I agree with most of your assessments. BUT how dare you 💩 on my Durston tent 😂😂😂 Here in the northeast, the windburner has a place in cold temps but not cold enough for a liquid gas stove. I do like mine, but it only gets used in cold shoulder seasons. I also love my BD poles. They are very well made and my oldest pair is about 12 years old. I don’t partake in the stupid expensive carbon ones…yet lol. Fantastic video Dave!
Great video Dave! I agree with the pot gripper things. A cloth works just fine for me. But I do see a use with maybe when having your pot on an open fire. Trekking poles is something I would spend for quality. I’ve had many cheaper ones that would break and/or bend quickly. Poles are very important since I roll my ankle several times on my trips. Ankle saver for me. I have the duration mid pro 2. It is a nice tent and you have to be inside one to really appreciate how its weird shape gives you a lot of space. I will say that I find it more difficult to set up than my Zpacks tens because you have to mess with the pitch too much other wise it doesn’t have tight sides, etc. just too much work for me. My Zpacks tents setup easier and the same every time I set them up. Mellinzana is really over rated. I agree about the BRS stove. When there is a slight breath the efficiency exponentially decreases. Really wastes fuel. I would say that the number one reasons most of the things you talked about became popular is because of the weight. Now I disagree with you on the toothpaste tablets. I really like them far more than a tube of tooth paste. When you go quite often and in the heat the tube stuff gets funky after a while. The tablets don’t have that happen but you do need to make sure they stay dry.
Thanks Dan! Have you tried the Cascade Mountain Tech poles? I've found them to be super sturdy and you can get in different materials. Yeah another thing against the X-Mid is how much space it takes up. I agree, most became popular b/c of the weight. Ppl should've focused more on performance before reviewing them. I can't get used to the tabs! I've tried! I haven't seen the tubes getting funky on longer hot trips but haven't been out longer than 4-5 days so far to test that theory. Yes, excellent point on having them stay dry! Forgot to mention I threw my toothbrush in with the tabs one time and they got all messed up!
There are some advantages to pot gripper handles. They wont burn you or turn into napalm like some of the built-in ones, especially if you ever have to cook over a fire , and they are less awkward than silicone grippers. I tend to vapor burn myself with silicone grippers as I tip the pot to pour. The reason I don't use pot grippers is because I can't use them. I don't know why, but I lose them every time.
@@drytool proof that they're easy to lose right here folks! 😆 Thanks for watching! I agree if you cook over a fire they would be beneficial but I'd be interested in seeing what percentage of the backpacking community does that. It may fit more into the bush crafting and car camping crowds.
@@DaveOffGrid Here in Colorado during peak hiking season there is almost always a fire ban. However, If I'm going out for a long time I like to have a back-up way to cook in case I run out of fuel or have a stove break-down, not an impossibility on the CDT. My point is to point out times when it may be appropriate to have pot grippers although, like you, I prefer built in handles. My favorite are the kind that flip over the pot, holding the lid on. I also like them because they are rigid for pouring with your hand off to the side, out of the path of the steam.
@@drytool I totally agree with the flip up handle and it's my fav design too! 🙌 I've seen folks put a pot near the outer rim of the fire as well if they need to get a boil going as a back up too 👍
35 year backpacker here. after a couple of knee surgeries, hiking poles are mandatory for me. mine are 3 piece design from BD. im not a cork soaker. they are too long for trekking pole tents, so i use a free standing tent. been using thermarest blow up pads since they came out. horizontal tubes not a problem for me once i figured out the right air volume. i do use that pillow but find it has some shortcomings. prefer my old primus or pocket rocket stove with homemade windscreen. mostly boil water but occasionally carry a fry pan. i'm not a fan a rechargeable headlamps. i'd rather carry 2 or 3 batteries. recently started carrying a stool from rei for winter camping. no review on a chair.
@@gdx52 thanks for your input and for watching! 🙌 Great to see some older gear still going strong! 💪 It's awesome to get your kit dialed in and stick with some tried and true all time greats! 👍
@@LisaTheWanderingGeordie uh oh! Durston horde in the house 😆 The X-Dome looks promising but the X-Mid...smh. It's great for some folks but ya gotta realize it's not for everyone.
The Durston Iceline poles are a game-changer from a performance standpoint, and some of the Leki poles, as well, with the special strap that stays on your hand. These make a huge difference in FKT attempts.
I agree with a lot of these, but I think the x-mid1 is a good value for $240. It is the tent I use and the configuration takes a little bit to get used to, but I like it. If I wanted to spend $500 on a dcf tent maybe I’d look at other brands.
@@kjh6395 great points!! There are a lot of great pros for that tent, but the design is just not for everyone. I agree though, great price for a dual wall 1p with only 4 stakes. I would go with either a SMD or Tarptent tent for a similar price point. All subjective!
Good one, Dave! I agree on everything you talked about, except the Therma Rest. The XTherm has been good to me. It was great out on the Colorado Trail, too. I laughed with the toothpaste tabs. I’ve tried them years ago. I won’t even bring toothpaste anymore. Just bush with water. lol. Cheers and happy holidays, my friend!✌️
@@tangenttrails thanks Jerry! 😆 Happy Holidays! No doubt Thermarest is warm!! Comfy is subjective tho. I'm willing to try a lot, but those tabs, yuck 😝
I stick with a regulator or remote canister stove. I need reliability in a stove because I rely heavily on dehydrated meals that don't necessarily taste good cold.
Thanks man... good show. I literally have to throw away 1/2 my backpacking gear. Yeti, Yeti, Yeti, not that it isn't a great product, and I own all kinds of their products and love them. But I just don't get it.?... Everyone makes these or brands these products now. Don't you know the guy that pitched the first cooler that takes five men to carry and holds 3 cans of beer, is Best salesman ever. Yeti even got people wearing it as a clothing brand. Please consider all these statements come from a man who said that no one would ever pay for water. 👴
Nice trekking poles are worth it imo. Way less rattling. Any chair is overrated! Except when I actually bring and use one. 😅 BRS is the perfect first stove. Compact, lightweight, inexpensive, and it shows you why a burner with some wind protection and a regulator is so much nicer.
My guy, you gotta try the brands you don’t like. The only ones you’re right about are the melanzana and poles, IMHO. Just get senchi, lol. Hyperlite is the 💩!! The unbound was a huge upgrade from my kakwa. I use a pod and their stuff sacks/ bags. I did have to sew up one and I’m gonna sew up my other one. Xmid is an excellent design. The non-dyneema floor is incredibly flimsy, though. The thermarest pad is perfect and only 1lb. for the wide! Nitecore headlamps and batteries are fantastic. I submerged a 10,000mah in a bog over 2 years ago and it’s still going strong. BRS is good, just slow and you can’t have flame past the edge of your pot or you waste fuel like crazy. That being said, I’ve been using the fire maple pot and stove & I love them. Gonna remove the handle, though. Might poke a hole in something. That trekology pillow is horrible, you’re 💯 there. I use the Exped mega now. Lastly, the ghost whisperer is so nice, I bought it twice 😂
@@DaveOffGrid you’re absolutely right. My back is really bad from a genetic condition so weight is super important. Nerve stupid ultralight again, though. Thanks for making the video! ✌️😎
@@Norcalhighker for me it's been about shaving as much weight as possible while still being comfortable. It's the constant chase for balance that keeps it interesting! Hope you're going on your sweet spot and it helps the back!
@ it’s always that balance. Do I want this enough for the weight? I never take a chair anymore but you won’t catch me without a pair of crocs. The new pack helps with the pack, thanks man! Won’t let anything keep me from backpacking.
Interesting video! I used incredibly cheap trekking poles from Decathlon for years, but bought expensive black diamond ones last year. More comfortable grip and sturdier, but mainly I hope they will be supe durable. I know people who've used one set of Leki poles for 20 years... I also got a Nitecore powerbank, but slightly regret it. It's excellent quality, but I agree that you can find cheaper power banks that are only a tiny bit heavier.
@@jorisev thanks for watching! 🙌 Great points! I think ppl are afraid to go cheaper on poles b/c they think they're getting garbage but I have not had that experience. My Cascade Mountain Tech poles are super sturdy, comfy and work great! The way you feel about nitecore is how I feel about the ghost whisperer! I'm almost afraid to wear it b/c of the cost 😱
i bought a nitecore power bank on sale for its thin profile. its 2 oz lighter than my anker 10k, but the power banks looks strip from any unnecessary parts/bulk while looking durable. it is so easy to pack and slide in any pockets. i recommend the baton 4. its a flashlight w/ its own internal case and it doubles as a 5k powerbank. you can even use the flashlight whiles its charging.
@@MouseCIick I've seen some cheaper alternatives that are getting closer on weight compared to the nitecore bank option. Their grip is slipping there. Good suggestion for the flashlight! 🔦
Maybe you should start trying to understand more things? Thermarest pads provide the most warmth for the weight because they have the most efficient insulation and baffling system, by far. I'm with you in that, in most cases the efficiency of the design doesn't make up for the discomfort, but sometimes it does.
@@drytool I think I have a great grasp on it. To me, comfort is king. A good night's sleep is worth a ton more than the best warmth to weight ratio pad. Some ppl are ok with horizontal baffles. Others are not. Thx for watching.
@@DaveOffGridIt can be pretty dangerous thinking you have a great grasp on things. People who think they have all the answers might be inclined to stop asking questions. If you are in a situation where you need the absolute warmest pad for the lightest weight what do you choose then?
@@drytool I'd choose a comfortable pad and stack the warmth. Or just not go out in 30 below weather. I don't have all the answers and you don't either.
A good list: Stoves and the Jetboil. Some influencers are now trying to bring up the fire maple heat exchanger stove or other stuff. I thought the whole reason to go with the classic Pocket Rocket and a barebones pot (w/a pot handle) was to get as light as possible by not caring about boil time. If we are moving to caring about boil time and fuel spent, just get a Jetboil. Trekking poles, I'm going to partially disagree. Bumping up into the 100 dollar tier is enough and there are some features that may make a slighter more expensive pole worth it like the Ice Axe attachment on the BD one or the Leki trail running system (which I love on mine) or cork handles. Trekking poles is always worn weight for me as well. I use mine all the time probably in top five most used pieces of gear, why would I stick with the 40 dollar pair then? Chairs, yes! Use a foam pad instead. Hyperlite gear. Agree here. Just too much stuff here and I would expect the most popular lightweight backpack to be less than 2 lbs honestly. Durston tents: The one major redeeming point with their trekking pole tent is four stakes w/ no worrying about a falling trekking pole. Most others require at least 6. Melzana, plenty of microgrids exist yes. It is the design of the user that works for Mellys. Heck they even have a more wind-friendly option, don't see that elsewhere now do you? Not overrated even though the market is saturated now. Weight-wise they are on the lighter end for microgrids even though they aren't full-zip. All of Nitecore. Give them some competition then they'll be overrated. Right now I just can't find comparable products for them. Pillow: I'm making the claim the Sea to Summit pillow is overrated. I had three burst on me. No more. MH Ghost Whispherer. I'm not understanding the purpose of puffys in general. Even if I'm around camp I can still do small walks in circles to move around. I've always used fleece jackets so I don't know if I just don't do hiking in colder temps enough or what. Therma rest sleeping pads. Can't comment on this since I don't use air pads. Adding something: Smart water bottles and their variants. I get why we use them over Nalgenes but the opening is just too dang small! I vastly prefer the 38mm opening that the Vitamin and gatorade water bottles have. Too bad companies don't make products for that type of opening and instead only focus on the 28mm smart water bottles.
@@Xhadp thanks for watching! We are definitely different in our viewpoints of just about all the gear you listed. Petrel is def worth it as it's a fraction of the cost of Jetboils, does just as well and weighs only grams more. Get the slide scoop for your 28mm bottles to transfer electrolytes or protein powders. Not a fan of any inflatable pillow. And my cheap Cascade Mountain Tech poles are awesome! 🙌
I agree with many of the items in the first category. You're paying for the name. Pot grabber ridiculous. Jet boil no hell no. Now when I first started, gear is so expensive, I did use the BRS, but I upgraded it pretty early. Never had issues with it and I would recommend for someone just starting out.
@@karmaclanton5544 thanks for watching! Good to hear the support as this is a polarizing subject 😆 And great point, the BRS is also very 'reliable' in that it doesn't break easily. In the wind is a totally different story when it comes to reliability.
I would like to add my totally not over-rated gear: - Durston X-mid Pro - Feathered Friends Flicker UL Bag - Soto Windmaster Stove - Senchi Alpha hoodie - Atom Packs All of these are my favorite gear and WELL worth the price, IMO.
Love my pot grabber, don’t let the cult hear you bad mouthing the x-mid 😂. Melanzana is pushing against capitalism. They could make a killing online but they resist. I respect it. Love my Nitecore battery bank. The NU25 and BRS are for the gram counters. The rest I agree with. Good video!
@@MyLifeOutdoors I've made my peace with the Durston horde 😆 I don't like the design, period. And I'm not alone there. May be true about Mellies but anti-capitalism is not a good business approach for a company selling products. Most folks love their nitecore, some have less than desirable experiences with theirs. Thanks for watching!!
I completely disagree with your assessment of pot grippers and the orange plastic trowel. That plastic trowel has been used by many backpackers for decades. I have never had a problem . The Durston XMID Pro is a fantastic piece of kit ! I personally love mine. As a long-time backpacker / climber / backcountry guide / outdoor educator with well over 40 years of experience. I find it amusing how so many people who have recently gotten into backcountry travel -10 years or less - put so much concern over what others' opinions are related to the gear they carry or choose to use. It's funny how clichés it is to see new backpackers "Thru-hikers " on the trail with their White Packs - Altra Trail shoes - Melanzana hoodie - folding ensilite pads and silly Smart water bottles. Oh yes, let's not forget the selfie sticks and drones . Back in the day before social media we simply ventured out to remote destinations with a compass and maps and sometimes with a bit knowledge from someone we know who had been there before. We did what we could to ligten our own load, whether it be solo or as a group. I can't ever recall a time when it made any difference as to what brand of gear the other's on the trail carried. After all we weren't going out in the backcountry to be seen or to post where we had been or how fast it was done. The only people who gave a shit were the people in your immediate tribe.
@@craigbarber3064 thanks for the tips gramps. For someone bad mouthing RUclipsrs so much how about you don't watch our videos instead of wasting your time saying how you can do it better? Create your own channel and do it your way and stop putting others down. There's no place for it.
I’m curious to know a bit more specifics on what about the X-Mid you don’t like I’ve been in the market for a tent for a bit and it’s one of the more priced competitive options out there I’ve seen you like gossamer gear you’re more of a fan of the one in particular or any particular reason other than the shape? Just trying to understand your reasoning, a bit more.
@@trailguyw9271 thanks for watching! Yes it's mostly the design of The One and the Zpacks Offset Solo that I favor the most. I don't care for the sloping walls and angles of the X-Mid nor the larger footprint/space needed to pitch it. Best of luck in your search! I personally would not recommend The One for anything other than fair weather.
You talked so fast in the first 4 seconds, im not sure what I heard! ha ha ha! Maybe you misspoke, but the X-Boil alcohol system is rad, but Jetboil, nah, hard pass.
@@BackcountryExposure 😆 it's my best car salesman pitch 😆 I did misspeak, I put a correction on screen. I meant Jetboil. You have the X-Boil?! Never seen it on your channel. Love mine! 🙌 My fav alcohol stove.
@BackcountryExposure I still think the Caldera Cone and my Toaks Siphon burner is the best I've tested but not super practical on volume or convenience in the field. Omg 😱 Devin saying hard no to something?! 😱😆
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
I agree with most of your assessments.
BUT how dare you 💩 on my Durston tent 😂😂😂
Here in the northeast, the windburner has a place in cold temps but not cold enough for a liquid gas stove. I do like mine, but it only gets used in cold shoulder seasons. I also love my BD poles. They are very well made and my oldest pair is about 12 years old. I don’t partake in the stupid expensive carbon ones…yet lol.
Fantastic video Dave!
I love my windburner too! But it only comes out for those cold temps as well! I love the how that thing kicks butt in some nasty conditions!
X-Mid, awwwww hell nah!!! 🤣 Good point about the MSR in colder temps. I was talking in more fair weather. BD overrated for poles! Thanks Melguyver!
totally agree on your view on Melanzana...
disagree on the Xmid, only trekking pole tent that I can remove the inner while its raining.
You can remove the inner on some Six Moon tents as well!
@@HuckOutdoors Good point sir! Jerry, just can't get used to the idea of the X-Mid. It's insanely popular for sure, but not for this guy.
I’m an inflatable pillow guy. I just don’t blow it up all the way.
A lot of folks are! Thanks for watching!
I add some kind of clothing like a t-shirt between the inflatable plastic and the cover, to give it a little bit more softness.
@@pedro1970maya great tip! Zenbivy and Nemo are selling that similar idea for a huge fee! 😆
I use an REI snow stake for my trowel. Like having a pick instead of a shovel, great in rocky ground, and it doubles as another tarp stake.
@@allenwilson5235 that works! Thanks for watching! 🙌
I carried a Nitecore Tiki light. It went off in my pocket and got so hot it melted my hiking pants pocket and I still can't grow hair there.
You usually gotta pay extra for nitecore’s laser hair removal 😂
@@Norcalhighker 😆
@@Scarywoody 😱 that's insane!
Great video Dave! I agree with the pot gripper things. A cloth works just fine for me. But I do see a use with maybe when having your pot on an open fire. Trekking poles is something I would spend for quality. I’ve had many cheaper ones that would break and/or bend quickly. Poles are very important since I roll my ankle several times on my trips. Ankle saver for me. I have the duration mid pro 2. It is a nice tent and you have to be inside one to really appreciate how its weird shape gives you a lot of space. I will say that I find it more difficult to set up than my Zpacks tens because you have to mess with the pitch too much other wise it doesn’t have tight sides, etc. just too much work for me. My Zpacks tents setup easier and the same every time I set them up. Mellinzana is really over rated. I agree about the BRS stove. When there is a slight breath the efficiency exponentially decreases. Really wastes fuel. I would say that the number one reasons most of the things you talked about became popular is because of the weight. Now I disagree with you on the toothpaste tablets. I really like them far more than a tube of tooth paste. When you go quite often and in the heat the tube stuff gets funky after a while. The tablets don’t have that happen but you do need to make sure they stay dry.
Thanks Dan! Have you tried the Cascade Mountain Tech poles? I've found them to be super sturdy and you can get in different materials. Yeah another thing against the X-Mid is how much space it takes up. I agree, most became popular b/c of the weight. Ppl should've focused more on performance before reviewing them. I can't get used to the tabs! I've tried! I haven't seen the tubes getting funky on longer hot trips but haven't been out longer than 4-5 days so far to test that theory. Yes, excellent point on having them stay dry! Forgot to mention I threw my toothbrush in with the tabs one time and they got all messed up!
There are some advantages to pot gripper handles. They wont burn you or turn into napalm like some of the built-in ones, especially if you ever have to cook over a fire , and they are less awkward than silicone grippers. I tend to vapor burn myself with silicone grippers as I tip the pot to pour. The reason I don't use pot grippers is because I can't use them. I don't know why, but I lose them every time.
@@drytool proof that they're easy to lose right here folks! 😆 Thanks for watching! I agree if you cook over a fire they would be beneficial but I'd be interested in seeing what percentage of the backpacking community does that. It may fit more into the bush crafting and car camping crowds.
@@DaveOffGrid Here in Colorado during peak hiking season there is almost always a fire ban. However, If I'm going out for a long time I like to have a back-up way to cook in case I run out of fuel or have a stove break-down, not an impossibility on the CDT. My point is to point out times when it may be appropriate to have pot grippers although, like you, I prefer built in handles. My favorite are the kind that flip over the pot, holding the lid on. I also like them because they are rigid for pouring with your hand off to the side, out of the path of the steam.
@@drytool I totally agree with the flip up handle and it's my fav design too! 🙌 I've seen folks put a pot near the outer rim of the fire as well if they need to get a boil going as a back up too 👍
35 year backpacker here. after a couple of knee surgeries, hiking poles are mandatory for me. mine are 3 piece design from BD. im not a cork soaker. they are too long for trekking pole tents, so i use a free standing tent. been using thermarest blow up pads since they came out. horizontal tubes not a problem for me once i figured out the right air volume. i do use that pillow but find it has some shortcomings. prefer my old primus or pocket rocket stove with homemade windscreen. mostly boil water but occasionally carry a fry pan. i'm not a fan a rechargeable headlamps. i'd rather carry 2 or 3 batteries. recently started carrying a stool from rei for winter camping. no review on a chair.
@@gdx52 thanks for your input and for watching! 🙌 Great to see some older gear still going strong! 💪 It's awesome to get your kit dialed in and stick with some tried and true all time greats! 👍
The Xmid is the best tent ive ever had. I think its because you didnt get a sticker 😁
Having used it on many long term trips. . . It is SO amazing. Such a great, simple and intuitive to use design.
IYKYK
@@LisaTheWanderingGeordie uh oh! Durston horde in the house 😆 The X-Dome looks promising but the X-Mid...smh. It's great for some folks but ya gotta realize it's not for everyone.
The Durston Iceline poles are a game-changer from a performance standpoint, and some of the Leki poles, as well, with the special strap that stays on your hand. These make a huge difference in FKT attempts.
@@drytool great info for fkt'ers!
I agree with a lot of these, but I think the x-mid1 is a good value for $240. It is the tent I use and the configuration takes a little bit to get used to, but I like it. If I wanted to spend $500 on a dcf tent maybe I’d look at other brands.
@@kjh6395 great points!! There are a lot of great pros for that tent, but the design is just not for everyone. I agree though, great price for a dual wall 1p with only 4 stakes. I would go with either a SMD or Tarptent tent for a similar price point. All subjective!
Totally agree on the trowels that cut up your hand. I seek out softer dirt and use a rock to dig a hole.
@@dianesoini rocks work too! I like my Vargo Dig Dig (ali express knock off) as it can double as an additional stake if one busts in the field.
Good one, Dave! I agree on everything you talked about, except the Therma Rest. The XTherm has been good to me. It was great out on the Colorado Trail, too. I laughed with the toothpaste tabs. I’ve tried them years ago. I won’t even bring toothpaste anymore. Just bush with water. lol. Cheers and happy holidays, my friend!✌️
@@tangenttrails thanks Jerry! 😆 Happy Holidays! No doubt Thermarest is warm!! Comfy is subjective tho. I'm willing to try a lot, but those tabs, yuck 😝
I stick with a regulator or remote canister stove. I need reliability in a stove because I rely heavily on dehydrated meals that don't necessarily taste good cold.
@@drytool great points! Thanks for watching! 🙌 I agree a good regulator makes that stove worth it's weight in gold!
Thanks man... good show. I literally have to throw away 1/2 my backpacking gear. Yeti, Yeti, Yeti, not that it isn't a great product, and I own all kinds of their products and love them. But I just don't get it.?... Everyone makes these or brands these products now. Don't you know the guy that pitched the first cooler that takes five men to carry and holds 3 cans of beer, is Best salesman ever. Yeti even got people wearing it as a clothing brand. Please consider all these statements come from a man who said that no one would ever pay for water. 👴
@@wyregrasser7540 yeti has def blown up in recent yrs. Not as much in backpacking however but def in the outdoor space.
Nice trekking poles are worth it imo. Way less rattling.
Any chair is overrated! Except when I actually bring and use one. 😅
BRS is the perfect first stove. Compact, lightweight, inexpensive, and it shows you why a burner with some wind protection and a regulator is so much nicer.
My Cascade poles are super sturdy, never had an issue! Chairs are the best! Lol, BRS
My guy, you gotta try the brands you don’t like. The only ones you’re right about are the melanzana and poles, IMHO. Just get senchi, lol. Hyperlite is the 💩!! The unbound was a huge upgrade from my kakwa. I use a pod and their stuff sacks/ bags. I did have to sew up one and I’m gonna sew up my other one. Xmid is an excellent design. The non-dyneema floor is incredibly flimsy, though. The thermarest pad is perfect and only 1lb. for the wide! Nitecore headlamps and batteries are fantastic. I submerged a 10,000mah in a bog over 2 years ago and it’s still going strong. BRS is good, just slow and you can’t have flame past the edge of your pot or you waste fuel like crazy. That being said, I’ve been using the fire maple pot and stove & I love them. Gonna remove the handle, though. Might poke a hole in something. That trekology pillow is horrible, you’re 💯 there. I use the Exped mega now. Lastly, the ghost whisperer is so nice, I bought it twice 😂
@@Norcalhighker best thing about gear is it's all subjective! That's why it's so polarizing! What works for me is horrible for the next person.
@@DaveOffGrid you’re absolutely right. My back is really bad from a genetic condition so weight is super important. Nerve stupid ultralight again, though. Thanks for making the video! ✌️😎
@@Norcalhighker for me it's been about shaving as much weight as possible while still being comfortable. It's the constant chase for balance that keeps it interesting! Hope you're going on your sweet spot and it helps the back!
@ it’s always that balance. Do I want this enough for the weight? I never take a chair anymore but you won’t catch me without a pair of crocs. The new pack helps with the pack, thanks man! Won’t let anything keep me from backpacking.
@Norcalhighker fantastic to hear! It's amazing how tweaking certain gear makes a huge difference! 👍
Good list Dave. I agree on the Melly stuff and expensive poles. Just a cheap pair of aluminum poles does fine.
Thanks David! Save those dolla bills where ya can!
Interesting video! I used incredibly cheap trekking poles from Decathlon for years, but bought expensive black diamond ones last year. More comfortable grip and sturdier, but mainly I hope they will be supe durable. I know people who've used one set of Leki poles for 20 years... I also got a Nitecore powerbank, but slightly regret it. It's excellent quality, but I agree that you can find cheaper power banks that are only a tiny bit heavier.
@@jorisev thanks for watching! 🙌 Great points! I think ppl are afraid to go cheaper on poles b/c they think they're getting garbage but I have not had that experience. My Cascade Mountain Tech poles are super sturdy, comfy and work great! The way you feel about nitecore is how I feel about the ghost whisperer! I'm almost afraid to wear it b/c of the cost 😱
Mellies are heavy and boxy. Don’t understand why they are so popular.
@@jakeva9802 me either!
Boxy? Have 2 and never have felt that way.
Oh yes, the dreaded deux of spades. That you for mentioning the unmentionable -just how awful they are. Now I feel justified to go find a better one.
@@oldHippyGirl Getting outside is most important. Then it's all about finding the gear that works best for you! Thanks for watching! Hope it helped!
i bought a nitecore power bank on sale for its thin profile. its 2 oz lighter than my anker 10k, but the power banks looks strip from any unnecessary parts/bulk while looking durable. it is so easy to pack and slide in any pockets.
i recommend the baton 4. its a flashlight w/ its own internal case and it doubles as a 5k powerbank. you can even use the flashlight whiles its charging.
@@MouseCIick I've seen some cheaper alternatives that are getting closer on weight compared to the nitecore bank option. Their grip is slipping there. Good suggestion for the flashlight! 🔦
Maybe you should start trying to understand more things? Thermarest pads provide the most warmth for the weight because they have the most efficient insulation and baffling system, by far. I'm with you in that, in most cases the efficiency of the design doesn't make up for the discomfort, but sometimes it does.
@@drytool I think I have a great grasp on it. To me, comfort is king. A good night's sleep is worth a ton more than the best warmth to weight ratio pad. Some ppl are ok with horizontal baffles. Others are not. Thx for watching.
@@DaveOffGridIt can be pretty dangerous thinking you have a great grasp on things. People who think they have all the answers might be inclined to stop asking questions. If you are in a situation where you need the absolute warmest pad for the lightest weight what do you choose then?
@@drytool I'd choose a comfortable pad and stack the warmth. Or just not go out in 30 below weather. I don't have all the answers and you don't either.
A good list:
Stoves and the Jetboil. Some influencers are now trying to bring up the fire maple heat exchanger stove or other stuff. I thought the whole reason to go with the classic Pocket Rocket and a barebones pot (w/a pot handle) was to get as light as possible by not caring about boil time. If we are moving to caring about boil time and fuel spent, just get a Jetboil.
Trekking poles, I'm going to partially disagree. Bumping up into the 100 dollar tier is enough and there are some features that may make a slighter more expensive pole worth it like the Ice Axe attachment on the BD one or the Leki trail running system (which I love on mine) or cork handles. Trekking poles is always worn weight for me as well. I use mine all the time probably in top five most used pieces of gear, why would I stick with the 40 dollar pair then?
Chairs, yes! Use a foam pad instead.
Hyperlite gear. Agree here. Just too much stuff here and I would expect the most popular lightweight backpack to be less than 2 lbs honestly.
Durston tents: The one major redeeming point with their trekking pole tent is four stakes w/ no worrying about a falling trekking pole. Most others require at least 6.
Melzana, plenty of microgrids exist yes. It is the design of the user that works for Mellys. Heck they even have a more wind-friendly option, don't see that elsewhere now do you? Not overrated even though the market is saturated now. Weight-wise they are on the lighter end for microgrids even though they aren't full-zip.
All of Nitecore. Give them some competition then they'll be overrated. Right now I just can't find comparable products for them.
Pillow: I'm making the claim the Sea to Summit pillow is overrated. I had three burst on me. No more.
MH Ghost Whispherer. I'm not understanding the purpose of puffys in general. Even if I'm around camp I can still do small walks in circles to move around. I've always used fleece jackets so I don't know if I just don't do hiking in colder temps enough or what.
Therma rest sleeping pads. Can't comment on this since I don't use air pads.
Adding something: Smart water bottles and their variants. I get why we use them over Nalgenes but the opening is just too dang small! I vastly prefer the 38mm opening that the Vitamin and gatorade water bottles have. Too bad companies don't make products for that type of opening and instead only focus on the 28mm smart water bottles.
Soto Windmaster and Evernew or Snow Peak pot.
@@Xhadp thanks for watching! We are definitely different in our viewpoints of just about all the gear you listed. Petrel is def worth it as it's a fraction of the cost of Jetboils, does just as well and weighs only grams more. Get the slide scoop for your 28mm bottles to transfer electrolytes or protein powders. Not a fan of any inflatable pillow. And my cheap Cascade Mountain Tech poles are awesome! 🙌
Finally, someone who agrees with me on Hyperlite!
@@Spookyhike all day erryday! 🙌
Overated Overpriced and uncomfortable !
I agree with many of the items in the first category. You're paying for the name. Pot grabber ridiculous. Jet boil no hell no. Now when I first started, gear is so expensive, I did use the BRS, but I upgraded it pretty early. Never had issues with it and I would recommend for someone just starting out.
@@karmaclanton5544 thanks for watching! Good to hear the support as this is a polarizing subject 😆 And great point, the BRS is also very 'reliable' in that it doesn't break easily. In the wind is a totally different story when it comes to reliability.
I love my Grayl titanium its pricey but it was my water bottle, water filter and cooking pot .
@@freetimephotographer nice!
Durston X-mid is not over-rated at all. It is amazing.
I would like to add my totally not over-rated gear:
- Durston X-mid Pro
- Feathered Friends Flicker UL Bag
- Soto Windmaster Stove
- Senchi Alpha hoodie
- Atom Packs
All of these are my favorite gear and WELL worth the price, IMO.
@@danielcluley870 good for you! All gear is subjective! What works for me doesn't for other folks.
Love my pot grabber, don’t let the cult hear you bad mouthing the x-mid 😂. Melanzana is pushing against capitalism. They could make a killing online but they resist. I respect it. Love my Nitecore battery bank. The NU25 and BRS are for the gram counters.
The rest I agree with. Good video!
@@MyLifeOutdoors I've made my peace with the Durston horde 😆 I don't like the design, period. And I'm not alone there. May be true about Mellies but anti-capitalism is not a good business approach for a company selling products. Most folks love their nitecore, some have less than desirable experiences with theirs. Thanks for watching!!
I completely disagree with your assessment of pot grippers and the orange plastic trowel.
That plastic trowel has been used by many backpackers for decades.
I have never had a problem .
The Durston XMID Pro is a fantastic piece of kit !
I personally love mine.
As a long-time backpacker / climber / backcountry guide / outdoor educator with well over 40 years of experience.
I find it amusing how so many people who have recently gotten into backcountry travel -10 years or less - put so much concern over what others' opinions are related to the gear they carry or choose to use.
It's funny how clichés it is to see new backpackers "Thru-hikers " on the trail with their White Packs - Altra Trail shoes - Melanzana hoodie - folding ensilite pads and silly Smart water bottles. Oh yes, let's not forget the selfie sticks and drones .
Back in the day before social media we simply ventured out to remote destinations with a compass and maps and sometimes with a bit knowledge from someone we know who had been there before.
We did what we could to ligten our own load, whether it be solo or as a group. I can't ever recall a time when it made any difference as to what brand of gear the other's on the trail carried. After all we weren't going out in the backcountry to be seen or to post where we had been or how fast it was done.
The only people who gave a shit were the people in your immediate tribe.
@@craigbarber3064 thanks for the tips gramps. For someone bad mouthing RUclipsrs so much how about you don't watch our videos instead of wasting your time saying how you can do it better? Create your own channel and do it your way and stop putting others down. There's no place for it.
I’m curious to know a bit more specifics on what about the X-Mid you don’t like I’ve been in the market for a tent for a bit and it’s one of the more priced competitive options out there I’ve seen you like gossamer gear you’re more of a fan of the one in particular or any particular reason other than the shape? Just trying to understand your reasoning, a bit more.
@@trailguyw9271 thanks for watching! Yes it's mostly the design of The One and the Zpacks Offset Solo that I favor the most. I don't care for the sloping walls and angles of the X-Mid nor the larger footprint/space needed to pitch it. Best of luck in your search! I personally would not recommend The One for anything other than fair weather.
Well done.
@@pedro1970maya thank you!!!
You talked so fast in the first 4 seconds, im not sure what I heard! ha ha ha! Maybe you misspoke, but the X-Boil alcohol system is rad, but Jetboil, nah, hard pass.
@@BackcountryExposure 😆 it's my best car salesman pitch 😆 I did misspeak, I put a correction on screen. I meant Jetboil. You have the X-Boil?! Never seen it on your channel. Love mine! 🙌 My fav alcohol stove.
@ yeah got the x-boil earlier this month. Haven’t had a chance to use it yet other than messing around at home. I like it though.
@BackcountryExposure I still think the Caldera Cone and my Toaks Siphon burner is the best I've tested but not super practical on volume or convenience in the field. Omg 😱 Devin saying hard no to something?! 😱😆
Ha ha bravissimo ! pane al pane vino al vino......that means ....dici la verità
YMMV on toothpaste tabs but the fact that you are brushing your teeth with that ridiculous toothbrush made me laugh.
@@bertman4 😆 hahaha it's almost as ridiculous as using toothpaste tabs!
Good points!