Your comment about the top heaviness of the 16in rings true. Palante says that the packs are designed to ride a little high on the back (school backpack style,) but this contributes to that top heavy feeling; and like you intimated, the 19in would have let the pack ride lower. I'm 6'1" and the 19in is JUST ok in size. I hope on V3 they offer a 21in torso and they bring the rectangle shape back. The rectangle allows for more weight down low.
Yep, I'm almost positive the 19in would've worked way better. Idk how I missed this though before getting the pack shipped to me last year. I should've known since my simple is a 18". 21" torso option sounds like a good idea for palante to explore!
Thanks for answering my question! Really enjoyed the thorough review on a pack/company I'm strongly considering. It'd be great to hear about the food/resupply strategies you used. Glad to see the vegan hiking resources growing.
On the avocados, which I almost always take on hikes. Does cutting an avocado stay edible if you cut it in half and save it for the following day? How do you store the other half? Thank you.
Question. My only backpacking experience is that I have hiked the whole AT. When I finished the AT in 2016, my fully-loaded pack weight was 29 pounds (with 4 days of food and two full small Smart Water bottles). Currently working to get my pack weight as low as practically possible so that I can hike it again. My current fully-loaded pack weight is 20 pounds. I can cut that to 19 ½ pounds if I go frameless. I think it’s worth carrying that extra ½ pound frame because it will transfer some weight off of my shoulders to my hips. What do you think - keep the frame or go frameless?
I'M SO HAPPY YOU EXIST!!! Please keep the videos coming. Growing up Latina and being taught to be afraid of (read: everything) sharks at my ankles and falling into a freezer, it's so awesome to see you fearlessly overcome challenges. Love your videos and am so inspired. Thank you!
AND you're vegan, I'm screaming. Can't wait for more videos. Planning on hiking the JMT this September (lottery permitting) and am transitioning to UL gear. What do you use for a quilt? My heart hurts for the geese, but I have Raynauds and literally have frostnip as I type and am leaning towards used down gear.
Danielli Marzouca You’re too sweet!! And good luck on ur JMT. Ps: start at the Lyell canyon / tuolumne TH and get a walk-up permit from the ranger station there. You’ll miss the first 11 miles from the valley but you could always do it another time! 👌
Great pack review! I have the zpacks arc haul and I was thinking of removing the hip belt from having hip pain. I might try it out on my AT thru hike coming up in March.
Yeah! You can always hang on to it to and just apply it on while having larger carries, etc. Actually I don't even know if the Arc haul's hip belt is something you can easily remove and apply back if needed??
Cotezi Hikes thanks for getting back to me. It’s pretty easy to remove the hip belt. It’s connected with a slim carbon stick that goes through the hip belt.
hey Steve ! Like I asked to pdp194, I would be happy to have your advices of the Arc haul. I am on my way to my first PCT (starting April 7th) and I still hesitate between a HMG Southwest and a Arc Haul. I am French and here, in Europe, no way to test it (or even find someone who have it). Thanks.
Thank you so much for answering the question I left on IG! I’m actually transitioning to a pack without a hip belt myself, so this is very timely. Keep up the great videos!
Thanks for doing this review! Yes, I would really like to see a video about your resupply strategy, and really anything involving your food choices. 😜 When I was a brand new hiker, your vegan hiking food video was the one that convinced me I wasn't going to starve to death and gave me the courage to give it a shot! I'm still perfecting what to pack for food . . . and any little bit of advice helps!
Great that you're still rockin the Simple! I found that my Simple maxed out at around 17lb before it'd start to hurt. My V2 maxes out more around 23lb which has been really nice. Everyone's bodies are different though so your milage may vary. I haven't had any top-heavy issues on 5-day carries but I keep my food below the collar against my back and the collar is mostly full of lighter stuff like clothes. Thanks for sharing the review!
Yeah, to be honest I didn't have much time to really tweak the V2 for optimal load balancing AND like mentioned in the video I got the wrong size from the get go. I think the V2 is honestly a great pack if you can figure how to pack it right just because of the shape of it.
Good video, I tried the v2 and it wasn't the most comfortable to me. I switched to a SWD 35 that I'm really enjoying so far, I found the straps a lot more comfortable. No bottom pocket and no shoulder pockets but I just added my own shoulder pockets. Highly recommend!
nice. a lot of people love their swd's. that's very cool, small cottage companies are so great! ps: shoulder pockets r the best thing ever. every pack ever made in the world should have them.
Can you please do videos on hiking basics like choosing a pack, choosing a tent, figuring out how much water and food you will need etc. I’m new to hiking and one day will get to do my first overnight hike and need to get the gear for it and need to know how to decide what gear is right for me
But the big question is how many avocados fit in the pack! Am currently building a new DIY pack and have been thinking about the framed/frameless thing; so there a load of stuff for me to think about here. Thanks for sharing.
Great video. As a female hiker, so glad to hear your ideas, I’m an older 5’ person that will be trying to section hike here in my home state, a part of the Colorado trail this year. I also have an used simple pack, that I would like to use. My base weight is about 8 lbs. I worry about not having a hip belt, but I’m hoping that my smaller carry will make it work.
That's cool :) I might see you out there then! I plan on it just haven't decided time, etc. Yeah, with the simple, for me it's optimal to do just like 3-4 day carries and that's it (it could probably do more but I like to carry heavier foods like avocados!)
Thanks a lot for this video Cotezi and all you do for the thru-hiking community. Like I said I am french and here, in Europe, there is no really UL gears and stuffs. In France, the stuffs are much more built for Alpine mountains. You are a good source of informations and inspirations. Really appreciated. I will be on my first PCT in April 7th. And still wait my backpack. Hesitate between HMG, Arc Haul or a pa'lante. Which HMG did you have ? Southwest or windrider ? Which capacity ? Do you recommand 2400 or 3400 ? Thanks.
I would have to know the rest of your set up to be able to recommend a pack. I'll make a how I pack my video soon so you guys can see what all can fit in a palante :)
I'm looking forward to hearing about the kit you carried, as in all honesty, what and how you pack is just as important as what you pack it in. These things go hand in hand. Great video 👍
on my list of upcoming videos! You can check out my other video what I talked about my gear list in the meantime :) ruclips.net/video/sowlk1OI6Ww/видео.html
is that lycra still holding up alright? specifically on the big front mesh pocket. I've got a pack that has a beefier mesh pocket, but a worse bottom pocket, and I'm not sure if i trust the lycra on my pa'lante to last a thru
@@julien7980 Merci Julien. Je serai sur la HRP cette année. Si je fais un thru hike, j'aimerais plutôt CDT ou encore mieux GDT. Le Canada m'attire plus. Mais ce sera pour printemps 2021.
Have you tried taking the avocado out of the skin and leaving the skin and stone in the trash in town and carrying it out in a ziplock? 2x avocado stones = 4oz!
I love my Pa’lante V2 but I’m thinking I’m gonna need a pack that has a padded hip belt for the PCT in May with all the water carries and Sierra extras.
If you wanna skip the “in between” kinda towns and go on 7-8+ day carries then you’re gonna need something more than the V2. If you stop for resupply at every opportunity then you might be ok if your base weight is really low. I was losing so much weight that I was forced to carry 35-40 pounds just to get enough calories for pretty much the entire second half of the trail. My base was about 16 pounds though. I never really carried much water.
Cool video! I just recently bought an Osprey Atmos 65 and I'm probably going to return it before using it. Because of my background and mostly doing shorter hikes etc I'm used to carrying a bigger pack but I'm really looking to go more minimalist and this was really helpful. One question that's, I dunno, I guess semi-unrelated but also sort of related... or something. I've never really had to deal with the bear issue just because of where I've hiked/camped or being with a large enough group or whatever, but I read all this stuff about how well bears can smell and like "make sure you don't touch your gear after eating" etc and you were talking about like, just poking the used wrappers in that hole in the bottom and I've heard other people talk about it like it's not such a huge worry. Like, I guess I'm just wondering, exactly how meticulous, paranoid etc should one be as far as that goes?
Very informative and nice video. Love the way you explained the transformation from Osprey to Palante. I am experiencing the same problem with back pain and struggling to choose between HMG and Palante lately. (Unfortunately, Palante is out of stock now) Stay wild and healthy! Cheers from Hong Kong! 🇭🇰
Thanks for the info! I've been interested in this pack for a while now. Also, what do you use to edit your videos? Are you able to edit on your phone since you are filming with your phone?
Just looking at you with the pack on I would say the strap issue definitely has to do with your smaller frame. I’m not certain backpack manufacturers have taken women with smaller frames into consideration. Thanks for the great video with such depth of description.
Love my simple pack, I’m genuinely 4 days or less. Living in the Sierra mountain foothills It’s easy to go often on short trips, that pack is perfect for that. Contemplating getting the V2 though..
talking to water bottle, is it easy to find water bottle like yours in US ? (a french guy who will go for the first time in US hihi). And don"t make me wrong, I don't talk about simply water bottle but like yours (if I really clear enough ? lol)
Can anyone comment on the optional stashable hip belt that palante offers? It seems like a good option for weight transfer during longer carries. Also, would a Therm-a-rest Z lite be possible with this pack for a PCT thru hike? And would it fit with a bear can for the Sierra? I don't particularly enjoy blowing up sleeping pads. Sorry if its mentioned in the video, I haven't watched it with sound yet as i am at work :P
omg how could I have missed an upload of you :((( amazing video once again (but who am I telling this)! are you doing a "how you pack" video again? I know you kind of did it in your first Palante video but I bet you adapted some things :)
Hey just saw this.... Question. Are you a backpacker only or do you cycle as well? Bikepacking? Yea be nice to kno about your trail food and resupply methods. Did you hike those trails alone or someone or group? Where are you from? And do you live your daily life similar to your trail life? How regularly are you on the trail and for how long? Thank you for your hard work making this video and I hope more videos...
Omg I just realised you don’t popper or clip it at the top you just roll and cinch. Seems really lazy but I like that that’s one-two fewer steps. I’m gonna do that!
Quirky, Comfortable, Cool, Cortezi. I enjoy your vids D Avo. I too am starting to apply the ultralight minimalism thinking to other areas of my existence outside of hiking. Keep on keeping on girl. U ROCK. Your friend in spirit. Blue Boy Ultralight. Peace Out.
I would like for you to make a video of how you pack your pack, because when I first got my V2 I had no idea how to pack it. I had UL gear, just not the UL knowledge- yet. I had to surf the internet to see how. You have a good amount of followers and I definitely would have watched your video last year. For anyone reading this... I pack my bag with my 12”x20” OPSAK vertical. And like how JohnZ says on the Pa’lante Bear Canisters video, pack everything loose around the food canister/bag. Make it wider. I would put my 22.5oz. 😱 Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt stuffed loose at the bottom with the food bag on top of it. (I have a 15oz. katabatic palisade now {total game changer}). I managed 5 day carries sometimes. It wasn’t fun. But day 3 of a 5 day food carry is where you love life again. If any of y’all miss the storage of the hip belt just get a fanny pack. Hightail designs has some awesome ones - even a dirty avocado edition 🙂 Osprey’s most popular thru hiking pack - the Exos came out in 2008. In 2018 they released an updated version. On this updated version - they removed the hip belt pockets because people would leave crumbs in the pockets and mice would chew through them. This would result in people returning the pack with osprey’s almighty guarantee. So to avoid that... they took off the pockets. Get a fanny, they are nice in town :) Remember, less is more!!! And happy trails 😊
Although UL gear has it's purpose I've seen too many failures on the trail to make the investment. Please do another review for this after the PCT. My idea of UL was upgrading my 65L Osprey to a 55L Osprey (with room to spare) and five years later still no failures
I'm happy your osprey is working out good for you! It was like a torture device for me lol. I've hiked over 1300 miles with this pack, most of it being the PCT. I had stitching issue but other than that the materials were fine. the v2 addresses both these areas. that's the cool thing about smaller companies though, they welcome real-life feedback and can make changes relatively quick on their products.
Check out the kayak Cobbler on FB... Now he's not a trail hiker he hikes mainly on the road you know like the regular highway road but take a look at what he uses this to me looks like a great time. And there's also a woman I believe she's in Washington state that also has one of these devices and she is into that as well and you can reach out to him and the woman I'm talking about she is actually a friend of his on Facebook. So I'm letting you know this because I like the fact that you're a hiker and I just think that opening up more doors and having more choices is awesome and ask him reach out to him and ask him to share the website of where he bought this device that he uses it's really a pretty cool thing I'm thinking about getting one and giving up the bicycle thing and just doing this he hikes like 5000 km 4000 km we need goes on these Journeys it's really pretty cool oh, okay I rambled on too much you're probably I don't know what you're probably thinking but anyway LOL haha talk to you later I will be interested in finding out what you think about his setup
TRUE. Forgot to mention this in the video. I like to think this downside, however, gets balanced out by the fact that you do get more ventilation riding up your low back to the rest of your back by not having a hip belt.
I loved hearing the reasoning behind no hip belt thing .. people just go with Trends or fads usually but, it sounds like you really knew what would help with your pack and body..great video..there gear and story is a good one for the community..hope you enjoy 2019
Yeah! It's a mindset too. Carrying less can be fun. It's kinda like a challenge. And in my case the benefits of less weight on my low back (and also feet! which I'm still working out kinks) well outweigh the few discomforts...
I am a little worried about my pack (Gossamer Gear Kumo 36) because my base weight is just under 9 lbs, and if I think- 4 liters max in the desert, plus 2 lbs/day for food, that can get up to 27 lbs some days, where the max load should be 25 :P I am curious about how to cut weight with food at the same time as trying to be low waste.
hey Steph, there's so many towns and opportunity to either have a box sent OR just buy whatever food they sell there so that you don't have to ever carry more than 3-4 days worth of food. also, even if you do carry like 5, chances are it won't be also be on those times where there isn't any water. plus, this year the pct might actually have lots of water cuz of all the snow already predicted. don't be afraid, it'll be a learning experience, and it won't be that bad, trust me. and it'll get easier as you go. good luck! :)
I thru hiked the AT in the kumo, I found the pack (without a hipbelt) to be uncomfortable at around 20 lbs. Not unbearable but not fun. I'm not sure how it will feel with a hipbelt, but that's my input. Good luck!
@@CoteziHikes Thanks for your reply! I think I know instinctually that things will work out well, and I need to not get too wrapped up in logistical stuff. Yes, it looks like this year should be a great year for water! I also have figured out a way to cut down on my food weight since I left my comment :) Thanks as always for being so assuring
Great Video. Me living in Germany, its Not that easy to get a frameless ultralight pack like the Palante. I found a great cottage Company in Germany which makes an excellent Ultralight Pack, similar to what you use Dirty. So for all the German, European Hikers and also everyone else looking for a nice pack. Check out www.weitlaeufer.de Great pack, really nice and friendly guy who makes them. Thanks Dirty again for the great videos. Keep it up!
You should think about Zpacks when your Simple pack wears out. I have an Arc Haul and the hip belt is easily removable. Also the frame is minimal and easily adjustable. I have never had a more comfortable pack. I really like the thought of using your pack to force down your base weight. The freedom you get from carrying less and succeeding with your goals is inspiring.
I thought about the arc haul when initially researching for packs pre-pct but then decided the carbon frame pole things might dig into my back :-/... Idk it just seemed like a pack with too many moving parts. If that makes sense.
hey pdp194, I would be happy to have your advices of the Arc haul. I am on my way to my first PCT (starting April 7th) and I still hesitate between a HMG Southwest and a Arc Haul. I am French and here, in Europe, no way to test it (or even find someone who have it). Thanks.
I genuinely don't understand this current US fad for frameless, beltless packs. What is the advantage of hanging all the weight from your shoulders, putting strain on your vulnerable shoulders, neck and spine? Even Cotezi admits that carrying any weight this way is "super not fun". A pack with a well designed frame and belt transfers the weight effectively to your hips, which evolved to bear it. I get the impression that most people who favour these packs haven't tried a good and properly fitted framed pack. In my pack, the frame moves well with my body and weighs all of 40 grams. It makes a huge difference to the comfort under weight and gives me the option of carrying significant amounts of food, water and snow/bear gear when necessary without any suffering. I've been walking and climbing for over half a century and have used many kinds of pack. I use a frameless belted pack for day hiking, but only because it's so inefficient it helps my training. When I switch to my framed pack on multi-days the improvement in comfort is very noticable.
yeah, this is just the way my backpacking journey has unfolded. I admit that carrying too much weight consistently with this pack (20+ lbs all the time) will be super not fun. unfortunately, because my low back does have some prior trauma due to old bike injury that whole area (hips, low back disks, sacrum, tailbone) are not the strongest. I'm working on it though, and while I do, I'd rather have my upper back area take the weight. but that's just my specific case. anyway, like I say in the video, if your base weight is low enough, and the trail is resupply friendly and water is relatively abundant, a frameless, hip belt less pack can be fun :)
@@CoteziHikes Thanks for your reply. Clearly you're a thoughtful hiker and have made a considered choice that works for you. I've no quarrel with that. I'm just putting down a general marker for people with less experience that a beltless, frameless sack shouldn't be the place they start, however trendy it may be. Having said that, I find it difficult to see why a well fitting waist belt shouldn't work for you, unless you have nerve injuries that are irritated by the belt. I'm interested in pack ergonomics and have done a fair bit of experimentation. I think that one of the problems is that many of the most common framed packs don't seem that well designed and give people a bad impression. I don't get on at all with any of the Ospreys, for example. Too rigid and over-engineered for my taste. Most of the lightweight packs have wing belts, but in my experience a continuous belt can work much better. Then the pack hangs off the bottom of the belt giving more freedom of movement. Something you might try if you get the chance. I guess my experience is shaped in areas with less clement weather and more difficult resupply than the PCT, but I can't see a scenario where I would ever chose a Palante-style pack for a long trail...
@@julien7980 I make my own. I'm a fan of the Aarn bodypack concept, where you counterbalance the load on your back with front pockets that transfer their weight to your hipbelt. There is zero strain on your neck and shoulders, and you retain a natural, upright gait. The result is less fatigue and zero pain. He worked for years with an ergonomics lab, and my subjective sense of the benefits is backed up by research. But I'm less keen on his actual designs - I find my Aarn over-engineered and a bit too complex and heavy. So I'm prototyping my own version, which is simpler, lighter and overcomes a couple of significant irritations with his designs. I'll write it up on BackpackingLight in the next few months, once I finalise the design. The Aarn concept is much the most effective innovation I've found in backpack design, and well worth checking out: www.aarnpacks.com/ Cotezi - many people with back and hip issues find that the Aarn provides relief and enables them to get back on the trail.
Your comment about the top heaviness of the 16in rings true. Palante says that the packs are designed to ride a little high on the back (school backpack style,) but this contributes to that top heavy feeling; and like you intimated, the 19in would have let the pack ride lower. I'm 6'1" and the 19in is JUST ok in size. I hope on V3 they offer a 21in torso and they bring the rectangle shape back. The rectangle allows for more weight down low.
Yep, I'm almost positive the 19in would've worked way better. Idk how I missed this though before getting the pack shipped to me last year. I should've known since my simple is a 18".
21" torso option sounds like a good idea for palante to explore!
Yes, please make vegetarian food/resuppy videos. I’m always looking for new ideas.
I always get excited about hiking after your videos. ❤️
I get excited that you get excited😘
Thanks for answering my question! Really enjoyed the thorough review on a pack/company I'm strongly considering. It'd be great to hear about the food/resupply strategies you used. Glad to see the vegan hiking resources growing.
Your question was great and pretty much the entire video! Thank you :).
Love my Simple. Prefer the look of the rectangle shape and the materials. Hope they make it that way again in the future.
On the avocados, which I almost always take on hikes. Does cutting an avocado stay edible if you cut it in half and save it for the following day? How do you store the other half? Thank you.
Yep. I do that cuz on trail I often split up 1 avocado for two days.
Question. My only backpacking experience is that I have hiked the whole AT. When I finished the AT in 2016, my fully-loaded pack weight was 29 pounds (with 4 days of food and two full small Smart Water bottles). Currently working to get my pack weight as low as practically possible so that I can hike it again. My current fully-loaded pack weight is 20 pounds. I can cut that to 19 ½ pounds if I go frameless. I think it’s worth carrying that extra ½ pound frame because it will transfer some weight off of my shoulders to my hips. What do you think - keep the frame or go frameless?
I'M SO HAPPY YOU EXIST!!! Please keep the videos coming. Growing up Latina and being taught to be afraid of (read: everything) sharks at my ankles and falling into a freezer, it's so awesome to see you fearlessly overcome challenges. Love your videos and am so inspired. Thank you!
AND you're vegan, I'm screaming. Can't wait for more videos. Planning on hiking the JMT this September (lottery permitting) and am transitioning to UL gear. What do you use for a quilt? My heart hurts for the geese, but I have Raynauds and literally have frostnip as I type and am leaning towards used down gear.
Danielli Marzouca You’re too sweet!! And good luck on ur JMT. Ps: start at the Lyell canyon / tuolumne TH and get a walk-up permit from the ranger station there. You’ll miss the first 11 miles from the valley but you could always do it another time! 👌
Good to hear about this from an owner/user. I've often wondered about its on the trail qualities. Thank you.
Great pack review! I have the zpacks arc haul and I was thinking of removing the hip belt from having hip pain. I might try it out on my AT thru hike coming up in March.
Yeah! You can always hang on to it to and just apply it on while having larger carries, etc. Actually I don't even know if the Arc haul's hip belt is something you can easily remove and apply back if needed??
Cotezi Hikes thanks for getting back to me. It’s pretty easy to remove the hip belt. It’s connected with a slim carbon stick that goes through the hip belt.
hey Steve ! Like I asked to pdp194, I would be happy to have your advices of the Arc haul. I am on my way to my first PCT (starting April 7th) and I still hesitate between a HMG Southwest and a Arc Haul. I am French and here, in Europe, no way to test it (or even find someone who have it). Thanks.
Thank you so much for answering the question I left on IG! I’m actually transitioning to a pack without a hip belt myself, so this is very timely. Keep up the great videos!
Peter Hausladen i love when ppl can actually get something from my videos! Thank you for watching and for providing the question! :)
I love that thorough honesty in the review, that's shows well in the details. Thanks very much!
thank YOU for watching :)
thank you Cotezi.
Thanks for doing this review! Yes, I would really like to see a video about your resupply strategy, and really anything involving your food choices. 😜 When I was a brand new hiker, your vegan hiking food video was the one that convinced me I wasn't going to starve to death and gave me the courage to give it a shot! I'm still perfecting what to pack for food . . . and any little bit of advice helps!
Great that you're still rockin the Simple! I found that my Simple maxed out at around 17lb before it'd start to hurt. My V2 maxes out more around 23lb which has been really nice. Everyone's bodies are different though so your milage may vary. I haven't had any top-heavy issues on 5-day carries but I keep my food below the collar against my back and the collar is mostly full of lighter stuff like clothes. Thanks for sharing the review!
Yeah, to be honest I didn't have much time to really tweak the V2 for optimal load balancing AND like mentioned in the video I got the wrong size from the get go. I think the V2 is honestly a great pack if you can figure how to pack it right just because of the shape of it.
Hiiiiiiiiii Chris!!! Been too long bro!
@@MattShafter Hi Matt!!!
Good video, I tried the v2 and it wasn't the most comfortable to me. I switched to a SWD 35 that I'm really enjoying so far, I found the straps a lot more comfortable. No bottom pocket and no shoulder pockets but I just added my own shoulder pockets. Highly recommend!
nice. a lot of people love their swd's. that's very cool, small cottage companies are so great! ps: shoulder pockets r the best thing ever. every pack ever made in the world should have them.
Cotezi Hikes those should pockets seem awesome and make we want the pack!
they're pretty neat!
Can you please do videos on hiking basics like choosing a pack, choosing a tent, figuring out how much water and food you will need etc. I’m new to hiking and one day will get to do my first overnight hike and need to get the gear for it and need to know how to decide what gear is right for me
DA: would enjoy seeing more videos. Food choices. I enjoy your reviews. Very honest and thorough. Keep up the great work.
But the big question is how many avocados fit in the pack! Am currently building a new DIY pack and have been thinking about the framed/frameless thing; so there a load of stuff for me to think about here. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for the comment! I could technically fit half of my body in the pack, and I am a dirty avocado. So you do the math B-)
Great video. As a female hiker, so glad to hear your ideas, I’m an older 5’ person that will be trying to section hike here in my home state, a part of the Colorado trail this year. I also have an used simple pack, that I would like to use. My base weight is about 8 lbs. I worry about not having a hip belt, but I’m hoping that my smaller carry will make it work.
That's cool :) I might see you out there then! I plan on it just haven't decided time, etc. Yeah, with the simple, for me it's optimal to do just like 3-4 day carries and that's it (it could probably do more but I like to carry heavier foods like avocados!)
Thanks a lot for this video Cotezi and all you do for the thru-hiking community. Like I said I am french and here, in Europe, there is no really UL gears and stuffs. In France, the stuffs are much more built for Alpine mountains. You are a good source of informations and inspirations. Really appreciated. I will be on my first PCT in April 7th. And still wait my backpack. Hesitate between HMG, Arc Haul or a pa'lante. Which HMG did you have ? Southwest or windrider ? Which capacity ? Do you recommand 2400 or 3400 ? Thanks.
I would have to know the rest of your set up to be able to recommend a pack. I'll make a how I pack my video soon so you guys can see what all can fit in a palante :)
@@CoteziHikes can't wait to watch this !
With this pack, how often do you need to re-supply your grub i.e., how many days worth of food can you haul?
Thanks for the review and a great song to end on :)
Thanks for the review. I want to try out their Joey Pack? Do you have any knowledge on those? Also, nice Pinback fadeout!
I don't have any personal experience with the Joey. What do you wanna use it for?
I'm looking forward to hearing about the kit you carried, as in all honesty, what and how you pack is just as important as what you pack it in. These things go hand in hand. Great video 👍
on my list of upcoming videos! You can check out my other video what I talked about my gear list in the meantime :) ruclips.net/video/sowlk1OI6Ww/видео.html
is that lycra still holding up alright? specifically on the big front mesh pocket. I've got a pack that has a beefier mesh pocket, but a worse bottom pocket, and I'm not sure if i trust the lycra on my pa'lante to last a thru
Are you going to make videos with footage from the end of the PCT? I love your editing from your previous videos
yep, eventually :)
Thank you! When do you come for the Via Alpina in Switzerland and Europe?
One day!
@@CoteziHikes You're welcome!
Très sympa ta chaîne YT. Sur le PCT cette année ?
@@julien7980 Merci Julien. Je serai sur la HRP cette année. Si je fais un thru hike, j'aimerais plutôt CDT ou encore mieux GDT. Le Canada m'attire plus. Mais ce sera pour printemps 2021.
@@GrandeurNature Génial. Au plaisir de te suivre. Tu peux me contacter sur ma page FB "Jules a la bougeotte" si tu veux. Bon hike !
Have you tried taking the avocado out of the skin and leaving the skin and stone in the trash in town and carrying it out in a ziplock? 2x avocado stones = 4oz!
Meg Hikes but more than 2 days exposed even in the bag it turns 🤢. #savetheavocados.
I love my Pa’lante V2 but I’m thinking I’m gonna need a pack that has a padded hip belt for the PCT in May with all the water carries and Sierra extras.
Check my V2 videos and Locus Gear Onda videos. If you use a BV450 and your base is light enough you should be fine.
Try loading it with lots of water and take it on long day hikes before getting a padded hip belt. You might find it to be just fine!
If you wanna skip the “in between” kinda towns and go on 7-8+ day carries then you’re gonna need something more than the V2. If you stop for resupply at every opportunity then you might be ok if your base weight is really low. I was losing so much weight that I was forced to carry 35-40 pounds just to get enough calories for pretty much the entire second half of the trail. My base was about 16 pounds though. I never really carried much water.
Awesome video-I never really thought about how it would force you to really evaluate what you carry, but that’s pretty cool!
Yep. And I've had to learn the bad way multiple times! Still learning :)
What volume is this bag?🙏🏽
Cool video! I just recently bought an Osprey Atmos 65 and I'm probably going to return it before using it. Because of my background and mostly doing shorter hikes etc I'm used to carrying a bigger pack but I'm really looking to go more minimalist and this was really helpful.
One question that's, I dunno, I guess semi-unrelated but also sort of related... or something. I've never really had to deal with the bear issue just because of where I've hiked/camped or being with a large enough group or whatever, but I read all this stuff about how well bears can smell and like "make sure you don't touch your gear after eating" etc and you were talking about like, just poking the used wrappers in that hole in the bottom and I've heard other people talk about it like it's not such a huge worry. Like, I guess I'm just wondering, exactly how meticulous, paranoid etc should one be as far as that goes?
You should check out Andrew Skurkas blog on this andrewskurka.com/tutorial-food-storage-protection-methods-bears-rodents/
That might help you out...
Thanks. You were going with a base ~ 4.5- 6 lbs.?
PCT - 10 lbs which eventually got down to sub 8.
other shorter hikes - I stay right around 8, give or take.
Cotezi Hikes Nice! Will we see you handing out 🍩 again this year on the AT? That was killer! Thanks for sharing your video. Take care.
awwww. probably won't be in east coast at all but if I go back to visit family in ny I might!!! (thinking bear mountain?)
Cotezi Hikes Cool! Hey, I’m from upstate. Just outside, a little south of the Adirondacks. Your folks live downstate? Take care.
awesome video!! i am buying a secondhand pa'lante simple tomorrow. thanks fr helping me make the decision
hope you love it as much as I love it :).
What kind of bike is that pink and blue one in the background? Great video👍
trek crockett!
@@CoteziHikes thanks! I really love the colors!
I would love to see how you load out that Pa'lante bad boy. Funny, but I always learn from the way others load their packs.
Gracias de antemano.
On my list!!!
Very informative and nice video. Love the way you explained the transformation from Osprey to Palante. I am experiencing the same problem with back pain and struggling to choose between HMG and Palante lately. (Unfortunately, Palante is out of stock now) Stay wild and healthy! Cheers from Hong Kong! 🇭🇰
Thanks for the info! I've been interested in this pack for a while now. Also, what do you use to edit your videos? Are you able to edit on your phone since you are filming with your phone?
final cut pro. I would never want to edit on my phone, not enough storage and it would probably die in 2 seconds!
Really like the humble way you review. As well as those giggles from time to time
thanks for the review. really useful
Just looking at you with the pack on I would say the strap issue definitely has to do with your smaller frame. I’m not certain backpack manufacturers have taken women with smaller frames into consideration. Thanks for the great video with such depth of description.
Great video, very honest and informative.
Love my simple pack, I’m genuinely 4 days or less. Living in the Sierra mountain foothills It’s easy to go often on short trips, that pack is perfect for that. Contemplating getting the V2 though..
Always enjoy your videos, Thanks 🙂
Yeah, same, like 3.5 👌
Thank you for the tips! I have a really sensitive stomache so I'm determined to get my base weight below 10 pounds so I wont need a hip belt!
Aww I'm sorry! Yeah, or at least find a pack with a minimal hip belt so at least you're reducing stomach squishing as much as possible! Good luck :)
Thanks!!
How long did it take to get to this point of minimalist
I full thruhike.
Awesome🤘
Updated food video for sure!
Can you get water bottles in and out of side pockets while on your back?
YES. A little harder when you have a WIDE 1 L + a regular smart water bottle. But with 2 smart water bottles its super doable.
talking to water bottle, is it easy to find water bottle like yours in US ? (a french guy who will go for the first time in US hihi). And don"t make me wrong, I don't talk about simply water bottle but like yours (if I really clear enough ? lol)
Can anyone comment on the optional stashable hip belt that palante offers? It seems like a good option for weight transfer during longer carries. Also, would a Therm-a-rest Z lite be possible with this pack for a PCT thru hike? And would it fit with a bear can for the Sierra? I don't particularly enjoy blowing up sleeping pads. Sorry if its mentioned in the video, I haven't watched it with sound yet as i am at work :P
I got my zlite in the back and use it as a frame! I’ll make a video on this soon!! Stay tuned ;)
Try a KS40, the best of both worlds with removable minimum strays and you can order a removable hip belt as well as stretchy shoulder pockets.
KS What?!?!? I gotta check that out. ;D
www.ks-ultralightgear.com
You should do a what’s in your day hike bag. If you do day hikes.
Have you ever considered the Zpacks Nero?
no. but a lot of people seem to talk about it🤔
@@CoteziHikes more than Arc Haul ?
Not sure. Just zpacks in general I supposed. R u currently looking for a pack? What hike will you be doing?
@@CoteziHikes Yes. Definitively looking for a pack. I will hike the whole PCT NOBO, starting April 7th.
@@CoteziHikes I got a Nero. I DESPISE it. I should have got Pa'lante.
Very good video, not to long and lots of good information.
what about the prairie dogs, did you like them? ;)
Yep they’re cool . Here where I live in Texas I have gofers in my yard - they’re not cool . 😁
omg how could I have missed an upload of you :(((
amazing video once again (but who am I telling this)! are you doing a "how you pack" video again?
I know you kind of did it in your first Palante video but I bet you adapted some things :)
I'm posting a what's in my pack video today and making a how I pack my pack video soon after. thanks for the kind words! :)
Cotezi Hikes 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
really enjoyed looking your video, thank you :)))
Great review!
Why didn't you do like Dixie and get a zpacks arc blast
the frame system on that pack seems kinda crazy. could be good though idk.
very interesting informations. Thanks for sharing with us
Hey just saw this....
Question.
Are you a backpacker only or do you cycle as well? Bikepacking?
Yea be nice to kno about your trail food and resupply methods.
Did you hike those trails alone or someone or group?
Where are you from?
And do you live your daily life similar to your trail life?
How regularly are you on the trail and for how long?
Thank you for your hard work making this video and I hope more videos...
Omg I just realised you don’t popper or clip it at the top you just roll and cinch. Seems really lazy but I like that that’s one-two fewer steps. I’m gonna do that!
it's simple! ;)
Cotezi Hikes ha ha simple pack. I see what you did there!
😏
good video. Lots of information. Thx
I feel like I rambled a ton but hope it helps some ppl out there lol
19 pounds - 14.5 (3 litres of water and 4 days food at 2 pounds a day) leaves 4.5 pounds for gear and clothes including the pack weight????
Math is hard.
Quirky, Comfortable, Cool, Cortezi. I enjoy your vids D Avo. I too am starting to apply the ultralight minimalism thinking to other areas of my existence outside of hiking. Keep on keeping on girl. U ROCK. Your friend in spirit. Blue Boy Ultralight. Peace Out.
I would like for you to make a video of how you pack your pack, because when I first got my V2 I had no idea how to pack it. I had UL gear, just not the UL knowledge- yet. I had to surf the internet to see how. You have a good amount of followers and I definitely would have watched your video last year.
For anyone reading this... I pack my bag with my 12”x20” OPSAK vertical. And like how JohnZ says on the Pa’lante Bear Canisters video, pack everything loose around the food canister/bag. Make it wider. I would put my 22.5oz. 😱 Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt stuffed loose at the bottom with the food bag on top of it. (I have a 15oz. katabatic palisade now {total game changer}). I managed 5 day carries sometimes. It wasn’t fun. But day 3 of a 5 day food carry is where you love life again. If any of y’all miss the storage of the hip belt just get a fanny pack. Hightail designs has some awesome ones - even a dirty avocado edition 🙂
Osprey’s most popular thru hiking pack - the Exos came out in 2008. In 2018 they released an updated version. On this updated version - they removed the hip belt pockets because people would leave crumbs in the pockets and mice would chew through them. This would result in people returning the pack with osprey’s almighty guarantee. So to avoid that... they took off the pockets. Get a fanny, they are nice in town :)
Remember, less is more!!! And happy trails 😊
posting a what's in my pack video later today and making a how I pack my pack video soon after. thank u!
Great review. Saludos desde Chile!
Great video
Although UL gear has it's purpose I've seen too many failures on the trail to make the investment. Please do another review for this after the PCT. My idea of UL was upgrading my 65L Osprey to a 55L Osprey (with room to spare) and five years later still no failures
I'm happy your osprey is working out good for you! It was like a torture device for me lol.
I've hiked over 1300 miles with this pack, most of it being the PCT. I had stitching issue but other than that the materials were fine. the v2 addresses both these areas. that's the cool thing about smaller companies though, they welcome real-life feedback and can make changes relatively quick on their products.
Olallie Lake cap!!!
Try using a Tumpline for your back ...
Tons of info kid! Hope you're still liking Colo! Gotta check out Indian Peaks
Check out the kayak Cobbler on FB...
Now he's not a trail hiker he hikes mainly on the road you know like the regular highway road but take a look at what he uses this to me looks like a great time. And there's also a woman I believe she's in Washington state that also has one of these devices and she is into that as well and you can reach out to him and the woman I'm talking about she is actually a friend of his on Facebook. So I'm letting you know this because I like the fact that you're a hiker and I just think that opening up more doors and having more choices is awesome and ask him reach out to him and ask him to share the website of where he bought this device that he uses it's really a pretty cool thing I'm thinking about getting one and giving up the bicycle thing and just doing this he hikes like 5000 km 4000 km we need goes on these Journeys it's really pretty cool oh, okay I rambled on too much you're probably I don't know what you're probably thinking but anyway LOL haha talk to you later I will be interested in finding out what you think about his setup
I'm not a Instagram person hope you keep it you tube
Black packs make everything hot in them in the summer
TRUE. Forgot to mention this in the video. I like to think this downside, however, gets balanced out by the fact that you do get more ventilation riding up your low back to the rest of your back by not having a hip belt.
I loved hearing the reasoning behind no hip belt thing .. people just go with Trends or fads usually but, it sounds like you really knew what would help with your pack and body..great video..there gear and story is a good one for the community..hope you enjoy 2019
Yeah! It's a mindset too. Carrying less can be fun. It's kinda like a challenge. And in my case the benefits of less weight on my low back (and also feet! which I'm still working out kinks) well outweigh the few discomforts...
I am a little worried about my pack (Gossamer Gear Kumo 36) because my base weight is just under 9 lbs, and if I think- 4 liters max in the desert, plus 2 lbs/day for food, that can get up to 27 lbs some days, where the max load should be 25 :P I am curious about how to cut weight with food at the same time as trying to be low waste.
hey Steph, there's so many towns and opportunity to either have a box sent OR just buy whatever food they sell there so that you don't have to ever carry more than 3-4 days worth of food. also, even if you do carry like 5, chances are it won't be also be on those times where there isn't any water. plus, this year the pct might actually have lots of water cuz of all the snow already predicted.
don't be afraid, it'll be a learning experience, and it won't be that bad, trust me. and it'll get easier as you go. good luck! :)
I thru hiked the AT in the kumo, I found the pack (without a hipbelt) to be uncomfortable at around 20 lbs. Not unbearable but not fun. I'm not sure how it will feel with a hipbelt, but that's my input. Good luck!
@@CoteziHikes Thanks for your reply! I think I know instinctually that things will work out well, and I need to not get too wrapped up in logistical stuff. Yes, it looks like this year should be a great year for water! I also have figured out a way to cut down on my food weight since I left my comment :) Thanks as always for being so assuring
wow. a pack review.
Thank you for the comment :)
I wish I could purchase this pack, but the entire business is MIA. 😭😭😭
they restocked an hour ago!
yeet
Great Video. Me living in Germany, its Not that easy to get a frameless ultralight pack like the Palante. I found a great cottage Company in Germany which makes an excellent Ultralight Pack, similar to what you use Dirty. So for all the German, European Hikers and also everyone else looking for a nice pack. Check out www.weitlaeufer.de Great pack, really nice and friendly guy who makes them. Thanks Dirty again for the great videos. Keep it up!
You should think about Zpacks when your Simple pack wears out. I have an Arc Haul and the hip belt is easily removable. Also the frame is minimal and easily adjustable. I have never had a more comfortable pack. I really like the thought of using your pack to force down your base weight. The freedom you get from carrying less and succeeding with your goals is inspiring.
I thought about the arc haul when initially researching for packs pre-pct but then decided the carbon frame pole things might dig into my back :-/... Idk it just seemed like a pack with too many moving parts. If that makes sense.
@@CoteziHikes No no, the frame poles bend inward towards the pack, which makes the entire thing "float" on your back!
With your low base weight you could probably use an Arc Scout or a Nero which is frame less. Love your videos.
@@pgp1964 great point! She has a crazy low base weight!
hey pdp194, I would be happy to have your advices of the Arc haul. I am on my way to my first PCT (starting April 7th) and I still hesitate between a HMG Southwest and a Arc Haul. I am French and here, in Europe, no way to test it (or even find someone who have it). Thanks.
How are your teeth so whkte?
they're not lol
You carry avocados?? WTF? Great system though otherwise.
I genuinely don't understand this current US fad for frameless, beltless packs. What is the advantage of hanging all the weight from your shoulders, putting strain on your vulnerable shoulders, neck and spine? Even Cotezi admits that carrying any weight this way is "super not fun". A pack with a well designed frame and belt transfers the weight effectively to your hips, which evolved to bear it. I get the impression that most people who favour these packs haven't tried a good and properly fitted framed pack. In my pack, the frame moves well with my body and weighs all of 40 grams. It makes a huge difference to the comfort under weight and gives me the option of carrying significant amounts of food, water and snow/bear gear when necessary without any suffering. I've been walking and climbing for over half a century and have used many kinds of pack. I use a frameless belted pack for day hiking, but only because it's so inefficient it helps my training. When I switch to my framed pack on multi-days the improvement in comfort is very noticable.
yeah, this is just the way my backpacking journey has unfolded. I admit that carrying too much weight consistently with this pack (20+ lbs all the time) will be super not fun. unfortunately, because my low back does have some prior trauma due to old bike injury that whole area (hips, low back disks, sacrum, tailbone) are not the strongest. I'm working on it though, and while I do, I'd rather have my upper back area take the weight. but that's just my specific case. anyway, like I say in the video, if your base weight is low enough, and the trail is resupply friendly and water is relatively abundant, a frameless, hip belt less pack can be fun :)
@@CoteziHikes Thanks for your reply. Clearly you're a thoughtful hiker and have made a considered choice that works for you. I've no quarrel with that. I'm just putting down a general marker for people with less experience that a beltless, frameless sack shouldn't be the place they start, however trendy it may be.
Having said that, I find it difficult to see why a well fitting waist belt shouldn't work for you, unless you have nerve injuries that are irritated by the belt. I'm interested in pack ergonomics and have done a fair bit of experimentation. I think that one of the problems is that many of the most common framed packs don't seem that well designed and give people a bad impression. I don't get on at all with any of the Ospreys, for example. Too rigid and over-engineered for my taste. Most of the lightweight packs have wing belts, but in my experience a continuous belt can work much better. Then the pack hangs off the bottom of the belt giving more freedom of movement. Something you might try if you get the chance.
I guess my experience is shaped in areas with less clement weather and more difficult resupply than the PCT, but I can't see a scenario where I would ever chose a Palante-style pack for a long trail...
which backpack do you have Tullochgorum ?
@@julien7980 I make my own. I'm a fan of the Aarn bodypack concept, where you counterbalance the load on your back with front pockets that transfer their weight to your hipbelt. There is zero strain on your neck and shoulders, and you retain a natural, upright gait. The result is less fatigue and zero pain. He worked for years with an ergonomics lab, and my subjective sense of the benefits is backed up by research.
But I'm less keen on his actual designs - I find my Aarn over-engineered and a bit too complex and heavy.
So I'm prototyping my own version, which is simpler, lighter and overcomes a couple of significant irritations with his designs. I'll write it up on BackpackingLight in the next few months, once I finalise the design.
The Aarn concept is much the most effective innovation I've found in backpack design, and well worth checking out: www.aarnpacks.com/
Cotezi - many people with back and hip issues find that the Aarn provides relief and enables them to get back on the trail.
@@tullochgorum6323 great ! thanks for your answer
check out Zpacks gear. You are super charming and knowledgeable :)