Backpacking Gear I'm OVER in 2023 

What Backpacking/Hiking Gear have you "Thrown To The Curb" in 2023? What NEW GEAR are you replacing it with??? 👇Let Us Know Down Below!👇

Ahh Just like old times. And no, don't change the intro

I'm still honored that I was able to buy your Vergo titanium pot from your website that you used on the CDT! It's still in regular use in the Adirondacks and the Catskills where I live. It's always fun to tell people that this is Darwin's pot! It always impresses. 😊

Totally agree about Altra. Lone Peaks stretched out so bad after a river crossing that I couldn't get the laces tight enough to keep my feet from sliding around and causing blisters. Tried another pair the following year and let's just say I now have two expensive pairs of mowing shoes.

I'm done with Dr. Bronner's soap. I made the switch to Summit Suds powdered soap because it doesn't freeze and I don't have to worry about it leaking in my pack. It also doesn't make my skin feel tacky after washing with it.

Agreed on the Topo superiority to the Altra! Our family just finished hiking the Arizona Trail (thanks to your documentary for the idea), and we tried several different brands before and during from Hoka to Altra to Topo. My son, myself, and two of our daughters ended up with the Topo, and my husband is switching over now as well. He also really liked the La Sportiva, but overall, Topo has been our favorite! Bonus, my orthopedist asked me to bring in my shoes to medically clear me for the hike (I have tendinopathy), and he loved the Topo, recommended I stop using Altra.

Im so glad you're back. Inspired me to get back out on the trail. You have been missed!

It was great meeting you at PCT Days 2023! I love that you’re back: “The Return of The Darwin” !! Glad you’re getting back to your roots again. Keep on keeping on and letting your honesty drive the train. Love you my brother! Can’t wait to get my hands on your sun hoodie! Peace!!

Glad your back Darwin! Love you gear reviews. You just make sense, and I honestly trust your opinion on stuff. Thanks for the reviews.

Great vid. I'm happy you're keeping busy with projects of interest / love!

i have been using the Topo Terraventure's for a couple of years now, they are less expensive than Altra's and last a lot longer than Altra's. Definitely a great brand to chose.

Glad to see a Darwin gear video. Through the years, you have definitely helped me on gear choices with your reviews. Thank you!

Awesome to hear your voice again! I was just wondering the other day where you had been.

I've been a fan of Topo since 2020, and it is, for sure, a very underrated shoe. I love my trail runners and boots. The comfort, wide-toe box, and durability are priceless.

So great seeing alerts from you again! And please don't change your intro music, it is perfect. Great video and info as always. Thank you.

It is Always good to hear your voice! Thank you!

I got into backpacking in 2020 and bought the obligatory Altras . . . after one 30 mile trip they were coming apart. I saw lots of advice online for how to glue them back together, but I retired them and began searching for something better. I landed on the Topos in 2022 and love them.

Love Topo shoes! In addition to all the great features you mentioned, they make every pair with a percentage of recycled materials. Thanks for getting their name our there!

You seem so much more rested. So c Glad you took the time to reboot !

I actually dug out of the trash my old Nalgene lighter weight bottle for summer use too. While twice the weight of a smart bottle, I find it is super easy to mix nutrition bumps such as electrolytes, powders such as trailwind recovery, or ultra fuel, Huel, or Kachava meal replacements. You can get an after market bottle top for nalgene or the non splash plug. Great way to store that extra liter of water and can pour into my standard smart water bottle easy that has a DYI hydration hose attached. No bladders, no small bottle tops to deal with. Also got rid of the titanium pots for the Vargo BOT large. The sealed lid makes it another liter of water for long dry section hauls plus it can either be a stove pot or a cold soak sealed container. Got rid of the sawyer too. While excellent I find the weight of a wet sawyer and the weight of a wet grayl ultra filter to be about the same. I find the grayl quicker and more pleasant to use as I don’t have to fill a squeeze bag to use with sawyer. I can quickly push and fill any water containers quicker with the grayl. Far mor expensive but I find I have not used my sawyer or Quick draw since have it a grayl ultra for a year. It is my go to for traveling too.

Great video and glad to see you again, Darwin!

Glad to see people are actually finding the Topo Shoes, I have been hiking these for a couple years, Altra's just never fit my feet, and I tried these and have not looked back.

It is really good to have you back on RU-vid.

Just used the 'Mirage ' in Northern Sweden. Awesome piece of kit! Especially when paired with the outcast jacket

Ive been using a Sawyer Squeeze since 2018 but i recently switcthed to the Platypus Quickdraw. Two main reasons - has a good light cap at both ends so i can keep it in my sleeping bag without a plastic baggy. Second, it's easier to clean in the field. You don't need an adaptor or anything. The clean end has sort of a rubbery spout so you just push your clean water bottle against it and squeeze and watch all the brown water come out the dirty end. more efficient, less stuff to keep track of. Basically same flow rate when new as the sawyer and easier to keep unclogged.

I was so happy to see this video show up today.😊 I just ordered the topo pursuit last week. And for the same reasons. My altra lone peaks just wear out way to fast. I hiked the West Highland way and the coast to coast in England in May. End of that 300 mile hike my lone peaks were done. Looking forward to your next video.

Love this video. I enjoy getting new gear put on my radar from someone else trying them first. Been looking for some new trail runners for a while and the Togo's seem like interesting enough for me to try. Thanks D$!!

Welcome to Topo! I switched from Lone Peaks to the Topo Terraventure (3mm drop) years ago and found them superior in every way. I’m going to give the Pursuits a try next.

Thanks for the video Darwin !

12:22 picked one of your hoodies up at PCT Trail Days. Had no idea it was yours but I love it!

I'm glad you're back. Keep up the good work.

Great to have you back and thanks for giving food for thought regarding the new kicks. Been a long time Altra guy here too and agree that the quality has diminished somewhat. And don’t change the intro.

LOVE LOVE LOVE that you worked with Zpacks on such an amazing sun hoodie! I ordered one immediately. Natural fabrics for the win! Thank you for what you do!

It was great to meet you at PCT days, and it's encouraging to see you transition into a new phase of life. I respect your honesty. I don't wear the alpaca hoodie anymore and switched to a Senchi a bit a go. I haven't had a problem with my Nitecore, but had been looking at the Anchor because of my experience with other Anchor products. I'm stuck with Altra Lone Peaks because their wide version is the only thing that fits my wide feet. I have Topos, but the heels aren't wide enough for long distance hikes. Too much pain. But I like them better in all other aspects.

FYI: Just ordered the Senchi sweater...sent them an email (and a link to this vid/Channel) letting therm know where I first saw their product...great work, & thanks, Nick. :)

glad to have Darwin back!

Topos are awesome. I replaced all my Altra shoes with them. Wide toe box with good amount of support unlike the Altra shoes. Highly recommend them.

Nice to see you trying Topo. Hope you like them as well as I do. I use the Terraventure 3 for day hiking and the Trailventure 2 WP for cold weather. I wore out a pair of Mtn Racer 2s backpacking and day hiking. Maybe 300 miles on those before they became my everyday neighborhood walking shoe. I'm good with the comfort AND the traction on all 3.

Welcome back bro! I love your channel

RIP lone peak. Great video! Lots to think about and obviously got to get the new hoody

Good to have you back Darwin ☺️☺️☺️☺️!!

Totally agree about the Anker batteries! For my AT thru (and others) I used the exact same Anker PD10000... the exact same model you have, which is the lightest PD 10000 they have. Wish they would make a new and snazzy 15000! Long time watcher and fan, loved your Pinhoti series and made my own. Got complimented on it at Pinhoti Trail days last year put in by the POC. Now edit for RU-vid outdoor content. Nice to see something cheeky and nostalgic, lol! Nice vid!

thanks for being back

I haven`t had the same level of durability issues with Astra Olympuses, but I changed out to Inov8 Trailfly Ultra G300. Trying them out in the shop, I almost had an orgsm. They just fit me perfectly. You feel like you are in a tractor and no terrain is too much. At the same time, you still feel what you are stepping on. Just stunning. And the other Inov8s I use for running had been with me for about 1k km and still going strong.

Lots of durability issues and quirks with the Nitecore banks including the bank becoming dead with inadvertent long button pushes(something pushing on it in your pack). Can’t be brought back until you charge it again, which on trail would be a major bummer.

Love these videos. Was really looking forward to your shirt, but then you said Merino. I have never had a Merino shirt last more than 4 days on trail without shredding the armpits. My OR echo has lasted over 2 years.

I agree 100% about the shoes! I have switched to Topo as well.

Topos are my jam! I have high arches so I avoid the zero drops. I've got the Ultraventure 3s and I'm in love!

Altra Lone Peak, as a trail runner I tried them for two weeks and returned them to REI. The sole was too mushy and soft, plus the toe box was so square and wide that the outside edge caught on everything. Kept using Brooks Cascadia 2EE wide, half size larger than usual. Durable, traction, firm feel, 8mm drop, add Birkenstock cork inserts for perfection.

Nice to have you back

I guess I have been lucky with my Nitecore batteries. I have several and have not had any problems except for the one I dropped hard on a rock. It quit working completely, but I cannot blame the battery for that. I LOVE my new ESC Mirage Sun Hoodie! I was very surprised and pleased with how comfortable it feels. Love the hood too. I will likely order a second one. For me, one of the most important things about shoes is fit. The Top Athletic Ultraventure Pros fit me better than anything else I have tried - especially the Altras. If I can find a store that stocks the Pursuit, I will try them on for fit. Thanks for the Video, Darwin.

Love that you are adamant about it al being subjective.

I also wear topos, although not the same ones as you ( I use the mt4 for trail and st4 for daily shoes and road running) and have also loved them. I have changed the laces out for the solomon quck laces and I think it has been a very worthwhile upgrade. Just something for you too consider, hope the Napal hike gose well.

For the past 8-9 years I've been a hardcore hammocker. Early this year I bough a canvas cutter summit bedroll and I absolutely love it. Comfortwise its hard to beat a hammock but when rolling into camp late at night sometimes it can be a pain to get a perfect hang. With the summit bedroll, I roll it out inflate my mattress and I'm good. Setup is so easy that I'll take the slight hit in comfort for easy of setup.

Astral shoe for the win for me. So glad to be introduced to them at Trail Days 2023.

I never got the hype of altras. I tried them and just had issues, and the tread is so worn after ~100 miles. I started running in topos and I really love them. Good to hear they’re working for the trail, I’ll give them a try for that too!

I like the classic intro! It's sort of nostalgic now :o)

Finally a pure gear video, and Juiced too, this must be overload hype for the gear junkies like me

That sun hoodie sound wonderful. I’m always trying to find the right hoodie. I’ve started using a UL sun umbrella and I’m loving it so far. Esp since I live in So Cal. So many trails around here are very exposed. It’s wonderful. I ended up getting two.

Swapped from Altra to Topo a year and a half ago due to the Altra wearing out and not standing behind their product at all. Topo Pursuit is awesome and probably the best trail shoe I've owned

Loving it man getting those 2018 vibes

Great to see you again.

very good info, thanks

Dude… Ombraz are soo underrated. They are my go to outdoor sunglasses. Hiking, riding, running. Good call

I bought the Mirage. I can’t wait to use it. It’s feels great so far.

@15:40 ....it's good to hear that "word" Darwin! (Sheet out of 'em) Nice!

Great to see you back!!

Yes on the Altra to Topo switch. I’ll be making the change once my LP7’s are done.

Great to see you back 😊

Ageee on Altra. Also hiking in the Pursuits this year. 200 miles in abusive Northeast terrain and they are still in great shape. My LP 5’s were falling apart after 150 miles. I do notice the lack of a rock plate, though. Will likely try the new Terraventure’s next.

Fortunately my NiteCore has been great. I hope it stays that way. Take care and I hope your sun shirt takes off.

I dumped the Topo Ultraventures to the curb. I was having hamstring issues wearing them. Plus they don’t have a rock plate and my feet would get beat up on some off trail hikes. I’m trying out the Merrill Nova 2 in the wide width.

Dar, good things happen soon 🎉🎉🎉😂😂❤❤❤❤

My trail shoes are Topo, and I love them. Always takes me a few minutes to get used to the extra cushion, as my "daily shoes" are LEMS, Xero or Vivo.

another great video Darwin. always enjoy watching your videos

I can’t say I’ve logged a ton of miles in it but I’m not giving up my alpaca hoodie. Saved me a couple of cold nights and quite stylish.

you were in silver city and one point - correct - I asked about your pack! cheers

Met you briefly at PCT Days last month. Nice to quickly say Hello. I use the Altra Superiors for all the reasons you stated but also have the same gripe about the sole not lasting. I also have used the TOPO boots for longer hikes... love them as well. I have yet to try the shoes. Interested in hearing how you they fare in Nepal. Safe travels and take good care!

Thanks for the idea on the alternative shoe to the Altra. I can’t believe how fast that shoe falls apart. Will give the Topo brand a try and also your new sun hoodie! Really enjoy all your work. Thanks!

So, so glad you’re back, Darwin!

Topo for the win!! Switched from Altra to Topo for TRT in 2020.

Agreed on the Topo. Just sectioned the PNT and the Pursuit was an awesome shoe that held up. Felt bad for some other thrus who had Altras falling apart in 60-80 miles.

Will be interested in the long term review of the Topos. I keep looking at them and always hesitate to make the switch.

I’ve been extremely happy with the Topo Ultraventure 3’s

That night core battery always catches my eye but my anchor battery just works so well I haven’t wanted to give it up.

Living down under I was just having breakfast when I saw your new video - welcome back!Unfortunately much of the gear you review would not survive more than a week in the bush on the off trail walking I do, but still a lot of great ideas. I’ve had similar issues with the Nitecore, thought it was just me. When are you coming to walk in Australia?

I like my topo trail venture shoes. I need the mid ankle support so I don't roll my ankles but for longer hikes, I stick with my Keens. I need the more rigid shoe with heavier packs and protection from rocks.

I use Green Cell GC PowerPlay10S power bank and am very happy with it. It's a little heavier than Nitecore, but much cheaper and works perfectly!

I love the Wren. I use the washbag as my clothes bag. It could probably be used to filter some dirty water too. I've been looking into Topo Athletic shoes. Maybe the Runventures. Not a fan of how fast the Lonepeak MaxTrac outsoles wear off.

just subscribing to see the new intro, I hope I don't have to wait too long.

A Senchi alpha direct hoodie has been a great addition to my kit. I have noticed that the material pills where my arms rub the pack straps, so I never wear it without an outer layer. I am currently using Topo Pursuit which is very durable and comfortable. I like the feel of my Altra's more, but the durability issue is a serious downside.

I made that exact shoe change this year. I LOVE the pursuits! So far they have not worn any holes where my altras were getting them within a hundred miles. I have also beat the shit out of them in places where boots would be a more appropriate choice. The only thing I’ve had happen is the inside ankle cuffs got worn through a bit from me rubbing the shoes against each other while hiking. I also really like the arch support in them. It’s a bit more than any of my altras have.

I love my App Gear All-paca hoodie, but not for backpacking. I live in CO, so the warmth it gives is great in the winter. But like you, I use an Alpha Direct hoodie as my mid layer when backpacking. I’ve been looking at Rx sunglasses and the Ombraz company in particular. Thanks for the recommendation. Altra’s quality seemed to tank when Vanity Fair purchased the company. DSW purchased Topo and I’m hoping they don’t ruin them.

I just purchased two Ankara 20,000 units. One charged/discharged ok, the other would not discharge…..so off I went on a hike with one Power Bank. The one I took - it failed to operate in -3oC temp. Critically, I needed power to keep my phone/Zoleo alive whilst organising a flight off the mountain. Luckily, and very reluctantly, I instinctively brought a no brand at the airport and that saved me.

Been using Topo shoes for years (Terraventure, MT's, Phantom, ST's...) and I've never been disappointed. I still prefer my Lonepeaks over the Terraventure for hiking and trail running though. Maybe not as durable (although as far as my experience goes, it's debatable), but the comfort the Lonepeaks provide is top notch. Great design for your sun hoodie. Nice to see a piece of gear that seems to check all the boxes (an official UPF 40+ rating is so rare for merino wool hoodies - assuming it's official :) ). Would love to see these available in Europe some day.

Great video. Just an FYI. Pressing the power button on the Nitecore 2 changes it’s mode from regular to low power charging to protect certain items

I don't do near the miles you do, but I think something is happening in the shoe industry. Saucony always felt the best to me, and I could get about 2 years out of a pair (basically rugged or muddy hikes April through September). But the newest ones I got lasted ~3 months before not only delaminating (E6000 fixes that), but the leather on the toe box has already started to crack I haven't figured out what to replace them with yet, so I'm alternating between my old pair and grabbing my "light" Keens.

I would love you to do a video on those sunglasses for those of us you struggle with finding the perfect pair of Rx sunglasses.

If Darwin speaks, you listen! Always the best reviews. ✌🏻

Always love your videos!! I see the website says the stretchy material of the Mirage works for women too, but from the pictures it looks like it's designed very much for typical athletic men's builds, so I'm wondering if there are any plans for a version designed for typical athletic women's builds(?) Would love to see!