I Take My Wife Backpacking Using ONLY Budget Gear

[@pwayne-x2z]

Make more content with your wife, the chemistry is youtube gold

[@eric_hanson]

We're about to go to Patagonia together!

[@LulubirdSix]

I love watching the videos with you and your wife. I love how into her you are. So cute! But I like her perspective on things too as a fellow backpacking lady.

[@MEKZfpv]

😊😊😊😊

[@TheCrownWolf]

Love the cinematography on this one, almost felt like I was there with you guys! Kristi is a national treasure and she’s welcome back on the channel anytime!! Also really appreciate that you’re putting metric measurements under weight and things- super helpful for us Celsius folk. Thanks for another great video!!

[@TerryRomanko]

Ever thought of doing a video focused (at least in part) on gear and considerations for hiking with a dog? My wife and I are moving from day hikes into backcountry backpacking, and will want to take our dog with us on some 3-4 day journeys. Items like recommended dog packs, booties, etc. This sort of information would be helpful.

[@kcricket39]

I second this!!

[@sheilasunshine9173]

That’s the most heart warming video I’ve seen in months❤ you two were made for each other. Eric’s cinematic views keep me rushing to his videos 🏔️🏕️

[@eric_hanson]

We do in fact like each other! Thank you!

[@thainaribeiro2866]

I love how obsessed you are with your wife! ❤

[@eric_hanson]

haha, I hope it's a charming, endearing obsession.

[@DPM-dp9on]

I keep repeating myself, but another great video Eric. Your adorable wife not only added some charm to your video, but some practical feedback. However, your pup is always the real star. As always, thank you for the great information and looking forward to your next video.

[@eric_hanson]

I won't get tired of hearing you enjoy my videos! But yeah, Kristi and Kovu reeaally elevate my videos.

[@lisamunoz2991]

I take Girl Scouts backpacking and camping. Love your videos that help us with gear that fits our budgets and lets us get outdoors. Thank you so much we very much appreciate and love your content.

[@nostrawplease191]

I am hoping to take my daughter's scout troop backpacking next year and would love to see posts about your troop backpacking.

[@sherrambles]

Kristi is a national treasure!! I love it when you guys go on adventures! Also really loving these budget gear videos!

[@eric_hanson]

that is the perfect summary of Kristi!

[@MyChannel-vm6dw]

Wow! A very PRACTICAL real world 2 person test of budget gear. Not too many of these, you should do more. Frankly yours are the best because when you're discussing the gear you have with you, you compare them to other gear both above and below the price points which is super informative. PS what is the model number of your wife’s pillow? Is it a zen bivy pillow?

[@eric_hanson]

So glad to hear these videos are helpful! I appreciate that. It's the Zenbivy SoftTop Pillow. I updated the link in description as I had forgotten to include it!

[@MalinaCC]

Love to see more two person trips! It’s great to hear both of your perspectives and really test out the gear and tent. Glad to hear that the budget items worked well. Really enjoyed seeing Kristi and Kovu in this! I wonder if the flex tail seat had a string attachment then you could tie it to a water bottle or something heavy to keep it from flying?

[@eric_hanson]

Glad to hear it! You'll see more of Kristi in the next month or so as we're about to go to Patagonia together. And yeah the seat needs something like that!

[@r0btimUs0341]

“So many pretty things.” Good job bud 😂

[@eric_hanson]

heyo! high five!

[@sgrebner1]

Eric, I really enjoyed this video. Thank you

[@MegHikesSlowly]

I love Kristi episodes! And I love this low budget series. Keep up the great work!

[@J0SH.0]

Love these budget videos. I know I enjoy hiking and getting into the Backcountry, so I have good gear. Whereas if I want friends to come along I can start slowly picking up some of this gear to ease that barrier of entry for them! Thanks!

[@michaelpuryear4682]

The couples content is really cool. It's also not much content that revolves around it on KZbin. I just started looking into lightweight 2-person sleeping systems and the market is pretty thin, especially budget options. I decided to go with the Big Agnes King Solomon, I hope it does well! And thanks for blessing us with another FIRE video!

[@johnvalentine8878]

Thx for sharing your trips. You have a very humble approach to your channel. It’s good to see a popular KZbin backpacker that actually does hikes instead of only reviewing and giving gear recommendations. But to be honest what you call “budget gear” is what I use. Paria gear would be an upgrade from my Teton. Again. Thx for sharing.

[@sherrycook7043]

More trips with your wife and dog, please!

[@brighteyedbirding]

Heyoooo. Nothing better than birding! Congrats on hearing your pygmy owl! I just saw my first last week and it sat in a tree above me for over 30 minutes. Amazing looking creatures! Great video.

[@Tcrowe406]

As a long time follower and backpacker who 90% of trips are with my wife and dog. These are always my favorite! Thanks for another wonderful video keep it up!

[@eric_hanson]

thank you so much! Trips with the pack are so much fun.

[@empoweredxnature1467]

I was hiking down Wilson after a 4day and 3night trip the day I saw y’all in your van at the trailhead! Didn’t want to bother you. Love your videos. Thank you for all you do. Love it!

[@kristirauckis]

Oh my gosh! I think I saw you pass by - I hope you had an amazing trip. 🙌🏻 Always welcome to say hello!!

[@eric_hanson]

You spent three nights up there? That's awesome. Did you have just an crazy amount of water you had to haul up? And you're always welcome to say hello! We'll probably run into you again if you're in the area.

[@empoweredxnature1467]

Yes, I’m a camel when it comes to water usage but still brought much more than other trips and also no food rehydration to use up the water as well. Did y’all see any bears up there? I saw two over the span of 4days! Wasn’t expecting that! Both down past where y’all camped. Hope to meet y’all at some point. Thanks again for the awesome videos and great information.

[@kristirauckis]

@@empoweredxnature1467 ohhhh!! Amazing! We didn’t see any bears, but when I hiked it in April with my mom we saw two large bear scats - so definitely aware that they are there! What a fun experience.

[@jasonkappenman4203]

Beautiful video. Loved reading a lot of comments. it is lovely to witness you to together. It reminds us all what respect in a relationship looks like.

[@dorlajacobson3077]

Thanks for the budget review! Just what we needed . We love how you work on camera as a couple.

[@tgalbaugh]

I love the focus on budget gear. Any suggestions on budget quilts?

[@jamesrohner3792]

Love it felt like I was on a backpacking trip with my wife...we pretty much talk/have mannerisms just the same!

[@eric_hanson]

that's so fun, it's great to have a hiking partner who doesn't mind your smells.

[@cfoscoop]

big fan of this one, thanks for sharing! Trying to figure out how to get my partner out on the trail with me in the future at a reasonable price without sacrificing a comfortable experience, and this is a fantastic list to check out!

[@musingwithreba9667]

That is so cool that you were able to photograph the comet! And right before I watched your video, I watched Miranda's and they caught the Auroras! Two celestial marvels in one evening, how lucky am I!? 😁 That's a great idea with the Zenbivy sheet to pull the 2 mats together to give the dog a more comfy spot. My pupper would certainly appreciate that if we ever share our tent with a friend. She's always getting squished between the 2 mats. The poor wee fing 😂 And I am *almost* sold on the Zenbivy boujee pillow. But they're sold out ATM, so I don't know what $$ conversion and shipping would cost. Gives me time to save up though!

[@eric_hanson]

Seeing the comet was a highlight!

[@mistysmeanderings6428]

Kristi, thank you so much! I've been on the fence with the OV Satu pants. Hearing your review, I finally bought them.

[@chrismyers46]

Kudos to Kristi. Epic spot!

[@Mr7h21]

I'm 74 and on S.S. so all my gear is either budget or bought on sale. This Spring I had the chance to hike to Havasupai Falls for four days. My frameless pack gets uncomfortable with weight, so I started looking for a pack with a frame. Found the Naturehike 65 on Amazon and with the coupon it had at the time cost $99. I was a little worried because all the good reviews were by men 6'+ and one guy said it was the worst pack ever made. lol At 5'9" it works great for me and is now my go to pack. The waist belt can adjust an inch up or down. I have also bought a cheap Amazon chair. $20. It's a copy of the Helinox Ground chair and weighs 1.3 pounds. It sits very low and at my age I can look pretty stupid getting out of it but it is very comfortable. And for pluses it's easy to cook while sitting and because it doesn't have pointy legs it doesn't sink in the ground and you can sit in your tent in bad weather.

[@MotocampingMutt]

Love to see the kit recommendation and the absolutely cute pupper but you two are ADORABLE! Looked at that Naturehike bag... might go on my list.

[@rachaelsorsabal551]

So funny because when I saw the sunset background I was scanning your video for the comet 😂

[@vbarrera71509]

Love your video and even better with two people trips. Trying to get my bf into backpacking and budget items so great! Is there a list or video about pack list for your dog??

[@needsavaca086]

Also have to say. All 3 of u are such a cute family. Love it!

[@danieltulk9311]

Having purchased that Naturehike pack myself almost 12 months ago for $99 Australian dollarydoos ( thats only $65 freedom bucks) on sale at Amazon, i feel great and somewhat validated you gave it such a shining review. Ive absolutely loved every Kilometer ive put on the thing and im really suprised some other youtubers give it such average reviews. Like you said, its not a top tier pack and its got a bit more weight then your high end packs, but its price simply cant be looked past by those looking for an amazing value for money pack when first getting into backpacking. There are far, far worse packs for far greater prices.

[@michellesharpe6159]

You two are so stinking cute! I hope to see more videos of you both on adventures. ❤❤❤

[@TimClarida]

The doggie is awesome he says pet me lol

[@eric_hanson]

he can be very demanding

[@mart7404]

Really enjoyable episode and it looks like you two are perfect for each other. Blaze on.

[@Harry-Giles]

Love the Sedona area. Enjoyed the video. Good to see Kristi. Best to you guys.

[@jasonmiles8974]

Glad to see a second option! A good budget mattress connector is a full size fitted bed sheet, not the lightest but makes sleeping more bed like!

[@kathleenbutler8879]

The Featherstone 2p tent was out of stock after the 1st time you reviewed it. It just came back in. Mine is ordered and l am looking forward to trying it. Glad Kristy was able to make it out with you for the Sedona memories and comet adventure.

[@miafiumefrddo834]

I am loving these budget videos. Restarting my backpacking journey and trying to thin out and lighten up my pack, and having these videos to rely on for quality budget gear has been so helpful. Thank you!!! I had a quick question about the pack you used in this vid, what is the torso length? I have a smaller torso so finding packs that fit can be difficult. Do you think this would be a suitable back for someone with a torso length around 17 inches?

[@MrSportdiver]

Hey look, it’s the crazy red beard guy!😂

[@_crane_7475]

Great video Eric! It was nice seeing the family out with you on this one. I see you took my Paria Outdoors suggestion, so thanks for that! I was curious how you would rate the pad, and I think it is an amazing value. Again, great video, amazing spot for camp. Keep up the good work!

[@eddymurray4792]

Perfect for a drizzly morning in the pnw. Stoked, gosh darn!

[@eric_hanson]

right on! that sounds lovely.

[@cryo3572]

You should try the AMPEX mattress and see how it is for a budget option it has the vertical baffles! I would be curious to see it after you've used one of their tents.

[@andreasweber7828]

Every detail in this video was beautiful and I envy you for this amazing time in a beautiful country you live in . As they say: the gras seems greener on the other side( of the world ). Cheers

[@eric_hanson]

Well I do certainly live in a beautiful place! I'm glad to show it off.

[@ethanmcculloch5309]

I got the naturehike backpack, athe higher priced 'dyneema' version. I got it on sale for 73 dollars, and other than the chest strap being too low, its a great pack for me.

[@paulmphoto]

That's cool you did the tri-flex with the camping moon stove, it's great to have both options tri-flex for petril pot, quad for big pots. FYI camping moon stove on low with heat exchanger pots can cause low efficiency and more carbon monoxide, only matters in confined spaces.

[@jamesrohner3792]

Yes you got the Fire maple!! It's friggin sweet love mine!

[@eric_hanson]

Why didn't I get it sooner?!

[@kcricket39]

"Kovu didn't do crap." Thank you for expressing how most of our dogs live 😂

[@ngsm10]

really like this type of budget friendly content - it's also quite useful for people outside The States as some of those budget brands are still budget when compared to the overpriced options we have elsewhere. There is a sleeping mat from naturehike that has R value of 5.8 and weights like 500gr, it could be one for you to test if you feel like it, thanks!

[@Colby168]

That view! Looks like it’s worth the water haul. I might have to do this one. Awesome video!

[@pnwhiker4239]

Nice to see your wife in your video, you two should make more videos together…

[@fire7side]

Gotta agree on the Teton pack. I don't have any trouble with the shoulder straps because I can shift so much weight to the hip belt. I find it very comfortable even with my budget gear, but I don't have to carry that much water. Still, I have a decent weight to carry and it feels good. The other things looked all right, I guess. I carry a two person tent for myself and my dog. It's about an extra pound, which is well worth it to me. I had a little coffin tent and it drove me crazy. The truth is you can spend quite a bit of time in the tent awake when it gets dark. I normally sleep at about midnight.

[@GarryCollins-ec8yo]

I love the thermometer. It has helped me dial in my winter system.

[@eric_hanson]

It's so light and helpful! Why did I wait so long??

[@davidcooper8390]

I agree fully with your assessment on the Petrel Pot. I just got back from a backpacking trip with some friends using an integrated cook system. Every meal I had my water boiled and meal ready before them. It is simple and does well in the wind. I would love to see you compare the Flextail pad with the Kilos Gear Aerocloud as they are in the same budget price range. Thanks for trying new things and sharing your opinions on them.;

[@rockymountboy]

Here's a hack for lightening your load when backpacking an out-and-back trail into a campsite where there is no water - leave water bottles along the trail! When you are hiking back out, pick them up and drink them! Why pack IN all of the water that you will be drinking on the way OUT? Why carry all that water BOTH WAYS?

[@iamastig]

I'd like to see you include the Marmot Trestles Elite Eco 20° sleeping bag as another alternative. It's often considerably cheaper than the Kelty outside the US, packs down to about the same size and is just as light weight. Also just a reminder that while Amazon is ultra convenient it isn't always the cheapest so shop around.

[@Mr7h21]

I just bought the Featherstone 2P tent from Amazon. $109. It is in stock again but will take a couple of weeks to get here. I like my Lanshan 1 but there are times a free standing tent will come in handy. Thanks for finding this one for me Eric. I looked at the 1P version and it looks very roomy. 84x38 $104. But I think I'll like the two doors giving me better ventilation.

[@RedCatt423]

Greatly appreciate Kristi's input, actually I would like more detail.

[@eric_hanson]

53 minutes isn't enough?! haha glad to hear it!

[@rothbart2358]

I really enjoyed this video, thanks!

[@wild-radio7373]

🥰very cool! My husband is a Glamper. I desperately want him to come backpack with me!!

[@camping_guru_uk]

Wow, what a beautiful place to hike. I watched your Pennine Way vid from a few years back, we do have some beautiful places here in the UK but the landscapes you have just blow me away, maybe one day but when you talk about mountain lions that freak's me out a little, especially when the scariest thing we have is a the wild Haggis lol

[@eric_hanson]

I mean, to be fair, Haggis is pretty terrifying! I love the Pennine Way btw.

[@CoasttoCoastOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks for this video. I was just about to spend $400 on a Z Packs Arc Haul, but now I might rethink that.

[@jasonmcochran]

Thanks for the budget gear reviews, Eric!

[@eric_hanson]

You're welcome! They're fun to do.

[@danielflaherty7794]

I have and love the Fire Maple set up I only have one suggestion and that is to use the fuel can stabilizer. The stabilizer weighs less than 30 grams and keeps your pot from tipping over.

[@Outbound1219]

Glad to see you using the naturehike, I have on and for the money I don't think you can beat it

[@eric_hanson]

It's really a great pack!

[@olivern4784]

I am waiting for my Soto Triflex to arrive. It will be paired my new Campingmoon XD 2F and Fire Maple Petrel G3 Pot. Glad to see the combination in action!

[@sunnydaze8]

Love the family and the pants too . Would love to see an episode on astrophotographers tips tihanks for taking us on this journey 🙏🙏

[@eric_hanson]

thank you! Nighttime photography is definitely a big interest of mine. Might be a niche topic but thanks for the vote!

[@tjaywelch]

What a campsite… another great video

[@eric_hanson]

it was a stunner!

[@chrismoore600]

I love a good budget gear review. It looks like an outstanding adventure. You two are awesome. Cheers

[@eric_hanson]

thank you! This round of gear was really good. We've found some winners!

[@sasuke1243]

you guys are so cute together. I love it

[@joeaznorth]

Hey, this is Joe that bumped into you today. Have a great day.

[@joeaznorth]

Let me know if you want to do something anytime. I'm up here, and I'm always down for a trip. All my gear is budget friendly.

[@Fizzyfuzzybignbuzzy]

I thought for the recharge XL you would bring up the slight less width at 22”. Probably didn’t notice as much with a sleeping bag opposed to a quilt but it’s amazing what 3” less width feels like.

[@jroysdon]

Found you after an a random suggestion on Trail Tales. Very much enjoyed this video. I enjoy outdoors and camping, but have only gone backpacking one time. However, a number of the hikes I've been on would make for great backpacking trips and looking to get some inexpensive, yet light, gear. Saved this one for when I get more funds in prep for next spring. Enjoy seeing you and your wife together and interacting as well. Definitely subbing to your channel.

[@madisonsyring5705]

kovu merch is a need i’m in love with him

[@kristirauckis]

I am seriously considering this idea 🙌🏻🤣

[@madisonsyring5705]

@kristirauckis yes! I have an aussie mix who is my certified adventure buddy and I see so much of him in kovu! 🤍

[@kcricket39]

​@@kristirauckisI'd 100% buy Kovu merch!

[@adolfo206]

Very nice gear, thanks for sharing...it would be nice to see a comparison/rain/wind test video between the featherstone and ampex tents.

[@eric_hanson]

Cool! Yeah I'd like to do that. I need more inclement weather for that one!

[@meTWO2323]

You guys are adorable! More trips with Koko!

[@eric_hanson]

aww thanks!

[@MattVHulst]

I'm sure you've already heard this, but the green peak stove from fire maple pairs well with the petrl pot. Has three prongs, a piezo igniter, wind guard, and it's $20

[@StamfordBridge]

Video title sounds like the beginning of a murder-mystery plot …

[@almashburn1770]

Eric, I have found that the Petrel pot actually works better if you don't crank it up all the way, it just tends to waste fuel.

[@SpaceAstriod]

I use my firemaple pot all the time. Its a great deal

[@pauliedamickoutdoors]

I have the same Naturehike pack. I liked it so much I sold my Kakwa 55. I thought the Naturehike was more comfortable than the Kakwa. Sorry Dan.

[@eric_hanson]

That's interesting to hear. The way the Naturehike pack is padded I'm not surprised. Some people will definitely prefer the higher comfort focus of the Naturehike.

[@pyronymph-868]

Thank you for showing Comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas❤

[@eric_hanson]

We had been looking for it and thought we missed it. So it was such a fun surprise to see it pop up in the timelapse!

[@zrs159]

Yeah! Eric summiting Wilson's peaks. Bow chicka wow wow.

[@karmaclanton5544]

You two are great together. So much fun. Thank you.😊❤😊 or should I say 3 of you!!! Dog quit the ham!!!🐕🐕‍🦺

[@flanneljoe7473]

Using a fancy feast stove and a Fosters pot for years. Been kicking the tires on trying a gas stove. This one looks worth trying. Thanks

[@eric_hanson]

It's a really nice cooking setup. Very fast, very efficient. And fairly inexpensive.

[@meTWO2323]

We got the Kelty Cosmic 20 long for about $80 on sale. It rocks! Added a fuzzy liner for $11. 25°F was fine.

[@eric_hanson]

Oooh that's a score!

[@jasongergal9215]

You need to try out the new Kilos Gear Pads I’ve found that it’s one of the best budgets buys on the market right now. For warmth, price, comfort, and weight.

[@antiricergt]

I survived the Covid lol. Great video as always buddy!

[@TheAlgro144]

You should try the 3F UL backpack as a budget option one time. I know their Lanshan tents seem to be pretty well reviewed as budget tents.

[@eric_hanson]

I will probably dive into more budget gear including those you mentioned after the holidays.

[@lburton874]

I have an older model of the flex tail pump and love it. The one I have also has a mini lantern built in. Most of the pe camping I do is car based but I buy gear that is cross over

[@eric_hanson]

Yeah the old combo pump / lantern is cool! It was nice having the double use.

[@kmichaelp4508]

No I didn’t notice… not for too long 😮 But then I’m old! I do tend to gaze for longer periods of time.

[@TheWillRogers]

I think the big Paria piece of gear i've been interested in has been their 0F bag. Other 0 degree bags are just really expensive, I don't plan on packing in the miles when 0F nights are possible so the extra weight doesn't seem that bad.

[@eric_hanson]

0 degree bag for $180 bucks seems like a really good deal. I'll have to get some testing in one that one.

[@j.stephens257]

Curious on the budget mummy bags if you'd pick the Kelty Cosmic 20 or the Aegismax 15 (from previous video)? I like that the Aegismax unzips on both sides, so fabric feel aside, would you pick it over the Kelty for warmth and weight?

[@etechelectrical686]

Yes, I'd like to know too!

[@etechelectrical686]

I've just checked, he does compare the two in the last video. It seems the Aegismax is lighter but louder. I'll go for the Aegismax as I wear earplugs anyway. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2KWiKyprpqagpI

[@j.stephens257]

@@etechelectrical686 Thanks!!

[@TimClarida]

Keep up the good work I love budget gear options I got the ampex codazzi 2person tent and love it so far. I have a cosmic down 20 , and went to the ampex air sleeping pad at 5.5 r value and the same pack you have in this video. A geertop 750 liter titanium pot the cheap stove you had on the first budget gear setup.whaat else could you recommend?

[@cobykempton4934]

I ordered the LMNT for an upcoming Indian Gardens couple night camping trip in January.

[@eric_hanson]

that's the perfect place to use em! Enjoy the canyon!

[@cobykempton4934]

@@eric_hanson Unfortunately the lower half of the Bright Angel trail and the trail to Plateau point is closed during our trip. It's closed for a large portion of 2025 also.

[@mattjosh69]

Don’t think I could camp that close to a cliff edge, be to scared I’d sleep walk of it going for a p in the night.😂😂😂

[@olivern4784]

The Govee thermometers are also useful in monitoring a 12v refrigerator.

[@eric_hanson]

oh that's a fun idea

[@chris.youell]

Eric! Looking good! 😀

[@kentrails]

Great video! Do you mind sharing your route? I’ve been looking for backpacking trips in Sedona and they’re a bit hard to put together for longer days