COMFORTABLE and LIGHT for 100 Miles! (until I add the food and water…)

[@w9jim]

Pocket New Testament = AWESOME!

[@bendennis8773]

To help with the smell in the synthetic fabric, like your sun hoodie, put a half cup of baking soda in the washing machine when you cleaning it. It really helps to remove the odors so it at least can start fresh. It is also funny what is considered heavy these days. When o was in scouts and did put long 10 day, 70 mile trip, pack weights were between 50 and 80 pounds. Good equipment has come a long way in 20 years. Thanks for all your videos, i have learned about a lot of gear and been getting back on the trail. Your reviews have helped with the budget side and sped up my process to gear back up.

[@DoseofDirt]

Ok, I am DEFINITELY going to try the baking soda thing with my synthetic clothing. That sun hoodie STILL stinks after several washes and almost no use. Thanks for the tip! And ya, it's pretty funny what is considered heavy now. I still have my old external pack from scouts and remember hauling all kinds of heavy gear in that thing!

[@garrycollins3415]

Nice rundown. I smile everytime I see someone mention those Wrangler pants. I use them in the winter, great pants and inexpensive.

[@DoseofDirt]

They are seriously such a great find! I lucked into them randomly the morning I was leaving for a long day hike with my friends (Kings Peak--highest peak in Utah). I remember they were hanging in the wrong section but somehow I found them and they were the perfect size. $23 well spent!

[@EspenFrafalne]

I get headaches from headlamps, so switched to the Wuben "X-0", which is a fairly small 90 degree flashlight designed especially for hikers, with a clip on the back so you can attach it to the chest/waist strap on the backpack. Its got an 18350 battery, and gets 40 hours runtimes on the 50 lumen setting (as this is a Li-ion battery, the brightness will dim gradually as the voltage drops, so 40 hours on the 50 lumen setting does NOT mean 40 hours with an output of 50 lumen). USB-C charging takes 1 hour and 30 minutes. A really nice feature is that it has stepless customizable output on the Moonlight (1-15 lumen), Low (15-50 lumen), Mid(50-150 lumen), and High (150-300 lumen). The beam pattern is a very broad floodlight, with a decent hotspot. As it is such a broad floodlight, its not the most energy efficient, but because its got so good runtimes, you probably wont need to recharge it with a battery bank, and then energy efficiency is not really a priority. For handheld flashlights, my current favorites are the titanium versions of the Reylight Pineapple (with 219b emitter - AA/14500) and Pineapple Mini (519a emitter - AAA/10440). They are programmable, and allow you to choose between 4 different groups of outputs, as well as turn on and off "moonlight" mode, and turn on and off memory mode. If memory mode is off, you can also choose if it will start at moonlight/low, and increase in brightness for each step - or if you want it to start on high, and decrease in brightness for each step. I tested runtimes on the 10% on the Pineapple Mini (using an standard rechargeable AAA NiMH battery i had laying around), and got close to 3 hours runtime before it SUDDENLY dimmed down to around 1/3 of the output. The MAIN reason i usually prefer fully customizable output, is so that i can set a brightness that will maximize runtimes while still allowing me to find my way in the dark. While running on NiMH batteries (which i prefer, as it gives a very stable output all the way to the end), the 2% low mode on the Pineapples are both close to perfect for this type of energy saving - and the 10% mode is a pretty nice "moderate" brightness. So even though they dont have fully customizable outputs, their preconfigured brightness is IMO pretty satisfying, with moonlight and memory mode turned off, so it always starts on low 2% mode). 3 out of the 4 settings have 100% as their "high" mode, but i prefer the most battery saving mode (ML-2%-10%-50% - moonlight and memory turned off, and starting on "low"), and can still access the 100% turbo mode through double clicking. The 219b emitter has a pretty throwy beam, which i really like for hiking, as the "spill" allows me to get a reasonable amount of light close to me, while the hotspot allows me to see things much further away. The 519a emitter has a much wider and softer beam, which i think is very good for a camp light. The small size of the Mini makes it very good for EDC, but IMO the regular AA Pineapple is also somewhat "pocket friendly", so if i had to choose just one of them, id definitely go with the AA version with the throwy 219b emitter. I just really like the beam pattern on that flashlight, and the extra runtime of a AA instead of a AAA makes it much better for camping, and can be a lifesaver if i slip on a rock and smash my phone and hurt my leg... My favorite keychain flashlight is the tiny MecArmy "X1S" (titanium version). I tested runtimes on the 12 lumen output (manufacturer say 8 lumen, but its 12), and according to my standards, this is good for between 2 and 2,5 hours of hiking. It only has low (12 lumen) and high (130 lumen), but thats really all i need from a keychain flashlight, and so i actually enjoy the simplicity of just having 2 modes, and that it always starts on low mode. The beam pattern is a slightly big hotspot with a nice soft halo, which i feel is a very well balanced approach for such a small flashlight that is aimed at EDC stuff. Not too wide, and not too throwy - not too bright (for a tiny 10180 battery), but still a slightly "generous" brightness on the low mode - which means that it will still be useable for hiking after the voltage drops a bit.

[@shawnr6117]

Can't wait for the trip video 😁

[@DoseofDirt]

It's coming! May have to split it into two! Thanks, Shawn!

[@galactophore]

ive looked at almost every camping channel on youtube and yours is by far the best. where did you go? we need new content

[@DoseofDirt]

Hey! Thanks for the encouragement and sorry for ghosting! I took a long unplanned break, but now I’m back! Hope you like the new content!

[@kevinlytle6215]

Sounds like a great hike! When I was 16 we did a longer distance hike between re supply and our packs were well over 45 pounds. No ultralight options then. External frame packs and leather Vasque boots etc. Thankfully there was freeze dried food. Mostly Ramen with freeze dried meat and veggies. Not fun but we did it several times that summer. Went from lone pine ranger station over Whitney and on to Placerville.

[@yahusrevus]

Extra "thumbs up" for the pocket NT.

[@DoseofDirt]

Thank you! Honestly so small and light, it works perfectly!

[@UTcheesehead]

Glad to hear you're coming back to Utah for a backpacking trip, looking forward to seeing your video!

[@DoseofDirt]

Thanks, Roman! It was INCREDIBLE! My friends were laughing at me because I sounded and looked like an out-of-towner just staring at and commenting on the mountains the entire drive to the trail head! 😂 Hate to admit I forgot just how gorgeous those mountains really are! Video coming soon!

[@nilesdelta8636]

I like your style and channel and ethos use what you got then double up when cold. Subbed . Atb

[@AllTerrainCoffeeCamping]

I can't wait to see your videos of this hike. I hope you have a fun and safe trip!! Thanks for sharing and being awesome!!

[@DoseofDirt]

Thank you! Hoping to get them out before too long as well!

[@justjonoutdoors]

Dude! You’ve got an awesome 100 mile hike right here close to home - the Shenandoah National Park - I did that last April and it was an awesome hike.

[@DoseofDirt]

YES! This is on my list that I want to do! My buddies and I had been planning this Uinta trip for a while (before I moved from UT to VA) so we still had to make it happen. But I DEFINITELY want to do the Shenandoah full length soon. Would you go top to bottom or the other way?

[@justjonoutdoors]

@@DoseofDirt I went bottom to top, but I live south of Rockfish Gap. We made the drive up to stage my car in Front Royal, then came back and the wife dropped me @ Rockfish on the way home. From there, it was a matter of hiking to the car… I think it’s an easier start on the south side, but it is certainly both doable and gorgeous going either direction.

[@roamingrick8736]

@@justjonoutdoors @Dose of Dirt I did the same south to north in May/June over 4 weekends last trip Jenkins Gap to 522 a had to jump off due to knees. However since I’ve gone on to Ashby Gap on Route 50 next leg coming soon hopefully Ashby Gap to Mason Dixon line. Also don’t GW/Jefferson west of Shenandoah on Tuscarora Trail not as many shelters but still plenty of spots to pitch a tent.

[@DoseofDirt]

@@justjonoutdoors Nice! Hopefully I can fit that one in sometime soon!

[@justjonoutdoors]

@@DoseofDirt It’s a great trip. I did it in 9 days. One couple that I hiked part of it with pushed through in 7 days, and another I spoke with was planning for 11. Doing the 9-day push, my longest day was just under 16 miles.

[@markoruotsalainen5480]

Amazing gear setup. Lucky lucky man

[@SouthernHike]

Great loadout dude!! Can't wait to see the trip video!

[@DoseofDirt]

Thanks, Taylor! Should be a good one!

[@cliffspicer6555]

Sounds like a great trip. I also bought that little hip pouch and two things that disappointed me was how small the opening was where the strap goes into it to attach and the closures weren't strong. I still liked it so I kept it and found a great use for it was to hold all my documents and light things and I attached two UL carabiners to it and attached two small keyring loops to my sternum strap and it hangs from there. It's a great addition and never thought of wearing it like that until I had to get creative.

[@DoseofDirt]

Hey Cliff! That is cool! So far I haven't had any issues with it and it's stayed on the pack pretty well. Admittedly I don't load it down super heavy. Usually just my snacks for the day. I've been on the hunt for another hip belt pocket to try because this one can't be purchased by itself any more, which is lame. Thanks for your comment!

[@digitalbizfor25]

Psyched you're doing this! Prayers for a safe trip

[@DoseofDirt]

I'm STOKED! Thanks for the prayers, brother!

[@theoutdoordogandhikinggirl]

Awesome gear list. Looking forward to the trip videos. Safe trails and have fun!

[@DoseofDirt]

Thank you!

[@AC-kk3vo]

Good luck 👍

[@DoseofDirt]

Thank you! 👊

[@BackpackingWithJason]

Lots of great gear. I have some of the same stuff. Can’t wait to see your adventure!!

[@DoseofDirt]

Thanks, Jason!

[@AC-kk3vo]

Got my son the 75L Teton pack after your review of them , he loves it !

[@DoseofDirt]

NICE! It is a FANASTIC pack! Wasn't the right pack for this trip, but that's what I've used on a ton of my other trips! Solid choice!

[@evandickinson6393]

Godspeed brother! (Long time no comment!) Looks like an epic loadout! Honestly I can't wait for the amazing video of the whole hike! Loved seeing this loadout! There's a saying that you "pack your insecurities"...doesn't seem very insecure to me! Sorry I've been so distant lately, I see you've forgiven Altra, and are going with a well cushioned trail offering! I trust that pair will treat you well! But if the upper build is anything like the Paradigm 5 there might be holes! Love seeing the camp sandals! They should be a refreshing change of pace, especially since you can wear them with socks on! Plenty of other high mileage hikers swear by the camp chair! I've been so lazy/fat/tired/unmotivated lately that I haven't even attempted a 10mile hike...I need to get my shit together and go! Thankfully the weather is cooling (california bay-area weather is...shit...honestly I shouldn't even complain) I hope to get some miles in soon...and start back up in the new year! Fantastic content as ever! Glad to be returning to your channel after a reprieve and seeing that you're still doin the lords work! Great content, honest opinion, folksy charm! Love ya buddy! I hope this trek is amazing!

[@DoseofDirt]

BRO! Great to hear from you!! It has been WHILE! Glad you're still kicking over there. Hope you get out onto the trails sometime soon. I understand the struggle. Life just gets busy! Trail time always makes life better though. Ya, I haven' found anything that is quite as comfortable as Altra yet, so trying a few other things. So far so good on the Olympus, but time will tell! They seem to fall apart on me at about 200 miles, but these are getting close to that and still doing alright!

[@KirbysBelt]

I use a my pillow travel pillow in a compression sack.

[@toesockoutdoors3627]

I have the same pack (same color, too). I have had a little bit of water get inside during heavy downpours, but I think your compactor bag will be enough, not sure the rain cover is necessary, but it doesn’t weigh much. Also, keep an eye on that horizontal carbon fiber stay; i’ve lost 2 of them and I quit bugging Zpacks for a replacement. But a friend of mine has the same pack and he never lost any

[@DoseofDirt]

That's awesome! I love the color! The compactor bag definitely made a difference. I sweat so dang much I need the bag even if it doesn't rain! Nice tip on the frame stays. I will definitely keep my eye on those! Toe socks for the win!

[@trevororr5494]

Will you do a follow up on what u ended up not using or could have done without?

[@JamieEnglish]

I don't know if this is feasible or not, but would you do a video tour of your stuff in the background? I'm a gear junkie and an organizational nerd, so when the two come together then I get all fizzy inside (not weird, I swear).

[@DoseofDirt]

Hey Jamie! I have actually been thinking about doing that, but wasn't sure anyone cared! 😆 I'll try to put it in the plan. I can relate to that nice fizzy feeling!

[@justjonoutdoors]

Chair - luxury or necessity? I lean heavily towards the latter.

[@AllTerrainCoffeeCamping]

I have to agree with you on this! Some of my motivation behind losing weight right now (other than the obvious of being healthy) is so that I can get a chair light enough for backpacking!

[@DoseofDirt]

Jon, I can't argue with you! I think I'll be taking a chair on almost every backpacking trip from now on. Having a dry, comfortable, place to sit all the time or even for quick breaks is just fantastic!

[@DoseofDirt]

A backpacking chair is definitely worth the weight! I know the helinox is light, but the weight limit is low. One Tigris has one with a much higher weight limit. It's heavier, but worth the weight for a place to sit!

[@justjonoutdoors]

Fortunately, I’m within the weight limit of the Helinox Chair Zero. I do add a bit of weight to it with my Chair Buddies (extra feet to help with soft surfaces), but it is absolutely worth it. I didn’t take it to the Shenandoah with me because I was making a 10-day food carry. The chair would have tipped me out to 50 pounds at the start. By the second day I was really wishing I had brought it even with the super-heavy starting weight..!

[@dustythomas2598]

1 pound is nothing for something to get you off the ground for when you are taking a break and around camp at night. I always laugh at the people who take 5 or 6 lbs of camera gear and then chide me for carrying a chair. Plus I am over 50, so I should get a free pass.

[@veganbcurry3396]

What will you change into at night while sleeping?

[@DoseofDirt]

I typically just sleep in my same clothes to save weight (and assuming I can get them dry before I climb into my quilt). But if I can't get them dry then I change into the shorts and t shirt I brought. Hind sight, I should have taken a super light base layer as a possible sleeping option because it was a little colder at night than I had bargained for!

[@veganbcurry3396]

@@DoseofDirt I figured as much but was curious as to what you would do if you did your outer layer really dirty or wet to the point of not wanting to sleep in those clothes. Thanks!

[@DoseofDirt]

@@veganbcurry3396 Excellent question! I realized on my trip that I would likely have been better served to bring a light base layer that I could sleep in at night and would be warmer than the shorts & t-shirt I brought. I think I relied a little to heavily on my day clothes staying dry, especially since night temps got down to low 40s and maybe even high 30s one night. For summer, I would have taken exactly waht I did for this trip. But for a fall trip at high altitudes, I will be taking a light base layer that could be slept in instead of the shorts and t-shirt next time.

[@veganbcurry3396]

@@DoseofDirt nice! Thanks for the feedback. I just watched your budget winter hiking/camping video last night. I have plans to make a Costco run very soon for base layers and a puffy.

[@DoseofDirt]

@@veganbcurry3396 NICE! Ya, they have good stuff. Should be coming out soon depending on where in the country you are. They also have good gloves of various thicknesses. I actually have to hit up costco tonight for a few other things, so good reminder to walk through the clothing section for any trail clothing they might have!

[@patricktompkins5704]

Anybody know what happened to this guy? Looks like he hasn't uploaded in over a year

[@leebarton1143]

Hes back now...

[@DoseofDirt]

Hey hey! I’m back! A bit of an unplanned break. Sorry for ghosting! But I’m back now!

[@달서5]

Do's ㅡ✔Hello happy shot friend2~^^42

[@DoseofDirt]

Thanks!

[@mikelopez5865]

Is this channel still alive ?

[@DoseofDirt]

I took a bit of an unplanned break, but I’m back!!