I'm early and I just want to say I'm elated to see someone else try out a Featherstone Granite. I bought one and set it up for what was supposed to be a test night in the rain that turned into a test week and a half of off and on heavy rainstorms where it took all of that like a champ and didn't leak once. Very underrated tent. It's also really awesome to see you doing more budget gear and giving the stuff a shot beyond a one off video. A lot of creators get into the sponsors and big names and $600 an item gear - it's really cool to see some appreciation for the lesser known blue collar stuff.
@@eric_hanson Absolutely! In my case it handled driving rain and heavy winds like a champ! Hoping to see it some more in the future if you continue this series!
@@meghantewksbury492 No, I didn't touch it besides putting it up. It's important to know that they've quietly upgraded and updated it over the years and their most recent upgrade was somewhere between 6 months to 1 year ago give or take and I got mine this year, so mileage varies. They didn't advertise the fact they seam sealed in some earlier models and in the new ones it's a major selling point - and mine is seamed excellently. If yours is newer (or even older, it has a lifetime warranty) you can contact them on their website and tell them you got a defective tent. I've heard their support is super good and all my interactions with them have been solid, besides logistical questions.
@@meghantewksbury492 Sorry for the late response but RUclips automodded my last one. No, I didn't do anything with the seams or any kind of spray sealant either. Mine was factory standard, though they quietly upgrade their tents and the last update was within the last year so yours may have been a previous model. I would suggest contacting their customer support either way since not being properly sealed would probably fall under their lifetime warranty and I hear their support is awesome.
I think it's a great thing that people like you and Miranda, and I'm sure others are doing it as well, are showing people who are interested in backpacking that it can be done on a budget for the whole kit and encourage them get out and just do it. I wish there had been more videos like this when I started upgrading my camping gear from old school stuff to newer stuff, would have saved me a lot....lol
3 things: 1. Thanks for doing this type of video because I am a first time backpacker and don’t want to spend a month salary for gear. 2. I grew up learning that “cheap”meant the product was poorly made, and inexpensive meant it’s a good product at a low price. 3. Have you ever thought about trying the trekology UL80 sleeping pad? It also can be purchased with a pump sack.
Same here, it was so hard for me to find gear I can take out for my first time and I wish there was more information out there for affordable, good options. I'm really happy to see Eric putting out content for newer and more money conscious backpackers because it's such an invaluable resource.
I saw dose of dirt recommend the UL80 for summer use, but nothing cold. Almost got it, but wanted to try out the pad i was buying last weekend and it dipped into the high 30s at night, so I wanted some insulation so I spent more on a pad, but it was the runner up because it was almost cheap enough to be ok being disappointed lol.
its not a "knock off" if the gear is equal in or sometimes even a greater in quality, and being sold at a more reasonable price. really appreciated that little bit from you, much respect!
Ive used a Featherstone Backbone 2p for years. Its cheap, strong, and holds up. Ive been in 40 mph winds, sideways rain, and snow. Never failed, never ripped
As someone trying to get their family to spend more time in the mountains and forests, I really appreciate you review this more budget gear. Dont get me wrong I would love a 200$+ sleeping bag and a 500$+ tent but when you're also trying to outfit 2 adults and 2 kids its not really reasonable to spent that much on one item. Its very hard to get into hiking / backpacking when the expectation is that you have to be outfitted with 1000$+ of gear before you ever set foot on a trail. As far as knock offs go, I always find it funny when people brand loyalty clouds their judgement. I really hate to break it to most people that their 50$+ YETI tumbler is punch out on the same machine as an Ozark Trail in China. Lots of companies all sources their products from south east Asia and it all comes from similar factories made on similar machines with similar materials. Dont be a gear snob and focus on growing the appircation for actual quality over brand loyalty. Grow the application for nature and the outdoors over gear choices.
As much as I truly love all my expensive gear the reality is that's not what most people will spend their money on, even if they could afford it. So I'm really enjoying bringing stuff to light that will be quality gear for the vast majority of people who go with their families or only go on a handful of trips.
If I had the money for it I would prefer to back the company that innovates and invents some better version of a product. But I ain't a rich man so I buy knock offs sometimes. And for somethings like that yeti tumbler and the walmart brand one i agree that it super doesn't make a difference. I drink from a clearance rack bubba tumbler my sis got me from target or wal mart.
This stuff wears out too. I can get behind paying extra if I only have to pay once but tents get crusty from too much time in the sun, the zippers wear out, the floors end up with a ton of little rips and holes. I'm starting to think of tents as a wear item like brake pads. Paying $700 every time I cycle in a new tent isn't feasible.
Trail Buddy trekking poles! Cork handles, come in awesome various colors with pole bag and many buckets. About $30-40 bucks. I’ve had mine for years, have recommended to others who have now also had them for years. Never an issue.
Trail buddy were my first poles, and they are great. The only problem I had is the plastic clips. A couple did break. I recently found Hungry Hiker poles. About same price point, slightly lighter, and metal clips.
It's the slow sit onto the stool with the angelic music for me, pal. Now I have to buy it just so angels can sing to me as I too finally take a seat. 🤣🤣🤣
Thanks for viable options for cheaper gear. I like my Kelty Cosmic down , it’s even warmer than some are saying paired with a liner when needed. I appreciate you presenting usable gear instead of cheap, impractical gear that doesn’t add any value to my backpacking experience….Solutions not just problems … I love it
I like how you focus more on your sleep than other things. To me sleeping well is the most important thing on trips,it sets up my whole attitude for the day. I don’t mind spending a little more on my sleep gear and your recommendations are why I watch. I spent too much money on mistakes.
31:08 That Nitecore headlamp is a boss. I love the USB C recharge port, that it's rechargeable, the glow cord, and that it's super light weight. Having the red light option is also nice to preserve your night vision and keep the bugs off your head when you step out of your hammock for a midnight pee. Bonus tip: You can rotate the cinch buckle on the cord so it's on the side rather than the middle of the back of your head. When that buckle is on the side, you always know which side is up. You never put it on upside-down only to realize the buttons aren't where you expected them to be, then have to flip it and put it on again. It also makes reading in bed easier if you're so inclined, because that buckle isn't pressing into the back of your head. I would add one last thing. Buy from a local source if you can. Even REI would be better than Amazon if you're able. Don't feed the beast if you can avoid it.
@@Learningthetruth7 There is a lock mode on these. You just press and hold both buttons at the same time. When it's in lock mode, you can't accidentally turn it on. The only thing is, you have to remember to turn on the lock mode. I've forgotten a couple of times. Once with consequences. Carrying it in a fanny pack or hipbelt pocket probably also helps because I think it's less likely to have accidental button presses than smashed down somewhere inside your pack.
@@greasemonkey4god don't throw them away if they are working headlamps. Use them in your house or donate to Goodwill. No sense in wasting a working device.
When in doubt for a gravity filter I’ve used my poles as support with two extra guy lines, think pyramid style, worked like a charm when there was no taller tree around. now with my trekking pole tent ( Long Live the Durston!!⛺️May the sage bless your Hike! ) I hang it from the top of the pole on a loop I’ve added, it’s close to me and very handy to use.
Hey Eric, here's a cheap suggestion for backpackers who like to have a fire at camp. You can buy these extendable fire blowers that are super cheap, and really work for stoking a fire without fanning it with something or sticking your face right in and getting a face full of ash. They're like $10 CAD for a 4-pack. Also, when are you going to get up to Canada for a trip?
Over the last couple weeks, I've been watching pretty much all the budget backpacking videos by you, Miranda, and Dan. I'm planning on my first overnight trip this October and these videos have been incredibly helpful. Although I've noticed that there aren't very many reviews of the gear from mountain warehouse. Also, I would love to see a battle of the backpackers budget edition.
Thank you for sharing these budget gear videos. There are so many people out there that even if they love backpacking, can’t afford the high end gear that is commonly recommended on RUclips.
Used the featherstone for several years. It’s a fantastic starter and cheap tent. It kept me completely dry in an absolute downpour all night. Highly recommend this to anyone looking to get a cheap tent.
I’ve found some awesome stuff on EBay as well. Backpacking is a hobby that many well to do people buy top of the line equipment for bucket list kinds of treks like the JMT, CT, Arizona Trail, etc., and often times their trips end after a few days, or their trips are canceled due to circumstances, so they unload their gear. I bought both my ULA Circuit and Catalyst on EBay and paid less than half of the new price. Both backpacks showed no signs of ever being used.
Man that's the first "No real backpacking" 😂 tent I bought 3 years ago and it is still going strong I donated it to my son who just got back from Backcountry camping in Arkansas and was super impressed with it.
I've had the Featherstone tent since 2018 and it hasn't failed me yet. It hasn't been my go to for two seasons, but I still use it on shorter trips or trips where my trekking pole tent might be problematic.
Nice! I'm definitely going to try the Lanshan out. I bought the Naturehike CloudUp and was really disappointed with it. Thanks for the rec on the Mongar though! It looks much better.
@@pyronymph-868 Bonus point to the Mongar 2: the Featherstone Granite and Peridot seem to be made in the same factory and Featherstone sells a spare rainfly for $20. I think I recall the Mongar having round pole connectors rather than triangular which can be a weak point too, but Featherstone also sells spare poles and I think those would also fit as a replacement if the Mongar's break. Definitely a matter of which one's on sale as to which one's a better buy but regardless which one you buy you should be able to upkeep and replace it pretty easily!
@@pyronymph-868 I bought a naturehike star river as a stop gap and it doesn't breathe. Condensation was dripping through the mesh inner. It only has one vent. Well made but a clone of a Nemo that doesn't quite work. In Europe we can get some good tents by Vango and different Coleman's. The Vango Banshee and their helium are well regarded and also the Coleman cobra. They are different and more suited for wet and windy Northern weather and probably too little mesh for some.
@@eric_hanson The Lanshan is an awesome tent. I have both the 1Pro and 2Pro, because I just can't afford a DCF tent - they are so expensive, and here in AU they are even MORE expensive becuase you have to import them. I found the Lanshan when I was going through a UL phase, trying to get everything lighter for my tired old body to carry less. That's also how I found the NU25, and the Nitecore battery bank, and the 3F UL Poncho, and the BRS3000...etc etc. A lot of UL stuff can also be budget. I think - as it was for me - it would be a really cool way to challenge yourself, as a self professed guy who carries a lot... to dive into a UL mission, then come out the other side and see what a balanced lightweight version of what you carry looks like? I think it'd make great content!? (I know I have done that slowly, and I'm pretty happy to have done it). Now I pick and choose what comes, and what doesn't based solely on personal preference and trip (not just the weight weenie in me anymore!)
I have a Mongar 2 and love it! Have used it several times in raging wind and rain. Have never had a drip inside the tent. All the seams are taped. Also love that it has two doors and vestibules.
My budget picks (measured on my kitchen scale as ready to pack) top quilt Featherstone Moondance 850 fill bivvy Sierra Designs Backcountry Bivvy: 443g (1.0lbs) tent River Country Products Trekker trekking pole tent: 978g (2.2lbs) tent Clostnature Crux 1 person dome tent: 1564g (3.5lbs) pad Ozark Trail eggshell sleep pad 328g (0.7lbs) cut down for less bulk puffy Jacket Decathalon MT100 chair Camptime Pack Stool: 397g (0.9lbs) chair Shallwe Lowback: 1055g (2.3lbs)
Camp Chairs. Mountainsmith makes a really neat chair called the Slingback. If you're using trekking poles and don't have a trekking pole supported tent, it's a nice way to have back support while staying clean. I ended up making my own version with some ripstop nylon, I added a pocket so I could slide my sit pad into it and it weighs like 2oz or something crazy. I've got a short about it buried in here somewhere. The design doesn't keep you off the ground, but can give some padding and keep you clean for almost no additional weight and volume.
You should also look at Etowah 8x5 tarp in Ultra TNT (145g) for 100$US, it's a sleeper ! Only complain is that ultra do sound like TNT under the rain, it's loud !
Always love the videos Eric. Check out the firemaple combo of the petrel pot, and the greenpeak stove. The combo right now is less than 40 bucks, and it is awesome. The pot has a heat exchanger built into it so it's going to be extremely stable, and the stove fits right up into the pot and features a piezo lighter. Best bang for the buck I have found.
That's the pillow I have. It's very comfortable if you don't blow it up all the way so it has the slightest give. I'd definitely recommend it to even seasoned backpackers.
Still think you need to give the Fire Maple Petrel pot a shot. It's a great pot and has been exceptional to use. It is a 120 degree type pot so definitely make sure your stove will fit the grooves on the bottom. I have a Jetboil MightyMo and it pairs perfectly with the pot. The pot is very cheap but doesn't feel like a cheap one.
As a tent hater, i love that tent. I am a tarp + mosquito net girl. Spend the bucks on a quality sleeping bag. Never found a non pop-able matt, so depending, i go without or strap the ol thermarest eggcrate jobber on the outside (not ideal, but very light and insulating). Def not gonna pay a single nother cent on inflatables. My camping style is more lif3style, less thru hike. This is certainly outside of your perview, but perhaps interesting anyway.... what about sustainable gear for longer term 'outings'? Like tools for survival, ways to sleep that wont pop, cooking without buying those funny feul doodads, foraging for food....and so on. Coyld be anothe fun comparison vid to be had there! Love to watch, nice location!!!💜👌
Another great video. Nice to see you recommend three items I use, the pot, stove and headlamp. Have you ever heard of the Bisinna tent? I don’t own one, but the cheapest hiker I know swears by this $80 Amazon tent. Thanks again for the honest reviews.
As much as I love and own, super Gucci camping gear and that’s all I’m interested in, I like this approach because it’s so important to get new people into camping and lowering the barrier of entry.
This is the right attitude towards gear. It is not about what you have but how you use it. Gear is much less important than skills. I worked at an outfitter for a time and the gear elitism is so strong. I would see people with the nicest stuff that hardly went out and others with basics that made the most of their opportunities to get outside.
Was just on that section of the CT a couple weeks ago, really special segment of trail! Met plenty of people who were just out there with the gear that they had rather than the latest and greatest ultralight gear, great reminder that getting out on trail with the gear you have will always be the right move!
The issue with the Klymit pads is their website shows, for most of their pads, their own R-value rating. Some of the insulated pads will show the Klymit R-value along with the ASTM value. Klymit will say 4.4 but ASTM says 1.9. I had the insulated Hammock-V and it was rated at 4.4 but with ASTM was downgraded to 1.9 so effectively a summer pad.
Exactly. I've spent a few miserable nights in below freezing on this mat. Due to not being experienced enough that time, I was blaming my sleeping bag for this. I've read numerous posts of people spending miserable nights shivering on these mats. This is straight dangerous and unprofessional behavior for any outdoor gear manufacturer.
Yep, even tho the Vs are insulated, the valleys between them are not insulated, so you're basically right on the ground where the cold is coming through. They're an OK summer only mattress, but definitely not for colder temps.
@@kcricket39 34F is above freezing. It's summer temperatures. You'll be just fine at this temperature on any sleeping mat (including 1cm foam one) unless the ground is frozen.
Hi Eric. Two years ago I bought both the cosmic 20 down sleeping bag and the same static V insulated air mattress. I am 6’3 230 pounds with fairly wide shoulders. The only drawbacks I have with the sleeping bag is that it’s very tight on my shoulders and overtime it sheds a lot of down feathers. After about 12 uses, I gave up on that air mattress. It was fairly comfortable, but the valve is horrible and it failed on me half the time. Waking up in the middle of the night to refill it up was incredibly frustrating. Also, the actual tested ESO rating on the insulation is a 2.0. It also states that on my stuff sack in very small print.
I think at your size you'd have to go with a different option for sleeping bag and mattress. The Klymit is probably the worst mattress I've used, but it's still an okay option for people who only go occasionally. And yeah, they're warmth ratings are not accurate.😂
I ended up later purchasing a lot larger seeping bag for my frame, and I bought the REI helix mattress which I absolutely love. For the money, It’s the most comfortable four season mattress I have ever owned. I bought it based on Justin outdoors recommendation. On a sidenote, my wife and I absolutely love your videos! Your cinematography is amazing and you and your wife make a great team/couple.
@@eric_hanson they were astm rated at 1.8 for their insulated version vs their claimed 4.4, if you throw a cheap fleece throw on top of them you can really bump up that R value but thats gonna use up some valuable pack space. The problem is the welded seams squish the insulation in the middle letting you loose some warmth, the idea was for it to be filled up with a sleeping bag but that never worked out i guess LOL. I use a cheap dollar store fleece folded over to cover the pad top when i need more warmth. I've tested a light winter night once without the fleece and was ok till it got to about -3C/26F ish on frozen concrete pad area for testing. Then it took an hour after that and had call it quits as i could feel the concrete just leach the heat out, so all told about 4.5 hrs in had to give up.
Would like to watch a follow-up video where you put both the expensive (your preferred or best) gear against this more affordable gear and demonstrate and educate with the features and functionality that make it better. Knowing and understanding what makes gear amazing and 'the best' serves as a benchmark for all purchases regardless of budget and would be very helpful.
I have the NiteCore NU 33 with 700 lumen. It lasts me an entire week of 1.5-2 hours a day without charging. I hike early in the mornings before sunrise. I usually use it on the lowest setting, but when my dog alerts me that he has caught the set of an animal, I turn it on its highest setting and it can scan a fairly large range of surrounding woods. By far my favorite headlamp that I’ve tried.
Please try the gear doctor sleep pad. It seems to look like it would be really nice, but I’m hesitant to buy it. Triology has a camping pillow. I think it’s like 15 or $20. It is awesome.
DO NOT buy the Gear Doctor sleeping mat! It does not live up to their marketing AT ALL! They market it as a 6+ R value mat, but that's a self rating, and hasn't been tested to ASTM standards. I bought it, thinking "great, a budget winter sleeping mat" and I thought I would die of hypothermia, it is sooo bad! It's maybe a 1 R value. Ok during a heat wave, but not for low temperatures that the manufacturer claims. To be fair to the company they did give me a full refund, but they have not made any changes to their marketing claims. Despite the fact they know they're wrong, and are potentially dangerous.
This was really cool to see. Feather Stone also has a 2 person trekking pole tent that's pretty affordable as well! The filter seems like a nice system if it's actually effective. I'm always a little leery of brands that I don't recognize in the filter space. That's one area where I don't want to take any chances.
Yeah I agree. The trouble with water filters is there's no real way to verify what a brand promises. So that's where going with the more established brands is a safer bet. Still cool to try the new option here though.
@eric_hanson well, the "verification " of a filter is wait a couple of days after you use it, and if you don't have painful guts and diarrhea, it's probably OK 😉
that featherstone 2 person trekking pole tent is the same as the lanshan 2 regular! Most of the Featherstone tents are the same as the weirdo chinese brands like the naturehike mongar and the like. You do get the benefit of US based customer service tho
@@boredandagitated I disagree that the Featherstone Backbone 2 is not the same tent. Backbone 2 has a 60/40 design, hardened corners which create a tall foot box, pole pockets, and a couple other differences from Lanshan to make it its own. Which is why I bought it over the Lanshan
That Featherstone tent looks pretty good! My budget tent option (which I only use when I need a freestanding tent) is the Naturehike Vic 1p. It's single layer so there are condensation issues of course but it only weighs 2lbs, is roomy enough, sets up quickly and has held up well in weather. Under $100 usd. Naturehike has many good budget tent options.
I use a sawyer squeeze as gravity system by utiliziing a Cnoc bag, a smart water bottle and the blue coupling. I very infrequently actually sit and actively filter water. I just wait until I take a break and hang it on a tree. After a few minutes I have a a full water bottle again.
I’m glad that you gave the Featherstone tent a try. I’ve been thinking about buying it. As far as stools go, have you ever tried Near Zero’s? I think it’s about $20. They also have a fairly cheap sleeping pad.
I second the feedback on the Featherstone Tent. I spent 5 nights in it on a recent trip to Isle Royale. The tent stood up to the rain and trail conditions in the upper Midwest.
To me, the way to do the Klymit static V, is getting the Luxe version. It may not be as comfy as the higher-end stuff, but the extra width takes it to the next level. I don't think I can go back to narrow sleeping pads. Also, pairing it with a Flextail Pump and you are set. I've had zero issues, is my main sleep system along with a nemo Tempo sleeping bag. it wasn't the cheapest, but it was very affordable. For the tent I have a marmot Crane Creek, that was on sale on amazon and so far so good. Everything is very high quality without jumping into the unaffordable territory.
I’m not a huge backpacker but I have loved the “REI flexlite air chair” my buddy and I spend lots of nights in the back country hunting and that chair has been great. We mainly use them for sitting behind a spotting scope and they have been great especially bc they go on sale for $60 a couple times a year.
Paria Outdoors Bryce 1&2P tents are both under 3.5 pounds and under $180 as well. They also have a 0 and 15 degree sleeping bag and quilt for cheap. And all their products have a lifetime warranty. I use the 2P tent and the 15 degree sleeping bag and I love them. They also have sleeping pads for inexpensive prices but I have not checked them out myself
I've been using that same sleep system for a couple years now has worked well. My wife loves the Kelly cosmic 20. Me not so much mostly because I sleep in my left side and the zipper is on the right. That's a me problem. Definitely a great budget or first sleep system. Living in Montana an insulated pad is a must and at the time was what I could afford. I really want an upgrade before next season. So Eric if you have some options I should look into I would appreciate it. Ready to upgrade just not a $1200 upgrade
I have been pleasantly surprised by the OV pillow. I watched one of their ad videos and got it for "free" and just paid like $8 shipping costs. its decently comfortable, packs down extremely small, and is very lightweight. I wonder how well you would sleep with the Kelty bag on a more comfortable pad. The Featherstone UL Granite 2P is one of those cheap options I have wanted to try because $109 is a smash of a deal compared to the $400-$600 tents from the big brands. Thanks for trying out and sharing some of your budget finds.
Great video. I have been following you and DB for the last 3 months and have gotten a wealth of great information. I'm in the processes now of deciding on buying a good quality light backpacking tent that is not $300-$600. I'm so happy you did this type of video on good value items for those new to backpacking. The majority of other channels just show super expensive stuff. Thank you for thinking about the rest of us that are only going to be weekend campers and do short backpacking trips. I would like to get a more in depth review about this Featherstone tent. Important things like more specs like are all seams taped and sealed, how does it perform in rain and storms, How is the condensation, Are the zippers good quality, Are the anchor points sufficient on tent and fly, Does the fly have a means all around to stretch it to allow for good circulation of air into the tent. Things like that. Thank you so much. I realize you cant do a in depth review on every tent you suggest. But if your recommending this as a good affordable option. It would be nice to get some more in depth stats. P.S on side note would like to say im sorry for what you had to go through with your legal battle with the park service. It was horrible what they did to you. I was so upset just watching the video that DB did with you. Hopefully its all behind you now and time to move on. Keep doing the great job your doing for the sport.
Love this series, recently I have gone down a similar rabbit hole of finding inexpensive backpacking gear trying to outfit my family of four. Love the featherstone tent. That was one of my first purchases. I also really like a three-person tent from Ampex, and recently picked up a four-person trail light North face tent that is heavyish 6 lbs, but my wife can carry the 2 lb poles and I take the tent at around 4 lb and it's doable. Got everybody a One Tigris Obsidian sleeping pad with an r value in the fives and really liking that, also check out sleeping pads from Atepa and Ampex and Iclimb, Sleeping bags are tough to find in a budget range, The Kelsey cosmic down is Good for sure. Currently trying out a sort of Zenbivy knockoff from ATEPA, and for summer i like the Atepa seattle 300 bag, but i use it more as a quilt. I've also been experimenting with layering of mummy bags and cheap quilts. I know big Agnes has a few layered sleep systems and I like the idea of getting more range out of one purchase, plus I do a lot of Summer camping in Kansas and cold is typically not my biggest issue. Hard to beat a toaks pot! Love well your recommendations! Keep them coming
Lookup telescoping chair ~$20 and 2lbs. It rises to a higher height so you don’t have to sit so low which is a noticeable comfort improvement. I strap it on the outside of the pack in an accessible way to pop the chair out mid hike with bag still on for short breaks. My family of 6 used them and after a year of heavy use three remained, after three years only two of the originals remained so keep that in mind.
I also use the titanium pot and Nitecore headlamp. My sleeping bag is a thermarest with straps that can be used with any pad. I bought the previous years model so was less expensive than the current bag, another way to save money but still get quality equipment. I use the trekology ultralight chair, was only 40-45$ and very lightwt. Water filter Sawyer squeeze, it can be used as a gravity filter also and is not expensive at all. Backpack off amazon off recommendation from someone on the AT, was only 25$. I ended getting a 2nd one for my daughter I liked it so much. No longer available. Tent is the 2 person pro 3FUL if you don't mind trekking pole tents.
The Insulated Static V was garbage when I used it. For less than $100, I bought a OneTigris insulated pad. I've used it once in the Sawtooth Mountain Range and have no regrets. Dense forest in NE Minnesota at 50*F at night. Never hit the ground once.
I have the Klymit Insulated Static V, and I have a slow leak from the valve itself. Not the seam around it. The valve (where it flips) leaks. I’ve only spent less than a dozen nights on the pad.
lovely stretch of trail. Just did it a couple weeks ago with some cheap aliexpress gear. Whatever allows you to get out worry free and enjoy your hike is worth the money in my books. Glad to see more youtubers not just recommending absurdly expensive gear a lot of cheap stuff is almost equivalent now to what you'd pay 3x the price, it's a great time to get into hiking and camping.
The Lanshan 1 Pro is very hard to beat for the price. I also have a HMG Mid 1 and honestly the only noticeable difference is the 1 pound difference the DCF saves. Also, if using a gravity fed system above treeline, you can crisscross your trekking poles and interlace the handles to hang your bag. Works really well.
I bought the static v for my son. Totally agree it’s a nice upgrade from the z folding foam pad. Granted he’s lighter but he loves it. Excited to try the water filter, looks like a good find. Also interested in the tent, looks like a decent option for his scout treks! Thanks keep up the great work!
I'm looking forward to trying out my $2 UL pillow from Dutchware, I doubt it'll make for comfortable side-sleeping on the ground though. That Featherstone granite tent is absolutely bonkers. My coworker has been using it for a little over a year and that entire time I've never seen anything comparable for the price -- I try not to have exact copies of gear but I don't think there's a choice there. Would you mind throwing in a pack-towel in another roundup? I've always found them really useful to have but there seems to be some with polymide, some with rayon, and I'm not quite sure how they compare.
Do you find that budget gear is easier for advanced/experts to make use of? Are some advanced gear items best for more seasoned hikers? For example, down sleeping bags are much lighter and pack smaller, but if the bag gets wet it's basically useless so that is something to be aware of. I think the more technical the gear is, the more experienced you should be in general.
Klymit does make an inflation sack, and it's pretty good. It's something like 3 or 4 feet long, 8 or so inches across, and can full a Static V in a couple of pump cycles. It snaps right onto that valve. I don't recall that they're expensive, and they roll nicely in with the pad into the stuff sack. And the OV pillow is available as a free pillow, pay shipping only... so you can get it for $7.
Pro tip! If you want to keep your air mattresses longer, get a hand pump to put air in it; blowing it up with your mouth traps moisture, which can wear down the material as well as breed mold inside your mattress. Using a pump of some sort can significantly increase the lifespan of it
Love my OV pillow…first used it in May 2024…used my clothes in a pillow case for the past 17 years…again, love my pillow! My Klymet static V insulated season pad works well for my hiking trip. My go to pad while in northern Ontario canoe trips, I use my 12 year old EX PED 9…luxurious! TY for all your hard work and info, Eric!
I'm a 6'4" 225lbs side sleeper, and the Static V is my favorite, most comfortable mattress by far. I have tried a number of the other more expensive, better insulated mattresses, and I only drag them out when it's really cold out.
4:35 the sideways pole, at least in the hubba hubba nx which this tent seems to be very... inspired by..., is supposed to go on top, not on the bottom for rigidity reasons.
Hi Eric - great video! I think a gravity fed water filter is a good option, but I believe that with the addition of a tube you could make a gravity filter with a Sawyer mini and a CNOC bag. I've never tried it, though - am I wrong? I have tried the Klymit Static V insulated sleeping pad, though, and I would not want to sleep on it on the ground. There's just not enough padding. Where it does shine, however, is in a hammock! The cutouts make it flexible enough to accommodate the curve of a hammock, and those sides curve up around you to keep your arms warm. For 3 season hammocking, if you don't want to spend on an underquilt, this pad really works (though I'd get the wider version.) It also provides a little bit of push to the sides of the hammock so they don't wrap up around you, so it feels less claustrophobic. Klymit even sells a 2-person width, which is pretty much the width of the entire hammock, if you're a larger person or want it to wrap entirely up the sides. And yes, it even works with double layer hammocks to place between the layers (although the 2-person sticks out the holes a bit.) The downside is that it will slip and slide a bit inside the hammock. If you had a topquilt with straps to attach to it, that might mean that at least it moves with you. I haven't tried this - I usually just slip it between the hammock layers for warm weather hammocking or for an extra layer in the very cold with my underquilt. Could you try out the tent in some good rain and wind so we can see how it holds up?
Great video! I plan to do that portion of the trail up to the Chicago basin next month. I will be heading up to hit Sunshine, Eolus, and Windom (weather permitting). I use the Soto Stove (when I take a stove). I stopped taking a stove with me about two years ago unless I think I might need a warm water bladder in my sleeping bag. I generally consider a stove a luxury item. (FYI - I am not a coffee drinker(. I LOVE! the Kelty Cosmic! It's light. I am not a 4 season camper, so I don't need a Zero degree bag. I'm typically hot in it and use it mainly as a nice comforter. Sometimes I combine it with a Klymit blanket as a top sheet (less than a pound). I have wide shoulders and it works for me. Tent - I suggest you look into the Lanshan 2 tent. It is a double-wall trekking pole tent, very light and more than does the job. Cheap too. Tip: practice different set-up scenarios before you head out. You need to know the right trekking pole height to get the fly low to the ground when it is windy, and up off the ground when it is hot and zero breeze. There are some simple guide-line mods you can make to really make this a great, super-low-cost tent. Pack - for longer trips I use the Osprey Exos 55. Great back ventilation. Just over 2 pounds for the Large/XL size. I paid $150ish on Amazon. Easy to adjust frame. It is no frills. No extra pockets other than the hip belt pockets. Basically a big sack with an external mesh compartment for your wag-bags, wet stuff, and/or smellies. It does have a detachable brain. Has compression straps. No Beener loops. Sleeping pad - I have no issues with the Static V2. My total pack weight for 4 nights - all-in - is abought 28 pounds. That can vary depending on how much water I need to carry (e.g. Big bend vs. Chicago Basin), and the season. I typically take more food and extra clothes that I never use (I just can't seem to learn that lesson). Best regards, Bubba
I would say, as far as pillows go, inflatable pillows are lightweight and pack down easily but the cinch pillow from Thermarest is hands down the best camping pillow. Kind of pricey at $30-45 but it's amazing to sleep on and very versatile if you're a back sleeper or a side sleeper (I'm a side sleeper). I know it takes up more volume and weight than an inflatable pillow but it's a worthwile investment. I've replaced the normal pillows at home with cinch pillows and will never go camping with anything else again.
I enjoy your videos 👍 never commented before but thought I’d mention the River Country Trekker Tent 1. Not sure if you’ve tried one. I have been using one for over five years, 30+ trips mainly autumn, winter and spring. I’ve never had any issues with it (even in hail and snow) and it’s still going strong.
Still haven't gone backpacking, but the tent, pad, and sleeping bag is literally my setup for the last 2 years when going camping with my family. Also have the AOTU stove.
I know you don’t like the NatureHike Upcloud tent but during Pandemic and the supply chain issues my good tent delaminated and the local retail stores only had the really really high end (read expensive) tents on their shelves. I snagged a cheap Ultralight version of the Upcloud for around $150, it weighs 2 pounds. It is so far from perfect (the vestibule is the worst part) but it has survived sooooo many backcountry trips that I have to give it props. While it’s not perfect, it’s very livable and surprisingly reliable. Also, living in the PNW, I really only care about staying dry. Best 150 I ever spent. Understanding we all have different opinions I’m glad we have a zillion options to choose from for backpacking these days.
I've been eyeing up the Lanshan tents for a bit but were just a smidge too expensive for what I was trying to do here. Although they truly look like quality tents for a great price.
You might check out the Decathlon Forclaz Men's MT100 70 L Backpacking Pack or possibly the 50L. I am moving from car camping to backpacking. I have been considering various budget gear to get started. I chose a 70L backpack. A typical budget 50L pack is not usually built to carry heavy loads. This 70L backpack should enable me to carry the heavier bulkier budget gear. It will also provide extra volume for a bear canister and for shoulder/winter camping. After acquiring better/lighter gear in the future, I can explore lighter and smaller packs. I went with a Decathlon Forclaz MT100 Easyfit 70L Backpacking Pack for $120 USD. It is heavier than I would like at 4.2 lbs. However, it is capable of comfortably carrying my mixture of car camping and backpacking gear. PS In addition to purchasing lighter gear in the future, I expect I will eliminate a number of unnecessary items from my pack as I gain experience. However, I need the extra carrying capacity today.
Bass Pro Shops/Cabela's have those $10 camp stools. They weigh 1.9lbs but if you cut off the straps/buckles that come on them and instead use a piece of backpack bungie cord instead it saves a couple ounces.
Thanks for detailed review! Sometimes you don't have to use pricy big brands, sometimes low-budget gear is even better. Cheers from the West Tian Shan (Uzb)!
I tried a Klymit Static V sleeping mat years ago and found that it was fantastic at deflating itself when I didn't need it to! Spend the money and get something much better for a sleeping mattress and you'll be a lot more comfortable.
It's hard to say how well a tent performs before it has survived several windy/rainy/stormy nights. I like to go hiking in places like Norway, Scotland and Iceland, and I can't even dream of buying a cheap tent 😅😬 For shorter trips and more gentle environments that gear is probably totally fine. Entertaining review like always, thanks! 🐻
I have had good experiences using the trekology chairs. They tend to be a little heavier and bulkier than something like a helinox, but for under $50 its a good chair with a back that fits the bill for backpacking.
I've had good experiences with that same kelty 20 sleeping bag, ive pushed it down into teens with a little bit of layering underneath and stayed pretty warm. Definitely reccomend.
Great video. I’m looking to buy a new stove so thanks for getting into that some more! Funny how the same stove costs $32 on US Amazon and €111 ($120) on the Dutch version. Since more and more gear we use in the outdoors is using power, could you maybe do a review on solar powerbanks? It seems like it’s very handy to have a powerbank that can re-charge when your on the move but I doubt if they actually do what they promise. Thanks!
I saw that Costco (online) was selling a few different Ampex bundles of tents, pads, and sleeping bags. I still see them on Amazon - not THE lowest prices, but have you looked at them at all?
I'm early and I just want to say I'm elated to see someone else try out a Featherstone Granite. I bought one and set it up for what was supposed to be a test night in the rain that turned into a test week and a half of off and on heavy rainstorms where it took all of that like a champ and didn't leak once. Very underrated tent.
It's also really awesome to see you doing more budget gear and giving the stuff a shot beyond a one off video. A lot of creators get into the sponsors and big names and $600 an item gear - it's really cool to see some appreciation for the lesser known blue collar stuff.
The Featherstone Granite is great! I'm excited to use it more but glad to hear it's held up for others out there.
@@eric_hanson Absolutely! In my case it handled driving rain and heavy winds like a champ! Hoping to see it some more in the future if you continue this series!
Did you seam seal it? I have it also, and love it, but it did leak in heavy rain to the point we left in the middle of the night. Everything soaked.
@@meghantewksbury492 No, I didn't touch it besides putting it up. It's important to know that they've quietly upgraded and updated it over the years and their most recent upgrade was somewhere between 6 months to 1 year ago give or take and I got mine this year, so mileage varies. They didn't advertise the fact they seam sealed in some earlier models and in the new ones it's a major selling point - and mine is seamed excellently.
If yours is newer (or even older, it has a lifetime warranty) you can contact them on their website and tell them you got a defective tent. I've heard their support is super good and all my interactions with them have been solid, besides logistical questions.
@@meghantewksbury492 Sorry for the late response but RUclips automodded my last one.
No, I didn't do anything with the seams or any kind of spray sealant either. Mine was factory standard, though they quietly upgrade their tents and the last update was within the last year so yours may have been a previous model. I would suggest contacting their customer support either way since not being properly sealed would probably fall under their lifetime warranty and I hear their support is awesome.
I think it's a great thing that people like you and Miranda, and I'm sure others are doing it as well, are showing people who are interested in backpacking that it can be done on a budget for the whole kit and encourage them get out and just do it. I wish there had been more videos like this when I started upgrading my camping gear from old school stuff to newer stuff, would have saved me a lot....lol
Spending too much on upgrades... it's a time honored tradition!
@@eric_hanson Yes it is! 👍
3 things:
1. Thanks for doing this type of video because I am a first time backpacker and don’t want to spend a month salary for gear.
2. I grew up learning that “cheap”meant the product was poorly made, and inexpensive meant it’s a good product at a low price.
3. Have you ever thought about trying the trekology UL80 sleeping pad? It also can be purchased with a pump sack.
Same here, it was so hard for me to find gear I can take out for my first time and I wish there was more information out there for affordable, good options. I'm really happy to see Eric putting out content for newer and more money conscious backpackers because it's such an invaluable resource.
I saw dose of dirt recommend the UL80 for summer use, but nothing cold. Almost got it, but wanted to try out the pad i was buying last weekend and it dipped into the high 30s at night, so I wanted some insulation so I spent more on a pad, but it was the runner up because it was almost cheap enough to be ok being disappointed lol.
its not a "knock off" if the gear is equal in or sometimes even a greater in quality, and being sold at a more reasonable price. really appreciated that little bit from you, much respect!
Heh, “off brand” is a better term for that sort of thing isn’t it?
Ive used a Featherstone Backbone 2p for years. Its cheap, strong, and holds up. Ive been in 40 mph winds, sideways rain, and snow. Never failed, never ripped
Round 2 is well done and deserves a broad audience. Keeping the hobby affordable is a great goal.
As someone trying to get their family to spend more time in the mountains and forests, I really appreciate you review this more budget gear. Dont get me wrong I would love a 200$+ sleeping bag and a 500$+ tent but when you're also trying to outfit 2 adults and 2 kids its not really reasonable to spent that much on one item. Its very hard to get into hiking / backpacking when the expectation is that you have to be outfitted with 1000$+ of gear before you ever set foot on a trail. As far as knock offs go, I always find it funny when people brand loyalty clouds their judgement. I really hate to break it to most people that their 50$+ YETI tumbler is punch out on the same machine as an Ozark Trail in China. Lots of companies all sources their products from south east Asia and it all comes from similar factories made on similar machines with similar materials. Dont be a gear snob and focus on growing the appircation for actual quality over brand loyalty. Grow the application for nature and the outdoors over gear choices.
As much as I truly love all my expensive gear the reality is that's not what most people will spend their money on, even if they could afford it. So I'm really enjoying bringing stuff to light that will be quality gear for the vast majority of people who go with their families or only go on a handful of trips.
Look at Teton Sports, Naturehike, and OneTigris tents as well for more cost efficient options that don’t leak and are great quality.
If I had the money for it I would prefer to back the company that innovates and invents some better version of a product. But I ain't a rich man so I buy knock offs sometimes. And for somethings like that yeti tumbler and the walmart brand one i agree that it super doesn't make a difference. I drink from a clearance rack bubba tumbler my sis got me from target or wal mart.
This stuff wears out too. I can get behind paying extra if I only have to pay once but tents get crusty from too much time in the sun, the zippers wear out, the floors end up with a ton of little rips and holes. I'm starting to think of tents as a wear item like brake pads. Paying $700 every time I cycle in a new tent isn't feasible.
Trail Buddy trekking poles! Cork handles, come in awesome various colors with pole bag and many buckets. About $30-40 bucks. I’ve had mine for years, have recommended to others who have now also had them for years. Never an issue.
Trail buddy were my first poles, and they are great. The only problem I had is the plastic clips. A couple did break. I recently found Hungry Hiker poles. About same price point, slightly lighter, and metal clips.
@@catherinedeyoyoung4541 I use Hungry Hiker poles also for the same reasons.
Been using them for years!!! Have had them shipped out to me before too on trail - TY AMAZON!
It's the slow sit onto the stool with the angelic music for me, pal. Now I have to buy it just so angels can sing to me as I too finally take a seat. 🤣🤣🤣
Thanks for viable options for cheaper gear. I like my Kelty Cosmic down , it’s even warmer than some are saying paired with a liner when needed. I appreciate you presenting usable gear instead of cheap, impractical gear that doesn’t add any value to my backpacking experience….Solutions not just problems … I love it
I like how you focus more on your sleep than other things. To me sleeping well is the most important thing on trips,it sets up my whole attitude for the day. I don’t mind spending a little more on my sleep gear and your recommendations are why I watch. I spent too much money on mistakes.
I agree sleep quality is an ultra high priority, and is the difference between a good/great outing and a horrible one.
31:08 That Nitecore headlamp is a boss. I love the USB C recharge port, that it's rechargeable, the glow cord, and that it's super light weight. Having the red light option is also nice to preserve your night vision and keep the bugs off your head when you step out of your hammock for a midnight pee.
Bonus tip: You can rotate the cinch buckle on the cord so it's on the side rather than the middle of the back of your head. When that buckle is on the side, you always know which side is up. You never put it on upside-down only to realize the buttons aren't where you expected them to be, then have to flip it and put it on again. It also makes reading in bed easier if you're so inclined, because that buckle isn't pressing into the back of your head.
I would add one last thing. Buy from a local source if you can. Even REI would be better than Amazon if you're able. Don't feed the beast if you can avoid it.
@@Learningthetruth7 There is a lock mode on these. You just press and hold both buttons at the same time. When it's in lock mode, you can't accidentally turn it on. The only thing is, you have to remember to turn on the lock mode. I've forgotten a couple of times. Once with consequences. Carrying it in a fanny pack or hipbelt pocket probably also helps because I think it's less likely to have accidental button presses than smashed down somewhere inside your pack.
@@Learningthetruth7the nitecore and many others have a lockout mode. I wouldn’t buy one without that feature.
Every time I take that darn headlight it gets smashed in my backpack and turns on and then when I get to camp it's dead. Any great ideas
@@Learningthetruth7 lock it! If it doesn’t have a lock function then throw it away.
@@greasemonkey4god don't throw them away if they are working headlamps. Use them in your house or donate to Goodwill. No sense in wasting a working device.
When in doubt for a gravity filter I’ve used my poles as support with two extra guy lines, think pyramid style, worked like a charm when there was no taller tree around. now with my trekking pole tent ( Long Live the Durston!!⛺️May the sage bless your Hike! ) I hang it from the top of the pole on a loop I’ve added, it’s close to me and very handy to use.
Great idea!
Hey Eric, here's a cheap suggestion for backpackers who like to have a fire at camp. You can buy these extendable fire blowers that are super cheap, and really work for stoking a fire without fanning it with something or sticking your face right in and getting a face full of ash. They're like $10 CAD for a 4-pack.
Also, when are you going to get up to Canada for a trip?
I've been meaning to link up with Justin Outdoors for a trip in Canada. Probably next year some time.
Over the last couple weeks, I've been watching pretty much all the budget backpacking videos by you, Miranda, and Dan. I'm planning on my first overnight trip this October and these videos have been incredibly helpful. Although I've noticed that there aren't very many reviews of the gear from mountain warehouse. Also, I would love to see a battle of the backpackers budget edition.
Thank you for sharing these budget gear videos. There are so many people out there that even if they love backpacking, can’t afford the high end gear that is commonly recommended on RUclips.
Used the featherstone for several years. It’s a fantastic starter and cheap tent. It kept me completely dry in an absolute downpour all night. Highly recommend this to anyone looking to get a cheap tent.
I’ve found some awesome stuff on EBay as well. Backpacking is a hobby that many well to do people buy top of the line equipment for bucket list kinds of treks like the JMT, CT, Arizona Trail, etc., and often times their trips end after a few days, or their trips are canceled due to circumstances, so they unload their gear. I bought both my ULA Circuit and Catalyst on EBay and paid less than half of the new price. Both backpacks showed no signs of ever being used.
Man that's the first "No real backpacking" 😂 tent I bought 3 years ago and it is still going strong I donated it to my son who just got back from Backcountry camping in Arkansas and was super impressed with it.
nice! I love to hear that.
Love the comedy. Love the normal-guy thought processes. You are doing good work, dude. Following for a long time. Will continue.
I've had the Featherstone tent since 2018 and it hasn't failed me yet. It hasn't been my go to for two seasons, but I still use it on shorter trips or trips where my trekking pole tent might be problematic.
Two other tent suggestions; the 3F UL Lanshan Pro, and the Naturehike Mongar2. I have both and love both of them.
Nice! I'm definitely going to try the Lanshan out. I bought the Naturehike CloudUp and was really disappointed with it. Thanks for the rec on the Mongar though! It looks much better.
@@pyronymph-868 Bonus point to the Mongar 2: the Featherstone Granite and Peridot seem to be made in the same factory and Featherstone sells a spare rainfly for $20. I think I recall the Mongar having round pole connectors rather than triangular which can be a weak point too, but Featherstone also sells spare poles and I think those would also fit as a replacement if the Mongar's break. Definitely a matter of which one's on sale as to which one's a better buy but regardless which one you buy you should be able to upkeep and replace it pretty easily!
@@pyronymph-868 I bought a naturehike star river as a stop gap and it doesn't breathe. Condensation was dripping through the mesh inner. It only has one vent. Well made but a clone of a Nemo that doesn't quite work.
In Europe we can get some good tents by Vango and different Coleman's. The Vango Banshee and their helium are well regarded and also the Coleman cobra. They are different and more suited for wet and windy Northern weather and probably too little mesh for some.
@@eric_hanson The Lanshan is an awesome tent. I have both the 1Pro and 2Pro, because I just can't afford a DCF tent - they are so expensive, and here in AU they are even MORE expensive becuase you have to import them.
I found the Lanshan when I was going through a UL phase, trying to get everything lighter for my tired old body to carry less. That's also how I found the NU25, and the Nitecore battery bank, and the 3F UL Poncho, and the BRS3000...etc etc.
A lot of UL stuff can also be budget.
I think - as it was for me - it would be a really cool way to challenge yourself, as a self professed guy who carries a lot... to dive into a UL mission, then come out the other side and see what a balanced lightweight version of what you carry looks like? I think it'd make great content!? (I know I have done that slowly, and I'm pretty happy to have done it). Now I pick and choose what comes, and what doesn't based solely on personal preference and trip (not just the weight weenie in me anymore!)
I have a Mongar 2 and love it! Have used it several times in raging wind and rain. Have never had a drip inside the tent. All the seams are taped. Also love that it has two doors and vestibules.
My budget picks (measured on my kitchen scale as ready to pack)
top quilt Featherstone Moondance 850 fill
bivvy Sierra Designs Backcountry Bivvy: 443g (1.0lbs)
tent River Country Products Trekker trekking pole tent: 978g (2.2lbs)
tent Clostnature Crux 1 person dome tent: 1564g (3.5lbs)
pad Ozark Trail eggshell sleep pad 328g (0.7lbs) cut down for less bulk
puffy Jacket Decathalon MT100
chair Camptime Pack Stool: 397g (0.9lbs)
chair Shallwe Lowback: 1055g (2.3lbs)
Camp Chairs. Mountainsmith makes a really neat chair called the Slingback. If you're using trekking poles and don't have a trekking pole supported tent, it's a nice way to have back support while staying clean. I ended up making my own version with some ripstop nylon, I added a pocket so I could slide my sit pad into it and it weighs like 2oz or something crazy. I've got a short about it buried in here somewhere. The design doesn't keep you off the ground, but can give some padding and keep you clean for almost no additional weight and volume.
That sounds like a pretty creative solution there!
I like the Oversized Down Throw from Eddy Bauer. When it's on special it's cheap and so comfortable, warm and compact !
ooh cool. gotta check that out!
You should also look at Etowah 8x5 tarp in Ultra TNT (145g) for 100$US, it's a sleeper ! Only complain is that ultra do sound like TNT under the rain, it's loud !
Always love the videos Eric. Check out the firemaple combo of the petrel pot, and the greenpeak stove. The combo right now is less than 40 bucks, and it is awesome. The pot has a heat exchanger built into it so it's going to be extremely stable, and the stove fits right up into the pot and features a piezo lighter. Best bang for the buck I have found.
Trekology inflatable pillow is great and it's like $14. Has a pad strap too!
And it has the nubbins!
I got the Outdoor Vitals pillow on a company promo for the cost of shipping ($7) I think they do that pretty often.
That's the pillow I have. It's very comfortable if you don't blow it up all the way so it has the slightest give. I'd definitely recommend it to even seasoned backpackers.
Here to say the same thing I love my trekology pillow!
Still think you need to give the Fire Maple Petrel pot a shot. It's a great pot and has been exceptional to use. It is a 120 degree type pot so definitely make sure your stove will fit the grooves on the bottom. I have a Jetboil MightyMo and it pairs perfectly with the pot. The pot is very cheap but doesn't feel like a cheap one.
As a tent hater, i love that tent. I am a tarp + mosquito net girl. Spend the bucks on a quality sleeping bag. Never found a non pop-able matt, so depending, i go without or strap the ol thermarest eggcrate jobber on the outside (not ideal, but very light and insulating). Def not gonna pay a single nother cent on inflatables. My camping style is more lif3style, less thru hike. This is certainly outside of your perview, but perhaps interesting anyway.... what about sustainable gear for longer term 'outings'? Like tools for survival, ways to sleep that wont pop, cooking without buying those funny feul doodads, foraging for food....and so on. Coyld be anothe fun comparison vid to be had there! Love to watch, nice location!!!💜👌
I'm more long term/Bushcraft as well but I'm more hot tent than tarp 😂 would also love gear reviews for longer term outings
Another great video. Nice to see you recommend three items I use, the pot, stove and headlamp. Have you ever heard of the Bisinna tent? I don’t own one, but the cheapest hiker I know swears by this $80 Amazon tent. Thanks again for the honest reviews.
That pot stove headlamp combo is excellent! I'll look into the Bisinna tent, thanks!
As much as I love and own, super Gucci camping gear and that’s all I’m interested in, I like this approach because it’s so important to get new people into camping and lowering the barrier of entry.
This is the right attitude towards gear. It is not about what you have but how you use it. Gear is much less important than skills. I worked at an outfitter for a time and the gear elitism is so strong. I would see people with the nicest stuff that hardly went out and others with basics that made the most of their opportunities to get outside.
After the paria 2p tent from a few years ago . Ive since used their poles and quilts. Love everything they make and all of it much more affordable
I love the humor you’re adding into your videos 😂
Thank you!
Thanks for the video Eric! Really enjoyed the funny moments and really appreciate you putting up the metric conversions! Have a good one!
Was just on that section of the CT a couple weeks ago, really special segment of trail! Met plenty of people who were just out there with the gear that they had rather than the latest and greatest ultralight gear, great reminder that getting out on trail with the gear you have will always be the right move!
The issue with the Klymit pads is their website shows, for most of their pads, their own R-value rating. Some of the insulated pads will show the Klymit R-value along with the ASTM value. Klymit will say 4.4 but ASTM says 1.9. I had the insulated Hammock-V and it was rated at 4.4 but with ASTM was downgraded to 1.9 so effectively a summer pad.
Exactly. I've spent a few miserable nights in below freezing on this mat. Due to not being experienced enough that time, I was blaming my sleeping bag for this. I've read numerous posts of people spending miserable nights shivering on these mats. This is straight dangerous and unprofessional behavior for any outdoor gear manufacturer.
Yep, even tho the Vs are insulated, the valleys between them are not insulated, so you're basically right on the ground where the cold is coming through.
They're an OK summer only mattress, but definitely not for colder temps.
@@kcricket39 34F is above freezing. It's summer temperatures. You'll be just fine at this temperature on any sleeping mat (including 1cm foam one) unless the ground is frozen.
Hi Eric.
Two years ago I bought both the cosmic 20 down sleeping bag and the same static V insulated air mattress.
I am 6’3 230 pounds with fairly wide shoulders. The only drawbacks I have with the sleeping bag is that it’s very tight on my shoulders and overtime it sheds a lot of down feathers.
After about 12 uses, I gave up on that air mattress. It was fairly comfortable, but the valve is horrible and it failed on me half the time. Waking up in the middle of the night to refill it up was incredibly frustrating. Also, the actual tested ESO rating on the insulation is a 2.0. It also states that on my stuff sack in very small print.
I think at your size you'd have to go with a different option for sleeping bag and mattress. The Klymit is probably the worst mattress I've used, but it's still an okay option for people who only go occasionally. And yeah, they're warmth ratings are not accurate.😂
I ended up later purchasing a lot larger seeping bag for my frame, and I bought the REI helix mattress which I absolutely love. For the money, It’s the most comfortable four season mattress I have ever owned. I bought it based on Justin outdoors recommendation.
On a sidenote, my wife and I absolutely love your videos! Your cinematography is amazing and you and your wife make a great team/couple.
@@eric_hanson they were astm rated at 1.8 for their insulated version vs their claimed 4.4, if you throw a cheap fleece throw on top of them you can really bump up that R value but thats gonna use up some valuable pack space. The problem is the welded seams squish the insulation in the middle letting you loose some warmth, the idea was for it to be filled up with a sleeping bag but that never worked out i guess LOL. I use a cheap dollar store fleece folded over to cover the pad top when i need more warmth. I've tested a light winter night once without the fleece and was ok till it got to about -3C/26F ish on frozen concrete pad area for testing. Then it took an hour after that and had call it quits as i could feel the concrete just leach the heat out, so all told about 4.5 hrs in had to give up.
Would like to watch a follow-up video where you put both the expensive (your preferred or best) gear against this more affordable gear and demonstrate and educate with the features and functionality that make it better. Knowing and understanding what makes gear amazing and 'the best' serves as a benchmark for all purchases regardless of budget and would be very helpful.
The water bag and filter are solid. Have used them multiple trips now.
I have the NiteCore NU 33 with 700 lumen. It lasts me an entire week of 1.5-2 hours a day without charging. I hike early in the mornings before sunrise. I usually use it on the lowest setting, but when my dog alerts me that he has caught the set of an animal, I turn it on its highest setting and it can scan a fairly large range of surrounding woods. By far my favorite headlamp that I’ve tried.
Please try the gear doctor sleep pad. It seems to look like it would be really nice, but I’m hesitant to buy it.
Triology has a camping pillow. I think it’s like 15 or $20. It is awesome.
DO NOT buy the Gear Doctor sleeping mat! It does not live up to their marketing AT ALL! They market it as a 6+ R value mat, but that's a self rating, and hasn't been tested to ASTM standards. I bought it, thinking "great, a budget winter sleeping mat" and I thought I would die of hypothermia, it is sooo bad! It's maybe a 1 R value. Ok during a heat wave, but not for low temperatures that the manufacturer claims.
To be fair to the company they did give me a full refund, but they have not made any changes to their marketing claims. Despite the fact they know they're wrong, and are potentially dangerous.
This was really cool to see. Feather Stone also has a 2 person trekking pole tent that's pretty affordable as well!
The filter seems like a nice system if it's actually effective. I'm always a little leery of brands that I don't recognize in the filter space. That's one area where I don't want to take any chances.
Yeah I agree. The trouble with water filters is there's no real way to verify what a brand promises. So that's where going with the more established brands is a safer bet. Still cool to try the new option here though.
@eric_hanson well, the "verification " of a filter is wait a couple of days after you use it, and if you don't have painful guts and diarrhea, it's probably OK 😉
I have the Featherstone Backbone 2 (trekking pole) tent and it is great.
that featherstone 2 person trekking pole tent is the same as the lanshan 2 regular! Most of the Featherstone tents are the same as the weirdo chinese brands like the naturehike mongar and the like. You do get the benefit of US based customer service tho
@@boredandagitated I disagree that the Featherstone Backbone 2 is not the same tent. Backbone 2 has a 60/40 design, hardened corners which create a tall foot box, pole pockets, and a couple other differences from Lanshan to make it its own. Which is why I bought it over the Lanshan
That Featherstone tent looks pretty good! My budget tent option (which I only use when I need a freestanding tent) is the Naturehike Vic 1p. It's single layer so there are condensation issues of course but it only weighs 2lbs, is roomy enough, sets up quickly and has held up well in weather. Under $100 usd. Naturehike has many good budget tent options.
15:09 I bought a 2L CNoc bag and a Sawyer mini. That bladder is virtually indestructible. How is the make on the Membrane Solutions setup?
I use a sawyer squeeze as gravity system by utiliziing a Cnoc bag, a smart water bottle and the blue coupling. I very infrequently actually sit and actively filter water. I just wait until I take a break and hang it on a tree. After a few minutes I have a a full water bottle again.
I’m glad that you gave the Featherstone tent a try. I’ve been thinking about buying it. As far as stools go, have you ever tried Near Zero’s? I think it’s about $20. They also have a fairly cheap sleeping pad.
With that presentation: "Stool is sold!" 🤣
I second the feedback on the Featherstone Tent. I spent 5 nights in it on a recent trip to Isle Royale. The tent stood up to the rain and trail conditions in the upper Midwest.
The featherstone quilt is amazing. You could also try it
I'm going to dig into more of what they make for sure.
To me, the way to do the Klymit static V, is getting the Luxe version. It may not be as comfy as the higher-end stuff, but the extra width takes it to the next level. I don't think I can go back to narrow sleeping pads.
Also, pairing it with a Flextail Pump and you are set. I've had zero issues, is my main sleep system along with a nemo Tempo sleeping bag. it wasn't the cheapest, but it was very affordable. For the tent I have a marmot Crane Creek, that was on sale on amazon and so far so good. Everything is very high quality without jumping into the unaffordable territory.
I’m not a huge backpacker but I have loved the “REI flexlite air chair” my buddy and I spend lots of nights in the back country hunting and that chair has been great. We mainly use them for sitting behind a spotting scope and they have been great especially bc they go on sale for $60 a couple times a year.
Yeah nice, I think it's about time I check out that chair!
Very good review and great tips! I’m retired on a fixed income and this video helped greatly!😊
Eric, you should try onetigris Obsidian sleeping pad and maybe some of their tents for budget gear
Nice! I definitely appreciate the gear recommendations!
Funk-appeal had me laughing so hard!
Thank you for a great video. 😂😂😂
Have you tried the Lanshan tracking pole tent yet?
Paria Outdoors Bryce 1&2P tents are both under 3.5 pounds and under $180 as well. They also have a 0 and 15 degree sleeping bag and quilt for cheap. And all their products have a lifetime warranty. I use the 2P tent and the 15 degree sleeping bag and I love them. They also have sleeping pads for inexpensive prices but I have not checked them out myself
really apreciate the budget video, my wife and i are just picking gear, this helps alot
I've been using that same sleep system for a couple years now has worked well. My wife loves the Kelly cosmic 20. Me not so much mostly because I sleep in my left side and the zipper is on the right. That's a me problem. Definitely a great budget or first sleep system.
Living in Montana an insulated pad is a must and at the time was what I could afford.
I really want an upgrade before next season. So Eric if you have some options I should look into I would appreciate it. Ready to upgrade just not a $1200 upgrade
Sometimes I use mine like a quilt, I like the 3/4 zip 😊
The Klymit insulated also has a style with the original valve that sticks out; I have that style.
I greatly prefer that style!
I have been pleasantly surprised by the OV pillow. I watched one of their ad videos and got it for "free" and just paid like $8 shipping costs. its decently comfortable, packs down extremely small, and is very lightweight. I wonder how well you would sleep with the Kelty bag on a more comfortable pad. The Featherstone UL Granite 2P is one of those cheap options I have wanted to try because $109 is a smash of a deal compared to the $400-$600 tents from the big brands. Thanks for trying out and sharing some of your budget finds.
I think the Kelty bag with a nicer mattress would perform pretty well. The Featherstone tent is gonna see some more trail time!
That stove looks awesome!! Fantastic scenery too!
Did he say the name of the stove?
@@TommyG394 its the campingmoon XD-2f
Yup! Campingmoon XD-2F. Link in the description if you want to check it out.
Great video. I have been following you and DB for the last 3 months and have gotten a wealth of great information. I'm in the processes now of deciding on buying a good quality light backpacking tent that is not $300-$600. I'm so happy you did this type of video on good value items for those new to backpacking. The majority of other channels just show super expensive stuff. Thank you for thinking about the rest of us that are only going to be weekend campers and do short backpacking trips. I would like to get a more in depth review about this Featherstone tent. Important things like more specs like are all seams taped and sealed, how does it perform in rain and storms, How is the condensation, Are the zippers good quality, Are the anchor points sufficient on tent and fly, Does the fly have a means all around to stretch it to allow for good circulation of air into the tent. Things like that. Thank you so much. I realize you cant do a in depth review on every tent you suggest. But if your recommending this as a good affordable option. It would be nice to get some more in depth stats. P.S on side note would like to say im sorry for what you had to go through with your legal battle with the park service. It was horrible what they did to you. I was so upset just watching the video that DB did with you. Hopefully its all behind you now and time to move on. Keep doing the great job your doing for the sport.
Love this series, recently I have gone down a similar rabbit hole of finding inexpensive backpacking gear trying to outfit my family of four. Love the featherstone tent. That was one of my first purchases. I also really like a three-person tent from Ampex, and recently picked up a four-person trail light North face tent that is heavyish 6 lbs, but my wife can carry the 2 lb poles and I take the tent at around 4 lb and it's doable. Got everybody a One Tigris Obsidian sleeping pad with an r value in the fives and really liking that, also check out sleeping pads from Atepa and Ampex and Iclimb,
Sleeping bags are tough to find in a budget range, The Kelsey cosmic down is Good for sure. Currently trying out a sort of Zenbivy knockoff from ATEPA, and for summer i like the Atepa seattle 300 bag, but i use it more as a quilt. I've also been experimenting with layering of mummy bags and cheap quilts. I know big Agnes has a few layered sleep systems and I like the idea of getting more range out of one purchase, plus I do a lot of Summer camping in Kansas and cold is typically not my biggest issue. Hard to beat a toaks pot!
Love well your recommendations! Keep them coming
Lookup telescoping chair ~$20 and 2lbs. It rises to a higher height so you don’t have to sit so low which is a noticeable comfort improvement. I strap it on the outside of the pack in an accessible way to pop the chair out mid hike with bag still on for short breaks. My family of 6 used them and after a year of heavy use three remained, after three years only two of the originals remained so keep that in mind.
I also use the titanium pot and Nitecore headlamp. My sleeping bag is a thermarest with straps that can be used with any pad. I bought the previous years model so was less expensive than the current bag, another way to save money but still get quality equipment. I use the trekology ultralight chair, was only 40-45$ and very lightwt. Water filter Sawyer squeeze, it can be used as a gravity filter also and is not expensive at all. Backpack off amazon off recommendation from someone on the AT, was only 25$. I ended getting a 2nd one for my daughter I liked it so much. No longer available. Tent is the 2 person pro 3FUL if you don't mind trekking pole tents.
The Insulated Static V was garbage when I used it. For less than $100, I bought a OneTigris insulated pad. I've used it once in the Sawtooth Mountain Range and have no regrets. Dense forest in NE Minnesota at 50*F at night. Never hit the ground once.
Agreed considering the astm R value rating of the insulated static V is only 1.9 while the uninsulated has R 1.3
Love my One Tigris obsidian pad too!
I have the Klymit Insulated Static V, and I have a slow leak from the valve itself. Not the seam around it. The valve (where it flips) leaks. I’ve only spent less than a dozen nights on the pad.
lovely stretch of trail. Just did it a couple weeks ago with some cheap aliexpress gear. Whatever allows you to get out worry free and enjoy your hike is worth the money in my books. Glad to see more youtubers not just recommending absurdly expensive gear a lot of cheap stuff is almost equivalent now to what you'd pay 3x the price, it's a great time to get into hiking and camping.
The Lanshan 1 Pro is very hard to beat for the price. I also have a HMG Mid 1 and honestly the only noticeable difference is the 1 pound difference the DCF saves.
Also, if using a gravity fed system above treeline, you can crisscross your trekking poles and interlace the handles to hang your bag. Works really well.
I bought the static v for my son. Totally agree it’s a nice upgrade from the z folding foam pad. Granted he’s lighter but he loves it. Excited to try the water filter, looks like a good find. Also interested in the tent, looks like a decent option for his scout treks! Thanks keep up the great work!
I'm looking forward to trying out my $2 UL pillow from Dutchware, I doubt it'll make for comfortable side-sleeping on the ground though. That Featherstone granite tent is absolutely bonkers. My coworker has been using it for a little over a year and that entire time I've never seen anything comparable for the price -- I try not to have exact copies of gear but I don't think there's a choice there. Would you mind throwing in a pack-towel in another roundup? I've always found them really useful to have but there seems to be some with polymide, some with rayon, and I'm not quite sure how they compare.
Thanks for another nifty gear video! By the way, what size is that Big Sky insulated food pouch?
Do you find that budget gear is easier for advanced/experts to make use of? Are some advanced gear items best for more seasoned hikers? For example, down sleeping bags are much lighter and pack smaller, but if the bag gets wet it's basically useless so that is something to be aware of. I think the more technical the gear is, the more experienced you should be in general.
Klymit does make an inflation sack, and it's pretty good. It's something like 3 or 4 feet long, 8 or so inches across, and can full a Static V in a couple of pump cycles. It snaps right onto that valve. I don't recall that they're expensive, and they roll nicely in with the pad into the stuff sack.
And the OV pillow is available as a free pillow, pay shipping only... so you can get it for $7.
that time shot of the nite sky was fantastic !!!!!😊😊
Pro tip! If you want to keep your air mattresses longer, get a hand pump to put air in it; blowing it up with your mouth traps moisture, which can wear down the material as well as breed mold inside your mattress. Using a pump of some sort can significantly increase the lifespan of it
Koodos again for actually showing off some actually affordable gear! :) Love your channel and look forward to seeing more!!
Love my OV pillow…first used it in May 2024…used my clothes in a pillow case for the past 17 years…again, love my pillow! My Klymet static V insulated season pad works well for my hiking trip. My go to pad while in northern Ontario canoe trips, I use my 12 year old EX PED 9…luxurious! TY for all your hard work and info, Eric!
I used clothes for pillows for about twenty ish years as well!
@@eric_hanson me, too! Sure love my pillow! TY!
I'm a 6'4" 225lbs side sleeper, and the Static V is my favorite, most comfortable mattress by far. I have tried a number of the other more expensive, better insulated mattresses, and I only drag them out when it's really cold out.
That's interesting, I would not have expected that. Good to hear!
4:35 the sideways pole, at least in the hubba hubba nx which this tent seems to be very... inspired by..., is supposed to go on top, not on the bottom for rigidity reasons.
hmm, interesting. You might be right
Hi Eric - great video! I think a gravity fed water filter is a good option, but I believe that with the addition of a tube you could make a gravity filter with a Sawyer mini and a CNOC bag. I've never tried it, though - am I wrong? I have tried the Klymit Static V insulated sleeping pad, though, and I would not want to sleep on it on the ground. There's just not enough padding. Where it does shine, however, is in a hammock! The cutouts make it flexible enough to accommodate the curve of a hammock, and those sides curve up around you to keep your arms warm. For 3 season hammocking, if you don't want to spend on an underquilt, this pad really works (though I'd get the wider version.) It also provides a little bit of push to the sides of the hammock so they don't wrap up around you, so it feels less claustrophobic. Klymit even sells a 2-person width, which is pretty much the width of the entire hammock, if you're a larger person or want it to wrap entirely up the sides. And yes, it even works with double layer hammocks to place between the layers (although the 2-person sticks out the holes a bit.) The downside is that it will slip and slide a bit inside the hammock. If you had a topquilt with straps to attach to it, that might mean that at least it moves with you. I haven't tried this - I usually just slip it between the hammock layers for warm weather hammocking or for an extra layer in the very cold with my underquilt.
Could you try out the tent in some good rain and wind so we can see how it holds up?
I’ve seen cnoc and sawyer used that way.
Great video!
I plan to do that portion of the trail up to the Chicago basin next month. I will be heading up to hit Sunshine, Eolus, and Windom (weather permitting).
I use the Soto Stove (when I take a stove). I stopped taking a stove with me about two years ago unless I think I might need a warm water bladder in my sleeping bag. I generally consider a stove a luxury item. (FYI - I am not a coffee drinker(.
I LOVE! the Kelty Cosmic! It's light. I am not a 4 season camper, so I don't need a Zero degree bag. I'm typically hot in it and use it mainly as a nice comforter. Sometimes I combine it with a Klymit blanket as a top sheet (less than a pound). I have wide shoulders and it works for me.
Tent - I suggest you look into the Lanshan 2 tent. It is a double-wall trekking pole tent, very light and more than does the job. Cheap too. Tip: practice different set-up scenarios before you head out. You need to know the right trekking pole height to get the fly low to the ground when it is windy, and up off the ground when it is hot and zero breeze. There are some simple guide-line mods you can make to really make this a great, super-low-cost tent.
Pack - for longer trips I use the Osprey Exos 55. Great back ventilation. Just over 2 pounds for the Large/XL size. I paid $150ish on Amazon. Easy to adjust frame. It is no frills. No extra pockets other than the hip belt pockets. Basically a big sack with an external mesh compartment for your wag-bags, wet stuff, and/or smellies. It does have a detachable brain. Has compression straps. No Beener loops.
Sleeping pad - I have no issues with the Static V2.
My total pack weight for 4 nights - all-in - is abought 28 pounds. That can vary depending on how much water I need to carry (e.g. Big bend vs. Chicago Basin), and the season. I typically take more food and extra clothes that I never use (I just can't seem to learn that lesson).
Best regards,
Bubba
I would say, as far as pillows go, inflatable pillows are lightweight and pack down easily but the cinch pillow from Thermarest is hands down the best camping pillow. Kind of pricey at $30-45 but it's amazing to sleep on and very versatile if you're a back sleeper or a side sleeper (I'm a side sleeper). I know it takes up more volume and weight than an inflatable pillow but it's a worthwile investment. I've replaced the normal pillows at home with cinch pillows and will never go camping with anything else again.
I enjoy your videos 👍 never commented before but thought I’d mention the River Country Trekker Tent 1. Not sure if you’ve tried one. I have been using one for over five years, 30+ trips mainly autumn, winter and spring. I’ve never had any issues with it (even in hail and snow) and it’s still going strong.
Still haven't gone backpacking, but the tent, pad, and sleeping bag is literally my setup for the last 2 years when going camping with my family. Also have the AOTU stove.
I know you don’t like the NatureHike Upcloud tent but during Pandemic and the supply chain issues my good tent delaminated and the local retail stores only had the really really high end (read expensive) tents on their shelves. I snagged a cheap Ultralight version of the Upcloud for around $150, it weighs 2 pounds. It is so far from perfect (the vestibule is the worst part) but it has survived sooooo many backcountry trips that I have to give it props. While it’s not perfect, it’s very livable and surprisingly reliable. Also, living in the PNW, I really only care about staying dry. Best 150 I ever spent. Understanding we all have different opinions I’m glad we have a zillion options to choose from for backpacking these days.
You can still go lighter on the tent is with the Lanshan style tents from Mier.
YES! I love my Lanshan! Sometimes I pick it over my big Agnes tents and dare I say….. over my Durston. 😂 👍
I've been eyeing up the Lanshan tents for a bit but were just a smidge too expensive for what I was trying to do here. Although they truly look like quality tents for a great price.
You might check out the Decathlon Forclaz Men's MT100 70 L Backpacking Pack or possibly the 50L.
I am moving from car camping to backpacking. I have been considering various budget gear to get started. I chose a 70L backpack. A typical budget 50L pack is not usually built to carry heavy loads. This 70L backpack should enable me to carry the heavier bulkier budget gear. It will also provide extra volume for a bear canister and for shoulder/winter camping. After acquiring better/lighter gear in the future, I can explore lighter and smaller packs.
I went with a Decathlon Forclaz MT100 Easyfit 70L Backpacking Pack for $120 USD. It is heavier than I would like at 4.2 lbs. However, it is capable of comfortably carrying my mixture of car camping and backpacking gear.
PS In addition to purchasing lighter gear in the future, I expect I will eliminate a number of unnecessary items from my pack as I gain experience. However, I need the extra carrying capacity today.
Bass Pro Shops/Cabela's have those $10 camp stools. They weigh 1.9lbs but if you cut off the straps/buckles that come on them and instead use a piece of backpack bungie cord instead it saves a couple ounces.
Thanks for detailed review! Sometimes you don't have to use pricy big brands, sometimes low-budget gear is even better. Cheers from the West Tian Shan (Uzb)!
I tried a Klymit Static V sleeping mat years ago and found that it was fantastic at deflating itself when I didn't need it to! Spend the money and get something much better for a sleeping mattress and you'll be a lot more comfortable.
The updated grand trunk stool is my fav purchase in a long time.
Does the little campingmoon stove fit inside the toaks 750ml pot?
The biggest problem I have had with Klymit pads is the v-shped tube design. Every time you move or turn, cold air is pumped underneath you.
It's hard to say how well a tent performs before it has survived several windy/rainy/stormy nights. I like to go hiking in places like Norway, Scotland and Iceland, and I can't even dream of buying a cheap tent 😅😬 For shorter trips and more gentle environments that gear is probably totally fine. Entertaining review like always, thanks! 🐻
I have had good experiences using the trekology chairs. They tend to be a little heavier and bulkier than something like a helinox, but for under $50 its a good chair with a back that fits the bill for backpacking.
I've had good experiences with that same kelty 20 sleeping bag, ive pushed it down into teens with a little bit of layering underneath and stayed pretty warm. Definitely reccomend.
I love hearing that.
Nice video! Quick question, what other Nitecore headlamp are you planning to try?
Great video. I’m looking to buy a new stove so thanks for getting into that some more! Funny how the same stove costs $32 on US Amazon and €111 ($120) on the Dutch version.
Since more and more gear we use in the outdoors is using power, could you maybe do a review on solar powerbanks? It seems like it’s very handy to have a powerbank that can re-charge when your on the move but I doubt if they actually do what they promise. Thanks!
I saw that Costco (online) was selling a few different Ampex bundles of tents, pads, and sleeping bags. I still see them on Amazon - not THE lowest prices, but have you looked at them at all?