My TOP 5 FAVORITE Backpacking Items (that you may never have heard of)!

LINKS AND TIMESTAMPS BELOW! ⬇️
-Kammok Python 10 UL Straps: bit.ly/2Wd6L5m
-Cocoon Silk Mummy Liner: bit.ly/2OmWWxK
-Nitecore NU20 Headlamp: amzn.to/2APYT2v
-HydraPak Seeker 3L: bit.ly/2DGz8mp
-Klymit Static V Ultralight SL:
-Gossamer Gear G4-20 Backpack: bit.ly/3eeYnIU
-GrandTrunk TrunkTech Hammock: amzn.to/2DyMtNt
-HydraPak Quick Connect Cap Kit: bit.ly/305iWm3
Disclaimer: Some of the links above may be affiliate links. As a participant in affiliate programs, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
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MY FAVORITE BACKPACKING GEAR
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CHAPTERS
0:25 - My hammock straps
3:00 - My sleeping bag liner
4:35 - My headlamp
5:50 - My water bladder
7:15 - My sleeping pad
9:55 - My backpack (honorable mention)
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[@Eidolon1andOnly]

Really appreciate that you include metric measurements.

[@Eidolon1andOnly]

Be gone, bots

[@adrianrapier5053]

@@Eidolon1andOnly got him there

[@DarxusC]

@@Eidolon1andOnly report them.

[@Eidolon1andOnly]

@@DarxusC I did

[@DarxusC]

@@Eidolon1andOnly damn, a month ago, youtube seems to be handling this one particularly badly. Seems like it would be easy enough to catch. I reported them too, today.

[@spuriouseffect]

My favorite ultralite gear is the dirt-cheap stuff you can get from random places like the dollar tree. A one dollar sit pad made from half of a reflective windshield sun screen that weighs less than one ounce and doubles as a pad to put under a neoair. A 650 ml cookpot made from a Heineken beer can that weighs 0.7 ounces. A pot cozy made out of a scrap piece of reflectix that weighs 0.3 ounces, and a winter mat also of scrap reflectix. Two bread sacks to put over your socks on really cold wet days that weigh next to nothing. Quart ziplock freezer bags for small items. Sub-one ounce inflatable pillows my wife gets from work for free, that normally cost a dollar, along with other unused medical supplies that would normally get thrown away. A 6-ounce pair of Croc like camp shoes that were 5 bucks at Walmart. A 9-ounce down puffy jacket, also from Walmart, which is warmer and more durable than the Mountain Hardware Ghost Whisperer Jacket, despite only weighing 0.2 ounces more, and only cost 29.98 instead of 360 bucks, and both are made in China.

[@serenarae2359]

I have a GG G4-20 and absolutely love it. I love that I can fit my shelter in the large side pocket and still have space for two water bottles in the shorter pocket.

[@michaelpitts3285]

I love my Klymit. I have the og Insulated Static V and I have used it everywhere from the Rockies in NM to Dry Tortugas NP in the Florida Keys and I use it regularly in AR. I am a scout and it is the one piece of gear that went on ALL 5 of my high adventure treks at all 4 BSA National High Adventure bases.

[@chrisrioux]

The Nitecore NU25 is WAY better than the NU20, and it's only $7 more! (weighs less, has a red light and a lower power/less of a spot area light for doing camp chores). Otherwise, great vid!

[@JamieCottle1]

Subscribed! I live over here in 'bama and laughed when you kept bringing out the exact gear I use: the water bladder, befree, Nitecore, Klymit, and the gossamer gear. Love that backpack! Can't beat the price either

[@nathancox4217]

Gossamer is UNDERRATED. I have the same pack and love it

[@squeegeeman2000]

Love my Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60. No problem packing a week of food in an Ursack.

[@tru3sk1ll]

I’m such a gear guy. Love these videos. Helpful.

[@RS-rw5zp]

Great hammock straps, never seen anything like them, I'm ordering them now!

[@lifthearth]

Thoughtful list, thanks.

[@delphinelesterlost3285]

Thank you for this review, lots of good tips for a beginner like me

[@jbutzi]

Thanks! Nice list! Great pack.

[@redwhiteblue7831]

Great gear... I have 2 of those items... Silk cocoon liner in long, 3L water bag. Interesting backpack.

[@Travisharger]

I LOVE my kammock and python straps.

[@loudowning3393]

I have the uninsulated Klymit static v and was interested in the pad you have. However, with the newest rating system the r-value of this pad you have is downgraded to only 1.9. So despite the comfort of the Klymit I have I can't find a reasonably priced winter or cold weather pad.

[@apocalypseadventures8834]

I need tree straps... Gonna check those out as well as your hammock setup. Unconverted tent camper, but i do have a few lounge hammocks. I have the Nitecore NU25 & love it. It has the red light in two brightness modes which is great for around camp with friends. It has a lock feature to protect it from turning on accidentally. For a bladder, I currently am using the CNOC 3 liter. So far, so good. I haven't needed to use it much yet. Bag liner is a S2S reactor (I think) 4 way stretch & super cozy, but you win the weight award. S2S is on the luxury item weight scale. I do sleep better with it though and that temp versatility is an added bonus. Sleeping pad: REALLY loving Paria Outdoor Products Recharge. The pump bag makes setting up too easy. RF rating is great and the price seriously cannot be beat. For a pack, ok, I birthday treated myself to a customized Waymark Thru!! I deserved it & IT IS FABULOUS. I was considering the G4-20 as I do love GG. The One & Two are fantastic. Ultimately, I had to see what the other cottage company rave reviews were all about. My custom pockets & the super comfort factor make me really really happy with that gear choice. That was a lot of words... Thanks for being a friend!

[@user-bx3zz9cx3y]

Thanks for giving us the prices. Very helpful

[@yahwehwarrior]

I am not sure why I have camped/backpacked so much in my life without some kind of rag/hand towel. I started taking handkerchiefs, then switched to a small microfiber towel. That is a small cheap item that I am not sure why I have lived so long without.

[@ModernGentleman]

Great video man! My pack comes in at 35lbs loaded (including food, water, clothes, etc.). I'm 6'3" 255lbs and it's a comfortable weight for me I can carry that for days 👍👍 Edit: that's a 3 day / 2 night pack

[@MrScotty1218]

Does the static deflate easier than the older model? I currently have a Static V insulated Klymit sleeping pad, which I love, but it’s such a PITA to deflate that I’m considering spending big bucks for the same R value that deflates easier...

[@melissabillmire8641]

I need a little bigger sleeping air pad, I found a Ascend brand at my local Cabela's store. It is the Ascend Ultralight that is 78" long by 30" wide by 2.5" thick. With a R value of 4.5. And they had them on sale for $49.99.

[@dreimann]

I always bring a monocular. It weighs about 3.5 oz in its holster. I like being able to see wildlife up close, without actually being up close.

[@chowderfaceable]

"it has an entire sentence for a name" 😂 went back to that part a couple of times

[@AtomicFirecracker116]

I’m gonna need to cop sum dem

[@Medickep]

I love my gossamer Mariposa!

[@GearTestTV]

That's another great backpack!

[@dzedogranatovich7085]

Always excellent explanations of gear and features. Haven't had a question about a piece of gear that you haven't addressed. Uncanny! Are you reading my mind? LOL.

[@GearTestTV]

Awesome, thank you!

[@frolickinginflorida4321]

Gossamer Gear really rocks i have the gorilla 40 by far best pack ive ever owned

[@nicksam5518]

My nitecore is awesome! I jumped on a ZenBivy deal during covid(sleeping pad-sheet-qulit combo 300$). whoa! Sleep sooo much better. its a wider pad(25' instead of 20, longer at 77', weighs 1lb 9oz & r value 5) and heavier(3lb 6oz), but I sleep better so I LOVE it more then I'm bothered.Quilt is 1lb 14oz synthetic so same tiny bit heavier but so big I CAN SLEEP.(im 6'1 and 235 so this MATTERS)

[@GearTestTV]

Thanks for sharing! Good sleep is worth the weight!

[@prepared2thrive101]

YEAH!

[@lt2246]

Great video. I have the Gossamer Gear Silverback 55 and really enjoy it.

[@mikelambrou4462]

Great gear selection. Quick question on the Hydropak, do you have the plastic taste with it initially and if so how long did it take to wear off? I’ve used lemon juice and frozen mine but still have the taste.

[@GearTestTV]

I don't have the strongest taste buds, but I've never noticed much of a plastic taste with mine. All I did was wash it with soap and hot water when I first purchased it and after each trip.

[@davemacdonald7928]

Contact hydrapak about the taste. They'll help you

[@guitarhiker4449]

Good top 5 man! You always show some quality budget gear! Much appreciated! So i got a gear choice for you, i think you might be interested in. Its called the Helium Pillow by Decathlon. Amazing camp pillow and its only $14.99 on decathlons website and is better in my opinion to any $50+ dollar pillow on the market including the nemo fillow! The Helium pillow has an air bladder with a flat quick release/inflation valve and has a foam topper and a washable/removable pillow case. Also comes with its own stuff sack and it weighs in at only 6 oz. Its pretty big too when inflated which i like, but also packs very small. It doesn't have a pad strap, but not a deal breaker. I actually cannot believe more people don't know about this camp pillow. Checks all the boxes for me and its affordable! Totally recommend it to any hiker/backpacker. Stay safe! Hike on!

[@GearTestTV]

Thanks for the tip! I've been hearing a lot of people talk about Decathlon gear recently. I'll have to look into the Helium pillow!

[@guitarhiker4449]

@@GearTestTV Yeah the helium pillow is great! They have an affordable sleeping bag liner too, but i see you have the cocoon so your pretty set there. Decathlon does have some descent gear especially for the prices. They don't have a ton but interesting gear none the less. Thanks for the response! Look forward to more of your content! Stay safe! Hike on!

[@JasperJanssen]

GearTest_Outdoors decathlon has always been big (in Europe) in more mainstream camping gear - for many years their bread and butter was pop up tents, which they held patents on (IIRC dual layer pop up tents were or are exclusive to them, others only get single wall), for instance - but over the past couple years they’ve really been expanding their light to ultralight stuff. They’re still very much the “affordable end of the market”, so you probably won’t see cuben fiber tarps, but you might see an occasional silnylon product though.

[@guzelmarmara]

Helium Pillow is fantastic since it has a cushy layer on the inflatable section and for that price. Next best thing to that is a down pillow but that starts around 40€. I'm waiting for the day that Decathlon opens its branch over US and spread like Lidl did and shock the ounce and inches speaking side of the world with its prices and build quality for that price. Especially their tents and cook sets make me think why MSR and GSI still exist.

[@relaxingnature_sounds_]

I love the helium pillow too. Much more soft and cushioning than a regular inflatable.

[@noexcuses6727]

Hi from Savannah Georgia !

[@richardclegg5853]

Great review, but got one question, what's a toilet paper "kit"?

[@jack_batterson]

I made my own hammock straps. I can tie knots. Knowledge is useful like that. Favorite items: 1. Bic lighter 2. Valtcan 650 mL cook pot (mug) 3. MSR pocket rocket stove 4. Victorinox Swiss Army Knife (Climber) 5. Z-lite seat pad. Everything else is negotiable.

[@yahwehwarrior]

Anyone know of a great lightweight flask?

[@ChrisLoew]

ohm ul2 is a superior pack for the money, can't be beat by packs twice its cost, our little secret

[@pdxraves]

Hummingbird hammock straps are lighter These are great though

[@Jenab7]

I used to live in Georgia. You'd use your blanket as a shield against flying bugs, not to stay warm.

[@GearTestTV]

Haha! Very true!

[@peterdube3699]

Great Video! I live in South Georgia (transplant from MA.) and I am just getting back into camping/backpacking after 30 years. Any places of interest I should check out.

[@markomovies]

Very useful video. Now that you've had the backpack for over 6 months - would you include it in your top 5?

[@GearTestTV]

I definitely would! Its been a great pack. The only minor annoyance I've had with it is that I wish it had daisy chain lashing on the shoulder straps so that it would be a little easier to add accessories (like water bottle pockets) to the straps. Thinking about adding some myself, but otherwise its been excellent.

[@corneliahinteregger5978]

What kind of water filter do you use? :)

[@edavidrowley]

I think he usually uses the Sawer Mini. It’s very lightweight and affordable.

[@francescodetela571]

Ah well...so watching this I thought it's was finally the time to rethink all my gear and finalise the gear first and then look for a pack that carries it all well, instead of going the other way round. (Although going pack first forced me to really think about my gear, which has been an eye opener for me) And then...my pack shows up in the honorable mentions...argh! I like the pack but not fond of it honestly. It is my first frameless UL pack and...broke a stitch on the first day of the first hike I brought it with me. Still wonder if it was the way I packed it or the way I took it off...still, I continue to have this little nagging sensation every time I use it.

[@taylortroli1855]

I’ve had my eye on the g4-20 but it’s currently sold out in the size need:( thanks for the review

[@elijahnapp]

See these packs are cool but then I try on an osprey and you just cant beat the comfort.

[@jack_batterson]

My Osprey 70 is remarkable. Perhaps a bit heavy, but remarkable.

[@brianshorey]

If you’re still here.. osprey was all the rage with our Scout troop, so I bought one. For the life of me I can’t figure out easy access to water bottles stowed in the side pockets. Am I missing some basic water access with this pack?

[@tonywillingham8109]

Try the Hill People Gear UTE pack and Prairie belt. You won’t go back.

[@Narwhalicous]

Just bought one of these as my first pack

[@cs16Tactics]

Are you able to roll the bag into a burrito without hurting the bag? I'm really looking for that kind of bag which you could roll into a cycling bag

[@GearTestTV]

The only real support in the G4-20 is the foam pad, so if you remove that, the rest of the pack could be stored easily. The foam pad may be a little large to fit inside a cycling bag, but you should be able to roll it up if there is space to store it elsewhere.

[@cs16Tactics]

@@GearTestTV Cheers! Huge thanks for the answer! :)

[@kingerz]

Petzl Bindi does all that and more has two ways to safety lock.

[@GearTestTV]

I prefer the NU20 over the Bindi, but the Bindi is a great headlamp as well.

[@MultiHokie1]

What part of Georgia are you from?

[@GearTestTV]

I currently live just north of Atlanta, but I'll soon be moving back to the central GA area which is where I'm originally from.

[@lindatisue733]

Wish sleeping pads weren't the size of airline seats, I roll around.

[@bentalley7277]

dont think that pack would last long in survival conditions a year

[@ianwimbles1440]

Yes I would rather carry more weight and get a strong pack than put all my life in lightweight packs made out of new materials so as yet it’s going to be a long time for someone to comment and show me if some have lasted like the packs and equipment made for military service and even in 2021 you can get a superb pack from the 40s and they are bombproof and nice prices for surplus equipment!so if you don’t care about the camping survivalist fashion parade then find a good army surplus store you won’t regret it!

[@ninjitzudavid4814]

The headlamp isn’t in stock

[@GearTestTV]

Hopefully they'll have it back in stock soon!

[@megaosfan]

www.litesmith.com/search.php?search_query=nightcore

[@reev9759]

Title threw me off because I was expecting rare gear of some sort. Still an informative video anyway.

[@sebastianforbes1]

so many thumbs down... that you may never have expected ???..

[@williegroundskeeper1072]

"Klymit Insulated" is a huge fail. They only have R 1.9 tested. Very cold. Extremely poor performance in low temperatures, big dissapointment for me. They claimed fake R4.4, damn it.

[@jonathanstout2467]

Yeah cool video bro, but we up in Ohio, and farther north, don't get those temps. You are not camping, so much as you are just sleeping outside in warm weather. you are Glamping dude.

[@andybrun4170]

Any camping is good camping man

[@jonathanstout2467]

@@andybrun4170 Yeah true, my previous comment was made mostly out of jealousy for the good weather. I'll admit it.

[@ellerybice3787]

Not!

[@martinerhard8447]

clickbait title much? none of those are some kind of exotic things. a headlamp, a backpack, a water bladder, a liner, a sleeping pad...wow

[@jansiebert9460]

I don't like those klickbate titles. Everybody have heard of these items. Nothing special. I would love to see more original content.

[@seeker.11]

I literally just got that Klymit sleeping pad for $70 off their website with FREE shipping. They had a 30% off sale over the 4th of July 2020. I think Amazon has a similar $70 dollar price

[@GearTestTV]

Sounds like a great deal!

[@jorgechagoya7468]

I got the older version. It’s great for side sleepers