In Defense of Expensive Gear: (Getting What I REALLY Wanted!)

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I'm so excited about my new (final?) gear! What's the best gear upgrade you've made?

[@chicoflash6377]

Doctor! Boy, was that video a memory -jogger! Accumulating gear seems to be a common process for backpackers. Probably most relatable for me was the tent. I used the BA Fly Creek for years. Unfortunately, as great as that tent was l became too old to use the front entrance! Solution? The Copper Spur! Fantastic! This fall, on the CT, I fell in love with it. I can't wait to hear about the Bike-pack version. Great video, Doug!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

So good to hear from ya Flash! We need to hike again asap so i can hear your CT stories!

[@lakorai2]

Durston X-Mid 2p Pro

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Lucky you! :)

[@trailheadjunkie]

I recently went ahead and bought the new 2022 redesigned MSR Hubba Hubba 2P tent and couldn’t be happier. I just came back from Yosemite trip with it and performed well. I passed on the copper spur UL after thorough research.

[@andrea4633]

thankfully I only made that mistake once with buying a cheap tent ... never again! I have only bought the gear I really wanted, allowing one or two "big" items a year so it's never gotten out of hand. I agonised for months over my crazy expensive sleeping bag but 10 years on I still love it and it's in perfect condition so quality will save you money in the longterm too

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Glad to hear it and yes, longevity is a consideration too!

[@billb5732]

This is exactly why we watch your vids. We want YOU to buy a bunch of stuff, so that WE can just buy what we really want; the first time. Thanks for doing what you do.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Hey man it's why KZbin pays me the big bucks LOL! So glad it helped!

[@DarrenYee]

Great advice Doug, I was a big budget gear person myself and I always look for alternatives. I always hear in the back of my head, buy once, cry once and always invest in sleep. These are great investments and I hope your gear works out for you. The pack looks great!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Invest in sleep.... I like that! Love your stuff man, thanks for commenting!

[@nedanother9382]

I don't invest in sleep....only weight. I can't sleep at all on the ground so I get all the stuff but I doubt I'll ever get real good sleep in a tent. Good enough is good enough....it cost me 3 sleeping pads to realize that. Now I worry more about the weight on my back when I'm conscious than how much like home I can make it....where I don't sleep so good either.

[@GeoKidd]

Great talk and mindset. There's an old saying, where I'm from: "I'm too poor, to afford cheap things." - you've just proven this right. Happy camping!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

That's a wise saying! Thanks!

[@Sky206King]

Really happy to hear that you finally got some gear that you always wanted. Having gear that you enjoy using I think contributes to the enjoyable memories made on trail.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

100% agreed!

[@JeremiahBlasi]

Good stuff. I completely agree with your philosophy behind your decisions. I’m in a similar position to you: ministry, 4 kids, and I USED TO live in California! Lol - now I’m in Oklahoma, which is cheaper to live, but that also means pay is lower. So… My kids also go with me, so I’ve also had to worry about gear for them. I’ve just slowly upgraded. Every year, I add something to my kit, and the “old” still gets used by the kids. As they get older, they’ve started buying pieces of gear themselves, which is awesome because they still love getting out and they’re now personally invested in it. Good stuff, enjoy the upcoming trips!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

That's so great! Good deals and getting stuff second hand is a huge help. God bless!

[@colleenmoriarty5677]

Great information. I’m also headed to Tuolumne Meadows/Sister Lakes Trail Memorial Day weekend. I look forward to your next post.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Thanks! Enjoy your hiking!

[@Love2Wander]

Nice loadout Doug I think we need to do the same. Happy for you and your new gear. Stay safe on your adventures.

[@davidshirley6850]

So glad I found this channel great video

[@rodoutdoors]

Very nice. I'm still playing around with shelters. It's pretty fun looking into different designs. I love hammocks but still digging into freestanding tents and maybe tarp/bivy. I ended up with a lot of the same gear through progression. I moved on to the Soto Windmaster from the BRS because of the efficiency, lower noise, wind performance, and the 4plex size. The Nemo Tensor wide is warm and comfortable. I'm using the Elite version of the Fillo and it's ok. The Copperspur looks really nice but I'm not ready to commit to 'one' yet. Love the look of the orange Waymark. The features look impressive.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

All good choices!

[@LagunaRider1961]

Great video! I'm 61 now and when I was growing up my father always told me to save up and buy the best quality available, of course I didn't always listen and always ended up selling stuff in the end and losing money only to get what I really wanted. I have the Big Agnes Copper Spur Bikepacking tent and it's very awesome, I think I'm pretty set with that. I also use the Nemo Tensor Alpine pad which was quite expensive but worth the extra dough and I recently upgraded my sleeping bag to the Western Mountaineering Alpinlite sleeping bag. Done now and I no longer feel any need to upgrade my gear. Cheers from Southern California!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

You did it right! That's some great stuff. :) Greetings from NoCal!

[@colwem]

The goal of just having one set of gear is a bit unrealistic if you’re a serious outdoors person. I thought the same, but there are so many different activities and seasons and locations to explore and every change requires a few changes of gear. For instance I have 4 sleeping bags for 4 different temperature ranges. I have 6 tents/tarps/bivys for 6 different situations. I have 5 packs for 5 situations (ice climbing, winter backpacking and expeditions, medium length pack, day pack, UL pack). I have a jet boil but also need a liquid fuel stove for winter expeditions. Etc. etc. etc.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

You can still eliminate redundancy and unused gear, and that's what I was doing here. I didn't get into my climbing gear or dayhikes for example. :)

[@tommanseau6277]

I've heard good things about the ULA packs & it's great you really like your pack. I agree, buy once, cry once. Bad or just the wrong gear for you can make your trip a lot less fun. Just picked up the Soto stove and sure seems great. I just picked up a Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor 40-60 liter pack for about $25 more than the typical price for the Granite Gear pack, but can carry a much heavier load much more comfortably and weighs 41 oz. I'm calling it a sleeper pick on a pack.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I never got to put the SDFC through its paces because I got the wrong size. It seems like a great pack though!

[@YYZWanderers]

Great video. I am relatively new to backpacking/camping and 3 years ago, dropped a load of $ on gear and now find myself questioning some of my choices, some though I am glad I splurged on. It's almost a rite of passage as you experienced to buy gear then realizing after what works for you individually through trial and error and fine tune as you go along. I am mindful though to not keep buying more and more stuff as you ended up doing the hard way thanks to folks like you sharing your experiences!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Yeah letting other people take the hit and learning from their experience helps!

[@SalmondOutdoors]

I absolutely agree with the "buy once, cry once" mantra. I'd rather spend a little more for something that I know I'm going to enjoy more, and that's going to last longer. Although funny enough actually like some of the gear you got rid of, I use the BRS3000 stove, and I love my thermarest xtherm, which is apparently louder than the xlite 😂Im a pretty deep sleeper though so the sound has never bothered me. Having a solid setup is a great feeling, I hope you get lots of use out of it and look forward to seeing more videos about it! :)

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I'm a super light sleeper ever since having kids haha. I'm not throwing the BRS away, I like it too much and it's SO LITTLE! But for trips where I want to luxuriate a bit, the SOTO will be fun. :)

[@SalmondOutdoors]

@@BackcountryPilgrim I mean fair enough! I can see how having kids would do that. Oh for sure, if I’m not backpacking I use a Jetboil Minimo, it just boils water so quick 😅

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Nice!

[@thetrailgoat]

Great video! Great articulation of your thought process!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching!

[@solonutiket564]

Great info, looking forward to more. I agree with you 110%, there is no substitute for quality. This is a real problem for Boy Scouts putting their gear together. In our program we camp and hike a lot, and in the winter. Parents usually have no experience and are drawn, like you were, to cheaper products. I bought my sleeping bag back in 1978 and still doing a great job for me. I will check out your tent and sleeping pad. Thanks again.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Good gear doesnt have to be new. Marketplace has been my friend haha. REIs sales too. But it takes a while! :) Thanks for watching and for you comment!

[@HuckOutdoors]

Dude you're going to love the Soto Windmaster and the circut!!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Took them both out on their first trip last week and.....you're right! :)

[@mariamachuca3993]

I'm so happy for you!!!

[@derekjeter2387]

The best way to order something online is to get it from the manufacturer or order it from the store like REI, etc. and you might get free shipping or have to pay to have it shipped through FedEx or UPS. I know for a fact that FedEx and UPS had a good safety record and allows their truck driver's to shut down for weather

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I'll take your word for it. But I have to say that shipping through FedEx has been a nightmare recently. not just late but saying things were delivered when they weren't etc. I've had zero issues with Amazon, however. UPS seems good currently.

[@valeriesorrells]

I have the copper spur 2, LOVE IT. It fit myself, my 45lb pup on a nemo tensor reg/ wide. The key to get it for less is to join the REI co-op and wait for the sales, it was more affordable for me to justify buying it. So if you get a chance... I highly recommend it. ( tip, replace the stakes with msr groundhogs.)

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Good to hear! I actually have done all of the above haha, but I got a smoking deal on the tent lightly used so I went with that. :)

[@valeriesorrells]

@@BackcountryPilgrim that's even better! I hear you on the strikes... 2 kids, and they won't stop growing. Finally given up on sleeping bags for them. Getting them quilts for their birthday this year.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Yeah mone get hand me down gear until they get jobs lol!

[@MegaMastiffman]

Just so ya know almost everyone that gets into backpacking winds up well upgrading from budget gear to the best gear I’m definitely in that camp for sure

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Good for you! Thanks for watching!

[@Gamerhog2022]

If you like tipi tents check out luxe hiking gear. I use the minipeak xl. Im in Texas and used it a few times in Colorado.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I've never tried one! be fun to check out. :)

[@SinAlameda]

I think I went on that same overnight to point Reyes trail! Maybe. Close anyway!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Beautiful place!

[@AllTerrainCoffeeCamping]

I've made alot of upgrades lately. The 3 I'm most excited about (and where I spent the most money at) Are my Backpack (Custom Alien Outdoor gear), Tent (Big Agnes Tiger wall UL2), Pillow well actually 2 pillows I use to make one awesome pillow (Goose feet Gear pillow and Sea to summit Aeros premium Deluxe) the combined pillow is so comfortable and perfect for me as a side sleeper that I like it better than my normal at home pillow. Awesome video and thanks for sharin!!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Wow that sounds great. I haven't heard of that backpack I'll need to look in to that. Tell me more about you pillow setup because I am still iffy on mine. :)

[@AllTerrainCoffeeCamping]

@@BackcountryPilgrim I just posted some pics and more info on Instagram and tagged you.

[@timhaugen6410]

It's nice to have nice things.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Better to have a few things you can really use than a bunch you can't! :)

[@arkadiuszchlebowicz9504]

Very true, this is one of the best advises on You Tube. I agree with you in 100% and this my philosophy in all purchases. Just one comment about beginners, they have to go thru journey of learning own needs to realize what they really want, and it is impossible to avoid exchange gear completely. But still, I think that most of good gear from the beginning will be ok for years. I'm happy of using 80% of my (expensive) gear from my first camping trip. After few years I just need to upgrade backpack to UL and that is only one upgrade I really need. To be honest, I was afraid to buy UL backpack as a beginner because of no experience, that is why it is only one ordinary gear in my setup.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Oh yes, you need some experience before you should make the big decisions! That's one reason it took me a while to get here. :) Thanks for watching!

[@csamons0935]

This! This right here is my backpacking journey as well. Except I thought I was a Bushcrafter first. Then realized I wanted ultralight gear. Started cheap and realized I really wanted to try all the best. Love your choices! I went with LiteAF pack (20L and 40L), Gossamer Gear The Two and Dream Hammock Darien, same pad and Loco Libre custom quilts. I've been so happy and basically stopped shopping for backpacking stuff.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

That is awesome! So much great egar out there, glad you found yours!

[@mattrose5124]

Great video! I’m at the same stage selling off far too many things I’ve bought to have the “perfect” set up!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

It's so worth it!

[@nedanother9382]

yeah I dare you to lay out all that gear and say "yup, perfect" its like cold fusion....it's not real, just a mind exercise. By the time you get it "right" you will realize that you forgot about rain and start over. It's a lifestyle, not a kit.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Lol, true!

[@motorolas]

Point Reyes is my go to spot. Haven’t gone since 2019. Would go twice a year before. Still use an REI Quarter Dome from 2014 I got from Craigslist. Started budget, and upgraded as time went on.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Its such a great place! I've been going there since I was a kid but that was the first time I backpacked. :)

[@GideonSmit]

This journey you're on is exciting to me. I'm looking forward to your experiences with the new gear. I'm happy with my choice of sleeping pad so far - Exped Synmat HL Winter M. Very comfortable. The stove is Soto Amicus - good stove. The Granite Gear Drop X60 is just OK, with 12kg of weight over multiple days. I would have to upgrade it for longer and heavier carries.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Awesome! You've got some great stuff. Yeah the GG is a wonderful pack for low-impact backpacking but it didn't cut it for me with heavier carries. I overloaded my Circuit with 35 pounds this week with overnight backpacking / climbing / and photo gear and it rode very well. :)

[@GideonSmit]

@@BackcountryPilgrim did you ever test the GG Blaze?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Nope. :)

[@cathyajames]

Great video and good philosophy. My husband and I have used our early model (pre-HV) Copper Spur UL3, the next larger size, and its footprint. It's extremely comfortable for 2 people. The only downside is that it is pretty large and that can constrain which campsite we can use. This has been a problem on at least 2 trips. I've thought about upgrading from my Snow Peak Gigapower to a Soto Amicus. The Gigapower works well and includes an igniter, but if there's any wind it can be a challenge to light it and keep it lit. Good luck with all your new gear. Enjoy!

[@cathyajames]

Also, the Granite Gear Crown 2 is an excellent pack for carrying about 18-22 lbs. It's perfect for a lightweight overnighter. But if I need to carry over 25 lbs, I'm going to switch back to my older REI Flash 65 even though it's a pound heavier.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Good to know the tent has held up! Gear decisions often come down to details not everyone needs but that can make a big difference in one's situation. :)

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Yeah I loved that pack for single overnighta or no bear canister. :)

[@kpj5]

Love to hear ur info on Nemo pillow

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Well it is still a blow up pillow, but it's flatter and has enough foam thay I can deflate it and still have a good pad for stomach sleeping. Not perfect but I like it so far!

[@jefferypike2304]

Hi new to your channel I have been hiking and camping for over 25 years and I understand what you are going threw because I started out with really heavy gear I started thinking about what I really wanted good quality gear I would buy the latest and greatest gear so every couple of years I would replace my old gear and buy new latest gear so now 3 years ago I started hammock camping and I bought a war bonnet xlc hammock and I bought the Wookiee under quilt and the war bonnet super fly now these upgrades are expensive I bought when I had the money so to make a long story short if you want something save money for it I don’t like to cheap out on any gear anymore it’s the same thing with my carpentry business I buy the best

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Great sounding setup! Tools are in the same category for sure!

[@Doc_Watson]

I understand what you are saying. But would you know what you really wanted without trying all that budget gear? I was just thinking last week about organizing some of the budget stuff I have and selling what I don't want anymore.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

No, and I wouldn't recommend starting off by dropping a lot of cash for that reason. Eventually the time will come. :)

[@lcg3816]

Always good to try before deciding what to keep, i have three kids, so I usually buy different items in multiple brands and they can try all. Sometimes people have different preference. Quality gears with low technology will be replaced by similar items at cheaper price soon. Helinox chair has many competitors now and fairly equal quality.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Good points I'm! And our gear choices change over time as well. I'm trying chairs now in fact haha.

[@Backpacksandtrails]

We started with the BRS and went withe Soto WM. We recently went with the Sea to summit eather lite xt pads. As far as a tent, we lucked out. We started and will end with our durston XMid 2p. We actually own 2 of them now 😂. After several back packs, we are in love with our custom chicken tramper packs.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Nice stuff! You have TWO Durstons??? You really are in the cult lol! :)

[@dereknoto9969]

Amok makes some really awesome sleep pads.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Cool! I'll have to check them out.

[@nicksam5518]

i have both the thermarest neoair LW, and the nemo tensor Lw insulated. im 6', and 245, also a side sleeper. tensor all the way.(ps; get the flextail gear tiny, AMAZING little air pump. soooo nice after. long day of hiking)

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

That's great! I'll check out the pump. :)

[@liza2739]

Hope you like the new gear. I watched your gear organization video previously and would be curious to see a before and after as far before you sold a lot off and after.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Somehow it doesn't look that different so far lol, but great idea!

[@fatmanfaffing4116]

I think we get to an age and store of hard experience where what you did makes complete sense. I am now (with 6 kids, wife, one income) doing something similar. I am cutting out the quantity and going for the quality. Less is more when the quality is there. As I learned years ago selling Land Rovers and Range Rovers; the quality remans long after the price is forgotten. But yeah, top of my curve, never just the most expensive item as too often pricing is just a part of the marketing mix and reflects what they can get, not what it is worth. I subscribed.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I think that, like you, coming from a sales background helped move me in this direction too. Welcome aboard!

[@lakorai2]

Sounds like you need a Durston X-Mid 2p

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Who doesn't? :) I'm mostly on free standing these days. The Sierra are unkind to trekking poles tents.

[@Johnnywalleye1]

Same with me 2 trecking poles tents 2 freestanding tents , 4 sleeping bags , 2 backpacks and air pads time to sell and Bite the bullet

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Sell, cry, buy, smile. ;)

[@adventureswithfrickandfrack]

I spent a lot of money trying to save money, only to end up having to get the thing what I really wanted in the first place. I tell people to buy the best gear your budget will allow. Your big three are the most important things on trail so it’s best to “buy once, cry once) for sure!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Perfectly stated!

[@adventureswithfrickandfrack]

My husband and I hiked almost 500 miles on the PCT in 2021. We absolutely loved our Copper Spur HV UL3!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Great to hear!

[@garrycollins3415]

I'm crying. My Copper Spur 2 just blew away. Gone. No sign of it after many hours and miles of searching.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Oh no way! So sorry!!!

[@garrycollins3415]

@@BackcountryPilgrim lesson learned. I set the fly and ground cloth up outside to dry after applying waterproofing. A storm popped up. Pulled out all of the stakes. Next time I throw weight into the tent. So I'm in search of a fly, poles and ground cloth. I did just receive my Durstan X-Mid 1P so I'm good there. BTW that BA porch mode rocks. I've had it set up in the rain and the inside stayed dry.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Dang that's some wind!

[@dirtbagoutside]

Lol, it will never end!!! You got the fever!!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

No way man, I am set for life . . . Wait, is that an ultralight chair??? :)

[@dirtbagoutside]

Baahahaaaa.. Thats great!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

@@dirtbagoutside And....accurate hahaha. :)

[@freedomforaging]

This is sooo true. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this! Plus, it's soooo much fun using nice gear whereas using gear that just gets you by gets exhausting, right?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

100%!

[@danielhurst8863]

If being outdoors is important to you, then buy gear that you will use for your lifetime. You can always group with people and borrow gear, as most people have tons of extra gear that they try and until the decide exactly what they like, but once you KNOW what you want, work to adding that to your gear. This doesn't always mean the most expensive gear possible, but get the gear that fits your style of outdoor activity, and only you can really know what that is. Currently, the trend, on KZbin at least, is heavily weighted to ultralight and through hiking, but there are many others kinds of backpacking. You can be off-trail and setting up base camps, you can be hunting, decides what you like, then get the best gear that works for you.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Well said!

[@firemarshaldil]

As someone who grew up on the poor side of lower middle class with a single parent. I was always taught to buy the cheapest possible thing and know that I was going to need to replace it. In my twenties and early thirties, I completely reversed that logic and decided I only want to buy things that will be with me for the rest of my life if possible. This video fully illustrates that. Like you said buy once cry once, and I apply this to every aspect of my life Now. I buy boots that can be resoled. I buy handmade resharpenable kitchen knives, not the cheap block sets that wear down and can't be properly sharpened again. Etc. And this really does save money in the long run. And gives you assets that will last a long time and potentially be handed down to others eventually.

[@firemarshaldil]

All in all, what I mean to say is I appreciate the video.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Yes! 100% It took me way too long to learn this lesson but it's one I will at least be able to pass on to my kids!

[@kristymoore7052]

I feel like you’re my distant cousin. Practically everything you switched out/up I did too. I live in the sierras and I too can’t handle the non free standing with our granite, even in campgrounds I had issues .

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I have a cousin named Kristy lol! Small world. :)

[@wayofthehike]

Doug this is a great video. I have recently been purging gear as well and making room for stuff I really want. I like your thought process and super happy this approach was so successful for you. The new ULA pack looks great! Happy Easter!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Right on, thanks! I feel like a load is off my shoulders and a sweet lighter load is back on haha! HAPPY EASTER!!!

[@TheBlackCamper]

Just have to say this was a great video!!!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Thank you for doing so!

[@michaelbirnbaum5265]

I've been using the Thermarest compressible pillow(small size) for the past 3 years as my pillow at home its so comfortable. Speaking as someone who's tried the fillo if it doesn't work out for you consider checking it out

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Thank you! I like the Fillo better than my previous pillow but it's not something I'd use at home. I'll look into the Thermarest!

[@alexwbanks70]

You still better take the lighter... I've been thinking about the Soto Windmaster for a long time now. I've been using the BRS for years. I've almost made the decision but I still need some convincing. lol

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I always have backup fire tools. :)

[@jeffdianocky9089]

buy once cry once I still have some upgrades to make myself but my kit is getting there

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

No hurry. It's worth doing it right!

[@supernaut1826]

Hey! its Enrico Pallazo!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Bunch of bombs in the sky!!!!

[@genelucky4002]

I like this idea of purge and purchase. Glad you have your "good stuff" gear. But what's wrong with the orange Wilderness Experience frame pack ? 🙂

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

The pack's fine. :) Unfortunately the straps and hardware have degraded to the point where they no longer work. :(

[@markswishereatsstuff2500]

Orange became my favorite color in the last few years and that's how I would have done my pack.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Wait till you see the full review! :)

[@JoshSweet]

Wise owl camp pillow- 12x16x3, 9oz, packs down to 9x4, $25

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Sounds nice!

[@CaMuzzy77]

What's up with your jacket zipper? It's like it was buttoned-up wrong... how is that possible? Haha

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Lol! I don't know what happened. Someone mentioned it earlier, thought I got a factory second or something hahaha!

[@davidshipman6241]

What was wrong with the Waymark backpack?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Nothing at all! It just wasn't the size I needed at the time. I wanted something bigger for longer trips and I already have the Waymark MILE for day hikes. :)

[@davidshipman6241]

@@BackcountryPilgrim Thanks for the response Doug!

[@steveragan3945]

Congrats! Great summary of your new gear Doug. You still have the Waymark Mile as your day/overnight pack?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Absolutely - the MILE's goin nowhere (without me)!

[@ms7fam433]

Carry the lighter anyway...It's not if, but when the igniter fails that you will kick yourself for not having a lighter. We really enjoyed debating your choices.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Fire is always a "2 is 1, 1 is none" for me! I have lots of sparkers etc. and in all honesty I'll likely carry a lighter too. ;)

[@nedanother9382]

has one of those auto lighters ever worked in the mountains...I don't even try anymore.

[@addsy6396]

Yep, saving money by buying cheap just ends up being false economy. You always end up upgrading. I tell customers, if they can hold out and maybe borrow gear, they'll be better off in the long run if they save and get what they really want a little further down the track. They'll be much happier, more satisfied and the gear will probably last longer so less wasteful. But, I have a Neo Air and yes, its noisy - but its more of a problem for the people who are sharing the campsite then it is for me ;-)

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

"False Economy" - I like that! You sound like someone who cares about their customers. I can snore so between that and a Neo Air I'd be risking my life lol!

[@brianc1651]

I always try to think of it on a per night basis. Say something is 100 bucks more, but I will get 100 nights use out of it. I think of that as an extra dollar per night.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Yes! A $700 tent isn't a bad deal compared to a few nights in a hotel.

[@wiegehtsdenn1234]

You are so funny! Great entertainment.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Thanks! I have fun. :)

[@nickfischer8510]

Wisdom 👍

[@RoooyceTV]

1 backpack please

[@edmolash3401]

Buy once, cry once. Agreed.

[@1mlister]

The trouble with buying expensive kit first time is that it takes years of buying cheaper gear to learn what you really want. Part of what you buy with cheaper kit, is cheaper learning. I suspect you wouldn't be able to buy the perfect thing, without having been through this process.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

The process is important!

[@teerex4626]

Nice

[@matt6477]

I did the same in 2020…..

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Feels good! :)

[@jpmcc]

Hi Doug, when you're on the plus side of 50yrs, like many of us, we learn to buy quality, what can be used for the next 20yrs. Our best and last purchases. I ask my wife to buy quality items rather than multitudes of cheap & cheerful. You made good decisions and will sleep better for it.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Yeah thise thoughts went through my head too. Doubt I'll be doing this in 30 more years haha.

[@craig3401]

We've all been there everyone thinks there going to get some amazing gear that's dirt cheap in reality it very rarely happens.1st be realistic with the type of hiking/camping you are going to do 2nd what seasons you intend to go in.summer occasional camper yes you get by with cheap gear if the hikes arnt 2 long.the buy once cry once stands true you normally get what you pay for.research and more research before buying expensive gear.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

You got it!

[@snlzach2205]

I think it’s ‘buy once, explain once (to the wife)’ vs ‘buy once, cry once’. I have bargain shopped and found the same to be true, just be a lil patient, be confident in a purchase, and then apologize to the wife once. 😆

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Do what you gotta do lol! I actually get bargains on nearly everything. There's always a sale or someone selling their stuff. :)

[@1mlister]

Ear Plugs. Best camping gear under $1. Sleeping Mat noise not a problem anymore.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Agreed although I've graduated to ear buds and white noise lol!

[@davidandmoose1499]

It's OK Doug, you don't need to make an entire video to justify your purchases to us, we're not your wife. hahaha But it's true. Buy Once, Cry Once!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Thanks David, and I mowed the lawn! ;)

[@saltwaterborn1295]

👍👍👍

[@billpetersen298]

Same with tools. You can buy Chinese three times, and still have junk. Or buy American Japanese German, and your kids will inherit them. (You are also supporting allies)

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Agreed! (This century at least. ;))

[@Earthslittlesecrets]

Good for you. Buy once and cry once.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

You got it!

[@MassiveCarbonFootprint]

Great logic grounded in sound economic theory, bolstered by your creative problem-solving/efforts and a dash of providential serendipity all smothered in a presentation that would make a $1000 per hour barrister blush with envy....but your wife demurred anyway 😉 😀 😄

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

This is the greatest comment ever lol! (For the record my wife is super cool about all of this craziness haha!)

[@nedanother9382]

This is GOLD....I want what I want.... Amen on the head entry door being no fun. That pack looks awesome! New gear is sooo fun. I was waiting for the dyneema...bummer. The weight just gives options. The copper spur was my first real tent. Love it. still have it even if it doesn't get to go out much. enthusiastic thumbs up for banging on california. This place gives the old 1950's lunatic asylum's a bad name. It's impossible to defend this once wonderful place. If Russia can invade Ukraine to save their fellow russians from a life of wealth and prosperity then I want Texas to invade california to save me. I'm in exile for goodness sake. My friend you need to work that food kit to match your new lighter attitude. Bear cans rule! I can do 5 whole days in a BV450, easy 8 days in the 500 and I've never owned a pack that they didn't fit in easily. Baltoro 65 from Gregory, mariposa 60 from Gossamer Gear, and now the 42 liter frameless G4-20 from GG. It's just a staple in the pack. Everything else fits around under and on top. I go out at 20 - 24 lbs all in with water. Work it until it bleeds. Only problem is now all your old gear is probably cold and lonely in someones garage....they're packing out 6 packs and hotdogs in a neighborhood park instead of walking by crystal clear sierra streams...I can picture the two garage dogs playin tug of war with your old pack....damn #gearhavefeelingtoo

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Lol this was a fun read! Yeah if I had the 450 I'd take it but I have one smaller and one bigger and owning three bear cans just seems insane. Having said that, you're not selling are you??? :)

[@nedanother9382]

@@BackcountryPilgrim wow, I didn't know there was a smaller can than the 450....I'm going to look back and see what that was...which would give me the insane 3 cans. I've done stupider things I'm sure. And what did you have children for if not to take your old gear so you can try out the new stuff. Of my two girls one was raised right to be a Sherpa ...she actually carried her boyfriends pack in addition to hers on Mt. Whitney for a spell. The altitude monster got him. And no, not for sale. My gear wouldn't know what to do without me. lol. Before I knew what they were I saw a BV500 at good will for 10.00....what a miss.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

It's a Bear Boxer. I used it in a couple videos. Love it but it's dinky. :)

[@briteshikes5099]

Buy once Cry once!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Yeah!

[@davidfellows6250]

looks to me like you've got about 10k worth of gear. so the church must not pay that bad.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Selling previously used / reviewed gear helps a lot. Didn't invest a penny on this new stuff! #KZbinLife

[@DrMarvinLara]

If you don't like inflatable pillows, you'll hate the nemo fillo

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I like having more cushion options and the covering on the Fillo is better than the one I had.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Followup - I didn't hate it on my first trip but it wasn't as cushy as I'd hoped. The search continues! :)

[@SmossyYT]

So this is constructive criticism and I'm not doubting the quality of your video, but trying to watch tons of hiking videos and your intro dragged and was boring and made me click off. I figured Id share.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Thanks for the feedback! Always a work in progress! (BTW - I try to include chapters in my newer videos so you can easily skip around to the content you're looking for!)

[@robgreenhill1426]

Buy cheap, buy twice

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

At least! :)