5 Day Backpacking GEAR LOADOUT: Pictured Rocks '21

MY BIG 3 (Shelter system, sleep system, and backpack):
BACKPACK: ula-equipment.9xrw.net/vrvqd
TENT: bit.ly/331TdL3
HAMMOCK: ugqoutdoor.com/product/hammoc...
TARP: ugqoutdoor.com/tarps/?ref=2540
TOP QUILTS:
WARM WEATHER: bit.ly/33pb9A7
COLD WEATHER: ugqoutdoor.com/top-quilts/ban...
UNDERQUILTS:
WARM WEATHER: ugqoutdoor.com/under-quilts/z...
COLD WEATHER: bit.ly/2OYyAMi
SLEEPING PADS: bit.ly/31OYxS2
PILLOW: bit.ly/2NmE1Do
I’m an Ambassador for the Zoleo Satellite Communicator. Check it out, and see it it’s for you: bit.ly/2N2JnpW
Always practice Leave No Trace principles. Go to their website to learn more: lnt.org
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#backpacking #2021 #Gear
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My Camera Gear:
Canon EOS 80: amzn.to/2XoqsWD
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens: amzn.to/2Ih5l2c
Godox SL-60W LED Video Light: amzn.to/3ouTb9o
Godox 47" Octagon Softbox with Bowens Mounting: amzn.to/3m63kYq
Deity V-Mic D3 Pro: amzn.to/2L8Z7p1
Geekoto 77" Tripod: amzn.to/2WtImG9
Jobi Gorilla Pod 5K: amzn.to/2Pnw6J8
iPhone X: amzn.to/33Kg6mv
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If you'd like to help out this channel, shop with the links below:
Backcountry.com: bit.ly/2M9m61a
REI.com: bit.ly/30Kgsbc
Klymit: bit.ly/31JXh2w
Outdoor Vitals: bit.ly/2VfwHvr
UGQ Outdoor: ugqoutdoor.com?ref=2540
Hilltop Packs: partners.hilltoppacks.com/1433...
Injinji: bit.ly/2D6AanO
Garage Grown Gear: bit.ly/2olQIVj
Sea to Summit: bit.ly/35hm9Az
Patagonia: bit.ly/2IX6DAs
Tread Labs: bit.ly/33GxpF4
Therm-a-Rest: bit.ly/33gEKep
What's with all the links? These affiliate links are the best way for me to invest money back into this channel to purchase equipment, gear and pay for trips. By clicking on these links to do the shopping you would do regardless, I get a minimal kickback from the sale. This is the best way to support this channel without it costing you anything more than what you would already be spending. Thanks so much!

[@Doc_Watson]

Thank you, your video reminded me that I hadn't unpacked from last weekend. Needed to get those quilts out of the backpack.

[@john_kelley]

😂😂😂 I think we’ve all done that.

[@TheTrailDancer]

That pillow is so good! :) LOL

[@john_kelley]

😁😂😂

[@woodchip2782]

Your set is fine. Maybe a table where we see your stuff? Oh! Stronger lighting!

[@BackpackingWithJason]

Great gear my friend. Had a blast backpacking with you again. Your always a joy to hangout with. That trip was epic!! 😁👍🏻👍🏻👊🏻

[@john_kelley]

Hanging out with you is always an adventure, my friend!

[@EpwnaExeter]

My first backpacking trip at 13yo was pictured rocks! Lots of sandy soil gave my legs a workout, and had an encounter with bear...poop...thankfully not the bear itself lol.

[@john_kelley]

We didn’t see any bear scat on this trip. I’m not crazy about sand hiking. Lol

[@_Roasted_Marshmallow]

Congratulations on the weight loss brother! And I agree on keepin the trash compactor bag. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it

[@john_kelley]

Thank you! Yeah. I’m sticking with old faithful.

[@cwharton85]

Newby here... what brand of compactor bags do you suggest? I don't have a trash compactor and have no clue where to find them or what to buy.

[@brianadventures9622]

Pictured Rocks is beautiful! Hope you guys had a good time and missed the bugs!

[@john_kelley]

Thankfully, there were no bugs to fight with.

[@coreysmith7102]

My man JK back at it again, Loving the video and the podcast brother. Thanks for the good times

[@john_kelley]

Yep. Took a month off, but I’m back!!! Thanks for all the kind words.

[@HmoobXyooj55]

Last year I did my first backpacking trip at Pictured Rocks with 3 of my friends. We decided to do it in 3 days due to schedule conflicts. I was obviously new to backpacking and made many gear mistakes. My pack fully loaded with water was mid 50lbs. I brought many things I never used and learned what I actually needed for my next trip. This year I’m hoping to get my pack into the 30lb range for the New Hampshire White Mountains.

[@LoneCrowAdventures]

Nice job. I like the loadout!

[@john_kelley]

Thanks!

[@1LeggedAdventures]

Take a drink everytime he pats gear. Lol. #trashed. Great video brother.

[@john_kelley]

😂😂😂

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

What a great trip!

[@john_kelley]

It was beautiful

[@MegaMastiffman]

Congrats on the weight loss brother keep it going

[@john_kelley]

Thanks!!!

[@christianb8228]

Cool stuff. I’m thinking about making a Tyvek pack liner

[@john_kelley]

Interesting….

[@andrewnixon4469]

"Actually I think all of this stuff is just gonna smell terrible, so... Just giving you a heads-up." Thanks for the heads-up John.

[@Oldsparkey]

Glad to hear you like your Chicken Tramper pack. I have one on order , with a slight modification to it. I told Nathan I was not in a hurry for it. He said it would be a 3 or 4 month wait which is OK. The weather down here is to hot in the middle of summer to do much of anything. Mine will be the 25 liter day pack to use as a UL 4 or 5 night pack. The only variable for me is Food & sometimes the clothing , the gear stays the same , for the most part. Got to go and check out the Helinox chair .5.....

[@john_kelley]

Awesome! CTUG is a great company. The Chair .5 is a game changer. 😂

[@BuddhaOutdoors]

Great job on losing weight and keep up the backpacking brother. The recommendations you gave me really helped thanks again.

[@john_kelley]

Appreciate it! Always glad to help!

[@BuddhaOutdoors]

@@john_kelley keeping putting out these great videos. Always look forward to them.

[@april906outdoors3]

Looking forward to the trip video and seeing your perspective. Hiked Grand Marais to Munising in late October - one of my favorite sections of the North Country Trail. Congrats on the weight loss!! Agree on the pillow - too bulky for backpacking.

[@john_kelley]

It was beautiful!

[@shawnr6117]

Good job on your weight loss. I use a clear recycling bag for my pack liner and a 10L dry bag for my food, it's a bit big but the price was right at only $4

[@john_kelley]

Good call!

[@theoutdoordogandhikinggirl]

That trip looks awesome!!

[@john_kelley]

It definitely was

[@stevewright2241]

Suggestion for your ziplock of soy, hot sauce and other condiments. Throw in some beef bullion cubes. Try a beef bullion cube in your Mountain House Beef Stroganoff .

[@john_kelley]

I've had a few people tell me that. I may have to give it a try.

[@KUEHLKUEST]

You got it all covered!! Love seeing in whats other peoples packs! And I like the set but sure...mix it up a bit! Cheers Colleen and Jonny

[@john_kelley]

Thanks!!!

[@brianl426]

Hope you enjoyed your hike in my neck of the woods. Beautiful scenery eh?

[@aurtisanminer2827]

It feels great to get into shape!

[@john_kelley]

Yes it does!

[@tktdog]

I love the back drop. Keep it is my vote.

[@john_kelley]

Hmmmm….

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Does everyone but me watch movies when they hike? What was the base weight? Total weight? Lighter pack? Please! I love geeking out on that stuff

[@john_kelley]

I didn’t weight any of it, honestly. I got so into that early on that I quit enjoying it.

[@GIRLplusDOGAdventures]

I actually read on a Kindle Paperwhite! I can go weeks without charging it, and nice to disconnect from TV type screen time. Car camping I'll watch movies because I can bring a bigger tablet and not worry about power or weight.

[@jasonmorrow216]

I found that the Hammock Gear pillow works great for me in the Hammock, just enough loft with no headache.

[@john_kelley]

I just picked one up from Goosefeet Gear. Hopefully, that will be better.

[@jasonmorrow216]

Hopefully it does, you'll have to let's us know.

[@ursulaanne]

Congrats on the weight loss! I have never hammock camped but hope to one day.

[@john_kelley]

Thanks! I’m a huge fan of hammocks!

[@misscandy84]

@@john_kelley ever had a bear come up to you in your hammock ?

[@john_kelley]

@@misscandy84 nope

[@duenge]

You drove right past my house on the way home! (SB I-75) You should have honked!...

[@john_kelley]

Who says I didn't?

[@christianb8228]

Yeah seriously congratulations on the weight loss that’s great man good for you

[@john_kelley]

Thanks, Christian.

[@christianb8228]

@@john_kelley cheers buddy

[@TheBlindGardener]

Nice video, thank you for sharing! The pillow, I take that kind of pillow on a car camping trips… I don’t know about backpacking…

[@john_kelley]

It would be great for a tent, but it’s just too much in a hammock for me.

[@jasongrayoutdoors8770]

@@john_kelley Yeah, I use one in a tent; works great. I used 3 once! 2 for my head and one for my knees...:)

[@GIRLplusDOGAdventures]

JK- You should try some Green Goo on those fingers/hands. I have the same problems around my knuckles and cuticles cracking and bleeding, particularly in the winter and since it's so dry in CO. I usually put just a bit in a little container and pop it in my first aid kit. Works wonders after a couple of days.

[@john_kelley]

Thanks! I’ve tried it. I’ve pretty much tried everything. I’ve just had to come to the reality that this is how it is.

[@GIRLplusDOGAdventures]

@@john_kelley Ah too bad. My ultimate last resort is pure vaseline with Neosporin and then I just tape up my fingers...I look like I've gotten into a fight!

[@john_kelley]

😂😂😂 same here when I get out the band aids.

[@misscandy84]

Great video

[@john_kelley]

Thanks, Melissa!

[@jessiegutierrez5583]

60LBS!!!! Get it bro!!

[@john_kelley]

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@tjandkatie]

Thanks.

[@john_kelley]

You’re welcome

[@BackcountryExposure]

Solid! I just got a hammock set up... I’m nervous! Ha ha

[@john_kelley]

Nice! Too bad they’re not that easy to use in the dessert. Maybe it’s time to visit KY….

[@garrettjohnson9012]

it's skyline time on the trail :)

[@john_kelley]

😂😂 Always! 😂😂

[@jasongrayoutdoors8770]

Dude, did that charger really last you 5 days? I took my 2000 mAh out for 2 days and about ran it dry.

[@john_kelley]

Would’ve lasted longer if I didn’t leave it plugged in all night…..twice!

[@DragonRoams]

Nice look at the loadout. We already ordered leaf water to try. Have you tried them cold I know they recommend boiling water. Have you tried the Sea to Summit Aeros pillow during the warm weather it's my go to. Being inflatable allows for adjustable firmness.

[@john_kelley]

The tea doesn’t do well unless it’s in boiling water, in my experience. It’s really tasty, though. I haven’t tried that pillow, but I’ve had several tell me about it.

[@DragonRoams]

@@john_kelley thanks I'll keep that in mind. We just got our tea in but I haven't tried it yet.

[@mackjenkins7721]

Hello John how's it going man it's good to hear from you man. First thing congratulations to you on your weight loss man. That is awesome news to hear. I know that means a lot to you man keep up the good work. Second that was an awesome video of all the gear you took with you on this 5 day trip. I know you had a blast on this trip. I just went on a 1/2 Day hike on the Appalachian Trail. The beginning of the month my doctor released me from my foot surgery recovery and I promise I take my kids hiking and that's what I did. I took my five boys , my granddaughter , and my wife hiking on the Appalachian Trail for half a day. I had a blast with my family. I only did a half a day cuz I'm supposed to take it easy on my feet for a couple of weeks. I had a lot of fun man on the trail. You want to hear something funny man? You know I have to hike in flip-flops and I was having so much fun on the trail my granddaughter just happened to look down at my feet and said Grandpa your flip-flops are broke. I said no baby girl they not broke because of my foot being so wide my flip-flops do not flop when I because of it being so tight on my foot. My wife said honey she's right your flip-flops are broke. I broke the strap that goes in between my big toe and second toe on both feet and I didn't even noticed it. "LOL " I don't know when it happened , where it happened , and how it was staying on my feet because before I got released by my doctor I noticed my flip-flops were getting loose on my foot. My doctor measured my foot and it has shrunk from being 6 1/2 inches wide to 6 inches wide. I hope my foot keeps shrinking so I can go buy me some hiking boots or shoes or sock to wear. I'm so happy man. It's been 34 years now since I had a boot , shoe or sock on my foot my wife was telling me. Looking forward to getting back on the trail again. Take it easy man it was good hearing from you. good video too by the way.

[@john_kelley]

Mack! That’s great!!! I’ve really enjoyed keeping up with your journey to foot health. I’m praying for you, friend. I hope you can but those new boots/shoes/socks soon!

[@mackjenkins7721]

@@john_kelley Thank you John I appreciate that man. I have to admit it was a long journey I was not expecting. I am a very very active guy and sitting around the house and not doing nothing with my kids really bothers me. I got adjusted to me haveing very extremely wide feet while I was young but the swelling and sharp pains in my feet and all the other problems was something I could not handle. & and all of this coming from a bad truck 🚛 accident that happened a year and 6 months ago. Thank you for your prayers John I need all the prayers I can get man praying buy time winter time gets here I will be able to find a shoe and sock that will fit my foot. It's definitely not fun wearing flip-flops in 20 and 30 degree temperature and embarrassing when people in the store are staring at me , talking about how fat and wide my toes are , just for wearing flip-flops in 20 and 30 degree temperature. So happy to get back to a normal life. Again thank you for your prayers John means a lot to me I hope you and your family have a good weekend.

[@john_kelley]

@@mackjenkins7721 Back at ya, Mack! Have a great weekend!

[@JonathanThrift]

Your current set is good but a new set wouldn't be bad either. Maybe more backpack oriented. As for the trip, I don't carry a skillet for that long of a trip but I do like to use one on shorter trips. The first time I tried those Packit Gourmet eggs, I didn't know you had to cook them in a skillet, but I just used my pot and that did pretty good.

[@john_kelley]

I never like powdered eggs, but those were really good.

[@christopherbrinegar4122]

I love watching your videos and gear reviews! So awesome! Do you use a smart watch of any kind when you go out on trail? If so, what do you use and what are the best features? I’m looking to change my iWatch 3 lol!

[@john_kelley]

Thanks, Christopher! I use a Suunto 9 Baro watch. It's pricey, but it has gps, a heart rate sensor, connects up to your phone, and it has a built in barometer that has saved my butt on more than one ocassion.

[@christopherbrinegar4122]

@@john_kelley Thank you so much! That looks like an amazing watch! Definitely on the birthday list 😂!

[@john_kelley]

Nice!!!

[@jamielavin3160]

Have you hiked any at Sipsey Wilderness in Alabama? It was my first longer hike and it's honestly a gorgeous place. Love your videos!!

[@john_kelley]

Thank you. No, I haven’t. I’ve been in the Cheaha State Park, but not the Sipsey Wilderness. That may be happening This fall, though.

[@jamielavin3160]

@@john_kelley That would be fantastic!! 💚

[@grahamkay8711]

Hay what was the food you was talking about what was it and we’re did you get it from and your videos rock🤟

[@john_kelley]

I'm working on a video about what I ate on this trip. Should be up before too long.

[@josephoutdoors]

Does the pack fit a typical 1p bear canister internally? Or do you need to hang it outside of the pack?

[@takinghomethetrail9158]

Excited for the trip video! What did you use for maps and navigating?

[@john_kelley]

We had printed maps, and I’ve started using onX Backcountry for navigating. Great app.

[@takinghomethetrail9158]

@@john_kelley thanks! I'm heading up there next week and I'm super excited!

[@ReeniHeartsPink]

Can you show how you clean your cooking gear while you’re on trail?

[@john_kelley]

Maybe

[@DaveOffGrid]

Great gear load out video John! What does your CHUG backpack weigh? I'm in the market for a UL tarp but man, they're expensive. I'm a tent camper and only need one for additional rain coverage (optional item) at camp. Was yours msrp of $315 from Hammock Gear? Have my eye on the Zpacks 7x9 for $249 but I want to cut that price in half haha.

[@john_kelley]

The pack weighs 30oz. The tarp was the $315 one.

[@briteshikes5099]

I would love to see a review of just the Chicken tramper pack

[@john_kelley]

Give me about 5-6 more months with it. Want to make sure I’ve beat the crap out of it.

[@briteshikes5099]

@@john_kelleyThinking about one for AT thru hike but no reviews and lead time is 3-4 months. Search your feelings we need this review!!!

[@john_kelley]

@@briteshikes5099 it’s my favorite pack right now. I just don’t know the longevity.

[@Canadian_Craftsman]

Keep up the good work with your weight loss brotha stay strong&healthy safe&happy!!(=✌💚

[@john_kelley]

Thank you!

[@solitudeinthewild82]

What a nice video, my friend! Great backpacking review! Enjoyed watching, it is amazing. Cheers from Russia, bro, and welcome to my channel about bushcraft, tips and hacks! Kind regards, Yuriy!

[@Gzz..]

So if you lose your filter your tabs are gone ??

[@mikeghost7788]

John, why does your big three still have ula listed as your bag?

[@tree_riot]

Good video, brother! I always like to see what gear people use. Man, on the backdrop? I'm all about new, but it's worth noting no one has your backdrop. It stands out as something unique to your channel. Just a thought. Keep rocking JK!

[@TheBlindGardener]

I am considering to buy enlightened equipment revelation quilt… Do you know what kind of material do you have on the inside and outside? Is it 78D 10 D 20 D how thick it is?

[@john_kelley]

Mine is 15d nylon taffeta fabric in the shell, and 800 fill power downtek. It's a hair under 24oz. Honestly, if you go to their website, you can pick all that stuff out. UGQ is another great quilt maker, and they also let you completely modify your quilt.

[@TheBlindGardener]

@@john_kelley thank you, will check it out…

[@denakelley4363]

You may have said it and I might have missed it, but what did your loadout weigh with water and consumables?

[@john_kelley]

I didn’t. It was probably around a total of 25-27lbs. I didn’t weigh it.

[@denakelley4363]

@@john_kelley For 5 days that's a great weight. Especially since you took some luxury items.

[@john_kelley]

I take so few clothes. That and some changes to my hammock setup save me a few pounds.

[@jeffpeters5347]

John- your EE quilt...what does the “Massdrop” term mean? I don’t see anything on their website that says Massdrop, not even for their hammock gear.

[@john_kelley]

It’s called drop.com now. It’s a site that will partner with companies to make a partnership version of their gear. Back when it was massdrop, they partnered with EE to make their own version of the revelation quilt.

[@denakelley4363]

@@john_kelley Drop stopped carrying backpacking stuff recently, I believe. I think they decided to focus on audio and electronics.

[@john_kelley]

Yep. They did. They are selling back stock on their Amazon store.

[@stephanmedlin7323]

Wow that’s a lot of stuff in a 50L pack

[@markcummings6856]

Hey, nice set-up if it works for ya… and you want to carry it.

[@john_kelley]

I think that’s kinda how it has to be. Lol

[@markcummings6856]

@@john_kelley Rogo, ditio lol. Isn’t that the truth. Me personally, I just can’t go that heavy anymore. I try to keep it simple, lite! You look rock solid by the way. Keep up the great work. I’m sure you are thrilled.

[@john_kelley]

Thanks, man! It’s coming. Still have a long way to go.

[@nedanother9382]

Dude...I can help you with that new set you are talking about. It looks like you're green screening it...I'm talking about actual props/pics. Let me know if I can help