I had never herd of the Zerk pack before your videos, but I've really been considering it since your loadout video and then watching your thru hike. Can't be much more thoroughly tested than the GDT! 🤣 Also, Injinji toe socks for the win! Great video!
Cool trip and gear. I also have the altaplex and was able to do half of the pct as a flip flop until cal National Forest closures sobo toward mex . It's a great tent. Made for tall people but it doesn't matter. I also liked how my quilt never touched the sides. I'd like to point out that the hipbelt-less packs in my observations seem to work better for men and their builds. Women by and large are built to carry more weight on our hips. I've found a good but not stellar answer to that with the gossamer gear g4 20. I did carry a pack that is simular to the zerk for most of it aside from a minimal hip belt. When I switched to the GG, the carry comfort was night and day. Wider shoulder straps and decent hip belt. More could happen tailoring for women. Met a couple who were on a section where the PNT meets the PCT who had hiked the upper GHT and it sounded like it was at times a mountaineering route. Looked pretty steep ...did you ever need ropes or via ferrata?
Can you do a further breakdown of shoes and how you overcame foot pain. I too have had endless foot problems. I have a 8-10kg pack fully loaded so not heavy which helps. Thank you.
Hello Justin, this was a great informational video. Thank you for sharing it with your viewers. All the best to you. Stay safe and healthy out there. 🤗
Thanks for the list Justin. The tent looks sick, I’m a tenting noob, I hope to do allot more in the future. I have to say I’ve never heard of camp shoes or sandals 🤔. They German watch is something I’m really interested in looking into, I could use this for my hiking.
The Injinji Liner Crew and Liner Crew NuWool get even thinner than the Lightweight. I have the synthetic version but haven’t had a chance to use yet. They look like a great thin weight however, and I’d have to guess that they are robust. Their NuWool products don’t last very long so I’d have some durability concerns about the NuWool being that thin, but they would be more resistant to getting stinky while most likely not drying as quickly. Oh I see a good sock comparison review coming Justin!
I recently got a mammut ducan 26l pack. It has similar running vest style straps with pockets. But for me, I love having a hip belt but wish it had a big pocket/straps on the outside to stuff a sweatshirt or whatever
Hi Justin or literally anyone here, Did your tent really stand up to the test of hail? What kind of hail did you experience? I'm on the fence for a DCF shelter vs silpoly (DD x-mids) It's expensive and it would suck if hail rips through it in the first few years. If I'm not winter camping, would the surprise hail storm during the 3 seasons shred the DCF?
I struggle with planter fasciitis and I've been trying to find solutions for it. What kind of foot strength training exercises did you do to strengthen up your feet?
Great reviews! Saw in your videos you mostly just walk straight through river crossings. Your feet don’t blister up at all after walking in wet shoes after a crossing? Thanks!
Do you use the watch in GPS mode all day? And the battery lasts? I use Garmin Vivoactive and the Battery doesn’t last for an all day hike in GPS mode which gets annoying.
I’d really like to get the altaplex, but at 6’4”, I don’t think it’d be long enough. What do you think? Also, “speed goat has a wide toe box.” I went up a size and got the wide, and it’s still too narrow for my wide feet. I’m stuck wearing altars. I wish Hoka would get the memo to make Altra wide shoes. Thanks for the post.
I think you'd be too long for the altaplex, agreed. These days, I don't even find Altras to be that wide, which is crazy. I hope this isn't a trend and you wide footed monsters don't get forgotten!
Justin Outdoors I have a pair of LP5.0 wide and they’re pretty wide. So wide I think I need to go down a size. You’d think at least one tent manufacturer would make a “decent “ sized tent.
Did one pair of Speedgoats last the entire 1100km? I use them for trail running, but have been worried about how they'd hold up in rough terrain with a pack on, and haven't really tried them for that yet.
I'm glad they worked out for you, but those camp shoes will never not be funny to me. Cardboard-plastic, string...$40. They look like something my kids would make.
Great explanation. I will have to check out those sandals. Now what are the 5 things you didn’t need? Or things you wish you brought?
well first congratulations and nobody is gona argue with someone who has been there done it great job👍
I had never herd of the Zerk pack before your videos, but I've really been considering it since your loadout video and then watching your thru hike. Can't be much more thoroughly tested than the GDT! 🤣
Also, Injinji toe socks for the win! Great video!
Please upload a detailed review of the altaplex, including any tips and tricks! Esp your technique for perfect pitch.
I'd really value Justin's thoughts on this too!
Cool trip and gear. I also have the altaplex and was able to do half of the pct as a flip flop until cal National Forest closures sobo toward mex . It's a great tent. Made for tall people but it doesn't matter. I also liked how my quilt never touched the sides. I'd like to point out that the hipbelt-less packs in my observations seem to work better for men and their builds. Women by and large are built to carry more weight on our hips. I've found a good but not stellar answer to that with the gossamer gear g4 20. I did carry a pack that is simular to the zerk for most of it aside from a minimal hip belt. When I switched to the GG, the carry comfort was night and day. Wider shoulder straps and decent hip belt. More could happen tailoring for women. Met a couple who were on a section where the PNT meets the PCT who had hiked the upper GHT and it sounded like it was at times a mountaineering route. Looked pretty steep ...did you ever need ropes or via ferrata?
Can you do a further breakdown of shoes and how you overcame foot pain. I too have had endless foot problems. I have a 8-10kg pack fully loaded so not heavy which helps. Thank you.
Thanks Justin. I’m such a fan of injinji socks. Only way to go.
Love the super feet! I use a set in my snowboarding boots!
Hello Justin, this was a great informational video. Thank you for sharing it with your viewers. All the best to you. Stay safe and healthy out there. 🤗
Thanks for the list Justin. The tent looks sick, I’m a tenting noob, I hope to do allot more in the future. I have to say I’ve never heard of camp shoes or sandals 🤔. They German watch is something I’m really interested in looking into, I could use this for my hiking.
i have also used the superfeet carbons. thanks for making this list!
great quality video. What is your setup?
I have that same pack. I agree it is a great pack and does handle weight well.
#6: Bear spray!
The Injinji Liner Crew and Liner Crew NuWool get even thinner than the Lightweight. I have the synthetic version but haven’t had a chance to use yet. They look like a great thin weight however, and I’d have to guess that they are robust. Their NuWool products don’t last very long so I’d have some durability concerns about the NuWool being that thin, but they would be more resistant to getting stinky while most likely not drying as quickly. Oh I see a good sock comparison review coming Justin!
What kind of strength training did you do for your feet to avoid plantar fasciitis?
Lots of calf raises, walking/running with "barefoot" shoes, and just plane standing barefoot a bunch.
@@JustinOutdoors great, thanks for your response!
If you like the Zerk you should try the Hybride from Atelier Longue Distance 😉
I recently got a mammut ducan 26l pack. It has similar running vest style straps with pockets. But for me, I love having a hip belt but wish it had a big pocket/straps on the outside to stuff a sweatshirt or whatever
May I ask what app you used to plan and download your route onto your watch?
How’s the zerk hold up to rain does it saturate? Do I need a cover
Hey Justin, mind sharing what foot-strengthening exercises you did to prepare? Plz & thx!
Lots of walking barefoot or with minimalist shoes. Running. Calf strengthening. I would train in minimal footwear as much as I could.
That was great thanks Justin. 30lb on the pack is impressive. Atb gordon
Hi Justin or literally anyone here,
Did your tent really stand up to the test of hail? What kind of hail did you experience? I'm on the fence for a DCF shelter vs silpoly (DD x-mids) It's expensive and it would suck if hail rips through it in the first few years. If I'm not winter camping, would the surprise hail storm during the 3 seasons shred the DCF?
I struggle with planter fasciitis and I've been trying to find solutions for it. What kind of foot strength training exercises did you do to strengthen up your feet?
Great reviews! Saw in your videos you mostly just walk straight through river crossings. Your feet don’t blister up at all after walking in wet shoes after a crossing? Thanks!
Nope! No blisters at all!
Hey Justin! The version of shoes you get are GTX (GORE-TEX) or non GTX?
Non-goretex!
@@JustinOutdoors Thanks!
Do you use the watch in GPS mode all day? And the battery lasts? I use Garmin Vivoactive and the Battery doesn’t last for an all day hike in GPS mode which gets annoying.
I'd get two days out of the watch in GPS mode. About 12hrs of GPS and 12hrs in normal mode.
I’d really like to get the altaplex, but at 6’4”, I don’t think it’d be long enough. What do you think? Also, “speed goat has a wide toe box.” I went up a size and got the wide, and it’s still too narrow for my wide feet. I’m stuck wearing altars. I wish Hoka would get the memo to make Altra wide shoes. Thanks for the post.
I think you'd be too long for the altaplex, agreed. These days, I don't even find Altras to be that wide, which is crazy. I hope this isn't a trend and you wide footed monsters don't get forgotten!
Justin Outdoors I have a pair of LP5.0 wide and they’re pretty wide. So wide I think I need to go down a size. You’d think at least one tent manufacturer would make a “decent “ sized tent.
Did one pair of Speedgoats last the entire 1100km? I use them for trail running, but have been worried about how they'd hold up in rough terrain with a pack on, and haven't really tried them for that yet.
In a different video I think he said it took 3? But I don't know if the first pair was new when he started or if he'd worn it for a while
R u that guy from vice?
Anyone who questions wether a 40L bag is the wrong choice... Doesnt know shit about hiking.
I guess it helps when you’re really small ……😂
Is there any scientific evidence for using insoles? I though I read somewhere that you DON’T want arch support…
I haven't really taken a deep dive into the literature.
I'm glad they worked out for you, but those camp shoes will never not be funny to me. Cardboard-plastic, string...$40. They look like something my kids would make.
Sounds like a business opportunity! Put that kid to work!
way too expensive for my budget. I think I am definitely not within your target customer base.