Totally forgot to insert my patented "I dont recommend any of this gear and I don't not recommend it. Do your own research and see what will work best for you" line I usually say in these videos. With the holiday season upon us and black friday deals abound I recommend giving some extended thought before any purchases. Cheers folks!
Thanks Chris for your very understated, tight on the money review. Gotta love it. Plus I appreciate that you don’t have those lame intros/teasers...you just get right to it. Keep up the good reviews, social media be damned. :) Happy holiday to you and yours. Looking forward to more of your content.
Same thing here with the sawyer micro. I had no problem with mine for a long time; actually saved us when my friend’s full-size sawyer squeeze failed. He bought me a new micro in return , but i think it got immediately ruined with the water that i was trying to filter. The original micro has finally slowed to the flow-rate of the mini after 2 years and i plan on getting the full-size squeeze next
I always enjoy the Chris no-shill zone, much appreciated, thank you sir. I have a similar rain skirt - I used stick on Velcro circles to avoid needle holes and seam sealing. So far so good, 3 moderate rains so far, but not tried in higher winds yet. On a longer trip I would likely bring a couple extra Velcro circles because I never trust the stick-on stuff completely !
Ya the wind just flapped this bad boy around like crazy. I saw a few on ali express that now seem to incorporate a shock cord kind of system now to keep it closed. I still wouldnt trust that in good wind. I kept debating buying some velcro or those snaps just havent got around to it yet. Hope the velcro holds up for ya!
Hahaha..I wasn't planning on watching this video. However I found it really interesting. I have never gone hiking for more than five or ten miles. So I've never thought about the importance of gear for extended hikes. So this was really interesting insight from a "hardcore enthusiast". 😁👍
I did enjoy it. My (D2) approved start date for the PCT is in late March. I was thinking of the Nemo Kayu 15. I need to remove some ounces. If your Banshee didn't work maybe the Kayu may have some issues. I've owned the x-lite and did not like it. I met a Sobo in the Sierra that it leaked 3 times. I guess it could happen to anyone. Nemo Tensor insulated for me. Thank you for the video. Yeah, social media is lame.... but here we are, Lol!
@@ChrisGoesOutdoors I've had good luck with the Hydroblu Versaflo. It even has a small window on the side so you can see when your filter gets crusty. I think the flow rate might be a little faster than the Sawyer Squeeze to boot.
Always good to hear about how and why some gear doesn't work. And the puncture in the Neo Air just got me wondering: does anyone know if duct tape will work as a patch on those (some good, strong, think gorilla duct tape)? Because I think I've already lost my patch kit, but always have duct tape on my trekking pole, and I know it's only a matter of time...
The duct tape may work temporarily but the people I know who have tried it the pad does still leak. Could it be another hole developed? Possibly but my results with tenacious tape have been great on sleeping pads. I have a bunch of sleeping pad repair videos I've done with that tape
Chris, hope you are staying healthy! As l am an old geezer hiker, I wear compression socks for feet abused by too many years nursing. With great interest I watched your Sockwell review. I have a pair of Darn Tough compression socks. No long term trial yet. I have used Crazy Compresion sleeves. They work well, but not as durable as I would like. Where are you at now in the compression quest?
Been trying out some Amazon ones that are unfortunately nylon. No Wool, so after a days use they absolutely stink but such is life. I believe they are these ones amzn.to/2xJSVOx I am hoping to try and find a pair of knee high darn toughs. For me its not so much about the compression as it is just covering up my legs from the sun
Very interesting, always good to also hear about gear that failed. In regards to chafing I'd highly recommend getting some Squirrels Nut Butter. Best anti chafe product out there. Instead of compression socks perhaps consider calf sleeves instead. This way you can wear whatever socks you like best and still get compression. CEP is my preference but there are plenty of choices around.
Used the zpacks cuben rain skirt on the AT and loved it. Was one of my favorite pieces of gear out there. Unfortunately I ended up ripping the fabric pretty bad after the AT and figured gove this a shot. Been meaning to re buy the rain skirt from them for a bit but was considering their vertice one this time around. Would really like something black that isnt see through so could be used On laundry days
Nah I got the green one I've had since pre AT days. I debated going in for breakfast there though haha. Everyone I talked to that stopped at the store were unable to get one. They had nothing out on the floor from what I was told. Apparently you can leave your name and email or something if you stop in store and they will contact you when they can make you one / mail it to you. Whacky days for the fleece market hah
I am a huge proponent of buying used if able. If I cant buy used I will look at stuff many times for months looking for the best deal I can get. Like most of my winter gear I was planning the purchase of starting in the spring before and then just keeping an eye on pricing. REI garage sales have been great for me, ebay, ULgeartrade on reddit. I always like to tell people find the best possible deal you can.
Great video and nice to get feedback on things you use. You said the socks and underwear were a bad choice but bad because they were past their prime or because they didn't work (talking the darn tough and exofficio). What did you replace them with?
ya just too past their prime. Like I used them all for months at the end of the AT and have been using them as regular wear for the last 2 years since. Just worn / stretched out. Work good for daily usage. Not so good for athletic hiker usage. I replaced them with other ex officio and got the darn tough warranty replaced while I was in breckenridge
Nice recap Chris, thanks. You sure your neo issue is not just the night time cold temperatures. I believe any pad is going to loose air pressure overnight due to reduced air density in colder temperatures. Curious if it would loose air at present, overnight in your residence?? Thanks again. Happy Trails
Nah. With the cold and the pad losing air, usually I will blow it up, let it sit for a bit, and then blow it up with a few more breaths right before bed. But I would wake up and blow it back up during the night and it would be just as low within like an hour. There is 100% some sort of other hole on the pad somewhere, just gotta pop it in the tub and find it. I dont think the valve is the issue but who knows
Hi Chris, did you end up patching that pad? I patched mine 2 times and have used it for 2700 miles. I wish i saw this earlier to encourage you to do this or to take the pad off your hands ;) Hope you are well brother. Keep up the good content. I love your gear videos!
I did patch it and used it patched until the beginning of 2020 when a few of the baffles begin to separate. I sold it off to someone though as a damaged pad to use as a beater pad for a random friend or dog or something. Thermarest replaced it under warranty
Thermarest pads have a lifetime warranty. Send the pad to Thermarest and they'll either fix it or replace it depending what's wrong with it. Fixing holes is $20. If it's the valve that failed that will be a warranty fix. Either way keep the pad out of the landfill. If you don't want it pass it on to someone else.
Have no intention of getting kid of the pad. Will repair it myself eventually. Have fixed probably 8 sleeping pads in my life. It was an odd hobby of mine for a while.
ChrisGoesOutdoors :-) Good one, though „effectively useless“ is of course totally correct. Being a translator, I just got a chuckle out of the concept of something being „effective at being useless“, so to speak. Anyhow, the Zpacks rain skirt is surely superior. Really loving my Duplex tent as well as Vertice rain jacket!
Will fix it for sure. Have fixed many a sleeping pad in my time. My concern is with the age of the pad and holes possibly becoming more common place. The pad has probably close to 2800 miles on it but going to try to keep it going as long as I can
its beyond me that the manufacturer of the second best water filter in backpacking also sells the worst. How are those things still being sold? Go BeFree
I sweat profusely under any exertion. If I wear rain pants while hiking in the rain its essentially get drenched with sweat or rain. The skirt lets air still get in and heat to escape. Its also significantly easier than rain pants to take off and on. Also doubles nicely as a make shift table cloth at camp that I lay out on the floor under my tent vestibule
Twenty years ago when I first started backpacking. It was pretty much standard procedure to pre filter your water through a bandana. It seem as time went on this practice has gone by the wayside. A half bandana weight is pretty low and will save tones of problems with filters. And save money from having to replace them. Some of the things modern hikers pay good money for and do make me scratch my head. Hike your own hike I guess.
Buddy Mandery well certainly, even today with a Sawyer squeeze or equivalent that would be the same practice (I hope) if one is noting any crud, particulate matter.
Some people still do go the bandanna route, or even no filter at all. Its certainly an option. However knowing people that dealt with giardia while hiking the AT I will take a 2-3 oz water filter with me anytime to try to avoid that. The sawyer Squeeze I see on sale regularly around $20-23 on Amazon and it lasts pretty good. I used it daily on the AT for close to 4 months before I switched it out. I could have still used the one I replaced but the flow rate was pretty slow compared to a new one and with hiking daily it was just worth it to replace IMO. I feel like their are substantially more people hiking trails nowadays too and god knows what they are doing near water sources. Either way whatever works for you. I just cant get myself to live on the wild bandanna side haha
ChrisGoesOutdoors, Buddy was saying to PRE-filter water with a bandanna to lessen the chance of clogging the Sawyer. He was not saying to replace the filter with a bandanna.
I think it’s a trade off to being super light. My older gear was super durable but also very heavy. My tent from the early 90s weighed like nine pounds my new Duplex 22 oz.
Totally forgot to insert my patented "I dont recommend any of this gear and I don't not recommend it. Do your own research and see what will work best for you" line I usually say in these videos. With the holiday season upon us and black friday deals abound I recommend giving some extended thought before any purchases. Cheers folks!
Did Sawyer make some production changes? I've had unexpected issues within that past couple of years like: had to epoxy a filter end back on.
Thanks Chris for your very understated, tight on the money review. Gotta love it. Plus I appreciate that you don’t have those lame intros/teasers...you just get right to it.
Keep up the good reviews, social media be damned. :)
Happy holiday to you and yours. Looking forward to more of your content.
Same thing here with the sawyer micro. I had no problem with mine for a long time; actually saved us when my friend’s full-size sawyer squeeze failed. He bought me a new micro in return , but i think it got immediately ruined with the water that i was trying to filter. The original micro has finally slowed to the flow-rate of the mini after 2 years and i plan on getting the full-size squeeze next
I always enjoy the Chris no-shill zone, much appreciated, thank you sir. I have a similar rain skirt - I used stick on Velcro circles to avoid needle holes and seam sealing. So far so good, 3 moderate rains so far, but not tried in higher winds yet. On a longer trip I would likely bring a couple extra Velcro circles because I never trust the stick-on stuff completely !
Ya the wind just flapped this bad boy around like crazy. I saw a few on ali express that now seem to incorporate a shock cord kind of system now to keep it closed. I still wouldnt trust that in good wind. I kept debating buying some velcro or those snaps just havent got around to it yet. Hope the velcro holds up for ya!
Good stuff Chris! So much useful info here. Love all your stuff thank you! We look forward to more CT follow up vids. Hike on brother! Thank you
Appreciate it!
Love honest opinions and reviews!
Thanks Tim, I try to keep it real as possible haha
Hahaha..I wasn't planning on watching this video. However I found it really interesting. I have never gone hiking for more than five or ten miles. So I've never thought about the importance of gear for extended hikes. So this was really interesting insight from a "hardcore enthusiast". 😁👍
I did enjoy it. My (D2) approved start date for the PCT is in late March. I was thinking of the Nemo Kayu 15. I need to remove some ounces. If your Banshee didn't work maybe the Kayu may have some issues. I've owned the x-lite and did not like it. I met a Sobo in the Sierra that it leaked 3 times. I guess it could happen to anyone. Nemo Tensor insulated for me. Thank you for the video. Yeah, social media is lame.... but here we are, Lol!
Yea....I had the same experience with the micro. Back to da squeeze👍
Ya its unfortunate!
Just watched this one again, thanks so much for all your videos and information!! - Chica
Yaay another post hike video, awesome review
thanks mate!
Basic lesson is that stuff wears out over time......
Some significantly quicker than others
Same experience with the micro squeeze.
Ya it was unfortunate, I had high hopes haha
@@ChrisGoesOutdoors I've had good luck with the Hydroblu Versaflo. It even has a small window on the side so you can see when your filter gets crusty. I think the flow rate might be a little faster than the Sawyer Squeeze to boot.
Always good to hear about how and why some gear doesn't work. And the puncture in the Neo Air just got me wondering: does anyone know if duct tape will work as a patch on those (some good, strong, think gorilla duct tape)? Because I think I've already lost my patch kit, but always have duct tape on my trekking pole, and I know it's only a matter of time...
The duct tape may work temporarily but the people I know who have tried it the pad does still leak. Could it be another hole developed? Possibly but my results with tenacious tape have been great on sleeping pads. I have a bunch of sleeping pad repair videos I've done with that tape
@@ChrisGoesOutdoors Awesome, thanks! I'll check out those videos.
Check for leaks in the bathtub or a pool.
Chris, hope you are staying healthy! As l am an old geezer hiker, I wear compression socks for feet abused by too many years nursing. With great interest I watched your Sockwell review. I have a pair of Darn Tough compression socks. No long term trial yet. I have used Crazy Compresion sleeves. They work well, but not as durable as I would like. Where are you at now in the compression quest?
Been trying out some Amazon ones that are unfortunately nylon. No Wool, so after a days use they absolutely stink but such is life. I believe they are these ones amzn.to/2xJSVOx I am hoping to try and find a pair of knee high darn toughs. For me its not so much about the compression as it is just covering up my legs from the sun
Very interesting, always good to also hear about gear that failed. In regards to chafing I'd highly recommend getting some Squirrels Nut Butter. Best anti chafe product out there. Instead of compression socks perhaps consider calf sleeves instead. This way you can wear whatever socks you like best and still get compression. CEP is my preference but there are plenty of choices around.
Will look into the squirrel haha hopefully the proper underwear will suffice next time though. Good idea on the calf sleeves too!
Good video, very helpful. Also, LOL, now all I can think about is you on the trail with that white skirt looking like Marilyn Monroe.
Thank you! I can not wait to see how you replace these items! Merci Chris ! Pickleball
Thanks for watching Denis!
Zpacks rain quilt has a waterprood zipper on the side and works great keeps it tight to you
Used the zpacks cuben rain skirt on the AT and loved it. Was one of my favorite pieces of gear out there. Unfortunately I ended up ripping the fabric pretty bad after the AT and figured gove this a shot. Been meaning to re buy the rain skirt from them for a bit but was considering their vertice one this time around. Would really like something black that isnt see through so could be used On laundry days
Gotcha that makes sence. Also love the reveiws on the tents you do and the content you put out!
I’ve made the mistake on sketchy underwear myself - NEVER AGAIN! Always worth the extra money 👍🏻 Thanks for the video!
haha Amen!
I'm a bigger guy, and I had the same experience with the Baggies. I think it was from the thigh rub.
the struggle was real haha
Financial rundown would be really nice.
Definitely coming, kept tabs on all expenses out there in a spreadsheet. Hopefully record soonish
Take a drink everytime Chris says "unfortunately".
unfortunately that will be a poor life decision
Did you stop off in Leadville to pick up a Melly?
Nah I got the green one I've had since pre AT days. I debated going in for breakfast there though haha. Everyone I talked to that stopped at the store were unable to get one. They had nothing out on the floor from what I was told. Apparently you can leave your name and email or something if you stop in store and they will contact you when they can make you one / mail it to you. Whacky days for the fleece market hah
Where do you normally go to buy your gear? One stop shop like REI, or do you scour the internet or go to each brand's site (i.e. Patagonia)?
I am a huge proponent of buying used if able. If I cant buy used I will look at stuff many times for months looking for the best deal I can get. Like most of my winter gear I was planning the purchase of starting in the spring before and then just keeping an eye on pricing. REI garage sales have been great for me, ebay, ULgeartrade on reddit. I always like to tell people find the best possible deal you can.
Chris. Love the videos. Would you recommend the REI Flash Air 1 tent for the CT? Thanks!
Check out chrisgoesoutdoors. He has a pretty in depth review of it.
Good Stuff on the Not so Good Stuff... A Vid on Resupply spots etc. would be cool.
Will probably be talking about it in some regard at least in the financial video I make. But maybe a dedicated video too!
Great video and nice to get feedback on things you use. You said the socks and underwear were a bad choice but bad because they were past their prime or because they didn't work (talking the darn tough and exofficio). What did you replace them with?
ya just too past their prime. Like I used them all for months at the end of the AT and have been using them as regular wear for the last 2 years since. Just worn / stretched out. Work good for daily usage. Not so good for athletic hiker usage. I replaced them with other ex officio and got the darn tough warranty replaced while I was in breckenridge
Great tips! Thanks.
Thanks for watching!
Nice recap Chris, thanks. You sure your neo issue is not just the night time cold temperatures. I believe any pad is going to loose air pressure overnight due to reduced air density in colder temperatures.
Curious if it would loose air at present, overnight in your residence??
Thanks again.
Happy Trails
Nah. With the cold and the pad losing air, usually I will blow it up, let it sit for a bit, and then blow it up with a few more breaths right before bed. But I would wake up and blow it back up during the night and it would be just as low within like an hour. There is 100% some sort of other hole on the pad somewhere, just gotta pop it in the tub and find it. I dont think the valve is the issue but who knows
Give Saxx Kinetic boxers a shot. Great organization.
I've seen them before but never used them. Solid name for underwear haha
Hi Chris, did you end up patching that pad? I patched mine 2 times and have used it for 2700 miles. I wish i saw this earlier to encourage you to do this or to take the pad off your hands ;) Hope you are well brother. Keep up the good content. I love your gear videos!
I did patch it and used it patched until the beginning of 2020 when a few of the baffles begin to separate. I sold it off to someone though as a damaged pad to use as a beater pad for a random friend or dog or something. Thermarest replaced it under warranty
Thermarest pads have a lifetime warranty. Send the pad to Thermarest and they'll either fix it or replace it depending what's wrong with it. Fixing holes is $20. If it's the valve that failed that will be a warranty fix. Either way keep the pad out of the landfill. If you don't want it pass it on to someone else.
Have no intention of getting kid of the pad. Will repair it myself eventually. Have fixed probably 8 sleeping pads in my life. It was an odd hobby of mine for a while.
I know this is off topic but wondering if you would consider doing a subscriber meetup this winter after the holidays? Have a good Thanksgiving!
Suppose it could be possible. Will see what happens! haha
Did Patagonia fix the shorts?
Still have not contacted them about it
Nice direct review!
Thanks for watching John!
"Effectively useless". ;-) Love that unintentional juxtapostion of terms (regarding the rain skirt).
In my Mt Carrigan hike video I refer to a wind gust coming through as a wind tornado.... 😂I swear I meant to say snow tornado....
ChrisGoesOutdoors :-) Good one, though „effectively useless“ is of course totally correct. Being a translator, I just got a chuckle out of the concept of something being „effective at being useless“, so to speak. Anyhow, the Zpacks rain skirt is surely superior. Really loving my Duplex tent as well as Vertice rain jacket!
Just fix your pad. Leaks are easy, just make sure the surface is super clean/oil free.
Will fix it for sure. Have fixed many a sleeping pad in my time. My concern is with the age of the pad and holes possibly becoming more common place. The pad has probably close to 2800 miles on it but going to try to keep it going as long as I can
@@ChrisGoesOutdoors yeah, I get that. I patch my bicycle tubes multiple times but eventually they need to get replaced.
Nice vid
its beyond me that the manufacturer of the second best water filter in backpacking also sells the worst. How are those things still being sold? Go BeFree
Get Wiggys Best on planet best prices too
Meant right on the money and not tight albeit using your well worn socks/underwear might qualify for tight rather than right.
Why a rain skirt and not rain pants? Don't understand the logic...
I sweat profusely under any exertion. If I wear rain pants while hiking in the rain its essentially get drenched with sweat or rain. The skirt lets air still get in and heat to escape. Its also significantly easier than rain pants to take off and on. Also doubles nicely as a make shift table cloth at camp that I lay out on the floor under my tent vestibule
Twenty years ago when I first started backpacking. It was pretty much standard procedure to pre filter your water through a bandana. It seem as time went on this practice has gone by the wayside. A half bandana weight is pretty low and will save tones of problems with filters. And save money from having to replace them. Some of the things modern hikers pay good money for and do make me scratch my head. Hike your own hike I guess.
Buddy Mandery well certainly, even today with a Sawyer squeeze or equivalent that would be the same practice (I hope) if one is noting any crud, particulate matter.
Some people still do go the bandanna route, or even no filter at all. Its certainly an option. However knowing people that dealt with giardia while hiking the AT I will take a 2-3 oz water filter with me anytime to try to avoid that.
The sawyer Squeeze I see on sale regularly around $20-23 on Amazon and it lasts pretty good. I used it daily on the AT for close to 4 months before I switched it out. I could have still used the one I replaced but the flow rate was pretty slow compared to a new one and with hiking daily it was just worth it to replace IMO.
I feel like their are substantially more people hiking trails nowadays too and god knows what they are doing near water sources. Either way whatever works for you. I just cant get myself to live on the wild bandanna side haha
ChrisGoesOutdoors, Buddy was saying to PRE-filter water with a bandanna to lessen the chance of clogging the Sawyer. He was not saying to replace the filter with a bandanna.
Reading Comprehension isn’t very UL - some choose not to carry it.
Everything is made to throw away quality has been dead for a long time!
I think it’s a trade off to being super light. My older gear was super durable but also very heavy. My tent from the early 90s weighed like nine pounds my new Duplex 22 oz.
The micro is terrible.