WEIRD Backpacking Gear You Might Actually WANT?

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Check out Garage Grown Gear: geni.us/m2tzeVo I look at 6 pieces of Weird Backpacking Gear that is actually pretty useful. Town Shirt: geni.us/jiIlw Sun Sleeves: geni.us/RX0psA UL Toothbrush: geni.us/gILDI Toothpaste Tabs: geni.us/EWkefG MayFly Sandals: geni.us/2tDifI6 Pot Lifter: geni.us/GQiLZ Rain Mitts: geni.us/sdHss

[@michaelhedges8839]

Love the sleeves idea. It reminds me of that Demetri Martin joke: "I saw a guy with a leather jacket, and I thought, that is cool. Then I saw a guy with a leather vest, and I thought, that is not cool. That's when I realized cool is all about, leather sleeves."

[@rooknado]

thats hilarious haha

[@MusicByJC]

That sun hoody protected you against the sun but attracted bees and wasps that thought you were a flowering plant.

[@Jermeister]

😂🤣🤣

[@danielvaughn8869]

It may have saved his skin, but my eyes are burning.

[@lilianamatasaru3564]

Actually blue is insect repelling, bright orange, reds and purples attract Insects

[@-desertpackrat]

Sometimes when I wear red shirts I get little hummingbirds hovering around me because they think red means flowers, it's adorable lol

[@keeganrasmussen977]

Sun hoodies are dope

[@Kylqwerty]

Just a tip from personal backpacking experience: I'm not big on sandles and flip flops. My extra shoes I bring for around camp and river crossings are my old cross country shoes. They weigh between 3 and 4 ounces total, are really comfortable, have great support and traction. I can wear them all day comfortably and hiking in them is nearly as good as a regular shoe.

[@Tom_Bee_]

Four ounces for shoes? May I ask what brand/style these are? That is waaaaay lighter than my Altras!!

[@Kylqwerty]

@@Tom_Bee_ sorry, I just read my comment and it is a little misleading. In the running scene, "total weight" is still measured per shoe (stupid, I know). They are still very light though. Mine are called Nike Zoom Waffle racers. If you search "spikeless flats" or "spikeless cross country shoes" and pick something minimal you can find some extremely light, durable shoes. Around $70 you can get 4.5 ounce shoes (9 pz for the pair). If you creep closer to the $200 mark you can get around 3.5 ounces per shoe (7 ounce for the pair). Like I said in my original comment, I would much rather have a second pair of shoes I won't dread using even if it means a couple ounces. XC flats are definitely my go to. 😊

[@Tom_Bee_]

@@Kylqwerty thanks for the detailed reply, Kyle. I'll check out some of your recommendations, plus I learned a thing, although not being a runner myself I guess the info about the running scene is of limited utility! That being said, if I see runners talking about shoes, at least I'll understand what they're saying. I have a muscle wasting condition that makes my legs very weak indeed and light shoes are a must. My current favourites are Altra Lone Peak 6 trail running shoes.

[@Kylqwerty]

@@Tom_Bee_ glad I could help. The lightest shoe I know of is called the Reebox Floatride Run fast Pro (3mm drop). It came out 3 or 4 years ago so you might be able to find a deal on it. The size 9 shoes weigh like 3.1 oz each. I'm not sure if there is a flat that is under 3 oz yet (in a size 9). But anyways. There are a lot of options to choose from when it comes to the 3.5-4 oz range. You just gotta know how to look. There is a big difference in weight when comparing lightweight running shoes (trainers) and lightweight racing shoes (flats).

[@wobblysauce]

Look up surf shoes, bendable and lite also

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

We need a lot more videos like this showcasing cottage gear, well done!

[@HikingwithGus]

LOL that flowery sun hoodie you are wearing looks like the same hoodie Bryce Newbold wore on a section of the Colorado trail with the Schill Bros. He was attacked by hummingbirds thinking he was a flowery bush! Toothpaste tabs are great!

[@danielkutcher5704]

Arm (and leg) warmers have been staples of the bicycle racing community for decades. Sun protection in removable limb covering fabrics is a great idea! I have heard of long distance hikers making rudimentary camp slippers from insoles and duct tape.

[@shinnam]

I had a much loved merino wool undershirt that got holes in the boobs, so I cut off the arms and mad arm warmers out of it and made a buff too. Not just save money, using pure wool means not shedding micro plastics. Sunscreens irritate my skin, so I impregnate my buff with sun screen to boost the sun protection

[@MrPancake1225ayylmao]

Dude, kitchen gloves are PERFECT for the rain. They're waterproof, some have insulation, textured fingers, AND you get to look like Master Shake. It's a win-win. Edit: Doesn't look like I was the only one with that idea lmao

[@WilderhopeAdventures]

I bought the Showa gloves that Andrew Skurka recommended and Dixie of Homemade Wanderlust uses. They are the perfect choice for Iceland's unpredictable weather with a thin pair of gloves underneath

[@BPF80MCar-vi1pg]

Dont be sofa king we todd edd

[@ItsAStephanieB]

Sun sleeves are a staple down here in South Africa. (We're truly frying under the African sun!)... And I use normal cheap dishwashing rubber gloves over my winter gloves if it does rain - which doesn't happen often I have to say 😂 - but it's durable, you keep the dexterity and I don't mind the few extra grams if it means my hands are dry and warm!

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Dishwashing gloves are a good idea. I don’t know why I didn’t think of that one.

[@kevinharding1181]

Fine without gloves/mitts underneath but they are designed for bare hands so the fit can get VERY tight and unwieldy over gloves ! I like those as shown better - seems like much more room. Hang on - $70 for the mitts !!! Haha oh dear.

[@danielkutcher5704]

I do the same. Dishwashing gloves can be had in many different weights and sizes. Slightly heavier, but more durable are chemical resistant gloves which I have also used for liquid insecticides and herbicides used in the landscaping business.

[@ItsAStephanieB]

@@danielkutcher5704 I agree! Where there is a will there's a way!

[@-desertpackrat]

I live in Arizona and I just got sun sleeves early this year, I have atopic dermatitis/eczema so I'm literally allergic to sunlight and my own sweat, it's torture in the heat. I wear these UV sleeves every time I'm in the sun now, it's amazing, my arms get warm but they don't burn, and I can feel the breeze through the fabric. I even got my dad to start wearing them for his yardwork because he lets his arms burn to a crisp, these things might legit save him from getting cancer or something because his arms were getting really bad, it was scary, and now they're so much better when he uses sleeves, I'm so glad I found out about those.

[@KrizAkoni]

Gotta love weird gear! Love the selections.

[@toocleanpappas5397]

The Mayfly sandals don't flex very well, so it's hard to squat to put in tent stakes say, I really wanted to like them. As for pot handles getting hot. I've never understood this one, grab some silicon tubing and put them on your cookware handles, I've done this for years, it's so much easier than having some kind of specialized tool for picking up your pot, which honestly are generally unstable compared to just using the handles. (Actually, I don't know why some brands don't come with them (Evernew titanium pots have them)

[@SeanTheEvans]

Honestly, I just use a bandana and grab by the bare handles on my pot. I've seen the silicon tubing work too. Bandana is great for cleanup, etc, all-around super useful anyways. Save some $ and weight by not inventing things to need (pot holding tools)

[@Rawdilz]

Just use the netting that the toaks pot comes in. It works perfect to pick up your pot when it’s hot.

[@WilderhopeAdventures]

I just use my all-purpose cloth...the one that dries my tent, cleans my pot, picks up my pot etc, Good piece of gear

[@reddottx]

Why didn’t I think of that? Great idea. Duh…🤷‍♂️

[@Swimdeep]

My absolute choice for sun protection: G4Free Hiking UL UV Umbrella ☂ ☀️ A sun hoodie or hat won’t protect you from the HEAT🔥of the sun. My umbrella provides shade when there is none and lowers the temperature underneath it. I can’t tolerate the heat because of a brain tumor and I can’t have sun beating down on my head for more than a few seconds-it can trigger a seizure. My 250g (9.1oz) umbrella is a LIFESAVER. Highly recommend. 🌿Edit: Accidentally left off zero of the weight.

[@architennis]

It ain't 25 g, bud.

[@Swimdeep]

@@architennis My mistake-I input it wrong 250 grams or 9.1 ounces. Worth the weight-I couldn’t hike in unshaded and hot places without it. Will edit original comment. 🌿

[@Swimdeep]

@@architennis At 9 oz and $22. this umbrella is less than half cost of other brands and only an ounce or two heavier than the lightest hiking umbrellas out there.🌿

[@architennis]

@@Swimdeep Oh, OK that makes more sense. Thanks for clearing that up! Enjoy your mobile shade.

[@rainbowhiker]

I live in the 2nd driest state of Utah, that is, lots of hot sunlight. I've found the best way to stay cool in sunlight/heat, is wearing loose, emphasis on loose, pure white clothing. The loose clothing let's heat escape, keeping you cool, and the pure white shade does not absorb sunlight. Even the slightest color in clothing will retain heat. Also, a really wide brimmed hat keeps sunlight off neck, face, and head. Sun hoodies are poor substitutes for real protection.

[@vincentvega5686]

I've used the sleeves for a few years now. Some of my friends think I'm weird. I also use the sleeves in cool mornings to keep my arms warm. Once I start hiking and the day gets warmer I just slip them off.

[@waxler2]

I’ve had the the Sulak pot grabber for about a year now. Great piece of kit that fits under my fuel can with the mini-bic lighter. No more 1st degree burns on my fingers!

[@DontLookBehindYou1]

I do the backwoods, remote off trail, survival, Bushcraft thing... But I've learned more practical stuff from this channel than a lot of the survival channels... Mixing info from everywhere helps a lot ... This guy has some of the best practical just plain good info imo

[@scaredofghosts6813]

Cheap alternatives: The longsleeve - $3 oversize longsleeve button up from goodwill The sandals - $5 thongs at marshalls The toothpaste - pre-paste the toothbush in advance The potgrabber - $1 bandana The gloves - $10 surplus wool gloves that keep your hands warm even when wet

[@cadewilliams7750]

I agree with everything but the 99 cent walmart flip flops. I bought 4 pairs and they broke ridiculously quick. One pair broke with less than 200 steps, and water breaks them easily. I got some flip flops from Marshalls for 5 bucks and they've lasted 5 years.

[@scaredofghosts6813]

@@cadewilliams7750i had to tape up the walmart pair i had, but i only used them for when nature calls in the middle of the night and paddleboarding..thanks for the tip, ill have to take a gander

[@Doc_Watson]

Good video - I like the odd stuff. I've thought about those arm sleeves and the matching calf sleeves. Mostly for bushwacking and protecting my arms and legs from poison ivy. Mini toothbrush & Toothpaste tabs - I use the mini disposible ones that are pre loaded with toothpaste Colgate Wisp is one brand name, but there are many out there. They are good for two or three uses before the paste is gone. I'll bring some baking soda to brush with if I am doing more than just an overnight for when the paste is used up. Mayfly sandals - I did something similar and made a pair of Huarache Running Sandals. Worked great for a few years and upgraded this year to a pair of Jesse sandals from Xeroshoes. They probably weigh more than the Mayfly sandals, but they are a lot lighter than tevas or crocs. I like that pot lifter idea. I typically use a cheap buff for the handles and a stick through the lid loop to lift the lid. It also helps that my pot has a handle to hang it over a fire. That wire doesn't get hot and I only have to hold onto the handles enought to tip the pot. Not sure if I want to try the rain mits. I currently use a pair of fishing gloves. They are made to keep your hands warm when wet, plus they have pockets on the back of your hands to add hand warmers to keep them extra toasty if needed.

[@catwithhandsies]

Mind naming the fishing gloves? Some great info here

[@Doc_Watson]

@@catwithhandsies I just checked. They are Heat brand. I bought them in the 90's and I don't see them available online. Sorry. However, there are several styles of gloves by other brands for cold water fishing. I just didn't notice any that also had pouches for the hot hands warmers.

[@jonathan0o0dawKins]

As an ultralighter I snip the bristles off of my toothbrush.

[@HostileTakeover2]

That's old-school thinking. You can save a few grams by getting rid of your teeth, then you don't even need the brush or paste!

[@thomaswilliams2273]

Perhaps the ultralight toothbrush we need is bristles on a finger cot.

[@iododendron3416]

@@HostileTakeover2 the next step are ultra light false teeth

[@christianz-jg2bh]

I opted for just taking the bristles and cutting off everything else

[@jmorrison5206]

You gotta leave one bristle for functionality.

[@Tom_Bee_]

Omg those mayfly sandals are amazing. I just happen to have Correx and bungee cord in the house. I feel a craft coming on...

[@the27beats]

Hi! Loved the video! The sun protection sleeves are actually quite common where I'm currently living (Japan). You see a lot of old ladies using them regularly in the city during summer 😂 I also use them for when I'm backpacking :)

[@asmith7876]

Sun shirt with hood, long sleeves, 50 SPF, $16 at Sam’s Club. Ok, it’s not colorful like that but hey, quite functional and actually helps keep you cool as well.

[@SteedDigital1]

I have Columbia sleeves and you don't take them off when you get hot. Getting them a little wet makes them cool you down. Now when I hike my neck gator and my sleeves get wetted when possible. Keeping my arms and neck sooo much colder than the rest of me. And protected from the sun.

[@reddottx]

If you’re cutting off your toothbrush or filling up straws with toothpaste then unless you’re going for a FKT then you’ve jumped the shark as a backpacker. Start with your belly as a place to lose weight and go from there. Hard learned lessons as a cyclist. Was taking links out of chain or taking off biggest cog in the back. Then I went on a diet and joyous reality sunk in.

[@eliokarim6551]

Great video. And thank you for including the metric values !! One recommendation is to add the price if possible

[@natehoover5266]

Steven, when I subscribe to your channel, not all that long ago, you only had like 1000 subs. Now, you're KILLING IT BRO! 60k and sponsors! You're awesome buddy. Keep it up! And I use the Mayfly sandels and my feet slip out of the front. Maybe sizing up next time will solve it.

[@Arvutimaailm]

456g for sandals? Crocs are 10-16 ounces. They float when river crossing, they are comfy, warm in winter, they protect your feet and have awesome colors :D

[@KyleGraham19]

Sun hoodie is super cute! You should just wear it around town all the time!

[@BackcountryForward]

I'm going to rip this video idea off and call it "WEIRD Backpacking KZbinrs you might actually WANT to watch"... you'll be my main focus. Another great vid man.

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Sounds like a great video! Don’t forget to include yourself. You might be the weirdest i watch

[@BackcountryForward]

@@MyLifeOutdoors you can’t watch what I don’t post…

[@midlifetravelers6151]

I appreciate your new product reviews. It exposes me to new products I otherwise wouldn't have known existed. Thanks!!

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Happy to do it. Thanks for watching

[@alfoutdoors9660]

A pot lifter is a total waste of time and money if you have a Titanium pot as the handles never get that hot and they cool really fast too...If your's are getting hot enough to burn you then you must be using a stainless steel or Aluminum pot or your using the wrong stove for that size of pot...Get a BRS3000T and you won't have any problems. And bright colours are a really bad idea for wild camping, especially in countries where wild camping is technically illegal, like most of the UK for instance. Here we need stealthy colours, but you don't necessarily need to resort to wearing full camo...Grey and black do the job perfectly and do not stand out in town when you on your way to wild camp. I use the brilliant Rab Pulse sun hoody in grey. Sadly it's been discontinued, but the OMM Breeze sun hoody is a good alternative...They both offer SPF50+ sun protection but the OMM is a tad lighter and a bit cheaper.

[@gefginn3699]

Great post my friend. 🏃‍♂️🍄🌞🌟

[@bryanelwell6268]

I used a pair of nitrile gloves with glove liner. They worked great and lasted the CT. Super cheap also.

[@drumeshopeth]

I just use my multitool for lifting pot lids and pots. In fact, I use it for multiple tasks on every trip. Omg maybe that's why they call it that. I have it on my belt and have used it very nearly every single day for some 7 years. Can also be used as a weapon if you are backpacking the rugged and dangerous streets of San Fran and are accosted by the abundant, homeless, drug-crazed wildlife. It's a genuine likelihood and you gotta plan for it.

[@gerardogarcia-trio3572]

Very interesting, great video. As a regular user of Hawaiian shirts, I love those first shirts. The sun sleeves are a great idea! I hate sun cream. I use just soap to brush my teeth, the same I carry for dishes and personal hygiene, you get used to the flavour (I can´t use toothpaste for reasons I won't tell now, but I guess that ended in an UL optimization). My light shoes for the camp (I don't usually carry that) are cheap Chinese crocs copies, they are huge in volume, but quite light due to their cheap foam, and provide more protection than sandals. Let me weigh it... 240gr (8.5 ounces) in my 45-size pair. Probably you can find something lighter if you spend some time in a Chinese Bazar. Just an idea!

[@thomaswilliams2273]

I remember hearing a long time ago that you could use baking soda for toothpaste. I think I could get used to the taste of that a lot faster.

[@sdtayw]

Love my pink sun sleeves!

[@jackvoss5841]

Tooth paste replacement - baking soda. Also makes a nice paste on bites & stings. Light weight sandals - Crocs. Good for wet work in watery terrains. Pot holder - bandanna. Good cooler when dampaned. Courtesy of Half Vast Flying

[@Andy-Mesa]

Crocs weigh 10 oz more than Mayfly sandals.

[@jackvoss5841]

@@Andy-Mesa G’day, Andy. Each makes their choices. My best to you. Courtesy of Half Vast Flying

[@dKause]

Soda will damage your teeth, the acid will destroy its natural cover, in german called zahnschmelz.

[@jhosk]

Always love the oddball. Anytime you find a new cottage company, please share them.

[@Rob_65]

"Due to the lack of rain"... I think this is the first time I hear someone hiking complaining about lack of rain 😂 I am starting to love your short videos 😁

[@markheming3507]

Steven did you steal Bryce Newbold’s hoodie? GGG - Garage grown gear rocks! Super happy to see someone like yourself promoting it…. They’re amazing love being able to pick up products from so many different cottage vendors

[@compellingpeople]

Totem sandals are great if we're talking cottage gear, they have grippy rubber, secure fit, made in the U.S., and customizable.

[@Oldsparkey]

To weird for me , Thanks for the video.

[@aarde7036]

The sleeves look also to be great against insects! Gonna check them out!

[@kevinharding1181]

I've always loved the equipment on Garage Grown Gear but having it delivered to the UK is a pain inthe backside (unlike buying from say Zenbivy who just delivered a package to my daughter in London). Any options for consolidating and sending in one package would be great (I've tried various independent consolidators before but that can get a little expensive). Cheers !

[@chriseidam7319]

Toothpaste tablets are awesome! The best. I got Mayfly sandals for my wife. She has not tried them yet. But I have heard high praise for them. As far as cottage gear that deserves special praise but rarely gets it, I give a nod to Trail Designs for it's gassifying wood/alcohol/Esbit stoves. I have other stoves. My Trail Designs Sidewinder is by far my fav, either for wood or alcohol.

[@cal593]

I will never understand the reluctance to carry a toothbrush and travel size toothpaste. I understand saving weight where you can, but I carry a belt knife, a compass, and at least 2 methods of fire lighting. The 1 ounce total weight the chewable toothpaste tablets might save me isn't worth the extra cost to me, and being that obsessive about saving weight sounds unhinged.

[@chriseidam7319]

@@cal593 You don't understand. With toothpaste tablets, I can bring the exact quantity that I need for each trip. I cannot do that with travel-size toothpaste. The tablets are not sticky, they take up less space, they weigh less, they don't freeze into a useless lump in winter camping, and they offer no disadvantages compared to travel size toothpaste. Travel-size toothpaste offers no advantage over the tablets. The tablets are better in every way.

[@jazzwyld1]

Love Garage Grown Gear...my new go to place to shop for gear.

[@damnitman3170]

Tried the toothbrush from GG, the bristles fray out quickly and its difficult to get your teeth clean. So just carry a toothbrush and your teeth will thank you later. Pot holder carry a bandanna and it will do multiple jobs one of which is pot holder. Weird gear I carry is a half of a sponge 🧽 and small rectangular one. It’s great for a quick clean up at the end of the day and doesn’t weight much. I have been looking at the toothpaste tablets, I’m going to try them out and see what happens.

[@tomsitzman3952]

have you ever tried sand to clean pots?

[@damnitman3170]

@@tomsitzman3952 yes I have, the sponge is for my feet and legs. So nice to have clean feet at the end of the day of walking in the desert.

[@JasperJanssen]

The thing is, the cheapest kind of basic toothbrush (the ones that have small diameter non-ergonomic handles - they do it to save money on plastic, not weight, buuuut….) is already *so* light… (probably the same weight as that GG toothbrush with the wide handle) it doesn’t pack particularly small, so you could theoretically cut it to fit a small ditty bag, or whatever, but as far as the weight goes… it’s gonna be in the grams, not in the ounces. The folding travel toothbrush styles could work, but I’ve never found one that feels nice.

[@1stuart1]

I genuinely do not understand how/why clothes are marketed as protection from the sun. I'm 40 years old and have been burned through clothing zero times in my life. I laugh out loud when I see SPF ratings on clothing. All clothes protect you from the sun.

[@pimacanyon6208]

I like the sun hoodie concept, but for sun protection I want only white or very light grey. Darker colors I find too hot when in the bright sunshine of high altitudes. Those floral ones are fun, but I think they'd be less comfortable than a white one.

[@Lukearianism]

Those eclipse sun sleeves are what i need so much!!! Thank you!

[@orestiskaramanos1756]

Thanks for presenting all these items. Nicely made video but i must say it's your first video with only useless stuff. Thank you for your time as always

[@sheilahenry7279]

Love your backpacking (golf) shirt

[@LadyGreyAgeingDisGracefully]

Love your shirt. ❤

[@NasTime01]

Yes these were weird and yes, I want them. Well done.

[@SummitSeeker546]

Steve, you are becoming a master at your craft. How you positively spin comments on products is entertaining. All I can say is I’m glad I’m not an ultralight, gram counting backpacker. I like lighter weights, sure, but clearly I need comfort, functionality, and a bit of traditional style. I’d rather blend into Mother Nature than smack her in the head with flamboyance!

[@narendrabagusadiyaksa1880]

instead of those camp sandals, do try scuba/ beach shoes that look like socks with thin outsole underneath, it's so light and foldable. offers you a better grip with rubber and threaded sole it will never stuck in the mud when you try river-crossing and you can wear it without socks. and it also going to be a barrier from your skin and tick and leeches when you're at camp

[@harveychapman3843]

Proper sun sleeves and hoodies are cooler on rather than off because of evaporation. If you're not sweating enough to wet them (drink more water), then wet them a little with water. One of the cycling companies has a KZbin video with infrared thermometers in the desert showing the difference side-by-side. I've actually been cold in my sun hoodie in Florida standing in the shade under a tree when a breeze kicked up. It was 95F that day.

[@moabfool]

Sun sleeves. I have some for road cycling that I now take backpacking. Don't take them off when you get hot. If there are good water sources (like when I hiked Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne) just splash water on them and they become air conditioners.

[@mlhm5]

Adidas Comfort Slides are the best IMO

[@bansku9661]

Leather mittens are good, in autumn and winter 🥰( I use them when cycling, keeps my hands warm)

[@happilysmpl]

Since you talked abt sun sleeves. While hot temperatures hiking DO carry some tiny amt of Aloe Vera gel. Aloe works like nothing else on a sun burn. Its like Nature specifically created Aloe for this purpose only 😊

[@-desertpackrat]

Idk what brand they are but I use a pair of orange dishwashing gloves with grip, they're super water proof and reusable. I've been using them for FIVE years, for art projects, cleaning, camping, pretty much everything I need gloves for I use this one pair of gloves. I wash them with dawn soap and water and hang dry and they haven't worn out. I also have strong nails that grow fast and are often too long and rip holes in all my gloves, but not these ones. Durable as heck, I wish I could find out what brand they were. I got them during an art project class and took them home after and they've been lasting me forever with no issues, best pair of waterproof gloves I've ever witnessed.

[@leegoddard2618]

Thx4 sharing. 😁👍

[@tomsitzman3952]

I never expose my skin to the sun. Everyone who spends time outdoors for work or recreation needs to have a yearly dermatology checkup every year or two. I find that afishing vented shirts with rollup sleeves offer high UV protection and when moving from sun to shade there is not needed to put on or take off removable sleeves. At 81 my outdoor travels are now limited to bike touring. When on the open road I find that a bike riders' visibility is increased by a solid block of color. Palds and florals become camouflage that distorts distance and make you harder to see, which may be OK in the woods but not on a road. My rule of thumb has always been, Everything I Bring must serve oner than one function. Instead of a single function pot lifter, for years I have carried a small locking plier. As a person who has thousands of days over the last 55 years touring with a backpack, kayak, bike, canoe, back country x country skiing, on many 30 to 90 day trips, I find this newish obsession with weight interesting. My concern has always been with minimum bulk and multi-use items and trip appropriate gear.

[@huexley]

Those sandals are just so cool !

[@Олексій-г1в]

From this list i would probably only use hand sleeves and a cup holder. B.T.W. my survival instincts tells me that those sleeves can be easily used as fish trap. Just bend few branches or peace of wire into ring shape, place them inside a sleeve to make cylinder, fold edges inside a cylinders to make one way pass, put few stones or some dirt to add some weight and place underwater. Fish, crayfish and eels love to hide in such stuff from sun, predators and fast flow, and you can make even better trap by using some bait.

[@huntervoris7779]

Casa de Luna hoodie is awesome and I hope some of the proceeds help out with covering the nachos and pancakes that they selflessly provide!

[@wildmountainman1]

Was recommended your channel and I can see why. Very nice content and great editing. Well done. 😀

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Thanks. Glad you are here

[@pasjeihobby]

Pot grabber is must have.

[@waynehead7271]

Yo! I dig those arm shields, because I dislike spraying or spreading "unscented" sunscreen on my pale a$$. Not to mention the weight of that lotion for a simple weekend. *However* ... I will be happy to stick with my pigskin gloves, treated for the wet of the PNW, instead of the cup clamp & the "fumble-mittens." Yeah, I do realize that the one pair of pigskin gloves is somewhat heavier than the micro-techno pair of two tools ... but they're good for *so* many more other uses, too. Such as, keeping my hands relatively safe when grabbing something HOT, of any size & shape, as well as keeping them safe when I build the fire ... or, building a shelter in the woods, if necessary. Hey, if you're vegan(ish) and you're opposed to *my* particular option for personal reasons, becauseI it's animal skin, I understand. No harm, or insult, intended. Those Sun Sleeves though, are definitely useful when I have to do another Faire. I also don't go "micro-light" backpacking on a regular basis. I just need to make fire, safely, at the right place/time. If those "fumble-mittens" are made from petroleum products, then we should talk. I'd rather be wrong ...

[@kpouls552]

I ordered some CS coffee from garage gear--which, if you haven't tried, is the best instant coffee because of their unique crystallization process, but i digress--and was surprised to receive a little mini toothbrush in the mail. Super handy!

[@GIRLplusDOGAdventures]

I was fully expecting some rainbows and unicorns to emerge out of your sun hoodie and float around the screen. I have rain mitts and bought them after a cold and rainy hike. Murphy’s law of course, and I have never had to use them since.

[@klorti]

I love your videos! short and to the point, keep up the good work!

[@juliomiguelalarcon9608]

Thank you

[@edipisreks5535]

My Xero sandals weigh more than the Mayflies, obviously (the Xeros I have weigh 350 grams for the pair), but I bet they will last a lot longer, and you can easily hike in them too.

[@1128wolfman]

I always am backpacking in the wind river range, my favorite place in the world, but I always bring sun shirts there and my friends don’t, they are always getting burned up on the large exposed mountain passes. Would love to see a full video of yours from the wind river!

[@DerekHardwick]

Decathlon makes some great rain mitts, too.

[@tamaracheeseman183]

My husband and I both use Ex Officio hiking shirts over our wicking tees. They have insect and sun shield, and they are breathable. I find mine keeps me cool when hiking, and warm at camp.

[@GavTatu]

correx flip flops..... i honestly don't know what to say ?! pot grabber...i have a small square of suede leather. the hoodie..... and the pattern, i am diggin' !

[@zoladkow]

yea it seems like bigbrands are just rebranding naturehike or somesuch chinese generics, with some minor, but forced design changes (vents here instead of there, color...). But the good thing is, that base materials become easily available, that + some tinkering and sewing skills and you can create your own gear 😁

[@steves9522]

+1 on the mayflys

[@shalakabooyaka1480]

I bought a top quilt from a small cottage shop and got a neon yellow and bright blue plaid 0 degree down bag and it looks awesome

[@teresacorrigan3076]

Love these videos!🇨🇦

[@morevananything]

Would love to see a review of the Kakwa 40! Saw a little snippet of you hiking with it and would love to know your thoughts! Great video like always. Definitely going to be getting those sun sleeeves!

[@obiwanfisher537]

The sandals look like they break easily (carboard??), the tiny pot hook is tiny, which doesn't help with gripping something, maing it more likely to drop the whole pot, the shirt might be a fashion statement, but it's not revolutionary and the arm sleeves may work for you, but I'd just wear something long sleeved ith breathing material. I personally like linen shirts, but there is a lot of sportswear to try. Besides, if it gets hot you have more sun, and when it gets too hot and you need to take the sleeves off, then you have more sun exposure and zero protection. Seems to defeat the purpose. And fitting a toothbrush and toothpaste is relly not taht difficult, besides, you can always just cut off the handle of your toothbrush and use baking powder to safe space. Or be a real man and not brush your teeth at all, chew tobacco. :D For the mittens I can only say: Just get gloves... As soon as you want to hold something, your mittens are not going to help.

[@-desertpackrat]

Usually I don't bother taking my shoes/boots off even though my feet swell, instead I loosen and open them up a bunch and keep them loose like that while chilling, until the swelling goes down. But also I live in a place where even flipflops are not a good option. Cactus, snakes, ants, scorpions. Spiders too but they don't really bite people so they don't bother me, but I can't be walking around the cactus and ants in sandals, my boots stay on unless I'm in my tent. Sometimes if it's winter and I'm sitting down I'll take them off, because there's no bugs or snakes around.

[@tchrapko]

I use Bite toothpaste bits every day. Also handy for backpacking. Their bamboo toothbrush is decent, so I use that too, and it already comes in two pieces and is compostable.

[@Canadian_Craftsman]

I bought those glow in the dark tent stakes and got the ultralight toothbrush that was cool!!😁✌️💚

[@marnieandnoelle]

Hey, I have that Townshirt sun hoodie! I love it, it's so comfy. I bought it in Julian, CA on our ultimately unsuccessful PCT thru-hike.

[@robertbrannan9375]

Ultra lighters are getting ridiculous.. 🤣

[@BigCountryOutdoors325]

I’m waiting for a video to hit that’s titled “FKT on the Triple Crown with only a Walmart bag, bandana, and mini Bic lighter”. 🤣🤣🤣

[@raymondclark1785]

Like bikers who drink the water in their bottles to lighten the bike :)

[@BPF80MCar-vi1pg]

Theyce always been crazy. Thats whybi like big agnes stuff its light but not flimsy light

[@dsmith9572]

I shave my eyebrows for all my super-lite trail runs. It sheds weight, especially if it rains, and it cuts wind resistance. Game changer!

[@Andy-Mesa]

I was super interested in Town Shirt until I saw they were $90. I'll stick to my $25 REI Sahara Shade, thanks.

[@-desertpackrat]

the lack of color choices is honestly sad, there are lots of reasons to want specific colored gear, from just personal preference to literal safety issues. Someone might need a hi-viz tent because they're camping in a scary place and want to be seen if they get hurt or lost there, some people want earth tones so they can stealth camp, or just because they don't want people staring at their campsite all day attracted to a bright white or orange tent. Some people might need light colored tents because some insects and parasites are more attracted to certain colors, for instance many wasps and bees can be triggered by dark blues and blacks, so a dark tent instead of light, could be the difference between a nice trip and a swarm of bees attacking you because your tent color triggered them. Someone on the other side of that coin though, might need a dark colored tent because they camp in super cold climates with no bugs, and want to take advantage of the heat absorption of a dark tent, or a tent that won't blend into the snow and have them searching for their site in a snowstorm. Companies just go "eh colors cost a few extra bucks to add, they'll take what we give them and be happy" well I have to carefully consider color choices, for my safety, comfort, and even instect and temperature control, and if your only options for me are bright blue or white, or your only choices are hi-vis orange or drab gray, neither of which is good stealth camping unless you're camping on a gray rock, I'm gonna pass by your brand because it's not just the structural features that have meaning, every little detail matters, color, shape, how many inches I have beside me to put my stuff so I don't have to put it outside with scorpions and ants that can crawl inside to give me hell in the morning when I need my stuff.

[@tommiv4953]

New and interesting gear. Thanks!

[@wisenber]

A hat with a brim will do a better job of keeping sun away. A loose fitting button up shirt tends to have better airflow while keeping the sun and bugs away. A pair of Xeros should outlast the coroplast sandals by years and have actual tread. Those look like they'll be in a landfill after the fifth time you wore them. FWIW, if the weight of toothpaste is to onerous, you don't actually need toothpaste to brush your teeth. A toothbrush and water will accomplish the same. Ask you dentist if it matters.

[@maglax]

If you want light sandals, look for sandles from brands like Xero.

[@sterobinson561]

Different is cool!

[@TLK22]

Didn't knew about these chewable toothpaste tablets and ordered some for my next hike to Nepal.

[@maxboo1]

The socks and sandals killed me....lol.

[@spacerx]

Sun sleeves may be new to hiking, but they've been around for years in the fishing gear community.