Backpacking gear I should have bought sooner! 2021 edition

VISIT ART OF THE TREK 👉bit.ly/382fehW
PILLOW bit.ly/3hGKPsp
AIR PUMP amzn.to/37Yvy3a
SLEEPING BAG bit.ly/3bPbotp
OTHER SLEEPING BAG bit.ly/34AYblw
CLOSED CELL FOAM PAD bit.ly/3rnHOBX
STAKES bit.ly/3bSwlnd
WATER FILTER bit.ly/3bYcjry
MY OTHER GEAR👇
SATELLITE COMMUNICATOR
TREKKING POLES bit.ly/3ejaNDh
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OTHER SLEEPING PAD amzn.to/2XfSxRz
HOODIE bit.ly/3mXRXCn
TENT bit.ly/35auKqq
FAVORITE LUNCHES bit.ly/3aKamNG
BACKPACK
DOWN JACKET bit.ly/2EBbx6M
RAIN JACKET
CHAIR bit.ly/3eecrD1
INSECT REPELLENT (individual packets) amzn.to/2Yq6zjt
NECK GAITER bit.ly/2WVkZZK
SLEEPING BAG amzn.to/2QmWTTg
PILLOW bit.ly/3hGKPsp
COOK POT amzn.to/2EwYPpJ
DITTY BAG bit.ly/3f6VeLW
FOOD BAG bit.ly/3f6VeLW
STOVE amzn.to/2DGl75E
SPORK amzn.to/2CPV9em
LIP SAVER amzn.to/2sY1Ztr
FOOTPRINT amzn.to/2ItFtU2
BATTERY BANK amzn.to/2H4wJkz
TOOTHBRUSH bit.ly/2VpLC7c
KNIFE amzn.to/2VkhVqw
FIRE STARTER amzn.to/2VgBP5O
HEADLAMP amzn.to/2wiTD4C
GPS
WATER BOTTLE HOLDER bit.ly/3fdyzOF
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VLOGGING LENS amzn.to/2TyvS1K
ND FILTER amzn.to/2DR26wM
ZOOM LENS amzn.to/2XWeOCf
GIMBAL amzn.to/2Lm38VK
TRAIL MIC amzn.to/2FGD9Gj
TALKING HEAD MIC amzn.to/2CrjsPt
TRIPOD (FULL SIZE) amzn.to/2u9iQhj
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DRONE amzn.to/2Ug7nHu
CAMERA CLIP FOR BACKPACK amzn.to/2VjlihB
What to buy backpacking. UL backpacking. ultralight. good gear. camping gear. best backpacking gear.

[@DanBecker]

Any 2021 gear you should’ve bought sooner?? 👇

[@donkEEpunch85]

A hot tent, titanium wood stove, pelican sled and snowshoes. Makes for one hell of a trip in winter! Been UL for so long, finally decided to give the hot tent thing a go.... Loved it! Montana winters are harsh. Taking the aforementioned equipment really ups the game. I take at least a few of these hot tent trips every winter and it never gets old.

[@StevieDahlen]

Nope. Basically bought everything based on KZbinr recommendations like a noob 😂 Just wish I would have started getting out sooner. Great content, DB!

[@chubi167]

Just got a bunch of new stuff. So far I haven’t been able to actually use any of it on the trail. But I love my new befree filter (and aqua clip) Also got a new quilt (paria thermodown 15) And a new lanshan 2 tent. Which I would like to point out the Meir lanshan 3 comes with some of the nicest tent stakes I have ever seen come with a tent. The look super strong and only 10g each. Also got some new trekking poles to go with that tent. 2021 has been a good year for gear.

[@alyk]

A decent weighted tent. Love my Lanshan 2! Before I carried a 2 kg+ tent on my weekend trips...

[@loniiverson8684]

Hi Dan....I have been watching you for a couple years out here in Montana also. One of my sons bought a Silky Gomboy and we used it last fall on a trip....it is the most amazing saw for cutting firewood...I had no idea a saw could cut like butter with little to no effort 👍😁 Sooooo...everyone got one for Christmas.

[@kathyn1343]

I love that you embrace your weekend warrior status! I think most people are as well.

[@justrusty]

I do section hikes (~1-2 weeks at a time) which is sort of half way between Dan Hiking and Through Hiking and this is one of my favorite hiking channels.

[@williamvergerwolf150]

The only wrong ways to camp are by being unsafe or leaving the site trashed, beyond that just hike your own hike and enjoy yourself. My parents are sectional hikers, my friends are car campers, and I'm a thru hiker. It's all good.

[@JoeZUGOOLA]

No one can be a thru hiker all the time.. right? You gotta earn money in between right 😅 (plz say I'm right)

[@justrusty]

@@JoeZUGOOLA You're mostly right. Once you retire you can do it full time, especially if your spouse wants you out of the house. I'm in that situation (the part about the wife wanting me out of the house, not the part about through-hiking full time.)

[@wilfdarr]

@@williamvergerwolf150 AMEN!

[@pitchergirlrox]

i think it’s super important to specify that you’re a weekend hiker!! i know from personal experience , a lot of time i get caught up in reviews from these big hikers saying that what they’re using isn’t working for their 1 month hike. and yet all i’m planning on doing is going out for the weekend... so i don’t even need that! lol

[@IthaCAT1026]

It's nice to see more great and witty feedback from folks who don't spend 2-4 weeks on a trail at a time, but you used to or who might do so once in a longer while. Keep up the fun out there, Dan. I'm learning a lot from you.

[@williamcunningham1586]

Nailed it

[@evanhammond7305]

I love how Dan went from quilt using hammock camper to sleeping bag tent guy. Never closed any doors and knows sometimes one is better then the other.

[@OutsideComfortZone]

Agreed! That's why Dan makes great videos: he's open to whatever is best for each situation.

[@recycled3654]

A real quality not seen everywhere.

[@CDAFishboy]

Dan Becker Saw a few of your videos before. But this one in particular makes me a big fan. I am 61 years old. High blood pressure (inherited) asthma. Knees and shoulder beat up from skiing, backpacking. Yet I have increased the length and difficulty of my hikes. Instead of three day weekends, then five day trips in the Canadian Rockies and now 6-7 day trips into The Wind River Range. I watch all these KZbinrs with their UL gear 6 lbs base weight, and this is just not my reality. I have gone round and round with pillow options over the years. I have a thick insulated full length sleeping pad by Big Agnes. I use a blow up pillow but it problematic. It pinches out from under me. I stuff a camera bag and other gear around to keep the pillow from moving. How much does your pillow compress? I heard and was in fact pestered into getting a mini sawyer squeeze bag system. I went back to my Katadyn pump filter. I think it weighs 8-9 Oz. More recently I used the Katadyn dip bag. Sorry I don’t recall names of my gear. 3 liters will take care of dinner and breakfast for two, so only one trip to the lake or creek to fill up when we arrive at camp. We also take the BeFree filter for quick fill ups on the trail. For 2 people it works great. Time is precious, no way I want to be squeezing bags and making multiple trips to the water source. Hammocks and quilts. We both enjoy hammocks and a day trips. Hike up to a secluded lake, set up the hammocks right on the shoreline with a view. Backpacking? Well when. Goat sticks his head under a tarp, and helps himself to chewing on boots and attempting to go after socks ( currently on somebody’s feet. I have had raccoons, deer, and at least 3 grizzlies within 3 feet of my tent. A tent may not protect you from a bear, but it still makes you feel more secure. We have also been in storms where the rain was horizontal from high winds (11,000 ft elevation), and happy we had a strong tent! I took a guy into a wild section of Glacier National Park. He listened to my gear suggestions, and practiced bear/other animal safety, and leave no trace. Everything I told him came true. He had a great time, but we a Thru Hiker with a FB page. So my friend went all in for UL gear and returned the stuff he had on our trip. He went on a couple of trips, had a beef with me because I criticized the KZbinr for hiking over the Continental Divide across snow, in grizzly country without bear spray and no trekking poles or ice ax or micro spikes, at NIGHT wearing trail runners and neoprene socks. My friend no longer backpacks, says it is too much trouble with the gear, and does not sleep well. The KZbinr quit posting 5 years ago, so I don’t know what happened to him. So UL is not the end all. Hammocks and quilts are not the end all. Traveling without TP and just using water is just too much! How many times Inhave helped out people who were hurt, lost, hungry. cold. Do they return? Do they have fun, feel comfortable and safe enough to keep doing it for 40+ years? We should do our own thing, use two pillows if necessary. Stop paying attention to every fad and following like sheep. Some of the lighter stuff will work, and some are not worth the hassle of discomfort.

[@josephoutdoors]

Dan, when I am backpacking, I am on vacation, so I appreciate convenience and comfort for my trips - a lot of your suggestions reflect this! Thanks for repping us weekend warriors 🙌

[@mark11145]

In the quest for low weight, the concept of comfort and enjoying your hike have gone right out the window. I love your approach. My ideal is to save weight where I can while figuring out where I get the most bang for the extra weight. This has resulted in better sleep, less fatigue, faster recovery and more enjoyable hiking. Its like the quality, quantity argument. The only resolution is to compare the two against the value or viability they bring. Same goes for weight versus comfort. You have to consider the value to your hiking experience to resolve the choices.

[@Tofu_Pilot]

In the quest for weight, one seeks to only increase one thing, the enjoyment of the hike. As opposed to the enjoyment of overnight camping. A 12-inch castiron skillet makes camp so much sicker, but hiking it to camp is complete bullshit.

[@Rtb323]

@@Tofu_Pilot that’s why I stick to truck camping lol I would have a hard time figuring out what I need and don’t need and if forget something it be like my whole day is ruined… I still try to eliminate weight just for practice but it never goes well lol I end up just going back to the items I take out for weigh loss and space…I still love watching these type of channels tho and the whole light weight backpacking is very interesting but expensive as well.

[@ms7fam433]

I'm glad your comments about your water filtration stress that there are differences in long distance hikers verses shorter section hikers. Keep bringing us new options for equipment so we can view them before purchasing. Keep up the good work.

[@PaulMessner]

I NEED one of those pillows. Gonna find a link now. I wish we could get those Gossemar mats over here too. Great video Dan

[@andyanderson3798]

The one and only Paul freaking Messner!!!! Love your videos Paul.

[@leekayne]

Paul I got one shipped from Gossimer gear to the Uk I ordered it following Darwin’s recommendation and I received it in January 👍🏻

[@dewayneearley7298]

The website says early April restock.

[@davidromero5018]

Woah! Is this a crossover episode!?

[@AJMarrara]

Injinji sock liners. Game changer

[@johnmca5643]

I love that your base weight is going up. I'm in my mid-50's and mine too keeps increasing. I dropped my quilt and went back to a real sleeping back. I dropped my light weight pad and went with a Nemo Tensor. I too have the same pillow.....and I also have a battery operated pump for my pad. All in all I added 1.5 lbs and its soooo worth it.

[@frostriver4547]

Right there with ya. Without the pump thought. Use the full bag for the tensor in cold weather. Don’t forget my camp chair too

[@tullochgorum6323]

Use a genuinely ergonomic pack and you get that extra luxury pretty much for free. A lot of lightweight hikers insist on using minimalist packs that are ergonomically inefficient and offset the benefits of carrying less gear. I use the Aarn bodypacks which are far more efficient and comfortable, so an extra pound or two makes literally no difference, even on long and arduous treks.

[@therealchickentender]

I never dropped that stuff. :D (well except the batt-op pump - but hell I might look into that). You just gotta choose your stuff wisely without truly/ridiculously overpacking and making your carry miserable and just get out there.

[@Tofu_Pilot]

No one's knees are glad to see increasing base weights, science assures us of that. Now, if all your hikes are quite short it's likely not going to be too big an issue.

[@rudysal1429]

The nemo air pump sac is actually really good. Im over 6'2" and have the large but it only takes like 2.5 pumps. The thing people do wrong is trying to blow the sac up. You blow from ~9 inches away and it causes outside air to move with the blown air and fill it up with a single breath. It should also reduce moisture by only a small amount of air from your lungs actually going in the sac.

[@chrisschiff7542]

My only gripe about the BA pad is the pump sack included. It's horrible compaired to the Nemo. I've gotten to the point i just use the nemo on the BA.

[@KevinGarcia-mt6lj]

@@chrisschiff7542 are the valves compatible?

[@chrisschiff7542]

@@KevinGarcia-mt6lj the Nemo bag fits on the BA out valve.

[@joelniemann9547]

Great point about moisture in the sleeping pad making it colder. I hate being at all cold at night, so anything to help like this is worth a try. Plus it comes with a light and is only 3 oz? Sign me up!

[@therealchickentender]

It isn't just making colder - blowing up pads manually with your lungs is generally the easiest, obviously the lightest and I still do it a ton, but it also can make the internals delaminate a lot more quickly over time. I think plenty of pads fail a lot sooner because of it.

[@mike76rob]

My comment has to be the air pump. Now I am both a thru hiker and a weekend warrior, I like to keep things light but not ultralight and I'm a firm believer on that if you can carry the weight then it's not too heavy, especially if what you are carrying makes life more comfortable for you. I went and bought this wee air pump just to see what it was like and I'm pretty impressed, I opted for the 3600 for the battery to last a bit longer so its a bit heavier but there was no need, it inflates my Sea to Summit ultralight small in 8 seconds, I could potentially top it up but there no point in having a firm as hell mattress out in the woods. I think this is one of those items that could be worth their weight. Good find Dan.

[@nedanother9382]

I'll tell you whats new for me this year and I can thank you for it. A pack liner! I still can't get over that rain fail. The fact that you had standing water in your pack actually got me off the Dynema packs band wagon for waterproofness.

[@MrBcozzie4]

For me, upgrading my tent was the best purchase of 2021. Going from carrying 5lbs 6 oz to 2lbs 15 oz is such a relief and I can't wait to use it for years to come!

[@wolfeadventures]

Any closed cell sit pad. Really is a game changer. Best 2oz ever.

[@noblejennette2101]

I went to Home Depot and bought an inch of basic clear rubber/plastic tubing and a contractor garbage bag. I cut a slit in the corner of the bag, stuck the tube through it and wrapped it tight with duct tape. This creates an enormous bellows to fill your air mattress and beats by a mile the stuff sack/bellows that are sold with some air mattresses. It also then doubles as a waterproof bag to line the inside of your pack. Two other things I also cannot suggest highly enough: a wind screen for your camp stove and a helinox chair zero. The wind screen will make your food cook in less than half the time and will enormously extend your fuel canister. The camp chair is a 1lb, $120 luxury that I never would have considered but when I brought it with me on the PCT I couldn’t dream of ever being without it. The benefits of sitting properly, of having your butt off the ground, having a back support, they are without quantification, they are priceless. I’ve walked 4,000 miles on the Appalachian Trail, 1,500 on the PCT, paddled the entire Mississippi and Ohio rivers and done some cross country bike touring. He’s totally right about the pad under the pad, it will also keep air mattresses from puncturing.

[@adkeric]

I think you nailed the whole BeFree v. Sawyer debate. I too use the BeFree for weekends but when i'm doing a longer thru I always grab the Sawyer. Much easier to clean the sawyer in the field with the little blue adaptor on a smartwater bottle full of clean water. Gets rid of the most sever clogs. Once a BeFree gets a severe clog you're kind of screwed.

[@HerrFinsternis]

Hmmm, steaks. I agree on most of those objects, especially the little closed foam pad. As a sidesleeper you allways run the risk of hitting the ground and that little pad helps reduce coldspots and offers some protection to an airpad too. Never thought about the antislipping, nice catch.

[@andrewnash6121]

That pillow looks awesome. I just wish it came in more colours, especially Earth ones or multicamo.

[@joeyshelly2576]

Dude! that Flextail pump is amazing! it even pumps up full size camping mattresses. Your channel has changed the game for me and my backpacking! Thank you Dan and keep it up bro.

[@pdr0603]

Love the bear bag perfectly hung in the background - great job, very helpful advice.

[@majorheadache2263]

Glad you bought the compressible pillow, I've loved mine and it really does make a comfortable sleep system so much better!

[@triiton4443]

A light weight camp chair is a must have. Yea I know, but after a long day of hiking who doesn't love sitting on a wet rock, log or the dirt. I love my chair

[@warriorworkstraining]

The game changer for me was actually getting a legit tent setup. I have a Zpacks Pleximid with their 48" carbon pole (I don't use a trekking pole) and 10 MSR mini Groundhog stakes. It comes out to less than 1.5 lbs. (on my scale) and is exactly what I needed for my backpacking setup. Another game changer was my Sawyer mini camp filter setup. I have two Cnoc water bags (2L) that thread on either end of a sawyer mini filter. It is a super light kit that rolls up fairly small (smaller than a single 20oz water bottle) and filters 2L of water in minutes for everyone at the campsite. I'm almost always camping near a stream so this makes managing large quantities of water for drinking, cooking and cleaning really easy for everyone at the site.

[@markpanarese2452]

Do you know if Art of the Trek wants day hike type of information? Suggestion for a video, “ skills I want to upgrade for 2021.” My top three areas/skills are going to be 1)trip planning, 2) First Aid 3) knots. Keep up the great work!

[@leeennddaa853]

ooh I second these suggestions! love it!

[@rofferdal]

Thank you, Dan. I am starting out (again, after many years not camping), and your pillow advice is spot on. Comfortable pillows are SO important. I could have made the wrong choice of inflateable pillows if you hadn't pointed this out. It is so obvious, especially for us side sleepers.

[@nicholask.1874]

You should try using an electric hand warmer for short trips. I just got into winter backpacking this year and started using an electric hand warmer. Only $30, weighs 6oz and gives up to 14hrs of good heat, doubles as a battery bank, toss it in the sleeping bag with you for a cozy night!

[@kdavis4910]

I might actually look into this. The extra battery bank storage makes this attractive. You said it gives 14 hours of heat. Does this mean it's rechargeable?

[@donkEEpunch85]

You're right about the name brand stakes. I've used both the MSR Groundhogs and their imitations. During a winter setup, the knock offs snapped in half while pulling out of the ground. It was the first time I'd used them. Two different brands I tried. I was only pulling them by their attached lines/string loops. MSRs have survived several winter trips, no issues at all.

[@DanBecker]

Been there!

[@kennyobrien]

Yep, Groundhogs all the way. That's all I use on all of my tarps and tents.

[@davidblair5721]

Backcountry gear is constantly changing. This year I focused on sleep. I don't like being cold! I bought the Xped9 pad and Kifaru 0 degree Slickbag. Slight weight penalty but the rest/sleep was worth it. I spent 20 days and nights at high elevation in the CO Rockies in September and could do another 20. On the eating side of things I bought the MSR Windburner stove. Love it! Will retire the Pocket Rocket. And last but not least, I bought a bunch of Peak Refuel meals. Less sodium and tastes great! No more MH for me!

[@theosteinbauer6709]

Awesome ! Backpacking with a pound of pillows and an air pump! I love these vids.

[@priscillalam1727]

Always love your videos!! Thanks for the recommendation.

[@kevans2337]

Dan, I bought the air pump on your advice and I LOVE it !!! Thank you so much. My sleeping pad is full in approx. 19 seconds. Not kidding. And I love the light.

[@adventureswithbecketandxena]

I love the MSR Groundhogs. As soon as I got the MSR Elixer tent I replaced the original stakes with the Groundhogs. Been using them for almost 2 years and no complaints. Love them.

[@narri214]

Something I got this year that was a game changer for winter camping was snowshoes. I know its not camping gear in the true sense but much like a winter coat it changed what I can do and where I can go. I'm no longer limited to either hard packed trails or limited distance I'm willing to post hole through. I can now float reasonably well and go to some of my summer camp spots and see what they are like in the winter.

[@kdavis4910]

That would all be very cool. Snow is off limits for those with problematic backs. I have been wondering if snowshoes would improve this circumstance for the first time this winter. Does it make the hiking easier?

[@narri214]

@@kdavis4910 improve, yes. Fix no. For example this year I was hiking in an area where the snow was waist deep. My father (no shoes) sank to just above the knee- mid thigh. I sank to about mid shin- below knee. I had a much easier time but it was still difficult due to me blazing the trail. Coming back in my tracks though was a cake walk. The snow shoes was worth it in that situation, but ive hiked compacted trails at my state park and a pair of crampons work better and were quieter/lighter there. Snow is becoming very wet where I am so post holing will be very "normal" for the next few weeks. I'll know how much better the snowshoes work for that soon.

[@bradray]

Those little pumps are also great for getting your campfire going.

[@BaaSicStuff]

I'm obsessed with gear lol Foam Pad coming hot

[@littleafricaaquaticsgreg6443]

I appreciate your videos so much, man. I have disc issues in my neck and lower back and am just trying to get into backpacking. I don't know what I can do as of now, but the pillow and pad advice you give is very important to me even if heavier. Because I have to be able to get up the next day and be able to move. Thanks for your videos I am just now putting stuff together that I can afford. I just lost my best friend, my pup Vin and for some reason, I feel the need to just escape into the woods. I keep notes on all your videos and the gear so thanks again.

[@MylesAway3]

I need to pick up one of those thin pads for the anti slip reason alone!

[@christopherdrea5543]

I said the same thing. I carry a butt pad. I will gladly use that instead if my sleeping pad won’t slide.

[@alexanderweaver4838]

Those items are all good ones. My favorite is the Thermarest pillow that I use for hammock, tent and overland camping (sleeping in my SUV). I tried half a dozen pillows before I relented and bought the Thermarest...best sleep ever with it. I also like the mini air pump. Mine is too big and clunky for backpacking.

[@Jessimica_b2]

I have those exact two pillows (same colours and patterns even), i stack them up inside of a satin pillow case and it's amazing!

[@dkeener13]

that little pump looks cool, but a decent pump sack works really well too, maybe faster, lighter, doubles as dry bag, etc.

[@tullochgorum6323]

More fail-safe too - especially on a long hike.

[@joeyshelly2576]

Gossamer gear foam pad 1/8 is always sold out so an awesome substitute is the mountain laurel designs foam pad. You can get it in 40x80 and trim it plus it also comes in 1/4" as well.

[@sammychung4156]

Love my BA UL2, it's so light and it fits two! Wish I bought this years ago.

[@josephjamison5007]

MLD has a version of the 1/8' CCP that's actually in stock. I like you believed the quilt cult that quilts were the way to go, they kept gaslighting me by telling me that it's user error that I was getting drafts. I switched back to a sleeping bag and finally I can get some sleep again. I used a sleeping pad pump on the entire PCT and it was one of my favorite pieces of gear. I could inflate my pad while I finished setting up camp.

[@GMiller75]

My must have is a fleece cover. Ideal to top up the sleeping bag comfort rating, sandwhich in between to raise r value, drape around or use as a wee picnic blanket. Can get them with a waterproof backing or 100% fleece but they are always a nice warm touch and don't weigh much.

[@bernievaneldik441]

I have worked in the outdoor branch for 10 years. And yes we sold headlamps by Petzl and Black Diamond. But I never got one for myself till...... On one family camping vacation my two year old son started throwing up while sleeping. Guess who could clean it up in the middle of the night with a fancy flashlight clenched between my teeth. Yeah me. So the first thing I bought in my own store after that vacation was a headlamp. I use it even at home when I need light on my hands like in the workshop. You always need light in the direction of your hands and not in light in your hands!

[@claudiaw9925]

I just started watching videos on backpacking again after a year and I was shocked when I heard so many people using quilts on trips especially thru hikes and I'm like man so much has changed. As far as pillow I'm buying it after you mentioned it. I never sleep right and hopefully this is my last pillow.

[@cliffordwright1603]

Great information and ideas. Love the air pump and stakes.

[@schreiberwriter]

This was a great video! Newbie here and your comments confirmed some of the purchases I’ve made. Love the mattress air pump - added to the shopping list

[@Tobbetuna]

Bought a Osprey AG Aether 70L for those fullpacked winterhikes and MAN do my body wish i had done that sooner. They offload the weight sooo good.

[@davidgeorge442]

Having an actual pillow improves my quality of sleep so much that it more than makes up for the weight penalty of carrying the extra 7 ounces. I’d rather carry a 7-ounce pillow after a good night sleep than carry zero ounces after an uncomfortable night sleep.

[@ellen6006]

So funny, Dan. I am totally laughing along with you while watching the videos. My favorite new (no duh) gear is....an insulated mug with lid. I use a sea to summit. The joy of a hot drink while waiting for my food to cook (in another container) is totally worth the extra couple of ounces.

[@bvogle76]

I started with a sleeping bag, wished I bought a quilt sooner. Love the quilt, never going back to the sleeping bag.

[@Jer8409]

I’m with you on the pillow. I used the Zpacks pillow bag and the air ones, and it’s not always the best night of rest. It’s worth the weight penalty if it means I’ll get a better nights sleep. I’m at the point where my base weight is still low, but it’s becoming more about the comfort(switched from quilt to bag too).

[@jamesthornburgh6641]

I've found another good use for the air pump. It's great for use as a billows to get a campfire going strong. .

[@RussOnAdventure]

Happy to see your flextail pump. I've seen a thru hiker using one and then your gear vid a few weeks ago also. I was going to order one last week and saw they have multiple sizes. Happy to know the tiny pump does the job.

[@plmn93]

I've seen mixed reviews for the Thermarest pillow, but after trying one I loved it so much I bought them for the whole family. It's a little thing that makes camping much more enjoyable.

[@caddyshack_hikes]

I love the bag above the tent.. yes Katadyn be free is amazing I’ll never use anything else plus I always bring xtra filter

[@MaddBaggins]

Dude! The Groundhog is the best stake ever! I have full sets of those for every tent I have. I finally bought trekking poles just a month ago. I haven't used them back packing yet but I have dayhiked with them. Serious game changer for me. I'm in my 50's now and have been backpacking since the mid 90's. I should have bought into the trek pole thing a long time ago.

[@dalekormazis179]

On the pillow, amusing, tired of the typical pillows used. Find them popping out in the middle of the night. Super annoying, I use a stuff sack with gear in it and a buff wrap. Feels like a real pillow. Like your ultralight pad idea. Protection on sleep pad and I can do a morning stretch on it outside of the tent. Sea to summit pad doesn't slide. My xtherm, looks like one you use pops out in the middle of the night. Super annoying, another great use. May get the air pump, light, moisture entering pad from inflating is not good. Almost same weight as a pump sack. End up saving weight due to lamp use. Face it, only thing I use a lamp for is going to the bathroom anyways. Weekend warrior myself I look at gear a little differently. Love your insight on backpacking.

[@riskinhos]

never understood the pillow. like, can't you use use your jacket or something. fucking youtube pseudo backpackers. never used a pillow in over 500 nights of camping. there's zero need.

[@jonahcousins6578]

I just got the thermarest compressible pillow! It’s truly a great pillow, totally worth it!

[@elisaadams2292]

Bought the pillow. OMG why did I doubt. BEST pillow ever! Going on a trip in a few weeks and now I know I will have great sleep. Thanks!

[@DanBecker]

I forgive you 😂

[@misterdaveusa]

That little pump is a great fire starting tool as well. Pump/nightlight/bellows, good combo.

[@jmodum90]

My gamechanger is a small folding table that packs up to about the size of an atlas. Makes camp meals so much easier to prep and can even straddle my lap in my camp chair. It was only like 20 bucks and is pretty lightweight.

[@lizdee8118]

I'm still in the process of acquiring what I will need for backpacking/bikepacking. I appreciate your opinions on gear. I'm thrilled that you mentioned a couple of the items that I recently purchased, that is, the Groundhog stakes and the Thermarest pillow!

[@najah7781]

I am an absolute backpacking beginner and I am so glad to see the Katadyn filter on this list because that's the one I have! I haven't used it yet but I chose it because it seemed to be the most simple option they had at the store

[@deanwinchester6654]

Cool video, that air pump and pillow look good.

[@aurtisanminer2827]

I use a bag to air up my mattress and love it! I actually dont need the approximate 20 liter bag that i have. Something about 5-6 liters would be a perfect size. I’ve thinking of using my nylon quilt bag as an air sack. Sealing the seams would make it plenty air tight to use.

[@delphinelesterlost3285]

Great to see your latest gear!

[@brandithrall2621]

I bought one of those air pumps the first time you mentioned it- I am so excited to use it because we mostly take our kids so I have 3 sleep pads I end up blowing up. Also I think it'll be great for water float toys when we are car camping and hiking down to the water to play.

[@kdavis4910]

3 pads to blow up. Wow. They must be young or they could blow up their own.

[@brandithrall2621]

@@kdavis4910 one is young. My oldest probably could, but he's typically gathering wood or filtering water with his dad at that time.

[@sunesnigel]

It's very easy making a pump it of a plastic bag. The bigger the bag the faster you'll fill up the pad. It's very very cheap and very light. I used the same bag for a year, i just taped it if it got holes. There are several tutorials on how to make an adapter here on KZbin.

[@BMkt04]

10:36 "I started a tic-tac" :)) Cool video man, thanks for the info!!!

[@bernardweaver2416]

I have a down pillow from Hammock Gear that I use, and it's amazing.

[@JeremiahStringer]

A lot of awesome gear, bro! That rechargeable pump is awesome. Def getting one of those 😍

[@markpanarese2452]

I’m waiting on the 2021 Gonex catalog before any new purchases. 😂 Really enjoy your channel Jeremiah!

[@SurviveOutdoors]

Great video. Nice and very helpful.

[@Cujo..]

Always enjoy these videos 🎒

[@crystalliu2426]

I like the BeFree as well! Will need to buy another one!

[@HuckOutdoors]

I remember in Utah when you saw Devin and I use our BeFree's and you were amazed at the flow. Can't beat it!

[@kdavis4910]

Never tried it, but I was gifted a Sawyer at Christmas so I guess I am a Sawyer girl for now.

[@maranatha3333]

@@kdavis4910 I like my Sawyer squeeze, used as a gravity system. I used an old Seattle Sports Sun Shower as my dirty water bag attached to the Sawyer, then attached my Platypus hydration to the bottom of the filter via the hose (after removing the spout). Didn’t even have to remove the hydration bag from my pack.

[@TheOnion12]

The ultimate test for any tent stake is the BWCA. Two inches of soil over Canadian Shield rock. Good luck driving that in. Also, stakes are not always necessary. As long as you have stuff in the tent it shouldn’t blow away.

[@jeffjakeway2478]

Great information, thanks Dan!

[@butchbinion1560]

Thanks for the info

[@DougP1464]

I have watched a lot of gear reviews. I'm like you Dan, Gear is just fun period. but what's funny is to see how peoples style changes over their life. How 2 years ago I would be totally against taking a chair. Now as I reach 50 a chair is pretty freaking nice to have and worth the weight to bring. I just find it interesting that I think we all modify and change our loads as the "important" things to you, change on a hike. Its always fun to go back to an old review and see how feelings on certain gear changes. Great stuff Dan love your reviews and attitude!

[@levainqueur9095]

Snow peak Ti-Double 300 Mug with lid. Love that thing.

[@vahikertrash543]

Air pumps are legit, I use my pack liner as an air pump. Not a silly item at all IMO. That pillow looks terrible as a side sleeper. I just ordered the Sea to Summit UL in a large size because a good camp pillow that actually supports your head (most pillows suck in my experience) is a huge game changer. Unfortunately my Trekology pillow failed after only a few uses. Aside from that I finally ordered a windshirt and after putting it off for years I'm super happy with it. Perfect for traping just a bit of heat on cold days, blocking wind, and even light rain where I'd be sweeting to death in rain gear.

[@johnl7374]

Dan, I agree with many of your observations, much prefer sleeping bag but have quilts for summer, befree, msr stakes, all spot on. I woukd also say a good light pack, a la zpacks, ula is much preferable over osprey or Gregory heavy beasts.

[@JBC_cat]

For me its a light weight camping chair. I just find they make my time out in the woods around a fire that much more enjoyable. Those pillows and inflator look pretty nice though :)

[@MrHatetheplayer]

i wish i bought a titanium long spoon sooner. all of my friends suggested sporks, and i'd end up crushing solid food, and spilling liquids. not to mention getting my fingers covered in food. long spoons are where it's at.

[@Taffer-bx7uc]

To prevent the Katadyn filter from clogging up from what I've been told you need to keep the filter part of it moist. Drying it out completely will reduce its ability to filter water correctly.

[@Longtack55]

Z Packs titanium angle stakes for me. MSR are almost identical. The Exped inflating mattress with inflation bag reduces moisture, and four fills inflates the bed. It doubles as a 20L/4 gallon water bag and silly pillow. The inflator weighs bugger-all and is cigarette pack size. Swiss design (say no more!)

[@julienrivard7682]

A good winter sleeping bag. I got the north face one bag -15 plus the sea to summit heatseaker liner. With the proper clothing it go me down to -44c

[@tbobmann229]

Excellent video!.. When i saw the pillow i knew I would need 2!.😂 so I understand the need!..most important thing is a good nights sleep..

[@kristopherclark5169]

Pillows: the small thermarest compressible will fit in the Nemo Fillo. Just pull out the foam pad it comes with the Nemo and stuff in the thermarest. Best sleep ever in a tent!

[@mrspoonz1]

Those tent stakes are great. They really dont pull out easy. Reminds me of my good buddy of mine........

[@russellhoge8002]

I like the my pillow roll up travel pillow. I even use it in bed every night.

[@Xtariz]

Grayl flask and the Thermarest Pillow... changed my life

[@bjparkinson5615]

I have been using a Thetmarest battery powered pad pump for close to 10 years, on my Thermarest pad I have had equally long. I am a believer in the pump because not only does moisture in the pad increase potential for being colder at night, the moist can also accelerate the deterioration of the pad. I don’t remember which pad I have (they don’t still have the model), but I used it for summer and winter camping and it is equally adept at both. I think the pump has helped with the longevity of my pad.

[@backyardfern1923]

I'm obsessed with my EE convert! I literally have yet to use it as a quilt because I love it so much as a bag lmao

[@kdavis4910]

I also have a convert, but custom.

[@backyardfern1923]

yepp mines custom too :)

[@matthewdukes3207]

You should check out tge Zanbivy bed systems. They essentially took a top quilt, and designed a "sheet" that attaches to your sleeping pad, and the top quilt so that it can switch from quilt mode to bag mode. I had the original that didn't have dwr (they do now) and it held up for around 3 years from just cold enough to need a tq, to I think around 24 was the lowest I went. Def would recommend for a budget camper looking to hammock and tent easily.