My 2024 NOT Ultralight Backpacking Gear List

My Full 2024 Not Ultralight Gear List for Winter Backpacking & Climbing Island Peak in Nepal!
Come Hike Highlander Big Bear with ME!
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My Gear:
ESC Proto 50L Pack - bit.ly/40QfEC6
ESC Shoulder Pocket - bit.ly/3TZli1G
Peak Design Capture Clip - amzn.to/44yLpQG
1/8” Foam Pad - bit.ly/4a1jyfB
EE Enigma 0* Quilt - bit.ly/37b1iSs
Zpacks Medium Plus DryBag - bit.ly/3hr6s0L
Thermarest X-Therm - bit.ly/3JgnCwf
Aeros UL Pillow - bit.ly/3RW2yiK
EE Torrid Booties - bit.ly/4aT6vgJ
Gossamer Gear 1/8” Pad - bit.ly/2JEHCh0
ZPacks Free Zip FreeStanding Tent - bit.ly/3JbvY8x
4 Groundhog Mini Stakes - amzn.to/3Pg8hxo
Vargo Dig Dig Tool - bit.ly/3RqOteg
Black Diamond Carbon Z-Pole - bit.ly/3RUwo7f
Soto WindMaster Stove - bit.ly/46INVVg
Evolved 1100 Pot - bit.ly/48xEeuv
Evolved Ti Spoon - bit.ly/4cURJaa
Sawyer Micro Squeeze - amzn.to/3rdGt5E
CNOC 1L Vesica - bit.ly/3Rqzpff
Nalgene Bottle - amzn.to/3WfRDV1
Big Sky Insulite - bit.ly/49AEBnG
Hilltop Food Bag - bit.ly/3dBJgf0
ESC Mirage Sunhoody - bit.ly/3R0Dok4
Norrona Flex 1 Pants - bit.ly/3JhTmBq
Mt Hardware Power Grid Fleece - bit.ly/3xAy13w
EE Visp Rain Jacket - bit.ly/3wafCUS
EE Torrid Pants - bit.ly/43VLJtU
ESC Outcast Jacket - bit.ly/3h9NSv5
Zpacks Down Jacket - bit.ly/3VS1a4e
Patagonia Capilene TShirt - bit.ly/3PJFHHK
Patagonia Shorts - bit.ly/3L6F0oI
Icebreaker Merino Tights - bit.ly/3D1PQIa
Darn Tough Merino Running Socks - amzn.to/43aYLBO
Injinji Linner Socks - amzn.to/4aS5951
Black Diamond Gloves - amzn.to/4cYrKPa
SHOWA 282-02 Ice Gloves - amzn.to/4aS4PTR
EE Torrid Mitts - bit.ly/4cWQMyk
TOPO Pursuit 2 - amzn.to/4bVl8QF
Scarpa Phantom 6000 - bit.ly/3JCcgDj
Black Diamond Helmet - bit.ly/3JhXAJ6
Petzel Climbing Harness - bit.ly/49zvvYG
Petzel Gully Ice Axe - bit.ly/3Q0NRKY
Petzl Swift RL - amzn.to/4cSLfbX
Fuji X-H2s - amzn.to/3VUbVTx
Fuji 16-55mm 2.8 - amzn.to/3Q0Lwjs
Rode Video Micro 2 - amzn.to/44dB7FS
Tascam DR-10 - amzn.to/3XCHHTQ
Aoka Carbon Tripod - amzn.to/3NHUG2l
GoPro 11 Black - amzn.to/3UhD9lK
Anker 20,000 - amzn.to/49yVUpu
MOKIN 40W Plug - amzn.to/49D0FOP
Shezi Cable - amzn.to/49z5sRd
iPhone 14 Pro - amzn.to/439GxjX
Apple AirPods - amzn.to/3JGha2b
Hilltop Ditty Bag - bit.ly/3dBJgf0
Leuko Tape - amzn.to/2xYkDGr
Victorinox Classic SD Knife - amzn.to/2GHkaKx
Travel Bidet - amzn.to/3bbnF99
Ombraz Leggaro Sunglasses w/ Side Shields - bit.ly/44Ga1GW
Come Hike The Tour Du Mont Blanc with ME - bit.ly/40VkNZQ
My Podcast - theoutdoorevolution.com/podcast
Patreon - / darwinonthetrail
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** Gear Used to Shoot this Video! **
- Camera -
Fuji XT-4 - amzn.to/3aG6N0j
- Lense -
Fuji 23mm 1.4 - amzn.to/3O9iNF1
- Sound -
Rode Video Mic Pro+ - amzn.to/2Q5qFxH
DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links, which means that
if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission at no extra
cost to you. This helps support the channel and allows me to continue to make
videos like this. Thank you for your support!
Contact information:
Website: www.darwinonthetrail.com
Instagram: Darwin_Onthetrail
facebook: darwinonthetrail
Musicbed SyncID:
MB01XY6ZLG6VU9D

[@flutingaround]

I'm in Nepal now, you will need cash for the tea houses...and the 1000 notes will stack thick. I don't believe that wallet will hold all that you will need. Bring some extra ziploc baggies just in case...they are hard to find here. Best to bring extra USD to exchange. I've had a lot of issues with the ATMs here. All the best...I can't wait to see that documentary. Starting the ACT + Tilcho in two days! 🎉

[@polarbarb5958]

I would add an insulated cover, at least a sock, for water bottle. Start with hot water in it in the morning. You will drink more in the cold if your water is warmish. Diamox is really worth it for altitude. A second light quilt could be added for up high and used alone lower down or in overheated huts. Don’t underestimate how cold the same temperature can be at altitude and in wind. Your puffy quilt will get damp and frosty and not have the loft you see at home. Warmer is funner!

[@DerekHardwick]

I'm always a bit nervous when I see a rack that looks brand new. Have a blast and stay safe!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Not “Brand New” it’s had a few trips on it

[@seansmith1422]

Awesome!, I hope you have great weather and some wonderful life-long memories.

[@dirtysally189]

I’m glad you came back to KZbin when I meet you on the Appalachian trail you and your channel are great information for getting outdoors and being comfortable and you are such a nice person in your videos and in real life

[@Ollie_reed]

The dig dig also doubles as a spoon

[@atpackman2156]

Great to see you back dude

[@buxtond]

So cool. Thanks for sharing. Like that pack.

[@alexmarchica5264]

Oh man, when I saw your new pack prototype I literally screamed in excitement. This is what I have been waiting for for a long time.

[@davidlee6461]

One of the best video from you for the past few years. Topic is good, non ultralight! You slower your speech, great improvement and a little bit when showing the gears, spending more time in every single items is very good. Good luck man 😊

[@CoasttoCoastOutdoorAdventures]

Looking forward to the video from the trip and the Documentary. Have a great time!

[@todddunnican]

Honestly… Great to see you back and appreciate your work

[@Away.Aweigh.A.Way.]

Dude I'm super stoked for that pack!

[@smitty1445]

Love your videos, always helpful

[@trashpanda9433]

Perfect timing to make sure I have all the stuff I need as I’m going to hike the AT in a few days. Also as someone who has done a bunch of hiking in Nepal, be very cautious about altitude sickness, it’s extremely difficult to notice yourself, but someone else will hear you slur your words. That’s when you know you’re pushing it. And a way to measure blood oxygen is amazing for sanity checks/ease of mind

[@oldcrust4741]

I hope you have a great trip!

[@PrebenElkjaer1974]

Cudos for all of the new content you present - way to go 👍

[@kristymoore7052]

Very cool. Sounds exciting!

[@pyronymph-868]

I love seeing gear loadouts like this; when gear I own shows up I can congratulate myself on my good gear choices😂.

[@ethanweddington1870]

Beautiful setup Darwin, cant wait to get my hands on one of your Mirages, my Thru 40 is still going strong but next pack will certainly be ESO ! Be safe out there!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Right on! Thanks 🤙

[@johncheeseman6764]

Enjoy the video, good luck in Nepal. In SE WYOMING finally put the cross country ski away and our first day hike. 7.4 miles in about 3 hours. Waiting for the snow to melt at higher altitude. Already planning this summers backpacks. Be safe

[@Lint_Julep]

"Not too Shabby.." Me listening while making supper- "Wow, no Shut Up!" Ha! Impressive. I've recently moved to a beautiful mountainous area that screams Hiking. So my dog and I are taking advantage of the beauty and I've learned plenty from your posts. Thank you : )

[@peterschenck4067]

Good luck! Stay safe!!

[@debsmith7050]

Have fun Darwin! WOW ❤

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thank You ❤️

[@charlesforsythe128]

Hey Darwin, been following you now for at least 7 years. Not sure if you saw the NYT article last week which states that the EPA is going to require that some PFAS compounds have limits that can be found in tap water. I know you forte is in hear reviews and documenting hiking trails and that you are not expected to be a source of information for environmental hazards of outdoor gear, but I presume that many people would also like to hear you state how much PFAS is in the gear you are recommending. Thanks for creating videos that bring joy to our lives. Cheers.

[@Sleepy7666]

This!

[@dcl97]

You'll love Imja Tse. Super fun little climb

[@TXMEDRGR]

Good luck, I hope you enjoy your trip.

[@charliehicks2554]

Looking forward to that documentary. Take care in Nepal on your literal high adventure:) Cheers!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thank you! Will do!

[@ruth370]

I always learn something new watching your channel! I am totally not even remotely close to your level of hiking, but I feel like if this is not already a thing you have created a new category. Like the alpine ultralight, ultralight mountaineering, ultralight at great heights, etc. I don't know what you would call it but still super interesting.

[@webtrasher]

Nice setup

[@tomdowling7553]

Excellent vid! 😊I’ll be looking forward to the follow-up vids. On the eye protection side, how do the specs and goggles integrate with each other? Is it simply goggles over the prescription specs or are the goggles prescription too or is the plan contacts + goggles? I’ll be interested to hear how that goes in real life on the trail at temperatures below zero in a high aerobic situation. Thanks again.

[@dbbeck90]

It’s funny, I was really wanting an Evolved Ranger pack but it just seemed a little small for me. Looks like I’ll be waiting for this one.

[@MAXCOBRALAZERFACE]

I like the pack but my only critique would be taller side pockets. Tall enough to fit water bottles. Thanks for the link for the Showa gloves 🧤 I’ll have to pick up a pair in the future. Safe travels ✌🏻

[@franksnbeans19]

I've been using the CNOC Vesica bottle as my dirty water bottle on trail for about 2 years now! When paired with a Sawyer Squeeze, it filters water super quick and efficiently!

[@FrancJ5793]

Keep making gear videos PLEASE, it's an addiction at this point haha

[@jpofficialYT]

From super ultralight to not ultralight, so its the Evolution of Darwin. :)

[@davidweidemann7275]

safe travels!

[@henrywoods52]

Love it

[@crappyvideoswithrob4150]

I’m really curious to hear about the new prototype pack with a frame! That’s probably the thing I understand the least about UL style packs.

Same here. Wondering about the load carrying capacity. Looking forward for the release as I'm in the market for a new packback but not in a hurry.

[@TimPatterson-xl5ng]

I would strongly recommend you invest in a heavy gortex outer shell and a heavier thermal layer. Have a great trip

[@Josephhikes]

Good Luck and Be Safe ! As safe as you can 😁

[@kriskemp4952]

You seem to be in a better headspace after a break

[@darrellrobbine2346]

Nice equipment. One question is. How is the badei suppose to work if it's freezing outside?

[@varde6965]

Great gear list apart from the tent... i am really curious to see how well it will hold up in the conditions you could end up with in Nepal. :).

[@dswilliams69]

thanks for another good video. What's the story on the Visp pants, not on their website? How long have you had those?

[@DanielOutdoors]

First 😂🎉 Yes another Gear video, hopefully i can try your pack one day in Norway! Btw im about to start my retail outdoors company here. Good luck in Nepal Darwin! ❤

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thanks! Sound be a great adventure!

[@richardcliff3510]

Have an awesome trip! I went last April and did the Gokyo lakes loop via EBC. Where can we find your video(s) from your last Everest trip?

[@TennesseeSlim]

Good luck on your trip overseas.

[@jamesherber9367]

Good luck brother

[@tanyand]

I'm super interested in the Big Bear Trip. I was actually looking into it already. I live super close to the pct north of LA and always wanted to hike in the Big Bear area. What distance are you participating in?

[@PierreFarrugia]

Very interesting

[@dougieranger]

Enjoy Nepal bro. 😎

[@letswalkthere]

Do your scarpa mountaineering boots fit into your backpack during the approach or how are you carrying them? Also, which duffel bag (and how many liters) is the one being shown on your Instagram post?

[@effar]

New pack looks interesting! Looking forward to getting a more detailed look at it. Is it much heavier than the Ranger?

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Stay Tuned! 😉

[@ManivanAdventures]

That pack prototype looks awesome! Any idea what the cost is going to look like when it’s released?

[@watch-Dominion-2018]

What security camera would you use to monitor your tent so if anybody tries to steal anything you've got them on camera?

[@jeffwilliams7054]

Hey Darwin, Did you ever hike through the lower portion of the CDT? If so did you stop by the "Christ in the Desert Monastery" very near the CDT trail northeast of Santa Fe NM?

[@sgtpickles1319]

You should call the new pack the Wayfinder. It has the vibe of a longer trek than a Ranger.

[@livinlarge1247]

Dang the Himalayas. Getting into some neat places. Yeah that climbing gear is heavy.

[@BacheweyChomp5150]

What is the green pullover you're wearing here? Sorry if you covered that in a different video, but I didn't see any mention of it.

[@Donny_D208]

How are the Pursuit 2 compared to the original Pursuit? I'm hoping they didn't change the fit. Thanks

[@StephenSkoutas]

What brand are those (assuming) silicone lens covers?

[@JustinCarver1981]

What is the green half-zip that you are wearing in this video?

[@mathijsvijn2144]

Wich Norrona flex pants do you have listed? As i’m living in europe i cannot access the link to backcountry that you posted.

[@matthewsmith4170]

What's the name of the white balance tool you're taking?

[@corleyoutdoors2887]

Just like your company, you’ve evolved!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

❤️🤙

[@MariaOfficialWilliams]

I may not be ultralight, but my backpacking gear is definitely heavy on the style!

[@jorisvanlaar]

I find the Outcast Jacket interesting, but I'm not quite sure about its intended function. Is it supposed to be a midlayer alternative to a fleece or down jacket?

Version of OV Ventus which is a version of Arc Atom I think. Someone said "a glorified fleece" I'll add "with a light outer shell". I’m still interested.

[@peterclyne2480]

Is there enough warm clothing there??

[@omare_biketonature]

Culo clean bidet 😂😂😂 very original name but something I would by because as a bikepaker i need my “culo” very clea! You always learn 😂 thanks for the showing the gear and info

[@ShortGuysBetaWorks]

Alpinist's creed: Come home. Come home friends. Make the top... In that order. Have fun!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thanks for all your help getting prepared dude! You definitely gotta come on the next one 😉🤙

[@ShortGuysBetaWorks]

@@DarwinOnthetrail Definitely. So many iconic peaks and routes to try.

[@robinlevick7246]

Can't believe you are still using fleece when you could use mountain hardware airmesh. It's just superior in every way for half the weight.

[@aasnong]

When Darwin went 50 shades of grey ... with a little bit of orange ;)

[@GoneFeralWithSquidly]

Even though I have precisely zero interest in mountaineering myself, this was interesting. 🦑

[@billprice6458]

High elevation mountains are cold and gross. Not even trees want to go there.

[@Learningthetruth7]

I like tiny luxury. To heck with ultra-suffering!

[@takingawalkadventures]

very nice gear load out for your upcoming trip. like your new pack hope it works out well for you.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Prototype #2. It’s getting close

[@paulgaras2606]

Are there fixed ropes on this route? I’m trying figure out what kind of climbing you’re doing from your rack and I’m a bit stumped.

[@michaelb1761]

There were 10 years ago.

[@Andy-zj3dc]

its a useless rack without the rest of the needed gear as well as wrong ice ax/pick unless you have two..i have the exact ice ax /pick, actually two of them and they are for vertical ice..not self arrest. one of them by itself is useless...two ice screws? for what? no daisy chain personal pro. im so confused on who told him to get these items..and why...hes gonna learn i guess. shows lack of experience...hey never climbed before so lets go to nepal and wing it...

[@brandonwilliams2431]

Your nalgene has an evansville indiana sticker on it. I live in evansville I was just curious what if any ties to evansville you have

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Born & Raised there. 28 years. Owned a couple businesses there as well. 😉

[@brandonwilliams2431]

Nice. I'm working on getting my fiance kitted out for her first backpacking weekend adventure. We are just keeping it simple for her first time going to the Charles deam wilderness area

[@jenspetersen672]

Are the heavy boots in your backpack ?

[@deKampeerwijzer]

Of course. Only needed at higher elevations. You preseve energy with walking on lighter shoes.

[@DanielOutdoors]

Another gear you should try Darwin is the Brynje Nett Baselayer to have under that hoodie of yours. Its been a must have in Norway aince the 70s and pretty common both in the Armed Forces and, aki / alpin. I am actually seeing a few KZbinrs apart from me recommending this piece of gear recently over seas

[@Sleepy7666]

Yes this! I loved the set I got to borrow. But as I'm broke I'm rocking a synthetic fishnet for biking under my UA cold gear, marine powergrid waffle, wool, and fleece. Keeps me warm in negative 40. His gear list would scare me in that weather in Wisconsin.

[@billb5732]

Wow, that's some flimsy gear for the Himalayas. Stay safe out there.

[@Sleepy7666]

Right?! Idk if it would handle weather in the Midwest during the winter.

[@gregoryoutdoors]

Looks like sponsored by EE haha ;) anyway good luck and have fun pal.

[@cathiewilliamson2807]

I don’t how you guys fit your gear in sun 60L pack. I have ultralight or livery light gear but it always seems so bulky and barely fits in my ULA Circuit.

[@cathiewilliamson2807]

*sub 60L

[@the0ther0ne]

Your ULA pack has a 39l main compartment. Manufacturers all use different ways of measuring their pack volumes, some include all pockets, some do just main body and front pocket. Packs that are similar in volume to yours are the Palante Desert pack, the KS50 by KS UL, the Durston Kakwa 40, MLD prophet, REI Flash air 50, GG Mariposa. Darwin’s pack in the video is a true 50l main body, if it’s anything like the ranger on his website. As for being able to fit stuff, I make sure to take the lightest, least bulky clothing I have, down instead of synthetic quilt for compression, I make sure my food is over 130 cal/oz, and I just don’t really take anything I won’t need. I have a KS40 with an extension collar for shorter lighter trips, and for anything longer or heavier I take my Kakwa 55.

[@chrisrobb8456]

That's a lot of expensive gear in that video. I love the rawology corks ! Can't afford anything else here ha ha

[@christopherch7307]

👍🐿👍awesome

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

🤙

[@vincentvega5686]

Is there such a thing as an ultralight alpinist? You might just qualify 😅 Have a great trip!

[@Nokmaner]

0:08

[@Marker-er3ro]

Where’s the chair?

[@alechopke7854]

Walking Enlightened Equipment billboard lol

[@sybergato]

800.00 tent. 😮

[@JarradShaw]

Older, but tried and true audio

[@Mike-vd2qt]

Heavier pack, time to start deadlifting, squats, and bench at the gym with a pro trainer.

[@Casual_BackPacking]

Oh no hes climbing mountains now 😂

[@nickmccardel9032]

Might as well just do Everest

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Sure… want to loan me $60,000? 😂

[@barrypanaretou9124]

Always love your videos but all this stuff is useless in the UK as it is virtually impossible to purchase! Still nice to window shop and Still get a thumbs up from me every time.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Why would it be “useless” in the UK? I’ve hiked & camped across Scotland from coast to coast with less & more UL than this. I’ve also cycled & camped from Land’s End to John O with the same stuff. I’m always generally interested in why folks from the UK think that you “can’t” use certain gear? 🤔

[@barrypanaretou9124]

@@DarwinOnthetrail yes bro unfortunately this is true. There is some ultralight gear we can come across but things like z-packs, katabatic gear, gosamer gear, enlightened equipment and many other lightweight US brands cannot be purchased from this country. You would have to purchase from abroad which come with heavy tax duties. I put it down to us not having as broad long terrains like yours so therefore they are not so much in demand. The only only true ultralight uk brand is a company called Atom packs Which are very decent. We do have the very commercial stuff like osprey, Rab and mountain equipment but nothing like the selection you guys have. Need to make a trip over there again and stock up 😂. Ps I will be walking the West Highland way in Scotland on the 29th April and have managed to scale down my weight to 9.5kg without food or water so not too bad I suppose. However this never stops me from watching all your videos which I love. Keep them coming man 👍🏼

[@AK-xu5sj]

You should put the total cost of all that gear. $$$$$$$

[@pinchpeak5203]

This is all UL gear though?? lol

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

A lot of it is, so I can carry the extra climbing equipment without wearing myself out. It’s all about balance 😉

[@dustyoldhat]

Alpinism sounds like something you might wanna see a doctor about

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

😂 It definitely is 😵‍💫

[@dustyoldhat]

@@DarwinOnthetrail "If this is a sickness, don't give me the cure!"

[@obxchas]

Only if it lasts longer than 4 hours

[@dylanpausic5026]

Yeah the side effects are horrendous: way too heavy and complicated

[@mattvalade2609]

A mental dr and a financial consultant!

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

No time stamps in 2024 ? Feel like I’m back in 87’.