ShastaBubba]

LOL! I don't get much respect from the UL club anyway, so I guess I'm okay with that. What kind of beer do you like? ;-)

[@mountainwanderer]

@@ShastaBubba At the end of a hike I will drink whatever is there!

[@ShastaBubba]

Smart man!@@mountainwanderer