Gear Grades for the Colorado Trail: Nailed It or Failed It

[@jeanhayes8421]

As a still relatively inexperienced backpacker I so appreciate these videos. There is so much out there. I have learned so much from you on both your channels about gear and even confidence that even the “pros” make mistakes too and it’s just part of the learning process.

[@Walkerxy]

FYI I’m not kidding here because I never even knew life straw had a back flow syringe until this video. I’ve always cleaned mine by blowing through the clean water side really really hard for a few mins after each use. Guidelines: when you’re light headed stop.

[@eric_hanson]

haha, I did try to do that but had no success whatsoever!

[@2HennaHands]

Thanks for the tip on the rain gear! I’ve been a little lost finding something.

[@daniellong6876]

It’s great you have your own channel now!

[@Riseupforhumanity1]

Backflush filter using sport capped water bottle. Swedish cloth is my recommendation for wiping up condensation. It's amazinggggg!

[@billb5732]

That pack looks so much better than most UL packs that struggle to carry 30 lbs.

[@WolfPackM98c]

I wouldn't follow the hype when it comes to packs. All of the extra weight of a full pack goes toward weight management and comfort. You'll have a better time carrying 20lbs with a frame than 15lbs without. Kind of ironic that they call full framed packs 'traditional' when it's the UL packs that have regressed in design.

[@billb5732]

@@WolfPackM98c Agreed. So many KZbinrs rave about packs that I would call stupid light. One of Eric's great strengths is that he has real experience carrying serious loads.

[@kgwash]

I work at an outdoor retailer and we get lots of Hyperlite packs back. They aren't what people think. My new Gregory lightweight pack with a frame is about a half a pound more than same liter size Hyperlite. I honestly have not bought into the hype. Load lifters and frames are so much better for my body.

[@Away.Aweigh.A.Way.]

@@kgwash i’m guessing you’re talking about the Focal? Easily my favorite pack of all time.

[@mtadams2009]

I think if your going with a UL light back your entire kit needs to be UL. I am an UL backpacker and I can’t imagine carrying a pack that weighs over three pounds. My base weight is about eight pounds. I think a UL pack should be the last piece of gear in a UL kit you purchase. I understand he is carrying a lot of equipment for filming so it probably makes sense to use such a heavy duty pack. I also agree that you can get a very nice pack that weights about 2.5 pounds or so, especially if you don’t have your kit very light.

[@putrid_swamp_juice]

I give this video and A-. The minus is to motivate you to get even better! ❤

[@greasemonkey4god]

Great video sir. I’m looking forward to that pack becoming available to the public. I like the idea of those straps becoming removable easily! That’s a great innovation that I hope Mystery Ranch adds to their hunting lineup as well.

[@Toomuchgearguy]

Good review. Love the Nemo bags. A lot of room and still warm.

[@eric_hanson]

so roomy but somehow still warm!

[@TandC281]

BD stormline is really good stuff for how light it is, actually it performs above it’s price and weight. Nice to see someone else appreciate the full zip pants.

[@eric_hanson]

Full zip! Also very helpful for venting when you're not quite ready to take em off.

[@70lightning]

Definitely want to try the grayl stove. Nice video!

[@kevinj.4847]

I’ve noticed the same thing with the Durston tents. It’s incredibly hard finding totally flat ground in the Northeast where I typically go which is why I’m going with a Tarptent Rainbow for a trip to the Adirondacks in a few weeks. I like the flexibility to go light but yet still have a freestanding tent if needed. I can’t wait to watch the full video of your trip! Thanks for the honest reviews.

[@eric_hanson]

A freestanding tent is helpful to have in a lot of scenarios for sure. And thanks! It's coming!

[@jhm3110]

Would love to see a video on what you pack for food on 3-5 day trips

[@Swimdeep]

Pro tip on blisters: Tincture of Benzoin and leukotape for the win. ToB is a sticky antiseptic that increases adherence, kept in a tiny plastic dropper in my FAK. STOPS blisters and hotspots. Also, check the sizing on your footwear; if your getting blisters, it’s likely your fit is off.

[@philsmith2444]

You can also use benzoin tincture to toughen up skin ahead of time. I keep 4 or 5 single-use ampules in my FAK. As far as tape, I prefer StrengthTape brand. It’s much more stretchy and flexible than Leukotape so the same length will do more. If I apply it over benzoin it’ll stay on for 2-3 days and even handle a shower or 2.

[@Swimdeep]

@@philsmith2444 Good tip. I will try the StrengthTape. Always looking to improve outcomes. 🌿

[@manueldelgado5336]

Also could be bad use of socks.

[@millerhoo]

Need your trail vid. Heading out to the CT in a week :) Thanks for making this. Makes me feel good about my pack and load up.

[@eric_hanson]

great to hear! I'm working on it but I'm traveling in Switzerland at the moment and it might not be ready for a bit.

[@gregsantos9392]

The Versa Flow by Hydroblu is the best water filter I've ever used. Great flow and easy to clean. I've never had it clog up. It replaced my Sawyer Squeeze- I had problems with water not flowing if it wasn't used regularly. Versa Flow doesn't need any adapters to attach to my CNOC Vecto- the in/out ports are both threaded. I can use my Vecto to back flush the filter-no need to bring a syringe.

[@eric_hanson]

Nice! I need to look into that, thank you!

[@kristymoore7052]

I was torn between the Helinox and the new REI chair that def challenges the Helinox and when the REI chair was 30% off, I bit. I too am getting older, 60 this year, and the chair has been nice. Now looking into perhaps a wider pad than the thermorest women’s.

[@kilianculver9263]

Hey man I hope you enjoyed the hike and I know the struggle on the food I usually have to be the pack mule for my kids and I always pack too much but I have been in a dangerous situation I got turned around on a trail that wasn't clearly marked and just a dumb mistake and I was thankful I over packed but anyways man congrats on the hike and hope to run it to you on the trails one day

[@eric_hanson]

Hey thanks! I intentionally carried some extra food in case of emergency, but I carried double what I needed to!

[@kilianculver9263]

@eric_hanson and congratulations on your channel I have enjoy backpackingtv for awhile but I am glad you are doing your own and congratulations on the engagement and getting married

[@suzieriederer9235]

Thanks for a great video 😊 You mentioned that the Durston tent had moisture management issues, but you didn't go into detail if it was condensation issues ir other.

[@eric_hanson]

We got a lot of rain and then it was also humid and dewey. This was the first time I've seen it collect this much condensation. It was very wet overall conditions out there!

[@nathankoenegstein3253]

So did it actually get wet inside your tent?

[@ericb.4358]

My tent is a Tarptent Dyneema Notch Li solo tent supported by my hiking poles. Narrow but good even in a heavy, blowing snow.

[@peterduce2818]

Yeah black Diamond Stromline are pretty awesome for the price and weight. If found that they work great and appear to be super durable.

[@eric_hanson]

So far so good! I'm impressed with them!

[@philsmith2444]

The fit is a little funny, but my ass is a little big and I can’t cinch the drawstring enough to keep them from sliding down over time. But they’re very breathable and light, moreso than my OR Foray pants. I don’t trust the BDs at all for bushwhacking, though.

[@natehoover5266]

I got Foxelli trekking poles for pretty darn cheap and they are wonderful in my opinion. I've never seen anyone have them before.

[@eric_hanson]

Interesting, I'll have to check those out! Thanks!

[@GideonSmit]

I like this style of gear grading, more subtle and helpful than "pass/fail". As I watched you discussing the backpack I wondered if you've ever tried the Granite Gear Blaze 60. I have one and enjoy it. It's a tad lighter than the one you used, and it's got a zipper on the side, and some adjustments to the torso length. I have a few gripes with the design, but I'm happy that it's comfortable with heavier loads.

[@philsmith2444]

The GG Nimbus Trace Access is similar, though not very light. But there’s 5” of torso length adjustment and shoulder strap width can be adjusted as well. A dual full-length zipper on the front lets you open the pack enough to get bulky gear in or out, and there are interior compression straps so that bulky gear isn’t putting tension on the zipper.

[@frstesiste7670]

A lot of useful info. About chairs - I've never felt a need for one before, but I've recently started looking at specs and designs of chairs (getting older). Then I found the Gossamer Gear Thinlight Foam Pad (Folded) at 3.3 oz that seem to compliment an air mattress in so many ways, including to sit on so my chair purchase have been put on hold for now.

[@Chris-ov4zc]

You do you, but you were already packing a bear canister, which IMHO makes an awesome camp chair.

[@mikekraut7643]

Chairs have backs and allow you to lean back. Bear canisters are more like stools

[@smellybearc7411]

A bear canister is uncomfortable to sit on to say the least. I’d rather bring a foam pad and sit on the ground.

[@chaosncheckt9356]

@@smellybearc7411totally agree. A foam pad weighs next to nothing and while this chair is lightweight and maybe it made no difference on a short hike, I would opt for the pad and save the weight.

[@ThisIsArty]

or just sit on your pack.

[@zmoore5555]

Thats a stool, not a chair. Very different.

[@ulnoohiker8983]

Love and respect your candor, especially on yourself, a little too hard, but honest. Thank you.

[@karyn4875]

I'm ready to purchase a new backpack. I was going to get the Bridger but waited to hear your opinion about the new Mystery Ranch pack. Is the Bridger still your favorite?

[@ScottValler]

I agree about the wide air mattress. I just finished through hiking the CT and I got the wide NeoAir which made a huge difference. I was super happy with my Durston X-Mid Pro 2 as it held up great to the high winds and the frost at elevation. Everyone that I interacted with that brought a chair was very happy they made that choice. Glad you liked your section.

[@midwestmikeonahike]

Great overview of the gear. I totally agree about setting up the Dursten on undulating ground. I have the original 2 person, and I also found that the footprint was a bit too big for many of the tent pads out in the Backcountry.

[@eric_hanson]

yeah you could be more limited in campsite selection

[@bihlygoat]

High mountain streams, in my experience, contain a lot of tiny particles of eroded rock. That is likely what clogged the LifeStraw filter. And I know there are many types you can backflush with a clean bottle, but I’ve been taking the syringe with mine because sometimes I need that added pressure to restore good flow in the field. And if I use a bottle I have to dedicate one to clean water only, instead of just “fill and go” and drink from the filter. Also, I doubt your filter dried out on this trip, but I live where all the water is hard (calcium and other minerals), so I clean my filter with citric acid (coffee maker cleaner) before I let it dry, so it doesn’t end up like my shower head 😊.

[@eric_hanson]

I think you might be right on how it clogged. I like the coffee maker cleaner idea!

[@bihlygoat]

@@eric_hanson I got the idea from Ryan Jordan on BPL. I also flush mine with distilled water before letting it dry for storage.

[@Shellava]

Citric acid is also used in pickling so you can find spice jar sized bottles of it in the canning section. I often run it through my dishwasher to avoid getting a cloudy film from hard water on glassware.

[@sk-wx1cf]

I use vinegar to get the hard water deposits out. Same idea -- it's acidic.

[@daveevans7151]

So funny…have the older tensor, love it. Have the riff bag, love it. Do not leave home without the chair…have the helinox zero and not the L and it’s awesome! I have a few for the family and let buddies borrow them when going out with the guys. I have converted them all. Lol. I am actually looking at the high back version now though. Would love to see you check that one out. Looked at the same tent but just seemed hard to work with in the Rockies, opted for the copper spur 1p. Glad it was a great trip! Thanks for the reviews.

[@kimberlypenney7216]

I’m glad you acknowledged the Durston requiring flat ground or it is impossible to get a good pitch.

[@SchmakerSchmoo]

You can alter the cord length at the stakes and also the individual pole height to get a good pitch. if you are staking it so the fly is at an even height vs the uneven ground then you will have less success then staking so the fly is level while the ground is uneven.

[@6foot8jesuspilledpureblood82]

Sounds more like an experience issue

[@dakotaescher1]

I sleep in a Nemo Hornet 1 Person. I use a XLite 20" pad.Due to my tent being so narrow I have no issue with falling off and needing the xtra inches of pad. I love the narrowness. I feel like I am being cocooned. I have no issue with a 25" pad however.

[@Melanie-Shea]

Just use Aquamira for water. It always works, it tastes good, it’s fast and entirely passive. It takes the same amount of time to purify 1L or 10L. You don’t need to worry about it freezing or clogging like a filter. It weighs 80g / 2.8 oz, it makes 115L of clean water. Because it’s a chemical reaction you can use less than prescribed and wait longer to achieve purification. I’ve gotten over a month of use from it as my only water purification method. It fits in any pocket, it takes up as much room as an inreach mini. Unlike a filter you can purge your cap and threads by letting a little water flow through after a few minutes, the part you sip through will be purified, I think the usefulness of that gets missed sometimes. Wyoming, Colorado, the Whites, the Coast ranges, Denali, rainforests. It does not fail. The one caveat is you need to wait a bit longer for water in the 30s Fahrenheit. Maybe 5 minutes or more if you feel real bad about the source.

[@valdius85]

That backpack is nice. Great job MR

[@jon27d]

Man. I have a pair of forclaz mt500 trekking poles from Decathlon that look better than those black diamonds. I haven't personally used the black diamonds but I love the forclaz ones and they perform well for me. I'm 6'3" so not all trekking poles are even long enough for me. Took a while to find a pair that worked. Normal price on them is like $30 a piece but I got them on end of season sale last year for $15 a piece. Way better places to spend premium dollar than trekking poles as long as you buy something solid that fit you.

[@PatrickCole-md9bu]

Decathlon Sports is awesome and all throughout Portugal and Italy. I know that they have locations in S.F. excellent store, very affordable and they make higher quality products than the big brands.

[@edwin8808]

Great video eric_indoors!

[@tracykooken2606]

Nicely done 😊. I wuna hear a lot more about the Bot (?)

[@chrismoore600]

Great gear review. Thanks for sharing.

[@thescentslessshaver8600]

What sleeping bag was that stuffed inside the bag? I love the blue and orange look! 🥰

[@strangerous1313]

He literally talked about the sleeping bag. Pay attention!

[@SummitSeeker546]

Shocked so many people overlook the drawbacks of a DCF tent. Footprint is way too large and moisture management sucks! Think the Dustan tents are overhyped! Love a double walled free standing tent! Best IMO!

[@hilaryyoung5290]

Ah! The locking mechanism on the BD poles can be adjusted with a tiny screw driver, to make the lock tighter or looser. The expensive ones have a slightly different lock but they come with a tiny L wrench that is stored INSIDE the poles to adjust them on the go. Now you know! 🤓

[@iseabeck9488]

I bought the Bridger 55 on your recommendation. Long story short, it's my winter bag now (I use a 40L HMG bag now). Yes, it's not the lightest bag (shit, it's probably one of the heaviest) but it carries SO well. With that new MR bag, and yes I don't own it obviously, if it carries even half as well as the Bridger, that 3lb mark is killer.

[@carloszenteno]

The Mystery Ranch backpack looks very, very similar to the Exped Thunder 70/50. Will be interesting to see the weight.

[@7505kpersson]

Thank you Eric for a good video with a lot of information for me to digest. =)

[@jeffreycarman2185]

16:51 hiking in very wet weather with Gortex shoes, my feet still got wet. That was the last time I hiked with Gortex shoes. I have snowshoed in Gortex boots since but not hiked.

[@eric_hanson]

It's a balancing act. I hike in breatheable shoes when I'm not in the mountains but I think that may have been a better call.

[@ropersix]

The Grayl stove is sold out :( I was gonna buy one, because it looks maybe a little better quality than the BRS. But maybe not? They do look identical from photos.

[@eric_hanson]

Interesting they're sold out. I'm still enjoying mine!

[@davidbaker2347]

Thanks for the information and honest opinions. I might pick up that new Nemo pad eventually. Have to say though, I couldn't disagree more with the A- for the Merrell Moab speed. I've owned them, as well as similar Goretex hikers from Salomon and The North Face, and they are terrible in comparison. They are exceptionally hot even compared to other Goretex shoes. The midsole also flattened out on me after only a couple hundred km. The grip on loose ground is the true deal breaker though. It's the worst grip of any hiker I have ever owned. How someone thought rounded lugs was a good idea I haven't a clue, but these shoes could get you killed.

[@TheNypenfan]

With outdoor with a few companies putting out backpacks with big zipper access, I’d be curious to see a showdown from different price points. Teton sports makes several like that, kelty, shadow light, and now mystery ranch.

[@eric_hanson]

that's a good idea!

[@user-ul5yu5hk9k]

Nice pack. Has a lot of similarities to the REI FLash. The full length zips are cool

[@JCrozier1]

good breakdown and solid feedback.

[@leeanderson5955]

Do you use a ground cloth for your tent?

[@Two_Names]

I'd love to see a follow-up longer term report on the Mystery Ranch pack. How tightly can it compress with a reduced loadout? For myself, as a family man returner-to-backpacking starting over from scratch with gear, I think 90+% of what makes a lighter pack is lightweight contents of the pack. I keep gravitating towards hunting-centric packs; in my head I'm willing to accept a 2-4 lb heavier pack for *significantly* greater comfort, especially under loads. Part of dad-mode is packmuling for the wife and kids and it's just much easier to manage 40-60lbs trail weight in a pack meant to carry 100-200lbs compared to a light/ultralight pack meant that will struggle at 40lbs. The equation for me seems to be lighter contents + better pack, accepting the slightly heavier pack weight. That new MR bag seems to fit well into this idea too.

[@strangerous1313]

He plainly stated his full review is coming. Pay attention!

[@TracySwenson]

Hey Eric. Thanks for the keeping the vids going. I notice you never talk about 'power'. Do you carry a power bank, or solar device? I am 2 years into backpacking (from a 25 year layoff). Just did the Paria a few weeks back. I'm still exploring how to have power for phones, watches, satellite GPS. Is there a video you can point to or answer on the comments please? Also am very much considering that MR pack. I like my Bridger 55, but wouldn't mind dropping a couple pack pounds. Thx..!

[@VelcorHF]

Single wall tents are brutal for moisture management, I prefer the nylon version. Durston has showed how to troubleshoot sag and site adjustment in a recent video on the Durston gear channel so I'd check that out. Were you eating enough? Thats so much food to have leftover.

[@tracykooken2606]

Stick w a hand pump filter 😊 Ps... the problem also has moisture issues 😢

[@JarradShaw]

The BA Rappide(sp) SL is the latest big, nice sleeping pad (R value not as much as Nemo’s). Is this new Nemo Tensor better, especially for side sleepers (BA is a nice thicker pad). BA has a skyline chair that Devin, who lives close to you, loves. It prolly weighs the same, (1.5) but think it is more sturdy, higher, and more comfortable. (Nemo does has a new chair that may compete and our Canadian friend Justin (and maybe Devin) is testing right now. Why not the Zin bivy light sleep system compared to the weight and comfort of the Nemo rift? The Zen gives you so much adjustability and versatility? Tent: sea to summit alto, BA copper spur, and Nemo (third time calling out Nemo which is impressive for late 2023) dagger OSMO. I know you wanted to try out a terming pole tent with a single wall, but mentioning the versatility again of free standing tents… your pros and cons (granted there are even lighter versions for the three I mentioned. But I am more curious with Nemo’s blend of poly and nylon giving the patented name OSMO. Compare sawyer squeeze (with surenge), befree, and lifestraw (also needs a surenge(sp)? This new Mystery ranch “light (not ultra light) backpack”. You know I bought the Shadowlight 45 (also a light, not ultralight, pack), and still need to buy one for Katie. Between the female bydger and this new pack… I’m more thinking to buy this new pack. I like the shoulder strap system of the Bydger(sp), but… this new pack… might have nailed the perfect weight to comfort. I said earlier, trekking pole: Komperdel camera cold shoe poles with longer cork (shown constantly by Justin Outdoors). For us doing videos, these poles are such a Great compromise of hiking and videography… items. I’m really impressed you advocate for the Merrell shoes compared to other folks who choose the Hoka Speedgoats or the Salamon brand of shoes. I want a umbrella! Don’t know which to buy yet. GGG has some great umbrellas (PS: Z packs is making some amazing gear!) Lol, can you tell I watch all of you every week, lol. One day I hope to camp with you all❤

[@SummitSeeker546]

25” wide pad is the way to go if your a slide sleeper rolling from side to side. Still prefer my 2.5” Thermarest pad. The deeper 3”-4” pads are just too thick causing my size 13 feet to rub up against the interior of the tent.

[@mtadams2009]

I am wondering if the temps did not get that cold 40 or so could you have used a 40 degree quilt? I use a DCF tent and it’s great except when it’s not. This summer in the East Coast it rained nonstop and condensation was truly and issue. It’s made me think about getting a synthetic quilt for said conditions . For those of you that have not used a DCF tent they are great but the condensation is a real issue at times.

[@LMay64]

Just wondering, what are the nicer trekking poles that you would recommend?

[@eric_hanson]

I love my Komperdell Explorer Contour, but they're twice the price.

[@kcricket39]

Can you not use the Sawyer coupling and back flush that LifeStraw filter the same way you do the Sawyer Squeeze? It's the same 28 mm thread as any other bottle top. I have just the filter, and I've confirmed a Smartwater sport cap fits.

[@jimkaneko1692]

What 1P tent can you recommend that manages moisture well?

[@markalmeida6771]

Thanks for the video. What camera equipment did you bring? Do you have a link or video of the equipment that you took? My son and I did a 2.5 week backpacking trip in New Mexico this summer. I carried my Sony A7iv with a Tamron 28-75 in the large Hyperlite camera pod. I love using that bag to carry my camera as well and I also used to use the PD camera clip.

[@chrisvaldez4997]

Nice info! But A-because you picked the wrong size pad? A+ 😀

[@TheMccluref]

I put some locktite on my trekking poles to keep them locking

[@eric_hanson]

Nice! My problem was they were tricky to lock and unlock because they were so stiff.

[@TheMccluref]

@@eric_hanson I found the bigger problem to be where they would not stay locked. Lol

[@benjaminmina4285]

Im looking into getting the stormline gear. My rei rain gear failed me pretty hard this weekened from donnor pass to sierra city.

[@DryBonesOutdoors]

If a trekking pole tent does “ok” with moisture management then it performed superbly..,lol There’s always a trade-off for weight!

[@TonyStark-or3er]

Love these gear reviews!

[@mconnorsc]

Eric thanks for the follow-up video. This was exactly what I was hoping for after seeing your pre-hike video. For sleeping pads how do you feel the current Nemo Tensor compares to the Big Agnes Rapide? Do you know when the new Tensor All Season will be available? A+ sir

[@eric_hanson]

They are comparable mattresses but the Tensor is lighter, warmer, and quieter! Both are great but this one is really slick. I originally heard it would be available in October but I think it's not early 2024.

[@mconnorsc]

@@eric_hanson thanks for the additional insight. Snagged the Tensor fire 50% off at REI Labor Day Sale.

[@Jeremy-bh5cm]

Can you suggest some beginner 12k and 13k summits to hike anywhere in Colorado? Thank you

[@PiotrMichaIek]

Is that the BD stormline stretch shell? How sweaty was it on ascents? I'm really thinking about getting it.

[@AlexMGoodwin]

Where can I find the umbrella you used?

[@AlexMGoodwin]

I found it! Thanks

[@jmax850]

Radix review coming soon?

[@strangerous1313]

He literally said that. Pay attention.

[@jmax850]

@@strangerous1313 yea he said that 4 months ago…

[@DavidVidaurri]

Thanks for sharing ❤

[@eric_hanson]

welcome!

[@valdius85]

Yeah, that is a lot of food to bring back 😆 Saying that, estimating food is hard. At a minimum, have extra protein. Generally hikers should be fat adapted and should still perform reasonably well without carbs for a day, especially if protein is eat.

[@shawnbaker9]

Eric, is it possible your LifeStraw dried out? We had this happen with our Sawyer squeeze last trip If your filters are stored for long periods of time and appear to be blocked when trying to resume use, what you likely need to do is re-activate. Sawyer had us soak in warm water, Life Straw recommends a coconut water flush?

[@shawnbaker9]

This would be a helpful info video, we were extremely worried when our water production was literally 1 drop at a time

[@Jasiel.95]

Is that the new tensor extreme?

[@strangerous1313]

No. Pay attention.

[@macp450]

In case nobody said it yet check out the Forclaz MT900 pack which has the same main features and goes on sale for 150$ CAD.

[@joshhines2388]

Agreed. I have that for going with my daughter. Amazing value for a lightweight pack.

[@edwardgwilcoxjr7232]

Happy Labor Day! 💪🇺🇸

[@eric_hanson]

Same to you!

[@raykinit4701]

should you mention the price of the vargo ?

[@kimb8348]

Great review thx!

[@ShawnB321]

Great video! I’m interested in ultralight and am curious which ultralight backpack you would currently consider to be #1?

[@joeldiller8480]

I've had a couple frameless packs. Just some good pointers for you: make sure you stay under the recommended load if you want to stay comfortable! Packs I've used: Gossamer Gear, Kumo ULA, CDT These two packs are on the light side! Don't put a heavy load on these! Friends of mine have used the Mountain Laurel Designs , Burn and the pa'lante, v2 These are all good packs with MLD having my top pic for versatility. If you are going to buy a pack, check out these brands and what other packs they offer that will suit your needs Over all I'd say make sure you build a good system making sure you big 3 accommodate one another! Happy trails😁

[@erinbevan6131]

I can carry 28 - 30 pounds in my ula ohm. The load feels supported, but carrying that much weight is never "comfortable" but I don't think that's the pack's fault.

[@huds5005]

Great video.

[@AK_Avalanche]

I mean, with MysteryRanch; you either want a rigid and comfortable pack on your back at over 3-5+ Ibs or you don’t want comfort with “Ultralight” packs imo.

[@eric_hanson]

true. But I still like seeing MR shed some weight from their packs while still focusing on a good, comfortable carry.

[@Castellucci77]

I just picked up the riff spoon shape 15 and wished I knew they made a mummy bag for the weight ☹️

[@eric_hanson]

well, I've been corrected that I don't have a mummy bag but the spoon shape bag you have. In my mind though a fully enclosing bag is a mummy, but yeah most mummy bags are quite a bit more narrow than this one!

[@Castellucci77]

@eric_hanson hey I appreciate the correction my dude, I'm still newish to the game or I would've known that. Either way I do enjoy the performance of the riff but it is bulky/heavyish. Between you and Luke TOGR I've had a highly educated and safe beginning to my journeys so thank you👍

[@Colby168]

I think I remember you saying you don’t use a footprint…do you use anything else to protect you sleeping pad?

[@eric_hanson]

it's true, I just use the tent floor.

[@jeffmcarpenter]

"by the time I got my camera equipment..." and an extra day's worth of food :D

[@eric_hanson]

it ended up being a good bit!

[@trakyboy5128]

For me, personally, I'll pass on the that life straw. I have/look for filters fully self contained !!!! As far as cleaning. I don't want to worry about , " forgetting " the cleaning section stuff. For me it should be all in one. My personal filter I do carry the rebuild. Kit !!!. I'm one that likes to cover the what ifs 👍🏼😁🥸. Especially as the filter is more than 15 years old maybe even more than 20 some more miles and I EXPECT a gasket or something to fail.

[@stevewright2241]

Start counting calories and ignore that 2 lbs per day thing. 2000 calories is a normal daily diet for most people but doing big mileage requires more fuel so 3000 calories or more might be needed. You’ll have to figure that out on your own how much you need to keep from going bonk. I stopped doing the breakfast lunch and dinner bags. I do a bag for each day, so that bag will have the calories I need for the entire day. A 5 day trip will have 5 different ziplock bags. I pull one out for each day.

[@1519Spring]

Yes!

[@larchlarch9851]

PS... I love you Eric ❤️

[@olegoathiking1962]

"They" say on average two pounds of food per day, how much does your average daily food weigh? I'm just two weeks away from hiking the Centennial Trail in the Black Hills of SD.

[@67L48]

You gave that pad an A- and knocked it down a notch by something you explicitly state was your fault -- ordering a more narrow size. I am still waiting for how the product failed to meet your expectations. All I heard is that you screwed up when you ordered it. I'm so confused. If you accidentally brought the wrong sleeping bag and you were too hot/cold, does the sleeping bag get a reduced score?

[@georgewyse8378]

Lifestraw products are rarely used by experienced backpackers, you found one reason why.

[@eric_hanson]

Sure, but I've had good success with them up until this trip.

[@kcricket39]

I just bought the LifeStraw, just the filter itself, and I'm 95% sure you can back flush it with a coupling just like a Sawyer. The Smartwater sport caps definitely fit on it.

[@strangerous1313]

I gotta say....pretty bold move to take shoes you're not familiar with on a 15-day trip!

[@kmannewyork]

Your grading was great. I still bring too much food.

[@eric_hanson]

haha it's so easy to do!

[@musingwithreba9667]

Best way to manage condensation is to ditch the chair (shaving that weight) and get the double wall X-Mid. (for about the same weight as the DCF pro + the chair) 😉

[@kimdoll7604]

If you ever want to get rid of products that you don’t like but a newbie would enjoy let me know. If you have used it and liked it but not loved it I would love to take if off your hands. 😊

[@natehoover5266]

The Platypus Quick Draw is the only way to go imo. So easy to use, self-contained, and fast flow.

[@eric_hanson]

nice, I haven't used that one. Thanks!

[@natehoover5266]

@@eric_hanson what? Really? Omg it's the best!

[@lynoreabbott1010]

I think D for food is too low. Running out is a D. Also, you're never gonna feel hungry at altitude coming from AZ. So you really have to force yourself to eat a certain number of calories a meal. We call it the durango weight-loss plan. Flatlanders often lose weight if they only go by "hungry" feelings.

[@TheOlsonOutfit]

Huh, that's really interesting. I'll have to monitor how hungry I feel at altitude next time.

[@Sweet-Vermouth]

A $100 trekking people should not be a basic offering. If you must complain about $100 trekking poles, they deserve a D-. The $25 Cascade trekking poles on Amazon are what I would consider basic. These $25 poles do everything I want pretty well and they come with 4 tips including a mud and a snow basket. I'm a small light guy so I'm not putting any crazy weight on them and they feel amazing. At $100, I expect near perfection from trekking poles.