Wild Camping Gear Update | Sleep System Evolution | Big Agnes Rapide SL | Mats, Bags and Pillows

Wild Camping Gear Update | Sleep System Evolution | Big Agnes Rapide SL | Mats, Bags and Pillows
In this video, I discuss the evolution of my wild camping sleep system including sleeping mats, sleeping bags and pillows. What did I start with? What am I currently using? What worked well and what needed improving?
Sleep System
Mats
Trekology Aluft UL80
Trinordic Ultralight Sleeping Mat
Forclaz Decathlon 700 Ultra Compact
Big Agnes Rapide SL
Sleeping Bags
Berghaus Transition 200C
OEX Fathom EV300
OEX Leviathan EV900 Duck Down
Pillows
Trekology Aluft Pillow 2.0
Trekology Aluft Deluxe
Eurohike Pillow
Decathlon Memory Foam Pillow
Pump - Flextail Tiny Pump 2X
Music
Music track: Crashing Tides by shandr
Source: freetouse.com/...
Copyright Free Background Music
#wildcampinggear #bigagnes #oexbobcat

[@tonybambino1445]

I got the big agnes! It's really comfy although I have only tested it at 13°C(55.4 F) with a wool blanket and I was toasty as hell

[@HikingForHealth1]

Nice one. Fingers crossed it’ll do well in some colder conditions 🤞🏼 Thanks for watching.

[@craoutdoors6827]

Does the leviathan compress down into your rucksack well?. I recommend looking at wild country and terra nova tents they have a lot of choice and varying weights. I m after an under 2kg 2 man tent because i take the dog with me most times, i use the 2 man banshee now which is decent but is about 2.4kg on top of carrying mine and the dogs stuff it can be hard work 🤣

[@HikingForHealth1]

It does. It comes with a compression bag and it ends up being tiny. I know others just put it in the rucksack to fill the spaces but I’d worry about it getting a tear or something. I needed up going for the Banshee 300 for a bit more headroom and width. But more weight though. Thanks for the recommendations! Appreciated. Thanks for watching! 😀 All the best.

[@art-attack]

Been on a similar journey. Ended up buying the Big Agnus yesterday following this review plus others. Now I need to upgrade my sleeping bag. Considering getting the Mountain Equipment Helium 800 GT. great review. Thanks for your step by step guidance.

[@HikingForHealth1]

You’re welcome and I’m glad it helped. I must admit, I do like my OeX Leviathan 900 but I find it twists with me when I’m in it which frustrating. Could have done with it being a little wider in the fit at the shoulders. I can open it up and use it as a bit of a quilt. I like the look of the Sierra Designs quilt/sleeping bag hybrid. All the best.

[@EdwardHurst2323]

Surely sleeping on the side of the tent it will leak water in from the condensation of the outer flysheet

[@HikingForHealth1]

Aye, the Bobcat is a cosy tent but not had that happen with about ten outings in it. Has happened in other tents tho.

[@SoloSarahBX]

Hi Gav! Great video, I like that you show how the sleep system has developed, good idea, especially as a new camper myself. I have the trinordic, it’s what I first used on Derwent Edge back in June. I have just purchased the Big Agnes’s Rapide and your video was one of many that I watched to research its look and functionality. So thank you ☺️ As well as this I’ve watched some longer term reviews from various sources . Maybe I’ll do a review of it myself as I have bought the short version. I’m hoping that it will perform better than my Rab mat which failed on my last camp. I’ve also swapped out my OEX bag for the Sierra designs cloud 20z I’m sure it weighs something like 850g! That’s important for me as I pack in extra stuff such as more layers, down gear and better food for winter, I’ve also added a bivvy bag to protect my sleep system from any wetness within the tent. It also adds some warmth in the snow ❄️ flextail pump for the WIN! Best wishes, Sarah

[@HikingForHealth1]

I do like the look of that Sierra Designs half and half. Hope all works out with the Big Agnes. I’m looking forward to testing it out eventually. The Trinordic is a great little mat for the price. Hoping it lasts. Hope all is well and thanks for watching 😀👍🏻🏕️

[@davidhudson7590]

I've done the same had no idea on weight and makes I'd never heard of 🤣couple grand wasted later I now get half decent gear not high end but middle road ISH and also wish sombody had told me first been cheaper 😢the trekolagy biggest Chinese crap ever I dropped a trekking pole handle broke the ul 140 looked great but lasted 2 hours n was down o pillow was joke get same Poundland for 1 quid 😂

[@HikingForHealth1]

I looked at the UL140. Looked really comfortable but most of the reviews said it leaked air within weeks of buying one so I didn’t bother. The memory foam pillow is one of my favourite bits of kit.

[@MisterTeach]

Just appeared on my feed. What a great channel, mate! Been a long time since nipping in and out each others houses for panini swaps!

[@HikingForHealth1]

Hey, thanks for watching. What year panini are we talking about? 😂😀

[@MisterTeach]

@@HikingForHealth1 South Africa 2010! Sadly, the last album I completed! Love the wild camping videos. Definitely something I'm planning to try this summer. 👍

[@HikingForHealth1]

@@MisterTeach aha! This has got to be Mr Rich! How are you bud? Hope you’re all well!

[@MisterTeach]

@@HikingForHealth1 Indeed! Not too bad, thanks. Same to you! I'll have to look you up on Facebook, mate. I subscribed too. Love the chilled vibe, and you certainly seem to know your stuff! 👍

[@HikingForHealth1]

@@MisterTeach That’ll be good mate. 👍🏻

[@RetroRewind77]

Very good Information dude love how you explained it all giving us a take on the differences even if it was just a slight upgrade but a worthy one

[@HikingForHealth1]

I enjoyed creating the video Clint. Was good fun - cold though! Hoping the new set up will be 👍🏻. Looking forward to testing it out.

[@Poizenth3well]

Awesome video! I’ve been scouting a perfect pad for some time now and now I have my choice, thanks so much!

[@HikingForHealth1]

I’m glad it helped! All the best. I’ve used it a lot more since and it is awesome.

[@LegoStarWarsCollector_7567]

Smashing video

[@HikingForHealth1]

Thanks

[@gregoryoutdoors]

Hi, interesting video. I also started with similar and very cheap gear which I regretted after first night camping when I froze my ass haha After over 2 years settled on the same Rapide SL, Alpkit Pipedream 600(winter) and awesome quilt from Aliexpress with 500g of 800fp down for other 3 seasons, X-Mid solid 1, Gregory Focal 58 as backpack...and many many more gear and stuff but that all main ones. Learning and changing gear is an adventure itself lol take quite a while to have a dream setup for everything. ATB

[@HikingForHealth1]

The Alpkit Pipedream seems to be very popular amongst outdoors folk and that XMid is a good tent! It’s all good fun chasing the gear, testing it out and seeing what’s right for you. Thanks for watching and all the best! 😀

[@gregoryoutdoors]

@@HikingForHealth1 yeah, its near impossible to have 1 good gear only to use all the time, its usually 2 or 3 of something, depends on the weather and time of the year, im only doing long distance multi day hikes so its also hard to pick what to take, the need to be kinda light as well lol

[@HikingForHealth1]

@@gregoryoutdoors It seems the weight adds up quickly even when using the basics.

[@titanicicaproduction]

This vid was great, well presented and very informative. Kit reviews are invaluable. Thank you for this comtent and im sure your channel will grow very quickly 👍

[@HikingForHealth1]

Thanks for watching. I’m glad it was helpful. All the best! 🙂

[@kjh6395]

Have you found the Big Agnes to be warm enough for below freezing temps?

[@HikingForHealth1]

Sure is. Fantastic purchase. I double up with a foil mat under too.

[@kjh6395]

@@HikingForHealth1 thanks for the insight!

[@HikingForHealth1]

@kjh6395 no worries. Hope it helps.

[@kjh6395]

@@HikingForHealth1 I just bought one and I heard mixed reviews about the warmth. I live in Florida so I can’t test it out in the cold until I leave for a trip, the comfort is great though!

[@HikingForHealth1]

@kjh6395 my latest wildcamps feature the mat. One was in -2. Had a mat that was r value of 1.8 in -4 and that was cold. But the big Agnes at r value of 4.8 was great.

[@DazzOutdoors-UK1]

I like ur comment the journey which we all begin then keep upgrading 😎

[@HikingForHealth1]

Absolutely. I haven’t had a new sleeping bag long and I’m already looking at quilts. 🤦🏻 all the best and thanks for watching. 😀

[@23Gears]

I have the Trinordic and have been happy with it. I have used ut in minus temps a couple of times includibg a night with -9C pairer with a sleeping bag with -10C comfortable temp. It worked fine. I'm sure an insulated mat would be better, but the Trinordic is so light and compact it suits me just fine.

[@23Gears]

I should add I'm a bikepacker, so weight and pack size are important

[@HikingForHealth1]

Yeah, it was a good find for an Amazon buy. I really like it as it seems to disperse the weight well. Used it loads and always stays inflated. Fingers crossed it will continue. All the best and thanks for watching. 😀

[@alexwoodhall8617]

That wide big agnes pad is absolutely spot on in this tent! What a perfect fit. Wish id have bought the wide version now.

[@HikingForHealth1]

It’s a great sleeping mat. Thanks for the nudge to buy it! 😀

[@stewartmeetball3417]

Great channel youve got here

[@HikingForHealth1]

Thanks, very much appreciated! 😀 All the best.

[@stewartmeetball3417]

@@HikingForHealth1 ive watched a couple of your videos now and mate love the enthusiasm for the camping

[@HikingForHealth1]

@stewartmeetball3417 nice one. It’s a bit of an addictive hobby. Worth it for when you’re stood in front of an epic sunrise with an amazing view coffee in hand.

[@AndrewWaltersuk]

Interesting video and thanks for the depth of info. This kind of stuff helps us nubes like me not make the same mistakes.

[@HikingForHealth1]

You’re welcome. Hope it helps 😀

[@CraigDroneAdventures]

Great advice. thanks for sharing your review. i have subscribed for more :D

[@HikingForHealth1]

No probs, hope it helped. All the best! 😀

[@HikingForHealth1]

Thanks for the sub 👍🏻

[@CraigDroneAdventures]

100% @@HikingForHealth1

[@Moffatmountainadventures]

I’m big on that decathlon pillow. I use that and a sea to summit blow up one.

[@HikingForHealth1]

Yeah it’s great. One of my favourite purchases I’d say. And worth the weight definitely. An integral bit of kit! How are you? I see you’ve got a new video scheduled.

[@Phil.Oakley]

You just sometimes have to buy other things to reach the goal of getting what you need. Like you said a journey! I use the forclaz pad a lot in warm weather and it's lasted a few years now. My insulated pad is another decathlon purchase but to be honest it's not that comfy.

[@HikingForHealth1]

It’s all good fun eh! If someone handed you the perfect kit right at the start you maybe wouldn’t appreciate it. It’s all in the chase. Hope you’re well! 😀

[@acasualhikersguide667]

Lovely video, enjoyed watching your process! Really shows it's worth experimenting to find out what's right for you!

[@HikingForHealth1]

Thanks for commenting. Hoping I’ve got a good combination of mat and bag to combat the cold. Looking forward to testing it all out. All the best. 😀

[@acasualhikersguide667]

@HikingForHealth1 we had this with Kerry, her sleep system was pieced together with a mat that had no r value and a former sleeping bag of mine with a comfort rating of 5 degrees. We camped in the summer but it was am oddly cold night and the temps dropped right down. I was perfectly fine but she was freezing! Recently purchased the same big anges mat as yourself and also bought her a sleeping bag with a comfort rating of -7 (for women because I recently discovered the comfort ratings are different for men and women!). Great video.

[@HikingForHealth1]

@@acasualhikersguide667 I’m sure she will really appreciate that. It can really get cold in the middle of the night when the air inside the mat has had time to cool. I bought some thermals off Amazon called Nooyme that are really good. Worth a look.

[@acasualhikersguide667]

@@HikingForHealth1 I will check those out! Thank you

[@bernardscott1783]

Good practical review mate 👍

[@HikingForHealth1]

Thanks for watching. Think I might have found the sweet spot. Looking forward to testing it out on the next camp.

[@rubyyu9724]

Fantastic video! 👍

[@HikingForHealth1]

Thanks for watching. Hope it helped a little. It was fun making it. All the best 👍🏻

[@DaveGoodman1959]

Interesting Gav and your current winter gear looks great. 🏕️

[@HikingForHealth1]

Thanks for watching Dave. I’m pleased with the current set up and looking forward to testing the new mat out. Hope you’re well and enjoying life!

[@daveandemmaoutdoors3171]

Have the same big agnes 👌.

[@HikingForHealth1]

Looking forward to using it soon! Hoping it will make a big difference. 😊

[@daveandemmaoutdoors3171]

@@HikingForHealth1 it did for me , so cosy and comfortable . You can feel the heat coming back at you. Well impressed

[@PhilWaud]

Fascinating record of your camping journey Gav. I think everyone knows that they should just fork out the money and invest in a decent bag and mat, but they are so expensive. My current bag is decent but its synthetic so its huge and heavy. I add a closed cell foam mat and foil mat which I find makes a big difference. I dont know how you cope in that tent, absolutely no spare space! I often take my dog so I appreciate the Bobcat's big brother, the Rakoon. Im not sure what I will get next though, Id like a Lanshan, but Im also experimenting with bivvy and tarp set ups. Thanks for another great video!

[@HikingForHealth1]

Thanks for your comment Phil. It’s certainly taken a while to develop the system and not always easy to get ideally what you want straight away. The Bobcat is a cool tent. The whole side opens up so you can lean out onto the large vestibule. It’s not for everyone but quite a funky little tent. I’m looking into new tents too and will hopefully get one in the spring/summer. Hoping the sleep set up will last a while now in a range of conditions. All the best! 😀

[@PhilWaud]

@@HikingForHealth1 What are your main criteria for a new tent?

[@HikingForHealth1]

@@PhilWaud would like something similar to the Banshee 300 but with more head room. Thinking about the Helm compact 2.

[@PhilWaud]

@@HikingForHealth1 nice tent. I'm 💬 thinking ultralight, maybe durston xmid but we will see. Going to have a look at the outdoor show in march.

[@zogzog6611]

Great video! Super-informative. Many thanks!

[@HikingForHealth1]

Glad it helped! All the best 😀

[@walkandcamp]

Great video, cheers. We are all on a seemingly never ending journey with our gear upgrades. ATB mate.

[@HikingForHealth1]

Thanks for taking the time to comment. I’ve had a look at your website too 👍🏻😀 Really need a better waterproof jacket next or tent. Lol

[@walkandcamp]

@@HikingForHealth1 Cheers. I've not had much time to add new content to the site of late, so it's looking a bit tired.