Gear I Should Have Bought Sooner: The Best Gear I used Last Year

Gear in this video:
Sleeping Mattress:
Trowel: bit.ly/3LsoEo9
Cookpot: bit.ly/36HArQL
Camp Stove: bit.ly/3tO9bIZ
Water Storage:
Hiking boots: bit.ly/3DqxMqH
Hiking Pants: bit.ly/36VMABk
Satellite Communicator: bit.ly/3HqTIUi
My other favorite backpacking gear:
Wiley X Sunglasses: bit.ly/3NtJQKR
Backpack: bit.ly/3mPhNdY
Sleeping Bag: bit.ly/3JTea1h
Cook pot: bit.ly/3tdCZ23
Freeze dried Food: pinnaclefoods.co/
Headlamp: bit.ly/3sYXKOS
Rain Jacket: bit.ly/3JGoOYU
Down Puffy Jacket (warm!): bit.ly/32Jn5Sb
Down Puffy Jacket (lightweight):
Hiking Boots: bit.ly/3eSMmvy
Hiking Socks: bit.ly/3qLVyaI
Water Filter:
Water Bladder: bit.ly/3t2SrxF
Camp Pillow: bit.ly/34n4749
Folding Knife: bit.ly/3sXQNNH
Trekking Poles: bit.ly/3Hzq4LB
Casio ProTrek: bit.ly/3Izuvqc
Ledlenser Flex 3 Powerbank: bit.ly/3HhNBkF
Tiny Pump X: amzn.to/3tXL378
DJI Pocket Creator: bhpho.to/3nXZ6WN
CalTopo: caltopo.com/
NOTE: These are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you, but it's a great way to show your support. Thanks!
01:05 Q-Core SLX
03:35 Vargo Dig Dig
04:57 Vargo Bot Pot 700
05:46 MSR Pocket Rocket 2
06:58 Sea to Summit Watercell X
09:34 Aku Selvetica
11:43 Rab Radius Pants
13:15 Zoleo Satellite Communicator
In 2021 I used a huge amount of new backpacking gear. Some of these items became my new favorites. In this video I showcase the standout items of the year, the be equipment, and gear I wish I would have bought sooner. Special thanks to Dan Becker for allowing me to steal his idea and do this video.
Made with the support of Ontario Creates: ontariocreates.ca/

[@DanBecker]

Love the sea to summit water cell!! So glad you showed it to me!!

[@BackpackingTV]

Yeah buddy! It was the honor of my lifetime.

[@ewengillies9826]

Most of their gear is first rate. Bushyboy Oz

[@natehoover5266]

Get a room you two! #BackpackingBromance

[@babiesfartingfire6007]

It's $$$ especially if you use a guardian water filter. The baffle is so nice.

[@Canadian_Craftsman]

I think Dan Becker gets more credit than he DESERVES!!🤣✊🔥✌️💚

[@SmossyYT]

Can we all just sit back for a second and really appreciate the background scenery at the intro. Man....

[@maxe_faxe]

I appreciate the occasional collaboration between you and Dan. Both of you guys are sraight-up and cut through the crap, sometimes literally with the #2 tools. Always informative and entertaining.

[@BackpackingTV]

Glad to hear it! Dan and I do enjoy shooting videos together! More will come.

[@GLDNTRT]

Two biggest backpacking kooks on KZbin.

[@hellmage85]

Let’s talk about that hoody you’ve been wearing. What is it and where did you get it? Great video!!

[@sparrowflying864]

Will he answer???

[@vagrunt5056]

Bump

[@michaelmoody35]

Bump

[@nigelh3253]

Great tip about the wider (25 inch) air mattress/ air bed. Thanks for explaining how much better a night's sleep it gives! Great

[@TigerRagFishingTeam]

Regarding the comparison between a msr pocket rocket and Jetboil style kit - the pocket rocket being smaller is an optical illusion. You even showed the titanium pot that you like -but- with Jetboil or msr windburner, etc the burner & fuel canister are self contained within the pot. With the pocket rocket you still need the fuel canister and pot. You're still taking up similar volume/weight, etc. Pretty much a wash if all that stacks inside the pot of your choice. If not, you're probably going to take up more volume inside of your pack. Really appreciate the videos! Thanks for the thought starters!

[@BackpackingTV]

It’s true there are other space considerations, but I’ve still found it saves space. ✌️

[@zakkmiller8242]

I didnt know I loved these kind of videos until I accidently stumbled upon Dan's. I hope you do more of these! You should do a video on the different kinds of foods you cook using the mini stoves or recipes that you like to use.

[@Vinaigre]

I love the 25" Q-Core SLX, it's so comfortable. I use the Pocket Rocket 2 and the Zoleo as well. Great gear picks and awesome scenery.

[@Away.Aweigh.A.Way.]

Taking this same sleeping pad for a first trip this weekend. Looking forward to it!

[@dueldr]

Nice, definitely agree on the 25 inch pad.

[@Canadian_Craftsman]

I think Dan Becker gets more credit than he DESERVES!!🤣✊🔥✌️💚

[@sha6mm]

A few great items I’ll have to check out ! Thanks

[@Oldsparkey]

I bought a Vargo 700 Bot for cold soaking and as a pot. After one trip I went back to my 900 pot and have been using a Talenti One Pint Ice Cream container for cold soaking. The Talenti weighs 1.8 oz , empty where the 700 bot is 4.8 oz. Plus I was able to enjoy the ice cream to get my Cold Soaking Jar. One Major Problem , I could not cold soak and have a hot beverage or meal at the same time with just the bot.

[@connecticutaggie]

Regarding the Satellite Communicator, I recommend you also consider the ACR Bivy Stick. I got it for my son last summer. The Zoleo and the Bivy are very similar but he does most of his backpacking during the summer and the Bivy subscription has no activation fee or contract so it is much less expensive to use if you are not going to use it year round. I have also heard the Bivy maps are better. In any case, he likes it - and his mom likes it too (knowing he is safe). In any case, if you are a solo backpacker, I think a Satellite communicators is essential.

[@ryanandholliebust1916]

We are not backpackers, but we have three of the Big Agnes Q core SLX and two MSR pocket rockets. I love the way that we can just get in the car and goooooo and sleep comfortably in the SUV or tent. I don't miss the space hog gear.

[@glenloewen7507]

I was hoping your tent was in the list!

[@colleenchrisco6702]

👏👏👏 for the 25” pad. I’m a size 6 woman and I still INSIST on the wider size. I’m a moderate gram weenie, but it’s worth the extra 4 ounces. I only lasted 3 trips with the “famed” x-lite short 🙄

[@AlexGvinder]

Really liked the front pocket design of that lightweight hoodie, what is it?

[@Taffer-bx7uc]

That Zoleo communicator looks really cool.

[@aurtisanminer2827]

A note on sleeping pad width: if you are a side sleeper your elbows dont fall off the sides of a 20 inch pad.

[@roberttrinies7698]

I'm a side sleeper, and the extra width sure makes switching sides a lot easier. ✌️

[@ZachBrimhall]

I like that water container👍🏻 Jetboil makes a similar size stove the MightyMo which has a striker built in and regulator. As for me, I’m very satisfied with my Jetboil MiniMo and Summit Skillet. This system is 👌🏻 for actually cooking food or a fish.

[@BackpackingTV]

Good to hear! I'll be using some of the other Jetboil options soon too, been getting lots of endorsements of people lovin' that MightyMo.

[@mcmick6294]

My favorite local trail. When you were up there after that storm- did you see any signs of camping close to that shoot site? Tent, bonfire remnants, etc? I cleaned up a homeless dudes junk site right after that storm. Keeping it clean.

[@MissNikkor]

I didn't like the Sea to Summit Watercell at all. Leakage problems! I opted for the Hydrapak 8L Expedition which is also compatible with my Katadyn BeFree

[@Ejak777]

Thanks. Some good gear. What tent was that?

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

Great location you're at!

[@Waltorian]

Love the shoes. They look awesome

[@craigbarth7474]

Have to agree re the jetboil... I made the mistake of taking a brand new one to Europe for a month long trip and after 2 days bought a pocket rocket and shipped the jet boil home...

[@michaelfrymus]

I have the Jetboil Minimo, but I wish it came in a larger version, like a 1.5L

[@randywarnock2937]

I have been backpacking for over 50 years plus I have worked on wildfires for over 30 years. I have been called off fire duty to train National Guard platoons two times. A Master Sergeant told me that you never address staff with sunglasses on. They need to see your eyes. He said to stand with YOUR face in the sun so they can see well and know that what you are telling them is true and accurate.

[@lyndseygolden7546]

Very good advice.

[@stephtraveler7378]

Just the review product ive been looking for. My arms are off my 20" pad and it affects my sleep. Other great tips and content. Thanks. Oh yeah, I stick with Garmin on satcom. They have like 30 satelites whereas their competitors only have a few. It matters in remote places with tree canopies....

[@BackpackingTV]

Glad to hear you've found some good stuff here! And FYI I've used the Zoleo all over the world, including in narrow slot canyons and with dense tree canopy and it's worked. Although that's just anecdotal, but I've been very happy with it.

[@matttezak2334]

Need to check out Hardside hydration gear

[@maryblakley3590]

We are car campers, and have been gradually upgrading our equipment every summer. Last year we bought the double BA Air Core Ultra and it has made such a difference! No more awkward bulky Coleman mattress, plus it's so comfy and warm.

[@BackpackingTV]

Heck yeah! The right mattress makes life a dream. Keep going Mary!

[@hatersgotohell627]

Is that mattress as comfortable as say an air mattress by king koil on Amazon. Or is the mattress ur referring to mainly for ppl who need to save on space n weight when traveling

[@maryblakley3590]

@@hatersgotohell627 I don't think you can compare a traditional mattress to an air mattress. I will say that I have been camping since I was a little kid, and the BA Air Core gave me the best sleep I have ever had while in a tent!

[@teatowel11]

I dinted the lid of my vargo 700 when i got impatient trying to open it when hungry after 6 days hiking hahs Very annoying when it jams

[@michaelfrymus]

For the Sea to Summit water bag, will the lid not pop open if its in your bag? Since its just a rubber cover?

[@bisunguyen8662]

Hi, I have one irrelevant question : how to fold your air bed after using ? for me whatever I did, it still had a little air inside, which barely noticeable. then when it comes to the time I almost finish folding, the last part which has air inside will become too big to fold. its too far from the deflate hole, and the fold actually helps blocking the air to go to the part where the deflate hole is. I've been struggling at this point for many times. Do you have any tips ? Thanks in advance

[@guitarhiker4449]

Sea to summit etherlite xt reg wide is my all time fav sleeping pad! Nemo tensor and big agnes are the only others that come close! Aku pilgrim gtx are nice boots too! Designed for the military! Aku has been around for a few hundred years! Lowa zephyr mids are another great boot or the lowa z-6s! Love lowa boots! Recently ive been looking at the new merrel speed tr1 gtx in coyote brown. Great looking running/ hiking shoe! But if u cant afford them Columbia makes these centre flow hiking boots that look nice for only a $100. They come in mid or low. Sketchers has also stepped up their running/hiking shoe game. Affordable too! Altra of course is another great company! Great choices man! Hike on!

[@BackpackingTV]

Sounds like you know just about all of them! Thank you!

[@JarradShaw]

I really like Big Agnes’s pads. I just bought the Q-Core Deluxe for myself and my fiancé. I chose the blue one because I wanted it’s higher r-value (4.3). It’s about 11 oz heavier but I think worth for that big plush comfort from the q-core line and added r value.

[@primitiveanxiety7135]

They're great, I use the big agnes air core ultra (4.5 R-value). I think the q-core looks more comfortable though

[@elizabethmcheffey8699]

Are they noisy?

[@JarradShaw]

@@elizabethmcheffey8699, I don’t think so. Katie tested the air pad, pillow, and bag we just got in the living room while watching a movie and, lol, she fell asleep right away. Lol… but no, not noisy.

[@BackpackingTV]

Nice! I haven't actually used the Deluxe option. I've been totally happy and warm on the SLX, which I find to be excellent for three season camping. The Deluxe is probably great when the temps really drop though. Enjoy it!

[@BackpackingTV]

The Q-Core SLX is not noisy. I can't speak to the deluxe version though if that's what you're asking.

[@pw1298]

I like the MSR dromedary

[@ahowarda]

I actually got the jetboil stash and definitely doesn't take up space!

[@jeanmcgahey1143]

That mattress looks so much more comfortable than others I've used. I wonder if it's available in South Africa? Thanks for an informative video. Happy hiking

[@BackpackingTV]

Thank you! Good luck to you!

[@DirtyDirtbath]

Ayyyy i love my watercell X!! The flat handle on the back halfway ripped off while I was filling it in a waterfall and s2s sent me a new one so I use my broken one every day at work

[@BackpackingTV]

haha nice! I love it when companies do the right thing with their warranties.

[@DirtyDirtbath]

@@BackpackingTV it was (at the time at least) the only case in which they had heard of that area breaking, im almost certain they reinforced the handles weld it seemed a lot more sturdy than the first one I had

[@garrycollins3415]

Great video. Except for the clothing that is my camp. Well most of it. My Copper Spur blew away last weekend. Big Agnes mats are the best. The trowel is better than the ever popular Duce, especially on the east coast where roots are like an underground web.

[@mysterylovescompany2657]

RIP your expensive tent. My sympathies.

[@manuswee3215]

What was your hoody wearing in this clip?

[@TripleE76]

Amazing to see someone not gushing over the BRS 3000T. The PR2 just seems more reliable.

[@GTFBITK]

I've not seen anyone gush over the 3000T. It's good but not amazing.

[@pemborsky]

I like the spigot and locking cap. What is the need/want for it to stand up on its own?

[@JarradShaw]

I think Peter for its ease of use in different situations. So, I have the expensive MSR one that Eric has had for years. Laying the MSR on its side, picking it up, and then the spout being also on the lower side of the bag has not been an issue when getting water out to use, but it takes its own fiddling to hold it up and tilt the spigot without propping it up onto something. I really like this Sea to Summit one he showed off because I can grab it and use it more like a soft sided gallon jug. And put it down having less contact to the ground essentially. And it looked like I could still strap it to my bag.

[@waguni]

What camera do you use? It looks so good!

[@Hugh_Mungis]

Where is this video shot? It's gorgeous. I need

[@horsedog713]

What’s that sun hoodie your wearing?

[@nicolereadstarot]

What budget friendly pad do you suggest for fat side sleeper? 😅

[@andyackerman7123]

Where can we get our own Dan Becker, for our hiking trips? I’m really surprised that you left that off your list.

[@stevenm6301]

Wife and mom for me too! 🤣👍

[@ibmtpx24]

That air sleeping pad looks like a inflatable boat.

[@heidih2887]

I agree with the awesome comfort of that specific sleeping pad! :D I'd previously used 2 DIFFERENT similarly-rated and sized pads, but that BA pad is the easiest by FAR to stay centered on, thanks to the pattern/design of the air cells and the slightly deeper section along the outer edge/sides. Amazing how much more restful it is, to not struggle to stay on the pad or have to keep readjusting back onto the pad! :D Third time/pad was indeed the charm for me! :D Wish I'd bought MY BA pad FIRST, but at least I really APPRECIATE IT now! :D

[@BackpackingTV]

yeah I feel like the actual design of the air chambers goes a long way, and is often overlooked! Glad to hear your experience!

[@mysterylovescompany2657]

I feel like having the space - & stability - to roll over w.out having to wake up to do it is severely underrated in the backpacking community.

[@BenjaminWeeb]

Which tent is that?

[@kewsoner7924]

If I'm not in a wet climate, I prefere cotton/polyester pants. In wet climate, like here in Scandinavia I prefere wool and synthetics. In the summer I sometimes hike in naver pants (old historically European traveling carpenter pants). They are made out of an amazing fabric, that can hold your wiegth if you get stock on a nail. For me, the type of fabric I wear depends on the season, weather forecast, and where I'm going. Remember here in Scandinavia we can go from 30+ Celsius in the summer and -30 in the winter. And In between everything is just weet, moist, windy and raining. So we know how to dress for the seasons, so plan you fabric according to the conditions.

[@BackpackingTV]

Well said! I can get away with more cotton as I do lots of my backpacking in the desert.

[@kewsoner7924]

@@BackpackingTV I can see that, what a beautiful background. And for what I see I would definitely chose cotton. What I like about cotton pants, they are cheap or easy to find cheap. Man, I would love to hike where you are. But it would be like starting all over, I have no idea how to hike safely in a dessert.

[@davidperkel4808]

And which sun hoodie?

[@petrucotoman6380]

I really like your videos

[@BackpackingTV]

Thank you so much!

[@anteupjcook]

Where is that hoodie from with the built in pocket?

[@BackpackingTV]

It's from Altra but I think it's a discontinued hoodie, which is a bummer because it's one of my favorites!

[@AC-kk3vo]

Newbie here , , I'm almost overwhelmed when trying to pick out a pad , I have everything but the pad

[@PaulLeach123]

3.6 R value is basically 2 season.

[@Rico-Suave_]

Watched all of it

[@stoicodysseys6352]

I love my Zoleo. I might try the Rabs. The Aku shoes are unreasonably high priced. There are better options for cheaper

[@BackpackingTV]

Fair enough!

[@hatersgotohell627]

How much does all that gear weigh?

[@dubo2057]

The first part reminded me of those Japanese movies that where converted to English.

[@nobody-zl7gg]

I'm getting the water cell

[@Ride_on54]

The jetboil Stash doesn’t take up much space

[@martinpilz2224]

Lol hanwag banks beats this shoes in every inch

[@mileswiththemels1718]

It would be wonderful if companies would make the wider pads in short length.

[@BackpackingTV]

How short are you talking?

[@mileswiththemels1718]

@@BackpackingTV I'm 5'0", so 66" pads would be fine. Only a few companies are currently making 66" short/women's pads (gotta give credit to Thermarest and Big Agnes), but I don't know of any who have a wide option for the short ones. I reached out to Nemo to make a 66" version of the Tensor. They put me in touch with product design, and I told them that they because they don't carry 66" pads, they currently have nothing to compete with Thermarest's line. I also pointed out that many UL people carry the shorter length pads to save weight and they are missing the market. It's been almost two years but nope, still no 66" from Nemo, and still no short-wide from Thermarest or Big Agnes. While we're on the subject, pants are also super hard to find. Petites are for 5'4" to 5'2". And trekking poles - I have to set my poles shorter than the shortest option listed on the poles, so I actually use the Black Diamond logo on my poles to know where to set instead of a height hash mark. And trying to find adult quality backpacks that are comfortable and actually fit......ugh! Thank God for companies like UGQ who have short-friendly custom options on quilts.

[@eddief1111]

good ideas but wow the prices on these items are insane.

[@CraigCalabrese]

my new look

[@tlgrimmy]

I've rinsed my watercell with hot soapy water many times, but it still makes water taste like plastic. Anyone find a remedy for this?

[@roberttrinies7698]

Soaking with baking soda definitely helps.

[@hito94]

The sea to summit water cell is making my water taste really bad

[@ryanr6656]

I hear trowel "stinks" as a tent stake 😜

[@bukketkid2567]

I get it! 🤣

[@BackpackingTV]

heyo! Nice.

[@jacobbarry2585]

Actually bought pocket rocket 2 last week over jetboil based on your recommendation

[@marj012]

As a desert dweller, I cringed watching you pour out water just to demo your jug!! 😂 Gotta show us an actual application where that water is used! No wasting!! 😂

[@THEUPSTAIRS100]

Just here to guess who is paying Eric for his "unbiased" review or recommendation today.

[@BackpackingTV]

But you didn’t guess

[@mixyyy]

What sunglasses are those?

[@BackpackingTV]

They are the Wiley X Ovation sunglasses. I like them a whole lot!

[@JoelManers]

The 25” pads are nice but you might find that you might need a 3 person tent instead of a 2. I bought a couple of these for my sons. We can no longer use our 3 person tent to house all three of us.

[@BackpackingTV]

This is true and definitely worth checking to see if you'll outgrow your tent with the wider mattresses.

[@mysterylovescompany2657]

I honestly don't get how anyone with average-sized adult shoulders sleeps comfortably on any pad less than 25in wide; those surf-board pads spin me out - like, damn, you must sleep straight as a pin & still as a corpse to make that work. Anyway, another great video, thanks Eric!

[@BackpackingTV]

haha, well said!

[@mysterylovescompany2657]

@@BackpackingTV cheers, Eric!😄

[@emmber19]

Side sleeper--i don't really need the width.

[@mysterylovescompany2657]

@@emmber19 that's interesting; I'm a side sleeper myself, & I like to have the space to roll over, raise one knee, etc. I guess you're a better-behaved sleeper than I am. :-)

[@emmber19]

@@mysterylovescompany2657 that may be true. I get on my side and usually wake up in the same position after about 8 hours.

[@aintnobodygottime4dat]

"it's $99..."because of the 25cent gasket 🥴 ?!@? WHAT DA!

[@alexeysuldin9243]

The difference between audio and Image is a little bit distruptive

[@andyackerman7123]

I hate when my arms fall off :(

[@justinyates3415]

So now all of sudden 5 inches is a lot. I’ll let my ol lady know the good news

[@jakemetz1742]

where da heck are you?

[@claytonarmstrong9673]

Nice video, good content. Sorry to be so pedantic, but “I wish I would have…” is not English. I think you mean “I wish I had…”?

[@bmccook14]

Cotton hiking pants .. no thanks.

[@DrMarvinLara]

So, only the very expensive brands are what you use. Cool.

[@barlowwe]

Well, Walmart and Target weren’t interested in sponsoring this video.

[@TheTamrielDrunkard]

It's titled The Best gear.... So yeah, you pay more for better stuff.

[@troywilliams03]

For backpacking gear this stuff isn’t even on the expensive end

[@wolffo999]

you can still spend WAY way more

[@laffreux29]

Stop being poor.

[@epicscoreeu]

All these soakers, while you can just bring dry food and eat it dry and poor some water in your mouth.

[@jaysonallen3100]

$25 for a shit shovel? 🤣

[@purleybelter7344]

Why even bury your poo in the first place?

[@BackpackingTV]

Burying your poop is important for several reasons, burying it helps the poop break down and decompose into the soil more quickly. Poop just plopped onto the ground is bad for wildlife, as animals can be attracted by the smell and get into it (and since our diets are weird, it's not good for them). And last, it's disgusting to see people's poop all over the ground, and with how many people are camping and using these wild places, it gets gross fast if people don't bury their poop. Please Leave No Trace when you go outside and we can all enjoy these places for generations!

[@redshot1015]

I feel like the Gear list wave is over... suprised people still watch em... 100's videos already out and guides you in the way of what gear to use from casual to LW thru hikes .. not sure what else there isw to learn

[@petrucotoman6380]

First