My Greatest Full Comfort Ultralight Gear List Ever! (4,000 miles testing)

[@JupiterHikes]

Thank you for watching! My goal with these past couple years was to make a kit that would be good for anybody, on near any trail. As often the 'stupid ultralight' gear I normally use wouldn't be comfortable or safe for everybody. I am happy with the result, but what would you change?

[@_Terc_]

This is a small change, but I would carry two 10,000 mAh power banks instead of one 20,000 mAh power bank. It allows you to charge them both at the same time, and it gives you some redundancy if one fails. They also weigh about the same.

[@robertpearson2143]

@@_Terc_I totally agree. I have had Nitecores die on me. I don’t need as much power so do 2 5000’s.

[@robertpearson2143]

The new Aldotec gear grizzly food bag is 6.75 oz almost 2 oz less

[@robertpearson2143]

I also like the rambler instead of the classic the scissors and blade both come out opposite the keyring so they are easier to use and you get a bottle opener…

[@nicholaslafferty3928]

Only thing I can offer is the smallest multi use bottle of super glue. It seals up the worst of cuts and helps with many types of repairs. (A little bit of water or baking soda activates it for the tougher repairs, BTW). Saved myself a couple of trips to the hospital by sealing up deep cuts with the stuff. I never leave home without it.

[@ChristyHikes]

Jupiter, I had to rub my eyes when I read your title... "Full Comfort"! Awesome gear load out! I I've said this many times, you're my favorite backpacking KZbinr, bar none. Thank you for all you do and sharing this video!

[@JupiterHikes]

I appreciate it! And yeah!! I wanted to create something that would be useful for anyone or everyone, rather than a kit that is good for me. Both have a lot of merit! But in this case, the focus the past two years was to try things that could have a broader scope of being helpful.

[@ChristyHikes]

@@JupiterHikes, as we get older and keep laying down the miles our bodies start to get those little aches and pains. That's the main reason I switched to ultralight comfort. My base is 10lbs and my body loves me for it!

[@buschinpolen]

@@ChristyHikes it's because all this is paid advertisement. All those nature loving KZbinrs are just shilling products for the outdoor industry.

[@awalkingingmistake]

I've hiked over 15,000 miles in the last six years, and I've come to many of the same conclusions. It's been fun watching your gear evolve over the years; you've been my main gear inspiration and I've picked up so many helpful tips from you

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

Hey Jupiter, Marmalade here. Really enjoyed this thank you. Wanted you to know I bought the Senchi Alpha 60 hoody after watching you gear review after your thru hike in Canada an absolutely love it so thank you. It’s the layer I was missing on the PCT. A pro tip you might already know about your buff but you didn’t mention is I use it as a pillow case. Makes the pillow more comfy, warmer and you don’t get your pillow dirty. When thru hiking you simply take it off the pillow and throw it in the laundry. I learned that while thru hiking the PCT and have never stopped doing it. Thanks again I really enjoyed this one.

[@JupiterHikes]

Glad it has worked for you! and thank you for the tip, I have seen that a bunch on online forums over the years but had forgotten about it!

[@tracycatron8519]

I always appreciate your gear lists. Thank you for making them! I’m a 63 year old grandmother and I’ve enjoyed following you for years. I even slept on the 1/8 inch foam pad because of you😊. I’ve only recently upgraded to an accordion pad for warmth. I always use an ursack and like it for the same reasons you gave. One thing I also use it for is a sit pad. I keep my food in an odor proof ziplock bag in my pack during the day and put it in the ursack at night. I keep the ursack in my outside pack pocket and use it during the day to sit on. It’s great to drape across a log or on the ground if it’s damp or muddy. I look forward to watching your continued adventures!

[@NewsViewsAndTruth]

were you surprised that he had an inflatable? I was

[@tracycatron8519]

Not really, because it all fits in his backpack. I like my accordion pad but it’s annoying that I have to strap it to the top of my pack. It feels extra even though it’s minimal if that makes sense

[@twoarrows3022]

I am just putting this out there. My battery bank is a Charmast 26800 mAh. The weight on my scale is 12 oz. I have really enjoy your content. Keep up the good work

[@DavidKD2050]

A new large smartphone battery lasts a very long time. So if you own one, don’t need it much, navigating, entertainment, photography etc, and you don’t have other power hungry items with you, how necessary is a power bank? Power banks became popular around 10 years ago when battery technology was less well developed and people started using many gadgets that both use electricity and were inefficient. Thanks 😊

[@_Terc_]

Jupiter just turned an Altaplex into the most expensive groundsheet for cowboy camping! 🤯 This is brilliant. I love watching your videos just for the sake of learning little tricks like this that I would never come up with

[@JupiterHikes]

Hopefully a lot more of those specific tips and tricks videos coming soon! I feel like the lighter I go with gear the more tricks I need to use to make that work. Which then translates well to all parties, ultralight or not!

[@bkheaney]

I was watching your previous gear videos when I checked my notifications and found this new one! Great timing! Inspirational as always, Jupiter. Thanks!

[@jeffreycarman2185]

You know you’re an elite hiker when you can actually get on the list to get a Melanzana hoodie! Great video!

[@JupiterHikes]

What does it mean if I have four of them 😵

[@chuckdenham126]

It is always an "educational joy" to see your videos. Cheers!!

[@NewsViewsAndTruth]

Best tip is that my Bug Headnet is used as a storage bag for all of my sleep stuff. Sometimes this just has a pair of socks, but I really enjoy using it as an organizer.

[@elisebrown5157]

That's a good idea!

[@RideAlongside]

Yes!! Thanks Jupiter! Great list.

[@wolfeadventures]

Great kit. I love the progression and really appreciate your genuine excitement in whatever you do.

[@lungs2919]

Your videos never disappoint! Excited to see what your next adventure is!

[@JupiterHikes]

Next ones gunna be weird! But after that it gets really good 😎

[@Heretic10001]

That was a really well done video. Your content is always great. Thanks for doing what you do and keep enjoying life!

[@honeybadger975]

Long time subscriber here and I love how you evolved from cold soaking mozzie fighting tarp tenter to what you are today. I guess the Kiwi companion had some good influence there😉 Great you still creating some low fuss highly interesting Content for us out there. I’m not chasing the last ounce but your Gear dump is alway informative to see what’s out there. Big Thanks

[@wanttogo1958]

Sprocket is from Australia.

[@chan4est]

Love how your gear has grown over time. I basically got the same exact kit when I did my PCT attempt/TRT in 2022. Absolutely no upgrades since.

[@seandelaney2297]

So happy to see another Jupiter shakedown

[@susanevans9698]

I really enjoy all of your videos, thanks for posting! I have the same sleep pad. It was really easy to cut down. I cut mine right at the knee (side sleeper) and ironed it back. I’ve used it like that for a few years with no leaks.

[@JupiterHikes]

Awesome! I've been thinking about doing that to mine, tough decision to make though!

[@robertpearson2143]

I think this list is bout as perfect as you can get. I have followed for years and was amazed at your ability to put up with some really primitive setups that for me would have been either unsafe or so uncomfortable that I just couldn’t. I was amazed you had a water filter. I have used almost all of this exact gear and can attest that it is probably the lightest comfortable load out that will safely take you almost anywhere! Thank you so much for all the years of trial time, videos, and inspiring so many of us to ask… Do I really need that? Which in your case seemed to always be a hard no.

[@justinfournier3894]

glad to see you have a sleeping pad these days

[@footstepsinthedirt]

Me upgrading my gear every time Jupiter drops gear videos because I know he’s done the research per gram. 🤣🤩👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@Go-zi1py]

Very informative , now I'd like to see a gear video on what you and Sprocket carry when you hike together and how you divvy it all up.

[@JupiterHikes]

You just saw it! The only gear we share is the double Quilt, and the 2p Tent. Sometimes we will also share a stove and a cook pot. Same stove as in the video, but a 1,100ml pot instead of my smaller 650. Beyond that and all of our other gear is our own!

[@TheHikingChick1]

Dialed in! Makes ultralight feel more accessible to me now that you've added a few comfort items in. Thank you for sharing. Great inspo for my next PCT Section hike! Always great videos Jupiter!!

[@Pharoahkeevis]

Happy trails Jup! You’re doing it right. Happy hikes!

[@HikingFreak]

Ursack is my JaM. So glad to see you pointing people in that direction. Peace!

[@Think-again]

I talked to montbell. The versalite is using PFAS. should mention that..

[@Mudpies]

❤ lovely, clear and positive commentary, thanks!

[@stephenbennett7331]

Nice list! As a solo hiker, the deal I made with my wife is to carry a satellite communicator. I'm curious if you ever add this?

[@MylesAway3]

This video is great! Thanks for putting it together. Good to see you branching out a bit. You da man!

[@michaelc5193]

Watching from Jupiter. Always enjoy your lists. Great video. Getting 3 items on your list for an upcoming bikepacking trip.

[@EFHmusic]

I very much so enjoy your videos brother :)

[@mateusmatos3420]

Thanks for the measurements in metric system. Cheers from Brasil!

[@paleolith54]

You and Kane are by far my favorite guys to watch. I like your unscripted stuff a bit more, I think your personality comes through better. Anyway, thanks for another excellent piece.

[@JupiterHikes]

This video is unscripted :) I am just going through my gear

[@paleolith54]

@@JupiterHikesyeah, what I wrote was misleading. I should have said “unscripted videos like this one.” Anyway, we appreciate it. BTW, I recently went to an Ursack for the exact reasons you stated.

[@anonyouanon]

Great feedback and update, thanks Jupiter!

[@rodoutdoors]

I've been loving the Terrebonne Jogger Pants this year. Bought the first pair for $70 and 2nd on sale for $48 during REI's winter sale. I use them for everything. CTUG wallet is great too. Great list and video. We share a lot of gear! 😂

[@cherimelton9753]

Love the backdrop - looks like you are in the PNW rainforest. Love to see what Sprocket hikes with ..

[@UfemiaMitrovitch]

Mine (authentic) also has a smell inside! I don't know what's going on because none of my other products have the smell of the kislux bag. Called LV and they said it is normal and I can wipe the inside with a damp cloth. I thought the lining was suede but it's actually microfiber so I'm going to look for ways to remove the microfiber smell because the smell is keeping me from using it often.

[@RC-qf3mp]

Great gear list video. 1) How does the Senchi fleece compare to your KUIU Pelaton hoodie? Which do you prefer? 2) maybe time for another shoe video? 3) maybe another tarp vs. tent video, now that you’ve tried so many tents?

[@JupiterHikes]

The Senchi is lighter weight. It is offered in many more colors, configurations, and options... from many more companies which are all small ultralight brands and cool to support. The senchi is offered in three different weights so can be purchased with different goals in mind. The Kuiu is more durable, a little less breathable and more warm because of that. At some point soon I am planning to make a video all about different fleeces, what's best, what's worse, and how they all differ! I just got my final fleece needed and am in testing mode, which may be a cross between what makes Alpha great, and what makes the Kuiu great. Or so I hope that what it turns out to be! Between the two you ask about however, you cannot go wrong, and I think depends on what you value. Options, durability, weight.

[@hmbdata]

Whoa, what happened! :-) A sleeping pad?? A tent??? Hah, an interesting transformation. Still lighter than 95% of hikers . . .

[@jhonyermo]

He's done that on other trails, depending on who is with him

[@terrencepayne1371]

do you have a video about what you take for food and how you cook? great video.

[@deliciousfewd]

Great video. I always appreciate your laid back and honest opinions are gear. Why does this video look so much nicer than usual? Is it just the framing and color of the shot or are you using different equipment?

[@JupiterHikes]

I think it's the framing mostly :) It's a good rain forest. Maybe in the tiniest way my editing choices are slightly better, but I think it's mostly the setting.

[@CombatBanana]

If you want to try every UL rain jacket you should totally try the Rockfront Rain Hoodie; its 5 oz, $60, and 100% water proof all day. It's got torso length zips and doesn't absorb much water if any.

[@elisebrown5157]

I've been looking at that one, so I'd appreciate a review as well!

[@CombatBanana]

@@elisebrown5157 I haven't worn mine in the rain yet, just 1 very wet morning after a storm. Its obv very breathable and it works great as a wind breaker as well. Only thing that could be a downside is rain getting in the zips. But once a normal jacket wets through the DWR it won't be breathable, so you'd need zips anyway. Oh and mine SMELLED like fish for some reason, but I soaked and scrubbed it in soap water and that got rid of like 95% of the smell.

[@MikeOlin-f3u]

This is so generous, thank you. Wondering how you typically clean your stakes.

[@JupiterHikes]

I use one stake to scrape dirt off the other stakes, or a quick smack against a rock. Typically the first option though if it's bad!

[@nicholaslafferty3928]

Up here in the northeast, I use a leaf or two to wipe off mud from stakes :)

[@dobTriple]

Good content, thank you! I like your way of presenting. I see you blow up your pad instead of using a pump sack. Have you ever had any problems with that? I've been wanting to leave my pump sack at home as I only go on short trips, but I'm always worrying moisture from my breath will cause mold and decrease the R-value when it's cold.

[@Patrick-vo3cr]

Zpacks just came out with the super nero 50L frameless backpack...weighs 11.6 oz without any extra addons...... Also i think 2 nbc 10,000 are lighter than having the 20,000 power bank.

[@baldmi3603]

I couldn't believe how many items you had, yet only 9 pounds. Impressive.

[@JupiterHikes]

I think in the end it came out to 9.1 pounds, which is pretty great! And could easily be made even lighter with just a couple changes, though then maybe it wouldn't be 'full comfort' :)

[@AMCD18]

Great gear list. I’ve write down 3 items out of your list that I’m really interested in. Thank you!

[@atsubill2]

Thank you Jupiter! Last summer when I was stuck in bed with COVID, I had this strange itch to learn about everything ultralight and your channel was the first I discovered. Your tips have been a big help and I've watched all your excursions. I''ve done a few local trips and am starting to ponder my first thru hike (prob AT). Keep up the great work and I look forward to the next one!

[@JupiterHikes]

The AT is a great one! I'd love to do it again. Hope you get out on some trips this new year! Local is the way to go as there's so much to learn in just a backyard kind of setting, though maybe not as glamorous it's really a fast track to learn and get experience.

[@TheREALMuad-dib]

At least you aren't taking yourself too seriously, and you're able to make fun of yourself a bit, haha. Well done. Good integrity, man.

[@JasonHikes1]

Awesome video you’ve been a wealth of knowledge for me over the years. TY

[@p.k.6285]

Great video as always. 👍 I think I am getting quite close to this setup, but what I am wondering: How do you fit 5 or more days worth of food in that pack? My 48 liter pack is usually almost bursting with that amount of food and becomes pretty uncomfortable.

[@durstongear]

Nice list.

[@lostnewyorkina1640]

On the AT it’s recommended to use a bear canister because bears on the AT have already figured out how to just start chewing on the ropes to open an ursack

[@aurtisanminer2827]

Gas one makes a stove that looks just like the BRS but the arms are slightly thicker and it can simmer very well. It weighs the same and also costs the same on amazon.

[@Hobomountainwander]

I like the fanny pack idea. It replaces the brain on the old school packs. Its crazy a 2p + tent comes in so light these days. Thanks for sharing your journey. I hope you hike the rest of the North Country Trail at some point. And come see the high peaks of the Adirondacks.

[@JupiterHikes]

The Adirondacks are definitely high on the list! They look so epic

[@Hobomountainwander]

@JupiterHikes They are in my home state and you would love them. I spend a lot of time up there in the fall to reflect and unwind from seasonal work.

[@captainvette2112]

Cool gear video.... but you ultra light guys crack me up. Complaining about the weight of the Neo sleeping pad lol. 😂 Backcountry backpack elk, bear and sheep hunters pack in 85+lbs on the regular.

[@gavinmcgehee4915]

This isn’t a hunting page

[@captainvette2112]

@ I get that this isn’t a hunting page but most of the outdoor gear overlaps. these ultralight hikers are just comical to me. My point is it’s a little ridiculous fussing over the 13ozs of a Neo sleeping pad on a video entitled “full comfort”. It would be easier to just go on a diet a week before your hike, drop 13oz, and take the pad. Better yet why not just go full bushcraft mode. How much does just a knife, hank of cordage, and a flint weight? Cause that’s hardcore ultralight. Or even better yet go all Cody Lundin style and ditch your shoes and hike barefoot to save the weight.

[@joshuacoolidge5995]

​@@captainvette2112 hah more like captainfunsucker2112 😂

[@whereami5997]

​@@captainvette2112When your thru hiking thousands of miles every oz adds up. These back country hunters you are speaking of do no such thing.

[@higler.]

The Katadyn BeFree, Salomon XA Filter and the Hydrapak Filter Cap can speed up your water filtration even more!

[@mtadams2009]

Some of your earliest UL videos helped me to get my base weight down under 10 pounds. I have had it as low as 8 pounds but I have since switched to a more substantial pack and it’s about 10 pounds. I think the Zpacks quilts are very good and so light and warm. The other area I have gone a little heavier is not getting the lightest cloths. For example I have the super light Mont Bell puffy but I prefer the one they make that’s light but not super light. I prefer better zipped and most of all pockets. The no pocket thing sucks. Same with rain gear. I own so very nice rain gear but to be honest I much prefer a real rain coat. One that not only offers rain protection but warmth.

[@robd.9481]

Another great video Jup!. At 57 one needs a little luxury in their backpacking life. What would I change? I go non cook / cold soak now for a long trip. I'd go with the Offset Solo for about the same weight as the Altaplex, but better livability. And I go with a framed hip belt pack, the SWD SL40. And I'll probably be switching to a bear canister/stool in the future. Keep up the great work! 👍

[@JupiterHikes]

Great choices and changes!!

[@devinbraun1852]

Good list, very comprehensive.

[@BukoHikes]

I'm a simple little being, I see Jupiter's video, and I give it a thumbs up. That's a great list, I hope to someday collect a similar set myself (that suits my needs, of course) 😉

[@JupiterHikes]

Hope you enjoy the collecting process! The three years of putting together my first ever ultralight kit were some of the best! Trying new things, researching, getting out on short trips all the time. It's a great process. Not too much different now either, hoping this next year I can try some new stuff I've been thinking about for a long time.

[@sanfransimo]

Eerily, this is pretty much the gear list I've been using since you've been making videos. Bout time you came around, young padawan!

[@jayv.8298]

😂

[@jeffreycarman2185]

Awesome video! Very aspirational.

[@peterjohnson6273]

Jupiter, you need to put together a trash bag/bottle top inflator for your pad. I'm sure you'll find videos of how to on youtube.

[@JupiterHikes]

I think that is a little too much luxury for me! lol but yeah I have seen many over the years!

[@KrizAkoni]

Nice versatile setup!

[@Crispy_Pies9]

Question as i am curios. I see a lot of hikers and backpackers use the smart water bottles, that are technically reusable but realistically only intended to be used once then hopefully recycled. So my question is why not buy a actual proper reusable water bottle like a stainless steel one or a Nalgene, or even a bladder pack. I know its all personal preference but I'm curios as to why people pick it. Awesome video btw!

[@Flowie97]

Hey Jupiter, really nice Video an Gearlist! Helped me really much! But I'd like to ask another thing, where do you buy your caps from? I feel like these would fit my head properly too and its really hard to find good ones. Please never stop making Videos like that!

[@JupiterHikes]

I get my hats from Ciele, Fractel, or Coal. All three brands are very high quality, comfortable, and great for hiking.

[@anninwhack1998]

Thank you this is very practical and helpful.

[@Matt_Maverick]

Would love this setup, except I typically hike Yosemite, Sequoia/Kings Canyon, the Sierra's in general and we have to carry a damn bear canister. So instantly the weight goes up lol

[@rachescakes]

I’ll never be an ultralight hiker, but I do appreciate the tips to get my overall pack weight down. On the Ursack, you said it was grizzly proof but how well does it work against mice and other small critters?

[@Chops_1980]

Great list thank you!

[@willtrimble9101]

Does anyone know the location of the shot at 16:20? That is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. My guess is the Winds but not sure...

[@loicbrischoux7908]

Thanks Jupiter !

[@1z1zmike]

Thanks…very helpful!🙂🙏

[@adastra3147]

Check the weight and volume of the toaks 900ml 13.5 cm diameter... It's the best

[@Rkolb2798]

Something strangely compelling to watch gear videos , I think maybe it’s to compare what you have to other people . Your fly Rod interests me , do you carry extra line , leader and tippet etc or is the supplied outfit reliable enough ? I’m glad to see you now heat your food , will you still do the cold soak method as and when required . Thank you for sharing 😊

[@JupiterHikes]

Yeah a little tiny spool of 5x tippet, a single extra line which is a couple feet longer, and that's about it! A bunch of flies in a tiny little plastic container free from the shop I got the flies from.

[@dmar0652]

Awesome List!! Thank you for sharing

[@DieFull]

Appreciate your take on "full comfort UL gear" and the inclusion of the Tenkara rod. I did not see any rain pants though or do you just use the wind pants?

[@MrSouthofBoston]

Checking in from Stuart. You know where that is 😉

[@JupiterHikes]

I know it all right!

[@leigha6275]

Thanks Jupiter for the awesome full-comfort list. For your Ombraz, did you opt for Polarized or Non-Polarized, and which tint did you get? Totally agree with you about a 50L pack being an ideal size.

[@JupiterHikes]

I went with the brown frame color, the gray polarized, and the specific style I think is called viale

[@leigha6275]

@@JupiterHikes Thanks, I generally prefer gray tint which preserves true color and polarized to reduce glare, though there are times when non-polarized can be safer (such as skiing and driving, when non-polarized will allow you to see glare from ice patches)

[@hoser7706]

Do you like and appreciate the extra items and (presumed) comfort over your olderr PCT 5lb or so system?

[@NewsViewsAndTruth]

Have followed you for a while (old name william Brower), and our kits are similar even though I am not so ultralight. Mine is more budget lightweight. I still like to call it ultralight, but it doesn't follow those strict poundages that people define it as.

[@NewsViewsAndTruth]

in stead of an Xmid pro 2+, I have an Xmid 2 solid . The non-pro version is much cheaper, and the solid inner seems a bit more pet friendly for my two pups that are my family. Instead of the neoair pad, I have a Nemo Extreme that weighs about twice, but is R value of 8.5. The reason that I got this expensive pad, is that I had their cheaper insulated pad for years, and they honored their lifetime warranty. Since the bulk of the cost was paid for, I paid a little bit more for the upgrade. Lifetime replacement gear is a really nice thing!

[@NewsViewsAndTruth]

That pad weighs like 18 ounces, so is a good deal heavier than your 13 ounce version. The difference is that mine has roughly twice the R value for insulation, but it weighs 50% more. Since budget is the priority for me, I made my choice for the extreme to be my full year pad. The cool thing about the 8.5 R value, is that you can flip it over in warmer months when you don't want the insulation. Since it is suspended mylar sheet insulation, it is only one sided meaning that there is zero insulation if you flip it. This way I only have to buy a single pad, and can use it all of the time.

[@rya7642]

Neck buffs are my favorite

[@L4mTr4n]

Great review! It’s definitely very insightful especially in helping me downsizing on the weight of my pack. Your review made me want to get the versalite rain jacket. However, after looking it up, it uses gore-tex materials which still uses PFAS. I guess that’s the only downside. :(

[@JupiterHikes]

Check out the lightheart gear rain jacket, my partner has been using that recently and really likes it. Another option is the Enlightened Equipment Visp, which I used for many years prior to this one!

[@L4mTr4n]

@ thanks for the suggestion! The Visp looks like the winner to me. 🙏

[@noeleneproud5334]

Thanks Jupiter, great video. The scenery behind you looks so nice as well. The nylofume pack liner, do you find it to be odourproof (so help keep your food safe), not against bears but maybe odourproof enough for rodents?

[@JupiterHikes]

I am not sure, but have definitely used it like that. In areas where I think there might be more critters I'll put my things inside the pack liner as an extra barrier to smell. If you want actually odor proof though, get a turkey basting bag from the grocery store. I have a friend who kind of looks like cheech and chong who swears by those bags, keeps some smelly greens in them

[@vanCapere]

Hey Jupiter, you may wanna check out the ADOTEC Ultralight Food Locker -> a lighter alternative to the Ursack. ;)

[@JupiterHikes]

I just heard about those a couple weeks ago, interested for sure but really don't know anything about it yet!

[@vanCapere]

@ They are certified, so they must be. ;)

[@xxstickynotes]

Hi! Would you be able to make a video on your tenkara rod? My husband and I have been going ultralight for our backpacking trips and he was looking into a tenkara rod for fishing instead of his current set up.

[@JupiterHikes]

Tenkara is super cool! I have owned three of them, all great and all still in good order. My partner now uses one of them as hers and fishes with me. The Tenkara USA youtube channel has an amazing video about everything you could ever need to know about them, it's about 17 minutes long and really well produced. If I have some tips: - If you are in the US, buy from a US brand! It would be easier to get a spare part should something break (i haven't had one break yet, so it's more of a just in case.) - Typical length is a 12 foot rod which offers flexibility for lakes, as well as rivers which aren't too wooded. If you think you'll be fishing a lot of smaller wooded streams (like out east), a smaller rod would be better, but 12' is the standard and I would not go bigger. - Any fly works. Tenkara has special flies called kebari, but I would recommend using more traditional dry flies as they are simpler and imo more fun. - Drangontail, and tenkara usa are both good brands which both offer starter kits with everything you could need. No need for the fancy casting techniques like with a traditional setup, Tenkara is fast and simple. Allowing you to keep the fly on the water more frequently, and get more fish in the net! I think a traditional setup has advantages as well (casting further, and sometimes casting is just fun!) but especially on backpacking trips it's cool that I can be fishing in 3 minutes with minimal setup time, and no real weight or size penalty. Anyway, until I get around to a tenkara video there's some initial thoughts!

[@xxstickynotes]

​@JupiterHikes Thanks for taking the time to reply! Appreciate your thoughts on the tenkara :)

[@uncleschuck]

Why do I feel the comment about the titanium spoon being unbreakable as a challenge. Thanks for the vid

[@JupiterHikes]

😂 Unbreakable? Anything is breakable if you really want to bad enough!... But with normal use? Pretty darn good!

[@xt0mm3y13x]

what do you recommend the 90g or 60g alpha hoody. you recommended both in different videos so im curious what you prefer

[@Bananamaltastic]

What fleece you are wearing in this video? Looks luxurious

[@JupiterHikes]

It's a melanzana 'high loft' fleece. Definitely luxurious and comfortable! But gotta go to leadville Colorado to get one unfortunately. Though a handful of other companies make similar styles, generally called 'sherpa fleece jackets' / high pile fleece / or high loft.

[@mobius9818]

@@JupiterHikes Would the Mountain Hardwear Summit Grid be similar to the Melanzana? (And more easily found)...I am wearing one now (!). As a heavier midlayer, I use it in cold weather Montana...

[@wanttogo1958]

@@mobius9818Mountain Hardware sells their Polartec High Loft Jacket that uses the high loft fleece you mentioned. A Men’s medium size is just over 17oz in weight. Pretty heavy mid-layer.

[@clarkansas6590]

Very good

[@numbereightyseven]

Would be interested in the total cost.

[@ChrisLowResDream]

thanks so much 😊

[@adventuresoftbonefirebug2981]

So I got to ask what was the hoodie you had on in the video?! I agree with you on the senchi 100%! But that fleece was nice lookin an warm I bet. Who made it??! :)

[@JupiterHikes]

It is a Melanzana High Loft fleece. If you are ever in the small town of Leadville Colorado you can get them there! They don't sell online. It would be far too heavy for backpacking, but it is a nice at home kind of jacket.

[@nancytrekker]

Great video! Have you had any issues flying with the Nitecore powerbank in your stowed luggage? Mine doesn't seem the same since I did so. 😢

[@JupiterHikes]

I have not had trouble with that. Many years of owning and using the 10,000 from nitecore before buying this 20k as well. I don't know if it would make a difference but I always fly just carryon and never check a bag.]

[@nancytrekker]

@JupiterHikes Thanks for responding! I would pack only a carry-on if I could, but I travel for 5-6 months. Between that and my gear, there's always a checked bag involved. Next time, I'll be sure to carry the powerbank with me.

[@wanttogo1958]

@@nancytrekkeryou’re actually required by TSA to carry-on all devices that contain or are lithium batteries such as the NiteCore powerbank. FYI.

[@elisebrown5157]

Probably a stupid question, but can you help me understand the "alpha direct" type fabric? It comes with different numbers - are those weights, yarn thickness, fabric type, UV protection, or what? And is there any difference between the "alpha' and the "octa," and how is that different from "microgrid"? And is there much difference between manufacturers, (like sambob, farpointe, senchi, LEVE, vado, etc.) These are expensive garments, and it's not like I can order fabric swatches to compare. Are certain types better for which climates/temperature ranges, and if so, which? I appreciate any help on this so I can spend my money wisely. Thanks!

[@wanttogo1958]

You should search for information on Backpacking Light. They have done a lot of research about Alpha Direct, Octa and Grid Fleece. They are different fabrics with distinct warmth to weight relationships and moisture retention/transfer rates. Alpha Direct is commonly sold as a garment in either 60, 90 or 120 grams per square meter. The intermediate weight of 90 is considered to be by many users the most versatile of the three weights commonly available. Octa is a different fabric that allows less air to pass through such as on a windy day but all three fabrics benefit significantly from a wind layer on top if your goal is to be warm but dry (from sweat) while hiking in cooler weather. Grid fleece has been around for many years and is a popular choice for a midlayer but is generally a little heavier for a given level of warmth than the other two. The Patagonia R1, for example, uses grid fleece. It has a nicer appearance than Polartec Alpha in my opinion so lends itself to around town wear if appearance matters. There is a lot more to know about all three choices than I have written here.

[@elisebrown5157]

@wanttogo1958 thank you for the info - and I'll check out the other source as well.

[@eric_festinger]

I remember you also liked the Patagonia TorrentShell, but I understand you switched back to the Montbell Versalite. Were they any flaw with the TorrentShell or is it "just" the weight penalty? Thanks in advance!

[@JupiterHikes]

No flaw! The patagonia torrentshell for me is a bit heavier and often I feel like I can get away with less. It's really in a category of bomber rain jacket to withstand anything, while the versalite is more of an ultralight rain jacket that will work in most situations but won't be enough for others, as is the case with all ultralight rain coats. So patagonia is a step up from that, for a bit more weight

[@eric_festinger]

@@JupiterHikes That is valuable information: thank you so much 😊

[@williammihansky6686]

did you use the fly fishing rod while on the AT?

[@odindahle]

I have one question for you: You bring wind pants but no rain pants. Would love to hear your thoughts on why. Im an aspiring 2025 PCT hiker and my plan is to bring versalite rain pants (goretex windstopper with dwr, same as the jacket) and use it for wind and rain. Yes, it may get clammy if its hot, but they will stop the rain way better than windpants in rain, which is a fair trade-off i reckon. (Also wearing Terrebonne pants as a base, which stops some wind). Any thoughts on this? Great video as always! Best there is! Been eyeing a Palante pack, but I think Im good with a Kakwa 55 (which I already own) for the PCT, being European and not having the option to switch out gear.

[@JupiterHikes]

Great question, and even better that you are asking this in regards to the PCT! During the entirety of my PCT thru hike it rained five times, and only ONCE was it more than a brief drizzle. So for the PCT in specific I do not think carrying anything other than wind pants is necessary. Rain pants in that environment could even be less useful as they won't be as breathable, and you won't be as inclined to hike in them or use them because you'll just be roasting and sweating in them. I think of this in a similar way to comparing hiking in a puffy vs hiking in a fleece. The puffy is warmer yes and that seems good yes, but you're not going to last very long before sweating it out. So for me, wind pants get way more use than rain pants ever would because I can use them in more situations. BUT for a hike like the Appalachian Trail, or the Long Trail, or the GDT, or the SHT which are all known for plentiful rain... I would consider the rain pants much more heavily!! I personally still might not bring them, but on those hikes they would have much more use. Anyway, this is just my opinion. If you don't like the rain then bring them! If you want the extra warmth bring them! There is no right or wrong here and it can be different from person to person. But since you asked why I never have rain pants, that is why.

[@odindahle]

@ Thanks! I guess I have to get rain out out of my brain (I’m Norwegian). Would you say that I could even ditch my versalite jacket and go for a wind jacket instead? If no, should I consider bringing both?