Post Pinhoti Trail Gear Thoughts & Failures

[@liketohike1589]

Hm, are you sure that this Gorillapod is broken. I dont have one but i guess these flexible hinges are only pressed one into another so it is normal that you can pull them out. But of course when they fall out by themselfs they are loosed out and .... quality like shit. Maybe it could also help to half the length of the pillars to get a better stand and stabilitiy. And you get rid of some weight. Question for your Sawyer filter. You finished the Pinoti Trail some days, so my question is, did you have any days and nights with freezing cold, snowy icy weather? Only because its absolute important that the filter is not freezing, because the water freezing inside expands in that moment and that means the complete destruction of the filter membrane. So in freezing weather its important to wear the filter always close to your body and when sleeping inside your sleeping bag. So when it wasn`t that I did not say anything.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Yes, I am sure. it's not the 1st one that I have broken....What happens is the Top Sockets crack & cannot hold the legs tightly anymore. You can put them back into the Sockets, But after the legs have snapped off, they are loose & can no longer hold the weight of the camera. It constantly collapses when set up which makes it Worthless. It is a pretty well-known problem with Gorillapods. The company has a good warranty which replaces broken Gorrilapods. However, I don't want it happening again when I'm on the trail. Just not "Trail Tough" enough. As far as the Filter goes, I have had them freeze in the past & I am quite aware of how to avoid that problem. Whenever a Sawyer cracks, it will still push through some amount of water. In this case, the filter was 100% clogged & not a drop was coming out. Sawyer specifically notes that Calcium Deposits will clog the filter over time.... This one was just at the end of its rope. Hike On, Darwin

[@razoredgechris]

Have you looked into these yet for water filtration... I am likely going to order one myself but maybe you can get one and test it out and do a review on here before i get around to ordering mine... At 1.9 oz it blows the other filters out of the proverbial water. www.rapidpure.net/product/pioneer-system/#specifications

[@liketohike1589]

Hi, I have already an Sawyer Filter by my own and I don`t want to buy any new modell next time. And the next problem is that the description about the real quality of water filters are only significant after longer use. The only problem with the sawyer filter seems to be that you always need to clean it before you store it at home with distilled water that is washing out any mineral debris in the filter that might clog it when you don`t flush it in both directions.

[@tomarAcar]

Hey guys if the clogging of water filter is from calcification from tap water it should un-clogged when put in vinegar over night, probably needs some time to get the vinegar sent out afterwards (vinegar dissolves calcium)

[@GustoStCool]

I don't like hiking in pants either. Which may have something to do with why I keep getting arrested.

[@ClayTallStories]

Great to see you owning your own mistake regarding flooding your tent out. I would also add to that and stress the importance of always considering sun angles and more importantly wind direction and be pitching your tent in the most wind sheltered place possible. Thnks you for the upload. LIKED

[@jimpflugrath6220]

3 things: 1. The Vargo Bot is nice, but for cold-soaking one can use a sealable plastic bag inside any ol' pot as a liner and the pot will provide external support and prevent the bag from having a hole poked in it while in one's pack. Extra water could be carried the same way. 2. Sawyer instructions have a note about calcium [carbonate] build-up and soaking the filter in some vinegar to try to dissolve any residue. 3. Just picked up the REI Flash insulation pad to replace a 25+-year-old Thermarest. I tested it for leaks in the bathtub and it is good to go. Deflates fast, blows up fast. So as you said: Test before you head out.

[@tonyafelice9097]

Oh the things we do to ourselves. Good to see the humor that shines through. "Don't set up your tent on a pond..." Thanks so much for your videos. Love from Arkansas.

[@wjr275]

So I have used the EE Enigma for well over a year now and I love it. Much like you I get really cold feat when I sleep. It’s just a poor circulation thing, and honestly it doesn’t make a difference what I sleep in. I’ve tried different 20 degree sleeping bags and my EE quilt, and the result is no different. If you love your Revelation quilt I would honestly keep it instead of spending the extra money on a new one. Good luck to you!

[@Mtnsunshine]

Thanks so much for the 'real world' review of the gear you used. Hearing both the good and the bad after a trip is very educational. Much appreciated.

[@jeffs6229]

Swapped out my Osprey Aether 60L for a ULA Circuit. Love the new pack! Little by little getting my kit leaner and meaner! Love the videos as always and can't wait till the PCT journey, your gonna have a blast!

[@letgoandlivelife6179]

Great hiker hack for you: for my 2016 PCT hike I wanted a tripod but didn’t want the weight. I drilled a hole in the top of a smart water bottle cap and attached my basic camera mount. When I wanted to use my tripod, I just replaced my water bottle cap with my modified cap. Instant tripod! It worked great and was UL! See you on Trail this year we start 3/26!

[@MstrRo]

Your vids are always interesting. Thanks for taking the time. In the event to you decide to use your Revelation down the road again, try a close hitch on bottom. The clove hitch gets tighter as you pull and remains tight, just pull progressively easy until the hole closes.

[@lesliehawryluk78]

I also switched to an enigma from my revelation quilt. I also felt that the hole at the feet would open slightly even with the drawstring pulled as tight as possible. Love my enigma. Gold, pure gold. I never opened my foot box, so there was no loss in having the sewn shut foot box, and it is more comfortable without the zipper. Enigma was definitely the was to go for me, but I sleep cold.

[@chriseidam7319]

Another helpful video. Thanks. My recent new gear experiences: I just did three days in February on the AT at the MA-CT border. I had a few pieces of new gear. 1) Yukon Jack carbon fiber trekking poles. We have a budget store out here in RI called Ocean State Job Lot. It is a lot like Big Lots, but better and bigger. Lately, they have been running deals whereby you purchase a featured item(s) and they reward you with a gift card of equal value. My wife and I jumped on these trekking poles, as they were close-to-free. So far, so good. 2) I tried modifying an SOL Escape bivy to fit over my BA 20° bag and matching BS pad, so as to save weight and save money buying a new bag for lower temps. It got down to 5° the first night and 10° the second night. Fortunately, I brought a cheap F&S fleece bag I had, because I was cold. The bivy failed two ways. First, I woke up both mornings to ice in my toe box. In, not out. And it was a lot. Also, the fabric ripped near the zipper while I was tossing and turning, chasing some comfort. I cannot blame SOL. I was using the bivy in ways it was not designed. Do not try this. It is borderline dangerous. What I will try next is modifying the Costco-style down quilt (now on Ebay) to fit over my BA bag. Has anybody else done this? 3) Bombproof pants. These things were fantastic. I already have winter leggings and snow pants. But they are either not warm enough or they are too restrictive. And they fall down, requiring suspenders. But the Bombproof pants are light, move freely, do not fall down, and dry quickly. I found out the latter the hard way - I met up with four cool guys the second night at Race Brook Falls Campsite. They were kind enough to share some Jet Boil water with me for tea. Instead of putting the empty cup into the new cozy I made for the trip, I stupidly tried to put the FULL, steaming cup into the cozy, and I spilled 300 ml of scalding water onto my hands and new pants. Sitting by a fire, but still not that close, the pants dried in about 15 minutes, mostly from my body heat. These things are light, warm, comfy and free-moving. I wore no tights underneath. There was no flap, scrap or trap that rubbed my skin the wrong way. They seem to be made of some kind of breathable neoprene. The only thing I can knock is the belt that came with them. It releases by pushing lightly to the front of the buckle. That is fine without a pack, but my pack's hip belt released the pants belt a few times. Too bad, because the belt weighs nothing, and worked fine otherwise. Use a different belt when packing. Speaking of sitting 'round a campfire, have you ever had your boots/runners too close to the fire, and the heat unglued your rubber shoe toe? I did it to a newish pair of Keen boots that I love a couple of years back. Well, I found a glue for that, Locktite glue, in the calking tube. Ask a tile and flooring store about it. It has been many, many miles and the repair has held and even is undetectable. Make sure to use carpentry clamps to hold it all together for two days while the glue cures. Remove all excess glue after ckapping, using a toothpick. I shared this tip with those four guys, and one of them blurted, "I knew you were going to say Locktite!" We all had a laugh.

[@jonmeekins003]

@darwinonthetrail I had the same problem with my sawyer when I got to Amicaola. I failed to store it properly. Now I back flush with some bleach water, and I store it in that solution with Tupperware. Also, I have the same cold feet problems. Same tent, same bag. What I found is that my feet touch the condensation from the tent roof, or it drips down to that square patch that strings up the floor. Anyhow, I now take my zpacks clothing bag and wrap up the foot box. No more damp down, no more drafts.

[@thomashughes_teh]

I have a jobi mini for my cell phone. One of my legs broke off at that same top joint. I super glued it back on. I haven't tried it yet but I have rolled about 100 miles with it in my bike bag and so far it's still in one piece.

[@Jaycie685]

As always, I look forward to your videos and your adventures. Thank you for doing thorough reviews on the gear that you like and dislike. It saves me time and money from having to buy things I won't necessarily need or don't work as well!

[@ke6nber]

The ass pad?! NO!! Deer Gawd, No! Not the ass pad! As always, good video. Keep it up & Happy Hiking!

[@tullochgorum6323]

If you don't want to lay out on the Bot 700 with its quirks, I simply use my Evernew Ti Pot. If I'm soaking I put the food in a ziploc, put it inside the pot, and secure the lid with an elastic band. This protects the food while it soaks, and I use the pot as normal when I cook.

[@drumstickscarecrow]

Talking about gear failure, I've had quite a few over the past 4 years. One of my earliest ones that stands out was the leather belt I was wearing for my pants. It was day one of a 3 day backpacking trip, and fortunately I had a spare compression strap available. Using a compression strap as a belt can be a pain, but it sure beats having your trousers trying to fall down constantly. After that trip, I switched to using a webbing style belt from 5.11 Tactical.

[@hikeswithmikethorne5040]

Thank you so much for helping me get ready for the PCT your advice has been pivotal to the choices I’ve made on my gear and I love your positive embrace the suck attitude I’m a couple days ahead of you I start March 30 I hope you passed me when I’m awake so I can shake your hand for all you’ve done for me or bump elbows as we do on the trail

[@bazza1carter]

I cant see how a wee hole in the foot box would make a difference, especially if you're using down booties too. Must be something else here at play. What springs to mind is that feet are extremities so when cold restrict blood flow to protect the core temperature. Hiking in shorts will mean that the blood flow will be further restricted. Eating cold food in that situation again isn't going to help as the body will need to heat up the food to digest it. And in doing so will maintain the restricted blood flow to preserve core temp. Try raising your core temp by having hot food/drink as this will lift your core temp and relax the survival trigger. The other thing is that you could have circulation issues with your feet!

[@traviscooke148]

I just watched a 2 minute 50 second ad before this video... it was worth it.

[@paulrichmond3348]

I've got a Sawyer Mini that's not been used for ages. Thanks for the tip off about checking it. I'll need it in the Spring. :)

[@pvkjhilk8323]

i have the exact same bot for teh exact same reason, i ended up taking a dremel to the threads & polished it to a nice smooth feel &it opens & closes so much better.

[@JakeMarcin]

Sawyer failure AND fix: Just completed the top 10 peak hike in Aus. First evening went to resupply water and boom, exactly the same thing, I got maybe 3-4 drops. Lucky my friend had his brand new and we were ok. Got home and bsckflushed it with a drop or two of bleach in the water. Is working absolutely fine now. So also learnt the hard way that a quick strong backflush with some bleach and the tool provided will get it to full working order after some storage.

[@zumoo1]

Good observation about the Sawyer and flushing with tap water. My Platypus had been running slow. And I have used tap water to back flush. And our water is VERY hard. Might be time for a new filter. Thanks for that info.

[@chazhogue2945]

New Hiker Hunger Aluminum 7075 Trekking Poles are performing very well for me.

[@mhawkins213]

I've also experienced the broken Joby tripod. For a light weight dirt simple alternative, consider a bean bag. You can make one yourself so that it is as big or small as you need and as heavy it light as you want.

[@EarlyMist]

So glad the vertice is working for you. I wont sell mine and will give it a shot.

[@jy4627]

New Gear for us is the EE Apex Torrid Jacket (20D). Tested it on many 25 degree days with high winds and snow. We had no issues and were toasty.

[@chev4u1]

I got my new 20 degree Engima in about 3 weeks ago and from what I have been able to use it I love it

[@GhostTrainPhoto]

Long post ahead, requires a bit of back story TL:DR, your videos taught me a lot, I lightened my load by about 30lbs Well I'm a newbie to all this but thanks to your videos I'm learning a lot. I live within a stones throw away from Rocky Mountain National Park and I have free access to it so I like to go there a lot. Just got my roommate into backpacking and took her on her first trip last September and boy was that a learning experience for the both of us. We're both extremely cheap, overworked, underpaid, and horrible packers. We've been stuck with cheap walmart shit and shit we had around the apartment. Between our $36 Coleman 4 man tent, leaky Wenzel sleeping pad, yoga mat for my roommate, giant tarp as a footprint, hammocks, several liters of water (I didn't know there were cheaper and reliable options than the pump systems I've used in the past), a synthetic down north face sleeping bag that compresses down to the size of a Volkswagen, etc...the two of us ended up carrying over 50lbs each for one night. Thanks to your videos though I think I can cut down SIGNIFICANTLY and upgrade my equipment. We recently got a 3 man ALPS Zenth tent for $40, Marmot 15 degree down bag that compresses to something respectable, Thermarest Prolite self inflating (I'm banned from any of the crinkly ones because I flop like a fish in my sleep and my roommate and other campers within a 100mile radius would murder me), we're keeping our MSR stove for the time being because it's a nice luxury item but each video I watch I find yet another item I can take out of my pack or upgrade to something better/lighter. THANKS!!

[@trapper3707]

Congratulations on 75k subscribers!!!!! I haven’t been on KZbin for awhile. I’m glad to see you’re channel is doing great.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thanks Travis! It blows me away that 75K people wanna hear me blabber about Hiking....lol Hike On, Darwin

[@trapper3707]

You had like 2600 back in 2016when I started watching way back before the first Q&A you did. I’m so outta the loop in new hiking gear. Life has thrown me a few curves last year but enough of that. Can’t wait to see ever video of your PCT through hike.

[@jonathancaughran7250]

Another possible reason for the clogged filter could be the Grand Canyon water. Desert canyon water tends to have a higher mineral content and could clog it if it’s not flushed enough afterward.

[@kmonnier]

You were recommended to me by my friends while we were camping this weekend!

[@stephenverchinski409]

Gtx overmitts are great. Had the ones Darwin has till I found a uberlight pair that The North Face made. Fully taped and has hand palm stipples for grip.

[@TheHavnmonkey]

as I've commented on your past videos; I've had the same failure with my Sawyer squeeze. I switched out to the Hydro Blu Versa, mostly because I wanted to test it out. All these filters use the same hollow fiber filter media so from now on I'm only flushing with purified water after a hike. Love your videos and how structured and in depth they are!

[@SmuggiNOLA]

I cut 3 folds off of an old thermarest sleep pad to use as a butt pad. One night I was struggling with a inflatable pillow and out of frustration reached for the butt pad, folded it in half and used that as a pillow. Fell right back asleep. Realized that if I like a firm pillow at home, it makes sense I’d like a firm pillow on the trail. Gonna bring a large rubber band next time to help keep it folded.

[@ScarOT]

Cold feet... Have you tried a “vapor barrier” then sleep sock over? Aka...the breadbag. As long as it it nonbreathable. Similar to your rain mitt for warmth or rain jacket under the puffy trick. Sometimes for deep winter camping this makes a huge difference between a liner sock and full sock. Additionally keeping the boot dry from sweat during hike prior to needing the boot to be warm and dry at camp when you are not generating heat.. This may be a Q&A topic

[@oustit]

15:34 Hahahaha, your face! As for new gear? I recently bought a Mountain Warhouse Microlite 950 Sleeping Bag after having an ancient one my uncle gave me years and years ago. Really liking it for the UK climate.

[@jasonswingle1880]

I have a six moon sky trekker and it has been nothing but trouble since I got it a year ago. The zippers fall off in your hand because the outside lip gets caught in it. And I have a few holes in the peak from my trekking poles because the pockets don't line up with the spreader bar. It's a waste of good material and the 125 bux I spent on it. I'm going to take my hammock when I go back out, at least that is tried and true and I get a decent nights sleep in it.

[@backpacker3421]

Finally broke down and bought a Vargo Bot. Looking forward to getting some miles on it this season.

[@kellys1458]

I used to get cold feet whenever I slept, no matter which bag I used or how many socks I wore. What worked for me was to eat something high-calorie whenever I woke up with cold feet. It worked like a charm! I now keep an airtight container with a chewy granola bar or some chocolate next to me in the tent. My feet haven't been cold since!

[@rlharmon1972]

Hey Darwin, I don't know if anyone else made this suggestion but I back flush my Sawyer with distilled water with a dash of bleach after each trip. That helps wash all the sediment build up out of filter :) Looking forward to your PCT adventure!!!

[@thomash7573]

I had the same thing happen with my sawyer. First overnight hike of the season. I think it’s common. Found out that if you boil water and soak it in it for about 15 minutes it works perfectly afterwards. I’m pretty sure I read somewhere that you should do that if it has sat dry over the off season.

[@thirstyboots57]

Darwin, If you have not already done so, I suggest you call Enlightened Equipment and ask them to add extra down to the foot section. I am pretty confident based on my experience and that of others that they would be happy to do a minor customization such as that. I actually sent my Revelation back after a couple of years to add more down and they did so in super quick fashion but it would make more sense to have it done when they make your quilt in the first place.

[@mpoisot]

I wonder if they would be willing to modify the Revelation to sew up the foot area to turn it into an Enigma? (For a fee of course) Or maybe even remove the bottom section and replace it with the section for an Enigma, and maybe overstuff it slightly for those cold feet?

[@lineman78]

EE's foot boxes are continuous with the vertical baffles, so it's impossible to overstuff just the foot box as it's the same tube throughout.

[@davekorwek6241]

Quite a common problem with the Sawyer. In fact, they have a FAQ about a no flow filter. Soak it in warm water for 30 minutes or so. Then backflush with warm water.

[@BackcountryForward]

I actually exclaimed “Noooo not the ass-pad” when I heard about the z-seat! Haha. I just ordered my first one because you talk so highly about it!

[@crazy8adventures553]

Welcome to the South and why I hammock camp. BTW...try the ultra pod!

[@rmoran113]

Don’t count on the Enigma 20 keeping your feet warm...I sold both mine recently and as trying HG burrow to see if warmer...if your set on EE have them put extra down in footbox. The newer larger footbox is better than the previous flat one...might not be quilts fault I get cold feet easily and might try down booties next if the HG isn’t any improvement...both great companies...

[@uloutdoors]

You could try a draftstopper for your quilt, a small down pillow or a wrapped up down bootie pinched in the hole where you sinch the footbox could work...MLD quilts come with such a "pillow"

[@amarmot3635]

Tap water only has calcium in it in certain parts of the country. Texas, yes. Alaska, no. Areas with limestone under foot will have high calcium water. Also, areas with limestone under sandstone.

[@zzruss]

Love your channel. Keep up the great work! Good luck on the PCT.

[@gregorlfweald2991]

I always flush, both ways, my Sawyers with a bit of pure grain alcohol after cleaning and drying for storage and as a test before a trip. Also use distilled water to clean. Had the same thing happen to me with a sawyer mini because our tap water is VERY hard (mineral laden). Never again! PGA, which I use as stove fuel anyway, really helps.

[@tiburonimbus]

That doesn't degrade the filter at all? My biggest worry would be it not actually filtering after this. Not sure what alcohol does to the material inside the filter. Thoughts?

[@gregorlfweald2991]

I should point out that I'm talking about Pure Grain Ethyl Alcohol, the most common brand name being Everclear, the kind you drink (though hopefully not too much because the almost 100% stuff will get you really wasted), not Isopropyl alcohol, the stuff in your fist aid kit. Though I reckon both kinds would evaporate before degrading the material in the filter, which is just a bunch of string in a Sawyer by the way. It won't hurt it any more than spilling some whiskey on your shirt will hurt it. Ya know what will degrade your filter though? Mold, which the PGA will help keep at bay. Sawyer also recommends, in their literature, cleaning the filters with bleach when you do a deep clean, and that stuff really will degrade fabric, so I actually don't use the bleach as they recommend, preferring vinegar diluted with distilled water during deep cleaning, and then the PGA as a final flush before storing, neither should break down the string inside the filter, but I'm no expert, so I can't prove that, but I know vinegar breaks down calcites (which I should have mentioned in my first comment, but wasn't thinking about it), and PGA kills bacteria and fungi, another flush of it before using your filter both tests it and freshly sanitises it with something that's safe to consume...in small amounts. But I know for a fact bleach will break down cloth in large amounts and over long enough time.

[@tiburonimbus]

Thanks for the response! Hypothetically, if mold did start to take hold, do you think it would be best to bleach it anyway -- or still run your alcohol through it? I don't think I have any mold, but I've only ever back-flushed mine with water and let it air dry near a dehumidifier. I've only used my latest squeeze twice... Maybe I've been drinking mold this whole time, haha... I do think I'll throw away my other mini just in case!

[@gregorlfweald2991]

Mold is only a major concern if you're in an environment where it's growing, and that even varies by time of year and climatic conditions. I would think mold would only take hold in your filter while it's drying (which can take a Sawyer about a week actually, which is a pretty big window of time), if you didn't get any mold during that point, it's probably fine. We've had a lot of rain in Central TX lately, and I just took my Sawyer squeeze out, so it was a concern for me at this time. But that's my point about the alcohol and vinegar, just use them every time you clean your filter out for storage, and mold and bacteria build up are just some less things you have to worry about. I have no idea what to do if you think there is mold in your filter, I'd rather just prevent it, but I think you'd know, you would smell it in the filter or taste it in your filtered water, but best to test that out before you 're in the woods. Don't throw out a probably perfectly good filter just because it could have it in there though.

[@tictachikes6156]

I bought the Enigma too for the same reason. Cold feet! Not metaphorically though ha ha. Mine’s yellow so I look like a yellow pepper or something on my NeoAir X Lite ha ha.

[@lineman78]

I'd suggest checking out the Katabatic Gear Flex. Their foot box has a draft tube on it and appears as though it would do a better job at eliminating drafts when closed. Their design is also horizontal baffle so you could try contacting them to see if they could overstuff the lower sections.

[@fredlaroche6969]

How the hell have i not been subscribed to this before? Excellent AAA content. Thank you and keep it up.

[@aheath73]

Right now I’m trying to perfect my mattress and pillow combo. Over the last few years, I’ve had a Thermarest NeoAir - sold it coz I kept rolling off the collapsing edges. Next up was an Exped Synmat UL7. This has been been my go-to pad for the last three summers and I really prefer it over the NeoAir... it’s air chambers run lengthwise, so I don’t roll off the edges nearly as much. Unfortunately, the interior of the pad has begun to get moody... the first summer I had it, I blew it up with my breath and I think I managed to get a significant amount of moisture trapped in it. So, it’s time to replace it! Incoming in the mail (probably tomorrow) is a Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated mat and a Nemo Fillo Luxury pillow... I know the pillow is a little heavy, but none of the smaller inflatable pillows have worked for me! So, we’ll see how my newest combo works out... Thanks for the video, Darwin... it’s cool to see a post-hike breakdown of what didn’t work for you. How is your Cnoc gear holding up? Are your water bladders and carbon poles still trucking along?

[@jahb0b420]

Im totally opposite when it comes to getting cold...my feet and legs never get cold but my upper body freezes...hate it lol

[@sgurr_a]

Hi Darwin. You could try a Manfrotto Pocket Support for your camera. Makes setting up shots easy, and only 30g.

[@ChrisGuynn]

I use an ultrapod tripod with my gopro I used it for hundreds of miles on the AT and it held up great. I just leave it attached to the gopro in my shoulder strap pocket so its easy to get to. Its not as big as the one you have that fell apart but it would be great for getting action shoots of hiking and such. Im starting the PCT on Sunday so see you out there!

[@gregf9295]

If you do decide to use a tripod again, I swapped out my Jobi for an Ultra-Pod II and will never go back! Much sturdier and can even support a DSLR, and can be secured to a small tree or pole using the velcro strap.

[@paulhodge855]

I saw this video right before I went out on the Lone Star Hiking Trail this weekend. I even thought, I should check my Sawyer filter. Did I? NO! It was totally clogged from tap water. I am going to try white vinegar to try and salvage it.

[@Oldsparkey]

Sorry to hear about the bathtub floor of your tent becoming a bathtub. Guess that is why they are called Bathtub floors. Same thing happen to buddy of mine during a really bad storm. If water ever gets to my backside I'm in serious trouble since I camp ( most of the time ) in a Jungle Hammock.

[@mikefranks8469]

Switched out my exped mat that failed on me with a thermarest x-lite. Changed my ghost whisperer with my new torrid, which is way warmer than my ghost. Changed my headlamp black diamond storm for a nighttcore nu25 that weighs 1.17ounces... way brighter, rechargeable

[@MOUNTAINOUS]

good luck on the traill. i live by the trail on mt hood in oregon. it is a good place to pick up microbrews. do laundry. etc. the village of govt camp. rasta etc. have fun.

[@Hangs4Fun]

Great advice on the Sawyer filter system. I've been a long time user and never had an issue. In hindsight that was likely due to my spring water at home. However I will be traveling this year where I will likely need to back flush with tap water and I will now watch for calcium. I think it will be worth to back flush with as pure a water as I can find to avoid what happened to you.

[@bereantrb]

Two quick thoughts. 1) New gear to try: the AEGISMAX sleeping bag had gotten a lot of attention & you featured it in your budget gear series. For the price and weight, I picked one up and will be trying it out tomorrow night. Temperatures will be upper 40s/low 50s, just about that bag’s sweet spot from what I’ve read. 2) If you decide to try another compact tripod, I haven’t compared weights but check out the UltraPod. I’ve got one and have really enjoyed it. I use it with both phone & DSLR. I’ve got the UltraPod II but I see they have some other models. My UltraPod II + phone tripod mount (purchased separately) weighs 6.8 oz. UltraPod II by itself is 4.3 oz on my scale.

[@kellyjohnson3617]

I recently swapped out my zero degree mummy bag for a quilt. Oh my goodness! I’m in love! I generally am a warm sleeper anyway so I decided on getting a 20 cuz there’s nothing wrong with my mummy bag if I need something that warm and insulated. But I recently took it out on a car camping trip, not only was it cold but we were right next to a river. So it was damp. It kept me perfectly toasty. It never got below 40 overnight but I slept like a baby. It wraps around my toes with the zipped up and cinched toe box, and it snapped and cinched around my neck. But my arms were free to stick out if I needed to cool down a bit. The first night was the coldest and I opted not to attach it to my thermarest pad just to see how it would be. My butt felt a little draft but I usually carry my summer sleeping bag liner so skipped that on and that was more than adequate. The following nights were warmer so I never used that again but I think attaching it to my pad would have solved that one slight draft but I wasn’t in the mood to deal with it in the dark tent cuz my compadres were sleeping. Otherwise, it’s the best sleeping bag I’ve ever had. Hearing your experience with a quilt as well as others recommendations and I decided to get it. Wow! I’ll never go back

[@omni96]

I had a failure with my Bot 700 It wouldn't open! But then I realized that it was due to the low pressure when it was in the plane's luggage area, so I used a flat screwdriver from my army swiss knife and released the pressure.

[@landrover4444]

Learning where to set up a tent is important. Andrew Skurka has an excellent video on this that you might want to watch.

[@wandaesch7314]

Oh man. I didn’t know to not clean with tap water. I do that after ever hike. Crap. Maybe I should get a new one soon.

[@Reese842]

Swapped out my osprey 67L atmos ag pack ... just too heavy. Picked up an arc haul. Thank goodness I bought the atmos from Rei so I was able to return it for a full refund. Swapped out my Riff 15° sleeping bag for an EE Enigma 20° quilt; saved a pound. And I picked up a zpacks duplex.

[@KuntryRD]

Some people have complained about the washer/seal ring on the newer Sawyer. They have had the seal ring stick to the top of the Smart Water bottle.

[@mikefranks8469]

I just replaced my lost one with a garden hose washer... stays in way better

[@martinfisher7193]

Try the Pedco UltraPod tripod. It's only 2 ounces and can be attached to a trekking pole via the included Velcro strap. If the trekking pole can't be jabbed into the ground, you can lean it against or connect it to your backpack for support. Or attach the UltraPod to a tree branch or the like. www.amazon.com/Pedco-UltraPod-Lightweight-Camera-Tripod/dp/B000ANGNN0

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

NICE! I'll check it out! Thanks! Hike On, Darwin

[@Mtnsunshine]

Martin Fisher Thanks for this link, too. That tripod looks nice! Price is right, too.

[@TheHavnmonkey]

I have the ultrapod ii and it is a very solid option. It is not as flexible as the Joby, but it is nearly bomb proof. If you don't find yourself utilizing the flexibility of the gorillapod legs; this tripod will serve you well.

[@SAVEDBYMOUNTAINS]

check out the Manfroto Mini Tripod. Had the same issue with the Joby and ended up using super glue on the legs. The Manfrotto is bulletproof and compact.

[@JohnFisk-OHS-78]

IB TAT Could not agree more - Manfrotto tripods are the bomb. I have been using mine with the magnesium head for a few years. Bullet proof. I’ve got 10,000+ images on this thing. The mini is my go to for portability. 190 grams, so not svelte, but it won’t fall apart in 18 days. This from a photographer, so my needs are slightly different from yours. Many thx for the amazing set of videos! Cheers

[@jmgriffing0368]

I had a Katadyn Beefree water filter/bottle that the seam between the soft part of the collapsible bottle and the harder plastic at the top of the bottle began to fail and eventually "exploded" into a lap of unfiltered water on day 2 of a 7 day hike through the Ozark Mountains. I was lucky enough to get service the next day and call someone to bring me a new Sawyer mini. (Video of this hike soon to come).

[@jmgriffing0368]

def. had multiple gorillapods break on me as well.

[@Z0MB13Redfield]

I got a sawyer mini. And trekking poles. Hopefully the work good for me

[@marioneto50]

For a light tripod you could use the ultrapod 2. It's also useful to use as a selfie stick when making vlogs. It's pretty tough as well.

[@mooreoutdoor9841]

The Trekology pillow. I picked it up through Amazon and it will not stay under my head. Every time I wake up it is off to one side or above my head. May go back to cramming unused things in a stuff sack.

[@petercoconut]

I like my BeFree water filter. Also I have an Ultrapod tripod that works great! It's small, light and I think Darwin would like it! Also like my Altra Lone Peak mids. They're great!

[@tdeen752]

my most recent gear test hike showed me that I need to change my sleep pad. Currently using a thermarest neoair xl, and it's a great pad. However I had my 'aha' moment. I use a quilt because I toss and turn and sleep hot (no cold feet here!), so I make my sleep space a rectangle. Why am I using a mummy shaped pad then? I experimented with sleeping upside down on my pad and my feet (and thus knees) were so much more rested. So Im picking up a big agnes insulated axl to try out!

[@donnybryan6762]

I have had a problem with water getting into my zpacks duplex tent. I think it was caused by allowing my pad to push the tub beyond the overhand on the end. This occurred durning a lite rain. I use a long neo air xtherm pad which is all that the tent will hold and touches both ends. I wanted the width but did not need the length. I was surprised how tight the mattress was in the tent. I hate to wake up floating.

[@jefferymarshall6231]

My filter did the same thing 2 days ago, but have never back flushed it with tap.

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

As usual another great video with awesome information. A piece of gear that I am switching out are my 1L Smartwater bottles. I have an REI Flash 65 and the side pockets are way to shallow so I am switching to Fiji water bottles. I actually received this idea from Arnie1MileandG. I will let you know how they work out after my next section hike.

[@MrPilgrimuk]

Arse pad....Wilson! ("I'm sorry"....think Castaway). Another great video. Keep up the good work buddy.

[@narrow_is_the_way6170]

The critter that caused me the most grief as far as gear failure is the Chipmunk. Those little bastards are evil. On one trip in the San Gragonio wilderness. I set my pack down for a brake. And within 20-30 minute my drinking tube was shredded.

[@tw0pointoh654]

The Enigma is my shoulder season go to. I use the 10 deg because I tend to sleep cold. But I LOVE that thing. In the heat of summer I bring a DIY double black diamond throw quilt...just because I like having something. But that Enigma is AWESOME! Sorry about your ass pad dude :(

[@thetommantom]

I just got a 19oz enigma. I think it's warmer than my six pound mummy bag!

[@backpacker3421]

cold feet recommendation - possum down socks (avail. at Zpacks). they are awesome and SUPER comfy. Not much good for anything but sleeping, but they are light enough to make it worth it as a unitasker.

[@riffsandwich9541]

I really dig this kind of video.

[@minimalnomad6851]

I returned my enigma because it came understuffed at the two torso baffles direct outside the v. A 370 dollar quilt...20 degrees....has me shivering at 38 deg outside. Uh.....no thanks. I have a Nemo siren 30 degree that keeps warmer in this temp. I will be getting a zpacks classic bag xlong and broad. At 22oz... maybe a little heavier than EE enigma but...can pull it over my head and know zpacks does gear right

[@rodtheer]

Another informative video! PCT just round the corner 😎

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

YEAH MAN! Hike On, Darwin

[@LeonidasontheTrail]

I will look for the pad when I hit the rest of Georgia up. Sad, sad day...

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

SUPER SAD.... Hike On, Darwin

[@Ranger24]

There's probably a GA bear somewhere out there enjoying that pad in her den.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Yo Darwin, check out the Ultrapod lineup. Lighter than the gorrillapods and pretty darn versatile between the mini-tripod and the included velcro strap. Maybe not *as* versatile as the GPods, but they don't break either! I've been using one in my stuff lately, love it.

[@RickoH_NZ]

Awesome. Thanks Darwin

[@celecitaxerror9553]

if cold feet is a huge problem for you you could heat up a stone beside a fire, then wrap it up in a towel and then place it inside your sleeping bag on your feet.

[@therealbennybraden]

Love the video man. Great stuff. 👍👍

[@Pack.Leader]

They're finding that bottled water has tiny plastic shards floating in the water, from the bottles or caps so I don't think you should back flush with bottled water, either. Maybe if you filtered it at home and then put it in bottles. Just an fyi. Love your videos. Too funny about the tent.

[@jasoncaporale6470]

I had a gear failure with the sawyer squeeze filter before. The same thing happen it was working on my prior trip then didn't work on the next one. What ended up happening was there is this white ring that is in the end that attaches to the squeeze bag and on my filter it fell out without me noticing... Maybe that is what happen to yours!

[@mpoisot]

I would think losing the ring would result in leaking everywhere, not complete blockage.

[@zacharycwebb5879]

I’m preparing myself for a thru on the azt. I just picked up an umbrella to hike with when doing those desert stretches. I hope it will help me conserve my water better. Have you ever thought about it for the desert on the pct?