Thanks for gear run-down. I am struck by the improvements in materials and weight that have been made since my last hike on the Russian Lakes Trail in '96. My total pack weight was 42 lbs!! Whew!
Darwin onthetrail the book bag I bring to my classes weights more than that lmao🤣 (P.S. I know it's a pretty old video but I just found your channel and I am loving it!)
High speed low drag setup Darwin. Thanks for practicing what you preach. Using / testing gear and being objective. So many people just pitch gear for a company as soon as they have a following. Enjoy the hike !
Stop at Sloppy Floyd State Park just north of Rome, GA and make sure to check out the old mining cave and waterfall. It is a beautiful part of the Pinhoti. Have fun! I look forward to following you!
Love the setup! I'm trimming my pack down for the next hike my buddy and I do after wrestling season is over. Thank you for showing us how to get to the 11 lb mark.
I love my Vargo Bot 700. I was thinking about sending you one but you are always on the move...haha. Vargo makes a folding Ti spork that will nest inside for stove/stove-less applications. It's excellent for cold soaking. I recommend a small piece of 3M scouring pad to clean the pot and provide a buffer between your fuel and the pot. No rattle! The setup will also hold a Bic mini and a BRS or the OEM (e.g. company that makes the stove for BRS) stove.
Well, you picked a good year to start the PCT so early. It’s flipping dry out here in California. And after the past season’s insane snowpack, there will be a lot of frustrated thru hikers seeking redemption this spring. I expect the desert section to be a conga line for most of April and May.
Hey, Darwin and Snuggles just met you in the coffee shop, watched your first few videos and I like!!! Good luck on your hike. Hope to see you again thanks for the invite to your channel.
Looking forward to seeing your followup video. Your gear selection looks top-notch and can't wait to see how it holds up on your beta test hike. Happy trails!
I know this is a little off topic, but your videos have inspired me to pursue a career as a mountain guide. I just got a job with the Grand Canyon National Park where Ill also be getting my certifications to apply for RMI Expeditions in MT. Ranier. Thank you Darwin.
Great breakdown of your gear. Will be watching it again and taking notes! Thanks so much for experimenting with new gear. It saves us lots of money from investing in items that still may need some work. Hope you have great weather on your hike! I laughed when you said you want to use this hike to get your legs into shape for the PCT. Yep, hiking 335 miles should do it! Have a fun time out there!
This is good to hear. I ordered a Silver Ridge Lite and a discounted Patagonia Sun Stretch and can't wait to compare them. Always heard good things about the Columbia.
My summertime base weight is 10lbs. I don't know how you do it with a camera and tripod and stay comfortable in the winter. I'm getting excited for your PCT hike. I can only imagine how you will be feeling come March. Good luck, and nice job of getting on the trail. And, big thanks to your wife for allowing you to do all of this so we can enjoy it through your videos.
Hey darwin. You have picked the perfect time to hike in alabama. Temp is cool and no gnats to bug you (pun intended). Section 2 is pretty much a road walk. Im hoping to start section 4 soon. Welcome to Alabama!
Really enjoy your videos! I have a request, could you put together a full video on your daily trail diet for ultralight backpacking? What a typical breakfast, lunch and dinner would consist of. Specific foods, brands and cooking (or not cooking) methods. What you would consider to be an ample (or more than ample) supply of nutritional daily needs. Really trying to lighten my food pack weight without going hungry or even worse not enough nutrition. Thank you for your videos. Very helpful, greatly informative and always entertaining! Keep it up.
You forgot the most important piece of gear in your wearable's, the Trucker Hat! lol. Sounds like the hike is going to be a blast. I'm jealous. Are you taking an extra trash bag for packing up your wet gear when breaking camp? Happy Trails!!!
Enjoy your Pinhoti hike its a beautiful trail. I start my thru hike of the AT on Feb. 20th and most of my prep hikes have been on the Pinhoti. I wish they would move the southern terminus to Flag/ Cheaha Mt.
I don't know how you pack all of your clothes into your pack, but you should look up how to ranger roll your clothes. It's the best way to do it I've learned.
I found an old pair of shell mitts that I'll probably take on the AT. I realized the seams leaked really bad so I've been sealing them up. If you fill the inside up with water you can see where the leaks are.
Have fun. Been watching you for a couple years I guess. I am actually considering do a thru-hike of Pinhoti within a year myself. I live a few miles from Pinhoti just south of Cheaha and stay in those woods Spring to Fall. Contact me if you need anything at all. I sent you a FB PM with more info. Make sure you do a bunch of videos and pics. I greatly respect your gear reviews and have purchased several items due to them. Arse-pad was indeed my greatest and just got a Neo-Air couple months ago. :)
ALABAMA ICE STORMS: I recommend you consider HIGH HUMIDITY and temperatures in the very low 30s, especially in February. I'd suggest a pair of Rocky Gore-Tex Socks about 2 sizes larger than what you normally wear, because they do NOT stretch. Wear your normal socks inside of these gor-tex socks, and I'd suggest thin liner socks next to your skin, with regular socks in the middle and the Gor-tex socks next to your shoes. Also, expect high winds in February with those very cold misty rains. You might want some warmer pants.
I'm very disheartened that you're still planning on using the UCO headlamp and not something new. Sorry, I couldn't resist. I'm kidding, of course. Have a great hike and thanks for the excellent video. A mini thru-hike to prep for a thru-hike. You are a badass my man
Hello Darwin, you should check out the Nitecore NU25 headlamp. I just picked up one and it's excellent. it's .99oz without the headband, 360 lumens on turbo, 3 other other light levels, and auxiliary light for reading and up close in hand tasks, 2 red light settings, SOS and emergency beacon as well. It's usb rechargeable and has great battery life. I grabbed mine from litesmith.com with the UL band.
The Cohuttas you will be going through at the end of your hike are really nice this time of year. I go on a lot of day hikes with a friend and her dogs up there and really like the area. I will be curious to see how you like the Pinhoti. One of my friend's dogs is for some reason convinced mountain bikes are the spawn of Satan and the enemy of all that is good so we avoid the Pinhoti.
Awesome looking setup brother. I've been doing a gear shakedown getting ready for some upcoming trips in the spring. Believe it or not my gear setup base weight, not including the same things you said, is only 11 pounds even!! And I'm using an Osprey Atmos 50 AG! Good luck on your trip. Hope to see you on the trail.
Just got new shoes, looked at Brooks, Merril's, Solomons, and Altras. Ended up going with the Solomon's, best fit for me for right now. Really likes the Altras but it was too far out of normal for me, plus there was not enough rubber and too much foam exposed on the soles. Had Merril moabs several years back but trying them on now they felt really clunky. Thanks for the gear review.
I read an article about extending the AT into Alabama, including the Pinhoti trail. Would be wild to extend it but apparently it takes an act of Congress to make it happen.
Just wanted to give you a heads up, I did a 4 day hike on the Pinhoti (AL section) a couple weeks ago and it got down to 18 degrees on one of the nights (lower elevation next to a creek). But I do think my hike was during an unusual cold stretch.
Would be cool to meet up and hike a little with you. Im up near the pinhoti at the alabama and Georgia line every other weekend or so. Look forward to more videos to come.
Great video Darwin, one question on the gear setup. I don't see any sleep pants, what is the plan when the rain soaks the wind pants, nike thermals, and running shorts? Sleeping bear arsed on a pad half wrapped in a quilt seems a bit uncomfortable .... But I know you got this locked so I'm curious!
Small thru hike before the real deal. Now that’s great! Enjoy Have you had any problems with the CNOC bladder leaking? I used mine last week for the first time and it started to leak at the end with the slide. Andy
Not seeing any sandals in the gear list but I am seeing some sandals on the videos. I would definitely be interested in hearing what your preferred best option is for a sandal. Thanks man.
Hi Darwin Really like your videos about the gear and are really impressed by, how little you bring on the hikes. But I can’t help wondering, how you keep yourself and clothes not get to smelly, when you don’t bring any change along?
why the change from the OR helium II to the ZPacks Vertice jacket? I LOVE my Helium II . I also got the Zpacks Wind jacket to hike in. I'm going out on a 32 mile section of the PCT next week Darwin! I'm fortunate enough to live just 20 miles from "HikerTown" of PCT Trail angel fame. You'll actually be stopping there for a rest up on your thru hike.
Nice! Have a killer time on your Hike!... I picked up a Zpacks Vertice to Test/Review. Always trying New Gear & Evolving as a Hiker my friend! HIke On, Darwin
I'm surprised your not rocking more wool base/mid-layers. I would assume if your expecting for it to be wet and cold you'd want more insulation. Is it because of the weight/smell/other?
Jarod Fleming MLK day it was 9 on top of stairway to heaven in Cheaha Wilderness, my 20 degree quilt wasn’t cutting it. You should only have one more really cold snap based on my history hiking the trail. Your kit is tight! Looking forward to your hike 👍
wish i could afford this set up but iam at like 16 lbs for base weight for my 230 mile first thru hike on ozark hmmm. this is old video but still super useful but i carry 1100 ml port for family so iam sticking with it :)
Hey Darwin, just a quick question. How did you attach your hip belt pouch to the front like that? I was at Academy Sports earlier today trying to figure out the exact thing. Also, you have quite a few fans from Central Alabama apparently as I'm from Birmingham myself. As you've seen, hit us up if you need anything!
Darwin, could you do a video on how you pack all this? I’ve been doing some shakedowns lately for the PCT and have been trying to work out how best to pack my Arc Haul. It’s my first pack without a brain and choosing what goes in the front mesh and hip belt(s) doesn’t yet come naturally to me. Thanks and have a great hike!
What do you wear for a wedding band? I know a lot of people are starting to wear silicone bands when doing outdoors activities and I’m curious if you do too!
I have an odd question about the down socks. Do you wear socks under them as a liner or just barefoot? It seems like the material, unless they're lined with something that allows for easier slipping-on, would be a bit of a chore to put on grimy all-day hiking feet.
Watching videos like this, I sometimes wonder how light we could get a pack if we where to explore all options from all global manufacturers. My own pack is currently about 9 lb 9 oz before adding the weight of fuel, food and water and this is for a 1200 mile through hike. My items have been bought from US, UK, French, Norwegian and Australian manufacturers. Still hoping to take out a bit more weight but it is unlikely as it would need serious financial investment and for things I do not think are available anymore sadly.
Hey Darwin, great vids btw. Had a question. How do those Zpaks tents hold up during rough weather? Have you experienced and bigger storms and wind and how did it perform? Are the trek poles stable enough? Thanks man. Happy hiking!
Hi Darwin. I am in Canada so cant find some of your gear brand suggestions or hiker food . Don't worry, I substitute. Thanks for the videos, I also am trained as a machinist.👈
You bit the bullet and got the vargo bot 700! I did the same, the price made me cringe haha but my previous mug/cooking pot was stainless so when upgrading I wanted lighter but with the added function of a sealable lid. What does the new jacket weigh? Did you get it for weight/space saving or is it more water resistant? I'm looking to replace my Columbia one that leaks through the seam. I was looking at the helium one you used to carry but lots of negative reviews about the hood closure in wind. A comparison between the two would be great. Love seeing your systems because everything is chosen with a philosophy and use in mind, which you explain rather than just claiming it's the best. I actually got the nightcore nu25 after someone recommended it in the comments on your headlamp video and I would echo that it's a great lamp 1oz USB rechargeable with good capabilities and battery life.
YEP, I finally gave into it. Thought I should test it out & see what all the Hoopla was about it. I will be doing a Full Review on the Vertice Jacket when I get back from this hike, so keep an eye out! Hike On, Darwin
Thanks for gear run-down. I am struck by the improvements in materials and weight that have been made since my last hike on the Russian Lakes Trail in '96. My total pack weight was 42 lbs!! Whew!
Awesome base weight Darwin.
Thanks for all your hints and tips.
I've managed to get my base weight down from 15kg to 6.5kg
👍
Eleven freaking pounds! I have had lunches that have weighed me down more. You have this down to a science Darwin, great job !
lol... Thanks Good Sir! It's a Gift...lol
Hike On,
Darwin
Darwin onthetrail the book bag I bring to my classes weights more than that lmao🤣
(P.S. I know it's a pretty old video but I just found your channel and I am loving it!)
Great chat community, great to read the comments of people inspired to go on adventures!
I really love your channel have made a bunch of my gear choices from your advice thank you for all that you do for the community of hikers
High speed low drag setup Darwin. Thanks for practicing what you preach. Using / testing gear and being objective. So many people just pitch gear for a company as soon as they have a following. Enjoy the hike !
New to backpacking. Your videos are my guide in gear research. Keep up the great work.
Great video man, I appreciate the professional manner and layout in which you do your videos.
Stop at Sloppy Floyd State Park just north of Rome, GA and make sure to check out the old mining cave and waterfall. It is a beautiful part of the Pinhoti. Have fun! I look forward to following you!
Planning to do this trail in February of 2025 before doing the appellation trail. Love your video!
Glad to see the new pants in your gear list in case you get stuck in the snow on the PCT!
Love the setup! I'm trimming my pack down for the next hike my buddy and I do after wrestling season is over. Thank you for showing us how to get to the 11 lb mark.
Looks like rain is possible for your Sunday start. We have rain in the forecast Sun, Tues, Wed and Sat. Welcome to Alabama!
I love my Vargo Bot 700. I was thinking about sending you one but you are always on the move...haha. Vargo makes a folding Ti spork that will nest inside for stove/stove-less applications. It's excellent for cold soaking. I recommend a small piece of 3M scouring pad to clean the pot and provide a buffer between your fuel and the pot. No rattle! The setup will also hold a Bic mini and a BRS or the OEM (e.g. company that makes the stove for BRS) stove.
Well, you picked a good year to start the PCT so early. It’s flipping dry out here in California. And after the past season’s insane snowpack, there will be a lot of frustrated thru hikers seeking redemption this spring. I expect the desert section to be a conga line for most of April and May.
Hey, Darwin and Snuggles just met you in the coffee shop, watched your first few videos and I like!!! Good luck on your hike. Hope to see you again thanks for the invite to your channel.
Have fun on the trail. Good Luck.
Looking forward to seeing your followup video. Your gear selection looks top-notch and can't wait to see how it holds up on your beta test hike.
Happy trails!
I know this is a little off topic, but your videos have inspired me to pursue a career as a mountain guide. I just got a job with the Grand Canyon National Park where Ill also be getting my certifications to apply for RMI Expeditions in MT. Ranier. Thank you Darwin.
Your vids are getting very well edited. Keep it up!
I actually think this one came out sorta "Sub-Par"....lol Thanks for the Kind Words Tho!
Hike On,
Darwin
Your trekking umbrella would be nice to have, especially for those long road walk sections if it's raining!
Great breakdown of your gear. Will be watching it again and taking notes! Thanks so much for experimenting with new gear. It saves us lots of money from investing in items that still may need some work. Hope you have great weather on your hike! I laughed when you said you want to use this hike to get your legs into shape for the PCT. Yep, hiking 335 miles should do it! Have a fun time out there!
I gotta say, man...You were 1000% right about the Columbia Silver Ridge shirt...Thing's frickin' awesome!
Hell Yeah! Told ya!
Hike On,
Darwin
This is good to hear. I ordered a Silver Ridge Lite and a discounted Patagonia Sun Stretch and can't wait to compare them. Always heard good things about the Columbia.
Hiked a few sections on the Pinhoti. Section 6 is a nice challenge going up the mountain.
Awesome video Darwin. I've hiked a section of the Pinhoti I'm thinking of thru hiking it too soon. I'll be watching for your post of this hike.
My summertime base weight is 10lbs. I don't know how you do it with a camera and tripod and stay comfortable in the winter. I'm getting excited for your PCT hike. I can only imagine how you will be feeling come March. Good luck, and nice job of getting on the trail. And, big thanks to your wife for allowing you to do all of this so we can enjoy it through your videos.
I don't know how I do it either!...lol
Hike On,
Darwin
Hey darwin. You have picked the perfect time to hike in alabama. Temp is cool and no gnats to bug you (pun intended).
Section 2 is pretty much a road walk.
Im hoping to start section 4 soon.
Welcome to Alabama!
Thanks for Having Me!
Hike On,
Darwin
Thank you for this video Darwin!..and also thank you for the links and taking the time for this!
Have a great hike. I look forward to the recap. Be Safe
New favorite video! Thanks man, you’re super helpful to guys like me trying to up their UL game😊 Appreciate your channel very much
No Prob Ryan! Glad I can help get that pack weight down for ya!
Hike On,
Darwin
Really enjoy your videos! I have a request, could you put together a full video on your daily trail diet for ultralight backpacking? What a typical breakfast, lunch and dinner would consist of. Specific foods, brands and cooking (or not cooking) methods. What you would consider to be an ample (or more than ample) supply of nutritional daily needs. Really trying to lighten my food pack weight without going hungry or even worse not enough nutrition. Thank you for your videos. Very helpful, greatly informative and always entertaining! Keep it up.
Glad your hiking the Pinhoti. I've always had a curiosity about this trail since it doesn't get much attention.
We've had some spots of weather in the low teens in northern Alabama within the last few weeks. Be prepared.
You forgot the most important piece of gear in your wearable's, the Trucker Hat! lol. Sounds like the hike is going to be a blast. I'm jealous. Are you taking an extra trash bag for packing up your wet gear when breaking camp? Happy Trails!!!
Awww DAMN! I sure did.... it's because it was on my head...lol
Hike On,
Darwin
Enjoy your Pinhoti hike its a beautiful trail. I start my thru hike of the AT on Feb. 20th and most of my prep hikes have been on the Pinhoti. I wish they would move the southern terminus to Flag/ Cheaha Mt.
Dude!! Got my embrace the suck shirts today! Awesome! Three thumbs up!
NICE!.... Still waiting patiently for my "Gusto St. Cool T-Shirt"!
Hike On,
Darwin
I don't know how you pack all of your clothes into your pack, but you should look up how to ranger roll your clothes. It's the best way to do it I've learned.
Take a look at OR Men's Versa Liner. The rain mitts can be stored in the included zippered pocket.
Enjoy the journey!
I hope you have grwat weather when you pass through Keown Falls... BIG views along that 1 mile stretch... enjoy!!
Awesome. Im in Alabama and me and a friend are looking to do the Alabama section in November. Looking forward to the videos.
Nice loadout!
Thanks!
HIke On,
Darwin
I found an old pair of shell mitts that I'll probably take on the AT. I realized the seams leaked really bad so I've been sealing them up. If you fill the inside up with water you can see where the leaks are.
Dang it! You switched your setup again! 😉
Always!...lol
Hike On,
Darwin
Have fun. Been watching you for a couple years I guess. I am actually considering do a thru-hike of Pinhoti within a year myself. I live a few miles from Pinhoti just south of Cheaha and stay in those woods Spring to Fall. Contact me if you need anything at all. I sent you a FB PM with more info. Make sure you do a bunch of videos and pics. I greatly respect your gear reviews and have purchased several items due to them. Arse-pad was indeed my greatest and just got a Neo-Air couple months ago. :)
Nice one. take care out there Bach. Enjoy it
ALABAMA ICE STORMS: I recommend you consider HIGH HUMIDITY and temperatures in the very low 30s, especially in February.
I'd suggest a pair of Rocky Gore-Tex Socks about 2 sizes larger than what you normally wear, because they do NOT stretch. Wear your normal socks inside of these gor-tex socks, and I'd suggest thin liner socks next to your skin, with regular socks in the middle and the Gor-tex socks next to your shoes.
Also, expect high winds in February with those very cold misty rains. You might want some warmer pants.
If I was going to a rainy place, I might bring my trecking umbrella. Your set up looks dialed in!
They are really annoying when you are on a "Green Tunnel" type trail. Better just to have a good rain jacket with a hood!
Hike On,
Darwin
Looks good. Ready to see trail views! Thanks for sharing your gear, though! Nice and light!
I'm very disheartened that you're still planning on using the UCO headlamp and not something new. Sorry, I couldn't resist. I'm kidding, of course. Have a great hike and thanks for the excellent video. A mini thru-hike to prep for a thru-hike. You are a badass my man
lol.... Nah, not a Badass. Maybe a Dumbass tho?...lol
Hike On,
Darwin
Hello Darwin, you should check out the Nitecore NU25 headlamp. I just picked up one and it's excellent. it's .99oz without the headband, 360 lumens on turbo, 3 other other light levels, and auxiliary light for reading and up close in hand tasks, 2 red light settings, SOS and emergency beacon as well. It's usb rechargeable and has great battery life. I grabbed mine from litesmith.com with the UL band.
Zacks is big bucks and loooonnnnnngggg lead times to get what you order. I'm waiting close to 1 month now for possum down gloves and some cf bags.
The Cohuttas you will be going through at the end of your hike are really nice this time of year. I go on a lot of day hikes with a friend and her dogs up there and really like the area. I will be curious to see how you like the Pinhoti. One of my friend's dogs is for some reason convinced mountain bikes are the spawn of Satan and the enemy of all that is good so we avoid the Pinhoti.
Awesome looking setup brother. I've been doing a gear shakedown getting ready for some upcoming trips in the spring. Believe it or not my gear setup base weight, not including the same things you said, is only 11 pounds even!! And I'm using an Osprey Atmos 50 AG!
Good luck on your trip. Hope to see you on the trail.
Just got new shoes, looked at Brooks, Merril's, Solomons, and Altras. Ended up going with the Solomon's, best fit for me for right now. Really likes the Altras but it was too far out of normal for me, plus there was not enough rubber and too much foam exposed on the soles. Had Merril moabs several years back but trying them on now they felt really clunky. Thanks for the gear review.
:) You are such a gear geek! In a good way...
I read an article about extending the AT into Alabama, including the Pinhoti trail. Would be wild to extend it but apparently it takes an act of Congress to make it happen.
Just wanted to give you a heads up, I did a 4 day hike on the Pinhoti (AL section) a couple weeks ago and it got down to 18 degrees on one of the nights (lower elevation next to a creek). But I do think my hike was during an unusual cold stretch.
Have fun, Darwin! 🤟🏻
Would be cool to meet up and hike a little with you. Im up near the pinhoti at the alabama and Georgia line every other weekend or so. Look forward to more videos to come.
Hike on brother.
Thanks so much for your advice man really you are so helpful and wise
I'm going to try the hiking poles. I'm looking for a pair that are lightweight, but not very expensive. Thanks for the video! - Scoutmaster Teddy
Good setup, looking forward to it!!
I just got one of the BSR stoves today. I hope it works well for you. I am trying it out also.
Great video Darwin, one question on the gear setup. I don't see any sleep pants, what is the plan when the rain soaks the wind pants, nike thermals, and running shorts? Sleeping bear arsed on a pad half wrapped in a quilt seems a bit uncomfortable .... But I know you got this locked so I'm curious!
Yea. I always take some merino pants as my sleep gear/camp gear for when you have got wet during the day or it gets real cold at night.
Great video! Looking forward to the pictures you will be posting...I guess I have to set up an Instagram account 😉 Have a great hike!
NICE! That is a tight kit!!!
This is good stuff to watch. Thanks!
Love your videos and what you do!
Small thru hike before the real deal. Now that’s great! Enjoy
Have you had any problems with the CNOC bladder leaking? I used mine last week for the first time and it started to leak at the end with the slide.
Andy
I use the same knife. I took a small length of cord and put the knife on it and wear it around my neck.
Hey Darwin!!! GET A NEW SAWYER!!
Not seeing any sandals in the gear list but I am seeing some sandals on the videos. I would definitely be interested in hearing what your preferred best option is for a sandal. Thanks man.
I've wanted to try this trail, and I will be following your hike. Would you tell us where to get a good map of the trail?
Hi Darwin
Really like your videos about the gear and are really impressed by, how little you bring on the hikes.
But I can’t help wondering, how you keep yourself and clothes not get to smelly, when you don’t bring any change along?
why the change from the OR helium II to the ZPacks Vertice jacket? I LOVE my Helium II . I also got the Zpacks Wind jacket to hike in. I'm going out on a 32 mile section of the PCT next week Darwin! I'm fortunate enough to live just 20 miles from "HikerTown" of PCT Trail angel fame. You'll actually be stopping there for a rest up on your thru hike.
Nice! Have a killer time on your Hike!... I picked up a Zpacks Vertice to Test/Review. Always trying New Gear & Evolving as a Hiker my friend!
HIke On,
Darwin
i think he got it sponsored. look at all the new zpacks equipment he has gotten.
Nope, Not Sponsored by Zpacks.... Just testing it out.
Hike On,
Darwin
Oh, okay Darwin! Thanks for replying and sorry for assuming. Heres hoping you have a great start to your through hike next week!
11lbs?!??!?! Wow, you must have a ton of room for booze!!!!!!!!!!!!
All the Room!
Hike On,
Darwin
Nice...good luck out there!
Hey Darwin, Hope you have fun. Will be interested in hearing how you handle the road walks. Take care brother. -ATB Adam 🐢
Just like all of the other Road Walks I've ever done!...lol
Hike On,
Darwin
I'm surprised your not rocking more wool base/mid-layers. I would assume if your expecting for it to be wet and cold you'd want more insulation. Is it because of the weight/smell/other?
You're a pro.
"Even though it's February, it's not going to get crazy cold." Yeah, looks like upper 20s is the max cold you'll see.
Jarod Fleming MLK day it was 9 on top of stairway to heaven in Cheaha Wilderness, my 20 degree quilt wasn’t cutting it. You should only have one more really cold snap based on my history hiking the trail. Your kit is tight! Looking forward to your hike 👍
wish i could afford this set up but iam at like 16 lbs for base weight for my 230 mile first thru hike on ozark hmmm. this is old video but still super useful but i carry 1100 ml port for family so iam sticking with it :)
I thought you used sock liners? Btw, I got that Columbia shirt per your recommendation and I like it and will take it on the AT this year.
Hey Darwin, just a quick question. How did you attach your hip belt pouch to the front like that? I was at Academy Sports earlier today trying to figure out the exact thing. Also, you have quite a few fans from Central Alabama apparently as I'm from Birmingham myself. As you've seen, hit us up if you need anything!
Sweet thanks for sharing!
STeVe PNW pacific north west
Darwin, could you do a video on how you pack all this? I’ve been doing some shakedowns lately for the PCT and have been trying to work out how best to pack my Arc Haul. It’s my first pack without a brain and choosing what goes in the front mesh and hip belt(s) doesn’t yet come naturally to me. Thanks and have a great hike!
Hi Darwin, do you send resupply boxes or do you take your chances on finding food etc when you go through a town? Great video! Thank you.
Thanks for the video 👍 I’m curious- was the sawyer just handy nearby, or have you switched back from the hydroblu for some reason?
Darwin - Have you ever considered using an Ursack instead of a bear bag kit?
What do you wear for a wedding band? I know a lot of people are starting to wear silicone bands when doing outdoors activities and I’m curious if you do too!
Love that sack!!!
I have an odd question about the down socks. Do you wear socks under them as a liner or just barefoot? It seems like the material, unless they're lined with something that allows for easier slipping-on, would be a bit of a chore to put on grimy all-day hiking feet.
I put them on my Barefeet. Creates better warmth that way!
Hike On,
Darwin
Watching videos like this, I sometimes wonder how light we could get a pack if we where to explore all options from all global manufacturers. My own pack is currently about 9 lb 9 oz before adding the weight of fuel, food and water and this is for a 1200 mile through hike. My items have been bought from US, UK, French, Norwegian and Australian manufacturers. Still hoping to take out a bit more weight but it is unlikely as it would need serious financial investment and for things I do not think are available anymore sadly.
Hey Darwin, great vids btw. Had a question. How do those Zpaks tents hold up during rough weather? Have you experienced and bigger storms and wind and how did it perform? Are the trek poles stable enough? Thanks man. Happy hiking!
Hi from Holland. If you get cold feet easily why do you prefer the EE Revelation over the Enigma?
Hi Darwin. I am in Canada so cant find some of your gear brand suggestions or hiker food . Don't worry, I substitute. Thanks for the videos, I also am trained as a machinist.👈
I’m close to you guys for this trail! 30 miles from Flagg Mtn. Let me know if you need ANYTHING!
You didn't include the Therm-a-Rest Z Seat in the gear list here or on your website. The same is true for the PCT gear list on the website.
You bit the bullet and got the vargo bot 700! I did the same, the price made me cringe haha but my previous mug/cooking pot was stainless so when upgrading I wanted lighter but with the added function of a sealable lid.
What does the new jacket weigh? Did you get it for weight/space saving or is it more water resistant?
I'm looking to replace my Columbia one that leaks through the seam. I was looking at the helium one you used to carry but lots of negative reviews about the hood closure in wind. A comparison between the two would be great.
Love seeing your systems because everything is chosen with a philosophy and use in mind, which you explain rather than just claiming it's the best.
I actually got the nightcore nu25 after someone recommended it in the comments on your headlamp video and I would echo that it's a great lamp 1oz USB rechargeable with good capabilities and battery life.
YEP, I finally gave into it. Thought I should test it out & see what all the Hoopla was about it. I will be doing a Full Review on the Vertice Jacket when I get back from this hike, so keep an eye out!
Hike On,
Darwin