Hey Justin, do you think it’s worth upgrading from an S2S Ether Light XT to an REI Helix? I’ve found the Ether Light to be a bit cold at times (living in Oregon), but I’m not sure if it’s worth it.
A little hack with the rapide sl. If you have a quilt, set the quilt connection points a little further on the outside rail of the pad and it does live up to its rvalue. The quilt will then insulate the side walls to a degree which is why it "sleeps colder" air coming in from the sides. That's the catch 22 of a really thick pad that's light. One night I did this and the other night I didnt. Both nights were 22 and 24 degree f and there was a significant difference.
Congrats on the new addition. You are right that your time won’t be your own for a while. They don’t REALLY start taking up all your time until they start school/organized activities. You can trade off with your spouse to get some free time when they’re young. When they start having concerts, practices, games, etc. that you don’t want to miss is when scheduling gets difficult.
It's not the big muscles that need improvement. It's all the small, less used, stabilizing muscles, tendons, and ligaments that you end up using on trails. Mobility training really helps with these.
I love my rapide sl. It’s really comfy, the material on top isn’t too bad even against bare sweaty skin. My fav thing is the raised walls on the sides, really helps keep me on my pad, as I move quite a bit when I sleep
Got the double to try out this year but regret not getting tent floor size for ultimate glamping. I do think some of these youtube backpackers spin the cold factor of pads a little too much, never had a problem with a foam pad in artic warfare training.
Seriously the best backpacking video I have ever watched. You talked about exercise and training, especially in our hectic time constrained world! Never seen that in the1,000’s of videos I have watched and it is the crucial 1st step. No mater how bad a day of backpacking was a great nights sleep can make it all worthwhile. I love the chair advice, follow it when base camping and going to add one to backpacking now, thanks.
Totally agree on the strength training. I'm 61 and have been getting into camping/hiking since I moved to BC a few years ago and I've been doing strength training for a LONG time and I find it's absolutely essential for making EVERY activity in life better. Especially squats and deadlifts. Btw, where's your video that talks about how to prevent your sleeping pad from sliding around inside your tent and how to prevent your sleeping bag from sliding on your pad?
My experience with the rapide sl has been great and I think it is a warm pad. I'm a cold sleeper with a quilt. I use the rapide sl as my 3 season pad. When there is snow on the ground I swap to my xtherm.
Justin also said that last year's Rapide SL slept cold when it first came out but I never had that experience with mine, and now in this video he's saying that one was fine but the new one is cold... I also just keep an emergency mylar blanket which I add underneath the pad when the ground is frigid
I sleep hot, use a 0 degree quilt and have slept on the old rapide SL in temps of 15 degrees Fahrenheit with no issues without wearing anything besides boxers and a shirt. I do think thats pretty close if not at its limit. I wouldn’t chance going below 10 degrees Fahrenheit for the rapide sl. My experience with it has been great temperature and comfort wise (im a side sleeper).
I just got RAPIDE SL pad, and I can agree that this pad is really cold, I was expecting much better performance. It was cold to sleep not even in cold conditions, it was +2 celsius outside, and and I got cold. They raised R value for this upgraded version of the pad, but in real life the R value decreased? How can these kind of things happen? I thought big agnes are testing their products hundreds of times. Maybe there are some kind of production failure in some of the upgraded rapide sl?
Yeah, I’m pretty disappointed with this also. Not to mention, it’s heavy AF. I’m not buying any more big Agnes products. I’ve always thought them as the big box brand trying to pass off as a cottage manufacture. I gave them a shot with this mattress, but I will never be purchasing another product from them again. I don’t understand why they’re even still around to be honest. they’re so far behind on their game. It’s not even funny. I don’t expect them to be around for much longer. I can’t believe anybody would purchase one of their tents. They’re super popular copper spur is one of the least weather resistant designs I’ve ever seen. There are just so many better options out there. Big Agnes should link up with Osprey to create the crap outdoor brand of all time
I have the Rapide Tent Floor pad and absolutely love it! It is wide enough to cover pretty much the entire floor of my 2p tent. A bit bulkier to pack but worth it I hate the feeling of rolling off my pad for it being too narrow
Buying a spool of elastic off Amazon to make loops to put around my sleep system to keep everything together was a MASSIVE improvement and cost like £5.99
Great video Justin. Some great office equipment. I have a standing desk at work, but the treadmill looks even better! I tend to be more motivated to lift weights when I am at a public gym. Working out at home is hard for me
As a powerlifter, I find strength makes a huge difference when hiking. My legs and hips feel a lot more robust, especially with a heavy pack. Walking uphill feels more efficient and it feels like I need to use less energy.
thanks for bringing this rapide sl insulated issue to light. i used mine in just under 0C and absolutely froze, the pad fully sapped the heat from my body it was like sleeping on an iceblock. i was so confused because of all the reviews saying how good it was. I would never recommend using one to anybody.
As an outdoor sports retailer (my opinions do not reflect those of the company I work for) the 2 of the 3 most crucial pieces are your backpack and your shoes. Those two pieces will ruin a trip quickly, and result in injury if you get that wrong. Most of the rest of the gear will keep you alive fine if not comfortably (as long as you still bring something!). But a rolled ankle or a pulled back will have you reaching for your in-reach (which you brought too right? A reliable communication device is a big part of the 3rd crucial piece, your safety kit). I had a pulled back end a car camping trip, and I make sure whatever footwear I have is fit for the terrain and your body. I’m a bigger guy, so if I go down twisting my ankle, that’s a major problem for the group, so I tend to prefer more traditional hiking boots that provide stability for any off road adventure. Justin here recommends trail runners as they’re lighter, and faster. Know yourself, your skills and strengths, and what you’re doing. Runners are fine for a strong, experienced person carrying UL or LT gear, but if you’re bigger, older, new, on extreme terrain or carrying heavy gear, you may want a boot. For a pack, I don’t care if it’s the most expensive ultralight from a quality brand or the cheapest traditional bag you found on Ali Express, if that bag doesn’t fit properly, you will regret it, and you will probably throw your back out. Don’t know how to fit a bag? I’m sure Justin must have done a video on that (if not you should!) or go to your local retailer and get fitted. Don’t trust them, go to several! After the 3 crucial pieces, then we can worry about getting good nights sleep, shaving weight, comfort, etc.
I am a very cold sleeper and have no issue with the new rapide sl. It keeps me quite warm. OTOH, the Helix, unfortunately, is one of the most uncomfortable sleeping pads I've used and I had to return it. I had really high hopes for it, too. I do agree with your overall reviews of the Flash 55. It is such a great backpack, even better when you get it on sale!
J Money G! Man, that's disappointing to hear about the new Rapide. I got mine last April and I freaking love it. Sleeps unbelievably comfortable with the Zenbivy Light Bed set-up and the Exped Mega Pillow (LOVE THIS!!). Had it out the other night at 56 F (about 13 C) and it was super toasty. Had to open up the Zen to cool off. Anxious to get it out and try some much cooler weather. I'll update you when I get the chance. Hike on, brother.
As always, great video! Also, for those interested (as mentioned), the REI Flexlight Air is on sale at REI for just under $70! I just picked one up on Saturday! It is also way cheaper than the Helinox Chair Zero, or the NEMO Moonlite Elite.
The REI Flash 55 has a max load capacity of 30lbs, but I've heard several people say it can comfortably carry much more than that. Has that been your experience? I want to get a different pack, but the price of the Flash 55 is just too hard to dismiss at the moment
For the pillow that's why I got a Nemo bag with a pillow pouch and no I'm not a quilt person and find ultralight gear harder to find since I'm allergic to down...
I took a different approach to gear procurement, I went wildly lavish. Every piece I looked to add I would refine the search for high to low pricing, deliberate between the top two options and pull the trigger. I don't recommend it. While I have primo stuff, some of my gunk would be best suited for car camping. My sleep system will put my back to sleep permanently if I don't replace some items with lighter companions.
I'm wondering if there is something wrong with your BA Rapide. I've used mine down to about 5 deg C (41 deg F) and didn't feel cold coming through the pad. 2024 model to be clear. I'd trust it down to about freezing. Below freezing you'd want a true winter pad anyway, which means R7.
Great video. Lots of information packed in there. Excellent editing. Thanks for not wasting my time. Some random comments: 1) watch Alan Thrall for squat form. You’re rocking. 2) Kettlebells are the best. But you’re swinging w/your arms instead of the hip thrust. Proper swing comes from a hate-f*ck motion 3) at 5:22 talking about insulation, seems like you want you the orange Nemo accordion pad flipped over so the silver reflective part is facing up (perhaps that’s what you were talking about in the original footage you show). Congrats on the baby on the way!
I don't know if it was on purpose, but if it was, pointing to the video thumbnail at the end only for it to instead cover your face was pretty funny! Thanks for the videos mate
very interesting you say that about the rapide sl. im comparing the sea to summit ether light xt insulated Rectangular Mat (210 CAD on special on amazon) to the rapide sl wide regular (260 CAD but sold out everywhere). what do you think would be the best option out of the two? Ive seen youve spent a lot of time with the sea to summit so im sure you know best! thanks in advance! btw, awesome channel and great content.
I appreciate your thoughtful reviews and this is really nice because you really don’t need to upgrade all the time and I love how you explain why or why not you wouldn’t upgrade
From my experience I tried inflatable pillows (STS Aeros and Trekology 2.0) and they felt really uncomfortable for me mainly because they are very hard compared to real pillows and when I was laying on my side my ears started to hurt after a while. Putting less air into those pillows didn't make them comfortable either, so I switched to Thermarest Compressible Pillow and while camping last weekend with it I got one of the best night sleep. I know that it is heavier than inflatable pillows, but after last night with it I think it was great upgrade and game-changer for me :D
I'm sticking with my exped downmat until it wears out. I'm a side sleeper and it cradles me. Yeah it is old and heavier but it works for me. I'll sacrifice weight for comfort. I pair it with a decathlon pillow adapted to strap to my pad. As for packs, I've gone heavier as I need a good back system for my injuries. I don't bother with a chair though. There is usually a rock near where I camp. The only other thing I've changed this year is adding another filter. If Im not going to areas with lots of tannins in the water, I'll leave the katadyn Vario at home and take the befree coupled to a cnoc bag.i also want to get a lighter bag as I only have my 4 season at the moment but am still researching that. It has to go to 0°c and be auitable for side sleeping but not a quilt. I'm thinking of a thermarest ohm ot a sierra designs cloud 20. Price will probably nudge me tpnthe cloud 20. I looked at cumulus and other lightweight bags but I dont think they would be roomy enough, they are delicate and cost a fortune.
I agree that the new rapide sl does not live up to its r value. I have slept cold the past 5 camp outs I have used it on in weather it should handle . It would be the best pad out if it was accurate cause it’s super comfortable.
Hey Justin bit of a random question, you are pretty conscious of your overnight temperatures with your thermometer, do you have any stats on the great divide trail? I am coming from Australia and doing it this July August and am interested in how many nights went below freezing, and generally what the temperatures were like overnight as to what gear I will be taking! Also how many rainy days there were! Possibly there's a video in that? As GDT season is fast approaching... Otherwise I'd love to hear back! 🤞☺️
Hi, great video as always, really interesting concept. Question about the under desk walking machine, if you dont mind, do you find it loud? ive heard they are not quiet?
Any thoughts about considering environemental/sustainability factors when reviewing gear in the future? Would love to see this important factor more prominent in geartube videos 👍
Hey I noticed the new Black Diamond Betalight pack. Are you planning on reviewing it soon? im really into the running style west but not sure how good it will carry a lightweight packweight.
The helix pad might be comfortable for side sleepers who are under 200lbs, but for us heavier folks, its not supportive enough. I still haven't found anything better than my old BA Q core slx. Have returned every other pad I've tried. Rapide is super comfortable, but not enough of an upgrade for me.
Does the Flash 55 or the Gregory Focal 58 carry heavier weights better (40+ pounds)? The Flash officially has a 30 pound capacity whereas the Focals is listed as 35 pounds. Also does the Focal have noticeably better back ventilation? I frequent the desert so hoping to maximize cooling.
How do you get REI stuff in Canada? You’ve almost got me sold on that flash 55 pack. But shipping to Canada eh. Might look at the decathlon model you’ve mentioned.
I got the big agnes q core deluxe and love it, but gotta say, changed to the thermarest neoair regular wide, just cause of the oval shape, lighter, and warmer, just if big agnes would make an rapide oval shaped, i would live it, but they wont do it so...
Returned the Rapside SL because it was to thin. The “rails” really take away from the pad real estate. I would’ve went with the wide but then it’s just to heavy. Went back to the Nemo Xlite for winter and Nemo for summer.
one thing with the backpack testing you mentioned, youre "hiking" barefoot with the pack, its vastly different than on trail hiking with shoes/boots. I get you dont want to wear shoes on that walking pad, and that you can still see how you feel but you still dont get the full picture.
@@JustinOutdoors unfortunate you wont be able to as much soon(congrats btw). I wonder if there is a pad you can walk on with shoes though, would allow you to keep on going.
I would say...regards the big Agnes SL rapide...if you already have the older version, it's not worth updating, but I have to respectfully disagree on your opinion on the temperature rating, I've slept on mine on snow in the UK and I was toasty, I was in the Sierra designs cloud 20 which is classed as a 3 season bag, I was comfortable all night. Obviously, everyone sleeps differently, so that could be a factor, but it's definitely warmer than my neo air X lite which is the early 3.2 r value version.
I have the same combo. I put a 1.2 R closed cell underneath that too. I'm always plenty warm. I love the zipperless design of the SD and that foot vent is the best idea in a bag ever. It was surprisingly warm in Little Yosemite Valley last week and peeking my feet out felt great. No need to add or subtract layers as you sleep, just let your feet regulate.
So is an "affiliate link" the same thing as a paid sponsorship? I ask because most of your videos now seem to be commercials. Your reviews used to seem more genuine.
nope. I don't care if you buy a piece of gear or not. Affiliate links do help the channel run if you buy anything from the store the link goes to though. If you don't like hearing about gear, then I recommend a channel like Xander Budnick or Kraig Adams.
👇 GEAR FROM THE VIDEO 👇
MegaPillow: geni.us/MegaPillow
Dreamsleeper Pillow: geni.us/DreamSleeper
Adjustable Kettlebell: geni.us/BoS-KettleBell
Folding Squat Rack: geni.us/BellsofSteel
Exercise Band: geni.us/ExerciseBands
Walking Treadmill: geni.us/InclineTreadmill
Helix Sleeping Pad: geni.us/HelixSleepingPad
Zenbivy UL Sleeping Pad: geni.us/ZenbivyULmattress
Flash 55 Pack: geni.us/Flash55
Wapta 30 Pack: geni.us/Wapta30
Chair Zero: geni.us/ChairZero
Flexlite Air Chair: geni.us/FlexliteAir
What desk is that?
Hey Justin, do you think it’s worth upgrading from an S2S Ether Light XT to an REI Helix? I’ve found the Ether Light to be a bit cold at times (living in Oregon), but I’m not sure if it’s worth it.
A little hack with the rapide sl. If you have a quilt, set the quilt connection points a little further on the outside rail of the pad and it does live up to its rvalue. The quilt will then insulate the side walls to a degree which is why it "sleeps colder" air coming in from the sides. That's the catch 22 of a really thick pad that's light. One night I did this and the other night I didnt. Both nights were 22 and 24 degree f and there was a significant difference.
I'm dealing with crippling debt because of my backpacking obsession 😏
I bought a new kitchen system and now I don’t have food
Yeah, i have a vast collection of minimalist shoes. Collecting minimalist gear makes me a maximalist minimalist. The irony.
I feel you.
Yeah, that's why I stopped eating on the trail😂😂Jk.
Same.. my wife is super stoked about it too 😬😅
Congrats on the new addition. You are right that your time won’t be your own for a while.
They don’t REALLY start taking up all your time until they start school/organized activities. You can trade off with your spouse to get some free time when they’re young. When they start having concerts, practices, games, etc. that you don’t want to miss is when scheduling gets difficult.
This is like a crossover episode of all my favorite RUclips genres: backpacking, home gym, and WFH upgrades. Thanks for an awesome video!
I loved hearing you talk about how you workout to improve your hiking and avoid injuries. Thank you.
Second this! Would love a deep dive into ankle and foot training specifically
I love the direction this took with the at-home equipment and workouts!
It's not the big muscles that need improvement. It's all the small, less used, stabilizing muscles, tendons, and ligaments that you end up using on trails. Mobility training really helps with these.
Kettle bell swings are also amazing for all the non-major muscles.
I love my rapide sl. It’s really comfy, the material on top isn’t too bad even against bare sweaty skin. My fav thing is the raised walls on the sides, really helps keep me on my pad, as I move quite a bit when I sleep
Got the double to try out this year but regret not getting tent floor size for ultimate glamping. I do think some of these youtube backpackers spin the cold factor of pads a little too much, never had a problem with a foam pad in artic warfare training.
Hey man just wanna say thanks for putting the gram conversions in the corner is really helpful
Seriously the best backpacking video I have ever watched. You talked about exercise and training, especially in our hectic time constrained world! Never seen that in the1,000’s of videos I have watched and it is the crucial 1st step. No mater how bad a day of backpacking was a great nights sleep can make it all worthwhile. I love the chair advice, follow it when base camping and going to add one to backpacking now, thanks.
Totally agree on the strength training. I'm 61 and have been getting into camping/hiking since I moved to BC a few years ago and I've been doing strength training for a LONG time and I find it's absolutely essential for making EVERY activity in life better. Especially squats and deadlifts. Btw, where's your video that talks about how to prevent your sleeping pad from sliding around inside your tent and how to prevent your sleeping bag from sliding on your pad?
My experience with the rapide sl has been great and I think it is a warm pad. I'm a cold sleeper with a quilt. I use the rapide sl as my 3 season pad. When there is snow on the ground I swap to my xtherm.
Agree - I'm another cold sleeper who finds the BA Rapide SL 2024 a warm pad!
Justin also said that last year's Rapide SL slept cold when it first came out but I never had that experience with mine, and now in this video he's saying that one was fine but the new one is cold... I also just keep an emergency mylar blanket which I add underneath the pad when the ground is frigid
I never used the previous version. I have only tested the newest version.
I sleep hot, use a 0 degree quilt and have slept on the old rapide SL in temps of 15 degrees Fahrenheit with no issues without wearing anything besides boxers and a shirt. I do think thats pretty close if not at its limit. I wouldn’t chance going below 10 degrees Fahrenheit for the rapide sl.
My experience with it has been great temperature and comfort wise (im a side sleeper).
I love your home gym! Building my home gym was my most expensive hobby until i started backpacking 🥲
Congratulations on the baby girl!🎉
I just got RAPIDE SL pad, and I can agree that this pad is really cold, I was expecting much better performance. It was cold to sleep not even in cold conditions, it was +2 celsius outside, and and I got cold. They raised R value for this upgraded version of the pad, but in real life the R value decreased? How can these kind of things happen? I thought big agnes are testing their products hundreds of times. Maybe there are some kind of production failure in some of the upgraded rapide sl?
Yeah, I’m pretty disappointed with this also. Not to mention, it’s heavy AF. I’m not buying any more big Agnes products. I’ve always thought them as the big box brand trying to pass off as a cottage manufacture. I gave them a shot with this mattress, but I will never be purchasing another product from them again. I don’t understand why they’re even still around to be honest. they’re so far behind on their game. It’s not even funny. I don’t expect them to be around for much longer. I can’t believe anybody would purchase one of their tents. They’re super popular copper spur is one of the least weather resistant designs I’ve ever seen. There are just so many better options out there.
Big Agnes should link up with Osprey to create the crap outdoor brand of all time
I have the Rapide Tent Floor pad and absolutely love it! It is wide enough to cover pretty much the entire floor of my 2p tent. A bit bulkier to pack but worth it I hate the feeling of rolling off my pad for it being too narrow
Buying a spool of elastic off Amazon to make loops to put around my sleep system to keep everything together was a MASSIVE improvement and cost like £5.99
Please share link to this elastic
Great video Justin. Some great office equipment. I have a standing desk at work, but the treadmill looks even better! I tend to be more motivated to lift weights when I am at a public gym. Working out at home is hard for me
As a powerlifter, I find strength makes a huge difference when hiking. My legs and hips feel a lot more robust, especially with a heavy pack. Walking uphill feels more efficient and it feels like I need to use less energy.
REI does have a big sale going on until 5/27! Chairs, pads, tents... all at a decent price for what you get.
thanks for bringing this rapide sl insulated issue to light. i used mine in just under 0C and absolutely froze, the pad fully sapped the heat from my body it was like sleeping on an iceblock. i was so confused because of all the reviews saying how good it was. I would never recommend using one to anybody.
As an outdoor sports retailer (my opinions do not reflect those of the company I work for) the 2 of the 3 most crucial pieces are your backpack and your shoes. Those two pieces will ruin a trip quickly, and result in injury if you get that wrong. Most of the rest of the gear will keep you alive fine if not comfortably (as long as you still bring something!). But a rolled ankle or a pulled back will have you reaching for your in-reach (which you brought too right? A reliable communication device is a big part of the 3rd crucial piece, your safety kit). I had a pulled back end a car camping trip, and I make sure whatever footwear I have is fit for the terrain and your body. I’m a bigger guy, so if I go down twisting my ankle, that’s a major problem for the group, so I tend to prefer more traditional hiking boots that provide stability for any off road adventure. Justin here recommends trail runners as they’re lighter, and faster. Know yourself, your skills and strengths, and what you’re doing. Runners are fine for a strong, experienced person carrying UL or LT gear, but if you’re bigger, older, new, on extreme terrain or carrying heavy gear, you may want a boot.
For a pack, I don’t care if it’s the most expensive ultralight from a quality brand or the cheapest traditional bag you found on Ali Express, if that bag doesn’t fit properly, you will regret it, and you will probably throw your back out. Don’t know how to fit a bag? I’m sure Justin must have done a video on that (if not you should!) or go to your local retailer and get fitted. Don’t trust them, go to several!
After the 3 crucial pieces, then we can worry about getting good nights sleep, shaving weight, comfort, etc.
I just grabbed a yellow flash 55 pack from the REI sale! Excited to have a nice light pack
Voice audio came through really nicely on this one Justin.
I am a very cold sleeper and have no issue with the new rapide sl. It keeps me quite warm. OTOH, the Helix, unfortunately, is one of the most uncomfortable sleeping pads I've used and I had to return it. I had really high hopes for it, too. I do agree with your overall reviews of the Flash 55. It is such a great backpack, even better when you get it on sale!
J Money G! Man, that's disappointing to hear about the new Rapide. I got mine last April and I freaking love it. Sleeps unbelievably comfortable with the Zenbivy Light Bed set-up and the Exped Mega Pillow (LOVE THIS!!). Had it out the other night at 56 F (about 13 C) and it was super toasty. Had to open up the Zen to cool off. Anxious to get it out and try some much cooler weather. I'll update you when I get the chance. Hike on, brother.
As always, great video! Also, for those interested (as mentioned), the REI Flexlight Air is on sale at REI for just under $70! I just picked one up on Saturday! It is also way cheaper than the Helinox Chair Zero, or the NEMO Moonlite Elite.
So which pad is better? Rei helix or zenbivy?
I use the rapide SL in combo with a 1.2 R closed cell foam pad. Super warm all the time for not much more weight.
The REI Flash 55 has a max load capacity of 30lbs, but I've heard several people say it can comfortably carry much more than that. Has that been your experience? I want to get a different pack, but the price of the Flash 55 is just too hard to dismiss at the moment
It has, I have had 50lbs in it without issue.
For the pillow that's why I got a Nemo bag with a pillow pouch and no I'm not a quilt person and find ultralight gear harder to find since I'm allergic to down...
What about the new Nemo Tensor All Season - seems to pack small and light - how comfortable is it?
I took a different approach to gear procurement, I went wildly lavish. Every piece I looked to add I would refine the search for high to low pricing, deliberate between the top two options and pull the trigger. I don't recommend it. While I have primo stuff, some of my gunk would be best suited for car camping. My sleep system will put my back to sleep permanently if I don't replace some items with lighter companions.
Great video Justin indoors!
I'm wondering if there is something wrong with your BA Rapide. I've used mine down to about 5 deg C (41 deg F) and didn't feel cold coming through the pad. 2024 model to be clear. I'd trust it down to about freezing. Below freezing you'd want a true winter pad anyway, which means R7.
Great video. Lots of information packed in there. Excellent editing. Thanks for not wasting my time. Some random comments: 1) watch Alan Thrall for squat form. You’re rocking. 2) Kettlebells are the best. But you’re swinging w/your arms instead of the hip thrust. Proper swing comes from a hate-f*ck motion 3) at 5:22 talking about insulation, seems like you want you the orange Nemo accordion pad flipped over so the silver reflective part is facing up (perhaps that’s what you were talking about in the original footage you show). Congrats on the baby on the way!
I don't know if it was on purpose, but if it was, pointing to the video thumbnail at the end only for it to instead cover your face was pretty funny! Thanks for the videos mate
Not on purpose. I couldn't leave it that way. haha
Have you seen the gear from Seek Outside living where you do and seeing those conditions in winter i feel you would be interested
Do you use 1 kettlebell at a time or did you get two for your workouts?
I love that lil treadmill!
Congrats Justin!!! Go August baby!
very interesting you say that about the rapide sl. im comparing the sea to summit ether light xt insulated Rectangular Mat (210 CAD on special on amazon) to the rapide sl wide regular (260 CAD but sold out everywhere). what do you think would be the best option out of the two? Ive seen youve spent a lot of time with the sea to summit so im sure you know best! thanks in advance! btw, awesome channel and great content.
Awesome gym setup
I appreciate your thoughtful reviews and this is really nice because you really don’t need to upgrade all the time and I love how you explain why or why not you wouldn’t upgrade
From my experience I tried inflatable pillows (STS Aeros and Trekology 2.0) and they felt really uncomfortable for me mainly because they are very hard compared to real pillows and when I was laying on my side my ears started to hurt after a while. Putting less air into those pillows didn't make them comfortable either, so I switched to Thermarest Compressible Pillow and while camping last weekend with it I got one of the best night sleep. I know that it is heavier than inflatable pillows, but after last night with it I think it was great upgrade and game-changer for me :D
Thanks for the exercise tips 💪🤘
I'm sticking with my exped downmat until it wears out. I'm a side sleeper and it cradles me. Yeah it is old and heavier but it works for me. I'll sacrifice weight for comfort.
I pair it with a decathlon pillow adapted to strap to my pad.
As for packs, I've gone heavier as I need a good back system for my injuries. I don't bother with a chair though. There is usually a rock near where I camp.
The only other thing I've changed this year is adding another filter. If Im not going to areas with lots of tannins in the water, I'll leave the katadyn Vario at home and take the befree coupled to a cnoc bag.i also want to get a lighter bag as I only have my 4 season at the moment but am still researching that. It has to go to 0°c and be auitable for side sleeping but not a quilt. I'm thinking of a thermarest ohm ot a sierra designs cloud 20. Price will probably nudge me tpnthe cloud 20. I looked at cumulus and other lightweight bags but I dont think they would be roomy enough, they are delicate and cost a fortune.
I agree that the new rapide sl does not live up to its r value. I have slept cold the past 5 camp outs I have used it on in weather it should handle . It would be the best pad out if it was accurate cause it’s super comfortable.
Hey Justin bit of a random question, you are pretty conscious of your overnight temperatures with your thermometer, do you have any stats on the great divide trail? I am coming from Australia and doing it this July August and am interested in how many nights went below freezing, and generally what the temperatures were like overnight as to what gear I will be taking! Also how many rainy days there were! Possibly there's a video in that? As GDT season is fast approaching... Otherwise I'd love to hear back! 🤞☺️
Hi, great video as always, really interesting concept. Question about the under desk walking machine, if you dont mind, do you find it loud? ive heard they are not quiet?
Any thoughts about considering environemental/sustainability factors when reviewing gear in the future?
Would love to see this important factor more prominent in geartube videos
👍
Take the pillow case off the Nemo fillo elite Bam! new UL pillow lol
Congratulations!
Also, this video was amazing, thank you
Justin - has the sea to summit ether light xt pad gone out of favour? And congratulations on the upcoming family member!!
It's getting pretty long in the tooth and isn't really keeping up. Still really comfy but not warm enough for the weight.
Sad panda. I was hoping BA did a good job with the Rapide. So many folks have talked about Zenbivy’s pads so so much that I have GOT to try it.
Hey I noticed the new Black Diamond Betalight pack. Are you planning on reviewing it soon? im really into the running style west but not sure how good it will carry a lightweight packweight.
The helix pad might be comfortable for side sleepers who are under 200lbs, but for us heavier folks, its not supportive enough. I still haven't found anything better than my old BA Q core slx.
Have returned every other pad I've tried. Rapide is super comfortable, but not enough of an upgrade for me.
I would really appreciate you trying Eric’s go to, the MR Bydger.
Just got the Exped Mega Pillow....comfy but the baffling seems quite noisy. Anyone else agree?
Does the Flash 55 or the Gregory Focal 58 carry heavier weights better (40+ pounds)? The Flash officially has a 30 pound capacity whereas the Focals is listed as 35 pounds. Also does the Focal have noticeably better back ventilation? I frequent the desert so hoping to maximize cooling.
How do you get REI stuff in Canada? You’ve almost got me sold on that flash 55 pack. But shipping to Canada eh. Might look at the decathlon model you’ve mentioned.
they ship to canada
I got the big agnes q core deluxe and love it, but gotta say, changed to the thermarest neoair regular wide, just cause of the oval shape, lighter, and warmer, just if big agnes would make an rapide oval shaped, i would live it, but they wont do it so...
Returned the Rapside SL because it was to thin. The “rails” really take away from the pad real estate. I would’ve went with the wide but then it’s just to heavy. Went back to the Nemo Xlite for winter and Nemo for summer.
one thing with the backpack testing you mentioned, youre "hiking" barefoot with the pack, its vastly different than on trail hiking with shoes/boots. I get you dont want to wear shoes on that walking pad, and that you can still see how you feel but you still dont get the full picture.
yup, that's why I also spend a ton of time on trail with gear as well
@@JustinOutdoors unfortunate you wont be able to as much soon(congrats btw). I wonder if there is a pad you can walk on with shoes though, would allow you to keep on going.
Where do you get those stick on pad straps to keep pillows from sliding around?
geni.us/StickOnLoop
Shoutout to a fellow Catan player!
Am I the only one that instantly thought of abbath as soon as crabwalking was mentioned?
Where to get Flash 55 (2023) version?
link in description
My megapillow got lots of leaks in the bladder, it is not the best quality
I’ve literally become a gear collector, haven’t used most if any of my gear. . . I just can’t stop 😩🫠
The generation of atmos ag packs design was much better before the 2022 redesign
Funny thing, I’m a back sleeper and tall firm pillow hurts my neck because it’s bent too much forward. I’d rather just fold clothes and lay on it.
Love the Big Agnes Rapide!
Great video! What under desk treadmill was that?
It's a generic incline one (geni.us/InclineTreadmill) that comes white labeled under a bunch of different brands but has worked great for me!
Purple pants
I would say...regards the big Agnes SL rapide...if you already have the older version, it's not worth updating, but I have to respectfully disagree on your opinion on the temperature rating, I've slept on mine on snow in the UK and I was toasty, I was in the Sierra designs cloud 20 which is classed as a 3 season bag, I was comfortable all night. Obviously, everyone sleeps differently, so that could be a factor, but it's definitely warmer than my neo air X lite which is the early 3.2 r value version.
I have the same combo. I put a 1.2 R closed cell underneath that too. I'm always plenty warm. I love the zipperless design of the SD and that foot vent is the best idea in a bag ever. It was surprisingly warm in Little Yosemite Valley last week and peeking my feet out felt great. No need to add or subtract layers as you sleep, just let your feet regulate.
@@burmy1552 fully agreed, I love the set up paired with my Nemo fillo elite large pillow, I've never slept better while camping.
5lb base weight?! Who do you think we are? Jupiter?
Feels like the new durston is copy of MLD Burn …
...they are both backpacks I guess
@@JustinOutdoors yeah all kinds of the same it just looks so similar lol
I like the REI Flash 55, but the colors REI chooses to use are just ugly!!
woooow I got here early
So is an "affiliate link" the same thing as a paid sponsorship? I ask because most of your videos now seem to be commercials. Your reviews used to seem more genuine.
nope. I don't care if you buy a piece of gear or not. Affiliate links do help the channel run if you buy anything from the store the link goes to though. If you don't like hearing about gear, then I recommend a channel like Xander Budnick or Kraig Adams.
Your way off on the sleeping pad.