Thank you. That was very helpful. Unfortunate about the umbrella, but it makes sense. I hate hiking in a wetted out rain jacket or even one that soaks you with sweat.
I ended up getting a pair of Topo Pursuit 2’s because of your recommendation! I love how grippy they are and how they really hug your heel and midfoot. After being a die hard Altra guy for over a decade, it’s really changed my shoe game! Thanks for all your gear reviews!
Great to see you! I hope you are enjoying life back at home in beautiful Florida!! Thanks for the gear info! Especially the information regarding your rain gear! I never thought about the rain on my arms running down and into my gloves! Now I know that a poncho is not for me🙌😍
I used the Arc Haul on my 2016 thruhike, and the verical stays were rods. Same issues having them poke thru, and the belt stay sawing away at the material. I'm going to use their latest iteration for a repeat because I love the pack, but the fact is you CAN NOT go over 30 lbs with this design. With 5 days of food and a liter or two of water - that's hard not to do. That was sooo true with the umbrella, but there were lots of times I used it. Covering my pack while setting up the tent, additional coverage in the vestibule, waiting out a thunderstorm (though I always wondered about holding a carbon fiber stick on a ridge line lol), doing ones business in the woods, and looking damn cool on the rare occasion you actually got to use it. :
You gave a valuable bit of information right at the first period test your gear before you take it out on a long hike. Thank you my friend. I enjoyed your video
I'm only having high flying dreams of thru-hiking so far, but I am starting out backpacking and hiking and I learned a few things from this video, things I hadn't thought of yet. That's why binging backpacking videos can be useful too 😅
Good seeing you again! I can tell you have regained your weight that you had shed while on trail! You look great and very healthy! Valuable info 😢on your gear! Thanks for sharing.! Tell Kara and Leo hello from East Tennessee!
I just purchased the Arc Haul for my upcoming thru hike of the PCT. I hope that it doesn’t cause me the same issues you’re expressing here. I also have a Hyperlite 55 Southwest, but as you mentioned, it does not feel as comfortable as the Arc Haul does but certainly seems more robust.
@@ISuckatHiking Sounds like a REAL pain. I’m taking my Arc Haul on another shakedown hike tomorrow. It’s more comfortable than the Hyperlite, but findings like yours really concern me. 25lbs with a 4 day food carry is a dialed in kit, so what you’re describing is concerning.
I just put bread bags over my gloves. Ultra cheap and ultra light. Plus they are a good multi use item and easy to replace. You won't be fashionable but you will be dry.
About the Zpack pack. I was going to use one next year on my AT thru hike. But then I saw a video of someone on the AT and the vertical stay snapped on them. If I remember correctly it was while hiking and stabbed them. One of horizontal stays also broke on them. SO for me I won't take it now.
@@ISuckatHiking I went with LiteAF. The customization you can get along with the awesome (cant think of a better word ) customer support can not be beat. It is heavier but feels just as comfy yet more durable.
Nice gear review video. I can t remember, but did you have any problems with your tent, as far as leaking? And if you did, what did you do? I remember something about the seams having issues, I believe. Good to see you again, and I hope you continue making informative and adventure videos. I hope everyone is doing well and big hugs to Leo❤ ✌️🫶🤜🤛
I don't know if you're going to do any more post AT specific videos. But, I'd love to know how you and your pooch dealt with ticks and if you had any tips for that challenge on a thru hike.
Congratulations on your hike? I know you may do a “gear fail” for Leo but I’m going to ask beforehand. How did his harness hold up? I have a standard poodle (smaller than Leo) and I’ve gone through a couple of packs trying to find what would be best for her. Hiking with a dog would be a great topic. Not just gear, but trail health and hostel accessibility, etc. Thanks and happy trails from SC!
The LAST thing I want to deal w is a failing pack on a thru hike. I’ll stick w my good old tried and true “heavy” Osprey. They work. They’re comfortable. They last for yrs (as far as I’ve experienced and I have over 5K miles between the 2 I’ve owned). I address the weight issue on the remainder of my kit. I end up with 22-26 lbs depending on the water carry. Too heavy for some, I guess, but it works for me. And anything that gives you joy, IMHO, is worth carrying.
Oof. I just purchased an Arc Haul because I got tired of hip belt pockets that didn't zip easily and liked the Zpacks fanny pack options. The good news is I'm not planning to ever do a through hike of a major trail like the AT. Bad news, sooooo expensive! SMH
I know you ended up using two different packs after the Arc Haul failed and you didn’t really like the first one. But I’m curious what you thought about the ULA you had at the end.
Enjoyed your video - new subscriber here. Question about your Z pack, I'm thinking of purchasing one. It looked like you were carrying a pretty big load. Was wondering if maybe total weight was above ZPacks suggested max weight for that model?
@@ISuckatHikingI watched your church video, you should think about going on speaking engagements. I’m going to show it to my brother which is part of a large church here in Tennessee.
Thank you. That was very helpful. Unfortunate about the umbrella, but it makes sense. I hate hiking in a wetted out rain jacket or even one that soaks you with sweat.
@robd.9481 you are welcome. Rain gear is only important if it's cold
I ended up getting a pair of Topo Pursuit 2’s because of your recommendation! I love how grippy they are and how they really hug your heel and midfoot. After being a die hard Altra guy for over a decade, it’s really changed my shoe game! Thanks for all your gear reviews!
Great to hear!
Great to see you! I hope you are enjoying life back at home in beautiful Florida!! Thanks for the gear info! Especially the information regarding your rain gear! I never thought about the rain on my arms running down and into my gloves! Now I know that a poncho is not for me🙌😍
@maureenmukhlis2934 Thank you!
I used the Arc Haul on my 2016 thruhike, and the verical stays were rods. Same issues having them poke thru, and the belt stay sawing away at the material. I'm going to use their latest iteration for a repeat because I love the pack, but the fact is you CAN NOT go over 30 lbs with this design. With 5 days of food and a liter or two of water - that's hard not to do. That was sooo true with the umbrella, but there were lots of times I used it. Covering my pack while setting up the tent, additional coverage in the vestibule, waiting out a thunderstorm (though I always wondered about holding a carbon fiber stick on a ridge line lol), doing ones business in the woods, and looking damn cool on the rare occasion you actually got to use it. :
I never was over 30 pounds. I love it to when it's not broken.
Thanks for the expert detail of your equipment failure. Much appreciated. Very helpful. Wishing you peace and good fortune. Happy Trails!
Your welcome
You gave a valuable bit of information right at the first period test your gear before you take it out on a long hike. Thank you my friend. I enjoyed your video
Thank you, I tested all of it and still ran into issues. Part of Thru Hiking is your ability to adapt and figure things out.
I'm only having high flying dreams of thru-hiking so far, but I am starting out backpacking and hiking and I learned a few things from this video, things I hadn't thought of yet.
That's why binging backpacking videos can be useful too 😅
Thanks for watching!
Thanks for your gear reviews. My gear is all 20 years old and I need to upgrade. I am surprised the umbrella didnt work for you.
It may work in a more open terrain
The humidity inside a membrane or non breathable with pit zips jacket can never be less than the outside humidity.
@mlhm5 unless it was cold, I just hiked in the rain with no rain gear
Nice to see yah buddy.I was hoping you were going to talk about your gnarly replacement ULA pack when your other one kept failing yah.
Will do a full review of it soon
@@ISuckatHiking I thought you said you would. Have a great week!
Good seeing you again! I can tell you have regained your weight that you had shed while on trail! You look great and very healthy! Valuable info 😢on your gear! Thanks for sharing.! Tell Kara and Leo hello from East Tennessee!
Thanks, absolutely
Seems that some failures were not failure if equipment, but not the correct selections for trail
@@skipharris5764 failed choices are still failures
@@ISuckatHikingthat's your failure, not the equipment lol
I just purchased the Arc Haul for my upcoming thru hike of the PCT. I hope that it doesn’t cause me the same issues you’re expressing here. I also have a Hyperlite 55 Southwest, but as you mentioned, it does not feel as comfortable as the Arc Haul does but certainly seems more robust.
@glenloewen7507 they helped me when I had issues, but it just was a pain. I was only 25 pounds fully loaded with a 4 day food carry
@@ISuckatHiking Sounds like a REAL pain. I’m taking my Arc Haul on another shakedown hike tomorrow. It’s more comfortable than the Hyperlite, but findings like yours really concern me. 25lbs with a 4 day food carry is a dialed in kit, so what you’re describing is concerning.
Great reviews!
Glad you enjoyed!
I just put bread bags over my gloves. Ultra cheap and ultra light. Plus they are a good multi use item and easy to replace. You won't be fashionable but you will be dry.
Great idea!!
About the Zpack pack. I was going to use one next year on my AT thru hike. But then I saw a video of someone on the AT and the vertical stay snapped on them. If I remember correctly it was while hiking and stabbed them. One of horizontal stays also broke on them. SO for me I won't take it now.
For a Thru hike, it's probably a good decision
@@ISuckatHiking I went with LiteAF. The customization you can get along with the awesome (cant think of a better word ) customer support can not be beat. It is heavier but feels just as comfy yet more durable.
Not sure I’m happy to see the problems with the z packs pack. Been very leaning towards purchasing an arc haul.
@@timmo971 Are you thru hiking?
Nice gear review video. I can t remember, but did you have any problems with your tent, as far as leaking? And if you did, what did you do? I remember something about the seams having issues, I believe. Good to see you again, and I hope you continue making informative and adventure videos.
I hope everyone is doing well and big hugs to Leo❤
✌️🫶🤜🤛
Full tent review coming soon
I don't know if you're going to do any more post AT specific videos. But, I'd love to know how you and your pooch dealt with ticks and if you had any tips for that challenge on a thru hike.
@@robd.9481 i will be doing a video all about thru hiking with a dog
Congratulations on your hike? I know you may do a “gear fail” for Leo but I’m going to ask beforehand. How did his harness hold up? I have a standard poodle (smaller than Leo) and I’ve gone through a couple of packs trying to find what would be best for her. Hiking with a dog would be a great topic. Not just gear, but trail health and hostel accessibility, etc. Thanks and happy trails from SC!
We used a mountiansmith pack for Leo and it was great!
Great job
Thanks
The LAST thing I want to deal w is a failing pack on a thru hike. I’ll stick w my good old tried and true “heavy” Osprey. They work. They’re comfortable. They last for yrs (as far as I’ve experienced and I have over 5K miles between the 2 I’ve owned). I address the weight issue on the remainder of my kit. I end up with 22-26 lbs depending on the water carry. Too heavy for some, I guess, but it works for me. And anything that gives you joy, IMHO, is worth carrying.
@@4potslite169 it was a huge headache
Oof. I just purchased an Arc Haul because I got tired of hip belt pockets that didn't zip easily and liked the Zpacks fanny pack options. The good news is I'm not planning to ever do a through hike of a major trail like the AT. Bad news, sooooo expensive! SMH
If you don't do a Thru hike, it should last you years! I will continue to use mine I love how it carries.
What did you think of the Nitecore NB 20000 Power Bank?
I am doing another video of the gear that made it all the way
I know you ended up using two different packs after the Arc Haul failed and you didn’t really like the first one. But I’m curious what you thought about the ULA you had at the end.
I will give an opinion once I've used it a little more
What pack did your dog wear? Was it a Ruff Wear pack?
No it was a mountainsmith pack, I wouldn't recommend ruffwear it chaffed him
Enjoyed your video - new subscriber here. Question about your Z pack, I'm thinking of purchasing one. It looked like you were carrying a pretty big load. Was wondering if maybe total weight was above ZPacks suggested max weight for that model?
@McBlamin it was 25 pounds with a 4 day food carry. I think max is 35
These aren’t really gear failures, just things you didn’t like or the gear interfering with other gear you had.
Some of it failed, and some failed choices
@@ISuckatHiking do you want to go bro?! I’m ready to rumble, I could benchpress you and two of your dearest friends.
The Zpacks pack did fail him. He talks about it towards the end of the video.
What size pack was that? 50-60-70 Liter?
It's the 50
Take a shot every time something "wound up".
Therefore, you shall be drunk 🤣
Missing Leo:)
@@karenmoore9842 New adventure with Leo coming soon
@@ISuckatHikingI watched your church video, you should think about going on speaking engagements. I’m going to show it to my brother which is part of a large church here in Tennessee.
@karenmoore9842 thank you
nothing with barreies or that inflates is any god...
Hikers nowadays are soft and feel so entitled.crazy
@@OutdoorswithFloridaSmokin okay