The TRUTH about buying JETBOIL, MSR or GRAYL

Use coupon code ‘DANB15’ at Backcountry to get 15% off your first purchase on backcountry.com (exclusions may apply)
Jetboil Micromo bit.ly/2UMmT0n
MSR Quick Skillet bit.ly/3xYSLNA
Grayl Compact Ultralight Water Purifier bit.ly/2Tx3mQS
My Other Gear 👇
SATELLITE COMMUNICATOR bit.ly/3jgStdo​
SLEEPING PAD bit.ly/2KNVZAf​
OTHER SLEEPING PAD amzn.to/2XfSxRz​
TENT bit.ly/35auKqq​
BACKPACK bit.ly/381EVhf​
DOWN JACKET bit.ly/2EBbx6M​
RAIN JACKET bit.ly/3ggXYrs​
CHAIR bit.ly/3eecrD1​
Check out Chef Corso's channel 👉 bit.ly/3th9YP6
Check out Eric’s channel 👉 bit.ly/2Wje4vw
how to cook amazing meals in the backcountry while backpacking and hiking. cooking tools for hiking and camping and backpacking. best water filter or purifier. what's the difference between a water purifier and a filter? Ultralight backpacking and hiking. Eric Hansen. Chef Corso.

[@danielkutcher5704]

Not everyone needs to be an "ultralight backpacker". No one needs to apologize for being a "glamper". That said, I like to hike long days, one after another, for weeks. I carry titanium and DCF gear which is as expensive as it is light. All of it is functional, and most of which is multipurpose. That's my thing, not even MOST people's thing. So, get out there and enjoy whatever you carry, wherever you go. 👍

[@Spear995]

There was a video years ago by nutnfancy where he showed his backpacking gear. It took up his entire living room and included an inflatable boat. He went into how he does carry a lot of weight, but he uses everything and it gives him a lot of capabilities on his trips. That's sort of how I look at my own gear. Sure I try to keep the weight down, but I've found that a little extra weight here and there to ensure that I get a better night's sleep or that I have a more enjoyable trip pays itself back ten fold.

[@adamwright4135]

UL often feels like a cringy cult whose members have forgotten why they went outside in the first place

[@archi-mendel]

​ @Adam Wright from the other point - UL concept pushes the borders. And this definitely affects regular hiking/camping gear. You can now buy 2 kg 2 person tent able to withstand severe storm. And like 20 years ago 4 kg 2 person tent was considered reasonable. I've got 2 layer tent which weights 0.9 kg, a boat which weights 2.5 kg and a sleeping bag which weights 0.8 kg and is able to keep me warm down to +2C. And this all is pretty packable. This means that I can go to a week-long solo hiking + paddling route having everything I need packed inside my 80 litre backpack with little stuff attached outside (which helps much when hiking through wild boreal forests). I personally just love ultralight as I can utilise some ideas/products of this concept whenever this fits my needs.

[@backpacker3421]

@@adamwright4135 I do see that a lot, though mostly online. Many of them actually on the trail are not that way though. On the trail, most ULs I know believe in HYOK, Hike Your Own Hike, and only discuss weight when somebody else brings it up, and never in a judgemental way. On the other hand, the armchair UL hikers you see online seem to think UL is a competition, and the lightest baseweight is the king of backpacking. It's ludicrous, and about 90% of the backpackers I know think that THOSE ultra-lighters should hike as far as possible from all other human beings, because they aren't fit company to keep. Personally, I think most of those ULs never actually get on the trail anyway. At least, they never seem to talk like that in person on the trail... Personally, if I'm going to be trying to cover big distances on demanding trail, I'll probably bring my UL loadout, because that will increase my quality of life more than any luxury items I could bring. But if I only need to make 15-20 miles a day, or the miles I'm covering are pretty flat, I'll bring something more like a 16 lb baseweight, because it will be comfortable enough, and the luxury items will improve my quality of life more than keeping the weight down. But I'm 6'4" and nearly 200 lbs, so carrying a 25-30 total weight is probably a lot more comfortable for me than for smaller hikers. Bottom line is always HYOK, and keep finding the things that make you happiest on the trail, not what is going to impress the other hikers, because WE don't care what YOUR pack weighs.

[@adamwright4135]

@@backpacker3421 I totally agree with you, and myself use a decent amount of UL gear combined with a few luxuries. I recently inquired on r/Ultralight about people's thoughts on a 3.5oz titanium grill surface - around 120 GRAMS! - and my question was deleted by the mod, who said the gear wasn't considered UL. So I guess I'm still annoyed about that :)

[@williamsugden5159]

Wow! Dan! I'm a reluctant truck driver, having to run in the north much of the time. I don't have a working heat source except when the truck is running. I can't afford to run it constantly. I've been looking and learning to live more like a camper. Most videos I've seen on KZbin, are incomplete. They're not as knowledgeable as I had hoped. Often, I wasted too much time with these channels. Yours was a big turnaround for me. You're very knowledgeable, experienced and educated. You don't need to communicate by insinuation, like these wannabes. I got just what I needed with this video. Completely, thoroughly and direct. I'll be seeing more of your channel from now on. I'll let my friends know also. Thank you for all you do. Keep up the great work!

[@OzMan9989]

No brainer but glad you’re sending the message. I’m never cold soaking no matter what - I want to live like a human.

[@replicators]

Come to the dark side, living like a human is overrated.

[@TruuGemini]

@@replicators true!!

[@GustoStCool]

Savages!

[@AC-kk3vo]

😂

[@darchgirladventures4417]

What I love about videos like this is that it is a reminder of why we are out there to begin with. We should be looking at what we bring, or can do without to make sure we enjoy being there and will go out, maybe even inspire another to head out. For me, I went ultra light with my big 3 so that I could carry the food for the 3 of us - they weren’t stuck hating life with a cranky mom. Jetboil was a must as my kids could use it with minimal risk of injury.

[@0neTwo3]

I had the ultralight Grail, but switched to the regular after figuring out how easy it was to cross contaminate the water with the UL. On the UL the dirty water cup is so close to the lid that your lips actually touch the outer cup when you drink. The separate smaller pour spout on the large Grail completely eliminates this issue. It also makes filling a small mouth container like a smart bottle much easier.

[@joeykerr5517]

I didn't know they even made a lighter one. I was wondering what they chopped off.

[@gedfi]

@@joeykerr5517 The ultralight version came first.

[@erikmorehouse4236]

Nailed it. I have the Geopress for the same reason. 🤙🏻

[@rickw4160]

stainless came first. I got it during the kickstarter/startup. I still don't like their purifiers, as its hard to tell when it is no longer effective.

[@warriorredeemed215]

They just came out with the ultra press, lighter than geopress but with the same water spout feature

[@TruuGemini]

😂🤣😂 200 nights a year. “Take that thru hikers” I’m dying on that line.

[@robch4414]

Feels like a road to Damascus moment, when cooking and eating food transforms from being a pit-stop refuel to being an enriching part of the whole lived outdoor experience. Yes, it's about gear (ker-ching) but this is really about much much more than that.

[@longwildernesswalks]

Honestly though... I went all 100% UL a few years ago. It was great! I was able to do the trails I wanted to, and the durations I wanted to, all without having to worry about the weight. If I was going to suggest to anyone, go UL on your pack, tent, get a quilt, and a good high-quality sleeping pad. Everything else is subjective. I use a Jetboil and a Ti Frying Pan. You can save a TON of weight by getting the big 4 as light as you can. After that, have fun mixing it up with gear that works for you. Excellent episode Dan.

[@Kevinschart]

they didn't have UL back in the day and still did big miles. take less crap and you don't need a 100% UL pack.

[@coachhannah2403]

Jetboil is heavy!

[@PoeticJustice05]

​@@coachhannah2403it's a good workout 😉

[@safromnc8616]

These are perfect examples of why we do more 'base camp hiking' than necessarily backpacking. We carry all the big stuff 'in and out' and hike the area w/a day pack or hydration pack.

[@bobsiddoway]

Same! We always make a base camp 5-8 miles in, then day hike for days! Happy to warm up food, sit in my Helinox, and sip whiskey.

[@chefegzyle]

As a backpacker chef, I also carry an skillet. It's a bit smaller, and titanium, but I cant imagine not being able to sauté some of my ingredients for supper. Cooking while backpacking adds another level of fun, and something to look forward to at base. Down with freeze dried packed meals!

[@michaelcolacino4398]

Thanks!

[@yamnuska1]

Dude... you are always my go to for what to use. I am a mountain climber, sailor and adventure OTG guy through and through. Banff, Alberta 20 years and travel across Canada and the world. After you sold me on the UGQ quilt, the Grayl water filter is totally the purchase. Love the adventures and the Michigan UP. We all soon may really be off the grid 🤗

[@chrisdornerrespecter8884]

Watching him use a rough rock as a cutting board is like nails on a chalkboard

[@DanBecker]

🔪 🪨 😬😂

[@UrDoinItWrong]

Also these guys love violently raking their titanium spork on whatever delicate teflon-coated aluminum or otherwise scratchable surface they can find.

[@chriskp]

@Wes B a little dirt in your food is fine, but that poor blade

[@papatechie]

Looks like he is just sharpening his edge at the same time ;)

[@mrledhead68]

All my mud pies in the 70's count, snowflake!!

[@monkey0lovin]

I followed you because you seemed super genuine. I keep watching because you inspire me. Also started following both mentioned people and now I wish I could meet all of you. I'm truly loving the outdoors. Thanks from Mt Rainier WA

[@ms7fam433]

Thanks for continuing to introduce us to different gear. We may not always agree, however your reviews help us make more informed decisions. Keep up the great work.

[@dnaylor2484]

I live in Australia (Sydney) and find your videos quite interesting, your gear explanations etc are great, i personally probably over do what i carry but love some comfort items, also im a fan of 2 man tents for 1 person camping... my day trip carry is my base and multi day carry is simply with an addition of a tent, sleeping bag, mat and multiples of food.. having said that my day trip set up allows me to make a forced overnight if something goes wrong on solo walks... a lot of my foods are sourced from asian supermarkets (mainly Korean) as they have a range of retort pouch and freeze dried stuff that are high quality and much cheaper than camping stores... actually if you haven't then you should have a good look through a Korean/japanese supermarket.... My main water purification set up is a usb rechargeable steri pen, paper coffee filter and collapsible silicon sieve.. my main weight of stuff i carry is 3lt of water, this may sound a lot even as a day trip (have used 6 litres in a day during a 20km walk) but our conditions can be quite brutal and fast changing in our wilderness areas with water everywhere then almost nothing 3 weeks later...(have also experienced in one day over 7 hours starting with high temperature clear skies then lightning strikes, horizontal gale force wind driven sleet then deluge, flash flooding, ankle deep running water along trails then back to high temperature clear skies at the end of the day as though nothing had happened)... :)

[@thomasgarrity9984]

Hi Dan: I've been listening and enjoying your videos for a while now. I'm in my mid 50s and have been packing and canoe/kayak trekking since my parents would pack me in because I was too young. Over the years I've collected an assortment of equipment (I don't need anything), but like a kid in the candy shop........ I am comfortable on trail or back woods. I would like to claim that I know it all, BUT I DON'T! No one does. And when you openly admitted that there was more YOU could learn, I Subscribed to your channel. There are "some" others that wouldn't say that. (You learn till the day you die). Get out there, be safe, have fun, keep the videos coming and NEVER STOP LEARNING!

[@peteprevenas4323]

Jetboil hack… ditch the lid… pickup a sea to summit collapsible cup… fits perfectly 😀

[@destinationbushcraft1833]

why?

[@peteprevenas4323]

@@destinationbushcraft1833 … i only ever boil water in the jetboil… I use my sea to summit cup to eat out of… haven’t had much luck with the plastic cover they come with… sea to summit cup is easy to clean..

[@eughtyph]

do you mean the x-cup? would the x-tumbler also work? it's only 1/4th of an inch larger in diameter. I'm asking because the tumbler is better suited for hot liquids

[@GrayMan7070]

Bring a sponge if you cook Mac & Cheese in that Jetboil. You will need it. Best to just heat up the water in it. That's my experience at least. Cheers from Colorado!

[@chriskp]

I thought you weren’t supposed to cook in a jetboil? I thought they had a special coating

[@kgwash]

You can only cook in the MiniMo because it is a regulated stove. The rest are off or nuclear. No in-between

[@richardcliff3510]

My frying pan is my most versatile cooking implement (combined with the Jetboil). As a backpacking fisherman in the Sierras, I use it for cooking trout but it has so so many other uses. Pancakes, peach crumble, sauces for pasta, beef stroganoff, omelettes and bacon, spaetzle, cornbread for chili. The list goes on … I use a pie tin as a lid and a lightweight frying pan with a silver stone finish is super easy to clean. Great video Dan!

[@jccullen6408]

How do you make beef stroganoff? Do you just pack in all the ingredients? I’m curious, thank you.

[@richardcliff3510]

Basically. I used freeze dried beef or jerky, dried mushrooms (Chinese ones are a little cheaper) and a McCormick stroganoff packet converting the sour cream quantities to dried sour cream and water. The noodles cook in the jet boil and everything else simmers in my frying pan. The is all mixes together at the last minute. Really tasty dish after a long day in the wilderness. I do a lot of different dishes this way. Hope this helps!

[@ohiovetoutdoors]

Legit video Dan. I feel like Alot of people seem to get caught up with the weight and forget why they are out there.

[@masterofnone1481]

That and all the expensive name brand gear

[@matthewsinger]

I almost exclusively cook meals on the trail. Best experience ever. Especially if you are hiking in groups. It's a bonding experience. It's nice to see that there is a traditional pot stand to go on a Jetboil stove. But for those of us who cook more than they boil water, I think I'll stick with my Pocket Rocket or white gas stove (depending on situation) and a traditional pot or kettle in addition to a skillet. I've been happy with MSR's 1.5 and 2.5 L pots which are good for 2 - 4 people respectively. Happy trails.

[@amyjones-lonestarhoosier2029]

Loved it again!! Thanks for letting us see what’s out there!! I tend to agree with you. It’s not ALL about the weight!! U have to enjoy yourself out on the trail!! My husband and I tried the separate sleep systems and decided that the weight of a double sleeping pad and rectangle sleeping bags that can be zipped together was way worth the extra weight. Thanks again!!

[@travischapman6763]

Need more people with experience in both traditional and UL backpacking. People who hike the AT make a KZbin channel about how to “ backpack” but really it’s just about how to thru hike the AT. They definitely have good ideas and have informed me, but there are arguments against some UL aspects that make more sense. Hiking 20-40 miles a day for 6 months? I bet wt becomes the end all be all. Backpacking for a week or less? There might be other things to consider in how they affect overall enjoyment. You can scale either up or down depending on your needs.

[@backpacker3421]

Not a fan of the JetBoil. I think the weight to experience-improvement ratio is pretty minimal over a pocket rocket style stove, but I have friends who love theirs, so I won't knock anybody who uses it. The skillet on the other hand is a MAJOR quality of life improver on the trail and barely adds any weight. It completely opens up your meal options. Probably the best weight to improvement ratio other than my pillow.

[@verlicht]

I'm currently recovering from second degree burning wounds from a situation that couldn't have happened with a jetboil, but did happen with my ultralight pocket stove. I'm getting a jetboil asap.

[@chrisformyduval893]

Aside from being a little quicker the other advantage is mainly if it allows you to not take either another canister or go to next size. The extra weight and cost of the complete jetboil setup compared to performance and flexibility of a Soto or similar stove doesn’t really seem to be advantageous in most scenarios and largely negates any fuel related weight saving from the HE pot. If you’re after an integrated system the windburner is much,much better in the wind most anything else.

[@marcofeature]

@@verlicht Wish you good recovery and back to the trail soon. Always be careful when handling fire no mater how many times you've been doing it.

[@backpacker3421]

@@verlicht Sorry to hear about that. I once had an ER trip after spilling boiling water when cooking on a whisperlite. Fortunately, the lesson was learned and I still use the minimalist stoves and haven't had an issues since in nearly 30 years. But I can definitely understand, and if it makes you happier or more comfortable on trail, then it's well worth it for you, I'm sure. Happy hiking and speedy recovery!

[@verlicht]

@@marcofeature thanks, next trail is through the Jordan dessert end of this month. Scarred for life, but won't stop me from doing trails!

[@alexm2404]

Had a jetboil zip. Took it camping in the Highlands Scotland. A windy day... it couldn't boil water. It took more than 15 minutes for less than 500ml of water. Arrived home and sold it immediately. I then went and purchased a MSR Reactor 1.7L - very pleased, never going back for a jetboil.

[@AllTerrainCoffeeCamping]

I bought my Jetboil (I got the Mini Mo) for backpacking about 6 months ago, came home and wanted to test it out so boiled water to use with my AeroPress to make coffee. I swear that the coffee was 10x better using that water instead of an electric kettle and I have been using my JetBoil everyday since then for my Coffee. Yes i seriously Brew my Coffee outside everyday and typically several times a day. Matter of fact, I'm going to go do it right now!

[@supertaft77]

After a power outage I made my wife coffee with My Jetboil and she loved it too

[@freddiehill28]

I have watched a few of your videos and my thought was always "Why is he always eating that?" I watched a video of you going for a 2 nighter with your daughter and you were eating those dried meals and thought it would be lovely for you to get a skillet, a couple of pieces of meat and then cook a proper meal. It is interesting that you are now coming around to the thought that backpacking doesn't need to be bare bones ultralight if you are only going for a couple of nights. Excited to see where this takes you and what you start making.

[@7wt]

Oh sweet finally a backpacking video that’s not through hiking. Subbed.

[@jthymes3472]

As much as I enjoy the thru-hiking channels, I really do appreciate this channel a lot because it represents the majority of backpackers a lot more closely than UL thru-hikers.

[@BoneFromTheDale]

Dehydrated meals are for emergency storage or fill in meals on longer trips in my opinion. If I’m only going one night I never take them. Always take real food and an aluminum pot or skillet. Everything for cooking eating fits inside. Also always bring a few cans of beer and a couple plastic pints of whiskey. Beer and perishable food gone on the first night and save the whiskey and dehydrated/freeze dried food for the second or more nights. 👍🏻👌🏻

[@Jax4umalta]

I loooove my Grayl. I have had mine for 3 years and I camp about 20 to 30 weekends a year. Best purifier i have ever had.

[@blcolon]

I have tried multiple filtration and the grayl has been the best as far as taste. I think it is worth a few ounces to not have that dirt taste to the water.

[@Jarrych83]

I know this is an older vid, but I love the discussion here. People want different things out of their gear. Thru hikers get a lot of the facetime and press and, frankly, the UL approach tends to make a lot of sense for that. For people who want to crash by a lake with a basecamp, do a handful of miles of hiking and putzing around, and enjoy other parts of the "backcountry experience," it's nice that there's options. Heck, MSR sells stainless versions of nearly all their cookware, which is pretty sweet for people wanting to cook over fires or just need the durability.

[@OurDee]

I am looking at getting the Grayl Geo for my moto-camping. Weight matters on the bike, but not as much as clean water. This was an eye opener. We worry about what doesn't matter and miss the forrest. Thanks, R.D. PS> The jetboil works for me as I eat, drink, and cook from one cup.

[@neologian1783]

I began backpacking as a kid in the Sierras near Lake Tahoe back in the 70's. Which means I've seen a lot of changes in gear over the years. Away went external frame packs, rectangular army bags, bedrolls, brass stoves, and canned food. Things evolved and every step of the way things generally got more compact & lighter while managing to get a bit roomier, warmer, and more comfortable. I've been through a LOT of upgrades over the years. and yet my pack weight has pretty much stayed the same as when I first started. Okay probably a pound or two lighter lighter. It occurs to me I've probably used the evolution toward lightness to increase my "camp comfort" as the years have passed. So the pack weight has stayed about the same but my sense of comfort and viable weather windows have probably increased a bit. As I've aged I've definitely been grateful for the lighter gear (e.g. down for synthetic, aluminum poles for fiberglass, Trangia Spirit for the Primus 100 etc.) as this has allowed me to ward off some of the effects of age with increased creature comforts in camp. Which is probably why I've not bothered trying to get down into Ultralight weights. I'm comfortable with the newer (but not UL) gear I carry, my newer packs carry exceedingly well, and I"m just not willing (or able.....if I'm honest) to sleep on something like a Z Lite mattress and sleep well anymore. For those that can do the UL thing it I sorta see it as a cool form of ascetism I suppose, but I'm too old for it now and I'm happy to carry a slightly roomier tent, warmer bag, and thicker mattress if means waking refreshed rather than wrecked.

[@sophiergabriel3103]

FYI the Grayl filter is rated for 150 litres (ultralight) or 250 for the regular one, the Be Free for 1000 litres and the Sawyer Squeeze for 100,000 litres.

[@quebecpatriot1874]

always depends on the quality of water you start with; out here streams and rivers are crystal clear and very little debris in them so way more than advertised (rule of thumb is when its very hard to squeeze, its clogged thus over and out) proof: i`m still here not dead

[@habituallinestepper8839]

Glad to see you opening yourself up to new ideas. I enjoyed your videos with both Chef Corso and Eric I enjoy what they bring to the table. 👍🏻

[@woodchip2782]

Your arguments are well prepared about this touchy subject. It’s been a while since I’ve appreciated one of your videos. This one brings a new eye to the backpacking world. I backpack to be out there in nature, not to race towards the end. Although I hate to carry too much stuff with me I love to stop and enjoy my surroundings. Enjoying food Is there too.

[@JohDan6969]

I bought my Jetboil back in 2008. I've had it with me everywhere, even took it with me to Afghanistan. It's a true workhorse. Sure, it has a few dings and scratches, but it just works every time.

[@rudysal1429]

I have one and enjoy it also, my only problem is that when I'm in high elevation places, the piezo igniter doesn't usually work. Luckily I have a few ferro rods and take a small one for it.

[@samday6621]

Two things I pay attention to is my shelter/sleeping set up, and food. If weather turns nasty, or someone in the group loses optimism, good food lifts the mood. I like to dish out delicious food and drink, then chuckle that “we’re roughing it!”😄

[@veryhighspirits]

Good to see your evolution. Be mindful and enjoy ALL aspects of the outdoor adventure.

[@DaveJ_Sojourner]

I used a Jetboil for years, then early this year switched to the BRS-3000T Ultra-Light Titanium "stove," and have since burned through countless fuel canisters because even with a foil wrap to block wind, the BRS takes forever to warm up water. So...., back to the ol' Jetboil we go. Oh, Jetboil has a neat French Press attachment if you're into that thing. And..... I love cooking. Cheese keeps, vegies keep, salami and other cured meats keep. Seasonings are light. If time is available and a campfire is allowed, slow cooking a stew in a covered pot/pan over a small fire is exquisite.

[@guitarhiker4449]

Gear has come such a long way!! I remember how excited i was when jet boil first came out! Shortly after i bought my first jet boil zip i realized i wanted to also be able to cook fish and pan fry things so i bought a pocket rocket. Great stove! Now im using the pocket rocket 2 mini stove kit. Works great! I still like jet boil though. I would also recommend the larger grayl water filter. The small one just doesnt cut it in my opinion. The big one holds more water and you have less chances of contamination. Great filter! 350 squeezes before you have to change filter. Doesnt sound like alot but it is. For what you get its awesome! Filter water bottle in one. I prefer it over the sawyer and the befree. Yes its not ultralight but it takes up no more space than a nalgene bottle. Good stuff dan! Hike on!

[@guitarhiker4449]

24oz grayl geopress

[@ostekuste3646]

I’ve used a Grayl Geopress strapped to my mountain bike for about three years. I don’t even carry a hydration pack anymore. The Grayl and a second standard water bottle I can fill from it gives me extra capacity. I’ve backpacked and travelled internationally with it. The Geopress is about the size of a Nalgene bottle, only a bit taller. If you figure in the extra weight and bulk of carrying a separate water filter (that will not filter viruses) and a bottle, it’s really not noticable. I would trust it to filter water out of a cow pond if I had no other choice. A filter cartridge will last on average 65+ cycles, though more sediment will kill it faster. I have never had to replace the cartridge more than once a year, though I’m careful about not getting any large sediment in it. Cartridges cost about $30, and they have a recycling program where you can send your old ones back.

[@linhovenden]

I love the humility of this video. Great to see different perspectives and how they function well.

[@rev.johnpate3231]

Yeah nice fun vid mon! Used my Zip a lot, after Rocket thing, after my soda can stove, after my Whisperlite, etc etc. BUT this season I ditched my Zip it a BRS-3000 to save .003 oz. After the BSR almost blew out a gas canister, I tossed it! Pass/fail. I just bought a Stash. The Stash is UL, IMO. Only because of fuel saving. I've been heading into a system flow anyway, like stove / pot system | bag / pad system, etc and all that jazz.. Happy trekking guys!

[@BASSABLACC]

Check out the windburner by Msr. It uses radiant heat which is better then a flame. Boils faster in windy conditions , and also had a fuel regulator for colder temperature. Doesn’t have a piezo igniter. I always carry a bic though 🤷🏿‍♂️

[@gcvrsa]

I used to place a high priority on fresh food while camping, but the truth now is that I’m old enough and injured enough that I simply can’t afford the weight any longer. I try to go with dry ingredients rather than pre-packaged freeze dried meals. Cooking in the backcountry means the more fresh and the more elaborate your meals, the more prep equipment and cleaning equipment you need to haul. I’m already committed to 100% bear canister use in the backcountry, and that in and of itself is a significant chunk of weight in my budget. But, there is one other extravagance on which I insist, and that is having two cookpots-one for cooking food, and one for boiling water only, so I always have a clean pot for water. Something has to give, and I’ve decided that my food needs to be simplified. My favorite new recipe is a packet of StarKist Chicken, a packet of gravy mix, some dried fruit and nuts (Emerald 100 Calorie packets), some TVP, some dried parsley, some freeze-dried Just Corn, and instant stuffing mix (like Stove Top), with a chunk of butter. Almost as light as a freeze dried meal, and delicious enough to eat at home, too. I pre-baggie the stuffing, TVP, corn, and parsley at home. At camp, just mix the gravy powder, the chicken, and the fruits and nuts with an appropriate amount of water, bring to a boil, dump in the rest, stir to combine, cover and let sit 5 min, then enjoy. It ends up being about 960 calories of food.

[@Erik_The_Viking]

JetBoil FTW! I've been using them since they came out (2002?), and it's been a permanent fixture in my backpack. The measuring cup with the JetBoil works well for a soup bowl. I've cooked a LOT of meals with it and I've had a lot of people surprised what I can cook with it. Heck, I even made espresso with it. You should genuinely enjoy your meals - it makes a HUGE mental difference when you're backpacking. I weigh my gear within reason, but I keep a simple goal to lighten my pack as much as possible and where practical.

[@Cujo..]

I have the Jetboil Minimo and have loved it because its a little more compact, but I bought the JetBoil Stash and I fell in love with it even more. I don’t have to carry the attachment for the stove with the stash because the pan sets right on the stove. As always good video 🎒 By the way thank you for the coupon code I just used it 😁😁😁

[@TJsCoffeeAdventures]

Love the idea of the stash but no temp control is what turned me away :(

[@4BearWarrior]

I use my Grayl Geopress religiously. I even use it for plastic water bottles and tap water.

[@Mike-vd2qt]

Absolutely right on the Jetboil MicroMo model. And it does not weigh more than an MSR Pocket Rocket in total, here is why: the Pocket Rocket takes 5-6 minutes to boil water in a 750ml Ti cup/pot with lid. The MicroMo boils water in 1min 30secs, so one small canister will last one week. If you add up the weights of a Pocket Rocket, Ti pot with lid, extra matches, windscreen, and one extra fuel canister, the Jetboil MicroMo is lighter. Plus, the MicroMo has a regulator so it can simmer a pot or fry pan, and it works better in the cold at altitude. I'm not a Jetboil savant, I had the first rev. from 2003 and disliked the weight, fuel consumption, and size. But, the new Jetboils are better, lighter, faster, with simmer efficiency. Happy trails.

[@jt8251]

I absolutely love the Grayl water purifier. Best addition to my camping gear.

[@csealand]

You make the best videos. I really like how you explain things

[@terrycousins3015]

Take my jetboil fishing with me in the UK every time. Full English breakfast,fresh coffee with the jetboil press on the river bank. Beats a thermos and sandwiches every time🎣👍

[@roberttrough6439]

In my youth hiking with my brother and friend. They drank up all the fresh water. Nice guys chemically treated water for me. However they didn’t allow treated water to wash over threads. I got giardiasis and it ain’t not fun! So I’m going to filter my water before I use my new Grayl water purifier. Then I’m going to filter my smart water bottle again. That’s my comfort item for my Thru hike Appalachian Trail 2023.

[@CDAFishboy]

I subscribed to you long time ago, because you were not an idiot. Let me explain that. The first KZbinr I met a guy who was crossing Glacier NP at night across snow. No ice axe, no bear spray, no brains. Trail runners with neoprene socks. Anybody that wears fishing waders knows your feet get nasty with sweat, dead skin, mold. This guy wore no socks at night in his hammock, and in the morning ( pulled into camp at 1AM) had a deer licking his feet. Mokowanis Lake in Glacier is full of wildlife like few places in the park. Ultralight guys in the northern Rockies, I have met people who had their tent shredded by a storm in Wind River Range. Seen people wear. Plastic bags over their trail runners in snow. Anyway I have been backpacking for 42 years, mostly solo. But people turn to KZbin and listen to somebody with 2 years experience and taking their first solo trip in the Sierras ( good place to start for beginners). Dan you recognize preference varies. Be comfortable. Be safe. I am a Fish and Wildlife Biologist, and everybody wears all leather boots. I worked lat a ski resort and everybody wore Caribou Sorels. Pay attention to people to do this crap for a living. Glad to see you are still trying new stuff and learning. And agree Backcountry is a good place to get gear. Water filters for viruses was the standard. I had a First Need filter for 20 years. Replaced the canister twice. Weighed 26 Oz, ouch! But never sick

[@kellycarlen9605]

I went outside the box and bought a Flextailgear Minipump like the one I saw on one of your previous videos. That thing is awesome!!! I had been using an Exped Schnoozle bag (2 oz). The Mini pump is just a touch under 3 oz (I got the one without the lights by accident). So for about an ounce difference you’ve improved my life. I don’t care what Kyle says about you, you’re alright.

[@totoroben]

Got one of those too, and the sleep stuff he recommended. Really excited to use it.

[@williamgiamerese2673]

my very first backpacking/camping trip was solo on the AT with mostly cheap walmart gear. i didnt have a scale but if i had to guess it was an easy 40-50 lb's with how much water i was carrying for 0 reason. ive since upgraded massively(but still budget minded) and i gotta tell you, unless youre doing massive elevation gains in a day i dont personally find it justifiable to spend basically 4-5x the price to shave off maybe 4 pounds at this point. that first trip, i had; cheapo heavy hammock setup, 2L camelpack, 1.5L smart water bottle, TWO sleep pads, stove, a massive samsung tablet for some reason i cant remember, battery bank, a chair, gigantic heavy cheap sleeping bag, cheap walmart 40L backpack, a ground tarp, extra tent stakes, lensatic compass, pocket chainsaw, big rambo knife that broke mid hike, way overfilled first aid kit, more food than i could have eaten, and probably a ton of other stuff i cant remember. i ran out of space in the bag which was more like a school backpack with a frame, so i lashed a bunch of stuff outside of it. i still managed to do about 10-20 miles a day, on my first time camping/backpacking, while barely having hiked more than 1-3 miles per hike except a few 8-9 mile hikes. i made it all the way across the cumberland valley in PA, to duncannon(~18-20 miles) the last day and honestly probably couldve gone a couple more if it wasnt the end of the hike. while there is something to be said about reducing weight, its not the number one thing i am concerned about. i have since upgraded like i said, but my most expensive single part of gear is my pack, a Teton 60(65?)L pack that i wish i had gotten a bit smaller since its over kill now with my smaller gear. the biggest factor for me now is size, i want to pack it as small as possible to fit more comfort items, like extra batteries, some bulkier tastier food, maybe some beer, a chair if im doing shorter hikes, etc etc. basically what im trying to say is, if youre a beginner backpacker, and youre looking for gear to buy, stay away from the $300+, DCF/sil gear unless you; A) have the money to spare and wont mind if you end up not even liking backpacking, or B) plan on doing like, a 100+ mile hike right off the bat. my current main gear(the essentials ie sleep+cook+pack) cost me maybe ~$360 all told, and weighs about 15 pounds-ish(still no scale but going by amazon listings for what i can remember), and i could shave a couple pounds off by getting a lighter pack because mine is really over kill since i bought it for winter camping with a lot of gear. and thats a; hammock, bugnet, UQ, sleeping bag, tarp, stove, fuel, pack, ground tarp(so my feet dont get muddy trying to get in and out of the hammock), suspension, and water filter. while its far from "UL," its light enough that i can hike comfortably and still have a comfortable camp after a long hike. last time i camped i had my setup+12 pack of beer+snacks and a few other comfort items since i was just maybe a mile from parking, but it still weight far less than my first setup and honestly didnt really cost THAT much more. i also have lighter suspension coming in and hammock chair/gear sling coming in that weighs almost nothing and will make camp so much better for me.

[@eric55406]

I'm buying some ultralight gear so I can also bring some of the "luxury" items like some fresh food on shorter trips. I might need a heavier pot but then I can just enjoy myself that much more. Thanks for sharing the inspiration Dan!

[@Jose_Hunters_EWF_Remixes]

Not inspired. Not an insult to and/or disrespect of you and your quality uploads, just the fact that I'm a particular type of longtime cyclotourist (first big trip in 1986 when I was a mere pup), so weight doesn't dominate my life. This here past summer, on my 3 trips (65 days and 2200 miles), them there roadside truck scales regularly reported my total weight (bike/gear/trailer/me) between 400 and 450 lbs. Rather spend my $ on enjoying life, in comfort, rather than impressing cyclogeeks and attracting opportunistic thieves. Of course, it helps a great deal to be a competent bicycle mechanic

[@jackmiceli0914]

I usually don’t post comments I just watch, learn and add cool hikes to my list of must visits. First I want to say Dan you’re awesome. Your videos are great and you seem like a pretty cool guy. I had to comment on the jet boil you went with. It’s a great product but has a huge flaw that is fixed in several other models from both jet boil and MSR. The way the pot connects to the burner is a huge problem. After you boil your water or cook your soup or what ever you have to grab the stove or canister to twist the pot to remove it from the stove. Not the best plan when using something that gets to be “a million” degrees. Keep with the jet boil or MSR brands. (I have an MSR 1L boiler I have used for about 15 years now. Jet boil didn’t exist when I bought that sucker. Boils 1L of water in about 2.5 minutes. MSR just re released it this year with a better lid.). I would rethink the model you decided on. Better to have the pot just sit on top of the stove instead of actually have them snap together. Thanks and keep up the great videos.

[@DanBecker]

Good to know, Jack! I’ll be taking it out on my first trip soon and will definitely keep that in mind. Thanks for the tip!

[@memathews]

@@DanBecker Leather work gloves stoves the problem, but Jack is right.

[@vladivostokcanada]

I was worried about the weight and all that but like you said, you know what? I am only a weekend warrior that only camps may be 5 times out of a year and want to be confortable So I don’t care about weight anymore thank you for your inspiration

[@mrhalfstep]

I'm an older guy and I don't backpack, but I do car camp and usually will do a day hike or two during my main camping outing. I know about, and use, dehydrated and freeze dried foods, mainly because of the ease of storing them. I can use all my cooler space for beer. LOL The thing I always wonder about, and I suspect, is the reason that you are just now coming to these conclusions, is why, on a two or three day hike, would you worry about the weight of your food so much? You are going to carry it "dry" for a short time in your backpack, but sooner or later it is going to be re-hydrated, eaten and from that point forward, likely carried in your bowels, where it weighs the same, until you go home. Why not start with good food, if the trip is going to be of a shorter duration? You can fit in things like fiber that may actually allow you to have the bowel movements that a diet of prepackaged food denies you, especially as you get older. Then you get to "lighten up" along the way. I'm only trying to be a little funny with this comment and it's meant mostly as a serious question, if you'd like to respond.

[@rosslangerak8361]

Thanks for the inspiration. I ride a motorcycle. Though the motorcycle carries most of the gear, weight is still an issue. I tried a burner, but if I run out of fuel, I can be left with a half-cooked meal. I started carrying two canisters, but then I'd mix up the canisters and I still had no idea how much fuel I had. I just purchased a Firebox and a small pot and pan. Haven't had a chance to use them yet. I'm cautiously optimistic.

[@PMCraig]

I motorcycle camp too. Get a kitchen scale (or as I refer to it, “a drug dealer scale” 😜). Weight a full fuel canister and an empty canister. I find a full canister is just under 200 grams and an empty is just under 100 grams. So a full canister has about 100 grams of actual fuel. (This is for the small sized canister). I get about 24 x 500ml boils per full canister. After every trip I weigh my canister and write the weight on the bottom with a sharpie. Then I can easily estimates if I need to take a second full canister with me on the bike. When backpacking I just take a full canister if in my estimation a partially filled canister is not gonna be enough.

[@johnniehasaproblem]

For someone who hikes Yosemite every year. Everything weighs a ton in high altitudes. I used to carry more things than I needed like extra batteries and such, on top of carrying a 2p tent for 1p use. Shedding 2+lbs makes a world of difference above 10,000 feet. Less energy exerted = more peaks, longer hikes, faster pace and a less miserable experience. More time to enjoy the outdoors! I would caution on UL gear though . Do your research cause most of them are not gonna last.

[@Oldwiseguy-59]

I often fry up,freeze dried food to steam off some moisture and give it a more restaurant taste

[@jefferypike2304]

Well Dan I have been using the jet boil since it came out in the 2000 I have also use it for work so I have cook a lot in that I also use a skillet and I just bought the new jet boil stash I love it it’s a good cook kit I also use the msr dragon fly in the winter time it is a great stove been using it since the 90s still use it today the biggest thing is when you find something that works for you stay with it as long as you take care of it it will take care of you I use the grayl every day when I’m at work even though it’s tap water I still use my grayl I bought the jetboil skillet I find by far the best skillet on the market I have cooked lots of meals in that it’s a wonderful piece of gear I don’t use freeze dried meals anymore I bring fresh food and vegetables with me now

[@phchristy2672]

Yeah, When I backpack to Mt Whitney in October 2019, my backpack was 35 lbs. I packed warmth in my pack. All my friends were cold in their tents through out the evening. I was warm in my tent. 👍

[@RyeSkii]

Haha… just getting into multi-day hikes and starting to accumulate gear for a 6-day trek in Alberta with my brother in September. Over the past month I bought the Jetboil Minimo, MSR Quick skillet and arriving today was my Grayl Geopress. Can’t wait to use them!

[@shmish]

My biggest reason for not taking a skillet is the cleaning. Leave no trace camping but where does all the bits left over from using the skillet go?

[@graycat20]

Love this video and found it at just the right time as I'm planning a lads overnight hike to Scotland's most remote bothy. I've already got the Jetboil (mine's a Flash from when they first came out) and pan / skillet ...... just need to decide on the Grayl now!

[@skateata1]

My first thoight was "ooo! Spill the tea!" when I saw the thumbnail. I expecfed this to full of drama about brands going out of businesses or having poor ethics. Proves I watch too many influencers.

[@FlowJunkie65]

Right on, Dan. Excellent video AND message ... don't be afraid to try out new gear for yourselves that you just may love and function beautifully for you, esp. when highly experienced folks use and trust them, too. I've got the Grayl GeoPress which is awesome. My only advice would be to prefilter your water to make your Grayl purification filter last longer. I also have one of many available knock offs of the JetBoil Flash (not the MicroMo) and it works quite well. Supposedly you buy the JetBoil Flash only for boiling water quickly, and the MicroMo if you want to boil water quickly (although not as quickly as the Flash) AND simmer your food. However, really all you have to do is to turn down the intensity of your heat on the Flash and you're good for simmering, so I never understood this differentiation.

[@lawrencefieselman3803]

I completely agree with you on ultra-light backpacking. If your goal is max-miles per day, that's one thing. But that's not my goal. I want to get out in the wilderness, get some good exercise, see the beauty of nature and make a decent meal (not freeze-dried). But, why spend over $100 on a JetBoil when there are so many alternatives available that work just as well (maybe 2-3 minutes slower -- but what does that really matter?). The Grayl is expensive, takes up room in the pack, doesn't hold much water. Instead, carry another litre in a Smart Water bottle and use a Sawyer Squeeze. You'll save money and space in your pack. That having been said, I love your channel and what you do. Keep doing it.

[@justrusty]

I found that by starting sorta light, I was able to handle situations like stealth camping dry (as long as I knew ahead of time there was no water source) because I was able to haul several liters of extra water with me. I no longer worry about the ounces, found I got strong enough to carry nearly 40 lbs when necessary on AT climbs. So yeah, after a while counting ounces gets counterproductive, as long as your basics are reasonable.

[@HartPhotoAndVideo]

The beauty of being a motorcycle camper allowed me to buy the BIG Grayl! Thanks for the nice pick.

[@Shogun1999]

I love when you ask someone a question and then immediately cut them off.

[@WayTruthLife3]

After carrying an issue army bergan with heavy ammunition, wet rations, and a bulky sleeping system, the weight of even average civilian camping equipment is a dream. Much better for the knees too. Saying that, UL means I can move faster, so I still enjoy a bit of optimising and gram counting.

[@jamesporter4470]

Hey! What is that lightweight grill being used to cook sausage over coals? @min5:17. Thanks. jp

[@OurDee]

I did quit buying inflatable pillows. Got a my pillow and cut it open and made 3 pillows out of it. Used flannel for the first one and it is all I use for home and camping now.

[@replacement6386]

Great video! Would have loved to see more about the individuals and their perspectives, but still very cool vid!

[@robertbrannan9375]

Best backcountry chef I've ever personally seen is good ole Steve at firebox outdoors.

[@reddottx]

I'm a medium light backpacker and I agree it's worthwhile cooking outdoors if the trip is 2 or 3 days long. Anything after that the fresh ingredients become a bit sketchy. Cooking tends to bring people together like standing in the kitchen at a party. I could see adding a skillet, but no idea why anyone would buy a Jetboil if they already have a decent cook system. Maybe as a replacement, but still wouldn't be my first choice. Viruses are not an issue camping in the US so, not sure why I'd carry a filter with such limited volume when I can carry 3 times the volume at a fraction of the weight. 2 cents...

[@louis9231]

FYI - the Windburner 1 setup (MSR) is much more preferable to a jetboil with a pot stand - it's the same effective design as a jetboil, but with a radiant burner, so you don't get any hotspotting in the center of your skillet when using the pot stand

[@Egzackt]

Subbed dude. You seem to have my approach to backpacking- love the breakdowns and the balance between getting in the miles and enjoying the journey.

[@BarnyWaterg8]

I love that lil MSR pan. It’s so neat, cooks the best scrambled eggs IMO also, somehow my outdoor store keeps them in stock for like 25 bucks. It was a really great investment into my kit

[@davidcallan7844]

Cool! I too am a classically trained chef. Love MSR, have tent and two sets of their poles.Great stuff! Oohhhh I dig that water bottle, putting it on my list.🤘😎👍

[@nevanoconnell3356]

I quite like my jet boil. Cooking used to be the last thing I did when reaching camp, but with it there is no reason not to set up with a cup of tea in hand.

[@christianvachon2235]

LOVE your videos and am now subscribed. I am not a JetBoil fan. I still think that a titanium cookset is better; I use MSR, but my favorite combo was the Snow Peak solo set and Giga stove combo. I don't carry a skillet, but have carried grills to cook a steak over ambers the first night - very luxurious, but so good. Thanks for the advice on the Grayl. I will look it up. I have been using the Pristine Water Bottle for years now and its the best compromise for me. I don't skimp on it - water is important. This may seem like a crazy idea, but more than weight, I think the big factor is volume. In time, I downsized my gear to a smaller volume and will do most multi-day treks on max a 55L pack. Made all the difference.

[@bionicdan1959]

Dan, I used to use the BSR 3000 ultralight (25 g) stove until I boiled water next to a friends Jetboil. The jetboil was done in a fraction of the time it took me. Yes the BSR is less expensive and lighter but when you factor in that the Jetboil is a complete cooking system, and it will get more boils per canister of fuel, it sold me. I used it on my latest trip to Isle Royale and I won’t go back to any other stove system.

[@jwmmitch]

Thanks for more info. So the jetboil is a while cook system? Because you can put a skillet on that adapter? And how much fuel does it save? Dan was super excited about it, but as a complete backpacking newbie I didn't really catch why

[@bionicdan1959]

The Jetboil comes with not only a super efficient burner element, it also has a large metal insulated cook pot, a plastic measuring cup, and fuel canister support. All of this including the fuel canister nests into the pot. I boiled 2 cups of water in under 1 minute. This alone will save the amount of fuel I use. They a a bit pricey but when you factor in that it comes with a quality cook pot I was able to justify the price

[@jayjenkins6021]

I am a chef and I have a jetboil.. a lot of backpacking meals are just freeze-dried goop, but I also like to actually cook and be creative... also love a cup of hot tea on a cool day. A jetboil will boil 2 cups of water in about 1 1/2 minutes.. saves time and fuel. It simply rocks!

[@Whachadoon]

How can I see more about what the chef cooks on his stove?

[@kernowoutdoors]

Great video- can’t wait to get back in the hills!!! Love the concept- enjoy your food- use whats available. I will take this idea with me next time out!!!

[@alumniduck]

I agree with the food. A meal should be a celebration, not a punishment. Simple cooking lessons go a long way towards making the outings more enjoyable.

[@mrnobodieswildcampingadventure]

use the Jetboil 1.5L Ceramic FluxRing Cook Pot with the MSR Whisperlite International Stove. The pot sits correctly on the Whisperlite Stove. It boils water really quick even in sub zero conditions and the Whisperlite sits well inside the pot (with a soft cloth to protect the ceramic coating). As for the weight, not an issue! The combination is unchallenged in my humble opinion!

[@rumidude]

Ultralight is OK, but it has it's limitations. So yea, I try to get light weight stuff, but weight is only one consideration. One consideration is does it suit me personally, and that is a legitimate factor in gear and style. If I don't like using a piece of gear, I find something else to do the job. Yet I manage to be light enough that my old 69 year old body can still carry the load and enjoy the hiking. I also take a tarp as well as a tent if there is a possibility of rain. I learned this from doing trail work. Being out in rainy weather for a week to ten days, it was esential to have a space other than my tent to get out of the rain, store gear and tools, cook meals, and relax. I bring an inexpensive "blue pad" to be able to sit off the cold/wet/dusty/rocky ground that is big enough for me to actually spread out, not just a butt pad. I also on occasion bring an ultralight chair. Backpacking is not a sufferfest for me.

[@Crashphoenix666]

The Grayl is awesome! I have the Geopress like your friend. I take it when travelling anywhere (usually by motorcycle, but also hiking/backpacking). It's great for filtering questionable tapwater, along with skunky pond water. My GF has the ultralight that she used when hiking the AT this year. No complicated pumps systems to break down, just fill and use your bodyweight to press down. Best pieces of kit I've bought.

[@carmenhernandez6102]

What green air mattress did your friend have? It looks super thick and comfy…

[@DanBecker]

Not exactly sure. Here is the whole video where we talked about his stuff: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZu7l2h-p86rb8U

[@rgmALC]

Q Core SLX Insulated

[@rl9802]

I have that air mat. Core Q SLX. Super comfy I can sit up fully and my butt won't touch the ground. Slightly heavier than most but hey if your down to carry it you won't regret it.

[@kmat7163]

I use the Jetboil Stash it is quick at boiling (fuel saving), like all backpacking gear its comes down preference / decisions, my base weight is around 14lbs (not the best but not the worse). Decisions usually come down to $$$$ and weight and if you care to be ultra or don't care you will have a rubbermaid, closet or a room full of gear before you have what you finally what to carry after a few years. I've been hiking for 25+ years but in the last 3-5 years I haven't changed much when it comes to gear, everyone will find what they like and stick with it.