The Gear I Loved (and Hated) Hiking 85 Miles in Peru

[@StuntMulisha]

By far the best honest channel for backpacking gear, cinematic views of the best locations. Eric seems to be a great like able guy who really cares about his channel and viewers.

[@eric_hanson]

"seems to be a great like able guy".... muahahaha! My master plan is working!!!

[@GraeNormal]

Great to hear Kristi’s perspective on the gear she used. More of that in the future, please!

[@SeanGilchrist]

Would love to see a 'Budget Ultralight' episode, where you put together a kit with the cheapest, best ultralight readily available.

[@eric_hanson]

Solid! I do like that. I'll see what I can do!

[@flutingaround]

This would be dependent on the climate and terrain?? How about a 3 season mountain west kit.

[@thurstonhowell9782]

That would be interesting and I would be curious to see him use the 3F UL lanshan in it

[@jay5.77]

@@flutingaroundso is pretty much every gear video bro 😂

[@greasemonkey4god]

New drinking game. Every time you say “my wife Kristy”… love that you guys are still newlyweds 😊

[@eric_hanson]

I have to keep saying it because I still have a hard time believing it's true!

[@greasemonkey4god]

@@eric_hanson perfect response!!!

[@amiestreater]

Keep it up. I think it’s lovely!!!

[@wmk2525]

Eric, enjoyed this video and the Peru trip video. Kristi is an absolute darling and she was a great addition to both this and the Peru video. Also, didn't notice anything in her teeth on this video. Keep bringing her into your videos. She has great ideas and has a wonderful sense of humor!!!

[@michelstronguin6974]

Great review! About the filter, the CEO of Sawyer said that since viruses need hosts, if a host can’t get through then a virus won’t either. And he has never heard of a virus infection while using his Sawyer squeeze. But your new Grayl filter does have a tremendous amount of benefit when it comes to filtering out chemicals, heavy metals, micro plastics and basically anything biological too, so it’s a marvelous device. It makes the water taste great, which filters like Saywer cannot. The only difference beyond that is the amount you can filter (Grayl 150-200 liters, Saywer between 100,000 liters and half a million liters), and the overall weight of the system.

[@eric_hanson]

I like the breakdown. Makes sense to me! And yeah the removal of chemicals, metals, etc is a big benefit. Can't beat a Sawyer that's well cared for, those puppies can last!

[@judyjrasmussen339]

That CEO is not telling the story/risk correctly. Virus needs a host to REPRODUCE itself, period. The virus itself survives many environments and once it can get into the needed host organism, it reproduces by commandeering the host’s cells. It is that attack on the host cells that makes you Ill.

[@kristirauckis]

You are incredible! Delivering even practically getting right off a plane from a huge trip. I had so much fun with you! Thank you for sharing your favorite place with me - and some new gear.

[@eric_hanson]

So glad you had some fun out there in Peru! You seemed right at home speaking Spanish and everything! Next time Patagonia!

[@Outdoor_MED]

I love your honesty and channel of course

[@eric_hanson]

Much appreciated!

[@JarradShaw]

You guys did great. Details and all were fine. Love you all. Hope to one year see you all soon❤

[@eric_hanson]

Thanks Jarrad! Appreciate that!

[@JarradShaw]

Anytime guys 🤓👍

[@lochlainnmaguire9923]

Just left Peru and even with a month of being at high altitude, I still struggled doing the Huayhuash trek, but it was well worth it the views were insane I’d highly recommend it!

[@eric_hanson]

Nice! I've done a short stretch of the Huayhuash but I really want to go do the full circuit. That's legit!

[@emmaccode]

Luv you eric. My gear is cheap, but wise choices and light. One piece of advice i would give to people is to get quality items but also a large quantity of items so that you can expirement and figure out what you like and what works for you. Try new gear constantly, and use different gear for different types of hikes. One of my weirdest pack quirks is that I use " Coghlans camping stove" with chafing fuel, not propane or white gas like most hikers. It is lighter, though it does take longer to boil water it also lasts a really long time -- i generally take 2 for a week trip, genuinely it doesnt take much. (6 hours). Easy to find, as well, and very cheap. Finally, it is a really safe fuel source. While propane, i would agree, is also safe, chafing fuel is a bit safer as the fuel needs to be whicked to be burned. Propane cannot be spilled, it can be in the air and somehow get to plants or people to spread. It isnt super dangerous, but if you spill ethanol chafing fuel it is at worst environmental contamination -- youre not about to accidentally burn down the forest. It also works fine in the cold :) i use flint and knife to light it, you dont even need magnesium. Biggest disadvantages: 1. Takes longer to cook your food. While i understand getting to camp and being hangry i myself am personally not too bothered by this; I am camping, not too much to do other than stand around and hang out. Cooking is a fun artistic activity to pass the time in a beautiful environment. 2. Sometimes they leak... But it is odd, only drops? And mostly they will just have fuel on them when you get them -- i take it maybe it is heating and cooling that happens in shipping and on shelves -- anyway, nothing crazy with mine at least. I put them in ziploc bags. Easy peasy.

[@timmo971]

Funny you talk about OV right now and especially the Vario. I’ve just ordered the Nebo windbreaker but really tossing a coin either way with the Vario. Can’t wait to get it and try it out. Pretty much ready to dump a down jacket now and doing light layers only.

[@davidcooper8390]

Eric, thanks for sharing all of your gear and thoughts about each one. In the air pillow catagory I have both the OV large pillow and the Trekology Aluft 2.0. I think the Trekology is a more comfortable/supportive pillow.

[@gainesy_walks]

Great video Eric. One of the US vloggers I really enjoy, good solid, honest reviews, advice and experiences, from the UK 👍

[@eric_hanson]

Thank you so much!

[@nickbnash]

I love the CS 40. I also find it very comfortable. I have carried 40 lbs in it before-which is over the recommended weight-and it still felt great. Thank you for all of the excellent videos!

[@eric_hanson]

Glad to hear it! Definitely felt like I could've added a good bit more weight comfortably (which I'll probably do on the next trip!)

[@Harry-Giles]

Your channel just keeps building on better and better content. Enjoyed the gear review and looking forward to the trip videos. Appreciate the channel.

[@eric_hanson]

Thank you very much!

[@jomtos]

Now I wanna go to Peru...Great video Eric!

[@eric_hanson]

thank you! Peru is such a wonderful place!

[@frambo7]

Great video way mate. I just completed the Cumbria Way (80m) in the UK using Mystery Ranch Radix 47 after your review & it carried 30lbs great & was a pleasure to use. Love the channel👍

[@johngould7548]

I recently used the OV pillow with a thin Katabatic Gear quilt strap to hold it in place to my pad. Worked well and I wasn’t chasing it all over the tent.

[@eric_hanson]

I like that it has the spot to add a strap. That's even more efficient than the dots!

[@dangerpudge1922]

Pillow suggestion: Flextail Zero. $27. Absolutely amazing. I didn't expect to like it. I used it as my primary pillow for over a month. Fantastic.

[@eric_hanson]

Nice! Almost identical price to the OV pillow. Is it much different?

[@NyhmaTramel]

Great information. My husband and I just got the Zenbevi sleep system. I’m really wondering where you got the sweater you are wearing in this video and what the Brand is.

[@yirbeeltalbertotorresgarci9927]

Where did you buy this green jacket you have on? I'm in love with it !!!

[@dadassery7777]

I might go do Peru for the style. You two look rad

[@vibrationaltonic9560]

As far as water purification, what are your thought on light purification tools such as the steripen?

[@mikecnelson]

Love your videos! Gotta say tho, Kristi has the coolest hat!

[@eric_hanson]

That's not a huge surprise, she's got style!

[@wolfgangnoakes4679]

Another great video. Always love your reviews. I recently bought the geopress on sale. I'm taking my daughter for her first weekend trip and we'll be bringing it with us!

[@eric_hanson]

Thank you! Enjoy the adventure with your daughter!

[@Spotog28]

Looks like an amazing trip! I appreciate the outdoor vitals gear reviews. Have you had any experience with their Oblivion sleeping pad? Thanks for all the great info and videos Eric!

[@obristimagery]

Loved the video! Thanks for the info. Glad y’all had fun!!

[@eric_hanson]

Thank you! We had a blast

[@HunterJE]

As someone who grew up camping in the Pacific Northwest wet in single walled tents as a kid I just can't imagine going back to that life, no amount of weight savings is worth getting dripped on all night and soaked if you accidentally touched a tent wall...

[@RainerGolden]

I wanna try that OV pack! Never gone for UL packs but that one seems to have better structure than most. And are we not all just glorified tubes at the end of the day?

[@eric_hanson]

haha if you boil us down to our essence, glorified tubes. And yeah I think you'd like that CS40! It's a winner!

[@leefamily7]

Not all ZenBivy setups are $1k. I know you have the warmer rated ultralight system, but for those who want the freedom of movement but don’t want to spend that much, there are many options. When ZenBivy introduced their new 2024 models, I picked up a last year core quilt and sheet. I used my existing trekology pillow and rei helix mattress and only spent about $130 for my new ZenBivy sleep system which I love so much more than anything else I’ve tried over the years.

[@leefamily7]

Oh but I should add that I probably hike a lot less miles than you so I’m ok with the heavier weight if the cheaper line of ZenBivy gear. If you’re hiking a lot, then yeah I think you do want to go with ultralight line. But some might not need the 10 degree bag or they might already have a mattress or pillow they can reuse.

[@AndrewB416]

That looks like it was a lot of fun. You're one of the outdoors people on the internet that I really listen to about gear. If you do a merch collab in the future can I give you a nudge into the direction of doing a hat?! Thanks for the video!

[@RunningUphill]

Great video! You guys are so cute. Hope to see more couple vids.

[@eric_hanson]

Thanks! Surely you will see us in a few more videos

[@nickmail7604]

"Just a hair over 2 pounds but only 275 dollars", well I recently purchased an unused French army special forces tent, 2 man of the same layout and again single skin but with a pretty amazing ventilation system and when used with lightweight tentstakes and trekking poles weighs in at just a hair over that Outdoor Vitals tent at 2 pound 3 ounces. What do you get in return for that extra ounce? Well the cost was 34 dollars.

[@IgotBigDream]

I backpack with sawyer squeeze and cnoc 3L for filtering system. Thinking of adding steriPEN into the mix for the virus ordeals. Does system stated above comparable to grayl geopress, for international travel?

[@ankh428]

Great video as usual Eric, very informative and to the point. Did you bring the fuel cannister with you from the US or did you buy it in Peru? Does anyone know if they allow fuel cannisters on planes in docummented lugagge? Common sense tells me "no", but i'm not sure of airlines rules.

[@iftekharuddin]

Great video! What do you think about CS40 compared to the Mystery Ranch Radix? If you were to make this trip to Peru again, would you consider one over the other?

[@mariatassoni3781]

I love your sweater and your lovely wife's poncho!! Where did you get those? We are going to Peru next year! BTW, she is awesome. Please have her on more. It's great to have a female perspective, especially when it comes to gear. I also LOVE you as well! 🙂

[@kraftsinglelady]

MY WIIIIFE 😂 Kristi you’re so cute. Love you guys ❤

[@eric_hanson]

Why do you have to specify that Kristi is the cute one? haha thanks friend!

[@kraftsinglelady]

@@eric_hanson true I guess that’s just stating the obvious 😂 however considering I only have one leg to stand on currently, you are BOTH SO CUTE.

[@TT79-]

Hiking and backpacking in Peru can only be done as paid packages in groups??

[@AmandaDouin]

Hey Eric! I’m going to Bolivia in Dec-Jan and need a UL tent.. Thinking about using the one you guys used on this trip, just wanting to make sure it can handle the rainy season. Or do you think I should go with the Big Agnes Copper Spur? TIA!

[@eric_hanson]

Hey! Bolivia will be awesome! I absolutely love that place. I'd say the single wall Outdoor Vitals tent will keep rain out but it's not very good for dealing with condensation. That's just the nature of single wall tents. So if you're gonna be there in the rainy season I'd go double wall tent and the Copper Spur is a good one!

[@AmandaDouin]

@@eric_hanson Ok! Thanks so much for the insight!! 😄😄😄

[@kjh6395]

Sounds like Kristi needs some rain mitts!

[@kristirauckis]

Tell me more 🤣

[@flutingaround]

Very interesting that you prefer the OR pack to the Durston pack. I recently ordered the Durston, but I've been eyeing the OR to compare. It's just a little out of my budget. I would be interested in a comparison video between the two. Which of the two is it easier to access your water bottle?

[@edwin8808]

Great video Eric indoors. Dan Becker would be able to finish that trail!

[@eric_hanson]

I'm still trying to get Dan to go on a big trek with me!

[@bmartinson]

Hey Eric, I would love to hear more about your hat. Is it hot on your head during the summer? Cause you to sweat more? Anything you don't like about it? I am follically challenged and considering the same hat while hiking and backpacking

I’ve used a leather hat back in the day, assuming that is leather. It’s warm if that what you are looking for. It doesn’t breathe at all. I personally prefer the classic Columbia Bora Bora or TNF Horizon Breeze Brimmer.

[@eric_hanson]

So far I love the hat! I've been wearing it since about last September/ October so it hasn't seen it's first summer. I did hike with it in Hawaii though and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it despite the humid / muggy weather. It's not technically breathable but it hasn't been too hot to wear. For wide brim hats, especially for backpacking, I love it.

[@GenX_outdoors]

You two are such an incredible couple and I really value your two different perspectives!! (Even though I’m firmly in the UL camp! Ha ha!) Question on the rain jackets: I just ordered a Leve rain jacket without hand pockets because I didn’t think I’d need them backpacking when I have a hip belt around my waist and am using trekking poles. Were you two missing the pockets while at camp, I guess? I also have a traditional rain jacket with pockets, which I can still take depending on the forecast. But good insight that you missed the pockets.

[@eric_hanson]

We both missed the pockets, whether we were hiking or not. But yeah if your hands are occupied by trekking poles pockets aren't very helpful. At camp and casual times though, it's funny how many times you try to put your hands in pockets that aren't there!

[@DanielBelliveau-y5x]

You two look very stylish and make a good looking couple , hope your back heals-up , and wish both of you some happy travels .

[@eric_hanson]

We picked up some Peruvian style for sure. Thank you!

[@JV-ke5ke]

Can I get your thoughts on your backpack compared to the Bridger? Im currently knee deep in research mode on the bridger and at a crossroads with the 45l and the 55l. Huge fan, thank you for your passion!

[@FeelTheOutdoor]

Hi Eric, what shoes were you wearing for this trip?

[@trakyboy5128]

Love the sweater Peruvian style !!!! Not a fan of OV gear at all .. sorry. I have been looking for a new 2p tent and have been looking at SOOO many of them !!!! It's NOT as easy as I thought. But it was clear immediately that there tent , among other things ventilation wasn't one of it's pro's !!!! Loved the trip not my 1st.... But I agree it is a rather different way of doing things 😂😅

[@blackjack5908]

Great looking sweater, did you purchase it in Peru?

[@eric_hanson]

I did! Somewhere around Cusco.

[@DebbieWolfeMusic]

I love having both of your perspectives about gear! I’m curious about the sweaters you and Kristi wore- were they 100% wool? Alpaca? How did they hold up with the conditions you were hiking in?

[@eric_hanson]

Kristi's is 100% alpaca wool that she bought from a Quecha lady in the mountains. My green one is a blend of alpaca wool and some cheaper synthetic fibers. Kristi's is definitely the higher quality one but they both are so good though!

[@DebbieWolfeMusic]

@@eric_hanson thank you! I’m thinking of knitting myself a sweater to wear when hiking and so I love hearing what others say about their experience of wearing sweaters when hiking.

[@danielmahoney3429]

Wow, surprised you didn't take your mystery ranch pack...

[@natlovell122]

Eric, you’re looking like a hipster Indiana Jones and I like it.

[@eric_hanson]

haha I've added a little bohemian style courtesy of Peru!

[@UncleGeorgeTV]

❤❤❤❤

[@horsedog713]

Is there a link to those cool sweaters?

[@eric_hanson]

haha I wish! These sweaters are one of those things you just gotta go find a cool one at a local market in Peru.

[@personal.YouTube.channel]

The easiest way to get rid of the flight that's cheap in a fly strip

[@sheilahenry7279]

I’m so waiting on videos of the hike & camping. I hope this means when we see the video it’s your same quality of beauty & experience w/out talking any gear. Unlike all these comment, I hate gear reviews but before purchasing will watch. Like I need a pillow for my husband so I watched that & on the water purifier. But mostly I like beautiful hikes & camping. I’m really picky (It’s my time) I don’t watch most popular KZbinrs. Dan Becker - reviews galore, Miranda Goes Outside - please don’t, shits & giggles, Kyle Hates Hiking - Then stop making a living off of it & all those click bates……..Please you be you & love Kristie

[@jzubs]

"i liked hiking behind her" 💀you dog 😂

[@JOEFACE4216]

I always forget you’re an AZ native man. What’s your favorite range pants for the summer ?

[@eric_hanson]

Yup! Flagstaff is where it's at! Go to pants warm weather pants are the Fjallraven Abisko trousers. Light and with ventilation... niiice. alnk.to/ei1tP0c

[@mathews238]

Any issue with language barrier? Can't wait to see the hikes. Any issue finding camp fuel?

[@eric_hanson]

Luckily I speak Spanish, so instead of a barrier I get to converse with people, which I thoroughly enjoy! I found camp fuel in Cusco at a shop called Tattoo. They sell the same iso butane stuff we're used to here.

[@endmp25]

Flies can’t fly in dark. Hit the lights off and open the door. It will fly out.

[@eric_hanson]

They can't fly in the dark? How am I just learning this??

[@kmichaelp4508]

Well I thought she looked amazing too! You lucky guy 😆

[@eric_hanson]

you speak no lies!

[@back2basic3]

is mystery ranch a thing of the past now?

[@eric_hanson]

I still love me some Mystery Ranch. But after a few years of using them almost exclusively I'm enjoying trying other packs and styles.

[@back2basic3]

@@eric_hanson that's good to hear because I can only afford to get one really good bag and it was you who got me interested in MR I think it will be good to handle most of my needs. love the content and I deeply appreciate your reviews on products thanks

[@Worldshero]

Come to japan

[@eric_hanson]

Japan is definitely on my bucket list!

[@loriscott3290]

The chair…can we see the chair??? Can we see Kristy in the chair? More info por favor.

[@jamesrodriguez3671]

Good informative video. Unfortunately I felt when your wife was wanting to give a true honest opinion and the cons of one of the products she used it was as if you were trying to not let her give the opinion? I felt that was from a bias of being sponsored by that company.

[@kristirauckis]

Aw, I’m sorry it came off that way. We both are definitely wanting to be as honest as possible. Which product are you referring to?

[@jamesrodriguez3671]

@@kristirauckis the Outdoor Vitals Rain Jacket. I was wanting your honest opinion. It just felt as if he was not wanting you to give your full honest opinion. And you were being truthful. I like their products and what they stand for. Because he was being paid it felt he didn't want you to say everything you needed to say about the product

[@eric_hanson]

Fair enough, but Kristi had the floor to express whatever she wanted and I definitely didn't try to quiet her opinion. Sorry it came off that way to you.

[@Crashentyre]

Gotta ditch Canon. That wobble is nauseating.

[@billb5732]

I don't get it... why talk about a backpack without discussing the belt and how it carries with more weight? You don't need much of a pack to carry 25 pounds. Put 35 lbs in this and the Kakwa, _then_ tell us which is more comfortable, please. You're (almost) the only KZbinr who knows about carrying weight... it's weird when you don't do it.

[@PrybarCommando]

Calling your wife a mistake is crazy

[@kristirauckis]

🤣🤣🤣 I thought about this briefly when we made it. Thanks for being the first one to notice.

[@eric_hanson]

That was definitely a mistake! haha

[@CampfireCrackle]

sack your thumbnail graphics guy

[@mikaelbergman9108]

Throw the tent..... useless

[@RustyParadox]

Hold on a second, I thought you game your sleeping bag to your guide. Somethings not adding up here!

[@eric_hanson]

I did! Outdoor Vitals supplied me with another identical sleeping bag because they are very generous.