Cheap Alternatives To My Expensive Gear | I'd Buy Again And Again

[@AdhDad327]

Lanshan II is double wall. I LOVE mine!

[@DanBecker]

Thanks for clarifying!!!

[@AdhDad327]

No worries bro! As usual, great video!

[@adopancia7445]

Definitely a very good DOUBLE WALL tent, and you can buy a 4 season inner tent. Fantastic buy. And, if you would believe it, a very similar but even better one is this one s.aliexpress.com/zEBFfuEj I own both and the Asta is superior: a litttttle larger and fantastically built.

[@BackcountryForward]

Adopanci A how much does the asta weigh with inner?

[@SHORT84691]

This looks like a hidden gem. Larger than the Lanshan 2 and also the same weight. Is the weight description accurate?

[@BombedNevada]

Don’t forget to invest in yourself. Going for a few runs each week and getting in shape will make a world of difference.

[@JDSly1]

Especially if anyone is getting older like me. I'm 56 and simply couldn't do it if not for 3 workouts a week at our local YMCA and one day hike every 2 weeks with my full pack on. Training is a must.

[@chantenr4713]

Yes start with a mile a day walking or jogging then look up a video of how to stretch and do that before and after

[@E_Clampus_Vitus]

Working out sucks. Just get on trail.

[@jhonyermo]

@@E_Clampus_VitusEXACTLY absolutely positively

[@MementoMoriVeritas]

Dan, this is your bread and butter right here, man. This is exactly why I watch and like your videos. Practical advice for us weekend warriors who are just beginning our collections. Thanks!

[@nicksam5518]

Truth

[@backpacker3421]

You are absolutely right about not going cheap on a quilt/sleeping bag. "Invest in your sleep" is a saying for a reason. If you're looking to buy just a few upgrade items, I'd totally start with the quilt, then the pad, then the tent. A good night's sleep changes everything on day 2 and after.

[@cthehuston2486]

Dan - great video! Per sleep system, I use an Aegismax quilt. In colder temps, I’ve used it with a liner and a Costco quilt, or another sleep system. My cook system is a 550ml Toaks UL pot & BSR stove. Typically, I only heat up meals for dinner and maybe breakfast. Great ideas with jackets and rain jackets! Costco definitely has a few hidden treasures!

[@AK-xu5sj]

My wife’s OR jacket ripped. They replaced it free. It’s nice when brands stand by their products. One reason to pay more.

[@degamma8]

OR and Osprey are my go to because their lifetime warranty

[@teejay3272]

I sent a beat to hell, tenacious tape covered, OR Transcendent Hoody in for a zipper repair. They wrote me and said there was no way they'd sent that back and asked what color I wanted for my new jacket. And they delivered. Sent a beat to hell Osprey Kestrel in to see if they could replace the mesh which was shredded. They asked me what color I wanted for my new pack. And they delivered. I'm a lifer after that

[@AK-xu5sj]

@@teejay3272 let’s hope they never change.

[@Ethan-um7cp]

I got a pair of OR waterproof shell mittens ... USED... in 1993 for snowboarding. Still waterproof today.

[@bP-yr3po]

Hammock Gear Econ quilts are cheap warm and light....my favorite piece of gear is a 20 degree Burrow. Also If you are a summer/shoulder camper AntiGravity Gear makes a 55 deg quilt that I have slept in all summer and now into the fall. It's like a professional tailor made a coscto quilt. Overstuffed, very light and 70 bucks!!

[@HippieHikerChik]

Paria makes a great 15 degree quilt. It's around $170 on Amazon. I've since upgraded to the ZenBivy but bought my daughter a Paria quilt.

[@jobasti98]

The Decathlon Forclaz MT 100 50L backpack is worth checking out - many people talk fondly of it. And I'm very happy with the Marmot Sawtooth is a great affortable down sleeping bag..

[@tatatheretiktok6031]

The HeatSeeker quilts from HangTight's Etsy shop are super affordable and very warm. The stitching looks good, but time will tell how durable they really are

[@Alaska_Gal]

Another great tip is after you find the item you want, do price comparisons online. I got my (normally $300) Marmot rain shell on sale for $125. Used it hiking in 30 - 50 degree rainy weather in Alaska & it was great. Also loved the pit zips :)

[@imperialwhovian3461]

I’ve really enjoyed my Klymit Static V luxe insulated air mat, it’s a decent budget option.

[@JeronimoHillam]

Klymit sleeping pads are great budget pads. A few sizes/styles for varying needs.

[@toomastsamoot6549]

I love my Klymit hammock pad with the little "wings". Besides the obvious extra side warmth, it prevents your hands from touching the mosquito net (and being bitten) if you want to read or use your phone lying on your back.

[@Brinxy13]

Not for winter though, they just readjusted their R values and made them rendered useless almost.

[@brandonfoley7519]

Can you do a AT thru hike with it

[@alyk]

I have a Lanshan 2 (old version, double wall, taped seams) and I absolutely love it. Storm, Rain, Wind it always kept me safe. Quality is really good. Was my first tent ever and I find pitching it not that difficult.

[@Coreycry]

Cheap cooking pot : Lixada Titanium pot (with cover, foldable handles, amazon or aliexpress) 350/420/550/650/750ml 550ml: 80 * 100mm / 3.1 * 3.9in (H * D); Weight: 106g / 3.7oz 650ml: 96 * 100mm / 3.8 * 3.9in (H * D); Weight: 112g / 3.9oz size note1: 550ml means the pot is FULL of water, if you want 550ml of usable water, get a 650ml etc size note2: most dehydrated food pack require between 300 to 450ml of water.

[@adamfleck956]

I'd say outdoor vitals is easily a much cheaper option and a really good quilt

[@davideggleston2752]

"You hate you're not going to die rating" 😂 Took me a few backpacking trips to buy a good bag, Az can be tricking.

[@DanBecker]

🤣🤣🤣

[@BackcountryForward]

David Eggleston totally agree. I have 3 bags now (and one quilt) and I feel like I’m still testing/searching... finding the right bag has by far been the hardest journey for me.

[@vancelanger7749]

I'm absolutely in love with my Lanshan 2 and I've even taken it (the 3 season version) on a couple of trips to Mt Shasta and camped in the snow! I've had it in every kind of weather and it's never let me down. I bought it in college and now that I'm working and have the money, I think if I had to replace it I would go with the REI Flash Air 2 Tent. It's almost the same design for about $350 but seems to have some improvements (and REI's return policy!). Also, for cheap backpacks the Modase pack on amazon is a frameless, 40L, 18 oz backpack that costs 24 frikkin dollars. Being frameless you're limited in weight but if you can get your weight under 30 lbs it's a crazy deal. My go to is a Crown2 though and it's an incredibly well-designed pack that is a joy to use. As for cheap sleeping bags.... i dunno, this is just something I can't cheap out on!! I do enjoy my Mountain Hardware Lamina Z Spark. Thanks for the video!

[@KristNorsworthy]

can you link me to the Modase pack? I don't see it on amazon. Thanks. :)

[@Baasicstuff]

Everything recommended here is great, love the Pasta POT

[@freddonelson5505]

Good stuff here! I use the Paria 15 degree overquilt and absolutely love it. For the price, you can't go wrong. At a little over 2 lbs and $160, it rivals quilts at 2-3 times the cost. I also find the Paria Recharge XL sleeping pad a winner as well. Comfortable, wide, and R value of 4.7 and just 26 oz ... at $85.00, it is also a great value!

[@sueb860]

I 2nd the Paria quilt and sleeping pad! I have a UGQ 0 degree quilt but to get my daughter and hubby into cold weather backpacking, I got them each the Thermodown 15 quilt. I also got the Recharge insulated pad because I can't justify $$ for an insulated thermarest or nemo pad, and I am very pleased! Devin at Backcountry Exposure has done some good reviews on Paria products. I like that he reviews gear that is budget friendly and not as well known as the big companies.

[@freddonelson5505]

@@sueb860 Devin was the first one to stear me towards Paria as well!!

[@greggjames4759]

I picked up a 3.5 lb. Hyke & Byke Antero 0⁰ hammock bag for 200 bucks. Not super cheap but INSANELY warm (⁰F, not C). Plenty of room to side sleep (I'm 6-1 /190lbs) and eliminates the need for an under quilt. Also - got mine in black and orange, which we know you like :)

[@markwhitelaw6264]

Can I add a tip for high end gear? Sign up to the mailing lists of all the outdoor gear retailers. They will send a ton of emails, but they always have sales on, so you can always find something that you need. I have a ton of Rab gear, most of which was bought at a discounted price.

[@mabon6641]

UGQ quilt can be substituted for a custom "little shop of hammocks" "Z" toaster quilt. The shop is based in canada and is in CAD so you Americans may like that, Canadians can save some money. LSOH is generally 100$ cheaper. But it is a tiny less customizable, theres only like 2 things UGQ has for customablility that LSOH doesn't. The quilts also come with storage sacks while with UGQ you gotta buy one

[@rainshenandoah3193]

Dan your right on target and right to the point all in one video which makes us want to see all your videos!!!!!.Your amazing, down to earth love your videos

[@DanBecker]

Thanks a TON!!

[@bsomoneyman]

REI Half Dome is also a great budget friendly tent! It is a double wall system and can be found on the cheaper side of $100 around the holidays! Great video!

[@DanBecker]

Awesome! Thanks for the contribution!

[@LiahusN]

I am a middle aged man hiking as long as i can remember. And i go hiking quite often. IMO there is no need to buy "expensive" gear cuz expensive doens't always mean better. Y do u need a 800 dollar down! For a majority of people even 100 dollar jacket is expensive. I use a 70 dollar decathlon light down and it never let me down. It is better than the expensive branded jackets my showoff colleagues wear 😁 Cheers ❤️ Talking about the jacket only cuz I stopped watching after "$800" 🙏

[@donnienewman9141]

I have the Osprey Exos 58. Love it. It lighter than most 2.63 and you take off the scull and it's less yet. I took it book over the zpack because it has a crazy lifetime warranty. My dog could run off with it and they'd take care of it. Dan I wish I could have been at Yankee Springs. If you do this again I'll be there. We only live 15 minutes away. Plainwell.Mi.

[@gorsch777]

I remember you weren't super impressed with the Outdoor Vitals Stormloft Down 15 degree Top quilt, but I've really been happy with mine so far. Got it down to 30 in my hammock, and the only chill I got was from below, through my uninsulated pad. Which was expected. As a cheaper alternative to UGQ, I'm happy...so far.

[@gorsch777]

Great video also! I'm going to look into that cheaper tent. Looks like a poor man's "The Two"

[@Greg-tj8rg]

I honestly enjoyed using my uncles big old external frame pack when I did about 70 miles in 8 days with scouts. Was quite comfortable for me, I really love the ventilation you get with the external pack. If they had a cheap ultralight external frame pack I would be all over it

[@jabbathejuh101]

I use a kelty cache hauler for hunting its not the most lightweight but ive hiked 80 miles with a heavy load and it definitely did the trick. If you go to kelty site they have one called the trekker you might like. Go to the sale tab they mighthave last years model on sale. They only sell the hauler at sportsmans but uts super comfortable. And you can use a duffel as it just holds whatever bag you want to use by huge flaps buckled together.

[@mtadams2009]

I picked up the Big Agnes Tiger Wall tent last year on sale at REI for 300.00 it's worked out well. I just upgraded again to Zpack Duplex to drop some more weight. Both tents are great one is just lighter.

[@TeamHardLife]

That's awesome to get the kids involved always a blessing...

[@CochiseGE]

Dan, the Hammock Gear Econ line of quilts may be a good, less-expensive option.

[@adamcates603]

so-sign. I got my 20-degree Hammock Gear Econ Burrow for about $120 used, but in great condition.

[@bobbybrowning5898]

I’d also check out HangTight gear on Etsy. Steve, who runs it, is a stellar dude who makes quality gear!

[@texmexia49]

Second that. Have a 10 degree Econ Burrow. My favorite piece of gear I have.

[@daveworthy9919]

When it comes to quilt or sleeping bag I would recommend military surplus MSS modular sleep system intermediate cold bag for extreme weather or the patrol bag for mild cold weather or buy the whole system and use what you need they have a compression stuff sack that is amazing for a Holding it all in a small compact size the whole kit can be found for around $100 or $25 per bag on eBay prices vary but I’m happy with my purchase

[@MM27052]

For a rain jacket just get a military poncho its durable, lightweight, and a tarp for sleeping get a quilt and a byre of main hammock get a anker solar charger your a good solar panel and 10,000mah so its a good charger and for a pot go to walmart it,ll cost you like 5 bucks pack osprey daylite cinch or something like that its round $45-50

[@paulreplogle8354]

Mouth bellows alternative. Plastic straws make excellent mouth Bellows. They don't cost anything, they don't weigh anything, you can put thim anywhere in your pack, you can carry an extra one or two without adding any weight to your pack, and they work really really well.

[@jesusisaliveannie3594]

Any thoughts on zenbivy? Looks nice that you can fix the quilt down onto a fitted sheet.

[@rucksackzen]

Love my Lanshan. It is a double wall tent and a fifth of the price of Zpacks. You usually have to order it from China (AliExpress) and it needs two trekking poles.

[@chrishoward3227]

Cheap Quilt: Paria Outdoor Products Thermodown 15 Degree Down Sleeping Quilt. $165 on Amazon, just got back from the Smokys with temps in the mid 30’s and was absolutely toasty warm, zero cold spots!

[@VanceReviews]

Hey, love you’re videos. I’ve watched a ton of you’re stuff. If I could offer some feedback, your text comes up really fast and so small I can hardly read, see or sometimes even notice it before it’s gone. If you could make it bolder, maybe a drop shadow, something to make it easier to see. Keep the content coming!

[@DanBecker]

Great advice! I really appreciate that feedback! I’ll definitely work harder to make sure Text is more visible. Thanks again!

[@stevenbrogna1100]

Synthetic 20f bag, 100 percent wool blanket liner from goodwill, and foam garbage pad. Very cheap alternative for 0-40f

[@davidwatters3977]

best sleeping bag system: The North Face One Bag.. three temperature ranges built into one sleeping bag

[@rofferdal]

Great video. I know it's getting old, but I am in the process of renewing my interest in hiking and camping in the wild, and it was reassuring to see that two of my budget investments, the Lanshan 2 tent and the Osprey Exos backpack are mentioned here. As for sleeping, I prefer a large sleeping bag over a quilt, and went for det Warmpiece Viking 600 as a 3 season bag. I bet it is not better than yours for your preferences, but I guess peoples differing preferences is the reason for the many different products out there. One thing you have said in other videos and that I totally agree with is the fact that you need good sleep, so sacrificing quality for cost should not happen when considering the sleeping system. A really quick comment about the cooking pot choice: I camp alone for the most part, and first went for a small pot. What I discovered is that a small 0.5 l pot make the total solution more bulky than a larger 1 liter pot. The reason is simple: The larger pot can hold my gas canister. So in this case, more is really less.

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

I'm loving the new near zero tent I got this year, fits the weight and price of lanshan but doesn't take trekking poles. I go into more detail in my review of it.

[@TrailbaggingCascadia]

Can confirm the cheap Chinese pot is legit!

[@degamma8]

I own the exact pot! Burned the silicone handle when I wasn’t paying attention but it’s a champ, has lasted me 4 years now

[@Deepstatedebate]

Mmm, aluminum leaching into food is so delicious! Maybe pick up some lead utensils while you're at it. Get all the metals you shouldn't eat with.

[@Deepstatedebate]

Hope you folks like Alzheimers.

[@tchaikca]

@@Deepstatedebate if your kidneys are functioning properly-the risk is negligible of ingesting enough aluminum (or lead) to have any effect.They still (after 40 years of study) have not been able to conclusively state that there is a link-and that’s researching ALL metals (including the ones that occur naturally in the human body). I like my Moscow mules in a copper mug-won’t be stopping that any time soon.

[@baldmi3603]

Thanks Dan for the alternatives. I am looking into hiking but the sticker shock is keeping me at home.

[@1LeggedAdventures]

Me too! Sintax77 has a great budget 13lb packing list ($250) I am thinking of going for.

[@JRoss707]

Keep an eye on EBay, Bald, hiking is often a recreation where people will buy and realize it’s not for them, and then sell after one use. I’ve found some awesome like new equipment for half the price of new.

[@TeslaOverland]

Love osprey or Gregory bags and klymit insulated pads.

[@phillipdelaney2989]

I second that. I love my ospreys. Gf got a small gregory daypack that has exceeded my expectations so far. light and durable! We rock climb so we're always scraping and scuffing our packs, but haven't seen any noticeable wear. If the reservoir fails, replace and 'upgrade.' I've had the insulated klymit insulated pad for 2 or 3 years and I don't recall ever being cold while sleeping on that. Ive had a few different pads but that one has been my favorite.

[@johnmclain250]

I like the klymit insulated long and wide pad myself. It's the only one thats large enough for me to be comfortable on, and perfectly fits in my tent so I can't roll off of it in my sleep.

[@MrRickroll23]

I love my Gregory z65. Bought it on sale for $150. I started with an "internal frame" Wal-Mart backpack hurt my back. Splurged and bought it for myself and it is fantastic

[@Blix79]

Arcteryx atom lt jacket (the one you’re wearing) is my favorite jacket ever. I wouldn’t pay retail for it though. Marmot precip and minimalist are my favorite rain jackets.

[@bernardweaver2416]

I agree with other folks that the hammock gear econ quilts are the way to go. I have a 30 degree econ quilt and the standard 20 degree underquilt and have been comfortable into the low 20s. For tent camping I'd definitely order the wide version of the quilt.

[@Errcyco]

I got a mens Eastern Mountain Sports Feather Pack jacket in 2021 before the price doubled.. $90 skipped for 800-fill treated 90/10 goose down. Ripstop 10D DWR nylon.. awesome. My mistake was buying a large, I needed Medium or maybe even small. Opps.

[@Aestheticnerdlife]

black Orca has a top quilt for like $60, it says 40 degree but im comfortable down into the 30s with just a base layer. 20s with a sweatshirt and insulated pants.

[@youwild4432]

A really good alternative for a quilt/sleeping bag for the warmer months is a Snugpak Jungle Blanket. It's lighter then most and it is warm. You can even get them in the 'XL' size.

[@EakinsOutdoorAdventuresEOA]

UGQ are the best out there in my opinion. The wife and I both bought one that was rated for 0°. The UGQ quilts are worth every penny

[@JB50713]

Mountain Hardwear rain jacket here. Amazing! I wear it in winter too with down filled cheaper jacket under. So warm and versatile!

[@johnhughes5665]

Ditto

[@05chmps]

Great MHW trekking shirt too.

[@cobbler88]

Just a note that there are several budget sleep pads that would likely be better than the option in the vid (depending on your needs), but you have to do some researching and figure out what you're comfortable with. For example, you CAN get a pad that's almost 4" deep and 28" wide for just shy of $40, but it's about 1 lb., 10 oz. Something that thick should keep your hip bones off the floor. Just be careful about how tapered your shelter is, though. If you're in a teepee/A-frame type of tent, the 3.7" pad may have your forehead pressed against the wall as you lie there. There are others that are a little more narrow and shallow, but you will be able to find something in roughly the 76x25x3 range that should be perfectly comfortable in the summer (since the R-value for a cheap pad is usually around 1.3) for $30-$40. Just run an Amazon search with the price range you're looking for and start clicking on the results. As far as the quilt, it seems like it's the temperature rating that is the sticking point regarding a budget alternative. But note something I tell others (and constantly remind myself), which is that the quilt kind of resembles a mostly unzipped sleeping bag, doesn't it? Along those lines, you can usually snag a used 15-degree (not quite as warm, but in the ballpark) bag from REI for about $60. Again, the caveat is that it will come in just north of 3#, whereas a comparable quilt would weigh a little more than a pound.

[@SteveStevenson10]

I really like that he is positive to all the products

[@alyk]

There is a blanket style 800 FP down sleeping back from Naturehike, 500 Gr/ 1 pound. I paid around 100€ at Amazon. It keeps me warm around 10 degrees Celsius/ I guess 40 degrees for u. Surely not so good as an UGQ but good enough for backpacking here and there.

[@mikepowers5820]

Dan. The sleeping bag that I use is from hyke and byke. Mine is the Eolus model. It’s 800 fill down and rated at 15 degrees. I haven’t had a chance to use it in the extreme cold. It’s a decent bag. I got it from Amazon and it ran about $160.00

[@degamma8]

For cheaper quilt look at Hammock Gear’s Econ line, just opt for the wide option on the top quilt for ground sleepers as the original is designed for hammocking with an underquilt. They are amazing, not cheap but very reasonable. I absolutely love mine!

[@Millennialmindset-1]

I have been using the cheap Chinese pot for two years. It's great for getting set up. I am about to upgrade for no reason at all.

[@marcusshiffler2614]

Hammock Gear Burrow Econ saves at least $20 or more to a basically identical UGQ quilt. Take a look at how it's optioned out and do a comparison - it'll always be cheaper than an identical UGQ quilt but may be a lot cheaper. ... I have a UGQ quilt tho.

[@DevlinFoster]

Great video! Love my Lab Shan2. FYI, you can hang it from a ridge line instead of walking poles. And I heard they're coming out with a single wall tent soon that'll be around two pounds.

[@malorierenee]

I got a down puffy from Mountain Warehouse, $45 on sale, 15 oz, tested to -30°C depending on activity level and such. Awesome jacket.

[@VegaChastain]

So glad I found this channel!! I'm just starting out, and this is EXACTLY the information I need for every question I have. Dan is so genuine and easy to listen to - I trust him, and that doesn't usually come easy for me! haha Thanks so much, you've saved me so much experimentation with these videos!!

[@LetsTubetalk]

So... I know you mentioned you didn't' have a cheaper alternative for the quilt but you DID mention you have the Outdoor Vitals quilts... I'm curios how you feel they rate in regards to performance since they are SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper in regards to quilts in general from other cottage companies???

[@dgclrk1]

On packs I bought a granite gears vigra 2 a frameless 52 liter pack weight is 1.8 pounds and cost 130 on amazon...have got 1100 miles on the pack it's not been abused but it's not been "babied" either and its held up well

[@Bavariantourist]

just 20 degrees? i have a tipp for you. the Brenta sleepingbag from Carinthia! Last weekend Ive slept in it in 24 degrees and i had just weared long underwear and a beanie on the head. It kept me perfectly warm and very cozy. In adddition the Brenta Model hast a cotton mix in the inside, gives me the feeling of sleeping under a blanket in my bed i absolutely love it. in most other sleeping bags its like wrapped in a plasic bag for me now. Comfort zone till 12 degrees and extrem even -22. for about 180€ its the best thing you can get it you want a decent sleepingbag for Outdoor activities in the Winter. Btw this company supplies Winterjackets and Sleepingbags (Model Defense 4) for the german army. speaks for itself i guess

[@ianconnor3937]

Drop (Massdrop) Pine down quilt. Its not 20 degree, but for $100 I think it can cover a lot of situations.

[@blizark1]

i use a teton sports tracker 5 for my sleeping bag. I've used it on 27 degree nights quite comfortably. It was about $70 on amazon.

[@96Logan]

I love my outdoorsman lab sleeping pad! My father got me it for Christmas a few years back. I don't actually "camp" with it though. I keep it in my backpack that I take everywhere with me. That way, if I ever have to stay the night at someone's house, I have a place to sleep.

[@christianbrandt9877]

Habe als Winterschlafsack den "Mountain Hardwear BOZEMAN 0F/-18C LONG". Wiegt zwar zwei Kilo und nimmt massig Platz ein, ist aber jeden Cent wert. Comfort-Temperatur liegt bei -11°C. Bei -9° musste ich noch nen Stück aufmachen weil's zu warm war. Zu mir: 1,86m, 75kg, friere manchmal schneller als andere. Geschlafen hab ich damit unter freiem Himmel bei Schneefall und bis -11 Grad. Schnee schmilzt zwar ein bisschen, aber der Schlafsack lässt die Feuchtigkeit nicht rein. Man bleibt also trocken. Kostet momentan im die 150€. Dafür eigentlich ein super Preis-Leistungsverhältnis.

[@tundratea2]

I got a 4 season 2 person gear top tent for 170.00. I like it. Easy to set up. 5 pounds so a little heavy but not bad.

[@MM27052]

Also I got a sleeping bag from walmart its like Ozark trails or something but I,v used it in I think 35°f sweaty all night and I,v had it for like 12 years now its mostly patches wax thread and duct tape but still pretty warm and its synthetic so you know for $10 it was idk if it still is but good opion

[@delphinelesterlost3285]

Your experiences with gear make it so easy for us

[@titanpreparedness]

Nice video man. I enjoy how you still hit up the Amazon specials.

[@travishillis3243]

I would love a UGQ 20. BUT for now my Teton leaf 0 degree is about $80 on amazon and I LOVE IT. It got down to 22 and windy, I was in a hammok, and I was toasty in this thing! I'm looking into getting something around 30 or 40 degrees that's really lightweight when it's not super cold out. The one downside is it is right at 4lbs With the stuck sack. (Which I don't use) But if I'm hiking and I know it will be under 35. I don't hesitate in bringing it.

[@sonicfan2651]

Kelty Cosmic 20 is a relatively cheap sleeping bag that is fantastic to use and sleep in about 100-120$

[@lordmarshall5239]

I have that style cook set. I heat up two cups of coffee in the big pot and poor what I want into the cup and drink without burning my lips. My Nemo Vector is like your Tensor but I have a built in foot pump and they are comfortable. Thanks for information, you’re always very helpful, I need Frog Toggs. I don’t go out in the rain much so a cheap raincoat makes sense 😊

[@pwoc94110]

I tried on an OR Helium jacket at REI once. In my opinion is was just about the least breathable jacket I’ve ever worn. I began sweating immediately. I really don’t understand its popularity. Maybe it’s just me, maybe the Helium II breathes better than the original. The more and more I learn about gear, the more I appreciate that most of this comes down to personal needs and preferences. But honestly, I wanted to rip the thing off three seconds after I zipped it up.

[@thephatalien]

Yes more of these videos. Just getting into hiking and backpacking again and looking for what’s good and also the budget options. Thanks for the input!

[@back2natureadventures776]

Outdoor Vitals quilts are less and absolutely ROCK!

[@kirkw1740]

I've seen similar quilts on aliexpress for around $100 though it's always buyer beware with sites like that. I would say for cheap sleeping gear go with wool blankets, it's not lightweight but you can get it from the army surplus stores and it will work even if wet. Plus it's easy to modify with a bit of sewing knowledge if you want the same abilities as your quilt.

[@holben27]

Seconded. I'd actually say never buy a 30+ degree rated sleeping bag and instead go with a large, thick wool blanket that can wrap all the way around your back. If you expect the temperature to be below 30 you should definitely go for a nice quilt if you're doing ultralight, but thermal underwear + wool blanket + lightweight waterproof covering can do the job just fine if you dont mind the weight.

[@tacbear]

I found a Osprey Atmos 50 at a second hand store NEW with tags for $130.00. I also got a deal on Ebay for a Moonstone 800 Goose down fill 15 deg. 2 pound bag for $250.00.

[@BrianHSC]

If you're hiking CDT or PCT where you'll be out of contact for 10 days and your life depends on your gears, I'd agree you'll want the best gears. But for casual backpackers, I'd recommend cheap gears as long as they work. All gears fail eventually and while some companies offer life time warranty, they don't cover shipping. And sometimes, the shipping cost alone is price of cheaper gears. If you're just weekend backpacker or section hiker, just get cheap gear and replace often. This is better than sticking with expensive gear that lasts forever as new designs (or copies of) come out every year. If you're just starting out in backpacking and want to do it with your family, spending $1,000 worth of gear per your family member isn't feasible. And in many cases, cheap gears are same product without the brand premium. Osprey and North Face backpacks are made in Vietnam, China, Bangladesh... I've seen same parts on $40 Chinese backpack as $200 Osprey backpacks.

[@JDSly1]

Thanks for including the budget gear suggestions. I work for a living and simply cannot afford much of the high-dollar gear.

[@Seedavis397]

I have a ugq 0 degree under quilt and I love mine

[@billyhorr7126]

Shoes? tell us what shoes and sox u wear...How do we prevent blisters

[@spencerthomason6558]

Thanks Dan! Good stuff. As for an inexpensive lightweight down sleeping bag, the Aegismax M3 has surprisingly become my go-to sleeping bag. At just over 2 lbs and comfortable into the upper 20°'s, the $150 price tag is outstanding.

[@trevorscott8929]

Spencer Thomason, I got the Nemo forte 20 at REI on sale for $160 and it’s been phenomenal. A little more room to move than the traditional mummy but all the advantages.

[@ericlaw2282]

You never talked about your arc’teryx jacket.

[@Carsonsaurus]

Hilarious opening, and quality info, great job Dude! Subscribed for sure.

[@gabirusama3072]

I wear medium. Do you recommend I buy a large down jacket for backpacking or should I stick to my normal size? I’m thinking about my layers maybe making the jacket feel too tight

[@scotteh6130]

Buy once, cry once. Great tips and gear guide Dan!

[@johneason6540]

Also, good timing, I'm researching pads to do some cold weather outdooring, teens or twentys. Thanks on the memo tensor insulated. Recommended by several hikers.

[@johnschmalbach8243]

I would only say the following for one other item, the Pack. The Granite Gear Crown 2 60 as a better buy option for the sub $$ Zpacks. The 60 liter is just for the main body, it doesn't include the collar, optional lid or stretch pockets. What rocks with this pack is there are enough compression straps on it that you can easily make it a "smaller" pack. I also like how I can take the lid and with the help of a couple carabiners turn the lid into a chest rig instead, if I don't leave it at home.

[@BackcountryForward]

Doug Beaumont and John Schmalbach totally agree! I’ve got the mass drop and put it through the ringer this summer and I’m really impressed! Wish the drop.com one came in different colours though. But oh well!

[@johnschmalbach8243]

@@BackcountryPilgrim I do the same thing with mine if I am base camping for day hikes, and such. I just use a little cordage on the side that has the two female ends.

[@StumbleOutdoors]

I have the massdrop version of this. $120 and an absolutely outstanding pack. I would say it toos out at 30#... But that helps me to decide what i really need to take with.

[@Lee-70ish]

Had my Golite HEX 3 for 10 years one small repair after a rock rolled against the tent in the night during a gale and wore a hole in it before i awoke. if the company had not gone bust Id buy it again but the Lan Shan is a bargain replacement Bought my UK Trespass puffer jacket 80% goose 20% duck £20 in a sale still using it after 6 years totally brilliant. Sleeping bags? I still like SnugPak softie 5 with the variable side baffle. Down to minus 15 comfort minus 20 extreme but add a good silk liner and minus 20 becomes comfort currently £89.99

[@Adam-bv5kt]

Dan, you mentioned the UGQ rating is based on comfort. Do you find the 20* quilt too warm for temperatures in the mid 40's? Or are you only using the quilt in colder temperatures. I'm torn between getting the 30* or 20*.

[@astronomicaloddz4599]

Hey Dan, Love how your personality is really coming out in the videos. Great info as always. Enjoyed meeting you at Yankee Springs. Jason and Christie

[@inkblots-life1111]

I like to go with a kelty cosmic 40 deg down bag. I believe 1 lb 9oz. And i put in a sea to summit 15 deg liner inside. Works great for late spring to early fall. I picked both up at Gander outdoors going out of business sale for 120$ for both.

[@DragonRoams]

Great video! Really nice gear choices here awesome job. I'm with you all the way on the UGQ Bandit I have a 30 and a 0 degree. For a cheap down option I started with a Hyke & Byke 30 degree bag which I still own I've pushed that to mid 20's but I'm a warm sleeper. Last year I picked up a new Osprey Exos and love it I wish I just would have started with that pack instead of messing with cheaper options. I still use the frogg toggs UL after 3 years I need a new jacket.

[@19TE72]

I have that cheap Chinese pot. I think I payed 8$ for it. Had it for two years or so, and as you say it works fine. My gascanister, "fot", burner, lighter and a sponge fits perfectly inside it. :) Thanks for the video.

[@SkinnyGPanda]

I got my jacket at Macy's shockingly and it was $30 . I have a rain jacket from Cabela's for $30 but just recently got an ultralight weight one from WISH for under $5. I have that inexpensive tent and I love it, so light and the mesh allows ability to see. Can't go wrong with that sleeping pad or cookware. Backpacks are the worst to shop for, I had one for under $70 but it's close to 5lbs. So I caved and got osprey, worth every penny. Quilt I recommend Hemlock Mountain outdoor on a great alternative.