I am hiking the AT this year with my girlfriend...I tried to stay away from the everyone has to have it gear I went with stratosphere li tent because I just didn't want a duplex..I also stayed away from the HMG pack..I did get an arc haul zip..but it was an amazing deal..150 no shipping..I didn't get a toaks pot but I did get titanium with a coffee press..that's the stuff...loved the vid it was fun.
a short titanium spork and the SAK (or comparable) you probably carry anyway -> reliable full set of utensils that's perfect if you use the knife to cut down tall bags of food. No long, unwieldy utensil in your pack and little risk of breakage.
I bought the Ozark Trails stainless steel cup for boiling water, I don’t need the toaks cup. I also bought a long handled stainless steel spoon and spork together for less than half of the other titanium. They work just fine!!
but you can get the titanium for less than 5 bucks...this guy has spent at least $6-8k on gear but he won't get a spork that will last. Dude has an issue with authority or something.
I think the metal sporks are totally worth it. When I was doing my thru hike of the AT it got very annoying constantly breaking plastic utensils. Get the sea to summit aluminum spork with the small caribeaner and I clip it to my pack when in done with it. I've have had the same metal spork for 9 years now. 👍
After I tore my Achilles tendon on the AT, my pediatrist told me that zero drop footwear promotes more foot injury than an other shoe. I went and tried Altra's anyway and ended up with sever plantar fasciitis. I have switched to Hoka and my plantar fasciitis has gone away.
Never understood the hype with Melanzanna hoodies. I agree, they look good, but they're relatively heavy. There are far better hoodies that are much lighter with better temperature coverage.
the McDonalds flurry spoon is the best backpacking spoon because its lightweight but also thick and sturdy. Its only 3 dollars, and comes with free ice cream!
I wear Altra's because they are the only ones that don't jam my toes. They definite have a learning curve. The Lone Peak is definitely light in padding but the Olympus had PLENTY of padding. Toe caps do come off after the first couple hikes. To each his own right ? HYOH.
Altra has a cult following. Lucky for them people like the fit (or tell themselves they do). But they are essentially disposable. Any other shoe brand with such poor durability would go bankrupt.
I carry a Kelty Trekker and a Kelty Tioga both of these backpacks are the best on the market...there is not a better Backpack .... both of these designs with modern upgrades have been made since the 1950's...and have a lifetime warranty...how long has the Arc Blast been made and how long is Zpacks pack warrantied for? There is nothing like a Classic External Frame Backpack with the torso size dialed in... I watch as many videos of yours that I can find...I am a great fan of your information... We just have different tastes in Backpacks...But I still love watching and learnings from you... As a Classic Backpacker...I can still carry a 10lb or less base weight, but I like to always carry a 4 season Ultralight gear kit.... blessings. There is only great things to say about a Classic Backpack... With a lifetime warranty...
I feel you brother. I thought man I'm so not cool with my doc martins Levi baggies my wife beat and my Kelty pack! I rep the 6 man Colman tent (even on my 3 day AT hike through Maryland) for real down with the gallon jug of H2O with the portable Colman camp stove. My sleeping bag a low low 6lbs and my trekking pole are two trees I ripped out of the ground , I may have a slight anger problem. Also must have is my JBL bluetooth speaker for my jams at night. If I don't have my L.L. I can't sleep. so thank you Bryce I no longer feel ashamed for not conforming!
My 0.02: 1. Altra 12mm heel drop? That's like hiker drag...:-) Agree on the padding issue. The HokaHoka Speedgoat and New Balance FF Hiero are some nice padded trail runners that I like. 2. Zpacks tents Unless you thru hike I wouldn't buy them either. The XMid Dan Durston looks like a great middle way. 3. Titanium Spork Sporks are useless however a long handle Ti spoon is super nice. Also can be used to stabilize a broken arm or open a bear canister. 4. Expensive quilts Went the EE route, now regret it somewhat. Katabatic and Nunatak Gear are expensive but well worth it if you live in them for months on end imo. 5. Down pants & booties Maybe some need it but if you're hanging that long around camp you are sitting down and at that point why not take the quilt for that? Fully agree. 6. Melanzana Just buy the Lightheart Gear version that is actually available to buy. If I thru hike the CDT, I will stop though and buy one and take the hipster hit on my conscious. Useless for backpacking other than winter. 7. OR Helium 2 Yeah the cool kids wear the Montbell Versalite or EE Visper now. It's ok if there is not a lot of rain expected but on the AT people didn't like it. Ponchos or Sierra Design Cagoule ftw. Thanks for the video
great info! thanks for commenting! ill have to check out those "cool kids" rain coats. I actually am considering ordering the lightheart hoodie. Id like to compare it to my wifes melly in a video. And if there is time, use it backpacking. lol
Agree with your assessment of Altra shoes. I personally am a Hoka Speedgoat wearer. I prefer all the padding, it’s like hiking on a cloud. I actually own a Zpacks Duplex, I love the weight but I noticed small holes where the mesh meets the zipper. I do own and like my 20° quilt. I will NEVER buy Zpacks again. I have other products (because I was drinking the kool-aid) and had customer service issues. They are terrible. “The Melly”, hahahaha. I’m not sold. Went to their main store in Leadville when I was in CO and still didn’t buy one. 🤷🏼♂️ Great video bro!!!
Man, I switched to the Altra's for running and finally switched to them for trail last year. I've been in flat shoes for about 10 years now. Once your calves stretch out, it's fantastic! Right with you on the long dumb spork.
lol! I'm guilty of the long dumb spork but after I got home from the store I immediately thought I was a dumbass.. lol! So I'm in the market for a long smart spoon.
as a triple crowner, I tell my opinion about DCF tent. Yes, it is really expensive, but after countless miles on the trail. It is totally worth. Lightweight and quickly dry. If u just do some 2 or 3 days trip, you really don’t need to buy any DCF product
Hoka shoes fall apart quickly too. I’ve had the Challengers and 3 pairs of SpeedGoats. All of them had the sole delaminate in less than 100 miles. I couldn’t find a glue that would hold them together (not even Liquid Nails). One even had a 2-finger hole punch all the way through the sole at the heel! I can’t understand why any trail runner would have exposed foam on the bottom.
I totally agree on most of these items. Especially the tent. I wanted an ultralight tent but $600+ is crazy. I bought the Lanshan 2 and think it's actually superior. I mean I can just setup the bug net and sleep under the stars. Seeing as I live in Texas that's a huge plus for me.
I love my Zpacks over priced tent. Actually cheaping out over the years cost me more money. I should have just spent the money ten years ago. 22 oz. and its bomber. I guess if your young carrying extra weight it's no big deal. I now hike longer and further because my pack weighs next to nothing and I am well into my 60s . Take care.
When I hike I always wear boots and like the support. And I'm no runner. But I got some Altras for general wear and love them. I don't use for their intended purpose but they were great on holiday: 1/ they weigh barely anything (baggage allowance saved!) 2/security didn't make me take them off for x-ray 3/ my feet stayed cool during travel and an uncomfortable flight 4/ they worked in the street but also when scrambling around in the countryside (so didn't need to pack both shoes and boots) 5/ I have clown feet that are super wide. The toe box was a relief after a lifetime of crushed feet 6/ they have worn well so far 7/ they are easy to clean and dry quick 8/ they might be cold on a winter holiday, but in a hot country they were ideal So I can't speak to hiking of fell-running, but for travel and a holiday they were fantastic.
I must say, my Alltras are one of the most comfortable shoes I’ve worn for walking, but not sold on them for hiking! I love my plastic spork and UGQ quilt!
I went to one store that had the Duece trowel, I took one look at the price and said no thanks. I really don't see the point in fussing over the weight of a $2 Coghlan trowel that can just be tied to the outside of my pack.
I am also unsure about the really expensive quilts. I was really close to buying a new Enlightened equipment quilt which with delivery was going to be 550 Canadian dollars. I ended up going with the Outdoor Vitals storm-loft down top quilt for just under 300 Canadian delivered. Not as much customization with colours and other things, I guess I’ll find out how it stacks up.
For spotty rain in the afternoons (thundershowers and light misting, vs full rain), just use a cheap disposable rain jacket (sleeves and hood). Works just fine, costs less than $2. Tape if if it tears.
I like the compass 360 it’s the same weight as a helium and warmer as a shell too. But I prefer to have a poncho , rubbers or neoprene socks and crocs , and umbrella for real rain.
I have extra wide feet and it’s difficult to find shoes that fit right!! I do not want to pay for a Z-packs tent either, same opinion on the bathtub floor, I like the floor pulled away. I don’t use titanium spork, mine is stainless steel and I got a spoon and spork for half the price. It’s not cold enough to have a need to buy expensive quilts yet for me. No need for down pants and booties, I always have hot feet and they hang outside of my bag or blankets. I’m not in a cold weather climate, no need for extreme clothing until I do my first thru hike.
Disagree about the Altras. I just put 200 miles on mine and no sole peeling. Just gotta take care of em. And the Zpacks tents I agree about the floor which is why I added corner loops. You can stake them down and get that straight line effect.
If you like underdog products I would love for you to take a look at the gregory optic backpacks. When it was announced peoples first reactions was that it looked like an Osprey Exos, which it does. But it improved so much on it I just don't understand why this pack didn't recieve more buzz. Among all the cuben fibre packs it just flew under the radar. Which is sad, because this 1100 gram backpack features a complete suspension system as if it were a 65+ litre backpack. The difference is in the hipbelt. Where the Exos (and pretty much all other backpacks suitable for carrying up to 30lbs) features two flaps coming out of the side of the pack, basically cutting the belt in two and sowing it to the sides of the pack, the optic has an integrated hipbelt the goes around your hips and suspends the pack. As such, this pack also features those little straps at the hips, that allow you to pull the bottom of the pack more tightly to your hips. Which is as it should. The difference in comfort this makes in comparison to other packs in it's weight and priceclass is astounding and not to be passed up. Yet many people do because nobody talks about this pack. I see it on sale all the time it goes for 120-150 dollars in european webstore at the moment, I bought mine for only a 100. Crazy good value for money this pack deserves some love.
Cool! I'm curious what you think about it. I guess it's no surprise this pack didn't catch on because it was not well marketed by Gregory at all. Which is strange The suspension system is the heart of any backpack imo and Gregory really knows what they are doing there. As far as I know they have never produced a fully featured pack this light though, so maybe they were unsure? They should have come out guns blazing "here is our usual comfort level, at a through hikers weight, for a good price". But they didn't, they just released some foto's that barely even hint at it's strengths and did a piece on the british outdoor station channel that didn't talk about this selling point either. When I bought it I wasn't sure if it actual had the hipbelt I thought and hoped it did. Well it does, and it fits my hips perfectly :D The one thing I can understand Gregory being uncertain about is tye fragility of this pack. It's made of classic materials, so at 1100 grams all those bells and whistles are tiny. So while this pack is many a through hikers dream, it just might not be sturdy enough for the task. And gregory is known for making durable packs so maybe that's why it wasn't noticed.
If you like minimalist gear, and dont like ultralight raingear, then maybe the "Bivanorak" (raingear/bivy combo) from Hilleberg would be interesting. Judging from YT videos, there are relatively few people using it, which i think is kinda weird. It weighs 500g (on my scale), which is about the same weight as an ultralight bivy + a lightweight rainponcho, but as it is just 1 item, you get twice the strength. It is big enough to cover me and a 65L backpack, and packs down small enough to fit inside the side pockets of my cargo pants, so this *really* reduce the pack size compared to bringing both a tent and a rain poncho. I also really like that i dont need to deal with tentstakes or tentpoles (unless i bring a tarp), and the small footprint that allows me to set up camp almost anywhere. The difference between this and a regular bivy is that you have your head in the hood, and arms in the sleeves, so you dont feel any more trapped inside a small compartment than you do wearing a loosely fitting raingear. You probably want a headnet to deal with bugs, and a tarp can be nice, but it is not strictly necessary, as you can just roll over on the side if it rains, and the big hood will keep you dry. Placing it beneath a tree will give additional protection against rain. I think this type of minimalism seems very interesting, so i decided to get one about a month ago. I have only tried it once, so i need some more practice with using it, as well as testing it out in different weather, but i have some hopes that this may become my new favorite shelter once i learn how to use it properly. The negatives is that it doesnt work very good with sleeping pads inside the bivy, so if you use an inflateable sleeping pad, you probably want either a groundsheet or a sleeping pad cover to protect it from punctures. Compared to other bivys, the big zipper makes it relatively easy to get in and out it, but it is still a bit finicky adjusting it so it sits nicely with the head in the hood. This can get annoying if you wake up in the middle of the night and need to go pee, and the process of getting back into the bivy wakes you up enough that you dont fall asleep as quickly and easily as you would have wanted... Lastly; when you wear it as a raingear, you have to use a drawstring around the waist. This closes it up so it will not provide the same awesome ventilation on the upper body as you get with a rainponcho. The legs are still getting good ventilation though, and it does have a big zipper that can be opened for extra ventilation. It also have velcro that goes over the zipper, which allows you to get creative, and make small "ventilation holes" along the front, in case you dont want to open the zipper in the rain.
the best shoe is what fits and works for "your" foot and body. My feet and body do well with Altra Olympus...not the Lone Peaks. I need the wide toe box and I need the extra padding. I wish my feet fit better into other brands...but I've had problems with the toe box width of many other brands. There are many tents that work well. Weight is not everything on a tent as long as it's light enough.
Great humor. I recently purchased the down pants at 8oz and plan soon to upgrade my sleeping bag to a quilt saving 12oz. Net loss with more flexibility. Again enjoying the humor.
Yes . 100% Altra toe caps have pealed off my Khacki hikers that I love. I like the feel, but the quality is so poor. And Altras sizing is all over the place. I usually wear a 10.5 sometimes 10 and I was swimming in those sizes in Altras. All their Shoes range in sizes. They’re not consistent. I want to get a lightweight pair of trail running hybrid hiker type boots or high top trail shoes.
Altra Superior 4.0 ✅ Zpacks Duplex ✅ Titanium Long Handled Spoon (not spork) ✅ UGQ Synergy Quilt ✅ Melanzana Micro Grid Hoodie ✅ OR Helium II ✅ 🤣🤣🤣 Besides the down pants, I own every single item you mentioned. After years of trying all different gear, these items I have found to be my absolute favorites. This video cracked me up. I was thinking, did he go through my pack? 😆
This is the video i needed right now, started down the RU-vid rabbit hole and have been getting bogged down by all the “noise”. Second guessing every purchase I make, find myself getting frustrated and on the verge of just stopping before I start
Some of these I have never seen on the trail, down pants and booties? Maybe on Everest. Zpack gear, money well spent. Talk to me when your older and weight is an issue. Yeah it sucks getting older but thanks to UL gear I am still putting in the miles. Take care
The “Kevin and Andy” bit is not referencing The Office, everyone. Just FYI. 11:10. Yes, I was bummed too after reading all the comments with no time stamp and the built up anticipation.
I love my spork, but honestly I mostly use it for lunches. It just lives in my school bag. When I'm backpacking it annoys me that my spork isn't good at getting in the corners or scraping. My spoon fork combo (fork on one end spoon on the other) is better at getting every last bit.
Haha seriously just watching this as I lay under my tarp at Brookville Lake in Indiana. NO JOKE, just dried my lone peaks by the fire (wearing EE Apex pants, although I bring them for the mornings) after eating spaghetti with my longnhandle titanium spork and laying in Katabatic quilt (you know how much dos be..) love it man, totally dig everything you're saying and dude I agree!! Why do we do the things we do?? I drove by the Melanzana store one time but never went in because I didnt know what it was. I def would have bought one though, lol... Take care dude!
Lol funny outro, I had the same worry about my spoon not fitting in my pot but now I just keep it in my food bag. No more messy fingers, routine freeze dried mealer here. Happy trails
down pants in a small pillow case = most comfortable pillow for backpacking😛 🤣 The duplex bathtub floor always kept me away too. That bathtub floor doesn't do well with the wind. Nothing like a bathtub floor hitting you in the face all night while your trying to sleep.. I think they work well for through hiking in the summer for trekking pole users. I definitely wouldn't want to be in one on a windy Mountain top in rain/cold/windy weather. Basically any condition where you actually NEED shelter.
😆. I didn't think about it in the wind. Makes sense. I sometimes end up using my puffy as a pillow and it's awesome. Other times it's just a stuff sack filled with other stuff sacks and possibly a rain coat... not the best pillow. Lol
I bought Zpacks Duplex because i want an UL 2person tent with good rain and windproof design and material, not because everybody has it. I love this tent so much and never want use any silnylon tent again.I think investing to BIG 4 is so important.
Great info....I'm with you. Shoes I do Hoka Torrent or Nike Trail 2/3. Shelter I did Gossamer one (half the price of zpack). I do like a longer spoon. I got the same HammockGear Eco quilt (great price for value). Clothing is all preference. And pack I got the Crown 2 (crazy price for the weight)! Support the small companies that make great quality!!! 🙌
Thanks for always keepin' it real. Your outlook, delivery, and editing make your videos some of my favorite to watch. I won't lie I love my altra timps, but everything else was spot on 👍. Shout out to all of us "using what we have" to get out and enjoy the trails.
Dicks sporting goods. Just saw them there the other day again. Mine is childs size XL. So it is not ine size fits all. Lol. Little tight in the sleeves but weighs 6oz
Thanks Bryce, I always appreciate your practical resistance to the overpriced norm. Have you ever considered a fall or winter night video with an under $100 (or as close as possible) gear loadout?
I like to pack my super titanium spoon out and not leave it .so if I'm keeping it why not have a nice one .I think a yugo will still get you down the road .and I think you can get a high point not for me I work for my money Will pack what I won't
As soon as the video started I was thinking: Please mention Altra's, Altra's, Altra's! I agree with the Mellys, I just can't do it. I looked everywhere for a grid fleece type hoodie and ended up buying LL Bean's Adventure Hoodie. While not as warm as it should be, it's comfy and fits great. There is also the Fayetville hoodie that I see ads for that might be worth a consideration. Great vid, Bryce!
i agree with you on most of gear that you wouldn't own. i tried LonePeak 4.5, on my feet they sucked, Speedgoats weren't good for hiking but make for a good casual shoe. zpacks, i have issue with the company & quality of their products. the mellie, i'd buy in a heart beat! got the HG Econ quilt also, works fine for me. another piece of gear i'll never carry is a puffy, doesn't work into my layering system & i'm only in camp to eat & sleep. down pants?!? didn't know they existed! but carry what ever you feel you need to make your trip enjoyable.
What a concept- use what you have. I could change my Osprey Atmos for an Exos and save 2 lbs. That’s $200 more to save the weight of a water bottle. For a few days a year it’s not worth it to me.
I like this list it's a good list. Not with you on the spork thing. Losing a plastic utensil is just as inconvenient (are we really worrying about those 12 dollars?) but it isn't something you often do. they do break (on me) a lot though Im never going back to plastic spoons. And the long handle is great when you eat from the pouch. Having said that, I prefer my metal foldable spoon that fits inside my pot. I can never find my long handled spork when packing for a trip for some reason.
I think I spent 300 dollars for a 0 degree UGQ quilt when black Friday happened. It was worth it with the deal they had that weekend and I got what I wanted. But yeah, in 10 years when I'm still using it, I'll be happy knowing that I only ever had to make one purchase. Paying full price for it would have sucked....
There’s a titanium spork? I use the long handle toaks spoon, it’s maybe 9-$10. Probably one of the few pcs of gear that I would be sad if I left at home lol. Plus plastic is no good unless you’re recycling them.
Not everyone uses a long handled titanium spork, Dan God Almighty Becker doesn’t use one haha. I bought my Humangear Duo and then found out he uses the same one and I wanted to ditch it haha. Actually you should check out the Humangear Duo, $7 spoon and fork sliding combo, I love it.
I'm sure every hiker can compile a similar list. Top of mine would be the chair. Never had the Zero, but ditched what I used to carry and never looked back.
i was very much against the chair before i bought it. Did not want to go down that road. But im hooked now. On most solos i dont take it though. I like to feel closer to the earth on those trips. haha
@@BryceNewbold It's funny how we evolve in different ways. I was just the opposite-thought I HAD to have some kind of chair, then stopped carrying it and haven't missed a beat. There is no right or wrong way, just whatever works for each of us.
Hike ur own style and vibe and use the gear u love not what ur told. And don't believe the ultralight hype. It's not the light u want but the comfort of high end suspension and well engineered packs. Love ur own style and find ur own comfort where u find it. Use an Alice pack for cripes sake. Whatever. Arctyrex or mystery ranch or hill people gear, kifaru, eagle industries ,eberlestock etc.etc.
Fun stuff. I don’t really use any of the most popular gear, usually try to go minimalist (probably a little stupid light), budget or MYOG. Like you I kinda don’t like to use what everyone else is using. I do love my zero drop trail gloves (3rd pair) which are my everyday and hiking shoes, but I think shoe choice is very personal.
the toe box is very intriguing. but as much money i spend on shoes i'll probably never buy a pair just to try. my hiking shoes have to double as a running shoe
Great video, Bryce. LOL...it cracks me up to see people spend thousands of dollars to go outdoors. Having all the fancy latest and greatest does not make a great experience. I do not have any qualms about going to Goodwill to find apparel or kits that will suit my needs. Just this weekend I found a Boreal anorak for 40 bucks; an original from New Zealand runs ten times that. I found two Eddie Bauer jackets, one rain for eight bucks and a nice water resistant jacket with the old red plaid lining and I had to sew the sleeves (elasticized the cuffs) on it but it's like brand new. Both cost me around twenty bucks. I worked in my yard when it was in the high twenties Fahrenheit and all I wore underneath was a merino wool tee. People often donate things out of their closet that still have the original price tags attached. Someone's gear from the last ski season works just fine for me. Of course, I launder or wash everything I buy or send it to the dry cleaners. However, shoes are a special item for me and I have to try them on and walk around the store; plus I ensure their return policy is a sound offer. My favorites are Merrells and a military brand I buy at the nearby Army post where I pick up much of my camping gear. I'm an old retired military paramedic and air rescue technician and love to bushcraft and overland camp and love military surplus gear; it ain't light but it works and will last for my lifetime. At 73 I still have a couple of decades to enjoy.
you have to get the Altra's in black! black has slimming properties....even in shoes! AND THEY WOULD LOOK FABULOUS WITH YOUR BACKING ENSEMBLE! just throwing that out there ;)
i have the same pair of brooks and my toe started peeling, i just glued it back on and done! otherwise great shoes lasted over 600 running miles i'm just not a fan of DCF, i like their designs just not DCF, so i agree there :) i have a humangear plastic spoon/fork (slide together) and love it, best part i got it free :) i love my quilt, to me much better than a sleeping bag, but it's not for everyone :)
