Backpacking gear I should have bought sooner! 2021 edition

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 🙌

[@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.

[@AJMarrara]

Injinji sock liners. Game changer

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@misterdaveusa]

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

[@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?

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!?

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@wolfeadventures]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@andrewnash6121]

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

[@bvogle76]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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. .

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@pdr0603]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@ericsidolmind]

A real Skandi grind, full tang "bushcraft" belt knife. I bought a Helle GT last summer, and BROKE it at the handle a few months ago. Luckily I wasn't in the woods when it happened. 175$ just gone! Not to worry. Even though Helle does not approve of what I was doing with it (batoning wood) they were nice enough to replace it, and for 50$ they even upgraded it to there "Utvear" full tang "bushcraft" knife. WOW this thing is a razor! Scary sharp! I never go into the woods without a real knife! Also my 10" Easton full aluminum tent stakes (they're like railroad spikes!), and my new no name, orange snow stakes. Good stakes are worth the money!

[@KirstenBayes]

A hiking (non technical) ice axe and crampons for me in winter. Always borrowed them, and thought: too much to handle. But the modern walking stuff is way lighter and pretty capable. Much safer on snowy/frosty hills.

[@bradray]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@STyler-sq2yw]

A sleeping bag liner. Completely under rated.

[@DanBecker]

Truth!

[@kdavis4910]

I imagine it pays for itself keeping the bag clean.

[@wilfdarr]

@@kdavis4910 And warm. It'll add 10 degrees to the rating easily.

[@Funkteon]

Agreed.. You can get $200 winter sleeping bag performance from a $40 three-season sleeping bag just by adding a $20 sleeping bag liner..

[@wilfdarr]

@@Funkteon Well, I didn't pay $20 for my flannel blanket that I got from the thrift store, but yes that's the gist! And it'll take a $200 -40 rated bag and make it -40 comfortable, which are two very different things!

[@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!)

[@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.

[@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.

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

Great video Dan the Schill Brothers use the air pump to help start fires also.

[@inoutsoccer11]

Couldn’t agree more about the pillow. I got a nemo filo (still a blow up) but it’s way more comfortable than a traditional blow up pillow. Worth the extra ozs

[@markpanarese2452]

Love my Nemo filo pillow!

[@Pyryzy]

I wish that i have bought good and wide pad sooner. I've been hiking all of my life all year around in Finland. Started with foam pad(s), then some self inflating, then cheap air mattress... This winter i bought Xtherm Large and i love that thing! I can toss and turn, my whole body is toasty warm, i can move on the pad and stay on top of it. Buy once, cry once (and eat noodles for couple of months).

[@beinghuman3225]

I wish those would work for me. But were I am, nothing can fail or its over.

[@davemacdonald7928]

I agree that sleeping bags are warmer. I use a slightly warmer bag than I need and use it like a quilt if its warm enough. But if I get colder at night I zip it up. I figure its changes the temperature rating about 10 degrees.

[@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.

[@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.

[@marielmaxted4287]

If you are ever in the market for a tent and it comes with the option for in-seam light strand... DO IT. Holy cow, you never knew how annoying getting ready for bed with a headlamp was until you didn't have to use one. 🙌 Big Agnes has the MTN GLO series and I absolutely LOVE mine.

[@dougspizman6751]

I copped the wise owl large pillow 3 winters ago. Its big n wieghs about 8oz but its a MUST for me. Sleep system n food are the 2 areas wieght doesnt matter. I cut the wieght elsewhere.

[@Baasicstuff]

I'm obsessed with gear lol Foam Pad coming hot

[@montyollie]

I'm one of those folks who needs a pillow too. After much trial and error, what works for me (and it's only a few ounces!) is a styrofoam ball filled dollar store neck pillow. OMG game changer for me. I can't do inflatables either. To each their own, and yes, I'm very pro pillow! I love that you bring two!

[@BrettBreeden]

Interesting. Kind of big but I’ll have to try it next time.

[@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.

[@michael22414]

Rather than the closed cell foam pad I use a layer of reflective foil insulation. I cut enough to wrap around my water bladder in my pack, so it insulates my water bladder so I have room temp water when it’s freezing out. I can use it as a sitting pad, and it could be used as an insulating pad for sleeping I’m sure (I’m not an overnight guy). All in one, super light since it’s just foil and strong bubble wrap basically

[@Laffa777]

with a bad back and have difficulties finding places too actualy sit in a camp site for years a helinox chair one is the one thing i should have got sooner. so now i can get more rested instead of always standing and walking around in the campsite i can now sit

[@Moreno0101]

Camp chair was a game changer. I bought the $35 knock off instead of the 100+ name brand. So comfortable now at camp. And the knock off weighs about the same as the name brand.

[@thedanyopang]

Which one did you get!?

[@sammychung4156]

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

[@brianwilliams7769]

Ocoopa battery doubling up as handwarmer - also great to keep my phone working in very cold weather....and no more weight than a normal battery.

[@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.

[@majorheadache2263]

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

[@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).

[@garygoeshiking1619]

I second the air pad pump. I backpack with a lot of ultralight peeps and they wanted to make fun of me at first when they saw (heard) me using it, but it didn't take them long to ask to borrow it. It weighs almost nothing and I just throw it in my back mesh pocket or in my ditty bag.

[@alpsalish]

It has always only ever been about bringing the right gear for the kind of trip. This is true across all outdoors self supported endeavors. Ul'ers and hunters carry completely different pack weights more often than not, but the requirements are vastly different. Neither are wrong.

[@youwild4432]

The AeroPress Coffee Maker. A little heavy but it makes really good coffee and it is very easy to clean in the woods.

[@rsberryalta]

Re the thin pad, I've been using windshield / dashboard covers, minimal padding aluminum covered, for years. Good for all the same things, a bit cheaper.

[@therealchickentender]

Love quilts too, but they've never *replaced* bags for me. Bags were never broken. In nearly every case I'll take the extra hit of maybe a pound for the sheer ease/warmth/convenience. I get going quilt, but it was never for me.

[@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

[@justindunlap1235]

For me it was the sea to summit ultralight pad with their airstream pumpsack and their aeros pillow, that and getting a series design get down 35 degree sleeping bag, it weighs just over a pound and is super comfy for just over a hundred bucks.

[@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 😂

[@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.

[@glenndorsey9068]

I have to add my vote for sleeping bag liner. They add a bit of insulation, help keep your bag or quilt clean, but most important to me is that the material is just so cozy. I use mine with a quilt since I found sleeping directly on my Nemo pad wasn’t very comfortable.

[@lechprotean]

do you pre-pack the liner inside the sleeping bag upfront, before the trip? I bought an ultralite sleeping bag that doesn't feel particularly warm and I'm thinking of improving the situation slightly with a liner...

[@glenndorsey9068]

@@lechprotean there are a couple of sea to summit liners to look at. I got the fairly thin and lightweight “reactor” which is a thin fleece material. Supposed to add about 10-15 degrees. Not sure but it really adds to the cozy factor. It’s like a bag. I slide my feet in and then insert into the quilt and wiggle down. You almost have to at least partially get into the liner first.

[@WhoobieD]

Benchmade Mini Bugout for your knife, super lightweight and a nice blade😉

[@justindunlap1235]

At 0:46 the fourth stake from the front are the colhagens brand from Walmart and they actually perform great and weigh nothing for under 2 bucks a stake.

[@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!

[@Xtariz]

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

[@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 :)

[@LaLuneEstJolie]

Buying the Neo-Air X-lite to replace my 1 lb Thermarest that takes up as much room as a foam pad and I have to baby while it’s on the outside of my pack. I changed that one thing and it made my trips a lot easier. It’s a bit pricey, but I don’t feel like I need to replace anything else to be comfortable. Wanting to replace things though, is another story.

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@G4Disco]

I bought the Big Agnes Q Core SLX. I was sleeping on the Thermarest Z Lite. I'm a side sleeping so it wasn't cutting it. The BA was an amazing change. I still use the Z lite as an additional insulation layer.

[@theosteinbauer6709]

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

[@jasonjohnson2627]

With the air pump, you could also use it as a blower to help start a fire. Best if you can find a small enough adapter for it for length, faster air flow and safety.