I'm ditching the standard straps that came with my Hennessy Hammock and I picked up the Kammok Python 10 Ultralight Hammock Straps. They're longer to be able to use with larger diameter trees, and daisy-chained for easy setup. And only 3.2oz!! Can't wait to try them out!
I also ditched my old headlamp for the GoForWild headlamp... it's only 2 oz heavier than your Nitecore, it's motion-sensored, has red mode (gotta have that for the bugs down here in the south!), USB rechargeable, $10 cheaper than the Nitecore for a TWO PACK, and can last up to 2.5 hours at full-lumens (500) vs the Nitecore's 30 min at full-lumens (360). amzn.to/3pT1nBf
I replaced my old Petzl headlamp with a Nitecore NU-25 a while back, and love it so much that I use it every day doing early morning deliveries. It weighs about half as much as my Petzl does and charges last longer, and no batteries! I also recently swapped out my OR Helium II for an Omm Halo Rain Jacket and shed over 110 grams! No pit zips on the Ohm but it's now my go to Rain Jacket
I ditched the 750ml toaks mug for the 900 ml because it fits all of my cooking paraphernalia inside it. Which I like. Especially for the gas. 🤙🏼 Also, big boy likes to eat. I also ditched my teeny zpacks ultralight headlamp (by petzl) for the battery powered uco headlamp. I traded the straps though. One less thing to charge, easy to pick up a battery in town, and WAY brighter than the zpacks light... That whole sucker was the size of a quarter. 😂
As a Search and Rescue member could I suggest contacting your local SAR team and asking them if they would like to buy any of your gear. Most of us are 100% volunteer and have to provide our own gear. Love your videos.
for me it doesn't matter if the background of your videos is a wall or nature or whatever. I just love the way to talk, your honesty, integrity, authenticity and logic. I got a lot of inspiration for my own walks from you, though conditions here in Europe are different, but it's possible to apply the principles. thank you for that
Sun shirts are so underrated! I've been asked many time while wearing my UA sunshirt how I'm not too hot hiking in a long sleeve in the summer - I feel like many people don't realize how lightweight and breathable they are! Plus our skin will thanks us!
Agreed. I love love LOVE my Patagonia Tropic Comfort Hoody II. When its warm outside the breeze passes through it and has a nice cooling effect while being rated at 50+ UPF sun protection.
Ya, I had no idea until I lived in China: everyone wears a light cotton or silk long sleeve. When the sun's beating down, having your arms and neck covered is revolutionary.
Overrated. The idea is good; unless you're walking off trail so need durable sleeves to keep your arms from getting scratched up, cooling / comfort is more important. But you can just buy cheap active wear. The UPF rating is a joke, nobody is burning through opaque clothes and if you were that would become apparent during non hiking wear.
@@AnimeReference LOL yes, I completely see what you're saying! I've always laughed at the UFP rating, it just screams “sucker born every minute”. I'll never buy $50 “sun shirts”, I buy $20 light long sleeve shirts and call it a day.
I finally took your advice about the sock liners and luko tape. With the liners I didn’t even need the tape, but my fellow hikers did and they were impressed with how well it stuck in place. Thanks for the videos.
Great choice on the Gossamer Gear pad! I got one recently and love the multi-functionality that it provides. One piece of gear that will definitely be in the pack for my AT thru hike in '22.
Ooooh my god! That GG Thinlight 1/8 Pad would be absolutely perfect! So many times, after a long day of hard backpacking I just want to lay down but I don't because I don't want to get filthy, so my back aches. This would be PERFECT to lay on! AND, I can use it between my X-Therm sleeping pad and my tent floor, which is super loud. Thanks Darwin!
I have SO much gear in the "Don't Use" category. My Jet Boil Flash broke when I tried to get cute with a Kovea 1lb propane tank adapter for it. I replaced it with a Snow Peak setup and went from a one pound water boiler (Flash) to a 6oz setup. Sometimes broken stuff is a blessing.
I'm scooping up that GG pad - thanks for the link. Hoping to document my AT Nobo trip this year. Your videos are the absolute best and make preparing so much easier.
good choice for NU25. its a great headlamp,bright,lightweight,warm tint and red light work very well,with bungee cord you can use as bike (front/tail)lamp or attach on anything you want.
Montbell makes a sun hoodie that is "almost" perfect ....thumb hole,1/4 zip,UV protection and a through pocket. I wish the hood could be adjusted for those exposed windy days and the pockets had lightweight zippers. Consider these features on your side project ....bonus points if available in crazy colors. The world will be knocking not just hikers!
We have too many "YOU NEED TO GET THIS GEAR" videos and not enough "Dont even bother getting this" videos, so thank you for this. Videos are well done and very appreciated
I use a Saucony UV hoodie and love it. I almost never see them on the trail however...not sure why. It does block the wind a bit and makes a nice layering item. The hood is nice for quilt sleeping and in the desert, I can quickie wash it at a water point and wear it or hang on my pack to dry. Very versatile. As for what I have gotten over...many of my earlier sleeping quilts are not as warm ( due to the down shifting) as my Warbonnet diamondback quilt so... I have given them to friends. Thanks for the video!
Dude YES! Switched to using sun hoodies in 2020 too. Still breathable but at night is when they come in clutch. I feel way more protected throughout the day.
I’ve purged almost all my clothing items that are not wool.wool underwear and tees are a game changer,especially in the summer. I love that I can wear them in 100 degrees or 20
Hiking a lot around home on the Florida Trail recently...ditched my regular long sleeve shirt, ditched wearing just a T-shirt. Started wearing a T with a Ferrosi hoody or shirt. The Ferrosi fabric from OR is a lot better at dealing with things like saw palmetto and other plants that tear light weight shirts apart down here and it's light enough that I can wear it on all but the hottest and most exposed portions of the FT. Also gave up my nearly 20 year old Zipka headlamp and it's newer version too after they both failed in a rain storm on the AT in 2019 for a Black Diamond ReVolt (a USB rechargeable that is considerably heavier than yours, but IPX8 in the older version and can run on normal AAA batteries in a pinch). Oh, and in the hunt for a rain jacket that an overheating older guy with a thyroid condition can get along with all other raincoats are now sitting on the sideline while I try the Mont-Bell Versalite...and so far it has been great but I am worried about how it will hold up in the vegetation here in Florida. Meanwhile the quest for the perfect hat continues with the Arcteryx Calvus cap (as close as I've found and still pulling duty when I don't want to look like a complete geek) giving way to the Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat.
SWEET! For some reason a lot of folks have not been notified about the last few videos I put out on Thursday, so I decided to experiment & try a different day! 🤙
I love these videos of yours because they take gear out of the realm of "buy this because it's got x y and z" and places it into a broader context: practicality as well as personal needs. As someone who still has yet to go camping very much, I enjoy the encouragement on critical thinking and reflection. I also hope your new rain jacket lasts. Personally I've never had a rain jacket last me very long, especially if I get them sweaty and don't do maintenance.
I began incorporating my down puffy and a pair of down pants into my sleep system about 15 years ago. I love the versatility, and find deep winter potty breaks much more bearable than throwing on cold clothing coming out of my sleeping bag. Adding a one pound full zip down bag gives me the flexibility to take all or choose which piece at home. Have used the system from +80F down to +5F.
Im over traditional backpacking quilts. I upgraded to the EE conundrum. I have very wide shoulders and I was sick of grafts constantly getting in in my old setup. excited to try it out when the snows gone!
The sun Hoodia has been with me 2019 and 2020. I have so many photos of me on trail in my bright blue shirt, you'd think I took a 100 photos on the same day. Hahaha ❤️
I waited & waited for the GG 1/8" pad to show up in their discount bin. I'm so glad I finally nabbed one! When I must sleep on the ground, it goes under my air mattress to protect it & to provide a little more insulation. While GG makes a thicker hammock pad, I use the 1/8" pad as a little extra warmth in my hammock. That pad seems like it can do anything. It's a bargain!
Another thought on sun hoodies from a button-down shirt guy: Sun hoodies are probably the best choice for sun protection if you're hiking on snow. They offer way more protection from reflected sunlight. I switched to a hoodie for the high Sierra during my '19 PCT thru, and I was glad I did. Even for those of us who aren't hoodie guys, consider using one if you're going to high elevations in the spring/early summer.
I’m a bit shook seeing you without the button-up but I love the sun hoodie!! It’s what I decided on as well for my Oregon/Washington pct hike. Mine even has zip pockets which I will put into good use.. so excited 😆 lol.. Great vid btw!!.. I’m going to look into the headlamp..
Just dropped my MLD Cricket tarp and Inner off at the post office a couple of hours ago. I'm pretty solidly in the frameless and webbing hipbelt camp now too but haven't ditched my old packs because dad life. I've been loving my NU25 for a while now. Great headlamp.
I’ve gave up on the Outdoor research rain jacket as well as the Zpacks vertices. I love the enlightened equipment visp. It works great. Used it this winter. It kept me dry and works great with there coat and vest.
This video is interesting to me because I have been using all of the “new” items in this video for a while and it’s interesting to me that you have apparently become a convert to them all as well. Hike on!
I did the same headlamp switch! I loved uco air but on my trip last summer, we were waking up in the dark every morning and we needed headlamps for about an hour and a half so the battery just didn't cut it!
Good call on the sun hoodie. I switched to Patagonia's Tropic Comfort hoodie and it's been a revelation. Killer sun and bug protection and it's also the coolest, most breathable shirt I own.
I'm over the BRS 3000 stove and going back to my Oil Camp Vector. The Vector might weigh a little more but it's less finicky and more sturdy. I can actually turn down the flame on my Vector and not have to worry about a slight breeze blowing it out or making it sputter.
I got the Patagonia tropic comfort hoody for the azt...and its amazing. I will never hike in exposed places with out it and it's also great for layering in cold weather or bikepacking. One of my favorite pieces of gear...who knew a hooded shirt could be so game changing. Now I just wish my legs were more burn resistant. Hiking pants are rarely sexy.
Got a UGQ synthetic 10 degree quilt with all the bells and whistles but just about froze in it when it got down in the 30s or 40s and the baffles are so big the fill just bunches up in the bottom or top of them. Was tired of trying to shift the fill and eliminate cold spots and am now sour about baffles and fill altogether. Got a cashmere blanket and a silk liner to keep me warm and stay light...lol...we'll see how that goes!
I’ve used the gg ccf since ‘17, though I use it below my sleep pad for extra puncture protection. I think you’ll find the gg ccf will soak up water though, where the z seat style pad does not. The gg pad is also quite adept at picking up stickers too, so watch out for that.
I'm so stoked about this video, because I pretty much dialed in the same wavelength as you, Darwin!!! I accidentally bought the gossamer gear mat when I bought my Murmur pack, and was going to bring it back but found out how useful it was. And I just got my headlamp in today, the same one as you but the 20. I have a long sleeve hoodie with thumb holes, and I never used a fanny pack. I'm looking at either the visp or the montbell versalite, and saving for it. Basically I am stoked because I think I'm on the right track with gear, because if I can match Darwin I must be doing something right!! 😆
Dude great choices. I have had the Nitrcore NU 25 for a few years and nothing beats it. It’s also one of the few rechargeable lamps to actually work while charging in case it dies while night hiking. I also have the gossamer gear thin lite pad and love its multiple uses as you stated. Great job on the video my friend! Marmalade
I have a full gorgeous kit that I have used once. Not because I don't love it, but because injuries, pain, and multiple surgeries have plagued me for a year now. Hopefully some regular clamping will help me ease my way back into fitness, and once I am off these crutches, I can get back into some of the shorter paths around Sydney as a start.
For under $20, I had a quarter and a half zipper sewn on Echo hoodies. It changed everything. Amazing. I highly suggest giving it a try with a cheap sun hoodie if you are not convinced. If you know how to sew, then it's nearly free. For the record, the half-zip wasn't really needed. A quarter-zip sun hoodie is pretty much always on me for hiking and paddling. There is a discount brand out there that makes a half zip sun hoodie for about $30. And, shockingly they also call it Echo. PS: I bought the cheapie and it's thicker and warmer. Not great for long hot hiking days, but ok for paddling.
Utah Hiker here, yeah, I strictly use a long sleeve, breathable, hoody type shirt LIKE the sun hood but BETTER because it unzips. Though I also love the sun hoody you're wearing and use it!
The headlamp mod I made that I like the best is the longer bit of shockcord. It lets me wear a just-bright-enough headlamp on my waist. That points down and out in front of my feet right where I am going to put them. And then I have a handheld flashlight that I can use to look up to the side of me or whatever my eyes want to point...I find I am always looking for the cougar's or bear's or jealous buck's eyes.
Welcome to the NU-25 club! I love that headlamp. I tried a ULA CDT pack this past year that I just couldn’t get comfortable with. So I ditched it, and I’m going with a Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear 45 liter. Loving it so far.
Agreed: the thumb holes rule. OR has a nice jacket series for cooler hikes where from "hem to pit" (the entire side is a pit zip) so hikers can reach all the way into the jacket to access more gear (like camera batteries, extra fleece, mitts..etc) or dump tons of heat--and very water resistant. Foray & Furio Series. Yeah...I heard those head lamps & that foam insulation I have been waiting to try. Your video confirms that the insulation can easily be folded if I want to cut a bigger shape for my hammock in the real cold of the Upper Midwest. Or hide behind a big old log out of the harsh wind in style for some z's.
a cheap sun hoody I found at tjmaxx is my go-to running shirt. layered under a windbreaker it's way warmer and dryer than a sweater. I like pulling the hood over the rim of a visor for light rain.
Thank you Darwin! Can you please explain the shoulder strap modification that you attach your peak design capture camera clip to or link to other video that describes this modification? Thanks again for all that you do!
I replaced my Warbonnet Original Blackbird with my new Dream Hammock. I switched because I wanted a lighter hammock. It is sweet. Now I am waiting on my new Enlightened "Uprising" Underquilt which replaced my Yeti underquilt from Warbonnet. I am waiting for the snow to melt so I can try out my new gear. BTW I will look at that new Gossamer Thin Light Foam Pad. I can see this also as using as a pad to place under my feet in my hammock when I go to sleep.
Another benefit of the 1/8” foam pad is that it helps stop the squeaking sound of your air mattress against the tent floor. Whenever I moved it would sound like two balloons rubbing together. This cheap thin foam pad stops that!!
I’m not a thru-hiker yet, but I enjoy your channel. What I’m ditching is the CNOC. It has burst all over me when filtering water on more than one occasion, so I would not dare use it for storing extra in my pack, but main reason is that it the opening is too big for an average women’s hand to be able to squeeze the top open to properly to scoop water as intended. I’ve replaced it with the hydropack.
I tried a polyester sun hoodie for a number of hikes and though it definitely worked well on the trail, it reeked almost immediately. I ended up going back to tried and true Merino wool. No smell, and much better temperature regulation.
Thanks!!!!! I don't think I can dump my button up Columbia long sleeve shirt. In the summers I'm always hiking with it unbuttoned to breath better. I can't imagine the OR Echo being better without the option to unbutton and open up. I do like the 1/8" pad. I'm going to do that.
A mummy with sewn-through baffles worked not that great so I picked the best bag ever! Definitely the most expensive though but sooo good for cowboy camping!
Always entertaining, always useful. You've put me into some great choices over the years, so I will try Thinlight (why didn't I think of that before?) and Echo (versatility). Maybe also Visp to replace my Houdini + Sea to Summit nano poncho combination. Never use S2S as tarp anyway and it's ridiculous in high wind (!), so a do-it all-jacket is enticing.....although Houdini has been a favourite piece of gear.....
Over hiking quilts, am going with a hybrid, I have the zpacks classic sleeping bag on order. Also went back to tent camping from a hammock since my SO finally got on board with backpacking.
Great video Darwin! I don't think I've retired anything, but I have my eye on a few things that I wanna try. Mostly clothing. I'm definitely getting one of those hoodies. AmandaOutside turned me on to those. I'm also thinking about trying a flameless cooker. I might also get a food dehydrator. Lookin forward to the new and exciting stuff on the channel!
I got a Columbia synthetic jacket that was too bulky for backpacking so I retired it after one trip and now I'm using it for day hikes and walks. I replaced it with an REI down jacket for backpacking.
What Backpacking/Hiking Gear are you OVER in 2021? What NEW GEAR are you replacing it with???
👇Let Us Know Down Below!👇
Mr. Darwin, I would love to take you as a gift Waymark Fanny Pack, that you threw into the trash. Agreed?
I'm ditching the standard straps that came with my Hennessy Hammock and I picked up the Kammok Python 10 Ultralight Hammock Straps. They're longer to be able to use with larger diameter trees, and daisy-chained for easy setup. And only 3.2oz!! Can't wait to try them out!
I also ditched my old headlamp for the GoForWild headlamp... it's only 2 oz heavier than your Nitecore, it's motion-sensored, has red mode (gotta have that for the bugs down here in the south!), USB rechargeable, $10 cheaper than the Nitecore for a TWO PACK, and can last up to 2.5 hours at full-lumens (500) vs the Nitecore's 30 min at full-lumens (360). amzn.to/3pT1nBf
I replaced my old Petzl headlamp with a Nitecore NU-25 a while back, and love it so much that I use it every day doing early morning deliveries. It weighs about half as much as my Petzl does and charges last longer, and no batteries! I also recently swapped out my OR Helium II for an Omm Halo Rain Jacket and shed over 110 grams! No pit zips on the Ohm but it's now my go to Rain Jacket
I ditched the 750ml toaks mug for the 900 ml because it fits all of my cooking paraphernalia inside it. Which I like. Especially for the gas. 🤙🏼 Also, big boy likes to eat.
I also ditched my teeny zpacks ultralight headlamp (by petzl) for the battery powered uco headlamp. I traded the straps though. One less thing to charge, easy to pick up a battery in town, and WAY brighter than the zpacks light... That whole sucker was the size of a quarter. 😂
As a Search and Rescue member could I suggest contacting your local SAR team and asking them if they would like to buy any of your gear. Most of us are 100% volunteer and have to provide our own gear. Love your videos.
In my area SAR teams have tons of money through fema grants.....what area are you in?
@@Burritosarebetterthantacos We are in NB Canada. 100% volunteer. We get enough from the gov't to cover insurance and that is it.
@@pepepepert Well goodluck sir!
@@Burritosarebetterthantacos Thank you. We're fundraising for a truck to haul our equipment trailer.
Hey, from NB here as well. As a hiker, thank you for what you do!
I'm 15 and me and my younger brother have just started going on longer multi day hikes, its a blast!
NICE! Welcome to it!
That’s fab. Wish I’d started at your age. Happy hiking.
you're too young, the woods are dangerous
@@gummybear41283 not too young at all! That's the perfect age to start adventuring, outside the comfort zone.
@@XxBlazeheartxX no it's not!!! There's bears, cougars and wolves out there and also bad guys. You don't know what you're talking about!!
for me it doesn't matter if the background of your videos is a wall or nature or whatever. I just love the way to talk, your honesty, integrity, authenticity and logic. I got a lot of inspiration for my own walks from you, though conditions here in Europe are different, but it's possible to apply the principles. thank you for that
Wow, thank you! ❤️
I agree! No Darwin video is ever boring. Darwin, your personality and passion shows and that in itself is inspiring and entertaining 😁
I to do agree. Some youtubers just have it.
I like long sleeve fishing shirts for actually everything in life: office wear, casual wear, outdoor stuff
Yep. I know lots of people who do the fishing button downs in the office. Keeps their wardrobe minimal.
Sun shirts are so underrated! I've been asked many time while wearing my UA sunshirt how I'm not too hot hiking in a long sleeve in the summer - I feel like many people don't realize how lightweight and breathable they are! Plus our skin will thanks us!
Agreed. I love love LOVE my Patagonia Tropic Comfort Hoody II. When its warm outside the breeze passes through it and has a nice cooling effect while being rated at 50+ UPF sun protection.
Ya, I had no idea until I lived in China: everyone wears a light cotton or silk long sleeve. When the sun's beating down, having your arms and neck covered is revolutionary.
Overrated. The idea is good; unless you're walking off trail so need durable sleeves to keep your arms from getting scratched up, cooling / comfort is more important. But you can just buy cheap active wear. The UPF rating is a joke, nobody is burning through opaque clothes and if you were that would become apparent during non hiking wear.
@@AnimeReference LOL yes, I completely see what you're saying! I've always laughed at the UFP rating, it just screams “sucker born every minute”. I'll never buy $50 “sun shirts”, I buy $20 light long sleeve shirts and call it a day.
@@AnimeReference lol my buddy has a similar opinion but he has this type of opinion on things he can’t afford.
I love seeing the evolution of your gear. I really appreciate that you love something one year and are over it the next. I think we all feel that way.
I appreciate your effort of mixing it up, Darwin! Also, it is nice to go back to old school once in a while!
Gotta constantly change it up! 🤙
love the creativity that you are coming up with, it's awesome to see you continue to learn and reinvent yourself. After all that is what we all do!
Thanks! I'm just trying to constantly evolve my creativity... no pun intended 😉
Thanks for updating us! A 2021 PCT Hopeful (April 13 for my permit) but I do enjoy seeing some different ideas as im going through my final shakedowns
Have a Great Hike!
I finally took your advice about the sock liners and luko tape. With the liners I didn’t even need the tape, but my fellow hikers did and they were impressed with how well it stuck in place. Thanks for the videos.
Great choice on the Gossamer Gear pad! I got one recently and love the multi-functionality that it provides. One piece of gear that will definitely be in the pack for my AT thru hike in '22.
Was excited to see you pick up the Nitecore, I literally just upgraded my headlamp and the Nitecore was a great choice.
Ooooh my god! That GG Thinlight 1/8 Pad would be absolutely perfect! So many times, after a long day of hard backpacking I just want to lay down but I don't because I don't want to get filthy, so my back aches.
This would be PERFECT to lay on! AND, I can use it between my X-Therm sleeping pad and my tent floor, which is super loud. Thanks Darwin!
I bought the NU25 headlamp 3 years ago and it's easily one of my favorite pieces of gear.
I have SO much gear in the "Don't Use" category. My Jet Boil Flash broke when I tried to get cute with a Kovea 1lb propane tank adapter for it. I replaced it with a Snow Peak setup and went from a one pound water boiler (Flash) to a 6oz setup. Sometimes broken stuff is a blessing.
I'm scooping up that GG pad - thanks for the link. Hoping to document my AT Nobo trip this year. Your videos are the absolute best and make preparing so much easier.
good choice for NU25. its a great headlamp,bright,lightweight,warm tint and red light work very well,with bungee cord you can use as bike (front/tail)lamp or attach on anything you want.
Montbell makes a sun hoodie that is "almost" perfect ....thumb hole,1/4 zip,UV protection and a through pocket. I wish the hood could be adjusted for those exposed windy days and the pockets had lightweight zippers. Consider these features on your side project ....bonus points if available in crazy colors. The world will be knocking not just hikers!
We have too many "YOU NEED TO GET THIS GEAR" videos and not enough "Dont even bother getting this" videos, so thank you for this. Videos are well done and very appreciated
I use a Saucony UV hoodie and love it. I almost never see them on the trail however...not sure why. It does block the wind a bit and makes a nice layering item. The hood is nice for quilt sleeping and in the desert, I can quickie wash it at a water point and wear it or hang on my pack to dry. Very versatile. As for what I have gotten over...many of my earlier sleeping quilts are not as warm ( due to the down shifting) as my Warbonnet diamondback quilt so... I have given them to friends. Thanks for the video!
Dude YES! Switched to using sun hoodies in 2020 too. Still breathable but at night is when they come in clutch. I feel way more protected throughout the day.
Hey man, watched your AZT documentary on Amazon Prime last week. Really enjoyed it.
Thank You! I'm glad you dug it! Because of folks like you, we've been able to raise over $30K for the Arizona Trail Association. ❤️
I’ve purged almost all my clothing items that are not wool.wool underwear and tees are a game changer,especially in the summer. I love that I can wear them in 100 degrees or 20
I purchased some wool underwear for hiking with, and suddenly my entire drawer was full of the stuff.
Where do you get yours? I cant find anything but small percent blends and that isn’t cutting it for me.
Hiking a lot around home on the Florida Trail recently...ditched my regular long sleeve shirt, ditched wearing just a T-shirt. Started wearing a T with a Ferrosi hoody or shirt. The Ferrosi fabric from OR is a lot better at dealing with things like saw palmetto and other plants that tear light weight shirts apart down here and it's light enough that I can wear it on all but the hottest and most exposed portions of the FT. Also gave up my nearly 20 year old Zipka headlamp and it's newer version too after they both failed in a rain storm on the AT in 2019 for a Black Diamond ReVolt (a USB rechargeable that is considerably heavier than yours, but IPX8 in the older version and can run on normal AAA batteries in a pinch). Oh, and in the hunt for a rain jacket that an overheating older guy with a thyroid condition can get along with all other raincoats are now sitting on the sideline while I try the Mont-Bell Versalite...and so far it has been great but I am worried about how it will hold up in the vegetation here in Florida. Meanwhile the quest for the perfect hat continues with the Arcteryx Calvus cap (as close as I've found and still pulling duty when I don't want to look like a complete geek) giving way to the Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat.
I’m digging the Friday upload I think. Get ready for the weekend💪
SWEET! For some reason a lot of folks have not been notified about the last few videos I put out on Thursday, so I decided to experiment & try a different day! 🤙
Ditching the GG Mariposa for the ULA Circuit - more comfortable belt system. - I'm loving the new video approaches!
I have the OR Echo hoody and absolutely love it! One of my favorite pieces of kit I currently have.
Also bought the same headlamp you did this year and will be changing out the band to a shock cord. Very happy with it
I love these videos of yours because they take gear out of the realm of "buy this because it's got x y and z" and places it into a broader context: practicality as well as personal needs. As someone who still has yet to go camping very much, I enjoy the encouragement on critical thinking and reflection.
I also hope your new rain jacket lasts. Personally I've never had a rain jacket last me very long, especially if I get them sweaty and don't do maintenance.
I’m trying something new to me. A sleep layering system so I can switch parts in and out depending on the temperature and the time of year.
I began incorporating my down puffy and a pair of down pants into my sleep system about 15 years ago. I love the versatility, and find deep winter potty breaks much more bearable than throwing on cold clothing coming out of my sleeping bag. Adding a one pound full zip down bag gives me the flexibility to take all or choose which piece at home. Have used the system from +80F down to +5F.
Im over traditional backpacking quilts. I upgraded to the EE conundrum. I have very wide shoulders and I was sick of grafts constantly getting in in my old setup. excited to try it out when the snows gone!
The sun Hoodia has been with me 2019 and 2020. I have so many photos of me on trail in my bright blue shirt, you'd think I took a 100 photos on the same day. Hahaha ❤️
I LOVE the Patagonia Tropics sun hoodies! They have a fun white and grey camo pattern as well as grey, blue and green.
Also, the jazz background music is awesome!!
I've been feelin' Jazzy lately! 😉
@@DarwinOnthetrail Very nice
I waited & waited for the GG 1/8" pad to show up in their discount bin. I'm so glad I finally nabbed one! When I must sleep on the ground, it goes under my air mattress to protect it & to provide a little more insulation. While GG makes a thicker hammock pad, I use the 1/8" pad as a little extra warmth in my hammock. That pad seems like it can do anything. It's a bargain!
Another thought on sun hoodies from a button-down shirt guy: Sun hoodies are probably the best choice for sun protection if you're hiking on snow. They offer way more protection from reflected sunlight. I switched to a hoodie for the high Sierra during my '19 PCT thru, and I was glad I did. Even for those of us who aren't hoodie guys, consider using one if you're going to high elevations in the spring/early summer.
Absolutely love these videos! Thanks Darwin you’re inspiring
I’m a bit shook seeing you without the button-up but I love the sun hoodie!! It’s what I decided on as well for my Oregon/Washington pct hike. Mine even has zip pockets which I will put into good use.. so excited 😆 lol..
Great vid btw!!.. I’m going to look into the headlamp..
I am also a recent convert from button up sun shirts to sun hoodies. They are great for climbing.
Just dropped my MLD Cricket tarp and Inner off at the post office a couple of hours ago. I'm pretty solidly in the frameless and webbing hipbelt camp now too but haven't ditched my old packs because dad life. I've been loving my NU25 for a while now. Great headlamp.
Welcome to the Nitecore Family. Love mine. Cheers from CO!
I’ve gave up on the Outdoor research rain jacket as well as the Zpacks vertices. I love the enlightened equipment visp. It works great. Used it this winter. It kept me dry and works great with there coat and vest.
I’d love to have the weather to need a sun hoody because they look so comfy, here in the UK it’s all about the waterproof layers instead.
I got the GG pad as well for similar reasons. Great air pad protection in the desert.
I am excited to see this sun hoodie you are working on.
Always enjoy these vids!
Hiking seems like a past life due to covid but these videoskeep the spirit alive, good effort Darwin.
I never got into the fanny pack and button up shirt Fad. Yay! I'm back in style!!
Great vid !
You trend setter you! 😂
i became a sun hoody guy this year as well. use it for everything from 100+ degree hikes in the desert to my recent Mt Rainier summit.
The PD clip...exactly what I have been needing. Thanks!
You are super awesome and really inspiring. Man I just want to have the drive and passion you do for your work!
the Patagonia Tropic II sun hoodies are my go to for any outdoor activity. highly recommend
What the folks at Adventure archives do on their channel is awesome.
This video is interesting to me because I have been using all of the “new” items in this video for a while and it’s interesting to me that you have apparently become a convert to them all as well. Hike on!
I did the same headlamp switch! I loved uco air but on my trip last summer, we were waking up in the dark every morning and we needed headlamps for about an hour and a half so the battery just didn't cut it!
@@MichaelTheophilus906 California in early september it didn't get light until about 610am.
Mister Rogers montages = pure gold. Well done, sir
Good call on the sun hoodie. I switched to Patagonia's Tropic Comfort hoodie and it's been a revelation. Killer sun and bug protection and it's also the coolest, most breathable shirt I own.
There goes my wardrobe into the curb. Changing all my Darwin long sleeve button up shirts for Sun hoodies... Thanks Darwin ;)
I picked up a no-name brand sun hoodie from Steep & Cheap in 2020 too. Great big and sun protection while still breathing nicely.
I'm over the BRS 3000 stove and going back to my Oil Camp Vector. The Vector might weigh a little more but it's less finicky and more sturdy. I can actually turn down the flame on my Vector and not have to worry about a slight breeze blowing it out or making it sputter.
I got the Patagonia tropic comfort hoody for the azt...and its amazing. I will never hike in exposed places with out it and it's also great for layering in cold weather or bikepacking. One of my favorite pieces of gear...who knew a hooded shirt could be so game changing.
Now I just wish my legs were more burn resistant. Hiking pants are rarely sexy.
Got a UGQ synthetic 10 degree quilt with all the bells and whistles but just about froze in it when it got down in the 30s or 40s and the baffles are so big the fill just bunches up in the bottom or top of them. Was tired of trying to shift the fill and eliminate cold spots and am now sour about baffles and fill altogether. Got a cashmere blanket and a silk liner to keep me warm and stay light...lol...we'll see how that goes!
I’ve used the gg ccf since ‘17, though I use it below my sleep pad for extra puncture protection. I think you’ll find the gg ccf will soak up water though, where the z seat style pad does not. The gg pad is also quite adept at picking up stickers too, so watch out for that.
I'm so stoked about this video, because I pretty much dialed in the same wavelength as you, Darwin!!! I accidentally bought the gossamer gear mat when I bought my Murmur pack, and was going to bring it back but found out how useful it was. And I just got my headlamp in today, the same one as you but the 20. I have a long sleeve hoodie with thumb holes, and I never used a fanny pack. I'm looking at either the visp or the montbell versalite, and saving for it. Basically I am stoked because I think I'm on the right track with gear, because if I can match Darwin I must be doing something right!! 😆
I replaced my Outdoor Vitals 30 degree mummy bag with a UGQ quilt, and we've both been using the Godsamer Gear 1/8 foam pad this year.
Dude great choices. I have had the Nitrcore NU 25 for a few years and nothing beats it. It’s also one of the few rechargeable lamps to actually work while charging in case it dies while night hiking. I also have the gossamer gear thin lite pad and love its multiple uses as you stated. Great job on the video my friend! Marmalade
Thanks for the recommends. I appreciate that you focused on what works best for you and not that that this gear stinks.
I have a full gorgeous kit that I have used once. Not because I don't love it, but because injuries, pain, and multiple surgeries have plagued me for a year now. Hopefully some regular clamping will help me ease my way back into fitness, and once I am off these crutches, I can get back into some of the shorter paths around Sydney as a start.
I used to live in Prescott AZ.loved it up there.
For under $20, I had a quarter and a half zipper sewn on Echo hoodies. It changed everything. Amazing.
I highly suggest giving it a try with a cheap sun hoodie if you are not convinced. If you know how to sew, then it's nearly free. For the record, the half-zip wasn't really needed. A quarter-zip sun hoodie is pretty much always on me for hiking and paddling.
There is a discount brand out there that makes a half zip sun hoodie for about $30. And, shockingly they also call it Echo. PS: I bought the cheapie and it's thicker and warmer. Not great for long hot hiking days, but ok for paddling.
It has served you and now there is something new and better
Utah Hiker here, yeah, I strictly use a long sleeve, breathable, hoody type shirt LIKE the sun hood but BETTER because it unzips. Though I also love the sun hoody you're wearing and use it!
The headlamp mod I made that I like the best is the longer bit of shockcord. It lets me wear a just-bright-enough headlamp on my waist. That points down and out in front of my feet right where I am going to put them. And then I have a handheld flashlight that I can use to look up to the side of me or whatever my eyes want to point...I find I am always looking for the cougar's or bear's or jealous buck's eyes.
Black sun hoodie and a fanny pack for no-hipbelt backpack makes my day every time ;-)
Welcome to the NU-25 club! I love that headlamp. I tried a ULA CDT pack this past year that I just couldn’t get comfortable with. So I ditched it, and I’m going with a Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear 45 liter. Loving it so far.
Good call on the sun hoodie. I'm a fan of the Baleaf UPF 50+ in light gray (reflectance) with thumb holes. Sold on Amazon for ~$21.
Agreed: the thumb holes rule. OR has a nice jacket series for cooler hikes where from "hem to pit" (the entire side is a pit zip) so hikers can reach all the way into the jacket to access more gear (like camera batteries, extra fleece, mitts..etc) or dump tons of heat--and very water resistant. Foray & Furio Series.
Yeah...I heard those head lamps & that foam insulation I have been waiting to try. Your video confirms that the insulation can easily be folded if I want to cut a bigger shape for my hammock in the real cold of the Upper Midwest. Or hide behind a big old log out of the harsh wind in style for some z's.
I used a merino sun hoodie on my thru hike of the te araroa. Im hooked. Im realy exited to see what you come up with!
a cheap sun hoody I found at tjmaxx is my go-to running shirt. layered under a windbreaker it's way warmer and dryer than a sweater. I like pulling the hood over the rim of a visor for light rain.
Cool video, I dig the sun hoodie. Great shots of The Colorado Trail.
Thanks for watching! Love the Echo Hoodie!
Thank you Darwin! Can you please explain the shoulder strap modification that you attach your peak design capture camera clip to or link to other video that describes this modification? Thanks again for all that you do!
I replaced my Warbonnet Original Blackbird with my new Dream Hammock. I switched because I wanted a lighter hammock. It is sweet. Now I am waiting on my new Enlightened "Uprising" Underquilt which replaced my Yeti underquilt from Warbonnet. I am waiting for the snow to melt so I can try out my new gear. BTW I will look at that new Gossamer Thin Light Foam Pad. I can see this also as using as a pad to place under my feet in my hammock when I go to sleep.
Another benefit of the 1/8” foam pad is that it helps stop the squeaking sound of your air mattress against the tent floor. Whenever I moved it would sound like two balloons rubbing together.
This cheap thin foam pad stops that!!
I’m not a thru-hiker yet, but I enjoy your channel. What I’m ditching is the CNOC. It has burst all over me when filtering water on more than one occasion, so I would not dare use it for storing extra in my pack, but main reason is that it the opening is too big for an average women’s hand to be able to squeeze the top open to properly to scoop water as intended. I’ve replaced it with the hydropack.
Thoughtful! Love watching your videos; always
As a mom ,constantly dealing out snacks, I am about to hop on that fanny pack train.
@@JokkazArt Yeah dude the mom who’s almost certainly a wife as well is going to leave her husband and kids to marry a 17 year old on RUclips.
@@motorhead48067 she never said she was a wife
I tried a polyester sun hoodie for a number of hikes and though it definitely worked well on the trail, it reeked almost immediately. I ended up going back to tried and true Merino wool. No smell, and much better temperature regulation.
This is very helpful information-thank you!
Thanks!!!!!
I don't think I can dump my button up Columbia long sleeve shirt. In the summers I'm always hiking with it unbuttoned to breath better. I can't imagine the OR Echo being better without the option to unbutton and open up.
I do like the 1/8" pad. I'm going to do that.
A mummy with sewn-through baffles worked not that great so I picked the best bag ever! Definitely the most expensive though but sooo good for cowboy camping!
Love the vids man, can you do a video on the winter backpacking gear you use?
Looking forward to seeing a hoodie you design, esp. since the OR one has been out of stock. Make one in orange and I’ll definitely buy it.
Always entertaining, always useful. You've put me into some great choices over the years, so I will try Thinlight (why didn't I think of that before?) and Echo (versatility). Maybe also Visp to replace my Houdini + Sea to Summit nano poncho combination. Never use S2S as tarp anyway and it's ridiculous in high wind (!), so a do-it all-jacket is enticing.....although Houdini has been a favourite piece of gear.....
Over hiking quilts, am going with a hybrid, I have the zpacks classic sleeping bag on order. Also went back to tent camping from a hammock since my SO finally got on board with backpacking.
Looking forward to see the new sun hoodie design!
Great video Darwin! I don't think I've retired anything, but I have my eye on a few things that I wanna try. Mostly clothing. I'm definitely getting one of those hoodies. AmandaOutside turned me on to those. I'm also thinking about trying a flameless cooker. I might also get a food dehydrator. Lookin forward to the new and exciting stuff on the channel!
NU25 also has the CRI led which is great for recording video of yourself at night in your shelter.
I got a Columbia synthetic jacket that was too bulky for backpacking so I retired it after one trip and now I'm using it for day hikes and walks. I replaced it with an REI down jacket for backpacking.
Thanks for your opinions and advice