Thanks for watching I hope it helps here is a link to the gear guide I talk about in this vid or view it on my website kategrarock.com/products/hiking-gear-guide
Really great video! You went thru so much so fast. I liked how you actually explained how you go about packing your gear into your back. I don't see that often.
Interesting to see that my kit is remarkably similar to your. I am 60 and have backpacked for over 45 years. I think we have both come to the conclusion that... all the bits and bobs can be fun, in the end we just want stuff that is easy and works... everytime (well, most of the time). Thanks for sharing. 👴.
Thanks! I’ve got to get a bit of Durston gear in there one day 😀😀😀 love your stuff. I borrowed one of your tents once of a mate and was extremely impressed.
I moved my snake bandage out of my first aid kit and put it in my zipper pouch in my belt. I was worried when someone needed one and it took a bunch of us a minute or two to grab ours from inside packs/dry bags. I have mine now in a vacuum sealed bag (like the ones you use for vacuum sealing food) with really big tear triangles to open. The bags are super resistant and due to being able to squeeze the bag when it is being vacuum sealed, it is about a half the size of it normally and the packaging is super robust. Great video and I love your Canberra Mont love - no one outside of the ACT gets Mont and why we love it. I love the fact that Mont is getting into UL slowly but surely.
Oh that’s so good to know thanks. Love the vacuum seal idea. Scary you needed one. Hope everything was ok in the end. Yeah Mont is cool hey. I’m so excited watching the evolution. Happy hiking
You have some lovely gear and have put a lot of thought into choosing and explaining it. Nice to be able to swap different bits in and out for different trips depending on expected conditions or how you want to balance weight vs comfort.
Hiya, great video. I also love my Zpacks Duplex - I will be checking out the pillow you mentioned, comfortable sleep is definitely important. I'll also take a look at the thermals you mentioned. Mine are getting a bit, lets say, worn out. Thanks for sharing, always nice to watch a gear video, from someone who's actually using the gear. Cheers Mate
Thanks a lot. Yeah I’m getting into the comfort a bit more especially for the 2-5 days hiking I tend to do now. If I do another epic long hike I might look to shave some weight but wow it’s nice to sleep well on trail. Happy hiking
Thanks Kate for pointing me towards Avenza maps. This is exactly what I have been looking for and its great to see all the areas around Canberra are pretty much covered. Often I just use Google Maps in Offline mode with saved maps and imagery or All Trail/Farout/Garmin But to have a proper topo like that is brilliant. Wright Socks you say, no blisters you say. I've been using Injinji Toe socks and they have been good. But you sold me on ordering some Wright socks!
No worries thanks for watching. Love Avenza. There tends to be a free and a paid map for all the spots in nsw/act. The free map are still good. Happy hiking
Vivobarefoot have been not just a backpacking game changer but a life changer. You are very much right about gradually transitioning to minimalist shoes but my old traditional hikeing shoes (Obos, Keen,Merrell and even Topos) feel foreign and clunky. Although, a warning Vivos are expensive and ADDICTIVE! I have 9 pair a dreaming of their new jungle tracker. I also have a couple Xero but not as impressed with the ground feel of them. Their fine and have a more traditional look but just a bit more ridged, stiff sole. Great video,great tips and love your obvious passion for outdoor adventure.
Thanks so much Alex appreciate it. Yeah I struggle to use anything else now I’m on the vivo train. Will be keeping my eye on sales. I have a 15% discount thing though www.solemechanics.com.au they were also great on a return I had to make sent a free return post and everything. Katehike is the code but they have limited numbers
That's so true. I've worn a Merrell after almost a year only on barefoot shoes, (but the Saguaro ones) and almost got blisters in my toes and felt like stepping in concrete in the Merrell's, ok they're a bit old and may have garden a bit, but it doesn't compare with barefoot shoes at all.
I am with you on the comment of going as ultralight as possible so you can take the comfortable luxuries, sometimes that includes a few beers. Every time i crack a cold one on the trail I give thanks to Zpacks, Thermarest, Nitecore etc. Thank you for another great video, Ray.
Good, detailed video. Love your setup. I have a Durston Solid 1 p and thinking seriously about getting a Pro. What’s your total weight for 5 days with food and water? Suggest you leave first aid kit and torch on outside or near the top in case you need either one in a hurry.👌
I could probably do 10.5kg with water and food for 5 days in warmer weather. But could also be way heavier if I took the comfort items. And let’s not forget beer and camera stuff. Yeah head torch and first aid can be good to access quickly. I do battle with where they go in the pack. Cheers
@@KateGrarock that’s great! I’m at 11.34kg for winter, maybe 10.65;in summer. I feel good about my kit, but always willing to look at lighter options if I don’t sacrifice comfort or safety. That’s why I love looking at kit videos. 👌
Haha we have some of the same items in our pack. Love the Mont sleeping bags (so comfy), have a Moondance 1 (also have a Big Agnes - still working out if I love it or hate it). The WindMaster is such a great stove and I use the triflex most of the time too, (I have actually replaced the piezo on mine - which is cool that it's user repairable). The Huntsman is just about the perfect SAK!
So good Erik. Yeah I’m the same with the big Agnes. I think it would be great on a hike with proper campsites with lawn. I just get so worried about the floor when I’m off track hiking. I love the gear loft and weight. I might need to look into replacing my piezo. I think too many sandy campsites have impacted mine. Gotta love the Swiss Army knife. I’m still on the hunt for a sexy bushcraft knife (with ferro rod) so recommendations would be great.
@@KateGrarock now that's a rabbit hole I can go down. Have a look at the Victorinox Venture Pro and a lot of the Classroom knives come with Ferro rods. I've not used either, but heard good things about both
I have wide and high feet and find that Xero fit me waaaaay better. I couldn’t get the last pair of vivo I tried on my feet at all. But I also think it depends on what model you use. I’ve had vivos before that fit but they were a few sizes too big. I use my Xero Denver for hiking =)
Yeah so interesting. Annoying that there just isn’t any shops round to try them on. I spent about 2 hours trying to make sure my size was correct in the vivo.
@@KateGrarock it would be sooo handy if one could just go somewhere to try barefoot shoes on! I live in rural Sweden and there’s no place like that nearby. I have to order barefoot shoes online which is expensive when you have to send them back =(
The problem with 1000 loft down is moisture. Not just like any down but extremely. Morning fog will wet it out. I’ll be sticking to a synthetic puffy from now on.
@KateGrarock the Outdoor Vitals Loftek jacket has been good for me. Not quite the warmth of a comparable down jacket (ghostwhisperer) but still lofts and holds warmth if wet. Half the price too.
Mont do a primaloft hoodie jacket. Heavier than your current options, >400g. It's warm, fits nice. Waterproof but not seam sealed shell so it goes okay in light rain and the insulation doesn't mind if it gets wet (and barely does). I've had one for a couple of winters and like it.
It's nice to have the Tyvek as a separate groundsheet to help keep mud off your tent,washes separately, and can be used when cowboy camping, or just taking a break.
Really interesting video! I'm always disappointed to see these innovative tent designs from outside Europe but then realize they are inner-pitch first. I don't understand this design unless you live in a desert and regularly want to sleep under just a bug net. These are just miserable to put up/take down in the pouring rain. In really yucky weather, it's such a game changer to be able quickly put up the outer and throw your pack inside and then take your time setting every thing else up under its shelter. Or to take down the inner, fold it up and pack all your stuff nicely while protected under the outer, and then just quickly collapse the outer and strap it with the poles to the outside of your pack.
Yeah it can be horrible in the hectic rain. The Big Agnes tent can be pitched fly first. The zpacks is great as you say, you can open tent throw pack in then pitch it. What’s your favourite tent/s
@@KateGrarock There is a Swedish company Hilleberg that makes amazing tents, including a few pretty light ones. But they are eye-wateringly expensive. I have the Niak model and it is by far the most expensive item I own (to be fair I don't own a car, or a house, obviously). But for when I don't need something freestanding, I also have a much cheaper little Vango Nevis, which has served me loyally. Both are heavier than yours I think but I hike in Scandinavia, where it can be really wet, so my requirements are outer-first and bombproof and not too cramped if if I'm going to be stuck in there all evening. And I definitely agree with you on wanting something simple to pitch when you've had a long day's march and potentially a tricky/space-limited pitching situation.
@@KateGrarock Just a note on the Vango tent I mentioned . I'm not specifically recommending the Nevis from the Vango collection. I bought mine some years ago; I was on a much tighter budget when I got it and they also have launched quite a few newer (and lighter) models in the past few years, including some very light freestanding ones, so there are probably better ones than the Nevis. The do make pretty good-value tents though.
i’ve just finished hiking for 4 weeks in the swedish mountains…hilleberg tents everywhere and i 100% understand why! the guy ropes of my big agnes copper spur were never going to hold up in some of the wind on the open fells.
Oh so cool. I just screenshotted this comment will send / ask what’s the thinking behind what they currently use. Probably weight I’d say. It’s a hard balance.
I llloooove mont gear! Wish they had a dedicated store in Melbourne! Every time we go to Sydney I always shop there. Took a mont rain jacket to London, Scotland, Ireland. Sadly in 5 weeks in the UK only wore it 3 times. Hello Global warming!
nice one Kate a nice rundown of your gear , why , how and when . When I was a guide it was great to get all the best gear and claim it on tax . Now I just make do with what's practical and affordable . I can't justify $400 on 1 item these days . that's where kayak camping comes in great , we dont have to worry to much about weight and space saving . Happy camping
Thanks for watching I hope it helps here is a link to the gear guide I talk about in this vid or view it on my website kategrarock.com/products/hiking-gear-guide
Thankyou!!!❤
Awesome video Kate. Really enjoyed this one!
Thanks heaps mate, glad you liked it. So good to have you back
Omg I watched Alone ages ago, and found your channel today after researching for my 1st hike ekkk excited to hear your experience and advice ❤
That’s so cool. So excited for your hiking journey. Sing out if you have any questions
Really great video! You went thru so much so fast. I liked how you actually explained how you go about packing your gear into your back. I don't see that often.
Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for watching.
Interesting to see that my kit is remarkably similar to your. I am 60 and have backpacked for over 45 years. I think we have both come to the conclusion that... all the bits and bobs can be fun, in the end we just want stuff that is easy and works... everytime (well, most of the time). Thanks for sharing. 👴.
So cool and I absolutely agree. Happy hiking
So much great information. Thank you for sharing your wisdom!
Thanks for watching and the lovely comment
I love your gear choices!! I just subscribed!! Thanks for being awesome!!!!!!!
So cool thanks for that. Happy hiking
G'day from Brisbane. Great information and video 📹 👏 👍 top stuff
Thanks mate. Happy hiking. I hope to get up your way next year for some adventures. Such a great backyard for hiking
@KateGrarock your welcome. Yes, we have great locations.
Nice list.
Thanks! I’ve got to get a bit of Durston gear in there one day 😀😀😀 love your stuff. I borrowed one of your tents once of a mate and was extremely impressed.
I moved my snake bandage out of my first aid kit and put it in my zipper pouch in my belt. I was worried when someone needed one and it took a bunch of us a minute or two to grab ours from inside packs/dry bags. I have mine now in a vacuum sealed bag (like the ones you use for vacuum sealing food) with really big tear triangles to open. The bags are super resistant and due to being able to squeeze the bag when it is being vacuum sealed, it is about a half the size of it normally and the packaging is super robust. Great video and I love your Canberra Mont love - no one outside of the ACT gets Mont and why we love it. I love the fact that Mont is getting into UL slowly but surely.
Oh that’s so good to know thanks. Love the vacuum seal idea. Scary you needed one. Hope everything was ok in the end. Yeah Mont is cool hey. I’m so excited watching the evolution. Happy hiking
You have some lovely gear and have put a lot of thought into choosing and explaining it. Nice to be able to swap different bits in and out for different trips depending on expected conditions or how you want to balance weight vs comfort.
Thank you kindly! Appreciate your support. Hope you are well
Outstanding title but overall presentation as well! Some truly useful information and tips! 👏
thanks a lot mate. I really appreciate it.
Great review of fabulous (very expensive) gear.
I agree that to be able to sleep well is so important. 😊
Totally mate. I hope to do a series on gear that includes cheaper stuff some time soon.
Hiya, great video. I also love my Zpacks Duplex - I will be checking out the pillow you mentioned, comfortable sleep is definitely important. I'll also take a look at the thermals you mentioned. Mine are getting a bit, lets say, worn out. Thanks for sharing, always nice to watch a gear video, from someone who's actually using the gear. Cheers Mate
Thanks a lot. Yeah I’m getting into the comfort a bit more especially for the 2-5 days hiking I tend to do now. If I do another epic long hike I might look to shave some weight but wow it’s nice to sleep well on trail. Happy hiking
Thanks Kate for pointing me towards Avenza maps. This is exactly what I have been looking for and its great to see all the areas around Canberra are pretty much covered. Often I just use Google Maps in Offline mode with saved maps and imagery or All Trail/Farout/Garmin
But to have a proper topo like that is brilliant.
Wright Socks you say, no blisters you say. I've been using Injinji Toe socks and they have been good. But you sold me on ordering some Wright socks!
No worries thanks for watching. Love Avenza. There tends to be a free and a paid map for all the spots in nsw/act. The free map are still good. Happy hiking
Impressive range of gear - own quite a lot of the same but still learnt a lot!
Thanks Mark. Really appreciate it. I’m always learning too. Love tinkering with new gear and seeing what others do. Happy hiking
Vivobarefoot have been not just a backpacking game changer but a life changer. You are very much right about gradually transitioning to minimalist shoes but my old traditional hikeing shoes (Obos, Keen,Merrell and even Topos) feel foreign and clunky. Although, a warning Vivos are expensive and ADDICTIVE! I have 9 pair a dreaming of their new jungle tracker.
I also have a couple Xero but not as impressed with the ground feel of them. Their fine and have a more traditional look but just a bit more ridged, stiff sole.
Great video,great tips and love your obvious passion for outdoor adventure.
Thanks so much Alex appreciate it. Yeah I struggle to use anything else now I’m on the vivo train. Will be keeping my eye on sales. I have a 15% discount thing though www.solemechanics.com.au they were also great on a return I had to make sent a free return post and everything. Katehike is the code but they have limited numbers
That's so true. I've worn a Merrell after almost a year only on barefoot shoes, (but the Saguaro ones) and almost got blisters in my toes and felt like stepping in concrete in the Merrell's, ok they're a bit old and may have garden a bit, but it doesn't compare with barefoot shoes at all.
Oh yeah totally. How do you find the Saguaro. They look more affordable
I am with you on the comment of going as ultralight as possible so you can take the comfortable luxuries, sometimes that includes a few beers. Every time i crack a cold one on the trail I give thanks to Zpacks, Thermarest, Nitecore etc. Thank you for another great video, Ray.
Haha absolutely. That $1000 tent is totally worth a few beers in the pack.
I use a Swiss Army knife card.. it has scissors, knife, tweezers, toothpick and tiny pen.
Oh cool. I’ll check it out. Thanks
Good, detailed video. Love your setup. I have a Durston Solid 1 p and thinking seriously about getting a Pro. What’s your total weight for 5 days with food and water? Suggest you leave first aid kit and torch on outside or near the top in case you need either one in a hurry.👌
I could probably do 10.5kg with water and food for 5 days in warmer weather. But could also be way heavier if I took the comfort items. And let’s not forget beer and camera stuff. Yeah head torch and first aid can be good to access quickly. I do battle with where they go in the pack. Cheers
@@KateGrarock that’s great! I’m at 11.34kg for winter, maybe 10.65;in summer. I feel good about my kit, but always willing to look at lighter options if I don’t sacrifice comfort or safety. That’s why I love looking at kit videos. 👌
Nice work. Sounds like you have it dialled in. Yeah always great to get a few new ideas hey. Happy hiking
Haha we have some of the same items in our pack. Love the Mont sleeping bags (so comfy), have a Moondance 1 (also have a Big Agnes - still working out if I love it or hate it). The WindMaster is such a great stove and I use the triflex most of the time too, (I have actually replaced the piezo on mine - which is cool that it's user repairable). The Huntsman is just about the perfect SAK!
So good Erik. Yeah I’m the same with the big Agnes. I think it would be great on a hike with proper campsites with lawn. I just get so worried about the floor when I’m off track hiking. I love the gear loft and weight. I might need to look into replacing my piezo. I think too many sandy campsites have impacted mine. Gotta love the Swiss Army knife. I’m still on the hunt for a sexy bushcraft knife (with ferro rod) so recommendations would be great.
@@KateGrarock now that's a rabbit hole I can go down. Have a look at the Victorinox Venture Pro and a lot of the Classroom knives come with Ferro rods. I've not used either, but heard good things about both
Amazing thanks will do.
thank you mate big help😁
No problem 👍 thanks for watching and the lovely comment
I have wide and high feet and find that Xero fit me waaaaay better. I couldn’t get the last pair of vivo I tried on my feet at all. But I also think it depends on what model you use. I’ve had vivos before that fit but they were a few sizes too big. I use my Xero Denver for hiking =)
Yeah so interesting. Annoying that there just isn’t any shops round to try them on. I spent about 2 hours trying to make sure my size was correct in the vivo.
@@KateGrarock it would be sooo handy if one could just go somewhere to try barefoot shoes on! I live in rural Sweden and there’s no place like that nearby. I have to order barefoot shoes online which is expensive when you have to send them back =(
Totally agree. Hopefully they will get more popular so we can have them a little closer to try on one day.
@@KateGrarock That would be so handy!
The problem with 1000 loft down is moisture. Not just like any down but extremely. Morning fog will wet it out. I’ll be sticking to a synthetic puffy from now on.
Interesting to hear. I haven’t had a problem so far. I’ve been keen to try synthetic. What are your favourites
@KateGrarock the Outdoor Vitals Loftek jacket has been good for me. Not quite the warmth of a comparable down jacket (ghostwhisperer) but still lofts and holds warmth if wet. Half the price too.
Primaloft is a pretty amazing synthetic insulation. Nemo uses some of this. I think enlightened equipment uses this in some of their products as well
Mont do a primaloft hoodie jacket. Heavier than your current options, >400g. It's warm, fits nice. Waterproof but not seam sealed shell so it goes okay in light rain and the insulation doesn't mind if it gets wet (and barely does). I've had one for a couple of winters and like it.
Oh cool. Thanks. Could be good. It looks cool too.
Have a look at the Whippa range made in Katoomba, Blue Mountains by the Summit Gear company...
Thanks will do. Happy hiking
Gear load out vids 🤤
So fun hey.
Tyvek should be used by tent manufacturers as a tent floor, otherwise people just use a groundsheet underneath, which normally is tyvek anyway.
Totally I’ve been trying to scam a bit off my mate who is building a house. Amazing stuff.
@KateGrarock it helps to wash the Tyvek in a front load washer, to make it softer and less noisy.✌🏼
It's nice to have the Tyvek as a separate groundsheet to help keep mud off your tent,washes separately, and can be used when cowboy camping, or just taking a break.
Love a good cowboy camp. I’ll have to get some
Really interesting video!
I'm always disappointed to see these innovative tent designs from outside Europe but then realize they are inner-pitch first. I don't understand this design unless you live in a desert and regularly want to sleep under just a bug net. These are just miserable to put up/take down in the pouring rain. In really yucky weather, it's such a game changer to be able quickly put up the outer and throw your pack inside and then take your time setting every thing else up under its shelter. Or to take down the inner, fold it up and pack all your stuff nicely while protected under the outer, and then just quickly collapse the outer and strap it with the poles to the outside of your pack.
Yeah it can be horrible in the hectic rain. The Big Agnes tent can be pitched fly first. The zpacks is great as you say, you can open tent throw pack in then pitch it. What’s your favourite tent/s
@@KateGrarock There is a Swedish company Hilleberg that makes amazing tents, including a few pretty light ones. But they are eye-wateringly expensive. I have the Niak model and it is by far the most expensive item I own (to be fair I don't own a car, or a house, obviously). But for when I don't need something freestanding, I also have a much cheaper little Vango Nevis, which has served me loyally. Both are heavier than yours I think but I hike in Scandinavia, where it can be really wet, so my requirements are outer-first and bombproof and not too cramped if if I'm going to be stuck in there all evening. And I definitely agree with you on wanting something simple to pitch when you've had a long day's march and potentially a tricky/space-limited pitching situation.
Amazing thanks for that. Wow sounds like an incredible place you hike. Thanks for sharing. I’ll check them out
@@KateGrarock Just a note on the Vango tent I mentioned . I'm not specifically recommending the Nevis from the Vango collection. I bought mine some years ago; I was on a much tighter budget when I got it and they also have launched quite a few newer (and lighter) models in the past few years, including some very light freestanding ones, so there are probably better ones than the Nevis. The do make pretty good-value tents though.
i’ve just finished hiking for 4 weeks in the swedish mountains…hilleberg tents everywhere and i 100% understand why!
the guy ropes of my big agnes copper spur were never going to hold up in some of the wind on the open fells.
Kate, i just got a Mont Helium sleeping bag, if you are working with Mont, could you ask them to put ykk anti-snag zipper cover on their zips.
Oh so cool. I just screenshotted this comment will send / ask what’s the thinking behind what they currently use. Probably weight I’d say. It’s a hard balance.
I llloooove mont gear! Wish they had a dedicated store in Melbourne! Every time we go to Sydney I always shop there. Took a mont rain jacket to London, Scotland, Ireland. Sadly in 5 weeks in the UK only wore it 3 times. Hello Global warming!
It’s pretty amazing hey. It certainly kept me dry in winter in Tasmania for 22 days of good rain.
nice one Kate a nice rundown of your gear , why , how and when .
When I was a guide it was great to get all the best gear and claim it on tax . Now I just make do with what's practical and affordable . I can't justify $400 on 1 item these days . that's where kayak camping comes in great , we dont have to worry to much about weight and space saving . Happy camping
Thanks a lot mate. Yeah I hear ya re gear. I love a good kayak. I’ll have to get back on the water now it’s warming up. Happy hiking
Random question: Can you do a backflip? 😂
Na haha
@KateGrarock be cooler if you could 🤣
Haha
Kate Grarock, We share similar interests, wanna be friends?
Haha I never get sick of talking gear