The Best Backpacking Gear From 2020 - What worked and what didn't!

[@garrycollins3415]

I love my Flash 55, it replaced my Osprey. That rain shield pocket was the first thing to go. I use it to contain the straps I removed.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Right on. Sounds like a great use for the rain shield pocket.

[@THERAPYINU]

Thanks for the content. I like hearing about the premium gear before I buy it but also appreciate you not turning your nose up at newbie budget gear others might be considering...the Amazon products, for example. I almost bought the Lanshan 2 but opted instead for the Big Agnes Copperspur UL 2 for 4 oz more. I'm 6'2'' and love it after a year. Looking forward to the 2nd half of this video. Terence

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Thanks Terence. Yea, I think budget gear is important. The cost of gear can be a barrier for folks who are just starting out, or for the weekend warriors who love to backpack, but dont want to spend a ton of money on gear for one or two hikes a year. There's a lot of great budget options out there. Some that work just as good if not better than the expensive stuff. Its all about having fun and being safe, not how much you payed for your gear. IMHO.

[@guitarhiker4449]

Really like all your videos!! Always appreciate your honesty and you really use the gear thoroughly before reviews and it has actually saved me money at times so thanks. Wanted to mention one pack that has an awesome trampoline style back thst really helps your back breathe even though you sweat is the osprey levity 45 liter pack. Awesome pack! But i totally agree those REI flash packs are sweet!! Loaded with features and wont break the bank! Im using the mountainsmith zerk 40 pack at the moment. Really like it so far. But i like the osprey levity too. Kinda going back and fourth between those 2 packs lately. Also prana makes a few nice sun hoodies. Made with recycled materials. SOL prana hoodie is nice for the money. Nice wrist cuffs too. Oh check out sea to summits new tents that are coming out in april. Wow! The Telos 2 man and Alto one man! Very nice looking design! Stay safe man! Hike on!!

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Ha...thats funny. I was just looking at the Sea to Summit tents today. Looks interesting. The Zerk 40 looks pretty sweet. Never seen one in person, but I like the idea of integrating a running vest style into a pack. Im still searching for ecofriendly sun hoody or even a long sleeve. Honestly, I'm leaning toward a long sleeve, no hood at this point. An ultralight merino long sleeve woild be great. I wore a Woolly polo all winter, 190 weight. Its great. They have a 150 weight long sleeve, but its sold out. Also looking into an ultralight Alpaca shirt that looks super sweet. Take care, and thanks for the kind words!

[@TheUltralightMindset]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6rQnXxmiZh9l9k

[@AccidentalHiker1]

I almost ordered a pack online. I measured myself wrong as a medium. Thought I shouldn't cheap out on it. Went to REI and so happy I got fitted. Ended up with and Xsmall and shoulder strap that was little more narrower for my body frame.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Sounds like trying on a pack payed off big in your case!

[@jasonmears4393]

Cool video. You shared some great info about some great products. Still looking at some watches. Always great info on your videos.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Yea, that Coros Pace looks pretty sweet.

[@jasonmears4393]

@@TheUltralightMindset ive been looking at getting a one person tent...any recommendations? I dont use trekking poles and wanting g something ofcourse lightweight and that packs down small. Thanks.

[@aurtisanminer2827]

When hiking at night I use the flood setting on my headlamp most of the time. It gives a more consistent and broad view.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Yes! That WIDE is so nice. Also great in camp hung up like a lantern...👍

[@aurtisanminer2827]

@@TheUltralightMindset yea, it is! Once your eyes adjust to the dark the light is plenty intense enough. I only use the spot beam when trying to see far away.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

@@aurtisanminer2827 Exactly!

[@rolfdenver]

Love the Possum Gear gloves - I’ve got Raynauds Syndrome so my fingers freeze easily. I team them with Enlightened Equipment mittens with finger pockets that flip up. Super toasty and super lightweight

[@TheUltralightMindset]

I've been looking at the Stronghold mitts. Maybe Ill give them a try next winter. Thanks for sharing!

[@NothingToNoOneInParticular]

Any tent you don't like, I'd send a SASE for it...serious. Great vid.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Any tent that would fit inside a SASE, I would probably hang on to. LOL

[@NothingToNoOneInParticular]

@@TheUltralightMindset You haven't seem modern envelopes. They're HUGE. kek. Just fishing for a cast off. No biggie.

[@adopancia7445]

I have the Aonijie 18L pack and in summer I manage using it even for an overnighter hike: great thing if you wanna go really lightweight. Lanshan: now you have the option of the Pro and even with the new Plus one. It is the original Lanshan1 but bigger (230cm long instead of 210cm, and even a little wider). And it comes in more colors and even in winter version).

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Yea, I loaded all my summer gear into that running vest early on. You could definitely use it for an overnight or even a weekend trip. That's kinda where the idea for a 20 liter "Multi" purpose pack came from. I'm really impressed with the Lanshan tents. I prefer single wall shelters, for most of my hikes. Thanks for sharing!

[@adopancia7445]

@@TheUltralightMindset Yes, for summer night the Pro is better (even if in summer I mainly use a Tarptent Aeon Li), but in winter conditions I prefer a double layer tent, and my new Lanshan1 Plus has a nylon winter inner tent...

[@OutLan]

Dude. This is great. Super detailed!

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Thanks Lance!

[@OutLan]

@@TheUltralightMindset Heck yeah bro!

[@nulte4life]

Excellent source of information but you left out the photo of the speckled trout that you can catch with those sunglasses!

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Good point. I guess we need to go demonstrate how well they work for fly fishing. Let's go dude!

[@sutherlandoutdoors8731]

Did you make a video of your Neusiok trail trip? I'd love to see your experience on it. I'm thinking about going sometime soon.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Not yet, but I'm hoping to soon. I can send you some pics on instagram if you like. Part of the trail is technically closed. We didnt know that until we had already hiked that section. If you have any questions just ask.

[@sutherlandoutdoors8731]

@@TheUltralightMindset thanks for the response. I saw Shug's video of his trip here a few years ago and ever since I've been intrigued (I live in Eastern NC), but hurricanes and flooding have prevented me from going. I've heard to never even attempt this trail in summer due to bugs and copperheads.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

@@sutherlandoutdoors8731 Yea. I would only hike the Neusiok from December to March. Its definitely torn up from Hurricane Florence, but its doable. Hit me up on instagram and I'll send you some photos.

[@kenttheboomer721]

I have the 3f ul and I like the tent.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

3FUL makes some great gear. I have several of their tents and their rain skirts work great, especially for $10!

[@RobertSmith-up9rz]

Hey how did it feel to give up all your Tour de France wins?

[@TheUltralightMindset]

It was rough, but I got through it....LOL

[@clarkansas6590]

Good job

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Thanks dude.

[@gabeswiatkiewicz3725]

I was thinking about getting the multi-day 20 for my 10 yr old. Do you think that is a better option or get the multi-day 35 to grow into?

[@TheUltralightMindset]

I think it really depends on your childs size and what they will be carrying. The 20 liter would be great as long as your son/daughter's torso is long/large enough so that the shoulder straps don't bottom out when using a hip belt. You will have the same shoulder strap situation with the 35. If their big enough, and their gear packs small, Id go with the 20 liter. They probably won't carry a tent, stove, fuel, water filter, etc for several more years, so it should work. My son loves his 20 liter. Hope that helps. If you have any other questions please feel free to ask!

[@gabeswiatkiewicz3725]

@@TheUltralightMindset Thanks for the reply, right now he is only carrying his insulation and hammock etc. with a 7 1/2 lb base weight. A few years back (before I knew better) I got him an osprey pack that was like 4 lbs, I have cut every unneeded thing off of it to get it down to 40 oz but it's still just kinda big and bulky since it's a 50 liter. He's getting close to 5' tall and around 90 lbs

[@TheUltralightMindset]

@@gabeswiatkiewicz3725 Any idea what his torso measures?

[@gabeswiatkiewicz3725]

@@TheUltralightMindset 15"

[@TheUltralightMindset]

@@gabeswiatkiewicz3725Yea, I think that the pack straps would bottom out. But you might be able to run some webbing through the bottom loop of the daisy chain temporarily until he grows into it.

[@larrylemon2658]

wow...lots of information. best to watch at 2x speed.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Glad you liked it

[@azclaimjumper]

I felt like I was watching & listening to an INFOMERCIAL. This was like one sales pitch after another. Absolutely nothing about gaiters or MicroSpikes type of traction on footwear.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Where you looking for a video on gaters and traction control? If I sounded positive and excited about the gear in this video, it's because its a video about the gear I loved from 2020.

[@pk6400]

AZ Claimjumper, you must not be a backpacker.

[@RobertSmith-up9rz]

Who the Hell still owns a leather couch??

[@TheUltralightMindset]

People who only own second hand furniture.

[@sgrebner1]

Or pets

[@TheUltralightMindset]

@@sgrebner1 🤣🤣🤣

[@mtadams2009]

I have one on my basement. I actually love leather and so does my dog Maggie. She also happens to be a bad ass thru hiker.