I’m DONE making gear reviews 

Jetboil competition ends this weekend raffall.com/348222/enter-raffle-to-win-jetboil-minimo-skillet-hosted-by-paul-messner

Please don't be put off by the nasties out there Paul !! They're everywhere these days, 99.9% of us appreciate what you do x

I think it’s a mistake giving up the gear reviews Paul, don’t make hard & fast rules for yourself. I enjoy your reviews and that’s the main reason I watch - tents especially similar to Andrew Park

Im mainly here for the gear reviews. Ive ordered most of my kit due to you. Don’t let the nobs get to ya. Worlds full of them

I think the "I'm off out, here's where I'm camping, here is what I happen to be using" approach works really well. It's back to basics and I think the industry as a whole could use a bit of that every now and then. Most importantly: do what works for you.

Ignore the folk who question your integrity as they are just jealous. You are always honest about what you do and if you’ve had a free piece of kit. Your channel opens up new kit to me and your review enables me to go in store and have a look, feel and play with this kit. There are a number of channels I check who review or use new pieces of kit and I find them informative, please continue but if not I’ll still be following you.

Ive always found your reviews to be an honest appraisal of how your thoughts are on the kit you're using thank for your time and efforts

Anyone who gets out and makes the effort to hike with all their kit to the top of the mountain can say what they like about it as far as I’m concerned. You’re doing a GREAT job

Please don’t stop reviewing gear. Your gear reviews have been so helpful for me when starting wild camping. They have really helped me to get a good idea of what’s out there. I have benefited a lot from your reviews and the years of experience you bring to the table and I’m sure many more will.

Hi Paul, keep doing what you are good at. Carrying out reviews is one of them. Ignore the idiots.

Paul, I have a theory that 2020 triggered PTSD in a lot of people and that is coming out in anger and nasty characteristics in some people. Don’t let others affect your own mental health, there are a lot of people who really appreciate what you do and sadly people won’t say that they’re enjoying your work, this means that the less polite will always seem to be the loudest. Most of us enjoy your work, please keep doing what you’re doing.

Don’t stop reviewing gear. Those of us who get out in the hills for a camp want to hear them. I rely on you tube reviewers to inform on the kit I buy. Especially the northern English reviewers as they review in the places I love to camp.

Love the commentary, agree with the direction going forward. Still want to learn about the kit you prefer and why, so please keep the "educational" and entertaining content coming.

Paul, you are a National Treasure. I did the Fjallraven Classic in August. I met many people from all over the world, two things we all had in common were the love for nature and everyone spoke about you and your videos. Don't let these internet remarks get you down. Delete them.

That stove seems like a few gear designers were having a beer and made a bet to see who could sell the most useless piece of equipment. 🤣

Paul, please don't stop showing us new gear even if you don't do formal 'gear reviews' and don't worry about the boo boys, your followers like me know that you're a genuine guy and most people have enough nouse to work out from what you say whether a pice of kit will suit them. Not impressed with that stove though!! I hadn't seen it before either so I must have been under that rock with you! Keep going buddy, we love your content.

Hey Paul, Again, an honest chat - thank you. I agree, you can't really review until you have given that one piece of kit 6-8months hard use - by then something new comes along! Don't listen to the haters. Please continue giving us 'gear introductions' and continue keeping us up to date on the outdoors world (e.g.12mins). Also remember this is your career now and if people criticise that, there is something wrong with them. Take care and keep it up! (P.s. I'm heading off to the black mountain tomorrow for a winter minimal bivy...)

Tbh I’ve been watching your videos long enough to trust your opinion and I’ve never felt like you were trying to push a product. Theirs nothing wrong with giving an honest opinion and tbh you bring gear to my attention that I didn’t know was out there. Keep doing what you’re doing pal and don’t worry about what other people say. Oh and I don’t think I’ll be bothering with that stove😉

Respect your decision Paul but even more respect your honest, down to earth comments on equipment. Please don’t be put off giving us the benefit of your experience with the gear you use. You’ve opened my eyes to many products, doing the legwork for me before I decide whether or not to invest. Always enjoy your videos anyway for the practical advice and scenery!'

I understand your decision. I really like your reviews. Thank you for the time and money you spent for us to make an easier choise of equipment. Happy camping out there!

Hi from the US. Paul, you are one of my favorite reviewers / youtubers. I always look forward to you telling and showing the cons of gear. So many have become simple promoters as you said. Only looking to be paid. I will continue to look for and enjoy your videos not only because of the scenery (fantastic views you show) but to spot something new you may be using that hopefully will have some pros and cons attached to the use of it in the video. Keep going strong! 🤗

Cheers for the mention Paul it was great to meet last Sunday, love all your content keep it coming mate 👍

I rate whatever you do Paul. You have made it clear in the past about your impartial point of view and I think you have shared balanced comments about various products you have looked at or used. Do please keep showcasting products, as sidepoints to your main video focus. Enjoy being out there, whatever the gear! Good vid, cheers, Warren :)

Great video Paul as always such a shame you aren’t going to do the reviews as I always enjoy them and find them really helpful.

Paul. You are the reason why I started hiking. You are the reason why a buy good quality gear that I will give to my kids when they get older. If you would not have mentioned for example Hilleberg tents I would maybe use cheap Chinese tents instead and would throw them in the bin after one year of use. These kind of reviews are one of the reasons why I watch your videos. I really do trust your opinion and expertise.

As much as I like gear reviews I'm with you in the idea of changing to getting back to the reason we get outdoors.

I approve! I briefly visited your stomping grounds. Such beautiful countryside. The sheep, cows, dry stacked walls, cute gates and stiles, rolling hills, and rocks are all truly beautiful. Your videos really show off that beauty. It's all about getting out there, not the gear you use to do it. That said, if you're super excited about a new piece of gear, go ahead and show it off. And if you have tips on how to use gear, those are always welcome. By the way, I bought a JetBoil Stash. As you say, great little stove when it's not windy. Thankfully that's most of the time where I live. It's nice to see you're still getting out there ticking off Ethels on cold short winter days.

That stove is a neat idea but... I prefer the pocket rockets but lately i've been using the jet boil stash cook system. Been very pleased with it. I even found a nice dyneema zipper case made just for it. Nice bit of kit! I'm getting over being sick myself and still staying mobile. Its that time of year. I hope u keep doing reviews though cause we need someone to show the community whats what. You do a good job of that so thank you! Get well soon! Hike on!!

I appreciate your honest feedback and the scenery. I’ll continue to watch your videos 🍺👍🏼

Greetings from Kansas! I came for the gear and stayed for the amazing views, the companionable monologue and the beer at the top. Cheers to you Paul!

Lots of love for the honest banter here. A refreshingly vulnerable moment. Cheers

Hi Paul, I have hiked, cycled, climbed hills in all weathers, as well as a bit of rock and ice climbing and wild camped for well over 60 years. For over 10 of them, I also ran an Outdoor Pursuits Club in the Fire Service in Scotland. so I know a fair bit about walking and camping (and others' opinions). Unfortunately, I had to give most of it up a few years back due to my wife's health, as she can no longer cycle, climb or camp and I didn't like the thought of going off and leaving her at home. Fortunately, we still enjoy low-level country walks and birdwatching and shortly before retiring I took up flying microlight aircraft (which Liz doesn't enjoy, so I don't have to feel so guilty at leaving her at home when I go off in the plane). These days, at 70, I still camp when undertaking multi-day journeys in my (open cockpit) microlight - including several trips a year down south and two extended trips this summer over to France. I only started watching camping videos on RU-vid as part of my research after my 25 year old 'Wild Country Sirocco' finally turned into a true 'bathtub tent' during a very wet weekend pitch on a small airfield in the Northern Lake District last summer. Although most of my camping nowadays is on airfields beside the plane, I still need to watch my kit weight and bulk to keep the plane within microlight weight limits and am getting too old and stiff to crawl in and out of bivis or some of the smaller 'ultra-lightweight' offerings some might suggest. I therefore replaced the Sirocco with a Terra Nova Pioneer 2, which after a full year's use, I can thoroughly recommend as a comfortable 'one and a half person' tent. It meets my needs perfectly, though I can fully understand why it wouldn't be the first choice for others. Thanks to your down to earth presentation style and obviously honest opinions, and the broad range of equipment you use in your videos (plus a load of online research they have pointed me towards), I can fully appreciate that the reasons behind your comments or opinions are genuine and not simply biased by pressure from suppliers. That doesn't of course mean I rush out and buy a new tent every time I see you with a new one. Simply that I feel better informed and as a result, I find that I can now talk more knowledgeably about tents and equipment from makers I had never even heard of, and am hopefully making far more informed choices when replacing some of my own older equipment. Having gone through periods of self-doubt myself as I reached recent milestones, I realise that your peace of mind and well-being must be paramount, but I can honestly say that I will be very sad not to be able to watch you doing enthusiastic equipment reviews, and can only hope that doesn't stop you showing us new gear during your many trips out and letting us know why you decided to buy and use it and how you are finding it. Keep up the great work! Lots of love to yourself and Jo - Love the Podcasts BTW.

Hero, well at least good for you. I'm pushing 20st and in my mid 50s and have worked in the outdoor trade since I was 14. I was very experienced on the hills etc in my younger days but then life took over and family camping was my thing. I then watched one of your videos a couple of years ago when I'd got out of the outdoor trade and I was inspired to get back out there. It wasn't your gear reviews that did it for me, it was your sheer joy of being outdoors. So thank you and don't let the buggers get you down. I'm looking forward to your experiences out on the hills. Cheers.

Paul - Please do not fall foul to the comments that have led you to this decision. It is you the person, your integrity and experience that makes what you present interesting. I respect your decision to make the vistas and the landscapes the star of the show but, please do not deny your following the opportunity to learn from your experience about the kit that you use when you create your content.

Thanks for all your great reviews Paul I’ve always thought they were honest and down to earth , yours is the first place I check if Iam looking at buying new kit , why people have to be negative I dont know , human nature I guess jealous because they think you may get a few freebies , ha try making quality videos like yours , it’s not easy and takes a lot of time . Happy exploring and thanks again

To be brutally honest there is so much similar You Tube content now and so many freebies given in exchange for reviews that many people are numb to the product reviews or highly suspicious of them. As you said, a proper review relies on long term use. I'm pleased and relieved that you rarely take freebies - however, if the gear reviews add to your time or stress then bin them, life is too short. Stick with the camping content, more than anything enjoy what you do and what you produce. You gave up your job for this so your YT content is, in essence, your job now. It's a highly competitive marketplace. I fear that with everyone and his dog now sponsored by Squarespace and others that as a platform YT will decline. It all gets boring really quickly. Your content in the main videos has been great for a long time. I congratulate you on having the courage to break away from that pressure.

Thank you, Paul. I didn't expect to EVER see a new design for a stove burner. I wonder if the flame fluctuations might have been due to the cold temperature? I've had that problem with MSR formula, but not with the Jetboil formula.

Really enjoy your videos. Your style is very natural but still insightful well informed and very engaging. Please keep it up!

Paul, thanks for your honesty. It's the reason why I started following your videos. Keep on hiking and camping, but please keep on sharing your opinion too. It's very much valued. I totally agree that you don't buy all the stuff that comes on the market. But keep on using the gear of your choise and keep on explaining what about it you like and dislike. It helps all of us who like to hike.

I remember a stove video you did where you compared a pocket rocket to a dirt cheap one. You ended by saying the PR was better, but if you were only going to use a stove now and again, the cheap one was perfect. So I bought the cheap one. Changed how I bought gear, more expensive if I'm going to use it a lot, but nothing wrong with cheap for now and again. Will always be grateful to you for that video! Good does come from them

I hope you will make some more reviews later. You Are my go to channel when i look for info about some gear i want. Just bought a osprey 33 liter for day trips and a light overnight trip. Also bought a jetboil minimo after seeing how well it does in your videos. Regret selling it, so want to buy one again. Also bought a 2 person tent superlight after seeing all your trips out alone and with a friend. That gave me motivation to try and go out alone and camp and for more day trips. I’m also looking into hilleberg tent if i may try winter camping i colder weather here in Norway. Wish you and jo all the best. And keep on making more videos💪👏

I have appreciated the way you integrate commentary about gear sprinkled in with your videos.

I fully understand where your coming from Paul. What ever you do, do what makes you Happy. I get quite a few companies contact me now but most I will ignore unless it's something I'd like to try for myself. ATB mate. Sandy

Good on you. Enjoy the outdoors and camping. That's why i watch you.

Great video Pauo. I've always respected your honesty above all. When I'm out in the backcountry, I use what works for me. Keep those great videosite coming. I really enjoy viewing the landscape in the UK. Nova Scotia is not as hilly. Wishing you all the best mate. Cheers

i started watching you to see the great outside the reviews are niff naff and trivia to me - i don't have the cash to splurge on a tent etc.. i did however buy the x-mug which all my colleagues call my plant pot - it normally lives in my work fleece and is always ready for a brew in my break. (there are never any cups left in the canteen ). Be yourself - do what you want to do and keep your integrity. We can't ask for more. :)

Paul please don't stop 😢 absolutely love your gear videos. I don't have the money to buy everything and try it all out... I would rather hear what you have to say and make an informed decision from what you say about things. I chose my tent based off one of your videos and I loved how you talked about the pros and cons. You have such a great style.

Thanks for the videos. I would love to see a map added to the videos. Being from Canada I'd love to travel these areas and it's not all that easy finding/mapping the same trips.

Go with your instinct mate, it’s done you well so far. Whatever you choose to do I’ll be tuning in to your videos.

Keep going. Your mix of fun outdoor video's and technical information on products is a fantastic combination. Loads of outdoor folk enjoy how you come across.

I like you videos where you have new gear and show it being used. That along with your Trangia/X-Boil cooking are my highlights.

Please do not stop the reviews, they are very good. Thanks for a very informative channel, I watch all of the reviews

This American has watched your videos for a few years now. I appreciate your advice and opinions. I will keep watching. Thank you.

Hey Paul, Thanks for the always honest reviews. I've always enjoyed your videos and have never thought you are trying to sell anything. Please keep up the good and informative videos!

Hi Paul, love watching your videos/reviews, used to do a lot of backpacking n camping but health issues put a stop to it; although like yourself love collecting gear still and your down to earth and honest reviews help greatly in the choices i make, as seeing you using gear and how well or not it performs is a real bonus. Keep up the good work.

Great honest video Paul. Glad you’re doing what you want to do. Talking about products doesn’t mean your trying to sell anyone anything it means your giving out information on the product. It’s crazy that people will twist it to that. I watch because I like what you do and seeing where you go. Hearing about different products was always just an additional bonus. Will continue to watch either way you just do what you enjoy and make you happy. Can never please everyone no matter what you do. 👍🏼

Good video mate, glad you’re deciding to do what you want instead of being held to doing the reviews. Luma Fusion!! (to my query on another video) all the best pal, Simon

You've seen the light go out to get out . Good on you Paul.

Noooo! Don't stop the reviews, always found your opinions honest unlike some others. A lot of jealous people out there, take no notice. If you pick up some free gear on the way then I say you bloody well deserve it. Don't let any one take that away from you most of us folk enjoy seeing your gear reviews so we can make an informed choice before buying.

I love the reviews seeing new bits ive not seen. I listen but make my own mind up if i want it or nd it. Hopefully u will again at some point tho.

Please keep reviewing. I don’t care if they give it to ya or you buy it. Thanks for doing this. You are a true talent.

Hi Paul - I think whether we would all care to admit it or not we are all “gear junkies” in our own little way and part of the thing that keeps us coming back to watch more and more of your videos is because you are one true to heart. There’s no shame in it and I thank you for bringing the vast range of kit that you are excited about to our screens - it’s infectious. It reminds me of sifting through the Argos catalogue as a kid and getting excited at all the new toys. Keep doing and getting what you like (with some thoughts for the environment) and you’ll be happy. P.s. I’d take a spare 1 man tent if you’re looking to be charitable 😉 Catch you later, alligator..

I've had a few stoves but gone for a kelly kettle (basecamp 1.6 litre and Trekker 0.6 litre) with the accessories (pot stand, hobo stove etc) and it's been great!

Lots of us watch these videos to learn about new and interesting gear. It's pretty easy to sort out the channels that are just in it for the money (with their million amazon links etc.). You are one of the people I watch because I like the outdoors and enjoy you and your gear. I'll keep watching you no matter how you present it. What drives me craziest is when people have a very cool piece of gear you want, and they never say what it is! We're not all curmudgeons. Hang in there and thanks for what you do.

I always enjoy your videos, I don't go camping anymore but I still love the scenery all around your camping adventures.and your always going to have the jealous ones that just want to make you question what your doing.xx

Keep the reviews going Paul. YOU ARE OUR LEADER!!! Anyway, just got my LEAVE NO TRACE Messner t-shirt. Super quality, fits perfectly and beautifully packed and posted by your lovely wife. 10/10. That’s my review. ❤❤

Enjoy following your trips outdoors. Hope you feel better soon. The flu is going around here in the US also.

Hi Paul. That video was really touching mate. I first discovered your channel a few months back, and I've enjoyed everything (almost 😅) from the down to earth gear reviews to the camp-outs and the more recent podcasts. Between you and a couple of other popular RU-vidrs I found around the same time, who also have the 'no frills' honest approach, you've rekindled my interest in lightweight/solo camping. I'm living in Japan, so get a lot of my gear from Amazon as Japanese camping is pretty but expensive... You've helped me buy quality stuff and spot bargains rather than wasting money unnecessarily. Follow your heart, but trust there's plenty of us who love what you do.

Good review. That burner is only a design-thing, not for real use, but to look pretty. There is review and there is review..., and most of those on YT are nothing more than product shows, with a positive spin. When a new watch or cam or other kind of brand-gear comes out, YT is flooded with "reviews", that are in reality nothing more than commercials, trying to saturate the medias. What you do Paul is different and better!

I've an alcohol stove addiction that was founded on your gear reviews (and a Squarespace website) .... you can't stop now!!!!!

I enjoy your video style and commentary. Your posts always remind me of the pleasures of being out in the wild, when I can’t get out myself for a while. Have fun and enjoy yourself, it’s important.

I'm just another person that loves watching your camping videos and gear honest gear reviews. Your totally unbiased and truthful, just like Luke, I watch him to. Please don't get down or mythered by the odd pillock out there (there's a few out there😂) . Atb to you and Jo. Look forward to watching more films from you 🙂👍

Good luck to you ❤. People buy too much equipment anyway. Bringing new gear on a hike is a massive gamble that I try to avoid as much as possible.

I have found your reviews very informative and have made purchases through the links you list. Such as the Flextail, and the little candle lantern, not to mention the odd tent. I hope you continue to list the gear.

Fair play Paul 👍 I always appreciated your honesty. I’m not actually sure that outdoor gear has much further to go in the way of improvement perhaps only in incremental ways. Comes a time when a person is pretty well sorted in gear for the type of trips we do, which makes me wonder how much mileage there is left in gear reviews before they lose credibility. In the unlikely event we ever meet up the beers on me which would be an unusual event 😱

Paul, I greatly appreciate your assessment of gear that you try out and that you enjoy. Your demonstration of the gear and your honest unbiased opinion is exactly what many of us look for on RU-vid. And for many of us Paul Messner is the man we trust, and whose opinion we value. Keep up the good work Paul! 👍

that is so sad i loved his review vids but i'll keep watching because as Paul says i often watch when i'm feeling homesick . All the best from Thailand

I just liked watching what food and ale you brought to the camp. Cheers!

Great line you used ...let the outdoors be the star of the show ...good honest clip ..in fact gonna make me take some kit to a lake and sit and have a brew tomorrow,thanks

Good on ya Paul! ✊🏼 I’ve loved your videos to date and you’ve been so true yourself to the products that you review which is what we want to see even if it’s negative towards a product. But like you say, promoting the outdoors is the best way forward and you’ll enjoy the hiking and camping more yourself. If and when my channel starts sorting itself out with this “algorithm” I’d be well interested in doing a collab one day, that be mega, but will see if it takes off yet 🤦🏼‍♂️😂

I bought a zoleo because of you mate. I love it and gives my misses piece of mind when I'm out hiking and away on the motorbike.

Paul, for the love of all that's wonderful do not quit gear reviews. As many have said already, a lot of us rely on folks like you these days and I have bought several pieces of kit on your recommendation and not been disappointed. I was at 3200ft at minus ten on Ben Oss using a Soto to cook and sleeping on a Alpkit whisper last weekend. The world/internet is full of keyboard warriors. You are trusted.......and no one is holding a gun at our heads to buy the stuff. Its helpful info. Keep up the good work.

Making a video is hard work especially outdoors. Your channel and many others are a great way to find out what’s available. I have always found your presentation fantastic ! It’s not an AI generated speech about the product it’s a factual insight I decide whether or not to buy. Back in the 70’s I worked in a backpacking department selling gear, in the Grays Inn Road London, known then as the street of 1000 rucksacks we all actually used the gear and advised customers on personal experience. Those days are gone , staff all are company branded in uniform and as long as they say , “How would you like to pay today” their job is done . RU-vid videos are the modern solution to Catalogues and information, keep up the good work:)

Paul, carry on doing you, and putting out the content that you do. Your down to earth and genuine with your love for getting out there. Thank you.

We have been watching your videos for years Paul! We love your videos and fully trust and value your opinion on equipment and all things outdoors. Don't let people who have been saying negative things about your work affect you, do what you want and think is right for your videos and channel. I always enjoyed the water boil speed tests lol, and I also love my soto wind master I bought due to your videos. Keep up the great work, and keep inspiring people. All the best mate.

Always enjoyed your reviews on products. Helps make informed decisions which gear would suit you going to the outdoors. If everyone stopped doing reviews then people watching would be asking for reviews 😂. Pity you have decided that. I hope you still give opinions on some of the gear you have new or old.

Appreciate you don’t promote equipment but please continue to leave links in the description. As a viewer and fellow wild camper I am lazy and if I like a piece of kit I can just just go to the description 😂 keep doing you

I admire your authenticity and your honesty Paul. All the best as you move forward,

I love it mate, and I support you. Peace! Also thanks for the great shows, you're proper down to earth about things and I trust your views; you also state when you're biased about something which is important. You've spoken bad about things openly, it's assuring

Always love your videos and watch Luke’s channel and don’t miss an episode of either of yours. One thing I would point out is Luke only said he was reaching out to the American brands to open dialogue to support them. This might just come back like his email customer service videos discussing ideas rather than him asking for items to review. What’s your thoughts ?

Hi Paul, I always find that you are honest, fair and very knowledgeable. You often say when reviewing something 'but you can get this cheaper one, that does just as good a job' then I look at that one as well. You sometimes end up with a wish list of weak points from the gear just reviewed and I don't agree with you on some things but you're the expert not me. I'm reaching for crisps whilst you are pulling tent pegs from the frosty ground - respect. BTW I saw a stove today TOAKS TISTAND made out of titanium looks like a 'stormin norman' and is held together by 2 tent stakes which makes the stand rigid, brilliant I thought bet its brand new, but probably isn't, was going to search YOUR reviews to see if you have reviewed it already. Still following you if you don't review anything but your channel is boss, keep going! ATB

I’ve always used the ignited to light the flame by sparking to the actual burner not mid air.

Thanks for the video. You definitely inspire me to get out there!

I have a snugpak sleeping bag thanks to one of your earlier videos. Saved me money and it’s ace. I have other things that I’ve sourced second hand which debunks the expensive product nonsense. All the best pal will keep watching what you promote regardless.

Not sure how I came across this video as I'm neither a camper or hiker but you're a natural in front of the camera. You could make the shipping forecast sound interesting.

Hi Paul I am a newbie to your channel . I am so gratefully you showed this stove as I was almost taken in by the cute little wool bag and design of the stove, you have saved me some cash so thank you 😊

Keep going mate, I look forward to watching your vids as they are. Best of luck to you. 👍

Paul! Please for the love of all that is good in the wild, don't stop making reviews about the equipment that you find particularly noteworthy. As fellow adventurers and wild campers, we genuinely value your knowledgeable insight and opinions on the products that people like us may already be looking into and considering. I'm not saying that you should review anything and everything, but it seems to me that any product that you are particularly excited about will be equally exciting to all like minded folk. Keep up the good work! lots of love, Jamie

Sad to hear that Paul. I’d have thought the majority of people would be happy to hear your opinion of all the equipment that is available new or old. I hope you change your mind. I will still enjoy your videos as usual and wish you well.

I trust your gear reviews, please don’t stop them buddy. I need a new £100-200 tent so was hoping for a tent review season for Christmas form you hahahah!