Eric, Thanks for the gear reviews. You are continuing to allow us to see gear without purchasing it. This is a great service to the hiking community. That being said, please keep up the awesome hiking adventure videos!!!
This review saved me from making a purchase mistake. I didn't even think of the option of a trekking pole awning in a backpacking tent, but now that I see it, that seems like the only way to go for comfort on a rainy trip. Especially for two people. Much appreciated.
Bought the ZenBivy 40 degree quilt 2 years ago. Absolutly perfect for summer backpacking. Took it on 4 pass loop (CO) in Sept. It handled 35 degree night time low pretty easy. I am a warm sleeper and wore my wool base layer for extra warmth. Highly recommend this system for better sleep.
This is probably nothing revolutionary or surprising, but my favorite gear from 2022 have been: The X-Mid 2P Tent! I was one of the lucky ones to nab one and it is spectacular! The Thermarest Neoair Xtherm Max sleeping pad. R value is 6.7 and it is so warm. Plus this pad is rectangular and does not taper, which I prefer. Decathalon Trek 100 down puffy jacket.
Woohoo, happy to see you grabbed a Minimo and Summit Skillet! I have both and absolutely love them. And speaking of Matador, I have their flatpack soap case and it has been awesome. Throw your wet bar of soap in it and the moisture makes its way out through the fabric slowly drying on the inside without getting things wet on the outside. Doubles as an air freshener for your pack too!
If you’re a side sleeper like me….you aren’t wasting much when you use a sleeping bag.I tried a quilt and it didn’t really work for me…..I move around a bit and the quilt would too…sometimes exposing body parts that would get cold and wake me up. But, I’m sure it’s nice for people who want to take their bedroom into the wilderness …. Cheers!
Dream gear! I've used a set of Sea to Summit Event bags for a couple of years, which have worked great in serious UK rain. I use synthetic sleeping bags and so heavy compression is a must. Will need to keep saving for the Big Agnes Copper Spur, though: looks amazing!
Always great info. I have yet to see the Zenbivy system packed up. It looks like a ton of gear to pack up for a hike. As for tent, I like BA products especially the sleep pads but the X-Mid 2 is still my go to tent. I realize vloggers have to promote sponsors.
Compression bag was one of the things I have ditched this summer. I have found that having your sleeping bag uncompressed makes it easier to pack your bag without anything hard pushing against your back. The few saved grams were just a nice bonus
Does that Alpaca hoodie pill at all after some time with a pack on. I ask because most Merino wool products I’ve used tend to do that. I’d love to get something with those characteristics that doesn’t pill. Thanks!
I will say that when you order one, order it a size smaller than what you are, and once broken in, it stretches and finds that nice comfortable fit! It doesn't seem to pill at all, even after heavy use! I think that has to do with the fact that it's an antimicrobial fiber, so no need to wash it very often!
Here's a quick tip for those that want to get all of the water in the filter bag. Wrap one hand around the filter to force the "unreachable" water into the flaccid part of the bag. Easy peasy.
Oh man I could never haul such a heavy cooking system. 🍳 for me a 750ml titanium and one of those mini gas burners and a titanium sheet roll for wind block. But the skillet must be nice at camp
I’ve never seen your page but I have to give it up to you for your advice.. I can’t live without the life straw pouch! I’ve tried all sorts and it’s king. The cedar summit compression pouch is also something I can’t live without.. so now, I’m actually tempted to try that sleeping sac nest you spoke about first.. thanks for the advice!
I like a frameless light pack that I can use as a stuff sack that I can use to when I have found a basecamp. Its so nice to set up a camp an then have a smaller lighter pack to run errands with.
And a thermarest trekker chair... I have a camp chair but wouldn't mind being able to sit up in the tent. Also I have about 6 of those sea to summit bags, they're the best out there.
Thanks man!! Just bought the swivel chair to try. Really appreciate your reviews/recommendations from you and Becker. I have bought most of my gear based on your reviews. Keep em coming!!
Thanks so much for the honesty and sharing this. Real feelings and real struggles. Sounds like you should definitely experiment a little with footwear and good inserts. Looking forward to seeing future videos!
I appreciate your video! I personally like to use a blend of “good” brand stuff with off brand stuff. For example I got a Teton pack, an entry level REI backpacking tent that is likely to perform better than an Ozark trail $30 tent. For my sleeping bag, pad and pillow I am likely to err generic brands but inflatable because the thing is I’m not exactly camping in the Northern Rockies any time soon, it’s warm, and I do want to have money for more important nice camping gear. I am not doing a long thru hike, so there is no need for ultra light and I can afford the heavier gear. I have not chosen a stove yet, and I have yet to go on my first trip as I’ve been slowly getting gear. One thing I don’t skimp on are shoes… I got the Hoka speedgoat 5. But yeah I definitely need to make some compromises because… heh… I am not wealthy!
Thank you, Eric I found you through watching Dan… I am doing my first 5 night camping trip this weekend in NC with a small group. One person is letting me borrow a tent. But if I do get into this would you suggest I purchase the Big Anges Copper Spur or you have another suggestion? For I can always watch for items to go on sale. I purchased the exact JetBoil and thought about the skillet. But I was given a stainless steel cook set from Ever New that was used by my husband years ago. 🤷♀️ I have the sea to summit compression bag and summit dry bags. I truly appreciate all the information that you guys share with us so, I don’t have to spend countless hours on research.. Enjoy your journey in life and keep spreading your sunshine…
My only real issues with the Zenbivy is two fold. One they are heavy for the cost. Two they do not make a 10 degree double bed, and they have no plans to.
That Zenbivy looks amazing, I think I'll pick up a Fast Sheet and pair it with my existing quilt system as the quilt options they have are quite a bit heavier than what I currently have.
Really appreciate the tips. I couldn't help but think it sounds like you are just getting older and not wanting to be without some creature comforts😆 careful, a pop up camper might be next! But really, thank you
When you start off the video talking about your SEVERAL DECADES of backpacking...makes me question if I should listen to your video with believability!!! 🙂 You'd have to be in our 70's, at least.
Hey Eric, I like your honest review on these products. It's obvious that you don't stay up all night picking them apart and find fault with them so you can bash them in a video like someone else we know. On another note, the U.S. Navy just closed Puget Sound and they are saying it's because of earthquakes. This is big. Watch Mary Greeley News and see what you make of it.
Wow that bag sure looks like a knock off of the now discontinued Nemo Tango solo 30 I have. It is a quilt and fitted sheet system for the full length pad just like that one with the hood too. I love it but apparently it was too early for its time. I don’t know if 30 is a good number, maybe a survival number not a comfort number as it is not a shoulder season bag. It is like sleeping in my bed. I just carry my Enlightened Equipment Torrid pullover, torrid pant, and torrid booties for those sub freezing trips. No need for a another quilt or bag. Nice video as always.
I've heard from other RU-vidrs that aggressive compression sacks are bad for your sleeping bag? Anyways, I love my drybag/compression sack for my sleeping bag + 1 change of clothes. It gives me peace of mind if I go overboard canoeing - I know I can sleep dry when I make it to the other side if things go sideways while carrying less weight overall. Great content, cheers.
It's only if you store your sleeping bag in the compression sack while at home, it will crush the insulation. It is fine to use on a backpacking trip just remove after your trip.
@@rockthejustice I talk about this in my most recent video with my new Kings Canyon quilt, I show the storing sack and the backpacking sack this quit comes with if you want to see an actual example.
Those event bags are the best. Dont even need to really compress them, theyll do it naturally in your pack. I recommend a titanium dinner box, just check ali. 800ml. Big enough to fry in, clamps on the side, so you can cold soak or protect squishy food. Weighs about 8 oz. Stop advertising them Zenbivies, cause i want one.
@@BackpackingTV Well if it wasnt for some dude banging on about how good they are. Though the 30x80 are interesting, I refuse to sleep on a 80s style blow up. They were horrible then, theyre orrible now.
He Eric I'm wondering if you can tell some more about how to load your electronic gear in a wise way with a powerbank and what capacity you need if you go for a walking adventure for more than a week (for example without the opportunity to reload your powerbank)? Can you also tell something about your opinion on solar powerbanks? Hope to see your reaction.
The zenbivvy definitely looks a great system pretty expensive especially to get it into the UK.ive said it before about jetboils the people that moan about them got the wrong 1 I've got the micro mo and it's great boils water fast and the attachment makes it great for real cooking spend the extra and get the right jetboil
So with jetboil I got it wrong, with not being able to store all the bits with gas canister in the pot, the extra flimsy useless plastic bottom, the extra pan support because you can't just quickly add another pot on without it, the lid falling off, the strainer in the lid clogging even with peas or sweetcorn, the mouth hole dribbling, the extra pot needed to make a hot drink when your meal is cooked, the bulk, and the extra expensive cost.
Hey Eric, Longtime fan of the channel, always love the content. I just recently moved to Phoenix, AZ from Wyoming (will be here for a few years). Avid outdoorsman looking to find some cool spots to backpack in AZ. My wife and I have been to flag, payson and other spots the past few months but looking for something new. Any advice?? Cheers
Just curious how tall are you? I'm 5' 8" and 160 lbs, I ordered the small All-Paca Hoodie because every reviewer said its cut big so size down, it fit me like a sausage casing, bummed I had to return it, but haven't ordered the Medium yet.
5:09 That jacket in that beautiful color doesn't seem to be sold anymore :( sadness. 14:22 also surprised I don't see more of these. I have the medium large and largest (deployments) and they make life so much easier
Hi Eric, in your cottage industry gear video a couple of months ago you mentioned that with the Zenbivy you got a large but would have gone with the 20x72 if you had to do it again. Is that sill your opinion? I'm seriously considering a zero bed when they come back in stock later this month but am torn on the size. I'm 5'7", 145lbs and have a 25x72 pad. Mike G has recommended a large but it sort of sounds like they always recommend larger is better.
Thank you for your gear videos! I’m a newbie backpacker (only a few nights out total over the past couple years because of family etc) although I’ve been an avid hiker and camper my whole life. I’m pretty happy with my gear because of all the research I did with the help of RU-vid videos. I just got a great deal from the REI used gear section and spent $150 on a barely used (no signs of use!) Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 mtnGLO Solution Dye tent. I’m so excited to finally own my first tent that is also lightweight! I love my REI Flexlite Air chair, but I hate that it sinks into soft ground every time I use it. I haven’t tried any DIY fixes yet. What are your recommendations to fix this issue? I have the Nemo Tensor regular wide insulated pad, and my sleep is terribly uncomfortable. I’m a side sleeper, with a genetic connective tissue disorder, and it feels like my hips are on cement (but letting out the right amount of air puts me on the ground). Would two stacked inflatable sleeping pads work, or the Helinox Lite Cot with one pad, or is a hammock my best/only option?
I have the Big Agnes Q-Core SLX 25 inch sleeping pad and it is amazing! I am a 64 year old side sleeper who wants comfort. It’s also quiet when you change positions. My old mattress was so noisy every time I moved.
I was going to say the q core saved my sanity. And the tiny x pump on Amazon for $20 will fill 2 q core pads 6 nights for sure making the outdoors cozy and convenient.
I have a Appalachian Gear Co beanie. When I got it, I thought, “this can’t possibly keep me warm”. It’s so light weight and thin. Now that I’ve been using it for 2 years, I would love to get a hoody. The only problem is .. They sell out so quickly, It’s been hard to find a color I like when I have the funds to spend on one. if I’m going to spend that much, it won’t be for some random color that happens to be available.
Love your reviews! The Zen-Bivy looks amazing, but do they make it with a synthetic fill? I'm allergic to down. FYI....more reviews on synthetic bags/quilts and puffy jackets would be awesome. Thanks!
I couldn’t find a link for the alpaca mid layer that you’re wearing. Can you please provide a link? I’m normally very “budget conscious”, but there are some things I will drop some $$$$ on. And going off your description, that seems to be one of them.
I almost never use a footprint. Depends on where you're going though. Prickly desert, I'd bring something to protect the tent from rips and pokes. If it's just for moisture, I often don't bring anything, but I'm abnormal on that front. If I do anything I'd go for Tyvek, rather than a formal footprint.
I bought the Big Agnes Lost Ranger 3n1 15° sleep system, having watched you and Dan flip out over it. Did a bit more research and decided it would be a great fit for my backpacking style. I was a wee bit surprised at your choice on this vid... was it a price point issue?
Dan hated the 3n1, where I have actually been a fan of it. I think Dan's criticisms are totally fair. I just don't mind the mummy feel of the inner bag and felt like it was very versatile. However, I think Zenbivy executed the idea even better than Big Agnes. It's way more comfortable, and actually warmer too, and cheaper. Although it is heavier. In the end, I went Zenbivy over BA for comfort, price, and it's the bag I'll use over any other unless whenever possible.
@@BackpackingTV good feedback, Eric. I appreciate it. You still did me right with your BA review and i sleep like a baby on it at 53 with a bad shoulder. Great video today, btw
I own Lost Ranger 3in1 15 for about an year now and I'm pretty happy with it. I don't have any problems the zippers and mummy style inner at all. It's so extremely light for summer and not bulky at all for light winter. I using it with a compression sack from Mammut in S size and it fits perfectly.
to me, shoulder season is the fringe season where it's a little too early to call it spring or a little too late to call it fall. But it's also not really winter.
I hope whatever sleeping bag or clothing you put in that compression sack was down-filled, not synthetic. Over-compressing synthetic insulation is a great way to ruin it by losing 1/3 to 1/2 of the loft. All it takes is one time severely over-compressing it like you did, and your synthetic insulated gear is permanently less insulating.
I'll sell you my chairs cheap. I bought them an don't use em. I got the Chair one the chair zero an the ground chair as well as some off brand treckology chairs as well. I'm sure they would get alot more use on the channel than sitting in my closet