Undeniably THE BEST Backpacking Gear TODAY!

[@crowonthepowerlines]

I would be interested to see what the results would be if you surveyed people who work in the outdoors professionally. Guides and outdoor educators often spend more days in the field each year than many people will in their lives. They may also help you find gear which is more appropriate for expedition type travel in remote areas that require a different approach with more robust and field repairable gear.

[@techguy9023]

Getting sales data from Garage Grown Gear appears suspect

[@jeffreycarman2185]

My guess is that that would also skew the results. From what I’ve seen, guides and similar professionals are often (1) sponsored by, or are ambassadors for, big-named outdoor brands -such as Arc’teryx, Patagonia, The North Face, Mountain Hardware, and the like, and (2) tend to skew more toward traditional, heavier, more durable backpacking gear.

[@fastneataverage]

This is so true.

[@annonone93]

i bought that trowel on Amazon, and the guy gave me a hand written note. I felt so special (knowing full well everyone gets the same note) lol; it's the little things.

[@ACiDGRiM]

"Hope you poop clean, enjoy"

[@Taykorjg]

What is it called

[@nicholaslafferty3928]

​@@Taykorjg Bogler

[@annonone93]

@ it’s the one in the video that is recommended

[@nicholaslafferty3928]

@@annonone93 oh yes now I remember

[@andymytys]

The title is the best, and you close with a more appropriate description, the most popular. Thru-hikers are mostly about efficiency and mileage, so they’re not going to be gourmet chefs in camp, choosing instead to either cold soak or boil and rehydrate. You’ll be hard pressed to find a lot of thru-hikers with Soto Windmaster stoves and frying pans, as a result. But both are valid pieces of backpacking gear. Weekend warriors to weeklong backpackers are usually more into the experience rather than maximizing mileage. Thus, for them, the gear they choose and feel is best may differ.

[@noobmaster258]

The experiences and priorities that through hikers share with normal hikers are really too far detached for a good comparison

[@toocleanpappas5397]

On my 11th Thru-hike and wanted to say, I rock the Optimus stove and have a frying pan and a set up that allows me to bake bread and pasta from scratch (flour), and steam vegetables. I can basically do anything I can do at home with my cook kit. It is 22 oz total, but after multiple Thru's I got sick of hiker food. :) So yeah, I agree with ya.

[@andymytys]

@ I don’t make pasta from scratch, but a frying pan and a few extras that add up to 22oz definitely let you make real food that’s the envy of everyone cold soaking or eating out of a bag. I carry a SnowPeak Trek 900 pot, which has a small fry pan (titanium, so it’s useless for a fry pan) lid, a small mixing jar for rehydrating beef jerky and powdered eggs, a cheese grater, frying pan, cutting board, 3”+ folding knife, bamboo spoon, and chopsticks.

[@debbilermond1553]

When my husband and I decided to go UL, we chose the GG Mariposa 60L backpack (which we purchased at Garage Grown Gear) because of the 3 external side pouches. It actually has 7 external compartments which is great for retrieving small items without having to open your pack and dig down through all the stuff sacks! The only thing I wish they'd done differently was the hip belt cinch straps. It's nearly impossible to tighten them up with the pack on your back. Steven, maybe you have some pull (no pun intended) with Gossamer Gear to make this needed change?

[@zerobucks9]

I through hiked the AT in 21. I chose the Tarp Tent Pro trail Li. For a few reasons. 1. they had a blemish which got the price down a bit. 2. it was available. all the other DCF tents had 3-6 month back order. 3. They had military discount in the form of a free ground cloth. Which I used as an extra shield to wrap the tent in because I carried it on the outside of my pack.

[@jahb0b420]

The thing I think people should remember is how these videos/influencer's are a big reason for popularity of certain items. One mention of an item and all of the sudden everyone has it...even if its not the best. Kinda why Zpacks and Durstons are so popular....and Zenbivy...etc.

[@maxkraus7063]

true

[@Orange_Tang]

Durston gear is so popular because for the price it's incredibly good value. That and Dan is super active in all the ultralight and backpacking forums and stands by his gear. I won't act like it's not more popular because of some social media boosting, but of all the cottage companies I think Durston gear is the most organically popular through word of mouth. I don't disagree a lot of other stuff is popular because of coverage though. There is almost no reason to buy EE quilts or HMG packs anymore, there are cheaper and better options for both and they have both been riding off name recognition for years now. HMG also gets the boost by being the only real UL pack available at REI.

[@xungnham1388]

Even the survey list itself creates an echo chamber effect. There are people who choose the gear they do because they start their search from the survey.

[@Gitgudm9]

Same thing with EE. There are a number of cottage brands out there that make better quilts for comparable prices - Katabatic, Nunatak, Hammock Gear, just to name a few. It's also fairly well-known that EE's temp ratings are more for limit than comfort, their quilts lack a lot of important features like differential cut and edge tension control, which competitors do have.

[@Orange_Tang]

@Gitgudm9 Yup. EE even added to their description that they recommend buying 10 degrees lower than the temp rating. No one should buy their stuff, it's among the most expensive if not the most when you look at the actual down weights. Their baffle system is worse than most of the competition too and allows the down to migrate between the baffles over time. I went with hammock gear and waited for a sale. Very high quality quilts and were customized to exactly how I wanted it. And the temp rating was dead on for me, if not warmer than advertised.

[@terryelam7010]

If i were to buy another Enlightened Equipment quilt, it would be the Enigma. I bought a Revelation and discovered that i like having a closed foot box. It was a great starter quilt. On sale, it fit the budget.

[@RoyADane]

FWIW: One nice feature about the CNOC Vecto bag, is you can use the orange slider for the "Magic Leaf" trick to get water from a barely trickling water source.

[@tanvach]

The trick to get revelation quilt foot box not to feel cold is to 1. Cinch the foot box closed and have the shock cords go inside the quilt 2. Bundle the seam that has the shock cord and pull that inside, maybe by 2-3 inches. 3. Wrap the shock cord around the bundle to keep it from unraveling. The seam where the shock cord cinches down has little down. The foot box is now as warm as my enigma quilt.

[@rkatrails]

Hey, that sounds like a great hack!

[@tatiananaugolnykh]

Just a suggestion - varusteleka has the best bungee rope and cord locks, seriously. They could be useful for your great idea :)

[@Get_Some_Nature]

Video suggest: can you research adding boiling water to a freezer bag? As a double crown thruhiker, I've seen other hikers eating out of freezer bags and definitely though it was unsafe. Does boiling water release micro plastic into backpacking meals when eating from a freezer ziplock bag?

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

I can look into that. I would need to know what I’m looking for. Microplastics for sure, but are there any other chemicals that get released?

[@Get_Some_Nature]

@MyLifeOutdoors yes a chemical lab analysis of the boiling water once it's added to the freezer bag would be great to see what the bag released into it, if anything. Is it safe or not?

[@DollyTheLlama]

I've wondered that myself about the freezer bags.

[@catblue6393]

​@@MyLifeOutdoorsI'd be interested in the results for the freezer bags and the store bought camping meals too. Both seem like cancer in a bag to me.

[@armourbl]

I'm not a thru-hiker, and I love my Revelation quilt.

[@lt2246]

Nice video. As a senior citizen on a fixed budget it would be nice if you could do a list of reasonably priced, light weight, good quality gear. For example best tent under $200/ under 3 lbs; best backpack under $250 / under 3 lbs; and best sleep system (mat under $150 and quilt under $175?) I am in my 70’s and lightweight affordable gear would be great.

[@CN-zi7cr]

Paria Bryce tent, REI flash 55 backpack, REI helix sleeping mat, Paria thermodown quilt.

[@invaderjoshua6280]

This isn't exactly to your budget, but this would be a good list for close to your budget... Tent: Nemo Hornet Ultralight (not elite) $280 Pack: Vargo Exoti Bog Backpack $299 (You can put whatever ultralight drybag you want in this, plus with the titanium frame you can carry a lot more, more comfortably.) Sleeping Bag: Nemo Disco Endless Promise Long $198 (Most quilts in your price range are terrible, this bag offers good turning room and has vents to increase your temp range buts while being good to 15f.) Sleeping Pad: Nemo Tensor All Season Ultralight Long Wide $172 Extra Pad: Nemo Switchback $60 (I would highly suggest a foam pad for warmer days, or to extend your inflatable pad out to a lower temp. Plus it works as a quick deploy sitting pad)

[@planesandbikes7353]

3F-UL Lanshan tents are about the only ones under $200. Plenty of reviews out there. Quadzilla just did the Appalachian trail with one. Gossamer packs are lower cost, REI Flash too at $140 right now. But a waterproof pack costs way more, my 2 Gossamers absorb water. I don't think there are any decent quilts that go down to freezing under $250 other than sketchy Aliexpress ones? I use a value oriented OutdoorVitals quilt which sells around $300usd maybe less on sale. Tons of low cost pads though.

[@olivern4784]

Durston X-Mid tent $234 is one of the best regarded tents out there.

[@davehoover8853]

Great presentation as you clarified your sources and made note of how it might skew the data towards ultralight. Yes, it did. I think most everything you presented is top quality and great for “ reasonable weather” and you are moving light and fast. For any late shoulder season in my area, the Winds or Tetons, I would make 3 changes: Tent - Hilleberg, which is heavy but bomber; sleep pad - Nemo Tensor, slightly heavier but much more comfortable and quiet; sleeping, Western Mountaineering or Feathered Friends full sleeping bag, light, warm and can handle a dip in temps. Interesting to see a similar presentation for backpacking in colder, 3 season + applications.

[@smellybearc7411]

Don’t worry about how popular something is. Worry about how well it suits your needs. These videos can only serve as rough guidelines at best. When you don’t understand why influencers promote certain products, follow the money. What I’m trying to say is this. DON’T TRUST THESE PEOPLE. THEY ARE HERE FOR THE MONEY. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH.

[@MonikaPetryBHV]

Thanks for your video! I went 2 months on the Camino del Norte in Spain with my Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 - and I loved it! By the way: I am 69 years old and made my first big tour with tent and cooking gas stove! I plaanned the tour with many good information videos like yours, thank you!

[@daven.7685]

As for a trowel, do yourself a favor and get one with a serrated edge to cut roots. I got mine off Amazon a couple years ago, and though it may weigh 2-3 grams more than some of these titanium trowels, it has never let me down. As for the thermodrop, I find it accurate for registering low temps, but it is too sensitive for high temps, and totally goes off the rails in direct sunlight. Unfortunately, options are limited.

[@Stoitism]

Tried my friends neoair and didnt like it at all. Ended up with an Exped Ultra 5r wide, which is heavier but its a little warmer at r4.8 and so comfy with the full length baffles. I absolutely love it.

[@HikingwithRouletteRun]

I will say that I love my UGQ 10*F quilt that I recently purchased, and if the weather forecast turns out to be true, I'm going to get to test out the limits pretty well this weekend. As a test run, I'll only be doing that in my yard where if I get too cold, I can always go someplace safe and warm. Not quite like being miles away from transportation or home and find out your cold weather equipment isn't up to the task.

[@rkatrails]

I love my UGQ Bandit Quilt, too. I almost ordered an Enlightened Equipment Revelation, but ultimately went with the UGQ because it offered two options that EE doesn't offer, a draft collar on the foot box and tension control cords on each side of the quilt so you can curve the quilt around you when you desire. I also opted for 950 fill power. It's a great quilt.

[@HikingwithRouletteRun]

@@rkatrails I also went with the open footbox, with the draft collar, and the tension control cords. So far, I've had it down to about 30*F, but mine is rated for 10*F and it's supposed to get down to the lower teens here in Central Indiana over the weekend. I'm looking forward to giving it a real test.

[@rkatrails]

@@HikingwithRouletteRun It's always nice to try it out in the lower temps. I chose the 0° quilt because my 20° Western Mountaineering sleeping bag wasn't keeping me warm in the high 30s, not to mention I really dislike the constriction of a mummy bag. So far the lowest temp I've used my UGQ is 37°F and I was very warm...at times too warm, thus I can open it up. But I need to take it out in some really cold temps to try it out, together with my Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm pad. Have fun testing your quilt in the lower temps.

[@Archer21344]

I had my ugq bandit 20degree down to about 15 and I was plenty warm

[@HikingwithRouletteRun]

@@Archer21344 What kind (if any) of clothes were you wearing with it? I've been known to sleep in only a pair of shorts and underwear in mine... but not at < 20*... yet.

[@sk-wx1cf]

I enjoy your data-oriented videos. I have tried so many of these items. I have the Duplex and an Enigma quilt. I wanted to love the Gossamer Gear Mariposa and was very excited when I finally got one, only to find it absolutely did not fit for me. I've had 3 Thermodrops and they're very unreliable and very slow to respond to changes in temperature. Didn't like the BRS -- too small; I prefer the Soto Amicus. My CNOC always leaked around the threads and the closure but I used it anyway and finally got a new one because they're so easy to fill. My preferred filter is the Platypus Quickdraw.

[@Och1ba]

I ordered a Thermodrop from GGG that worked for about 5 minutes. GGG declined to replace it. GGG used to be my default go-to for the things they carry, but I keep this in mind when shopping now

[@TonyNarcisse]

Your videos rank among the best. So thank you for consistently producing outstanding content. Would you ever consider making a video ranking the best equipment "not" skewed toward long distance or through hikers? I'm a weekend warrior, more interested in hiking to a location to camp -for the solitude & scenery- and much less about clicking off miles. My pack tends to be heavy and laden with comfort gear. I'll wanna cook (not just boil water), build a fire, perhaps fish or whittle. A few miles from the trailhead is often the goal. What gear would you recommend for backpackers of my ilk?

[@dave.in.oregon]

With many years spent hiking with my sons' scout troops I've collected quite a bit of gear. Proudly much of it was represented in this list (but then again I consulted KZbin hikers and watched reviews before purchasing most of it). I'm firmly in camp ULA Circuit as my backpack and Enlightened Equipment Revelation over the Enigma (have taken both twice to Philmont among many other nights and adventures out with them). They've proven worthy to me. I've used a Tarptent Protrail for a while (ultra-light trekking pole tent) but had to abandon it since staking it out in the So Cal desert sand always proved difficult. Different conditions may have had different results, but I couldn't count on it. I always wondered how PCT hikers made it work for the first quarter or so of their trek. I'd imagine the Z-pack tents would have the same challenges so I've reverted to an REI Quarterdome freestanding tent if I'm not in a hammock. To each their own. GREAT VIDEO. MUCH APPRECIATED!!!

[@randomuser1911]

Something to remember is that this is the best - for thruhiking. What this may not be the best for is mountaineering expeds (and before someone comes and says obviously you wouldn’t take this up Everest that’s not what I’m referring too), winter hiking etc. it’s best at doing the job it’s meant to do, but it’s not one size fits all and won’t be the best for all different forms of hiking/backpacking.

[@xavierv8132]

Great video, as always. In terms of your question at the end: I've been wondering if data can be found on clothes? Can be a variety of things: what clothes do people bring, what brand for each type, spare clothes, sleeping clothes, hiking clothes, etc. However, I assume that finding this data might be tricky - heck even non-existant?

[@KrizAkoni]

The new NU20 headlamp is most like the old NU25. I see this becoming a best seller. Solid list!

[@Get_Some_Nature]

I thruhiked the PCT this year with a Hyperlite 3400 southwest. It caused shoulder pain/ache every day no matter how I adjusted it. I used a ULA Ohm 2.0 for my AT thruhike and didn't have any issues. I just purchased a ULA Ultra Circuit a few days ago from ULA's black friday sale. I'm going to seam seal the inside of the pack before using it. I'll still use a trash compactor bag as a pack liner.

[@techguy9023]

Use what you like and works for you. I only section but my Exos is hard to beat. Tried a ULA and just didn’t like it.

[@bihlygoat]

I had the same experience with an HMG 4400 pack. Used it on one trip and had to cinch the hip belt down so much to keep the weight off my shoulders (yes it was sized correctly), I got nerve damage on the front of my hips. Sold it soon after!

[@3rdworldcop]

such a good job. Appreciate the transparency. and the quality of research. Keep up gold-level work

[@BrawndoDrinker]

Pretty close to my current gear, I do use a 30" wide pad since my wide shoulders make 25" pads rough for a good sleep. As a thru hiker type, after the first week on any hike you will know exactly what gear you can drop and which gear fails, and which gear stays in your kit forever. The end of year surveys don't seem to reflect the surge in new gear as many thrus make all their big investments before they start. I expect the Durstons to jump up more each year. Personally waiting for the DCF version of the new Durston dome.

[@DubTDub]

Awesome!!! Would there be a clothing review? Shoes/boots, jackets, hoodies??? Might be too much now that I think about it. But I’m sure there’s some interesting items. Maybe? Love your channel!

[@kid5Media]

Durston Kakwa 55 is $200. Hard to beat that.

[@aarongoldstein4387]

Most popular can, and often is, very different from the best. November 5th is a case in point. With that said this is a comprehensive comparison and I think you have the most clear, thoughtful and rational testing. In short your videos are excellent.

[@robwoodring9437]

Wow, that bad orange man really lives rent-free in your head, huh? In case it's unclear, everyone else here came for HIKING GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS.

[@affalaffaa]

I've had the MSR Pocket Rocket 2 and the BRS 3000 for around 5 years. As the BRS didn't gel properly with one of my gas canisters, Colemans from memory, (didn't move the pin down enough to let the gas out) and no problem with the MSR with any gas can, I have to go with the pocket rocket for peace of mind.

[@vistaww]

i got that same nasty surprise using my BRS back country in Yosemite when i bought an MSR canister for it! Learned how to eat cold soaked stuff and cold coffee for a few days that trip. I still use it but stick with jetboil cans

[@bihlygoat]

I don’t like my CNOC bag because it makes the water taste like vinyl. Everything else I agree with. Amazing how many of the most popular items are the ones I use and love.

[@CombatBanana]

Popular does not = best; almost everyone who has tried both EE and Katabatic quilts prefers Katabatic. Marketing has a huge effect on gear popularity. New innovative gear is also at a disadvantage compared to tried and true gear. The Nitecore NU25 in this video has actually been sort of replaced by the new NU 20 Classic which is lighter and can run for much longer, similar to the original.

[@markfournette2483]

Another terrific video! I really appreciate your thorough, data-driven approach. Thank you for taking the time to share it with us.

[@CameronVirrill]

Your videos are the best: succinct, clear, focused, specific, well reasoned. Thank you.

[@RainerGolden]

I will trumpet the REI Flash 55 until I die. I just think they nailed it. Best backpack I’ve ever used by a wide margin. I prefer NEMO tents to Durston personally. The NEMO Hornet Elite is amazing and my favorite. Although I just picked up the X-Dome. Curious to try it out.

[@mtadams2009]

I have a lot of the gear on your list. I have the EE quilt 10 degree with sawn foot box and I also have the 20 Zpacks quilt. It also has a sawn foot box. You really can’t go wrong either way. Garage Gear is a great site. Zpacks pretty much carries everything UL. I am a thru hiker and also hike on the AT in Vermont and NH a lot and to be honest I don’t really see Durston Gear. Lots of Duplex though. I think it’s a regional thing. Same with camp chairs you pretty much never see them on the East Coast. On the AT I remember seeing one very fit young woman carrying one. That was pretty much it.

[@alexwbanks70]

Nitecore now has the Original NU25 but with a USB-C. Its called the NU20. I do have both the Original NU25 and the newer NU25, but still want to get the NU20, lol. I actually emailed Nitecore in the past as I'm sure a lot of others have as well, to suggest they have come out with the original design but with the USB-C port. Then I went and lost my Original NU25, so I bought the newer version. I've been a little disappointed in the newer one. Well, I found my original tucked in the footbox of a quilt like a year after i lost it.

[@tarekith]

NU 20 Classic

[@kylecaviness4067]

Yep NU20 Classic was made for all of us missing the original nu25. It’s great.

[@outsideupside]

While my big 3 are different (hammocker w/ a durston pack), I own and love almost every other item mentioned in the video. The BRS, CNOC bag, NB10000, NU25, and bogler trowel are all top notch gear. And GGG is THE site to get them. Just because the video is sponsored doesn't mean MLO isn't spitting truth here ...

[@mmimoman]

It would be great if you looked into Decathlon gear, they make some really good kit at very competitive price/value ratio!

[@nikkibull7]

I bought a ZPacks duplex for a thru hike in NZ. Unfortunately had a major flaw in my tent and ZPacks were pretty hard line refused to fix the issue despite knowing they had made the mistake…storm doors that weren’t properly installed so one faced one way and another the other way…as a new hiker I didn’t spot it but another ZPacks tent user spotted it. I wouldn’t ever deal with ZPacks again…they wouldn’t replace my tent. If you buy from them be super careful to check your items…they may sell nice stuff but be warned. There’s little comeback…it’s basically your issue.

[@nikkibull7]

If I were to buy another tent…it wouldn’t be a ZPack as I feel they don’t look after their customers…

[@JohnStreet-bu1pe]

EE quilts are the most popular but not the best. Katabatic is objectively better. Mainly for the differential cut which is not available with EE and a must have for a cold weather quilt. Another really nice feature lacking with EE is side tensioning, and finally for the convertible foot box models, Katabatic figured out a way to close the little gap in the footbox with a snap closure. They are well worth the added cost.

[@frstesiste7670]

IMO checking what thruhikers use isn't a good indication on what's the "best" backpacking gear available. Maybe if you'd done the survey 20 years ago, I might have agreed as it wasn't as much gear made specifically for thruhiking. Today a lot of what thruhikers use is super specialized equipment designed to be light and used on (mostly) well maintained trails by people who spend a lot of money on light and compact gear. Of course, you can argue that it's the best or at least most popular gear for long distance hiking, but most people who have one tent and one backpack they use for everything should probably choose more general-purpose gear, particularly for tents and backpacks. One positive thing that's come out of the focus on thuhiking (at least in my opinion) is that it has reversed or at least stopped the "feature creep" that plagued most US made backpacks and other gear in the nineties and early two thousands. Today it's much easier to find packs and tents in many "classes" from superlight to more all-round gear that's still fairly light and good quality. The super though expedition class gear is of course still around, but that's also a super specialized category that's not a good option for most uses.

[@bradorndorff-tn5zx]

Pots would be interesting, cameras maybe, trekking poles, shoes, camp shoes, rechargeable pad inflators

[@zacharykuhns6060]

Popular =/= best. EE quilt is prime example. Both katabatic and nunatak quilts are far better. Why? Because they are comfort rated and they have differential cut. EE is limit rated and doesn't have differential cut. Same can be argued with the backpack, there's many other backpacks that are lighter, higher load rating, have waterproof materials (Durston, KS, LiteAF, SWD, Pilgrim, Atom). Unfortunately it seems sponsorship and affiliate links promoted more of these choices than true "best" in class.

[@tanvach]

@@zacharykuhns6060 but if you choose EE quilt that is 10F lower rated it still costs less than either katabatic and nunatak quilts.

[@zacharykuhns6060]

​@@tanvach best isn't cheapest

[@tanvach]

@@zacharykuhns6060 diminishing return

[@tanvach]

@@zacharykuhns6060 If you check the fill weight of KG 22F 6' regular quilt, it is 15.4oz. EE enigma 20F regular/regular quilt it is also 15.4oz. So the rating is going to be very similar.

[@zacharykuhns6060]

​@@tanvachFair, I know EE has upped their fill semi recently. Somehow the katabatic gets 2.75" loft compared to 2.5" EE for 20deg. Fill weight doesn't tell the whole story either, every quilt manufacturer will tell you the same thing. Also katabatic has better baffle layout, pad straps, elastic edge binding, and differential cut. It's inarguable that katabatic is the better quilt. EE is cheaper though.

[@teitso]

It’s amazing how so many American outdoor KZbinrs see America as the world. In the description for this channel it does not talk about it being in the US. It talks about through hiking and that this gear is based on that but it just talks about American through hikes. It should say. Best gear in the US or America or for American through hikes. I would love to do the pct or any of the through hikes in the states but this gear just would not cut it in so many other places of the world.

[@timmo971]

There’s a new contender for best headlight I’ve seen recently to challenge the Nitecore NU 25. From Flextail and it’s 600 lumens. Haven’t got one (yet) but it looks the goods.

[@ThePerpetualStudent]

Thank you for helping me not waste my money.

[@jguhe91LH]

Always enjoy your insight for all the products you review

[@ACiDGRiM]

I had two nb 1000 batterie banks fail in less than a year. Cant believe they are "the best"

[@DollyTheLlama]

I've heard complaints about them from several youtube hikers who've had them fail on trail. I guess they're "the best" because of the weight. I like keeping as light as possible, but when it comes to a battery, I'd rather have reliability than light weight.

[@tt-of4xv]

You're not the only one. Don't get the nitecore, very pricy as well.

[@Chrizatch]

HI there, great reviews! What is your drinking tube setup that works with the lifewater bottles? Thanks,

[@Littletass]

Interesting results though i think "best" is subjective based on for what purpose you are buying gear - I think you were correct when saying your results are better describing what is the most popular gear and specifically for thrugh-hiking and not backpacking overall. I think the problem here is your premise that a "professional backpacker" (didnt know this was a thing) is a through-hiker which would mean all hikers are somewhere on the scale from beginner to through-hiker. I would argue someone, for example, who spends their holidays on backpacking into the backcountry for 3 weeks in winter with snowshoes and a four-season tent, might not need the same type of gear as someone hiking the PCT everyday for 6 months in a row whose only focus is on ease of use and low weight. So, i would argue that if we are going to label some people as a "professional backpacker", then there can be many different types based on the type of backpacking/hiking they are doing, since if you conflate "professional backpacker" with through-hiker, then people who have huge backpacking/hiking experience who might even be guides are not "professional" as they are not through-hikers. If there therefore are multiple ways to being a "professional backpacker" then certain gear will be best for certain types of backpacking/hiking. Thus, your results are reflecting the most popular gear for through-hikers who mostly happen to be ultralighers - this is especially the case as the sales data come from a website where ultralighters and through-hikers buy gear, and the surveys are of mainly through-hikers hiking the AT, CDT and PCT.

[@adrew9042]

Do you not consider gloves in your backpacking equipment?

[@kerrywilliams8100]

Having just done a section of New Zealand’s Te Araroa, I can say that the most popular tent is far and away the Xmid from Durston gears.what you are showing here isn’t ’The Best Gear’ just the most popular. One persons best gear is another persons worst.

[@shawnbrennan7526]

Confirmation bias is a thing, so it’s incredibly important to buy what works for you. This is a nice start though.

[@CDL_Gaming]

So just out of curiosity, what ended up being the most popular trekking pole? Seems like between the Durston and Zpacks tents people like buying trekking pole tents, but what trekking poles are they using to prop them up?

[@ISuckatHiking]

The AT thru hiker survey you used was 2023 data the 2024 hasn't been released. I seen 0 Gossamer Gear backpacks on trail.

[@mikesalasek3603]

Z-pac has been around a lot longer than the Durston Xmid so this is subjective. As for thru-hikers being pros I find that to be a stretch. I have been backpacking over 55 yrs. While I have done thru-hikes PCT, JMT, CT, Tahoe Rim Trail and 90% of the CDT, I consider myself a backpacker. I use different gear for each.

[@eric55406]

Yeah I had the same thought. I don't personally own any Zpacks tents but I really liked the Durston Xmid design and I'm happy with my Xmid.

[@zacharylaschober]

the other limitation is most thru hikers I know have done one, or rather a few sections of one, and any knowledge sharing is often about particular circumstances which would've adjusted gear for in hindsight. However, would say this probably is the closest hiking gets past the recreational category, this or content creators or the manufacturers themselves. It is worth mentioning as a useful data point, but it is not a decisive one by any stretch.

[@planesandbikes7353]

The old experienced backpackers here in Canada and last year in the Alps seem to still be attached to using heavy duty gear and 10 lb Meindl or Scarpa boots. But they've been doing it for 40 years so they know better than all these US triple crowners who trek far with ultralight gear. Those boots ensure their ankles are supported donchaknow. lol. I trust the US thru hikers 1000% more than the fuddy duddies and their 50 lbs packs for a 4 day trip in summer.

[@Riomojo]

What is your opinion on the Yeti Panga 100? I bought one and absolutely love it but it is completely different from all my other standard camping backpacks.

[@davidcooper8390]

Thanks for the great round-up Steven. I think the only head scratcher is the Therm-a-rest Xlite NXT. I get the warmth to weight ratio argument, but it just isn't that comfortable of a pad.

[@eric55406]

"Best" is subjective, as always.

[@olivern4784]

It is a light pad with a high R rating. My priorities are not the same as a through hiker. I want a comfortable pad.

[@nedanother9382]

If you see a blue G4-20 from gossamer gear with all of this gear jammed in in it, plus an umbrella and my wallet and passport - I left it all neatly packed in the sierra last month. We'll see whats left in June. This stings a bit that I had the best gear to lose,

[@toocleanpappas5397]

I don't disagree that these are the most popular. I do disagree that they are the best. 11 Thru-hikes here, and the only thing on this list I carry is the Nitecore.

[@Orange_Tang]

EE is definitely not the best quilt available on the market. They have been riding off their name recognition for years now and are one of the only cottage venders to use a survival temp rating rather than a comfort rating on their advertised temperature ratings. They say it's in between survival and comfort, but it's not. They are more expensive than much of their competition too, especially when you consider you need to buy a much lower temp rated bag compared to other brand. My personal quilts are all hammockgear, they are custom made in the US, have a better baffling system to stop down migration over time (which is a known issue with EE quilts), and if you wait for one of their many sales end up being basically the cheapest option out there among the US based cottage venders. Hammock Gear has 25% off sales at least once a quarter so I see no reason not to just wait for one. There is even a 20% off sale right now, same as EE, but the HG burrow 20 degree is cheaper right now than any of the EE 20 degree quilts, and they are actually comfort rated at 20. EE's own temp rating details say they recommend buying a quilt 10 degrees under what temp you need it rated to. I'm really not a fan.

[@tanvach]

@@Orange_Tang I don’t see data to substantiate your claim about EE rating. Given the same quilt configuration, fabric thickness and fill power, they weight almost the same. Would be good if the manufacturers disclose the fill weight directly (I think they used to). But price wise, agree that EE is more expensive.

[@Orange_Tang]

@tanvach click on the "i" next to the temp rating when selecting it on the page for the quilt. It literally says they recommend buying 10 degrees lower than the temps you need it for. They say their ratings are between comfort and survival, but it's really just survival. Pretty much ever other major cottage quilt company markets the comfort ratings.

[@tanvach]

@ yes I understand, but the data suggests that objectively there is a the same amount of down in both cases which is what matters the most for temp rating.

[@Orange_Tang]

@@tanvach I don't know where you're getting that info from but a basic 20 degree hammock gear burrow is 2.5 oz heavier than a 20 degree revelation. They both are basic closed footbox quilts with 850 fp down and 10D fabric, so I'm going to assume the majority of that extra weight is down. It's also cheaper, albeit not by that much. But EE never does sales for more than 20% and hammock gear regularly does 25% off sales. There are also other companies to compare to but hammock gear was an easy direct comparison.

[@tanvach]

@ well on the websites, if you customize the quilt and have the same spec 20F sewn foot box, standard width standard length, 850 fill, 10d inner and outer, EE Enigma comes out to be 21.19oz and hammock gear comes out to be 21.72oz. Reason I’m skeptical of your (and the others) claims is because I have 20F enigma and 30F hammock gear quilt and the 20F enigma clearly has more down.

[@paulmphoto]

You are sleeping on the Pact trowel and optional add on system. Comfortable AND holds your TP tabs inside itself.

[@operationandy]

I would say getting into or putting gear into any gossamer bag sucks . Good luck getting a vault or any cold weather sleeping bag in there.

[@DutchTulipStonks]

I love my BRS stove, I'd love a pocket rocket but when they're like 8X the price it wasn't worth it for me. I recently bought a Fjern stove but I've yet to use it, I know the boil time is MUCH shorter though and it packs down to about the same size as my Big Agnes Rapide SL (20x72)

[@neonsamurai1348]

Honestly would buy A Feathered Friends or Western Mountaineering quilt (or any of the smaller brands like Jacks R Better, Hammock Gear, Warbonnet, UGQ, El Coyote, Nunatak, Katabatic, etc) over EE any time. Better quality for the money, and some have issues with their politics (not that I care). They also do not differential cut their quilts and I dislike their baffle design. Also not a fan of the thinner material they use as it will wear out quicker. I think their product is overpriced frankly.

[@ecoheliguy]

Keep up this evolved style your channel has become, it’s truly refreshing, and honest.

[@daranadine7711]

Accidentally the earliest I might’ve ever been for any video

[@ItsAlive111]

What’s the total cost for a backpacking setup? Tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, backpack, cooking utensils, boots, jackets, etc? $5k? I’m too poor to even go walk in the forest 😅

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

It’s not as much as you think. I did a video about it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJ-WgKR3ettobLMsi=qbD5_y4n59LSdMXl

[@ericb40380]

I've been looking for a new trowel. I had the deuce of spades. Bought a Bogler and while I do the the design, I find it to be too flimsy in dirt with a lot of roots, etc.

[@expatadventureturkey9324]

Great video, how about warm layer Senchi vs Farpointe? Thanks

[@jjmcwill2007]

How is a ZPacks duplex on there but not a Durston XMid?

[@Quewe-j7t]

I have the option of an Osprey aether 55L for 220$ or a Big Agnes garnet for 134$ which is better for a 3-5 day pack

[@babyb4306]

Great concept for a video. Thank you for the info!

[@josher887]

4:52 Ngl I’m not a committed viewer I only watch 1/3 of your uploaded videos I’ve only ever hiked with trail infrastructure once, but I’m considering buying the peak design hiking bags with their new outdoor line, might be of interest to you as a hiking gear connoisseur.

[@somnia3423]

that tent is basically a tarp

[@kaidencoker6194]

I have been looking all day for an up to date more budget friendly video about what gear to buy for my first real backpacking trip. Can anyone point me in the right direction on where i can find something like this.

[@jeffreycarman2185]

I bet there are two factors for Durston not being on the list: limitations on supply, and lag. I veer away from Durston branded stuff because of the elite-level price and I also tend to be a bit of a contrarian.

[@Michael_Ian_Blackface]

Doubt it. The majority factor is as he said in the video, whilst the Durston design is the same, there are a variety of different sizes/materials which splits the vote.

[@ajprabhu]

Anyone know what sweater he is wearing?

[@ryanhooper4660]

Where were you hiking when making this video?

[@wolfeadventures]

The Durston group think is going strong!

[@sethwhite4155]

Edit2: Maybe i had a unique experience breaking mine and its a great case Bought the NB10000 and didn't like it. The plastic is very brittle so if you drop it, it is more likely to shatter. I had to throw mine away after dropping it on granite once. Don't want it possibly exploding if you drop it. Edit: Other heavier options I've used have a different plastic that seem less brittle.

[@DollyTheLlama]

Wow. I thought they had a carbon fiber casing. Or does it have only just enough to justify the price?

[@sethwhite4155]

@ If you look at the construction the sides(pure black parts) are made of plastic. The top and bottom are the carbon fiber panels.

[@iskosalminen]

Great video but the title is highly misleading. As you mentioned in the video, these are the most popular gear among certain type of hikers. Which isn’t the same as being the best. Popularity can be measured, but “bestness” is harder to quantify as it can change based on your use-case, location, experience, and so on. For example hardly anyone would claim EE’s quilts are the best you can buy, they just used to be one of the cheapest ultralight quilt options. Since those days both their price and quality have come up, but they’re still in the middle of the price and quality range, making them good enough and cheap enough to still stay popular.

[@RandomCryptoHodler]

Just eat cold or dry food. Those stoves weigh too much. But that's just me. But you could just get go and start a fire in a no burn zone to cook your food.

[@techguy9023]

Caldera cone is a very efficient alcohol stove that weighs grams. Very wind resistant design.

[@RandomCryptoHodler]

@techguy9023 nice. I just like my food cold. I'll check it out. If it seems good I'll show some people.

[@tigere1111]

I think the satellite and communications gear should have been mentioned- otherwise great content and thank you 🤙🏽

[@Direction.origin]

Love and appiciate your research skills man! Much Love from sweden 🔥.

[@jamesleehunter]

The Govee Hygrometer Thermometers are way better than the thermoworks one and heaps cheaper. You can ge tthe older H5074 ones really cheap

[@Iron-Outdoor]

Thanks for sharing this!

[@matthias8267]

Backpack has a 3,5 out of 5 rating how can it be on this list?

[@freespeech7747]

Undeniably

[@eadymctavish4564]

I have to disagree with the notion that thru-hikers are "the closest thing to professional hiker". Thru-hiking is a very niche and specialized thing. Nobody likes carrying more than they have to, but thru hikers (and the ultralight community more and more recently) seem to be willing to put weight as such a high priority and make big sacrfices elsewhere. Many people hike not just for the purpose of hiking itself (aka your main goal is to walk 20,30,50 miles a day) but as a means to a different end: for example getting to remote locations to fish or hunt. That can mean bushwacking (thru-hikers arent very familiar with that generally), that can mean stationary use (have you ever just sat down and looked through binoculars for 3 hours while its even "just" 35°F or 40°F out? that decathlon mt100 jacket suddenly seems like a scam) or that can mean having to carry big heavy objects despite having light gear otherwise. That can require totally different gear and very different sizing of the same gear. While thru-hikers really get to know their gear for their intended use case, i think its sad that thru hiking has infiltrated hiking and camping to an extent that makes it seem like its the main goal to be light or to hike farther and that UL is the way to go. I love how lightweight gear enables people to do things that are much harder without, but a lot of thru hiking gear is so speacialized that it can utterly fail in different circumstances and probably enough people out there have to learn that the hard way. The "conventional" hiking gear can be (if its good gear, there is "good" and "bad" gear whether its UL or not) more universal, more generalist and thus more useable for more people across a wider range of uses.

[@SummitSeeker546]

Maybe best gear for ultralight through hiking where weight is the driving factor but is it best for all backpacking? Nope!

[@tullochgorum6323]

There is a HUGE caveat here which he doesn't even mention. The best gear for what? Something that works perfectly in California in June might fail catastrophically in Scottish conditions, or in the Western Alps in the shoulder season. Plus popularity isn't the best indication of quality - just look at the politicians people are electing these days. A lot of these choices are driven by hype and fashion. There are sleeping pads which are both more comfortable and more reliable than the Thermarest. There are carrying systems that are more ergonomic than the Mariposa. I've realised that I'm far happier with a traditional mummy bag than with a quilt. And I need a far more robust shelter than the Duplex for the weather I walk in. So don't be a lemming - ignore the fashions and do your own research.

[@JustinOutdoors]

#TeamEnigma

[@tanvach]

Agree!

[@untamedbacon]

I see truly no reason why the Thermopop should ever be bought over the Govee H5074. The Govee has more than double the features for half the price. On device minute by minute data storage, humidity tracking, and 2/3rds the weight.

[@completelyrandom8150]

Very helpful, thank you.

[@LudvigAlexanderKrarupSonne-Sch]

Awsome video, can you do it with clothing :)

[@Berttheturt314]

The NU 20 classic is wayyy better than the NU25 in everything but battery life (which is still fine and will be supplemented with a batteru bank)

[@zacharykuhns6060]

And weight

[@jaggster]

Is it just me or are none of the gear links in the description working (except the backpack one for some reason)?

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

I just double checked the links and they are all working for me. 🤷‍♂️

[@jaggster]

@@MyLifeOutdoors I guess if no one else is complaining, it must be a problem on my end. Sorry for the distraction. Love your content!