Why I DON'T Use This Camping Gear Anymore

Camping, Backpacking, Military Field Deployments, Car Camping, Overlanding, I’ve experienced many different ways to camp and sleep outdoors and over the years there are things I’ve found I like, some things I don’t and some things I just find not necessary and today, I’m going to share with you the camping items I now longer take with me.
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0:00 Introduction
1:31 Camping Mr. Heater Buddy
4:11 Down vs. Synthetic Sleeping Bags
7:50 Camping Sleeping Pads
10:00 Camping Pillows
11:20 Overland Water Storage
13:51 Camp Kitchen Set
15:26 Camp Lighting
16:30 Camping Utensils
17:39 Camping Chairs

[@justinmaguire1140]

i dont bring my wife anymore

[@darbo6955]

😂

[@montechie]

Great breakdown, I probably find these "what gear am I eliminating" more useful than the new gear vids in general. I love the Mondos and the Megamats for vehicle camping, super warm so far and can dial in the firmness vs plain foam.

[@MrBillTroop73]

If you know a freeze is coming, you may want to put your water container with the spout facing down. In your case, you'd want the side with the filter/spout facing down. Since water freezes from the top first, you should still have water flow as long as it doesn't freeze solid. On Scout trips we used to make sure our canteens were positioned this way, then in the morning, turn it right side up and it was easy to unscrew the cap and get a drink.

[@TokinWhiteKid]

Water in a container doesn't freeze from the top down. That's the case for lakes, ponds, the ocean, etc because of ground temperatures and the difference in density between surface water and deep waters. This isn't the case in a container that is surrounded by freezing air. Put a water bottle in your freezer and it will freeze from the outside in, not top down.

[@red6743]

For anyone wondering, those utensils are Magware by Full Windsor.

[@bretthawton]

"high speed, low drag, spork" cracked me up!!!

[@editorreilly]

Be aware if that filter froze on your Jerry can, it might be defective. I'd check with the manufacturer. I know with backpacking filters, if they freeze with water in them, they are ruined.

[@NikkiTheOtter]

This. This is (one of the reasons) I disassemble and dry my filter when I'm done with it. I've got a little Katadyn ceramic filter that's survived 2 Colorado winters, and I don't know HOW many Arizona camping trips, as well as Philmont Scout Ranch. Still on the original filter, though it's lost some volume. I keep it around for backpacking because it weighs next-to-nothing, but now I use a 12V bilge-pump with an RV filter because I have 12V available on my trail rig.

[@thesandmanii8109]

The MSR Guardian will handle freezing temps as will most hollow fiber filters. Ceramic filters such as the Katadyn pocket are a different story.

[@wheel1775]

Those Thermarest pads are incredible. I normally have trouble sleeping the first few nights. With that pad, I slept like a rock and was able to sleep on my side and adjust without waking up. They are a little more expensive but they are worth it and Made in the USA!

[@gonzales2011]

Themarest Mondo King is just amazing. I sleep on these equally good as in my bed at home. Just fantastic! Makes camping so much better.

[@HLsab]

I think camp set up’s are constantly evolving , especially as you get older and require more comfort. Interesting topic and it was fun to watch.Greetings from Australia. 👍🇦🇺

[@TrailRecon]

Agree, I take a few more creature comforts these days. Thanks for watching from across the pond!

[@mattmentzer8610]

Common mistake, but that Buddy Heater does not have a CO sensor. It has a Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS). Since it creates almost zero CO, it's running out of O2 that's the danger. Love the Pyromania album cover on the wall. :)

[@yakinsea]

Actually, reducing the O2 isn't the problem, It is what is replacing the O2, and the fear is that it is carbon monoxide doing so. In a sense, it is an indirect means of sensing dangerous CO.

[@mattmentzer8610]

@@yakinsea source of this ‘data’?

[@yakinsea]

@@mattmentzer8610 Years of haz-mat training. It was basic info that we all knew.

[@mattmentzer8610]

Nothing from the manufacturer who made the choice? Interesting position. CO detectors are after all quite common if that is the actual concern. Should be easy to show a reference at least for your statement.

[@ScullCandy56]

@@mattmentzer8610 Mr. Buddy heaters do produce a decent amount of CO... should probably google that.

[@darrenjones5885]

I’m in the UK. Mountain Equipment was started in a cowshed on the hill I live on. I used to be able to get pretty much anything from the factory shop at bargain prices. I moved from down to synthetic for general use as its far more convenient to wash. I can drop stuff off at the laundry and not worry about it. Down is fantastic but needs proper care so I avoid it when space and weight are not an issue.

[@OYET-te2jn]

As for water, I installed two 10g tanks under my truck where spare used to be. Have a tank heater pad (12v) , small pressure tank, and spigot on bumper. Game changer. Just filter water in with my Milwaukee 18v transfer pump and filter set. Great video!

[@k-mac5511]

That’s a good idea. I’m curious tho.. Why no spare tire? What will you do if a tire gets damaged while your on the highway or in the boonies?

[@nrs91]

the sleeping roll mat is handy for crawling under vehicles to do repairs on the trail

[@LuaiADV]

How far you’ve gone with this channel is amazing Brad! I feel like I personally know you. So crazy! Love the content! Thumbs up before watching. It’s going to be good 👍

[@dirtycommtroop]

When the wife doesnt come I leave most of my crap at home. I went camping last weekend and all i brought was a cooler, stove, chair, and a canvas bedroll. Inside my bedroll is a thermarest air pad, 40 deg sleeping bag, and wool blanket. I slept right on the ground and watched the stars!

[@jeffdunehew]

The buddy heater issue - you have to hold the prime switch down (the main knob) for around 15 seconds. Then let it go and push it down again to ignite and 95% of the time that will light right away.

[@andrewmanzanares1445]

I have been watching your videos for around 2+ yrs now, holy cow you are up to almost 500k subscribers!! That is unreal!! Props to you Brad!! Love your videos always! Glad you took a chance and went full time on your channel!! God bless!! Great video!!

[@MarcelloGTorres]

Excellent content specially coming from actual, first-person experience with the items mentioned. Thank you sir, and keep up the good work!

[@gearlist]

Great video Brad, always enjoy these detailed overviews. Video idea - maybe a similar video for your 392 build (e.g. why you're not currently running a roof rack, mods, etc.)?

[@Michael_Tran]

Love the gears break down...glad you gave us some informative and hands on experience with these camping gears.

[@sandralutz-rodriguez2864]

love this Brad, really interesting to see the evolution of your gear.

[@gowestoldman4648]

Great video! It goes to show that just because gear is great does not mean it's great for everyone. BTW, those "disposable" water jugs are cheap, light weight, easy to handle, and indefinitely reusable. Four fit well into an old milk crate, and mine are almost 5 years old now!

[@TrailRecon]

Everyone needs to figure out what works best for their individual needs. That’s the cool thing about all the gear…there are plenty of choices to customize your setup so you can enjoy your adventures.

[@jimbeam7160]

@@TrailRecon Don't take this the wrong way but...I noticed the people on this podcast are all gear nerds. They love to have gear, test gear, and most of all.....pray for more gear. I'm amazed at just how rich and decadent Americans are when they have too much money to throw at gear. We are a consumer nation. We shop. We have too much money. Even more disturbing is that old gear (perfectly good) has been replaced with MORE GEAR that's better? Is this insane or is this what car camping does to relatively sane people: they become shoppers and gear nerds? I'm wondering if the gear makes the outdoors.....better? What would happen if you barely had enough for cheap food and gasoline? Would you still travel on gravel roads? Would you still be surprised and energized by natural surroundings that are exciting? We do need so much gear? Other gearheads are military (especially tactical or special forces) and cops. They've all been deluded into thinking that these expensive fetishes are some how powerful and reduces fear. Gear is a fetish. What is a fetish? Sadly, the millenials know....they won't ever achieve anything remotely close to the affluence-buying power-fat that their precessors enjoyed. And if they did........they'd buy stuff and fill their homes with impotent fetishes of power. One thing about poverty, it forces you to improvise and NOT complain about gear that isn't up to snuff. Again......I've always liked this podcast. And it's good to see a decent person share is hobby. And, if I've been negative, don't bother being influenced because "there's always more gear" being marketed.

[@akashakyle4986]

@@jimbeam7160 one way to view it is once you have good gear it lasts waaaay longer than poor utility gear. good gear doesnt end up in a land fill. it gets re sold or donated. your kit is your home and keeps you looked after on the trail. hig quality gear actually permits you t practice minimalism in my opinion. happy travels.

[@jeffgonzalez3872]

Really appreciate this video. I too have recently gone through the exercise of "What do I not need anymore" just like you have. It's healthy to move on from the old overlanding tools. I stopped taking my REI Lounger that I sleep on in the back of my truck. The Thermarest options are the way to go :) .

[@adventureswithgnomie6553]

Get a small UV Light purification system for your river water. We have filtered lake & river water - yeah ended up sick and will never be without a UV Light purification system again.

[@joshleal9811]

I think everything depends on your situation, space and budget. Also, how often and how far you going.. So Brad, if you are not longer using some of that equipment, maybe I can have a good use for them. Just saying. 😉👍👍

[@Propelled]

Wiggy’s sleeping bags. Seriously amazing. Klymit pads. Great even for side sleepers!

[@davidcooper3957]

I can’t go camping without my LLbean plaid camp pillow. Love it so much my whole family has one that they use in their house beds. They are especially good when hammock camping. Love the show we have been watching for years

[@joetarlos]

I love your videos and can understand the importance of having more space. Have you ever done a detailed video on your options (build) and aftermarket accessories that you've put on since buying your jeep and trailer??? I think you have a great well thought out setup for 4-wheeling and camping...

[@garykarczewski6678]

Thanks Brad, Admire this channel, fun expeditions, and vehicle and gear reports!

[@toddhoffmaster6057]

Great explanations on all your no longer used items. My wife likes the Buddy Heater, but we have now changed over to the electric blanket. Small and easy to store then just plug it into the battery generator and adjust to desired temperature and there you go.

[@yondaimehokage2281]

For stainless-steel pans, you can use a couple drops of soap, a handful of pebble/sand, and just enough water to cover the surface and it'll scrub away anything.

[@wardperozuk2288]

Thanks for the update Brad! As far as the buddy heater and ice fishing, we’ll tale you ice fishing up here but no buddy heater required. Wood stove, some cooking gear and nice and warm! Cheers.

[@Silverback_GMT410]

Man the not carrying batteries was one of the first changes in my set up! As a kid I hated battery powered things as I had to run down to the corner store and buy the cheapest batteries. Now my head torch is the only thing that uses AAA though I got some rechargeable ones.

[@campNcrawlR]

Great video man! Many of the same progressions I’ve made over the years. It’s good to do thorough inventory/clean out a few times a year to shed unnecessary weight. It’s amazing how quickly things accumulate.

[@jeepventures619]

Thanks for all the tips! Only the necessities... I will implement on my next camping trip.

[@scottca9780]

If you take that huge blue foam pad and cut it up, with a bit of duct tape, you can make an insulating sleeve for that big blue water can (it's even the same color). That's what I used to do to my Nalgene bottle for snow camping to stop it freezing overnight.

[@peterpiper487]

I've known people who've gone camping without any of that stuff. They take along: a flint for making a fire, a hand saw for cutting wood, something to sleep on or in, depending on the weather, some food and water some eating utensils, a rechargeable head lamp and a tent. They go to sleep when the sun goes down and forget about lanterns and all the rest of the junk that people bring with them. And they don't seem to be any worse for the wear. Camping has become BIG BUSINESS for camping stores!

[@Nessal83]

Yup

[@outbackeddie]

I quit hardcore camping like that a long time ago. I like to be comfortable when I camp. I even took a power station and a small flat-screen TV on my last camping trip. I watched a movie and had popcorn and a glass of wine in my tent. And no - there were no bears in this area to worry about. The only thing I forgot to bring was a butler.

[@davelandefeld]

to much stuff.

[@FLYBOY123456789]

Early - pup tent...then Marines...then backpacking...then car camping...now...the Ritz with buffet breakfast and happy hour. Great video - appreciate your service, especially your MOS...thank you.

[@abcsandoval]

everything made sense. I started paring down my gear the other day. So many 'trophies' just hanging on the wall that I will never use again. You have to be honest with yourself. Been through this before; 20 yrs ago in my 40's when I admitted my climbing years were long gone. They served their use. On to another adventure & life. Every so often, we have to take stock of ourselves and be ready to say goodbye to things that hold so many memories we wanted to recreate but were slated only for their time.

[@kebob2150]

100% agree with not using plastic water bottles anymore. I will filter water into stainless or reusable poly containers instead of buying and disposing water bottles. Great list, Brad.

[@mithrandir133]

learn the hard way or the TrailRecon way!! thanks for sharing the wisdom and experience!!

[@h2overlanding35]

top notch as usual. you have influenced a lot of my past purchases and I have parked some of the same items on my shelves. Live and learn....

[@stevecoscia]

My old Buddy Heater has the same nozzle-clogging issue - very annoying on cold mornings. I gave it away and bought a Coleman catalytic heater - much better. Informative video - thanks.

[@caseysimpson1806]

Right there with you on the sporks. I still tent camp, but am in the process of revising my primitive gear. SF

[@davevincent222]

Federal Wildland Firefighter. We used to have Paper Sleeping bags way back. Great Job Brad!

[@akashakyle4986]

i wont knock hammock sleeping either tried that this year- amazing! thanks for all the great reviews.

[@DrXtoph]

Wonderful content and presentation! Love your work

[@northwestitude]

This video was so helpful and insightful!

[@CJ-rk5eg]

Thank you for your voice of experience on all these products!

[@OGradyGer]

this is a scammer. ignore him. Not the real OP

[@brads.3674]

Always fun to talk about what gear and why (and why not). I think we all have a pile of "good gear we don't carry anymore" so, it's fun to hear other peoples' thoughts and what and why. The down vs synthetic sleeping bag is a particularly difficult one, for me at least. Both options have so many really compelling pros and few cons. I still prefer synthetic...it can be washed and dried in the home laundry machines and, I seem to be allergic to down. Interesting thoughts on stainless steel...I quit using non-stick and use only stainless (and even some cast iron) on road trips and titanium when backpacking precisely because non-stick does not wear well. Idea for a future video...maybe, you could talk about your transition from backpacking to overlanding? Thanks for another great video. safe travels.

[@Jeff-jg7jh]

My girlfriend uses Stainless (no camping). She told me, you won't like it. She was right. I use non stick and you have to experiment with some of them to find ones that hold up. I have a fry pan now that was made in Italy and looks lumpy. So far so good. Batteries. Yikes what a mess. I bought one rechargable flashlight and I like it a lot. I just can't see buying expensive batts and throwing them out. I am going to switch completely to chargeable. There's a lot of cool tech stuff these days that is practical. I got rid of the old fuel Coleman stove years ago, but I kept it for a long time because it was what I grew up with.

[@manonarcand2146]

I appreciate the process of items not used to now used and reasons for switch. Im completing a bugout bag and my items list for van camping and motorhome. Thx for input :)

[@TrailRecon]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kevinshackleton5295]

Great video, much appreciated. Several pieces you reviewed I was considering purchasing. Thank you. Semper Fi.

[@lancet.346]

Great video! Kinda validates a lot of the decisions I've made regarding my gear. P.S. Semper Fi, Doc.

[@Pinetree282]

Those blue foam pads have dozens of uses! Any time you want to insulate yourself from cold. A small, light weight, sitting pad that will even block wetness. Just hook it to your pack or belt loop. Stand on it to increase how warm your boots feel. During a very cold outdoor tracking class with lots of standing around listening, I would just drop it and stand on it. Pick it up and go to the next spot. The best thing, though, is to cut a toilet seat warmer! Cut the oval, remove the center, and put on any cold toilet seat. I can go in an unheated building at -11F degrees and feel nothing but warmth on my backside. Cushy too! The softer closed cell pads are better for bare skin.

[@flynbenny]

The foam pad is also nice for when you have to work under a vehicle in the dirt and rocks

[@CombatMosquitoTrainer]

Very interesting. Thanks

[@Pinetree282]

Thanks Ian! And yes, a piece in the car is great for any needed work done - intentional or emergency. Another thing I do with old blue pads is sew a “pocket” on the inside of any pants I often kneel in - so it lines up with my knees when kneeling: outdoor shell pants, old gardening pants, chore pants, etc. Then put a small (say 5” square) of blue foam in each “pocket” and freely kneel - like a kid! Way more comfortable than outer knee pads too. Can take them out before washing. Or if you won’t be kneeling much that day. These old blue pads you can pick up cheap have a 100 different uses. Anytime you need extra warmth or padding. The thing they work least well is for sleeping on the ground. Lol. (But way better than bare dirt!)

[@CombatMosquitoTrainer]

@@Pinetree282 I use a really thick blue offcut from the local rubber shop whenever I was nailing the boards on a deck. I even gouge out a hole between my knees to hold a box of nails and chisel and a another gouge for the hammer on the RHS. You just push or kick the whole assembly from point to point, saves time and knees. But I never thought about it's camping uses you mentioned so thanks again. Edit: On the big commercial decks I would see the young fellows either eyeing off or scoffing my blue foam tool holder, but a week later they'd show up with their own. Hahaha

[@jasonm4695]

Great reviews and thoughts. Thanks.

[@1a1u0g9t4s2u]

Things I no longer take along on a trip...stress from work, I am now retired. Things I do bring, my wife, fishing pole (when near a fishing spot), camping table and chairs to have a nice place to eat dinner with my wife and a bottle of wine.

[@SquawkCode]

I really appreciate your camping gear videos. Have a great trip to Colorado.

[@heathdelzell9547]

Agree on the pillows! Full size are a must!

[@MrHocotateFreight]

I'm narrowing down a list of gear to load out a home-made popup motorcycle camper, and each of these videos I find narrows down My list, and makes the project more feasible. Thanks for the info!

[@UTADV]

Time and experience are the best filters in tuning your gear, which you demonstrate well with this clip. Comfort, warmth and protection along with reducing one's camping footprint all well worth the investment and time.

[@fmxman1564]

thanks for the tips i’ll definitely be adding a few!

[@rubiconadventurewithscotty3258]

I truly depend on TR to present all such equipment for review and appreciate the honesty as I use TR to select/or not gear to take. I bought the TR GSI Kitchen kit for its minimalist approach while providing organization in a single grab pouch and that is my forward looking goal. I am now seeking "Less is More" for my trail gear - Thx Again

[@obikedog]

I'm so glad you didn't say that Dometic jug was a thing you didn't take! I bought a couple last year and love them, even without the faucet which I've been strongly considering. They are great for filling up a hydration bladder quickly, super durable and most important, leak proof. I haven't done sleeping bags for a good ten years now. A quilt with a good R-value pad is all I need even down to sub-zero temps. One thing about down is it will not get wet from a few days out if it is taken care of. Most of them have good DWR coatings to shed water for a time. For truck camping I love my big-*ss Exped mattress. I would never bring a pad/mattress without a fan/blower/inflator. They are super light and make inflation a joy.

[@MountainManFred]

Great info! Thx...and thanks for serving Master Chief! I was AE-2.. NAS North Island

[@cliffmorgan31]

Down is GREAT for backpacking! For very cold CAR camping, nothing beats Wiggy’s bags and warmies. Expensive, and bulky, but awesome.

[@campinkook]

Amen to Wiggy’s,

[@NotSoSuave]

Good video. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@undergroundexplorersoverland]

This video offers an interesting perspective on different strokes for different folks. We use a Chinese Diesel heater most of the time now but some of us still use the Buddy heater. Good gear counts for a lot but it doesn't alleviate the cold when you're getting into or out of bed. We often camp in below freezing temperatures and getting into bed when the temperature in the tent is 70 degrees is a heck of a lot better than when it's 20 degrees, especially if you've gotten cold hanging out beforehand. Most of also still use synthetic sleeping bags even though we own down as well. Bulk usually isn't an issue when car camping and a good synthetic bag can be just as warm as a down bag for a fraction of the price. When camping in most rooftop tents the bulk matters even less (and yes, we have full size pillows too). The sleeping pad is key as you've noted but even with a down bag you still need insulation from the ground. We still use one gallon water jugs for drinking water. Four fit great in the passenger side footwell of most vehicles inside a standard milk crate. For utility water we use the seven gallon Aquatainer and a cleaned laundry detergent container with spout for washing hands and cleaning dishes. For chairs, we're all in on the GCI Roadtrip Rocker. Comfortable and compact.

[@TheRoadTaken]

The laundry detergent container with spout for washing hands is a great idea!

[@woodman9505]

Yes I think the laundry detergent jug is a great idea and we all have one of those sitting a round

[@Harry-zz2oh]

@@woodman9505 I have six or seven. I use them to hold the used oil from the oil changes on my three vehicles. (two Jeeps and a F350 crew cab.)

[@bobvandersluis2503]

Take your blue, thin, old, sleeping pad and put it under your current pad in the roof top tent. It helps and you will always have a extra to lend to a friend that wasn't prepared.

[@rickcorlett]

Great video! We have three Action Packers full of camping gear we no longer use. Some things we haven’t touched in 10+ years.

[@Donnut123]

Brad, I used a thermarest for years, then I switched to Nemo's air pad with built in foot pump. Game changer for me. It's insulated and good down to about 30º, although I have taken it Klondike camping in sub-zero weather. Of course now that I have a baby, my wife pulls a Forest River 17BHS Travel Trailer with her Gladiator, and he have a house on wheels!

[@jerryobrien]

In the Boy Scouts, we cleaned the Stainless steel with sand from a near by wash. Then rinse out and dry, and pack away. Very easy. Hardly any water.

[@TrailRecon]

Great tip!

[@jerryobrien]

@@TrailRecon It is. And you could just wipe it off with water at all. Or just a moist paper towel.

[@chuckrf1502]

I use baking soda and water - boil it for a minute and the frying pan is like new. No scrubbing necessary.

[@rxmonkey5946]

Very informative! Still loving the channel and appreciate your videos!

[@rxmonkey5946]

Do people really fall for these spam fake accounts???

[@wildandloudmama]

Oh wow. I always wanted a down sleeping bag but I have terrible allergies and always assumed I couldn’t use them. Love the water and utensil set. Great video.

[@blain5827]

The continues compression of down has the same affect, that’s why they usually come with a loose bag for storage

[@daviddyogi8279]

wow good to know, thanks Brad!!,...now i need to check my stuff on what else i dont need to take,..

[@jaymcglasson7661]

That's why you go to the Army Surplus Store to get a mummy bag they are very cost-efficient or you being retired Navy you can still go to the PX and pick one up

[@evanselaban7058]

Thx for this video very informative and helpful

[@thehappyhermit01]

When camping in the AZ Outback, I use a rechargeable lantern but always use have a quality flashlight that uses regular batteries. Always start with fresh batteries and have never had an issue with them dying on me. Of course, I always bring along extra batteries, just in case I find a cave or mine I need to explore. Great content, my man!

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello 👋 my outdoors friend, thank you for sharing this informative video. You did a great job in presenting the information. All the best to you. Stay safe out there. 🤗

[@maybelline888]

I love my Mondo sleeping pad, it was well worth the money and a total game changer. I also purchased the little battery powered pump for it- which makes me love the Mondo even more.

[@wheel1775]

You might want to try it with just ambient pressure. I thought I wanted a firmer pad, but I feel like a slept better when the pad just inflated on its own.

[@jonathanward3268]

cool Def Leppard album in the background! and cool video!

[@overlandcamping]

Good tips from you! We always take too much stuff with us that we never use or don't need. Especially the idea with the batteries. I wouldn't have thought of it without you. The goal must be to travel as light as possible. Greetings from Sweden 🇸🇪

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! Now if I can just get my wife onboard with less is more! 😂

[@victordragano8863]

Keep an eye on the back rest pole pockets at the rear seat of the Star Gazer. I had two new chairs which started wearing through within about 6 hours of use. When I returned them to REI, the customer service rep said they had been getting many returned for that reason. The little pocket is a loose-weave nylon webbing, and it should be a Hypalon pocket to resist the poles poking through the material. I personally didn't like the arm rest set up and the way the chair squeezed in at the sides. Arm position always felt awkward. I'm still looking for a good chair! Cheers!

[@akashakyle4986]

maybe look at helinox sunst its pretty comfy. i love my stargazer-i throw a sheepskin on it

[@BlackthornBetty]

After overlanding for a year I agree you pick and choose what you let take up space. Comfort usually takes precedent. I agree with this list. Especially the only having rechargeable equipment. I bought a really nice 12v electric blanket off of Amazon for maybe $30. It would be just enough warmth to keep your tank from freezing in the winter.

[@scottymac5174]

I recently bought a rechargeable Coleman air pump that I use with my Thermarest. It inflates the pad in minutes. The plus side is it can also deflate your pad just as quickly to make it easy to pack up. Rechargeable off of a power source like a Jackery.

[@dontask7898]

Flextail air pump, on anazon.

[@k3h7d8u2]

I got a thermarest Exped megamat 10 for winter a few years ago. Best decision I've ever made.

[@JOB1925pk]

Stainless steel is actually very easy to clean provided you get water in the pan while it's still hot...don't wait until it cools down.

[@oscarsylvia]

Love my state of Colorado! So much to do, weather is great, and it will test you and your gear!

[@TrailRecon]

Definitely one of my favorite places!

[@davidyeats6609]

I noticed your Def Leppard poster on the wall. ATA boy 💪😎 80’s rock 😂😂😂

[@citizenpark2782]

Another great, informative video ❤️

[@bobbysnow5478]

Thanks for the video! I now have “tonage” of gear that I now no longer use since I moved from a tent trailer to an adventure van, and I don’t bring everything I own with me! Light is right!

[@tfeltmat2903]

At home we use an AquaTru countertop RO filtration system. Before we embark on a camping trip, we filter enough water to completely fill up our Dometic water can, so we get clean, pure water for drinking and cooking. We really love it!

[@madman432000]

garage sale time!!! I'm surprised you're not using a military mess kit, works good for car camping, includes full size knife fork and spoon.

[@ThePinoyAggie]

What I have and favorites - A Dometic water jug and faucet, and the Nemo Stargazer chair.

[@donlum9128]

I had a friend freeze to death in a down sleeping bag because it got soaked. Other friend survived in synthetic bag. Incident occurred decades ago near Donner Summit. Both men were in excellent physical shape. In perfect world down is nice. Lord forbid you crash your vehicle and you are in survival mode I wouldn't want down.

[@BryanJohnson-mn9ed]

I'm a winter backpacker, my down jacket and down sleeping bag are my core insulation components. They work great! Number one rule, keep them both dry at all times. It's just about knowing what you have and how to use it properly.

[@stevej7139]

Great video , lots of good info there ! I still have my backpacking gear even though since I got back into a real 4 wheel drive (sold the Subaru and bought a 4Runner) I haven't been backpacking though there are some backpacking trips I still want to do . Good thing I built a 12'X16' shed a few years ago and about 25% of the space being used is camping gear but that included my daughters family of 4 plus my stuff . I might have to look into that hammock chair though , it looks pretty sweet . As for water I've been using reusable pretty much all along and I have a couple filter systems one for backpacking and one for normal camping so bottled water is something I rarely buy , pretty much trips across the country is the only time I buy bottled water these days and even then I don't start out with bottled water .

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you for watching and sharing what works for your camping trips!

[@explore_off_road]

I like your comment on the larger things, "I have a Jeep, I don't care." That's what we (my wife and i) think. We aren't back packing, we have much more space. Ya, I still get some backpacking and mountaineering stuff cuz of its compact size and weather ratings ... I still love ground tenting... so we have a queen size Coleman blow up mattress... AND proper pillows from home. We agree with Regina. Hee hee Also, your cookware... definately agree with ya there... and again designed from backpacking. But my thought is,... most people that stuff will last forever, because many don't go out as much as you, I'm sure. So nonstick may in fact last them for YEARS! Just don't use metal utensils and it last forever.

[@aaronfuentes5919]

Take it one step further and go "ultra non stick". At home& on the road. Not very lightweight, but I don't use butter or oils, no clean up, & lasts waaay longer. I use zyliss brand, but I think 'foodie' & a few other brands make ULTRA non stick.... Another hot tip, camping stools make great foot rests & easier to use for camp chores or fishing. Think about it.

[@geryrig]

Thanks for the information! Totally agree with using only rechargeable batteries. You used to use a water container that was black and had a hose attached. What happened to it?

[@fscottgray9784]

I just bought a thermarest and I agree that it is great. I personally like a cotton or flannel lined sleeping bag vs. the nylon shell units. Your suggestions are all spot on and full of great information. As you get older you will find a higher seated chair is a great camp tool.

[@henrycarlson7514]

Interesting , Thank You . I haven't been camping for years . still good to know

[@DougHittle]

For an alternate heating option, try a UCO candleier lantern. The 3 candle one puts out 5000 BTUs of heat and you could let it burn all night. Don't need to worry about fumes, it removes any condensation from your tent and provides a nice ambient light for the night. Hang it from then tent ceiling and its all safe with its glass enclosure.

[@smaxvarese3518]

We used these mountaineering in the day and I’m here to say yep, these were great even at altitude. Now that I live a more “normal” lifestyle, we still use them. Good post.