So much to envy here - the travels domestic and abroad, backpacking and bikepacking and hammocking, gear, a lifetime of good hair, figuring out the mysteries of weight loss, a stable marriage, near sanity, etc. Keep up the good work and good luck with your adventures!
I always find budget gear selections to be very interesting. Budget was very important for me as I was getting my 3 boys into backpacking as they were growing up. I think you can do budget while not resorting to Amazon/Qemu, etc. Although you would be spending more, it may be a mid-tier set of recommendations. While still trying to support cottage / domestic companies, my budget recommendations today would be: (1) Tent: Tarptent Protrail - $240/24oz, (2) Backpack: Granite Gear Crown3 60 - $240 but frequently on sale for ~$170 / 2.5 lbs, (3) Quilt: Featherstone Moondance 25 - $220 / 23-28oz, (4) Sleeping pad - Exped Ultra 1R $120 / 13-16oz or the REI Helix on sale frequently at 25-30% - ~$125 on-sale / 21-27oz. All that comes in at ~$750, so it's not as budget as Amazon budget, but it's still significantly cheaper than the top-of-the line gear usually shown on RUclips, and it's all really good stuff.
I don't buy a pack without them anymore (other than day packs). Just having the ability to shift weight around when one position gets sore is huge! I definitely agree.
Darwin, you should hit up Midwest Backpacker for a possible collab when you come to MN. He’s a smaller RUclips backpacking channel and hammocking is his main jam. Love his content, plus then you get that thick MN accent to add authenticity to the videos. 😂
I’m also not a fan of action cameras, but what Eric and Devin showed (along with Miranda making silly guest appearances while Eric shot is video) really impressed me. Something that small and has most of the main things I look for when shooting my hiking and camping videos. Plus much more water resistant and more shock proof than anything I have. I am really thinking of pulling the trigger on that and maybe the new insta360 x4.
My two cents: Before you hit any major trails, get an exercise routine going. Simple exercises first, nothing overkill. Focus on a mix of cardio and strength training - no heavy weights yet. Get to a point where your existing exercise routine starts to feel "easy". Then ramp up and so on. This can be mixed in with short hikes, easy stuff. No shame at all if it's some neighborhood walking path, a walk through parks, etc. Figure out your comfort zone distance -wise (1/3 mile, 1 mile, 2 miles whatever) and progressively go further. If you build stamina, muscles, lower weight a bit and then do an easy backpacking trip or a quick weekend camping trip, you'll enjoy it more because you'll be struggling less. Oftentimes with weight loss, people get discouraged because they ramp up too quick, and don't see the results. They think "I'm struggling and sweating so much, why am I not seeing results??" Trust me, start slowly. And when you hit that plateau where you don't seem to be losing weight as quickly as you were, don't get discouraged. Push through that, and find ways to mix up your exercise routine so you don't get bored. Cheers.
I started at simple walking and day hikes and kept going. Now 20+ years later it is one of the best decisions I've made for my mental and physical health. Get after it!
Glad do hear you're coming up for the SHT! Planning my thru-hike this fall. Northern Terminus to Grand Marais is not maintained well, but beautiful country to be sure.
I've had a Featherstone 2p tent for around 4 years. I use it for 5 mile trips into camp and it has worked great. Never had an issue with it. If this is the same quality as that one, it'll be a good tent. I've not yet to have any leaks in the 2p to this date. For the price, it's a good quality tent, but they are heavier, along with more old school weighted tents. Hope you enjoy the tent, I might want to pic this one up myself just to have. Awesome video! Thanks! Awaiting the 50L pack so I can add another pack to HMG pack. Looking forward to it coming out for sure!
Your packs are INCREDIBLY good looking… Wow… I love Durston Gear, but if I didn’t literally just order a Kakwa 55, I would have definitely waited for the Space Ranger. Great work, Darwin! 🤙🏼
They are similar. I've had the Kakwa 55 for several months now and am looking forward to more trips with it soon! I would for sure have considered the space ranger had it made it to market earlier.
@@1519Spring They do seem similar and don’t get me wrong, I think the Kakwa is a beautiful pack. I have actually been using the Kakwa 40 for the last year and am in love with it, but have been doing more comfort trips lately and wanted more space. I just like the look of Darwin’s packs a little more, but I’m still not disappointed at all with my purchase. I just know where I’m going for my next pack!
Love this video, I'll have to check out your patreon. You arrived at some of the same conclusions I did with your budget year loadout, I've had a Zoobelives quilt for a couple of years, it doesn't have all the features that a purpose-built quilt does, but for the price works well, I don't do a lot of shoulder season camping but have comfortably had it down to the upper 30s, there was plenty warm with a base layer and using my puffy, mostly for the hood. I also have the feather stone two-person freestanding tent and like it as well
The Space Ranger looks awesome! No matter how light weight you get, sometimes you just need to carry more water, food insulation, etc... so the extra capacity is a must. I've seen good video from other creators shooting with the newer Insta 360 cameras (not sure what models). None of us want to see anyone seriously injured or worse because they needed a hand or two free for their fancy camera. So I'm interested to see what you shoot with your new camera.
After I joined the Durston cult I knew I was home. But ive been following you for so long Darwin, and since I used to play alot at Boney Junes back in the day around the time you dabbled in Evansville, I feel like I owe you some allegiance lol. Ill be buying that new SpaceRanger pack when its available, brother. Thanks for the upload! And keep up the good work with the products. I hope you snag the big bag man, you deserve it.
Good luck with the Space Ranger. I just bought and am enjoying the Durston Kakwa 55, which is similar in several ways to the Space Ranger. Hopefully you have one of those in house for "benchmarking" purposes (know thy competition). Safe travels!
I just hiked the TMB,June 28th to July 6th, my first time. I call it luxury hiking, beautiful, had rain, hail mud and snow. But an awesome experience😅😅😅
The new pack looks really good. I've been looking for a new 50Lish one for awhile now, but given the cost and so much to choose from, haven't pulled the trigger (still have my old one). This one will get some serious consideration. Also, on the Ricoh camera, based on my experience with one, you have "baby" it a little bit when outside in the elements. Which I didn't do (some rain and days of very high humidity did it in), and mine didn't last all that long. Great camera, though!
Oh yes, been looking to replace my old, well-used Arc Blast 45! The new pack would definitely be a great choice as I like your pack style a lot, and I always use a frame pack unless I run. Will also be needing some more space for my guiding trips. Any plans to export to Europe? Only thing I am missing from the Arc Blast are the vertical pad straps under the back pocket. I like that the hipbelt pockets are removable, don't use them anymore.
One small suggestion: Perhaps make one (or both) side pockets a bit taller. I have a pack right now with an 9-10 in tall side pocket and it comes in super handy carrying anything from my tent (granted I have a tarp tent), to a first aid kit, two bottles, etc whatever. It comes in super handy.
Hi Darwin! I am really excited about the new gear coming out. I considering the Ranger, but I was wondering what your torso height is? Thank you for all your content!
I am very interested in the Space Ranger Pack. I have been seriously considering the Durston Kakwa but I feel the 55 is bigger (including the pocket capacity) than I need, while the 40 is on the small side. I am currently using the Flex Capacitor and usually have it compressed near minimum for short Summer trips. Things I really like about your Ranger is the removable hip belts with removable pockets as I have a long torso and a very small waist with no fat padding. The larger FC hip belt is too big and doesn’t fit my hip bones comfortably. I suspect the smaller belt will be too small. I am hoping that the double belt attachment on the Durston or Ranger will actually fit my hips better than the stiffly padded inflexible FC belt.
I was stoked to check out the tent. Only issue in canada that tent is 159 plus 75 import fees. Comes to 241.91. That doesnt seem like a cheap backpacking tent to me.
Could you maybe tell more about the AT section in New Hampshire? I am from Europe and ill be visiting a friend in Boston. We want to go on a small trip in The Whites aswell. Thank you! Keep them vids coming! Cheers!
Interesting about the Matterhorn. I hope to at least view that and hike to the base before dong the TMB. I guess you have heard of the recent bad weather in the area.
Love the video I like the backpack I am making my own because my last one chewed a hole into my right clavicle on a 40k hike. Have you thought about doing a video with Eric Hansen. I think it would be a great collaboration
I bought the ranger and I went with it for JMT 2023, I loved it mostly but I don’t like adjust straps(olive green) it looks good n smooth, but it’s too smooth, every 30 min I need to adjust them, it’s pain in the butt. I have kinda crazy idea going JMT with packraft and fishing pole in 2025, so I can’t wait for the space ranger
Ive been trying to get into hammocks. I will be visiting family in Minnesota from August -Sept. The Superior Trail is not that far of a drive from our cabin where we will be staying.....any chance you need another hiker? ;)
Nice! I’m in the market for a replacement for my 50L Zpacks Arc Air…but only if this new pack will fit my Bearikade vertically in the pack. I want to get away from strapping to the top of my pack. Hope you’re testing bear canisters in the prototype.😊
Irrelevant to the subject but I think it was a video of yours that you mentioned an annual backpacking “retreat” somewhere. If gone through your vids but can’t find it. Can you help me?
Dark grey is always superior to light grey, though it would be nice to have some bright color accent to make the pack easier to find in low light or high brush.
Hey Darwin I’m hiking the triple crown starting with the At in mar 2025 and looking for a gear sponsor for my hike and channel Silver Fox Adventures and would like to collaborate if your interested
You mean like my other 35L pack that my company currently offers? Thats my main rig, but getting into heavier gear carries like Mountaineering… having a 50L with more cush definitely helps on those types of trips. Different Tools for different jobs my friend 😉
Darwin, i’m trying to cut down on the gear review videos by finding guys that are taller. I’ve found a number of pieces of gear that I thought I was going to get, only to find out that they were entirely too small. How tall are you?
So much to envy here - the travels domestic and abroad, backpacking and bikepacking and hammocking, gear, a lifetime of good hair, figuring out the mysteries of weight loss, a stable marriage, near sanity, etc. Keep up the good work and good luck with your adventures!
Grass is always greener on the other side my friend. It all still comes with a price 😉
@@DarwinOnthetrail No doubt. Consequently, I’m waiting for the coffee line as I’m convinced there is some subtle marketing going on with each sip….
I always find budget gear selections to be very interesting. Budget was very important for me as I was getting my 3 boys into backpacking as they were growing up. I think you can do budget while not resorting to Amazon/Qemu, etc. Although you would be spending more, it may be a mid-tier set of recommendations. While still trying to support cottage / domestic companies, my budget recommendations today would be: (1) Tent: Tarptent Protrail - $240/24oz, (2) Backpack: Granite Gear Crown3 60 - $240 but frequently on sale for ~$170 / 2.5 lbs, (3) Quilt: Featherstone Moondance 25 - $220 / 23-28oz, (4) Sleeping pad - Exped Ultra 1R $120 / 13-16oz or the REI Helix on sale frequently at 25-30% - ~$125 on-sale / 21-27oz. All that comes in at ~$750, so it's not as budget as Amazon budget, but it's still significantly cheaper than the top-of-the line gear usually shown on RUclips, and it's all really good stuff.
I'm liking the load lifters on the new pack. For those of us who prefer them, their absence can be a deal breaker.
Good job Sir!
I say Load Lifters on EVERY pack!
yo for me load lifters make such a huge difference.
I don't buy a pack without them anymore (other than day packs). Just having the ability to shift weight around when one position gets sore is huge! I definitely agree.
Congratulations on the anniversary ❤️👍
Thanks You!
So stoked for the Space Ranger bag!
Haha! As a Pittsburgher, the start of the video had a Mr Roger’s Neighborhood vibe.
That’s what I was going for 😉
I will almost certainly be your first customer for the Space Ranger. It is almost exactly what I am after right now.
Darwin, you should hit up Midwest Backpacker for a possible collab when you come to MN. He’s a smaller RUclips backpacking channel and hammocking is his main jam. Love his content, plus then you get that thick MN accent to add authenticity to the videos. 😂
I’m also not a fan of action cameras, but what Eric and Devin showed (along with Miranda making silly guest appearances while Eric shot is video) really impressed me. Something that small and has most of the main things I look for when shooting my hiking and camping videos. Plus much more water resistant and more shock proof than anything I have. I am really thinking of pulling the trigger on that and maybe the new insta360 x4.
That’s awesome you’re coming to the Whites later this year. That’s my neck of the woods! I hope to run into you on the trails!
Darwin, thanks for putting up all of the pictures to go along with your background.
Maybe one day you could do a video on food, diet etc. 😊
I'm at that 275lbs weight. Past 40 and looking to get back outdoors and active.
Get Out There! ❤️
Being in nature is restorative and medicinal ❤❤❤ greetings from Tlaxcala Mexico
Dude I was at 280lbs+ and now at 180lbs. You can do it
My two cents:
Before you hit any major trails, get an exercise routine going. Simple exercises first, nothing overkill. Focus on a mix of cardio and strength training - no heavy weights yet. Get to a point where your existing exercise routine starts to feel "easy". Then ramp up and so on.
This can be mixed in with short hikes, easy stuff. No shame at all if it's some neighborhood walking path, a walk through parks, etc. Figure out your comfort zone distance -wise (1/3 mile, 1 mile, 2 miles whatever) and progressively go further.
If you build stamina, muscles, lower weight a bit and then do an easy backpacking trip or a quick weekend camping trip, you'll enjoy it more because you'll be struggling less. Oftentimes with weight loss, people get discouraged because they ramp up too quick, and don't see the results. They think "I'm struggling and sweating so much, why am I not seeing results??" Trust me, start slowly. And when you hit that plateau where you don't seem to be losing weight as quickly as you were, don't get discouraged. Push through that, and find ways to mix up your exercise routine so you don't get bored.
Cheers.
I started at simple walking and day hikes and kept going. Now 20+ years later it is one of the best decisions I've made for my mental and physical health. Get after it!
Fantastic looking pack and thank you for the hip belts. Can't wait.
Glad do hear you're coming up for the SHT! Planning my thru-hike this fall. Northern Terminus to Grand Marais is not maintained well, but beautiful country to be sure.
Congratulations on your anniversary!
Thank you! ❤️
I've had a Featherstone 2p tent for around 4 years. I use it for 5 mile trips into camp and it has worked great. Never had an issue with it. If this is the same quality as that one, it'll be a good tent. I've not yet to have any leaks in the 2p to this date. For the price, it's a good quality tent, but they are heavier, along with more old school weighted tents. Hope you enjoy the tent, I might want to pic this one up myself just to have. Awesome video! Thanks! Awaiting the 50L pack so I can add another pack to HMG pack. Looking forward to it coming out for sure!
I went HMG to Durston Kakwa 55 a few months back (and happy I did), but would have considered the space ranger had it made it to market earlier.
Your packs are INCREDIBLY good looking… Wow… I love Durston Gear, but if I didn’t literally just order a Kakwa 55, I would have definitely waited for the Space Ranger. Great work, Darwin! 🤙🏼
They are similar. I've had the Kakwa 55 for several months now and am looking forward to more trips with it soon! I would for sure have considered the space ranger had it made it to market earlier.
@@1519Spring They do seem similar and don’t get me wrong, I think the Kakwa is a beautiful pack. I have actually been using the Kakwa 40 for the last year and am in love with it, but have been doing more comfort trips lately and wanted more space. I just like the look of Darwin’s packs a little more, but I’m still not disappointed at all with my purchase. I just know where I’m going for my next pack!
I like the axes hanging on the wall. ❤
Hi Darwin, great to meet you and hike with you out in Big Bear at the Highlander event. Your stories were inspiring! Thank you. Laurent
Love this video, I'll have to check out your patreon. You arrived at some of the same conclusions I did with your budget year loadout, I've had a Zoobelives quilt for a couple of years, it doesn't have all the features that a purpose-built quilt does, but for the price works well, I don't do a lot of shoulder season camping but have comfortably had it down to the upper 30s, there was plenty warm with a base layer and using my puffy, mostly for the hood. I also have the feather stone two-person freestanding tent and like it as well
The Space Ranger looks awesome! No matter how light weight you get, sometimes you just need to carry more water, food insulation, etc... so the extra capacity is a must. I've seen good video from other creators shooting with the newer Insta 360 cameras (not sure what models). None of us want to see anyone seriously injured or worse because they needed a hand or two free for their fancy camera. So I'm interested to see what you shoot with your new camera.
After I joined the Durston cult I knew I was home. But ive been following you for so long Darwin, and since I used to play alot at Boney Junes back in the day around the time you dabbled in Evansville, I feel like I owe you some allegiance lol. Ill be buying that new SpaceRanger pack when its available, brother. Thanks for the upload! And keep up the good work with the products. I hope you snag the big bag man, you deserve it.
New pack looks really good, dont see a lot who run the frame thru the belt...smart
Was going to go with waymark pack but since they went out of business this looks very similar cant wait for pre sale !
The Mr Rogers opening was fun 😊
When you go to SHT, I would love to see you meet up with Shug, The Lord of Lollygag, & infamous hammock camper!
Good luck with the Space Ranger. I just bought and am enjoying the Durston Kakwa 55, which is similar in several ways to the Space Ranger. Hopefully you have one of those in house for "benchmarking" purposes (know thy competition). Safe travels!
Glad to hear you’re are coming,to NH.
CAn't wait to get back out there!
I just hiked the TMB,June 28th to July 6th, my first time. I call it luxury hiking, beautiful, had rain, hail mud and snow. But an awesome experience😅😅😅
Loved the video. Thanks for sharing the updates!
Thanks for watching!
The new pack looks really good. I've been looking for a new 50Lish one for awhile now, but given the cost and so much to choose from, haven't pulled the trigger (still have my old one). This one will get some serious consideration. Also, on the Ricoh camera, based on my experience with one, you have "baby" it a little bit when outside in the elements. Which I didn't do (some rain and days of very high humidity did it in), and mine didn't last all that long. Great camera, though!
Crazy, I'll also be on the SHT in September... maybe I'll see you guys out there!
NICE!
Oh yes, been looking to replace my old, well-used Arc Blast 45! The new pack would definitely be a great choice as I like your pack style a lot, and I always use a frame pack unless I run. Will also be needing some more space for my guiding trips. Any plans to export to Europe? Only thing I am missing from the Arc Blast are the vertical pad straps under the back pocket. I like that the hipbelt pockets are removable, don't use them anymore.
I recently had the ranger carry 30 lb comfortably with no hipbelt
It carries quite well, right?!
One small suggestion: Perhaps make one (or both) side pockets a bit taller. I have a pack right now with an 9-10 in tall side pocket and it comes in super handy carrying anything from my tent (granted I have a tarp tent), to a first aid kit, two bottles, etc whatever. It comes in super handy.
Stick with the darker grey on the pack!
Hi Darwin! I am really excited about the new gear coming out. I considering the Ranger, but I was wondering what your torso height is? Thank you for all your content!
I am very interested in the Space Ranger Pack. I have been seriously considering the Durston Kakwa but I feel the 55 is bigger (including the pocket capacity) than I need, while the 40 is on the small side. I am currently using the Flex Capacitor and usually have it compressed near minimum for short Summer trips. Things I really like about your Ranger is the removable hip belts with removable pockets as I have a long torso and a very small waist with no fat padding. The larger FC hip belt is too big and doesn’t fit my hip bones comfortably. I suspect the smaller belt will be too small. I am hoping that the double belt attachment on the Durston or Ranger will actually fit my hips better than the stiffly padded inflexible FC belt.
I was stoked to check out the tent. Only issue in canada that tent is 159 plus 75 import fees. Comes to 241.91. That doesnt seem like a cheap backpacking tent to me.
For the dawn of European climbing, a good read is Killing Dragons by Fergus Fleming. Good luck with the Matterhorn
Bring back the bowl cut!!!
Could you maybe tell more about the AT section in New Hampshire? I am from Europe and ill be visiting a friend in Boston. We want to go on a small trip in The Whites aswell. Thank you! Keep them vids coming! Cheers!
Interesting about the Matterhorn. I hope to at least view that and hike to the base before dong the TMB. I guess you have heard of the recent bad weather in the area.
Love the video I like the backpack I am making my own because my last one chewed a hole into my right clavicle on a 40k hike.
Have you thought about doing a video with Eric Hansen. I think it would be a great collaboration
Great video! I love your new gear. I like that coffee mug you're drinking from. Where can I get one of those? 6:19
Please tell me that your buddy who's "super into hammocks" is the one and only Shug Emery!
That’s what I thought. It’s gotta be Shug.
I hope the situation in Zermatt is better by the time you go there 😢
I bought the ranger and I went with it for JMT 2023, I loved it mostly but I don’t like adjust straps(olive green) it looks good n smooth, but it’s too smooth, every 30 min I need to adjust them, it’s pain in the butt.
I have kinda crazy idea going JMT with packraft and fishing pole in 2025, so I can’t wait for the space ranger
Do a video from Happy Jack/Clints Well....Long Meadows... Lake Mary's Road and 87... Just very scenic
Hope you’re hanging with shug on the superior trail
Not this time
Ive been trying to get into hammocks. I will be visiting family in Minnesota from August -Sept. The Superior Trail is not that far of a drive from our cabin where we will be staying.....any chance you need another hiker? ;)
When will that new pack be for sale?
Wait, what pack are you taking with you on the Tour de Mont Blanc?
ANOTHER pack we've been working on 😉
Dang Nic, you look like Ringo in that wedding photo!
I was always going for more of a George look
@@DarwinOnthetrail 😂
What camera? Ty
By chance is your buddy in MN, Shug? That would epic if it is.
Nice! I’m in the market for a replacement for my 50L Zpacks Arc Air…but only if this new pack will fit my Bearikade vertically in the pack. I want to get away from strapping to the top of my pack. Hope you’re testing bear canisters in the prototype.😊
It will, but it definitely limits inside space. I guess it just depends on how much Gear you're dealing with 😉
Thanks! 14lb BW...so should be ok.
What was the budget pack you used…??
Dude, does anyone make cuban fiber bike panniers?
Irrelevant to the subject but I think it was a video of yours that you mentioned an annual backpacking “retreat” somewhere. If gone through your vids but can’t find it. Can you help me?
Approximately how much will the space ranger cost?
Dark grey is always superior to light grey, though it would be nice to have some bright color accent to make the pack easier to find in low light or high brush.
you can just tie something on, you can customize, the world is your oyster
19:40 Is the NH Climber/documentarian Mark Synott?
Are you going hammock camping with Shug?
Nope. Not this time
@@DarwinOnthetrail I was just guessing since he is from up around there
how much would 50 L weight? need a ballpark 😂 and possible timeline of release
Where are your packs made?
Designed & Developed in Arizona, manufactured in Colorado
@@DarwinOnthetrail Good to know. Buying USA made is important to a lot of us. Thanks
Anyone know what hat Darwin is wearing?
Grey is too much like the Ultra packs out there.
Please keep the dark blue color
Here in the east coast dark colors attract black flies and mosquitoes
Be careful on the Matterhorn. One of the deadliest mountain in the world.
It's pronounced "mon blan" - you are not supposed to pronounce the t and the c in the Mont blanc...🤓
Love your stuff!
Take a Hennessy hammock or stay home. @20:55
24:24 that darker grey looks the tits, plus it'll only sun-bleach lighter over time
👍🐿👍
Hey Darwin I’m hiking the triple crown starting with the At in mar 2025 and looking for a gear sponsor for my hike and channel Silver Fox Adventures and would like to collaborate if your interested
🏕️
50L is 25 to many bro we want the old Darwin back and what the heck is that waist belt looking thing it must weigh a lb. by itself smh
Speak for yourself 😆
35 liters MAX
You mean like my other 35L pack that my company currently offers? Thats my main rig, but getting into heavier gear carries like Mountaineering… having a 50L with more cush definitely helps on those types of trips.
Different Tools for different jobs my friend 😉
@@DarwinOnthetrail to a man with only a hammer, everything looks like a nail
Darwin, i’m trying to cut down on the gear review videos by finding guys that are taller. I’ve found a number of pieces of gear that I thought I was going to get, only to find out that they were entirely too small. How tall are you?
Congratulations on the anniversary ❤️👍