Breaking a Cardinal Rule of Backpacking: All My Gear is Brand New-Gear Test with Dan Becker

Gear I'm Testing in this Video:
07:08 Big Agnes Copper Spur
14:08 Thermarest Parsec bit.ly/35MvchO
17:02 Big Agnes Rapide Air bit.ly/3HRM8BJ
18:38 Mystery Ranch Bridger 65L bit.ly/36S38dm
Fleece Midlayer: bit.ly/3HCrpAN
Puffy Jacket: bit.ly/3HHJYDQ
Gloves: amzn.to/3pCuGu2
Watch: bit.ly/3CbCAzo
Other Go - To Gear:
Wiley X Sunglasses: bit.ly/3NtJQKR
Tent: bit.ly/3CeOF70
Sleeping Mattress:
Sleeping Bag: bit.ly/3JTea1h
Satellite Communicator: bit.ly/3HvEqMQ
Cook pot: bit.ly/3tdCZ23
Headlamp: bit.ly/3sYXKOS
Rain Jacket: bit.ly/3JGoOYU
Down Puffy Jacket (warm!): bit.ly/32Jn5Sb
Down Puffy Jacket (lightweight):
Hiking Boots: bit.ly/3eSMmvy
Hiking Socks: bit.ly/3qLVyaI
Water Filter:
Water Bladder: bit.ly/3t2SrxF
Camp Pillow: bit.ly/34n4749
Folding Knife: bit.ly/3sXQNNH
Trekking Poles: bit.ly/3Hzq4LB
NOTE: These are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you, but it's a great way to show your support. Thanks!
Made with the support of Ontario Creates: ontariocreates.ca/
Dan Becker joins me on a backpacking trip in Sedona to test new backpacking gear and equipment. We're just two goofballs hiking and camping in the cold, winter desert.

[@Robert-yp9zs]

Both of you is an awesome pair of experts. Your videos present probably everything a prospective, newbie, or experienced backpacker would need to know. The are great confidence builders for all listeners. Please keep up the excellent work!

[@garrycollins3415]

I love my Copper Spur UL 2! I've got probably 50 weekend trips with it. Without the lights and the sack you should be less than 3 pounds. I can sit under the porch mode in one of those 1 pound too expensive chairs during the rain. I've accidently left it in porch mode during a serious gully washing downpour, no wind, and the inside stayed dry. I also use their mats. Plus BA's customer service is awesome. Great video.

[@glenloewen7507]

I have the same Mountain Glo tent in the solo version, and I too absolutely love it. What sounds like it could be a gimmick is pure awesomeness. Great episode.

[@lisajarnigan2168]

We have the UL3 and love it for the 2 of us. The batteries last a long time. I’ve left them on low all night a few times and the batteries are still going strong.

[@joonies82]

Bromance at its sweetest. You gents are adorable. Love both your channels, all the content, awesome stuff boys.

[@Zherec]

I would look into reusable AAAs for the tent. Eneloops for example are liked and trusted and much better for the environment than single use batteries

[@BackpackingTV]

That’s what I plan on! Thank you!

[@crlaf1978]

Pale blue!!! Great batteries! Amazon

[@Wombel]

I can only second the Eneloops. You can also just charge them with a charger and that would fix your "complaint" about the recharge. There also USB power charger so you can hook them up to your powerbank.

[@realfingertrouble]

@@Wombel yes I have a USB charger (one that does camera/mobile batteries too, German one, got it a decade or so ago) , but I also now have the USB chargeable AAAs as well (you plug them directly into your power bank), so I don't have to carry that. THe USB charger is not heavy but more extra weight, etc.

[@davefs9441]

Pad Thai , Beer , and Dan Becker? Sounds like a great time! Great video brother and of course subscribed to both of you... 👍🏻

[@miles1982smile]

Seems you are having alot of fun. Wow very very nice gear.

[@seanhounslow1313]

Had the same issue with the lighter weight Big Agnes pads. I went a slightly heavier one and no problems

[@GruntProof]

You guys are smashing the stereotype of snooty backpackers 👍🏻😎

[@exploringquests]

Big Agnes Cooper Spur tents are Awesome! I have the UL1 for when I’m solo and the UL3 when I’m with the wife. I’ve been in some pretty good wind and rain, and both have kept me dry and sturdy! They are well worth the money! Glad you like yours!

[@BackpackingTV]

Awesome! Yeah I love it and can’t wait to use it more. Getting the three person would be awesome for when I go with my girlfriend and our dog.

[@exploringquests]

@@BackpackingTV The three person tent would be perfect for that! I highly recommend getting it!

[@mpanini5694]

For the mtglo, you can disconect the USB connection from the remote to a power bank instead. You won't have dimming controls but hope this works :)

[@alexabney7913]

Dan was the one who made the headlamp recommendation that I actually took

[@musingwithreba9667]

You two are funny together! 😄 I have the Parsec 20, and I like it. The draft baffle at the zipper tho isn't quite big enough, I do get drafts on windy nights, but I just take a sweater or my puffy jacket and lay it out beside me. It's a very roomy bag for me, which I like because I'm a side sleeper, and it's really warm. Tho it is a few ounces heavier on my scale than advertised somehow. I've only used the pad straps once, when I was hot tent camping a few weeks ago. But they only fit on a 20in pad, so if you have a 25in pad they're not going to fit. Thanks for testing all that stuff and doing what you really shouldn't do! But you're the expert in 😉

[@BackpackingTV]

I'm guessing the baffle at the zipper on the 20 is a lot lighter than on the zero, as you could imagine. The pad straps looked like they had a lot extra that could accomodate bigger sleeping pads. Glad you enjoyed Dan and I's adventure!

[@SignalOutdoors]

I dig the porch mode on that copper spur!

[@BackpackingTV]

It’s my favorite feature! I love the doors!

[@dcsweb]

I see you got a replacement for the Rapide and love it. Any updated info on it, would you recommend it?

[@allentufts8799]

Great video

[@tuuger]

I got the salt creek 2 and love it so far. There's like no videos about it though

[@ZachBrimhall]

That is my tent as of last year. Excellent tent👌🏻

[@BackpackingTV]

Great to hear that! I’m super impressed.

[@crlaf1978]

It gets that cold there? That’s out temps up here in New York! Sheesh!

[@NinerK]

Watching this a year later…but I have had the same thing happen with losing air on the sleep pad I’ve found it best to inflate when I set up camp and then air up right at bed time.

[@Kauha]

I love the editor on this video :D

[@BackpackingTV]

Haha right?! Props to Manuela!

[@willedwards4478]

Curious to learn more about the Parsec. Do you plan on doing a long term review?

[@Amilookinatchoo]

Hey brother I think you can disconnect the battery pack & attach it to any usb power bank. We’ve done that with our Mtn Glo lights for years without incident. Happy trails! We love when you & Dan get together!

[@BackpackingTV]

Thank you so much! Glad to hear it and thanks for the tip!

[@ryanadventureeverything8758]

Yep. This works. Great video as always!

[@carmen172]

Love your channel and planning to buy the exact tent for my trip on the Wonderland Trail. I was wondering if you recommend their (footprint tarp) as well…heard it was recommended on their previous model of this tent? I think the new construction isn’t needed to use the tarp underneath the tent, but not certain. Tks

[@BackpackingTV]

Hey Carmen, I’ve never been a big fan of using footprints under or in my tents, but I also typically camp in drier areas. I don’t think they’re necessary but they do help keep out moisture and reduce wear and tear on your tent. Depends more on where your going but I think you can get away without one.

[@Colorado_Kkid]

Another good informative video ... Thanks Eric ... Curious if the sweater you were wearing is a "ALL-PACA™ FLEECE HOODIE" ... If it is ... What are your thoughts?

[@BackpackingTV]

It is the Appalachian gear Alpaca hoodie and yes I love it so much! I’m wearing it right now in fact. It’s great for cold AND warm weather. Amazing mid layer.

[@wisenber]

That's just what I've been looking for, an artificial source of blue light to mimic the LED bulbs I have at home before trying to go to sleep. Now I can pack my blue blockers for the trail! Makes my olive drab hammock tarp literally pale in comparison.

[@BackpackingTV]

I detect sarcasm? Haha

[@wisenber]

@@BackpackingTV Blue light aside, a well lit tent is another good way to ensure more photo ops for nocturnal insects. 👍

[@my_handle....]

Hi, I have a UL1 mountain glow. You can simply remove the battery pack containing the 3aaa's. It connects to the tent using a USB female socket. You are left with a USB male plug connected to the tent. To this you can connect any USB powerbank. The only issues are, you lose the brightness settings and that you have to disconnect the powerbank to turn the light off. So your wish has been granted! Kind of anyway... Top tip take a 4 foot long USB extension cable and you will not have to get out of bed to turn the light off. Just keep the powerbank in your sleep system and simply unplug the cable. Kind regards, T👍

[@BackpackingTV]

This is great! I appreciate hearing from a long-time user!

[@Jesus_616_Christ]

11:30 I bought the 3 person, but just the copper spur, not the glow, cuz why would I pay that much extra for tent with lights when I can buy tent lights lol

[@MegaSusanc]

You guys are awesome bahahaha! You cracked me up at the end 🤣 "he's angry and incompetent" 😆 hahaha 😆 😂 🤣 I love when y'all do videos together, "pretty awesome" Thanks for sharing God bless y'all 🤗HUGS🤗 KEEP ADVENTURING!

[@robertfrost5161]

Pexil has a 3a rechargeable battery pack that fits in most aaa spaces. If the batteries are side by side. Enjoyed the vidio. Thanks.

[@BackpackingTV]

thanks for the tip!

[@KissAnalog]

Fun video

[@barbaramitchell7917]

What is Dan using to hold/attach his Katayden water bottle?

[@WanderingSwitchback]

"You're ruining my video!" When YTers go camping together! 😂😂 When I hike with other YTers, you can find someone crouched down zooming in on something cool at any time. WHY don't more packs have straps like that?? I love having things within reach! I carry a waist pack, but I wish I could have it on my straps. I have a set of the MtnGlo lights that I use in a different tent, and I really wish they had a rechargeable version, too. But I love taking the lights with me.

[@tracyazhikes]

App gear hoodie. I have two, I like them so much.

[@BackpackingTV]

Yup! They’re incredible. Might have to get another one in another color. It’s my favorite.

[@MoonbeameSmith]

Is it possible that the air inside the mat had shrunk in the cold? I had a mat that did that when I slept on a concreate floor.. Every where else it was fine

[@thurstonhowell9782]

Any chance anyone knows what trail this is?

[@starting-simple6529]

Loved the video! You and Dan is always a good time with awful jokes :) I'm considering the BA Rapide or possibly the Nemo Tensor insulated. Do you have any experience of thoughts on the tensor? Thank you!

[@BackpackingTV]

Awful jokes?! How dare you! Also Dan had the Nemo tensor and he raves about it. I have gotten a replacement to the defective Rapide Air and took it on a trip and I loved it. So both are great!

[@starting-simple6529]

@@BackpackingTV Dan supplies the (dad) jokes, you supply the cool-guy factor, all in its awesome! Glad to hear the positive feedback. I'm not sure how you have you have your content set out, but I was wondering if I could offer two ideas: first, a laid back fire-side chat about your days as a guide, some of your most challenging hikes, and any other unique memories you'd like to speak on? Second, would be another pack review. The Osprey Aether Plus series is a step up in the price structure but includes some features I found competitive to Mystery Ranch. I use the Aether Plus for backpacking but have used Mystery Ranch products in the Army. I would love to hear your thoughts if possible. Thanks again!! :)

[@kristenf8065]

Omg I LITERALLY just laughed so hard at the very end- I needed that! “That’s uh, that’s just not a good combination..” 🤣 looked like a great time! I can’t wait to start my journey of nearly killing myself to see epically incredible views of things. No, that wasn’t sarcasm lol. I’ve convinced myself that camping isn’t quite enough- I wanna get myself to cool places that not everyone has seen- also I’m tired of waking up bc someone drove into the campground with their radio on too high in the middle of the night lmao. This should prove to be an interesting adventure! Thank you for all of your content, I really love your content!

[@BackpackingTV]

thank you so much! You can do this! Let me know how your adventures go.

[@kristenf8065]

@@BackpackingTV oh I’m sure there will be stories worthy of telling! Lol.

[@dragonpsytrance]

USB rechargeable AAA batteries by Pale Blue are excellent

[@Volunteeringjobsthai]

What size was the parsec sleeping bag? And how tall are u?

[@pinnaclefoodsco]

The high five sound effects 😂

[@BackpackingTV]

Haha right?!

[@Toomuchgearguy]

What camera did you take from Dan?

[@BackpackingTV]

He's got the Sony a7Siii. It's a beaut!

[@shawnr6117]

Built in LEDs! Glamper alert!! Glamper alert!! Lol 😆

[@BackpackingTV]

That’s for sure!

[@malikpata1996]

What down jacket is that?

[@BackpackingTV]

Big Agnes ZETTO. I really like it!

[@elizabethmcheffey8699]

Will this tent fit two wide mats? It looks amazing

[@BackpackingTV]

I don’t believe so. Or at least it would be really tight. I think you can get one wide plus one regular mattress inside.

[@GoFundYourself]

if you unplug the battery pack it has a USB that you can put into a charge pack

[@BackpackingTV]

Excellent! That’s good to hear.

[@zamir4618]

What does DB smell like?

[@BackpackingTV]

Mostly beef and cheese.

So many views, so little Likes. You know it’s free, right? Support the creators!

[@FrontlineLLC]

BA hooked you up. Like the LED’s but honestly, gimmicky.

[@BackpackingTV]

I definitely thought the same. And while I don’t know if it’s worth an extra fifty bucks, I do really like it.

[@ygjt76v0-----]

🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍

[@wandawilloughby6052]

Purchase rechargeable batteries. They last for several years

[@BackpackingTV]

That's what I plan on doing!

[@MikeHacker]

Lights should run off of solar

[@BackpackingTV]

that would be nice! but it would be heavier.

[@juliomb1]

Big Agnes pads unfortunately have a reputation for leaking. Read reviews on REI and you won’t go far before hearing about it.

[@BackpackingTV]

Outside of this experience I’ve had great success with them. I’ve heard stories too tho. If they sell enough air mattresses, even a small percentage of defects will mean a lot of problematic mattresses in the world. I personally am happy to give them another chance.

[@endmp25]

“You’re ruining my video! You’RE ruinING mY videO!” Hahaha

[@miserablecherry7651]

i didn't know John Krasinski backpacked?

[@BackpackingTV]

Is that a compliment? It feels like a compliment.

[@garyprice8330]

U need to review more budget gear the stuff u peddle I can't afford

[@janpayne964]

Just plug your battery bank into it

[@chadr52]

@backpackingTV hook me up with some sweet give away gear!

[@BackpackingTV]

Stick around! Giving away gear in a couple months!

[@williambruce1998]

Bruhs, beards, baseball hats, brand names on everything…

[@happyfuntimereviews5600]

Dan looks like he’s shed some weight...no more dad bod??

[@BackpackingTV]

I think it was all the tears he shed on the way to camp.

[@bluebellcrushedvelvet]

Hey Eric. I'm sorry I'm going to have to be brutally honest. *I didn't really enjoy this video!!* I don't get it but lately you have been missing the spot somehow and this was just the worst!! I'm so disappointed!! Oh, So you got 10lb in camera gear and you still gave a *very shaky, unstable and cluttered video??* I don't get it man! Things are so visually appealing in this video. The pops of colour of your new jacket, the new bag, the tent, even lovely scenery of the mountains! Blues and oranges, very engaging in that aspect. It's SUPER EXCITING and all I want is a nice thorough video of the gear!! To really get a feel of the gear itself AND the feel of the trip!! I'm sorry but it was just mad! Chaotic, messy and all over the place! You started to show us inside the tent, but it is so shakey and so close we don't get a single moment of visual calm to get a feel of the space! It feels like you missed some spots and features; as I see them in the background and you don't talk about them! There was just absolutely NO STRUCTURE to your video!! No thorough showing of the tent space ON A TRIPOD (fgs) and understand the inside features and pockets! Feel like you just haphazardly skimmed through it! Also we got so LITTLE footage of your meal prepping! The whole evening was barely shown. Missing the atmosphere, the comradery, what you cooked and so on. *Moments like that are so important!!* and are integral part of the story no? I really like to see the whole camping experience, night and cooking included, chats amongst friends! It's like you guys were not even together! Very little of the walk.was shown. Just few bits here and there. And skimmed through the whole experience. Come one Eric! You are a PRO!!! How have you let standards slip so so bad?? I'm sorry but you should do this video again! Coz I want to see all the *gear,* all the *camping moments,* and all the *walks!* with a gimbal or something, with a LOT more thought into how you are filming and what. *You gave such a bad show!!* Sorry man!🙄😤

[@BackpackingTV]

Phew. This is a lot to take in. I appreciate that you are very passionate about my videos. Truly. I’ve had a long history of working with camera operators on my trips, hence the steady camera work. This was my attempt at just going on a trip with my own camera and LEDs formally bringing you along. Sorry it didn’t hit the mark for you.

[@bluebellcrushedvelvet]

@@BackpackingTV 😓😞

[@bluebellcrushedvelvet]

@@BackpackingTV Please maybe look at others like *Justin outdoors, he does great *films* on his walks and shows great *gear loadouts!!*👌🏻 *Xander bundick, does also and films amazing food cooking in the wild! I love it. (Something like that, in your own version would have been nice. If you say you going to get dinner, and pitch the tent, why not show all of it? The process) *Mylifeoutdoors does amazing yet to the point videos talking about gear!! *Jay Legere. 👌🏻👌🏻 Thank you for taking the time to read my hard critic. I appreciate you and want you to have amazing vids. Please a tripod or gimbal at least, thoughtful shots. So I can watch you more and fully enjoy. Cheers, L. 🙏🏻

[@FrontlineLLC]

Are you serious with these comments? Please link your KZbin channel for comparison.

[@Pes._]

@@FrontlineLLC are you serious with criticism bro, don't you know you just supposed to lie and say you like everything. Like seriously bro cmon bro. Your the type of fake ass friend to say "yea you look good with that haircut" just to not "hurt my feelings"

[@WOLFSENT1]

I HAVE BEEN DOING IT WRONG… or old school, whichever you want to call it. Because I don’t use anything but a sleeping bag. I sleep on the ground. I use my old military Molle rucksack, which is not lightweight… I guess hiking in the past few years has been more about comfort? I’m not downing anyone who decides to go that way, I just like “roughing it”.. for lack of a better term. Even when I just go camping, the only thing I set the tent up for is to keep my gear in. I sleep under the stars with my dog. I DO Bring a camp shower camping, because I had enough of that BEING DIRTY bullshit while I was in the military. Backpacking. No. I just use baby wipes/hot water.