BACKPACKING GEAR WE REGRET BUYING (and what we wish we bought instead)

[@logibearbaseball]

For the water bladder... if it has a quick disconnect to it, you can use a piece of 1/4" tubing with the sawyer filter adapter kit, you can easily fill the bladder in the pack. You can even set it up to gravity fill from a CNOC bag. Super easy to set up, and you can put the Sawyer filter in-line on your drinking hose to double-filter your water!

[@jcb5011]

Can confirm this works great.

[@67L48]

I think $400+ for a bag is just crazy. Big brands like Marmot and Mountain Hardwear have some great options and they go on sale quite often. Obviously, if you want something high-end, like Western Mountaineering, you won't see many sales. But there are some really great options in the $250 range. For example, a few weeks ago, Big Agnes Torchlight 20 was on sale for about $220. 850 fill down. Loft just saves weight and volume (which can be very important, but the value prop can get out of whack pretty fast). And, yes, you'd never want to take a 30 degree bag down to 30 degrees. Bag ratings are survival ratings. Comfort ratings are 10 - 15 degrees warmer. So, a 30-degree bag will keep you alive at 30 degrees, but you'll not be super happy ... and you'll be comfortable in the ~42 degree (and warmer) range. Another option that gets into the hybrid of quilt vs mummy is something like the Big Agnes Anvil Horn. Technically a mummy bag, but has a wider footbox and a sleeve that attaches to your [insulated] mattress pad. Brilliant for active sleepers and/or side sleepers -- plenty of room to roll, stretch, toss, turn ... and the bag stays anchored in place. I've never slept better. There is a weight penalty for it, though.

[@joshuasaddlemire6721]

Right!? And they had the audacity to say “for a good price” 🥴

[@L4mTr4n]

$400 might be an average price for a good sleeping bag. Heck, my very first sleeping bag was the Marmot Plasma 15 which costed me $500 8 years ago and that was a discounted price too! I’ve transitioned to Feathered Friends the last couple years and they costed me $700-$850. Quality and weight savings come with a cost so it really depends on how much one is willing to spend on gear. I’m sure there are other more affordable options out there.

[@markmaguire5]

Agreed, definitely not paying $400 for an REI sleeping bag

[@67L48]

@@L4mTr4n You’re missing the point. The $400 sleeping bags featured in this video are easily had for $250 or less. People who pay MSRP for a Marmot (e.g.) bag are either rich, impatient, or misinformed (i.e., not too bright). Costed? I think I have an idea why you’re overpaying for bags.

[@waxler2]

I went with the Soto Windmaster which has great flame control and a regulator with the Toaks D115 900ml pot. Same weight as the Stash, a little more volume and $35 less. Agree 100% on the quilt!!

[@the_adventureaddicts]

That's good to know, we will have to check it out! Quilts are the best, right?!

[@jjmcwill2007]

The Soto Amicus is quite honestly plenty good too, and even cheaper!

[@travisbard4670]

I am a quilt convert as well. I bought a Hammock Gear quilt. This thing is awesome. A real game changer for me. I bought a 20 degree. Complete comfort at 29 degrees. Hammock gear was better price point than Enlightened Equipment. For colder temps, I have a pretty cool system. I don't know if you can still get them, but Costco used to sell a 2 pack of down comforters with a slick fabric like a sleeping bag. They weigh one pound. I sewed a footbox in it and used it as a warm weather quilt. I take it if the temps are going to be much below 30 degrees and can put it inside my quilt. It is a great system for me.

[@pcgaminghelp]

MSR pocket rocket ($50) and 2.6oz with a 750ml Toaks ($30) and 2.9 oz over jetboil stash ($150) and 7oz is a no brainer!

[@IrieMitch]

this is the way

[@nathanlockhart3876]

Hear me out… BRS3000T with vargo BOT

[@JohnCrowley-ij1ox]

And the delux w integrated igniter; was wondering how it would last but great so (and combined w GSI dualist set is great)

[@techguy9023]

Diy caldera cone with a 2cm tall burner from a potted meat can with a trangia pot (already had it) made it fit inside the pot rolled up. Used a lid I had. Pot grabber fits inside. Cone from aluminum flashing.

[@annch3rry]

For the Nemo Tensor, I’ve taken to slipping a silk sleeping bag liner over it and it’s a game changer for me. Less noise and something to keep the sleeping bag on the pad instead of slipping right off without it!

[@the_adventureaddicts]

Oh that sounds comfy, good to know. Thanks!

[@jamesmccreery250]

I use a ZenBivy core sheet for the same purpose.

[@BangkokMeatballCorp]

@@jamesmccreery250 oh wow, i just looked up what a ZenBivy core sheet is. Definitely will be looking into that! Thanks for sharing.

[@konalux06]

@@BangkokMeatballCorp Zenbivy gear is amazing

[@richardmartinez4602]

I switched to a BRS stove after using the Jetboil for years. With a Toaks 550 pot, it's half the size and way lighter. The stove, fuel canister, wind screen and lighter stash inside, so it's perfect for me for a long weekend. I took this set up on the TCT earlier this year and have no complaints, going back again in November!

[@stephendewit6309]

That's the most weight and space conscious setup for boiling for sure. Probably a struggle cooking for pad thai for two though

[@richardmartinez4602]

@stephendewit6309 Oh yeah for sure, I definitely need to be wary of those meals that require a lot of water as well. This set up is just for me when I'm going as light and fast as possible (no kids, no wife). When I take the fam, I have a whole different set up.

[@dangerpudge1922]

Nice video! I've walked that path myself, and I have a couple of other suggestions some folks watching this might like. Sleeping bag: A company called Hyke and Byke makes some really solid bags. They're not the lightest but they're not heavy either, and they compress well. 800fp, well built, and have what you need. I like the Antero (you can use those with a hammock like a pod system) but it is also really nice because it's just cut nice and roomy for an active/side sleeper. The Aolus bags are more traditional (though still roomy) and they fall right around the $200 mark. Quilt. The Featherstone 25F quilt is about $235 and is a solid choice and quilts tend to be far better for folks who are active or side sleepers, plus they're really versatile as you can stick your feet out. I was anti-quilt for a long time, but I came around and won't use bags anymore because I'm so much warmer under a quilt (with a nice pad; that's important). The Zenbivy Light Quilt and Sheet are also absolutely fantastic bits of kit; they'll be about the same weight and pack size as the Magma, but better quality and far more comfortable. The materials are next-level and they're draft free. They're simply amazing. You can save a big chunk of change by using a non-Zenbivy pad (the KILOSGEAR Aerocloud would be my suggestion here). You can also modify ANY quilt to work with the Zenbivy Sheet; that's an inexpensive way to get a near-Zenbivy experience for way less money. FWIW I use an EE 950FP Revelation in conjunction with my Zenbivy UL 25F Sheet. Hydration: I'm also a bladder guy, and you're right about it being a pain when the pack is full to fill up. I discovered a couple of things over the last year and I really love them. HydraPak makes a few soft sided 'bottles' (sometimes called flasks depending on the style) which have a small tube about 6" long with a bite valve designed to be carried in your backpack strap pocket. I really like the Flux bottles (I have both the 1 and 1.5 liter bottles). I like to keep mine in the side pockets but you can just swap the tubing for longer tubing and use it just like a bladder; it's amazing. Better yet, if you get one of the styles that has a 42mm top, you can carry two and put one of their filters, a Katadyn filter, or what I've recently move to, a Pure Clear filter in there and that way you can filter into the other one and even drink right from your filter bottle without having to transfer. Pure Clear is my choice because like the Grayl filter system it also filters viruses and pulls out tastes that aren't so tasty. They've also made a 'straw' type that you can screw onto a bottle, or put inline with a filter, or CNOC style bag to do gravity filtering. They are not terribly expensive and flow rate is plenty adequate. Sleeping Pads: Klymit should be criminal. They're terrible. The aforementioned KILOSGEAR Aerocloud is super comfortable and warm. The REI Helix is very similar, though I believe a bit heavier, though still very comfortable. Alternatively, the Flextail R05 is another great option and all of these are under $200; the Helix is often on sale for under $120. The Exped Ultra 3-5R pads are really comfortable and QUIET. My Zenbivy Flex is amazingly comfortable but they are pricey. I also have a Nemo Tensor; I don't find these to be the most comfortable, but they are quite comfortable if you keep them a bit softer, though this affects the insulating efficiency (if you get it too low). Shoes: This is NOT a cheap option, except for the fact that you'll likely only buy one pair instead of multiples. I'm... older (I'm caught unaware of this every time I look in the mirror and my 18 year old brain sees that old man staring back at me). Anyway, perhaps a product of age, but more likely a product of military abuse, I do need some ankle support, and while I 100% agree with you about not needing heavy boots (and in most cases finding the use of such boots a bad idea) I did need more than typical trail runners. Two things were absolute game changers for me after a couple of bad ankle rolls: Zero drop shoes. We all work Chucks as kids, and this is the same; there's nothing ground-breaking about zero drop shoes (your heel and toes are at the same height off the ground), but what does tend to be unique is the wider toe box they tend to have and that's a game changer. But the second part was finding the Altra Lone Peak 'Boot', which is just really a high-top version of the Lone Peak shoe. They're super light and give truly stunning ankle support. They're incredibly comfortable and great for 3 season hiking. In colder weather/snow I'd want something warmer as suggested here. Stove: I hate canister stoves anymore. The noise sucks and I'm never in that much of a hurry, so I've converted to the Esbit tablets. There's a nice $30 Esbit system that will also accommodate an alcohol stove, the fuel tablets (which are also fire-starters), and can burn biomass (twigs, etc.). I use a combination of the pot stand from the Esbit and a Toaks 750 or 550UL pot. However the Firemaple Petrel is the big game changer right now. It's a $25 pot and about the same for the burner and rivals (sometimes exceeding Jetboil) performance with a MUCH smaller pack size and is lighter. You can also use a pan on the Fire Maple burner as well.

[@rungavagairun]

You say that quilts aren't for beginners because of price barriers, but you can get a custom UGQ down quilt for less than the price of some of those Magma REI coop mummy bags (depending on the temp ratings). I think there are even some new quilt makers that don't do as much customization that sell their quilts for less than the UGQ quilts. If you think about all the useless down in a mummy bag that your backside is crushing, and that isn't part of a quilt, it makes sense that quilts would not cost as much. UGQ is made in the US, so they aren't stitched together by kids in a sweatshop.

[@Joellightner]

I’ve had the BRS 3000 stove for 3 years now. It’s 27.2 grams and only $17. My absolute favorite piece of gear! It’s a floodlight stove as well. Something to look into for beginners on a budget!

[@the_adventureaddicts]

That is great to know! Thanks for the beta!

[@EnderXeno1983]

Congrats for progressing out of the beginner backpacker tier. Can’t wait to see your gear once you graduate from intermediate.

[@rockyracoonanddogman1720]

Smart water bottle with the hose through the top stored in a side pocket and a sawyer squeeze would save a lot of weight. Along the same line, the brs 3000 stove and a titanium pot would also save weight and space for just boiling water. Good video, as always.

[@the_adventureaddicts]

We also have that attachment for a smart water bottle from Hardside Hydration! Good to know for just boiling water, thanks!

[@michaelstudelska5607]

I agree with the smart water bottle and a tube. Simple, cheap, light, easy to use.

[@KristinaGreenwood]

Old Altras were excellent! The last 2 pairs I've bought have fallen apart pretty quickly, I'm very sad to see the quality go down.

[@jonnewbury3482]

Yep. Mine are 3 months old. 2 hard hikes and a handful of runs and my lone peaks are coming apart.

[@the_adventureaddicts]

Oh no! That is good to know for future considerations, thanks!

[@scottfollmer]

You should try out Topo Athletic shoes. Much more durable and they have the natural foot boxes.

[@elyselapalme7040]

@@scottfollmer Just bought the Topo persuit 2 and they are fantastic! especially for my wide feet ;)

[@67L48]

I just got a pair of the Altra Olympus 6 (new for 2024). First experience with Altra, but I did read about the quality issues with the Olympus 5. I've only been out once with them and I'm not a real aggressive hiker. Super comfortable. I'm wearing them to work, too. Just love all of the cushion and support. It's so annoying trying to find low-top hiking shoes that don't have a ridiculous waterproof membrane. Drives me absolutely crazy. You pretty much have to get trail runners for a breathable option, even though I definitely don't run!

[@trtlduv07]

OMG yes i also HATEEE water bladders! That nalgene/water bladder looks so epic! One of my fav youtubers Robby Huang (from Adventure Archives) also LOVESSS the nemo pad! My fiance and I are planning to go on our first backpacking trip together in April! So EXCITED! I haven't been since 8th grade when I did the entire lost coast trail with my school. It was an incredible trip. The lost coast is so amazing! I can't wait to start backpacking again! This video was so helpful! Thank you!!!!

[@memathews]

Good guidance here all-around, especially the buy once/cry once attitude. Lightweight trail runners are a great choice for most three-season hiking and backpacking on trails, boots really shine off trail or on continuously rocky trails as well as during the wet and snowy winters here in the PNW. For actually cooking food nothing beats a fire except fire closures (closures are all summer in the PNW), so I'm still using anodized aluminum pot/pan for dispersed heat conduction and the OG Pocket Rocket (no need to replace what isn't broke on burners, but I do run an MSR Whisperlight with white gas in winter). I've been backpacking since 1965 and things really don't change much, just new generations of backpackers learning the same lessons in a circle of outdoor life.

[@the_adventureaddicts]

I love the "buy once/cry once" motto, I've never heard it put that way! We also use a Whisperlight in winter with white gas, definitely the better choice in those conditions. We are also limited by fire restrictions in most places we go but completely agree that cooking over real fire is best.

[@TallGuyPhill]

Will definitely be looking into the Hardside Hydration!

[@the_adventureaddicts]

It is the best!

[@roberttrinies7698]

I prefer the hose adapter that fits Smartwater bottles,the bottles are about 5 times lighter than Nalgene, and easily replaced at nearly any store or mini mart.

[@bdoubleu68]

Since you have moved to quilts, you need to look at the Neve Gear Waratah quilt. Unbelievable comfort, unmatched versatility.

[@johncramer9564]

Okay to sum up the whole drinking water thing, you need a heavy nalgene and hose system because you can't reach your water bottle without asking someone for assistance. It seems your problem is with your backpack. As for myself I only buy backpacks which come with the water bottle sleeve on the shoulder strap, so it's an easy thing to just grab the smart water bottle while I am walking. You didn't mention the total weight of your water system but I am guessing half a pound or so, compared to less than an ounce for a smart water bottle. There are many packs which include the water bottle holder on the shoulder strap. A few of them are Durston Kakwa 55, Palante V2, Mountainsmith Zerk 40, Gossmer Gear Kumo 36, etc

[@nikkibull7]

Also Aarn packs (from NZ) with their balance pockets…I keep my water bottles in the front for easy access.

[@the_robdogs]

Totally agree about the water bladder in the backpack, never seen one of them bottles you use instead though but I'll definitely be getting one. Makes so much more sense.

[@mathieulepage4910]

I would recommend considering the Scarpa Spin Ultra trail runner. Chosing the correct shoes or boots for backpacking depends alot on the trail and how much humidity is in the air. If the air is saturated with humidity nothing will dry all that much since the moisture has nowhere to go(This is why I use actual water proof jackets and not goretex ones). I went for the Exped Ultra 5R mattress and paired it with the Zenbivy light quilt/ ultra light sheet( I strap a gossamer 1/8" foam pad to the bottom so the sleep system doesn't slide around my tent). Platypus quickdraw filter with a cnoc 2L blatter for water setup and I filter into a cnoc 1L collaspable bottle. I only boil water for dehydrated meals, coffee and tea so for now that jetboil is plenty for me. It's also fast and efficient so much so that often my friend just lets me boil everything since it's just way faster.

[@jakecolvin3167]

I've bought so much gear over the years that does not work out like I hope for it to. But if you go on enough different types of adventures with enough different variables, I've found even the stuff that wasn't what I thought still has a spot for certain adventures.

[@TheJetJJ]

I am glad you didn’t trash my Salomon hiking boots. Trail name Rolly so yeah, I wear my boots with alpaca wool socks in the summer. My feet don’t sweat and my ankles don’t roll.

[@L4mTr4n]

I bought my Trailpod 30 on sale from REI for like $45 which was a steal!! It comes with me during the summer since I’m usually not packing as much weight. Since it’s so cheap and durable, I don’t have to worry about wearing out my expensive gear. I’m currently running the Soto Windmaster Stove (3.7oz) and Firemaple 600ml Pot (5.8oz) which is a lighter and more efficient setup.

[@nathanerbaugh9899]

Water bladders are absolutely underrated. I have never taken my bladder out of my pack to fill it, it's extremely easy to sit your pack upright and fill the entire thing from empty to full with a grayl or bottle, it's hands free, it gives you more capacity than a bottle, it being inside your pack keeps the water colder longer because the sun can't get to it, And the bladder takes less room as it collapses as it empties. the only downside in my mind is the plastic taste of the water as it comes through the line. The idea that you can fill a bag, filter water through one end and then fill a bottle to drink out of, located in a pocket that in most packs you can't even reach, but there's no way to fill a bladder with a hole at least 3 times the size of water bottle opening for some reason and you must start by taking it out of the pack also for some reason is so goofy. 😂🤦‍♂️

[@in2mtns]

I use the Soto Windmaster stove with the Firemaple Petrel 600 pot. Saves weight over the stash and save $ as well. Also I use a Smart Water Bottle with hose and Sawyer Squeeze. For quilt I have the Zenbivy because it was a bit of a compromise between mummy and quilt. I am a belly and sometimes side sleeper so I toss a lot.

[@hikinggsdmom8754]

Careful with the Altras. They’re super light, comfortable, and breathable. But they will last one season, at best. They have last the least amount of time compared to all my other trail runners.

[@the_adventureaddicts]

That is good to know, a lot of people seem to have the same feeling and experience.

[@NaturalistTaurus]

Please do make a video on the quilts! I've been really wanting to commit to one as I move so much in my sleep and hate mummy bags. And I definately do agree about boots and trail runners. I've made the switch for all conditions but winter/wet conditions. Aside from Hooa what other brand did you say you may try I the future?

[@the_adventureaddicts]

QUILTS! Love them, we will have to make a video in the future. We currently have Hoka and Flux. We have tried La Sportiva, Nike, and Salomon. For the future we may try the Altras

[@TheNewGreenIsBlue]

Picked up two NEMO Tensors late last year when they were bringing out the new models and clearing out the old ones at like 40% off. Love the pad. As for quilts, I'm seriously thinking of buying the Featherstone quilts. They sound like a GREAT deal.

[@speckofdust272]

Great tips thankyou 🙏

[@davejohn5876]

Just a word of caution when setting up your EE quilt. The removable, adjustable clinch straps are not intended to wrap around you're sleeping pad. If you do this you'll prematurely end up destroying the quilts outer fabric, (7d,10d or 20d). The clinch straps are intended to pull the sides of your quilt in- giving it more of a bottomless sleeping bag shape for colder nights but the quilt and straps should always remain on top of the sleeping pad.

[@michaelstudelska5607]

I spent a bit more for a Soto Windmaster. Very happy with it. Other people on the trail watch me boil water and can’t believe how quick it boils. I love my Topo trail runners.

[@dz6815]

Can you use it in the mountains? I was told for the mountain trips I should get a system like jetboil cause it winds a lot ln the higher attitude and systems are way more windproof and cooking wouldn’t be an issue while something like Pocket Rocket or Soto windmaster would be useless. Could you elaborate on that?

[@michaelstudelska5607]

@ the burner design is different from other stoves. It doesn’t blow out as easily. I read comparison reviews before making my purchase.

[@hector5299]

Jetboils are great for boiling water at Altitude, that’s about it. I use a Toaks 750Ti with either my Pocket Rocket or Vago Alcohol Stove as an all in one nesting system. I also had an original Nemo tensor which unfortunately had a leak at one of the baffling welds that could not be fixed. But guess what? Even though it was a few years old, Nemo replaced it for the new All Season version and even paid for return shipping. Thanks 4 the video.

[@84bellnl]

I use a water bladder, I use a quick disconnect from sawyer and fill it through the hose with a sawyer filter never have to open the pack

[@PaulSchortemeyer]

Love ❤ the 2 person presentation - keep it up guys 😊. Agreed with everything until you got to the Jetboil pot. It’s overpriced and overhyped IMHO. Get a Toaks Ti pot with any other burner (BRS is awesome) and you’ll be laughing. Have fun out there 👍.

[@Telthar]

I gave up water bladders when I realized they are completely useless in the winter unless most of the contraption is kept against your body otherwise the line freezes. For the warmer times, I might just be lucky that I can let me trekking poles dangle and get my smart water bottle out and drink on the move (but usually I just take a brief break every couple miles for a little drink). In the winter I either have a jacket with big internal pockets or use some other means to carry the bottles against my body.

[@briandoolittle3422]

I have a system where I can plug my water filter directly in to my water bladder hose, so i never need to open my backpack to fill my bladder. This requires an "in line filter" and some bladder hose splicing.

[@Tygoesoutside]

The Stash burner is actually still unregluated! The Jetboil Stash pot + the MightyMo stove is the best combo imo. The MightyMo gives you way better simmering capacity and a spark button to light it

[@kateandjosh]

Can you guys do a video on your ski and snowboard setups as well as your winter/ski bags?

[@micaelaiphys]

I hear you on the inconvenience of bladder locations but some packs (especially in the Osprey brand) have the bladder spot outside the pack between the harness and main compartment. But depending on my trips I go back and forth on the soft bottle / bladder debate.

[@jcb5011]

My got my jetboil stash with an REI deal. Only real negative I have is the price and the JetBoil Stash particularly does not have a (regulator on the stove. Which is almost never a problem unless it's cold and you are low on fuel, you may notice it flare momentarily. The size and weight were the biggest positives for me. The nested design is also a plus. I cannot confirm but it also seems to be more efficient on fuel needed for each boil than the Pocket Rocket/Toaks but not as efficient as the Flash.

[@benhazell470]

I’ve gone back and forth with water bladders for years… and I’m still using one, you don’t have to use the sleeve in your pack, some packs don’t even have a sleeve, just put the bladder at the top of your pack just under the lid/brain and it’s easy as to access and refill…yes some will say what if it leaks…never once have I had a bladder leak…bladders provide easy access water on the trail and then act as good storage at camp so you have enough water for hot drinks/cooking etc….when I don’t use a bladder and have bottles in my side pockets, my partner gets soooo fed up of me asking her to get my bottle for me!! I perspire a lot so I need to hydrate proportionally, hence a bladder, everyone is different so I would encourage everyone to try different systems and see what works for them

[@nicksam5518]

I love my EE 20 LW until I discovered UGQ. My UgQ 40 is amazing! I can push into summer mountain 30' nighttime dips np. Nemo tensor LW insulted all the way!(I did buy/ add a zenbivy sheet..ooh so nice! I side sleep, so an arm above my head in the pillow barn is a life-saver. Recommended!) My BRS 3000 stove is a mainstay, but..I do soooo love my soto windmaster. That soto uses less fuel, has pezo ignighter, and can rock wind(no wind screen needed) I'm in the Oregon Cascades, so I go in and out mountain temps on most of my hiking trips.

[@roberttrinies7698]

I love my Soto windmaster ,works better than most in the wind ,good fuel efficiency, and great flame control. Makes no sense to buy the jetboil just to use on other pots

[@alaskabornheathen8902]

If you live in a wet or cold climate your sleeping bag is your lifeline. You get it wet, it’s done. So I use Wiggys sleeping bags. If you can find any other bag that uses Climashield Apex it’ll be similar. The synthetic insulation is coated in silicone. It’s infinitely compressible and not affected by moisture. That means I can keep my head inside my sleeping bag and the moisture from my breathe doesn’t ruin the sleeping bag! They don’t pack down as small as a down bag but it’s worth the space and weight.

[@Gravel_Rat78]

I have switched to Altra trail runners this year. 100/100 recommend

[@summittaedae2323]

My jetboil is still going strong 5yrs later. I can do plenty with it. I’ve done steak poached egg potatoes and veg on top of Scottish munros. I’ve got a lot of high end gear now but I think I like the crux lite with the 750 he pot for most camps. The best kit yous have is each other. My partner hates me hiking hates me camping or maybe just hates me 😂 . Happy hiking guys

[@Toomuchgearguy]

Thinking about ultralight myself. Looking forward to your setup!

[@opulentElephant11]

I don’t like jetboil products personally and I’ve tried them all but it just burns stuff and it’s bulky. I do agree on shoes- I always hike long distance in trail runners. I use Salomon. Love em. Only time I use anything heavier is when I’m doing mountaineering and I need to attach crampons.

[@anthonyover]

Recently got a Marmot 25 degree 650 down fill bag for $129. It was 50% off on backcountry. If you are looking to save money you can still get great deals on down bags!

[@alexwbanks70]

Just subscribed... Great advice on most of this except the Jet Boil (ANY Version). So many better options at 1/3 or less the price and weight. Don't even bother with Altra's. I've been an Altra guy for almost 10 years. The quality of the shoes, or should I say there is no quality anymore. Stick with the Hoka's. The footbox in Altra is great but they just fall apart and wear our way too fast.

[@the_adventureaddicts]

Thanks for the heads up on the Altra's, unfortunately you are not the first person to mention that so we will definitely take that into consideration. Thanks for subscribing!

[@rotaman8555]

I have the Enlightened Equipment quilt and it is amazing! Absolutely worth every penny. Iv’e never spelt cold under it. I also have the Nemo Tensor pad and it also is great.

[@southsidecaddy]

I always prefer solid leather waterproof boots with a wealted construction. I'm not weak so them being heavy is a non factor lol and I wear military boots that go 8" up the ankle. Not getting water in them unless I'm basically swimming. I'll probably have these same pair of boots for 5-10 years instead of needing to buy new ones every year. The only time they were "too hot" for me is wearing them in the desert during the summer.

[@HikingwithDana]

I recommend trying Topos. Same wide toe box without the zero drop that can kill your Achilles if you don’t take the time to realy adapt slowly

[@HighCentered]

Just put a water bottle on the front of a shoulder strap of your backpack and done. No hoses, straws, whatever to mess with or (not) clean. I keep a small-ish bottle on the front, sip it regularly, and then fill it from my bigger water stash when I stop.

[@JoshSweet]

Given that you are both “medium” and probably don’t know, Nemo doesn’t make pads over 6’4”, when almost every other tall pad comes in 6’6”…. Rei helix pads are extremely comfy, light, warm, and cost effective (especially during sales).

[@jamesrohner3792]

You can get the Zen Bivy 25° light bed with sheet for under $375 and under 2lbs. If you get the uninsulated sheet you can get it for under $350. My Zen bivy setup weighs less than my Mt. Hardwarw Phantom 32° bag at 1.66lbs and costs less than alot of sleeping bags too.

[@kjh6395]

They make hydration hoses that attach to smart water bottles for a little more weight savings!

[@zieglla]

I use the Source Hydration water bladder & I love it. It has an adapter that clips into the mouthpiece & you can refill the bladder using various means. Check them out

[@blobit1]

Hi, great video with some good advice, I can relate to some of it as I’ve still got a Sigg water bottle adapter which is the same idea as the one you use, but it’s 15yrs old and still holding up, it also gives you a single wall alloy bottle which could be useful. All the best

[@the_adventureaddicts]

It is a great setup, alloy bottles are really nice if you want to boil water while it's in the bottle. Thanks!

[@pcgaminghelp]

Thermarest Vesper 900 fill down is on sale for $260 at Backcountry ❤

[@aries_tottle5551]

Msr Pocket rocket is my number go to stove for heating water and cooking plus it comes with a built in igniter

[@caitlin68285]

I bought a used Big Agnes Anthracite 20 to start as the Magma is currently out of my budget. One day or used from Re/Supply

[@petercruz1993]

I spent £30 on a sleeping bag and then £230 on a new Sea to Summit Accent ii off eBay after. Really glad I cheaped out and then got a proper one later.

[@jricosilva]

Look at the Source water bladder. You can refill from the mouth piece.

[@the_adventureaddicts]

Well that is an awesome idea! We will have to check it out!

[@kendarcie6613]

You are still pretty heavy with the products you selected. You should just use a 750ml titanium cup plus lid, with a BRS titanium burner, so your total cookware is below 5 oz. Hoka Kaha boots are the best, you do need ankle protection. The 2024 Thermarest Neoair xlite pad is the best, they are super warm and quiet. Buy sleepings bags on end of season clearance, I got an EN rated 20 degree Marmot phase, weight 22oz, for $200, normally $485.

[@2ddw]

Hiking footwear. I don't care to hike in boots but the sturdiness helps me out with my flat feet. I tried Altras...the inner sole permanently collapsed leaving the shoes with a permanent cant making flat feet worse. Not sure that I can do trail runners. Would love to for trails with lots of water crossings!

[@JohnCrowley-ij1ox]

Never go cheap on sleeping bags; Taiga out of Vancouver makes some of the best bags I've ever used. Just picked up a new one for my son and it is outstanding.

[@millieblue5014]

Awesome video! Thank you for sharing!

[@wyregrasser7540]

I regret buying anything with batteries or sil nylon. Now I love my Jetboil Mighty Mo, although I do use simpler systems at times. Thanks for the share. I enjoyed your takes. 👴

[@scottfollmer]

I recently paired my MightyMo with the Firemaple Petrel G3 pot and it’s perfect for solo cooking and very fuel efficient unlike using a titanium pot. I still love my MiniMo when my wife comes along as it’s great for 2. With both setups, I can go more than 8 days on a single small canister.

[@BronzeBellaBria]

I also have a Nalgene water bladder attachment from Amazon! I always get stopped about it on trail lol I think it also came with a smart water bottle attachment. I've seen versions on Etsy as well.

[@jamesrohner3792]

Firemaple Petrel 650ml pot has been a great add that I've paired with my original MSR Pocket Rocket.

[@BronzeBellaBria]

The Big Agnes Lost Ranger 3N1 0° is $336 at REI. Its a mummy and a quilt combined that straps to your sleeping pad. Haven't tested mine out yet and not sure whether you need a bag of that rating.

[@Murmurrr]

I got a fire maple boiler, i think it's the best of both worlds where it actually has slits in the bottom so that the pot doesnt slide around

[@rcuadro]

I am not a fan of water bladders either but my pack feels off if i put 1.5L of water on one side of the pack. My pack has a separate spot for the bladder so it is not hard to take th bladder in and out... And it keeps the weight against my back and centered

[@stevrnmcmorris]

Why not just get a toaks titanium pot and a burner , just as good and a whole lot less expensive

[@sirsir108]

EE apex quilts are like 200 bucks and a great option the synthetic ones are half the price but take up more room than down my 20 degree takes up like a 3rd of my 46 As far as sleeping pads go usually 1-1.5 CCF pad works for 98% of my trips Nemo tensor has been good to me over the years but usually I'm with my dog so CCF pads are what I'm usually using Altra line peaks have been good to me I do like xero scramblers a lot too Brooks cascadia have been good to me as well but I only use zero drip shoes these days

[@asmith7876]

Haven't had issues with my Klymit...got from Costco so it was cheap. BUT Exped makes the best. I had one that was maybe 18 years old and a baffle in the middle let go. It was so old it had been discontinued for years but Exped immediately sent me the newest model for free. THAT is a company I will give my money to.

[@Willard_guy]

Personally for starting out I feel you should start on the cheaper end. Obviously not the cheapest you can find but definitely on the lower end. Mainly because you have no clue how much you are going to enjoy backpacking. But I will say once you go a time or two things will deffinly feel like they need an upgrade so its definitely a balancing act.

[@tomatoomelette5111]

Try the Topo Athletic Traverse next time you are looking for hiking footwear, I made the switch from La Sportive Bushido II to these and I'm not going back, they are roomy, grippy and extremely comfortable

[@matthewb22]

Outdoor Vitals Quilt at 15 degrees is less than the REI bag.

[@austinremington3967]

I’m curious, for a thru hike on the AT would you go boots or trail runners?

[@RegEdmunds]

I regret buying a rain jacket, (£200) waterproof trousers, (£50) and a waterproof rucksack cover for £20. I now use an Altus poncho with a full zip at £40. I wear my poncho, waterproof gaiters, (£20) and waterproof socks at £25, and I'm dry.

[@ddff5242]

Nemo tensor is not bad but I'd also say the same thing you said in the video. I doubt you have tried other pads. Try the rapide sl or the rei helix. Both of which are more comfortable and warmer albeit slightly heavier.

[@BryceRhoades]

I have the new tensor and I regret my purchase, I wasnt able to get the wide rapide sl at the time and had a trip coming up so I made the gamble. The quality and warmth has been nice but its so hard to get the comfort right, for me there is only a specific amount of air that can make it work, but I wish I had gotten something more comfortable overall.

[@jamesrohner3792]

I have the REI Helix and it was an upgrade from my Klymit Static V UL (that I had no issues with). I love the Helix would like to try another pad but I'm set for now.

[@dougmiller4567]

As you talked about the REI sleeping bag I was screaming just get an Enlightened Equipment quilt...

[@mhaney1111]

Nemo tensors are really nice BUT they are notorious for leaking because the baffles come apart, usually under the weight of your hips. Big Agnes and Thermarest are much more durable.

[@konalux06]

Nemo claims that issue is fixed on the new versions.

[@tylerbaldwin9583]

Never had an issue, my tensor will stay inflated for a whole week

[@twinartifact263k3]

Do you know if there is a difference in size of the opening for the Nalgene sizes as I have a 32 ounce and I want to know if it is compatible with the Straw as it is only for 48 ounces

[@jamesrohner3792]

Should work for both 32 and 48 as long as they are both widemouth.

[@wtomassini]

Have you see the Altras trail runners and the Fire-Maple G3 Petrel ( heat exchanger pot portable ) 600ml with Fire-Maple stove FMS-116T

[@twinartifact263k3]

Where can you buy the water bladder Nalgene thing

[@jamesrohner3792]

Amazon has the One Bottle hydration tube kit for 30 bucks.

[@P5Yh0L]

Hoka running shoes are worst as I used. very comfortable, but sole of Torrent 3 model was peeling od after 130km and after claim and shoes exchange again after 60km. My collegue had Challenger model - the same problem after 50km od hiking. I had to buy another shoes three days before 500km hiking and Merrell Agility Peak saved my trip.

[@GooglingSteve]

Static v pads are complete trash. Never tried the Nemo pads but the newer REI pads are absolutely amazing. Super comfy and worth a try. During REI sales you can get the pretty cheap, so I encourage the try.

[@aok5298]

TOTALLY with you on the Klymit being 💩!!! The valve design is 💩 and YES they puncture easily. Thankfully I got a full refund and went for a Mountain Equipment higher R value

[@DK-wd8ju]

Sea to summit etherlight xt insulated > Nemo tensor.

[@dyu4634]

Without a doubt, camping is big business.

[@stevenfudacz1713]

Wow Jetboils have changed for the worse! At first I was like why not use the pot support attachment for the Flash but then when I looked on Jetboil's website it looks like that is now an extra attachment that gets sold separately. I got my Flash probably 8 or 9 years ago and back then it didn't have the strainer on the lid but it did come with the pot attachment. I know it came with the pot support at the time because I wouldn't have bought it if it was separate because I have only ever used the jet boil to boil water but I'm thinking of getting a titanium pot or something and try some cooking with it.. I believe at the time it was $99 for the flash with the pot support now it's $130 for the flash and another $10 for the accessory... yikes

[@michaelbutler1557]

I’m a mountaineer with 51 years experience. Jetboils are very good equipment.

[@johnnorman4420]

Great video! I could be a millionaire and wouldn't spend 400 on a quilt. Lol. Too many options. I go to REI just for options and ideas. Then go online and buy gear that sounds like a child made up the name 😂 Love my Wakoodi and Shyingtf gear lol

[@_Chris390]

Exped make the best sleeping mats. All Jetboils are a heavy fail. Just get a Soto Windmaster. Goretex shoes or boots are not a good idea.

[@wildflowerwonderer9426]

I've been using the klymit V static for about 4 years, personally I love it. I use it with a foam pad as well for extra warmth and I don't use it in cold weather. I have the green one which has a different valve than the blue one and I've never had any issues with deflating. I also have the pump sack for it with makes inflating it so easy. My friends both have sleeping pads from different brands, I like theirs but I personally like the Static V better.

[@the_adventureaddicts]

That's good to know, it is very possible that it is the model that we have. Hopefully yours keeps working great for you!

[@rickallen8743]

Topos are currently it!

[@toxikliz9610]

Why get a crappy air pad when you can get a folding foam one? They never leave you on the cold ground like that

[@ryanmoen6239]

Klymit Mat is terrible. I actually have x2 Luxe versions. And neither have ever kept a whole night filled. Actually leaving this morning for camp with first time using Nemo Quasar and new Big Agnes Echo Park bag. Can’t wait to sleep in the new system.

[@67L48]

I got a BA Anvil Horn (Long) this year. Not as roomy as the Echo Park/Diamond Park, but it has the same concept: a bag that's anchored to the pad with a back sleeve. I'm an active side sleeper and it was a complete game changer for me. It was the most bed-like experience I've had. Yours should be even better, since it's roomier than my Anvil Horn.

[@ryanmoen6239]

@@67L48 you nailed it. Got back yesterday. Was a total game changer. Top 5 best camp sleeps ever. Already planning the next trip.

[@_chimera_]

Add all new Salomon shoes. Used to be a great shoe! Now they are falling apart, same reports from western Europe...so its their new direction: cheap materials