My wife and I are set on our gear, with no need to buy anything soon. Yet here I am watching the whole video. I love your content. Thanks for all your work you do for this community!
Years ago I bought a cheap 2lb chair from Amazon for about $25. Last year I bought the Flexlite from REI on sale at $60. I found it to be unstable. So I took the base from my Amazon chair and put the flexlite seat onto that and now I have a REALLY comfy and sturdy 1.5lb chair.
Yeah I have a $20 eBay chair, my partner has the helinox this guy mentions in the video and mine is a lot more comfortable and sturdy. The helinox squeezes into your hips. The eBay one is about 100-200 grams heavier though
I love my Jetboil and I have never spilled a pot of boiling water on me due to the locking feature of the system, a very important safety feature in the backcountry. Most of your choices are a pass for me which just emphasizes how everyone has their own preferences and priorities in choosing their gear.
Totally agree. The jetboil is fuel efficient, safe, fairly light and I’ve never had any issues. It’s a weird take on this vid. And I’m a professional backcountry guide.
To each their own, but I’ve never spilled a pot of boiling water on myself either due to the safety feature of I don’t spill boiling water on myself. It’s not terribly difficult or complicated to just set up your stove on a reasonably flat, level surface. Totally fine if it’s important to you to have extra safety checks, but it’s also a valid opinion to think that it’s overkill, and a lighter, smaller, cheaper system is perfectly adequate.
He's only really slating the fact that the build quality doesn't really meet the cost well compared to others, in use it is a very efficient design and I agree the build quality of the actual burner does feel a little on the entry level side, the pots tho can't really fault them.
I bought the JetBoil when it came out in 2002. Still using it on trail and never had an issue with it. Sure I could go lighter if I wanted but not worth it.
Jetboil owner for a long time. I started using it on a 500 mile section hike of the AT in 2006. Never had a problem with it and I always got more boiled water for each can of fuel. I’ve used other brands and stoves. Gonna keep my jet oil.
I love my Jetboil stash. I got it on sale for under $100 a few years ago, and it's super efficient, fairly lightweight, and has a bunch of features I really appreciate like the fact that the pot "locks" in to the burner, dramatically reducing the likelihood of spills. It's not perfect, but it's a nice balance of weight and features for me.
Ive had my jetboil flash for over 13 years now and I find it to be of excellent quality and doesnt feel cheap at all. Feels extremely rugged and has stood the test of time
Another JetBoil lover here. Paired with a Maxpedition 12x5 pouch I can carry the Flash, spare canister of fuel, some spices utensils etc and keep it all protected.
i love my jetboil, i use it in the backcountry and hotels during travel. i do think it's fairly expensive for what you get, and it's definitely possible to cook with lighter gear. i like that everything is designed to work together, i have the french press model and i make a lot of coffee with it.
The tarp tent double rainbow DW 2023 fits two wide pads and is only ~2.5 lbs. Can be made fully free standing w/ trekking poles too if you need to pitch on rock or in a place where you can’t stake it out well.
I have a Freelite2…. When I grab the zipper to open up, I give it a few pulls, the water drips off the door and I open the door and no water enters. It isn’t an issue at all. I’ve done this same thing in every tent I’ve ever owned (because I am tall and always brush against the fly getting in and out) to minimize water getting on me. I am gobsmacked reviewers have not figured out this one simple trick.
Yes, my first thought when he mentioned the water coming in when he opened the door was “Why doesn’t he just give the door a few taps to dislodge the water before opening it?”. It would only take a second. Sure, it would be better not to need to do it, but it’s hardly a deal-breaker.
As a Boy Scout, who has used this on many cold-weather camping trips, it is always kept me warm just recently. I’ve been putting another pad under it when we do a little bit of cabin and camping, but in the other times, it kept me toasty warm.
Thank you for your advice on the MSR Freelite 2. If the only thing you can find wrong with the tent is water off the rain fly (which is easily solved with a slap) then this must make it the best semi freestanding tent in the world !!! I'm gunna buy it and just give it a good slap now and then 🙂
Someone else in this comment section said “modern problems sometimes require monke solutions” and that’s more or less the best way to sum up how to fix that problem
I just feel that it's something they should have noticed during product testing. MSR aren't the only one's with this problem though, many other tents have the exact same (non?) issue.
Nice to see unbiased reviews! I sometimes wonder if the people who design outdoor kits, actually do any of these activities 🤔 One of my bugbears, is tents with a door that falls inwards, especially during rain.
The Klymit V pads are meant to be used with a standard sleeping bag that has full insulation on the bottom. The grooves allow the bag to expand and insulate as opposed to being flattened and useless like on most other pads. From what I understand, you use a quilt these days. I think this is why you see such hot and cold reviews on the V's, it's not clearly advertised enough that their R-value claims are equivalent when used with the bag type that it was designed for but not for other setups.
I understand your points with the jetboil but I can say I had one for 7 years and 2 deployments with the Marines and still use it to this day while doing storm work for the power company. I’m sure there are better options but it has served me well
I was on an expedition with canadian army cadets this summer and we used the msr freelight and the jetboil. He was right about the tent there was one day where it was raining and the water seeped through the ground tarp and got me and my tent mate wet and when we opened the door it got our heads all wet. The jet boil we absolutely loved though. We had another stove and for 90% of the expedition we used the jet boil and it never failed us once. We were a team of 6 people (not including the lt because he had his own) and each time we used it it boiled two meals worth of water so we were using it 18 times a day for two weeks and it only went through 1 and a half fuel tanks and always boiled our water within 5 mins.
Can confirm on the insulated static V. That being said I got mine cheap so I'll keep it for a summer pad but its definitely not great below freezing. Got four hours of sleep in 18 degrees but was in a four season tent and a sleeping bag rated below 0 degrees.
I’ve used the insulated static V down to about 18F with a 0F bag and been fine. I should also add that I run cold when I sleep, so I think it must be pretty effective. Because I run cold, I don’t camp colder than 18F because then I’d need to shell out for a -20F bag just to get to 0F.
I use a Klymit insulated static V on a regular basis down to 0°C where based on my personal experiences the limit is reached. I on my behalf would still recommend the static V down to 5°C without any hesitation making it a decent affordable lightweight small packing 3-season sleeping pad.
I couldn’t agree more! I bought it as a placeholder for a more expensive pad as I don’t sleep on the ground often… but I was pleasantly surprised. It was really comfy and kept me warm into the low 40s/high 30s F without much work. Honestly I love my flex light chair too… and I don’t personally use a jetboil but all my friends I backpack with do and I have no problem with it as a system. In fact I use the same pocket rocket deluxe and toaks combo he mentions in the video (highly recommend and I have a dedicated video on that subject in fact). It just goes to show you preferences are 90% of what is “good”.
I think bag choice has a huge impact, that being said, ive had my static V insulated luxe down below freezing and havnt had an issue. For the size/weight/price its a great option. Spend more and get a better one, but in my experience the klymit meets my needs
Agreed. I bought one when I first got into backpacking as gear was expensive. It was a great pad and only replaced it to get something wider since I’m pretty broad, but I used it for years with no issue. I will say it wasn’t great when I switched to a quilt instead of a bag
5'7 110 lbs woman here who is always freezing (I sleep in a wool hat even during summer camping) and I never had an issue with the Klymit V's heat rating. Been getting my best trail sleep with it actually! however i use a sleeping bag, not a quilt.
I like the Caldera cone. On an early Spring hike my Jetboil burner ( like a Pocket Rocket burner only) wouldn't vaporize the fuel. Yes alcohol is slower but the cone was a great wind shield. We were able to make a dehydrated breakfast in below freezing temperatures.
Great video - thanks for the heads up! On the tent door issue about having to "bend in half" to reach the zipper on the fly on some when you're inside - just tie a short piece of paracord to the zipper that's long enough to reach when you unzip the inner door and and then pull up (or over) on the paracord to open the outer fly. Works like a charm for me.
Used a Jetboil on the PCT, AT & CDT plus multiple other hikes, for me it's ease of use and fuel efficiency more than make up for any downsides. You do have to be a bit careful "unlocking" the pot, but this is more than made up for by the fact that you are never likely to knock the pot off.
I have the Prospector 50L, and I feel as though it's vastly over-criticized. It's a solid bag with great functionality and storage spaces. The Nalgene-sized water bottle holders are fantastic, and I love the fact that I can take the hip pouches off at convenience. I did get mine on clearance for about 100 bucks, so had I paid full price, I might be more liable to complain. In regards to the padding issue, I find the more I've worn it, the more the padding breaks in. You can massage the padding with your thumbs around your contact points when you first purchase it, which i've found helps to 'break in' the strap padding. The only gripe that I have with the bag, is that I haven't found a great way to utilize the positioning of the mounting loops. This might be my inexperience with attachments on bags, but I feel as though some of the loops for mounting foam pads, tents, etc., to be a little difficult to utilize without creativity. Happy hikes!
i use the prospector too and i agree that all the negative reviews are so so nitpicky and it seems like people are trying to hate the bag before liking it.
Another option for a camping chair I have, and have had for years is the Sportneer, I believe it's like a Chinese knock off of the expensive one you have, but I beat the heck out of it and its probably 6+ years old now, still holds up good. Thanks for the video. Cheers !
Ollicamp and firemaple make pots with heat distribution fins and are a lot cheaper than a jetboil, and lighter too. I will always go with a heat distribution pot because they heat faster and with less fuel which is a big plus whether you are using a twig stove, alcohol stove, or canister stove.
I used both flex lite and zero chairs a lot. And in shifty sand or soil or uneven land I found the REI chair's side to side tilting is easier to control than the zero having front to back tipping
You failed to mention the REI Flexlight Air is lighter than the Helinox, and twice the leg angle which for some (like me) is more comfortable. I also like the fabric better on the REI. Ryan Jordan of Backpacking Light did an amazing video 4 years ago comparing the two chairs, and ultimately it comes down to personal preference and body metrics.
I personally prefer the front to back under support of the flexlite because it’s more stable when you lay back. Both are fine chairs I do agree it’s preference. I often don’t take chairs backpacking because I hammock camp, but if I know I’ll sleep on the ground… I bring the flexlite!
I agree about the REI chair. I’ve had mine for 5-6 years. The biggest flaw for me is that it’s quite unstable. I added the Helinox to my kit last year and have been much happier.
I'd like to vouch for the Klymit Insulated Static V...I have used this 4.4 R rated pad with a 15 degree sleeping bag multiple times in temps between 1-10 degrees Fahrenheit and had absolutely no issues what so ever other than my nose getting cold (outside of the bag). I used it inside a tent as well as on top of the snow with a military surplus bivy. I liked it so much I bought a second one as a backup. This is coming from a guy who also has the thermarest X therm and still will use the Static V above zero degrees over the thermarest due to comfort. Just IMO, and I am in no way, shape, or form affiliated with Klymit.
I agree, it's still a budget pad, but it does the job and is pretty decent value for money. I've been down to similar temps, and It starts to become uncomfortable or me around -15C.
If I test my product and it has a rating of 1.9 but then I put a sticker on that product that says 4.4, what is my product rated? The answer is somehow 4.4, apparently.
@@67L48 I don't actually care what the real numerical r-value is. I use an insulated Static V because it keeps me warm in cold temperatures and I sleep comfy. If it didn't, I would replace it. The "can I sleep comfortably" test is the only metric that matters to me. As a bonus, it packs up a lot smaller than other pads I've tried, which matters more to me than the weight (mine is not the UL variant).
Different strokes of course, but I like my Jetboil. I've had it for about 10 years now, and it's held up well. It's not a great general-purpose stove, but it boils water quickly and reliably. The igniter is built in, unlike the MSR, and it still works.
Ok. He has some good points, and to be fair, I’ve never tried the windburner, but I’ve had the jetboil for years and I love it. The jetboil flash, which I assume is the competition to the windburner, is also about 50 bucks cheaper.
Great info! Not a fan of any stove where you need to balance everything on top of your canister. Been using an Express Spider instead, way more options at a decent price and it's been faultless for the last +15years.
I’ve purchased many things from Moosejaw, such as jackets, socks and other clothing. A really great selection and always seem to have the most competitive prices.
I used to have a cheap knockoff helinox from Amazon. Worked fine. Now I have a nice high back chair of the same design from Costco. A little heavier but the high back is awesome. Also have a knockoff jetboil from Amazon that was probably $40. Works great. I definitely prefer the locking pots over what you presented here.
I am a cold sleeper, 66 yo female, and used the same klymit pad in Iceland on top of windy cold mountain and it kept me warm, so think you are wrong on this. It also doesn’t make crinkly noises.
I use the static five insulated Luxe and I love it for winter camping. Winter is usually when I camp the lightest. I have a tarp that’s a space blanket on one side and I usually set all my gear on one side of the Mylar then fold the tarp over and pin it with two stakes through the corner grommets. with that set up I usually only need a wool blanket And some pillows down to like 10° and my mummy bag if its colder
Agree 100% on the freelite. I had a few more issues with this tent (leakage, low quality zippers) but MSR in Ireland fixed that at no costs. It is weird, because every other MSR product I have used so far was great.
I'm not a big fan of sleeping on the ground, but my Klymit is one of the few ways to be relatively comfortable as they are about the only ones wide enough for someone with broad shoulders. A 25 inch pad has my shoulders drooping off the sides causing my arms to fall asleep.
I have that static v pad and have used in many time down to freezing levels and had no problems. I find it really comfortable too. I do use a foil ground cloth under it though so that’s bound to reflect some warmth.
I have the MSR Freelite 3 and I'm pretty happy with it. The build quality is good. You can strengthen it with extra guylines, and it's surprisingly sturdy is you spend $30 for some groundhog stakes. I've heard this comment about the rainfly opening over the tent floor before. Used my Freelite on a few very rainy trips and.... you just don't open the rainfly all the way? Just open it 2/3rds of the way, that's enough room to get in and out and no water gets into your tent. Made that part of the video very preplexing to be honest.
my new BA prospector has been sitting in my closet for a few months waiting to get used end of this month... here's hoping i have a better experience ! cheers
I’ve taken my non-insulated static V pad out to sub freezing temps in Korea and Japan, had no issues with a proper sleeping bag and Bivvy. Individual preference > sweeping judgments saying that it’s not worth it.
I own a flexlite chair, 100% agree, though you missed the worst aspect, the switch in direction makes it incredibly easy to topple, I've never seen someone sit in the chair for more than 10 minutes without tipping over
Amazon has some amazing cook sets for $15. Burner, 2 pots, spork, towel, and room for fuel. Packs in to one small unit. Can't beat it for $10-20 bucks. And they work as intended.
My Marmot Limelight has a rain fly like that, I just tap it in a few spots and the rain runs off. Not sure if that’ll work on the MSR but if it good in all other areas, it’s worth taking the time to tap on the rain fly.
About that insulated mattress: the R value is different than the RSI value because they are different units. R is imperial (ft2·°F·h/BTU), RSI is metric (m2·K/W)
We have a jetboil and the windburner as well, we live in wyoming where its windy literally everywhere. After several years of using both, the wind burner is by far and away the better option, especially if its actually windy. Obviously in area where wind isnt a factor the jetboil works just fine. Its an older model so maybe thats why they dont feel as cheap. The brand new ones definitely dont feel as solid.
I paired a WonderLIx with a Nemo pad on the cheap and it's super comfy. I use a North Face Storm 2. GREAT tent, a bit heavy. My Atmos 65 is fine, but the hip belt is a spring loaded PITA; need to change. I use a BRS 3000 and a Toaks; works fine.
Thanks for pointing out that Insulated V's R value is actually just 1.9. I have been disappointed in it. Being a very cold sleeper I've got myself a proper winter down sleeping bag, but I still couldn't feel quite comfortable because of the cold coming from the ground. And I am mostly camping in the mountains and temperatures go down to 0 sometimes, but no real winter camping.
I have both Helinox zero and flexlite air chair. I actually prefer the flexlite air when sitting, it feels less pinched by the aluminum poles when I sit and also weighs less. One problem is that it takes more space to pack up.
Love your videos, man. I love that you have a healthy partnership with your sponsor where you can maintain integrity and give us your honest reviews. Thank you for that.
Regarding Tents, I'll stick with the Big Agnes Copper Spur 2. It's heavier, but has never failed me. I picked it up the first week they were available and have never looked back. Next will be one that I can use in conjunction with my trekking poles... Regarding Stoves, there are a lot of good stoves out there. The most important thing when using them is that you don't have to open it up to wide open to heat water. Use the lowest flame you can. It may take a bit longer to heat up the water, but the amount of fuel savings isn't trivial! After all, how often does a few more minutes make much of a difference, when eating a meal in the backcountry?!
I'm no expert, but there's one piece of gear I truly love and that's the Jack Wolfskin Skyrocket Dome III tent. Roomy, comfy, breathable and kept me dry every time.
I’ve had the same gear for years… if it works..it works.. Msr hubba …jet boil…Kelly metal frame 70…the only upgrades I’ve made is for hot tenting and bought an alpaca wool blankets and made anarak out of it
@myoutdoorlife you should try a tent called the Vango Banshee 200, a Uk based company well know for their expedition tents from the 60-80s . The banshee is a relatively light but legendary tent for long distance hikers in the UK
Fact check: Closed inteegrated with heat-exchanger stove systems such as that used by Jetboil and MSR are significantly more efficient on fuel compared to the MSR Pocket Rocket or the Jetboil equivalent open stove.
I believe that going more expensive is not the best choice. Most of my gear is far under $100 and have stood everything i have thrown at them. Intentionally knowing what your gear needs to do, let that guide you over any brand name and especially expensive brands!!! Good luck!
The wind burner is the best stove on the market imo as long as you want to carry that weight. I miss mine tremendously. The cost is a bit more than a jet boil unless it recently changed. Last I saw was $170. I bought an off brand jet boil and it just as good as any jet boil I've used and I only paid $40. Been using multiple times a day for the past year and zero complaints.
I used a Klymit Static V Ultralight Insulated pads on a late August trip to Red Castle in Utah's Uinta Mountains. Paired it with a 20 degree Teton Sports Altos down sleeping bag. Woke up to a well frosted camp and partially frozen water bottles. (Temp was about 28 before sunrise) I never had a shiver with it. I think the baffles or air chambers really are well insulated, but where it's not insulated (the channel welds between the air chambers) the down bag did well enough to fill out those spaces, enabling a somewhat effective use of the insulation from the bottom of the sleeping bag. I think that's the expectation with the design of that pad. So it's definitely not something you'd want to pair with a quilt in anything below 50 degrees or so but with a puffy down bag, it's probably fine down to at least mid to upper 20's. That said, I wasn't a fan of the valve system so it has been shelved in favor of some other pads I have now.
I bought a knockoff jet boil called “fire maple” from Amazon. Got if for sale and paid 40 bucks and it’s probably the best purchase I’ve ever made as far as camping gear goes. Planning out meals is so easy now and I don’t need to get a fire going or lug a big camping stove around with me at camp. I’m not a backpacker I’m an overlander so space isn’t necessarily an issue nor is weight but the convenience is still second to none
I'm also gonna defend the flexlite air. I think it's a great chair and just as comfortable as the chair zero. It does feel different, but not worse in my opinion. I got mine for $50 new and would happily buy it again before dropping $150 on the chair zero. Whereas the issue with the MSR tent is clearly a problem, I think the difference between these chairs is much more subjective, but I completely understand your position. I'd urge people to go down to REI and try both before you form an opinion. Also, I believe you were mistaken in saying that the chair zero is lighter.
Great video as always mate, would like to make the observation that I've used the same Jetboil (think it's the Flash) for 17 years, no way anyone's convincing me that it's not a good bit of kit. From the original price I think its cost has been AU$8/year, which is pretty good, and the quality is obvious as it's lasted this long and I flog the thing (even the piezo igniter still works). I love the fact that the pot locks to the burner, I'm pretty uncoordinated so that's a real concern for me, never burned myself yet... As for chairs, have had Helinox, it was heinously uncomfortable and bullshit expensive, picked up a Nemo Moon thingy (not the new one), bit heavier but so comfy, can 100% recommend (6' 90kg) Do like a Lanshan tent for a budget job, 1P and 2P are both excellent tents for the money, not sure how you'd go in really cold weather though, haven't used the 4 season versions. Cheers, hope that .02c worth is useful to someone
I had a Static V regular because it was cheap and I could abuse it when I was travelling. I could lay directly on ground, gravel, concrete floors, etc and it held up. It wasn't as comfortable as my other pads at the time, but I was too afraid to do that with my expensive Xlite or QCore pads. Static V regular is a decent budget pad for summer use, I added a closed cell foam to get a bit colder use, but I've never tried it in winter.
The Klymit R-Value is supposed to be in combination with a full spleeping bag that will fill in the gaps in the pad structure. The ASTM rating is just for the pad itself, which will not do the job. I'm not sure it will do the job with a down sleeping bag either but that is the claim.
The thing that I think makes it still a dodgy claim though, is that the non insulated static V has the same chamber design, so the difference between the warmth of the two should still be tiny.
I use my jetboil primarily for making coffe on a 14 feet wooden sailing dinghy. Even with Wind and Waves it works great and it feels safe because of the click-system. thanks anyways for making great Videos!
Yeah I learnt the hard way. Buy a good tent and bring a footprint with you always. I’ve actually switched to hammocks since discovering all the DD-Hammock goodies. Next level stuff and well made. Not the cheapest but great value for the £. Wise people used their brains making that stuff. Getting off the ground is really smart, esp in temperate climates like mine. Learn by doing guys! Got off you tubes hehe
Yep! I’ve spent 20 years backpacking. A lot of my gear isn’t super light but withstands the test of time. A lot if my gear Ive altered over time to suit my needs. These RUclipsrs who are sponsored by companies and pushing products are not doing so in good faith. They’re lying
6:43 chair. I don't know about REI brand, but Helinox may have a patent, but there's other brands out there that use the side to side brace for proper V. My Wealers holds 350 lbs as well where the best Helinox is 320 and almost triple what I paid for my Wealers.
I use Jetboiler for serious hiking and MSR Windburner for family hikes. My Jetboiler is 5 years old and I love it. It is so light and fast and small gas consumption. One gas container for 9 days when I am alone. Windburner use a lots of gas but it is better for cooking.
I am leaning into backpacking/camping alot lately since becoming an adult and missing those camping years so looking for probably late season gear and love content walking into this first video
I just got the Wawona 6 tent from North Face (I know NF is kind of just a luxury eye catcher brand) but overall it seems super nice it has a solid big vestibule too so rain getting in is no issue.
I do not disagree with your points at all, I really enjoy your videos and you sharing your experiences! I kicked the snot out of my Jet Boil backpacking in New Mexico for 12 days! It really held up to my abuse. In all fairness, some of the other folks had whisper lites and those were a fraction of the cost and weight. I didn’t have to pour and pump white fuel.
99% of my gear comes from Garage Owned shops not the Big Named places. One exception is the ancient ( seemingly indestructible ) self inflating , mummy style ,Therm-a-rest mattress , full length. Plus I hammock camp because most of the places I go the ground is wet or swampy. I also find a hammock offers a lot more comfort ( ventilation ) then any tent which I use now and then. The air mattress is about 75% inflated so it conforms to the hammock and my body.
I love my MSR hubba hubba , bought the original one in early 2000 but made a mistake of washing it with the tent soap and destroyed my tent and turned it into a slimy smelly biohazard garbage, from then all all my tent are spot clean. I’m on my 2nd hubba, I also have a 4 person rei half dome that you can set up in 7 minutes or less, really useful during pouring cold rain. Never had issues with condensation coz I always keep the door partially open for the air to circulate……Whining about rain on the fly has no business camping outdoors. Love my rei flex lite chair, cheap, light and same technology as the competition for a fraction of a price. I still have my thermarest pro lite orange hideous thing from early 2000 that I can insert inside my ancient kilo plus rei sleeping bag.
For daypacks Osprey Mira for better back support and back ventilation or north face chimera if I like it to keep it simple, it is lightweight and doesn’t feel like I’m carrying a turtle shell that sticks to my back. For extended backpacking, I have the ancient early 2000 rei 40L.For jacket I have the packable rei gossamer jacket and a base under I’m good to go.
I carried the Static V2 on the LT was shocked how cold I slept. Haven’t tried the insulated, as it still seems to be a warm weather pad (shoulder at best).
The efficiency of the Jetboil, compared to an open flame stove, is hardly any competition. Depending on how many nights a year you use it, I think you might be able to make up the price difference in just a few years.
Same happened to my Helinox chair too! I didn't even see any ambers or anything flying close to my chair, yet I woke up to a small burnt hole. It's easily fixable, but it shouldn't happen so quick.
I used to love my Klymit Static V Insulated, but then it started losing air. When I checked where the air was coming from, it turned out it wasn't a hole, but a leak at one of the seam seals. I patched the seam, but after some time, the issue came back. Based on online reviews, it seems like I'm not the only one experiencing this problem
The Pocket Rocket Deluxe is good but expensive. And if you're gonna recommend a stove without the piezo-lighter, the Pocket Rocket and Pocket Rocket 2 have substantially different burner heads which I don't think perform nearly as well in breezy conditions. If you're looking to ditch the igniter and save a few bucks, I'd alternatively recommend the Soto Amicus without igniter. It has the same burner head design as the Pocket Rocket deluxe, AND it has four legs instead of three, which gives a little more stability with certain pots. The Soto Amicus with a 750ml titanium pot is my go-to stove for solo trips.
I've got a prospector 50 and I love it plus I don't exactly pack light I carry a full thick gauge 90's trangia 27 with kettle and multi disc and I'm not in bear country so I'll take like a kg of prosciutto to bulk out my real meals because I can cook, I also carry up to 4L/kg of water and don't actually have to stop over a 6 day hike other than to filter water and maybe to chin a cheeky pint. That leave no trace tag on the trash can should be put on every pack by law if not the clip on trash can because everyone on trail was jealous of the trash can
Haha, when I've bought my msr pocket rocket stove the one you mention didnt existed. But i've seen a video where two british guys made a competition, which stove boils water faster... Im happy i've never wasted my money on any jetboils. My friend bought, after asked me, and no, he never uses. Thanks for this video just seeking a lightweight tent on msr site, but im about to close that tab :D
I have a collapsible stove that burns both sticks and alcohol and weighs less than a pound and collapses smaller than an iPhone, I just stick a cup of water on it to boil and am very careful when I take it off and it works great
*Gear I would Avoid:*
MSR Freelite: geni.us/9CCOW
BA Prospector: geni.us/KGGb4fe
Insulated V: geni.us/xv9Bn
Jetboil: geni.us/fwXq5lh
Flexlite Air: geni.us/t5kqG
*Gear I would Get Instead:*
Exos Pro 55: geni.us/OlmFdC
MSR Windburner: geni.us/i8ez
Pocket Rocket Deluxe: geni.us/1YRnL
Pocket Rocket: geni.us/raKi
Toaks Pot: geni.us/yMC4t
BA Rapide: geni.us/Qu8G5
Chair Zero: geni.us/LR2hUH
MHW Strato: geni.us/vQic0
Just out of curiosity I have a toaks pot and a soto amicus stove and the pot seems to let off a real bad smell when I have used it. Is this normal ?
i love my jet boil. while your drinking instant coffee, im using the french press option
my company is capable of changing the paddings of backpacks and customize these to your needs.
My wife and I are set on our gear, with no need to buy anything soon. Yet here I am watching the whole video. I love your content. Thanks for all your work you do for this community!
Same here. I enjoy these videos that are both informative and fun.
I've always used army surplus and love it.
There’s always fabulous new gear to admire
It's a man thing
I'm a woman and I still do it
Years ago I bought a cheap 2lb chair from Amazon for about $25. Last year I bought the Flexlite from REI on sale at $60. I found it to be unstable. So I took the base from my Amazon chair and put the flexlite seat onto that and now I have a REALLY comfy and sturdy 1.5lb chair.
What was the name of the Amazon chair? Matchway?
Sunyear
Yeah I have a $20 eBay chair, my partner has the helinox this guy mentions in the video and mine is a lot more comfortable and sturdy. The helinox squeezes into your hips. The eBay one is about 100-200 grams heavier though
I love my Jetboil and I have never spilled a pot of boiling water on me due to the locking feature of the system, a very important safety feature in the backcountry. Most of your choices are a pass for me which just emphasizes how everyone has their own preferences and priorities in choosing their gear.
Totally agree. The jetboil is fuel efficient, safe, fairly light and I’ve never had any issues. It’s a weird take on this vid. And I’m a professional backcountry guide.
To each their own, but I’ve never spilled a pot of boiling water on myself either due to the safety feature of I don’t spill boiling water on myself. It’s not terribly difficult or complicated to just set up your stove on a reasonably flat, level surface. Totally fine if it’s important to you to have extra safety checks, but it’s also a valid opinion to think that it’s overkill, and a lighter, smaller, cheaper system is perfectly adequate.
@@Gandhiownsyoujetboils the only one that allow you to do peppamint hot chocolat in the tent, IN the sleeping bag, no worries to spill it boss
@@matador483 tbh it sounds less cool to use jet boil rehydrate/boil food than actually cook something in an easier route.
He's only really slating the fact that the build quality doesn't really meet the cost well compared to others, in use it is a very efficient design and I agree the build quality of the actual burner does feel a little on the entry level side, the pots tho can't really fault them.
2:46 I have a jetboil and i've been using it for over 3 years on different hikes. I highly recommend.
Buddy I've been boiling water with mine for...this will be season 14. No complaints from me with Jetboil.
Jetboil forever.
Same.
I bought the JetBoil when it came out in 2002. Still using it on trail and never had an issue with it. Sure I could go lighter if I wanted but not worth it.
Exactly the Jetboil downvote has to just be him trolling. And he suggested the MSR Windburner instead. Which is like $190
Jetboil owner for a long time. I started using it on a 500 mile section hike of the AT in 2006. Never had a problem with it and I always got more boiled water for each can of fuel. I’ve used other brands and stoves. Gonna keep my jet oil.
And here i am not complaining about my hardware tarp with holes in it and having a blast
I love my Jetboil stash. I got it on sale for under $100 a few years ago, and it's super efficient, fairly lightweight, and has a bunch of features I really appreciate like the fact that the pot "locks" in to the burner, dramatically reducing the likelihood of spills. It's not perfect, but it's a nice balance of weight and features for me.
Ive had my jetboil flash for over 13 years now and I find it to be of excellent quality and doesnt feel cheap at all. Feels extremely rugged and has stood the test of time
Another JetBoil lover here. Paired with a Maxpedition 12x5 pouch I can carry the Flash, spare canister of fuel, some spices utensils etc and keep it all protected.
Link to pouch?
i love my jetboil, i use it in the backcountry and hotels during travel. i do think it's fairly expensive for what you get, and it's definitely possible to cook with lighter gear. i like that everything is designed to work together, i have the french press model and i make a lot of coffee with it.
The tarp tent double rainbow DW 2023 fits two wide pads and is only ~2.5 lbs. Can be made fully free standing w/ trekking poles too if you need to pitch on rock or in a place where you can’t stake it out well.
I have a Freelite2…. When I grab the zipper to open up, I give it a few pulls, the water drips off the door and I open the door and no water enters. It isn’t an issue at all.
I’ve done this same thing in every tent I’ve ever owned (because I am tall and always brush against the fly getting in and out) to minimize water getting on me.
I am gobsmacked reviewers have not figured out this one simple trick.
Yes, my first thought when he mentioned the water coming in when he opened the door was “Why doesn’t he just give the door a few taps to dislodge the water before opening it?”. It would only take a second. Sure, it would be better not to need to do it, but it’s hardly a deal-breaker.
I purchased my Jetboil 13 years ago and is still going great
I have used the Klymit V multiple times in 20 F weather, always stayed warm.
Same. Never had an issue with it, always very comfy and more durable than just about anything else.
@@krantzjr.6093 😂🤣😂
As a Boy Scout, who has used this on many cold-weather camping trips, it is always kept me warm just recently. I’ve been putting another pad under it when we do a little bit of cabin and camping, but in the other times, it kept me toasty warm.
Thank you for your advice on the MSR Freelite 2. If the only thing you can find wrong with the tent is water off the rain fly (which is easily solved with a slap) then this must make it the best semi freestanding tent in the world !!! I'm gunna buy it and just give it a good slap now and then 🙂
Someone else in this comment section said “modern problems sometimes require monke solutions” and that’s more or less the best way to sum up how to fix that problem
Such a good take 😅
I just feel that it's something they should have noticed during product testing. MSR aren't the only one's with this problem though, many other tents have the exact same (non?) issue.
Have used a jetboil on a few motorbike camping trips and it’s been great.
Been using Jetboil many many times. Didn't have any issues using it in various conditions.
Nice to see unbiased reviews! I sometimes wonder if the people who design outdoor kits, actually do any of these activities 🤔 One of my bugbears, is tents with a door that falls inwards, especially during rain.
The Klymit V pads are meant to be used with a standard sleeping bag that has full insulation on the bottom. The grooves allow the bag to expand and insulate as opposed to being flattened and useless like on most other pads. From what I understand, you use a quilt these days. I think this is why you see such hot and cold reviews on the V's, it's not clearly advertised enough that their R-value claims are equivalent when used with the bag type that it was designed for but not for other setups.
I understand your points with the jetboil but I can say I had one for 7 years and 2 deployments with the Marines and still use it to this day while doing storm work for the power company. I’m sure there are better options but it has served me well
I was on an expedition with canadian army cadets this summer and we used the msr freelight and the jetboil. He was right about the tent there was one day where it was raining and the water seeped through the ground tarp and got me and my tent mate wet and when we opened the door it got our heads all wet. The jet boil we absolutely loved though. We had another stove and for 90% of the expedition we used the jet boil and it never failed us once. We were a team of 6 people (not including the lt because he had his own) and each time we used it it boiled two meals worth of water so we were using it 18 times a day for two weeks and it only went through 1 and a half fuel tanks and always boiled our water within 5 mins.
Can confirm on the insulated static V. That being said I got mine cheap so I'll keep it for a summer pad but its definitely not great below freezing. Got four hours of sleep in 18 degrees but was in a four season tent and a sleeping bag rated below 0 degrees.
I've slept on mine at around 26F in a 0F bag in a summer tent with no issues multiple times.
My girlfriend used it at -40c in northern Canada and had no issues at all
I’ve used the insulated static V down to about 18F with a 0F bag and been fine. I should also add that I run cold when I sleep, so I think it must be pretty effective. Because I run cold, I don’t camp colder than 18F because then I’d need to shell out for a -20F bag just to get to 0F.
I use a Klymit insulated static V on a regular basis down to 0°C where based on my personal experiences the limit is reached. I on my behalf would still recommend the static V down to 5°C without any hesitation making it a decent affordable lightweight small packing 3-season sleeping pad.
I couldn’t agree more! I bought it as a placeholder for a more expensive pad as I don’t sleep on the ground often… but I was pleasantly surprised. It was really comfy and kept me warm into the low 40s/high 30s F without much work.
Honestly I love my flex light chair too… and I don’t personally use a jetboil but all my friends I backpack with do and I have no problem with it as a system. In fact I use the same pocket rocket deluxe and toaks combo he mentions in the video (highly recommend and I have a dedicated video on that subject in fact).
It just goes to show you preferences are 90% of what is “good”.
I think bag choice has a huge impact, that being said, ive had my static V insulated luxe down below freezing and havnt had an issue. For the size/weight/price its a great option. Spend more and get a better one, but in my experience the klymit meets my needs
Agreed. I bought one when I first got into backpacking as gear was expensive. It was a great pad and only replaced it to get something wider since I’m pretty broad, but I used it for years with no issue. I will say it wasn’t great when I switched to a quilt instead of a bag
5'7 110 lbs woman here who is always freezing (I sleep in a wool hat even during summer camping) and I never had an issue with the Klymit V's heat rating. Been getting my best trail sleep with it actually! however i use a sleeping bag, not a quilt.
What is that in Metric?
We are not all stuck in the 1960’s.
I like the Caldera cone. On an early Spring hike my Jetboil burner ( like a Pocket Rocket burner only) wouldn't vaporize the fuel. Yes alcohol is slower but the cone was a great wind shield. We were able to make a dehydrated breakfast in below freezing temperatures.
Great video - thanks for the heads up!
On the tent door issue about having to "bend in half" to reach the zipper on the fly on some when you're inside - just tie a short piece of paracord to the zipper that's long enough to reach when you unzip the inner door and and then pull up (or over) on the paracord to open the outer fly. Works like a charm for me.
Used a Jetboil on the PCT, AT & CDT plus multiple other hikes, for me it's ease of use and fuel efficiency more than make up for any downsides. You do have to be a bit careful "unlocking" the pot, but this is more than made up for by the fact that you are never likely to knock the pot off.
I have the Prospector 50L, and I feel as though it's vastly over-criticized. It's a solid bag with great functionality and storage spaces. The Nalgene-sized water bottle holders are fantastic, and I love the fact that I can take the hip pouches off at convenience. I did get mine on clearance for about 100 bucks, so had I paid full price, I might be more liable to complain.
In regards to the padding issue, I find the more I've worn it, the more the padding breaks in. You can massage the padding with your thumbs around your contact points when you first purchase it, which i've found helps to 'break in' the strap padding.
The only gripe that I have with the bag, is that I haven't found a great way to utilize the positioning of the mounting loops. This might be my inexperience with attachments on bags, but I feel as though some of the loops for mounting foam pads, tents, etc., to be a little difficult to utilize without creativity.
Happy hikes!
i use the prospector too and i agree that all the negative reviews are so so nitpicky and it seems like people are trying to hate the bag before liking it.
Another option for a camping chair I have, and have had for years is the Sportneer, I believe it's like a Chinese knock off of the expensive one you have, but I beat the heck out of it and its probably 6+ years old now, still holds up good. Thanks for the video. Cheers !
I absolutely love my Jetboil. It's served me very well so far.
Ollicamp and firemaple make pots with heat distribution fins and are a lot cheaper than a jetboil, and lighter too. I will always go with a heat distribution pot because they heat faster and with less fuel which is a big plus whether you are using a twig stove, alcohol stove, or canister stove.
I used both flex lite and zero chairs a lot. And in shifty sand or soil or uneven land I found the REI chair's side to side tilting is easier to control than the zero having front to back tipping
You failed to mention the REI Flexlight Air is lighter than the Helinox, and twice the leg angle which for some (like me) is more comfortable. I also like the fabric better on the REI. Ryan Jordan of Backpacking Light did an amazing video 4 years ago comparing the two chairs, and ultimately it comes down to personal preference and body metrics.
I am 180 lbs and had the REI Flexlight break the first time I used it.
I personally prefer the front to back under support of the flexlite because it’s more stable when you lay back. Both are fine chairs I do agree it’s preference. I often don’t take chairs backpacking because I hammock camp, but if I know I’ll sleep on the ground… I bring the flexlite!
I agree about the REI chair. I’ve had mine for 5-6 years. The biggest flaw for me is that it’s quite unstable. I added the Helinox to my kit last year and have been much happier.
I'd like to vouch for the Klymit Insulated Static V...I have used this 4.4 R rated pad with a 15 degree sleeping bag multiple times in temps between 1-10 degrees Fahrenheit and had absolutely no issues what so ever other than my nose getting cold (outside of the bag). I used it inside a tent as well as on top of the snow with a military surplus bivy. I liked it so much I bought a second one as a backup. This is coming from a guy who also has the thermarest X therm and still will use the Static V above zero degrees over the thermarest due to comfort. Just IMO, and I am in no way, shape, or form affiliated with Klymit.
I agree, it's still a budget pad, but it does the job and is pretty decent value for money. I've been down to similar temps, and It starts to become uncomfortable or me around -15C.
I’ve used mine in temps of -20/-25C (-4/-13f).
12 day stay so we had the luxury of prepping our area before setup
If I test my product and it has a rating of 1.9 but then I put a sticker on that product that says 4.4, what is my product rated? The answer is somehow 4.4, apparently.
@@67L48 I don't actually care what the real numerical r-value is. I use an insulated Static V because it keeps me warm in cold temperatures and I sleep comfy. If it didn't, I would replace it. The "can I sleep comfortably" test is the only metric that matters to me.
As a bonus, it packs up a lot smaller than other pads I've tried, which matters more to me than the weight (mine is not the UL variant).
@@dragonwisard Cool story. Not sure why you're telling me about it, though.
Different strokes of course, but I like my Jetboil. I've had it for about 10 years now, and it's held up well. It's not a great general-purpose stove, but it boils water quickly and reliably. The igniter is built in, unlike the MSR, and it still works.
Ok. He has some good points, and to be fair, I’ve never tried the windburner, but I’ve had the jetboil for years and I love it. The jetboil flash, which I assume is the competition to the windburner, is also about 50 bucks cheaper.
Great info! Not a fan of any stove where you need to balance everything on top of your canister. Been using an Express Spider instead, way more options at a decent price and it's been faultless for the last +15years.
I’ve purchased many things from Moosejaw, such as jackets, socks and other clothing. A really great selection and always seem to have the most competitive prices.
I used to have a cheap knockoff helinox from Amazon. Worked fine. Now I have a nice high back chair of the same design from Costco. A little heavier but the high back is awesome. Also have a knockoff jetboil from Amazon that was probably $40. Works great. I definitely prefer the locking pots over what you presented here.
I am a cold sleeper, 66 yo female, and used the same klymit pad in Iceland on top of windy cold mountain and it kept me warm, so think you are wrong on this. It also doesn’t make crinkly noises.
I use the static five insulated Luxe and I love it for winter camping. Winter is usually when I camp the lightest. I have a tarp that’s a space blanket on one side and I usually set all my gear on one side of the Mylar then fold the tarp over and pin it with two stakes through the corner grommets. with that set up I usually only need a wool blanket And some pillows down to like 10° and my mummy bag if its colder
Agree 100% on the freelite. I had a few more issues with this tent (leakage, low quality zippers) but MSR in Ireland fixed that at no costs. It is weird, because every other MSR product I have used so far was great.
Had my REI chair for at least 5 years. 200lbs and have never felt like a taco. Super comfortable!
I'm not a big fan of sleeping on the ground, but my Klymit is one of the few ways to be relatively comfortable as they are about the only ones wide enough for someone with broad shoulders. A 25 inch pad has my shoulders drooping off the sides causing my arms to fall asleep.
I have that static v pad and have used in many time down to freezing levels and had no problems. I find it really comfortable too. I do use a foil ground cloth under it though so that’s bound to reflect some warmth.
I have the MSR Freelite 3 and I'm pretty happy with it. The build quality is good. You can strengthen it with extra guylines, and it's surprisingly sturdy is you spend $30 for some groundhog stakes.
I've heard this comment about the rainfly opening over the tent floor before. Used my Freelite on a few very rainy trips and.... you just don't open the rainfly all the way? Just open it 2/3rds of the way, that's enough room to get in and out and no water gets into your tent. Made that part of the video very preplexing to be honest.
my new BA prospector has been sitting in my closet for a few months waiting to get used end of this month... here's hoping i have a better experience ! cheers
I’ve taken my non-insulated static V pad out to sub freezing temps in Korea and Japan, had no issues with a proper sleeping bag and Bivvy. Individual preference > sweeping judgments saying that it’s not worth it.
I own a flexlite chair, 100% agree, though you missed the worst aspect, the switch in direction makes it incredibly easy to topple, I've never seen someone sit in the chair for more than 10 minutes without tipping over
Amazon has some amazing cook sets for $15. Burner, 2 pots, spork, towel, and room for fuel. Packs in to one small unit. Can't beat it for $10-20 bucks. And they work as intended.
I don't use a tent at all. I use a standard tarp. Pair with a sleep pad and bag, youre good
Been using the Jetboil for close to 20 years, never had an issue, love it!
My Marmot Limelight has a rain fly like that, I just tap it in a few spots and the rain runs off. Not sure if that’ll work on the MSR but if it good in all other areas, it’s worth taking the time to tap on the rain fly.
About that insulated mattress: the R value is different than the RSI value because they are different units. R is imperial (ft2·°F·h/BTU), RSI is metric (m2·K/W)
4.4 R equals to 0.775 RSI. So, that is not an explanation.
I love my Kifaru pack for camping / hunting / military use
We have a jetboil and the windburner as well, we live in wyoming where its windy literally everywhere. After several years of using both, the wind burner is by far and away the better option, especially if its actually windy. Obviously in area where wind isnt a factor the jetboil works just fine. Its an older model so maybe thats why they dont feel as cheap. The brand new ones definitely dont feel as solid.
I paired a WonderLIx with a Nemo pad on the cheap and it's super comfy. I use a North Face Storm 2. GREAT tent, a bit heavy. My Atmos 65 is fine, but the hip belt is a spring loaded PITA; need to change. I use a BRS 3000 and a Toaks; works fine.
Flexlite Air is fantastic especially on sale.
Thanks for pointing out that Insulated V's R value is actually just 1.9. I have been disappointed in it. Being a very cold sleeper I've got myself a proper winter down sleeping bag, but I still couldn't feel quite comfortable because of the cold coming from the ground. And I am mostly camping in the mountains and temperatures go down to 0 sometimes, but no real winter camping.
I have both Helinox zero and flexlite air chair. I actually prefer the flexlite air when sitting, it feels less pinched by the aluminum poles when I sit and also weighs less. One problem is that it takes more space to pack up.
Love your videos, man. I love that you have a healthy partnership with your sponsor where you can maintain integrity and give us your honest reviews. Thank you for that.
Regarding Tents, I'll stick with the Big Agnes Copper Spur 2. It's heavier, but has never failed me. I picked it up the first week they were available and have never looked back. Next will be one that I can use in conjunction with my trekking poles... Regarding Stoves, there are a lot of good stoves out there. The most important thing when using them is that you don't have to open it up to wide open to heat water. Use the lowest flame you can. It may take a bit longer to heat up the water, but the amount of fuel savings isn't trivial! After all, how often does a few more minutes make much of a difference, when eating a meal in the backcountry?!
I'm no expert, but there's one piece of gear I truly love and that's the Jack Wolfskin Skyrocket Dome III tent.
Roomy, comfy, breathable and kept me dry every time.
I’ve had the same gear for years… if it works..it works..
Msr hubba …jet boil…Kelly metal frame 70…the only upgrades I’ve made is for hot tenting and bought an alpaca wool blankets and made anarak out of it
@myoutdoorlife you should try a tent called the Vango Banshee 200, a Uk based company well know for their expedition tents from the 60-80s . The banshee is a relatively light but legendary tent for long distance hikers in the UK
Fact check: Closed inteegrated with heat-exchanger stove systems such as that used by Jetboil and MSR are significantly more efficient on fuel compared to the MSR Pocket Rocket or the Jetboil equivalent open stove.
I believe that going more expensive is not the best choice. Most of my gear is far under $100 and have stood everything i have thrown at them. Intentionally knowing what your gear needs to do, let that guide you over any brand name and especially expensive brands!!! Good luck!
Hey Moosejaw: This sponsor ad actually made me excited to buy from your company. Keep this guy.
I love my Jetboil(s)! Also have FireMaple equivalents. Like them both.
I have the FireMaple one and it's great.
I also love the FireMaple I've now had for years ❤
The wind burner is the best stove on the market imo as long as you want to carry that weight. I miss mine tremendously. The cost is a bit more than a jet boil unless it recently changed. Last I saw was $170. I bought an off brand jet boil and it just as good as any jet boil I've used and I only paid $40. Been using multiple times a day for the past year and zero complaints.
I used a Klymit Static V Ultralight Insulated pads on a late August trip to Red Castle in Utah's Uinta Mountains. Paired it with a 20 degree Teton Sports Altos down sleeping bag. Woke up to a well frosted camp and partially frozen water bottles. (Temp was about 28 before sunrise) I never had a shiver with it. I think the baffles or air chambers really are well insulated, but where it's not insulated (the channel welds between the air chambers) the down bag did well enough to fill out those spaces, enabling a somewhat effective use of the insulation from the bottom of the sleeping bag. I think that's the expectation with the design of that pad. So it's definitely not something you'd want to pair with a quilt in anything below 50 degrees or so but with a puffy down bag, it's probably fine down to at least mid to upper 20's. That said, I wasn't a fan of the valve system so it has been shelved in favor of some other pads I have now.
The Helinox chairs are the best. I have the high back chair zero and it's amazing.
I bought a knockoff jet boil called “fire maple” from Amazon. Got if for sale and paid 40 bucks and it’s probably the best purchase I’ve ever made as far as camping gear goes. Planning out meals is so easy now and I don’t need to get a fire going or lug a big camping stove around with me at camp. I’m not a backpacker I’m an overlander so space isn’t necessarily an issue nor is weight but the convenience is still second to none
I'm also gonna defend the flexlite air. I think it's a great chair and just as comfortable as the chair zero. It does feel different, but not worse in my opinion. I got mine for $50 new and would happily buy it again before dropping $150 on the chair zero. Whereas the issue with the MSR tent is clearly a problem, I think the difference between these chairs is much more subjective, but I completely understand your position. I'd urge people to go down to REI and try both before you form an opinion. Also, I believe you were mistaken in saying that the chair zero is lighter.
Great video as always mate, would like to make the observation that I've used the same Jetboil (think it's the Flash) for 17 years, no way anyone's convincing me that it's not a good bit of kit. From the original price I think its cost has been AU$8/year, which is pretty good, and the quality is obvious as it's lasted this long and I flog the thing (even the piezo igniter still works). I love the fact that the pot locks to the burner, I'm pretty uncoordinated so that's a real concern for me, never burned myself yet...
As for chairs, have had Helinox, it was heinously uncomfortable and bullshit expensive, picked up a Nemo Moon thingy (not the new one), bit heavier but so comfy, can 100% recommend (6' 90kg)
Do like a Lanshan tent for a budget job, 1P and 2P are both excellent tents for the money, not sure how you'd go in really cold weather though, haven't used the 4 season versions.
Cheers, hope that .02c worth is useful to someone
I had a Static V regular because it was cheap and I could abuse it when I was travelling. I could lay directly on ground, gravel, concrete floors, etc and it held up. It wasn't as comfortable as my other pads at the time, but I was too afraid to do that with my expensive Xlite or QCore pads. Static V regular is a decent budget pad for summer use, I added a closed cell foam to get a bit colder use, but I've never tried it in winter.
The Klymit R-Value is supposed to be in combination with a full spleeping bag that will fill in the gaps in the pad structure. The ASTM rating is just for the pad itself, which will not do the job. I'm not sure it will do the job with a down sleeping bag either but that is the claim.
The thing that I think makes it still a dodgy claim though, is that the non insulated static V has the same chamber design, so the difference between the warmth of the two should still be tiny.
I use my jetboil primarily for making coffe on a 14 feet wooden sailing dinghy. Even with Wind and Waves it works great and it feels safe because of the click-system. thanks anyways for making great Videos!
Yeah I learnt the hard way. Buy a good tent and bring a footprint with you always.
I’ve actually switched to hammocks since discovering all the DD-Hammock goodies. Next level stuff and well made. Not the cheapest but great value for the £. Wise people used their brains making that stuff.
Getting off the ground is really smart, esp in temperate climates like mine.
Learn by doing guys! Got off you tubes hehe
Ok now do budget friendly options
Yep! I’ve spent 20 years backpacking. A lot of my gear isn’t super light but withstands the test of time. A lot if my gear Ive altered over time to suit my needs. These RUclipsrs who are sponsored by companies and pushing products are not doing so in good faith. They’re lying
Facebook marketplace
6:43 chair. I don't know about REI brand, but Helinox may have a patent, but there's other brands out there that use the side to side brace for proper V. My Wealers holds 350 lbs as well where the best Helinox is 320 and almost triple what I paid for my Wealers.
Tent! Telos TR2 from Sea to Summit! Light, super comfortable and durable!
I use Jetboiler for serious hiking and MSR Windburner for family hikes. My Jetboiler is 5 years old and I love it. It is so light and fast and small gas consumption. One gas container for 9 days when I am alone. Windburner use a lots of gas but it is better for cooking.
I am leaning into backpacking/camping alot lately since becoming an adult and missing those camping years so looking for probably late season gear and love content walking into this first video
I love the REI chair. Good price, quality, and comfort imo. Tried the helinox. Found it less comfortable.
I just got the Wawona 6 tent from North Face (I know NF is kind of just a luxury eye catcher brand) but overall it seems super nice it has a solid big vestibule too so rain getting in is no issue.
I do not disagree with your points at all, I really enjoy your videos and you sharing your experiences!
I kicked the snot out of my Jet Boil backpacking in New Mexico for 12 days! It really held up to my abuse. In all fairness, some of the other folks had whisper lites and those were a fraction of the cost and weight. I didn’t have to pour and pump white fuel.
99% of my gear comes from Garage Owned shops not the Big Named places. One exception is the ancient ( seemingly indestructible ) self inflating , mummy style ,Therm-a-rest mattress , full length. Plus I hammock camp because most of the places I go the ground is wet or swampy. I also find a hammock offers a lot more comfort ( ventilation ) then any tent which I use now and then. The air mattress is about 75% inflated so it conforms to the hammock and my body.
I love my jetboil. I take them with me with all my out of town trips, hiking, car camping and extended vacations very compact and useful.
I love my MSR hubba hubba , bought the original one in early 2000 but made a mistake of washing it with the tent soap and destroyed my tent and turned it into a slimy smelly biohazard garbage, from then all all my tent are spot clean. I’m on my 2nd hubba, I also have a 4 person rei half dome that you can set up in 7 minutes or less, really useful during pouring cold rain. Never had issues with condensation coz I always keep the door partially open for the air to circulate……Whining about rain on the fly has no business camping outdoors. Love my rei flex lite chair, cheap, light and same technology as the competition for a fraction of a price. I still have my thermarest pro lite orange hideous thing from early 2000 that I can insert inside my ancient kilo plus rei sleeping bag.
For daypacks Osprey Mira for better back support and back ventilation or north face chimera if I like it to keep it simple, it is lightweight and doesn’t feel like I’m carrying a turtle shell that sticks to my back. For extended backpacking, I have the ancient early 2000 rei 40L.For jacket I have the packable rei gossamer jacket and a base under I’m good to go.
I carried the Static V2 on the LT was shocked how cold I slept. Haven’t tried the insulated, as it still seems to be a warm weather pad (shoulder at best).
The efficiency of the Jetboil, compared to an open flame stove, is hardly any competition. Depending on how many nights a year you use it, I think you might be able to make up the price difference in just a few years.
Same happened to my Helinox chair too! I didn't even see any ambers or anything flying close to my chair, yet I woke up to a small burnt hole. It's easily fixable, but it shouldn't happen so quick.
If you can get a Jetboil on sale then they're great - I bought mine second hand a few years ago, I think I paid £35 for it, and I've been very happy.
I used to love my Klymit Static V Insulated, but then it started losing air. When I checked where the air was coming from, it turned out it wasn't a hole, but a leak at one of the seam seals. I patched the seam, but after some time, the issue came back. Based on online reviews, it seems like I'm not the only one experiencing this problem
The Pocket Rocket Deluxe is good but expensive. And if you're gonna recommend a stove without the piezo-lighter, the Pocket Rocket and Pocket Rocket 2 have substantially different burner heads which I don't think perform nearly as well in breezy conditions. If you're looking to ditch the igniter and save a few bucks, I'd alternatively recommend the Soto Amicus without igniter. It has the same burner head design as the Pocket Rocket deluxe, AND it has four legs instead of three, which gives a little more stability with certain pots. The Soto Amicus with a 750ml titanium pot is my go-to stove for solo trips.
I've got a prospector 50 and I love it plus I don't exactly pack light I carry a full thick gauge 90's trangia 27 with kettle and multi disc and I'm not in bear country so I'll take like a kg of prosciutto to bulk out my real meals because I can cook, I also carry up to 4L/kg of water and don't actually have to stop over a 6 day hike other than to filter water and maybe to chin a cheeky pint. That leave no trace tag on the trash can should be put on every pack by law if not the clip on trash can because everyone on trail was jealous of the trash can
I got the REI flex lite chair because it fits my back better. As a WIDE individual, it's far more comfortable.
Haha, when I've bought my msr pocket rocket stove the one you mention didnt existed. But i've seen a video where two british guys made a competition, which stove boils water faster... Im happy i've never wasted my money on any jetboils. My friend bought, after asked me, and no, he never uses. Thanks for this video just seeking a lightweight tent on msr site, but im about to close that tab :D
I have a collapsible stove that burns both sticks and alcohol and weighs less than a pound and collapses smaller than an iPhone, I just stick a cup of water on it to boil and am very careful when I take it off and it works great