Nice list Andy! My list, is a shorter list. I wish I would have taken LESS stuff when I started backpacking. Is incredible when you start to only take things which serve a dual purpose. It really lightens your load. And a light pack is a happy pack.
I'm sad to admit that on my first 2 solo trips, I couldn't even get all my gear in my pack... I was walking with things under my arms... oh the shame...
Completely agree with what you said. My top 5 would be the following (some overlap) 1) Zpacks shoulder water bottle pouch- I hate reaching back for the side pockets! 2) Patagonia strider pro 5” running shorts- I’m a total convert to hiking in running shorts vs hiking pants 3) trail runners- for the reasons you listed. 4) dirty girl gaiters. No more rocks/twigs etc in my altras when I hike! 5) liteaf dcf fanny pack- I love the quick access for snacks/camera gear without having to fiddle with hip belt pockets or taking a pack off!
I like boots. The Hoka KAHA boots are super light and comfortable with Vibram soles. I feel sorry for those that don’t have the Nemo Tensor Wide 🤪 Evergreen with the squeeze works for me too. For big backcountry groups, I bring a 5 liter Waterdrop bottle 2 collapsible 5 liter camp jugs. Just sprayed down all our clothes with Saywer permethrin for Philmont. No thanks for ticks or Mosquitoes 👍🏼 also bringing and ounce pump of 100% DEET My most appreciated purchase in the past couple of years was an upgraded sleeping bag. Nemo Disco is a great option. Use it as a quilt unless it’s below 40. Pairs well with the Trekology 2.0 pillow for us side sleepers
@@AndyParrishOutdoors everything held up well for our 92 miles at Philmont. The 2 liter evernew is still solid but will be retired. I was downing 5-6 liters a day and filtering upwards of 30-40 liters a day through the sawyer squeeze. The only wrong turn we made on trail was a Ranger guided hike through Ute Park Pass 🤪
My thoughts: #1 I too have moved to the trail runners and my pick is also the Altra Lone Peak 4.5 #2 I like the NeoAir systems. my 3 season XLight is smaller/lighter than the Nemo and XTherm is by far the warmest. The noise to me isn't even noticeable, which I find weird because I have problems falling asleep if I can hear highway noise. #3 I tried the smart water bottles and really found them harder to manage. Too tall for the pouch on my pack and fall out too easily. I actually weighed an empty smart water bottle vs. an empty nalgene and found the little bit of weight savings didn't make up for changing my hike. Especially when paired with #4 #4 I use a Platypus gravity system, which replaced a Katadyn pump system. I like it because it connects seamlessly with both my wide mouth Nalgenes and my 2 L bladder when I take it. I am looking at maybe trying the Katadyne Be Free gravity system, but I like the hang to filter option. #5 agree on the bug stuff.
You may like the water setup then of the Sawyer squeeze and 2 Cnoc bags. I use this setup from time to time still and it is great for having a gravity option if you like. I like that the bottles are collapsible when not in use. It is a very modular system. You can see more about it here: th-cam.com/video/JmHwG8gvkpw/w-d-xo.html I also am not a fan of having the Smartwater bottles in my side pouches. Either I would put 2 in (better fit) or even better was when I went to a water bottle holder on my pack strap. holy cow was that a game changer for me... I may have to add that to my next list of things I bought sooner... you can see it here: www.etsy.com/listing/569618174/justins-original-ul-smartwater-bottle?ref=shop_review
I agree with everything you said and I'm trying to convince my hubs to switch his hiking boots out to trail runners, I'm going to send this video to him!! 😅 Also, if you read this, I think your video would be much better without the repetitive music. Just an FYI! Love the content, keep it coming! 💯
Thanks for watching and I really appreciate the feedback and kind words. I loved my switch from the heavy leather boots. I'm never going back. And to be honest, I didn't really know what I was missing until I wore those trail runners for 10+ miles on trail... So comfortable. Thanks Ronny!
If you are using the Sawyer Mini you should protect your filter from debris. Among other things I set up a prefilter using hose and a see thru plastic fuel filter.
Good video. I think the 1 thing I wish I got from the start was my quilt. I've spent a small fortune on sleeping bags, bag liners, sleeping pads/mats and pillows trying to get a goodnight night sleep, turns out a quilt solved the issue.
Did you see my follow-up video? Quilts were in my next 5. Sleep is so important when your are expecting the hike a bunch of miles. I think sleep gear is maybe the most important category to invest in. Good sleep makes an enormous difference and quilts AR so versatile and comfortable... I totally agree with you. Thanks so much for watching and adding to the discussion! 👍
I agree! Watching it back, I think it is a bit much. It will be better calibrated next time. Thank you for watching and commenting. I really appreciate the constructive feedback.
It looks like we've learned many of the same lessons. I finally traded in my Army combat boots after watching Dixie talk about her Altras. Stay on the path! Monk
Matt, thanks for checking them out. I appreciate it. 👍. I've done quite a few Philmont videos, just trying to help out parents and scouts have an idea of what they are getting into out there. I hope to go back there once more in '23. We will see... I bet working there was an awesome experience. What positions did you have on staff?
@@AndyParrishOutdoors.Im Intrigued with the new high adventure ranch in Wv and the area now the newest national park close by. That will open some major opportunities that the BSA needs.
Agree with those although haven’t tried permethrin and although I love my BeFree I have to take my Nalgene bottle along too for a hot water bottle at night-my big luxury! Karen 😊
I still take the nalgene often when I am car camping & it is great for the "hot water bottle" trick to be warmer at night... I like the permethrin. It is so easy an effective... It also cuts down on my weight, since I rarely have to bring deet now... Or very little... Thanks Karen for being a part of the conversation!
Most of my list would’ve required either robbing a bank or timetravel ! Some of the lighter synthetic fabrics were not available or too expensive for me. Some of the new stuff is still too expensive, but cheaper(heavier)versions are at least available now.
Have you had issues with the 4.5 front tips coming off the shoes? Recently switched to Topos and they have been awesome for the trail. Just saw your post on the The Old Crow Hiking Show and wanted to show some support. Now following!
Thanks MOTM! I haven't had that issue on either of the 4s or the 4.5s although I've seen lots of reports of that. The cushion is the 4s was the failure point. I got about 400 miles out of them before they were done... I got the 4.5s (2 pairs) on clearance right before the 5s came out and I only have about 75 miles in the first pair so far. Thanks for checking out the channel! 👏
@@AndyParrishOutdoors Anytime my friend! Always looking to support fellow hikers! this happened to me on both the 4 and 4.5 and agree that they last about 400-500 miles before they are done. Heard that the 5's now have a stitch but haven't checked it out in person yet. There is a ton of places to hike and explore on my channel that might interest you. Would love to hear your feedback!
Do you have a recommendation for a solar battery backup for Philmont. Doing a 12-day and I don't want to carry anything huge just looking for a good solar battery backup
You got 4 of 5 right. The first one you got wrong. Get the Altra Olympus 4. (If Altra and Hoka had a love child it would be the Altra Olympus Trail runner shoe.)
You could go one step further and use barefoot trail runners. They're so lightweight you can carry two pairs. I've never gone over on my ankle in barefoot shoes nor have I ever gotten blisters.
I do wear & like the Xero Z-trail sandals on occasion and they have some similar benefits to the barefoot trail runners. I've not taken them on any extended hikes yet though...
Thanks Andy and viewers for the really helpful information. I'm really in need of a sleep pad. 3 season mostly. It sounds like you're really happy with the Nemo Tensor. How long have you had it? There's a lot of praise out there for the XTherm pad. Looks like for good reason. No way I can afford both. Is it worth spending the extra for just the XTherm? Also, do you use anythig under your sleep pads in cold weather? Thanks again to you and followers for the advise. Best & happy hiking! Bob V
Bob, Great question... I have both and I am a big fan of both.... The X-therm is a MUCH warmer pad -bit.ly/3a8CNqy. I've been on it in single digits and it is plenty warm. The Nemo Tensor Insulated - bit.ly/3l6eDiJ is a more comfortable pad, but not as warm (R-6.9 vs R-3.5). Even the Thermarest Xlite is warmer at R-4.2 & quite a bit lighter... So the big determining factor is the temperatures at which you think you'll want to camp and whether you sleep cold or warm... Colder (well below freezing) temps and I'd lean towards the Xtherm. Cooler to Warm (down to around freezing, maybe a bit below) and I'd go with the Nemo. I think the Xlite and the Nemo Tensor Insulated are more comparable for temp rating sake and the XTherm and the Nemo Tensor Alpine (R-4.8) are better comparisons, with the Thermarest ones being better insulated and the Nemos being more comfortable... If I were you, I'd probably order through REI and try one out. If you don't like it, you can return it up to a year later and then try the other one... 👍
@@AndyParrishOutdoors Thanks Andy! Super appreciate your feedback! I'm a big fan of REI mostly for that warranty reason. I'm so amazed with the sleep pad choices & the technology used in them. I also really value user feedback as a big part of my gear research. Your channel has been a big help. I'm getting ready for 2021 hike/camping. Hope to be out by the end of March. Best Always....Bob V
![My Thru Hiking Gear for the GR11 [Pre Trip Gear List]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/3tVMHVuWGQQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Check out the follow-up - th-cam.com/video/dWiOz7dHqNI/w-d-xo.html
Nice list Andy! My list, is a shorter list. I wish I would have taken LESS stuff when I started backpacking. Is incredible when you start to only take things which serve a dual purpose. It really lightens your load. And a light pack is a happy pack.
I'm sad to admit that on my first 2 solo trips, I couldn't even get all my gear in my pack... I was walking with things under my arms... oh the shame...
Completely agree with what you said. My top 5 would be the following (some overlap)
1) Zpacks shoulder water bottle pouch- I hate reaching back for the side pockets!
2) Patagonia strider pro 5” running shorts- I’m a total convert to hiking in running shorts vs hiking pants
3) trail runners- for the reasons you listed.
4) dirty girl gaiters. No more rocks/twigs etc in my altras when I hike!
5) liteaf dcf fanny pack- I love the quick access for snacks/camera gear without having to fiddle with hip belt pockets or taking a pack off!
Many of those are on my list or need to be added... I'm tempted to make 3 more of these and just share the whole list...
I like boots. The Hoka KAHA boots are super light and comfortable with Vibram soles.
I feel sorry for those that don’t have the Nemo Tensor Wide 🤪
Evergreen with the squeeze works for me too. For big backcountry groups, I bring a 5 liter Waterdrop bottle 2 collapsible 5 liter camp jugs.
Just sprayed down all our clothes with Saywer permethrin for Philmont. No thanks for ticks or Mosquitoes 👍🏼 also bringing and ounce pump of 100% DEET
My most appreciated purchase in the past couple of years was an upgraded sleeping bag. Nemo Disco is a great option. Use it as a quilt unless it’s below 40. Pairs well with the Trekology 2.0 pillow for us side sleepers
Lots of good stuff there! Thanks for sharing!
@@AndyParrishOutdoors everything held up well for our 92 miles at Philmont. The 2 liter evernew is still solid but will be retired. I was downing 5-6 liters a day and filtering upwards of 30-40 liters a day through the sawyer squeeze. The only wrong turn we made on trail was a Ranger guided hike through Ute Park Pass 🤪
Glad to hear that it all worked out for you! Sounds like you used the Sawyer a lot.
My thoughts:
#1 I too have moved to the trail runners and my pick is also the Altra Lone Peak 4.5
#2 I like the NeoAir systems. my 3 season XLight is smaller/lighter than the Nemo and XTherm is by far the warmest. The noise to me isn't even noticeable, which I find weird because I have problems falling asleep if I can hear highway noise.
#3 I tried the smart water bottles and really found them harder to manage. Too tall for the pouch on my pack and fall out too easily. I actually weighed an empty smart water bottle vs. an empty nalgene and found the little bit of weight savings didn't make up for changing my hike. Especially when paired with #4
#4 I use a Platypus gravity system, which replaced a Katadyn pump system. I like it because it connects seamlessly with both my wide mouth Nalgenes and my 2 L bladder when I take it. I am looking at maybe trying the Katadyne Be Free gravity system, but I like the hang to filter option.
#5 agree on the bug stuff.
You may like the water setup then of the Sawyer squeeze and 2 Cnoc bags. I use this setup from time to time still and it is great for having a gravity option if you like. I like that the bottles are collapsible when not in use. It is a very modular system. You can see more about it here: th-cam.com/video/JmHwG8gvkpw/w-d-xo.html
I also am not a fan of having the Smartwater bottles in my side pouches. Either I would put 2 in (better fit) or even better was when I went to a water bottle holder on my pack strap. holy cow was that a game changer for me... I may have to add that to my next list of things I bought sooner... you can see it here: www.etsy.com/listing/569618174/justins-original-ul-smartwater-bottle?ref=shop_review
I agree with everything you said and I'm trying to convince my hubs to switch his hiking boots out to trail runners, I'm going to send this video to him!! 😅 Also, if you read this, I think your video would be much better without the repetitive music. Just an FYI! Love the content, keep it coming! 💯
Thanks for watching and I really appreciate the feedback and kind words. I loved my switch from the heavy leather boots. I'm never going back. And to be honest, I didn't really know what I was missing until I wore those trail runners for 10+ miles on trail... So comfortable. Thanks Ronny!
If you are using the Sawyer Mini you should protect your filter from debris. Among other things I set up a prefilter using hose and a see thru plastic fuel filter.
thanks, and thanks for checking out the channel!
@@AndyParrishOutdoors my pleasure Andy, and thanks for the upload.
Good video. I think the 1 thing I wish I got from the start was my quilt. I've spent a small fortune on sleeping bags, bag liners, sleeping pads/mats and pillows trying to get a goodnight night sleep, turns out a quilt solved the issue.
Did you see my follow-up video? Quilts were in my next 5. Sleep is so important when your are expecting the hike a bunch of miles. I think sleep gear is maybe the most important category to invest in. Good sleep makes an enormous difference and quilts AR so versatile and comfortable... I totally agree with you. Thanks so much for watching and adding to the discussion! 👍
@@AndyParrishOutdoors just watched it now. Enjoying watching your content, keep up the good work.
Aaron, thanks for watching and for the kind words... 👍
Good info. Maybe turn down the music while you’re talking?
I agree! Watching it back, I think it is a bit much. It will be better calibrated next time. Thank you for watching and commenting. I really appreciate the constructive feedback.
Good infö. I am sure you are in the planning stages of your next trip. Stay safe.
Thanks Joe. I'm currently counting down the days until the next trip.
It looks like we've learned many of the same lessons. I finally traded in my Army combat boots after watching Dixie talk about her Altras. Stay on the path! Monk
Welcome aboard! Dixie has had such a big impact in this community. Isn't it amazing? Her channel has been such an inspiration...
Great tips! I am a subscriber from the Crow Facebook group!
Hey Liz! Welcome aboard! Thanks for the support!
Great video! The Katadyn Befree was a game changer for me!!
I've started using my Befree since the beginning of 2020. I still like the Sawyer Squeeze, but lately, I've preferred the Befree... its so simple...
@@AndyParrishOutdoors Exactly!
Just went thru your other vids. You have several about Philmont. I worked on staff at Philmont for 4 yrs.
Matt, thanks for checking them out. I appreciate it. 👍. I've done quite a few Philmont videos, just trying to help out parents and scouts have an idea of what they are getting into out there. I hope to go back there once more in '23. We will see... I bet working there was an awesome experience. What positions did you have on staff?
@@AndyParrishOutdoors. Two yrs as a "ranger" and two yrs of trail crew. This was in the 90s...
@@AndyParrishOutdoors.Im Intrigued with the new high adventure ranch in Wv and the area now the newest national park close by. That will open some major opportunities that the BSA needs.
Agreed. We are headed there this summer. I'm looking forward to checking it out.
Agree with those although haven’t tried permethrin and although I love my BeFree I have to take my Nalgene bottle along too for a hot water bottle at night-my big luxury! Karen 😊
I still take the nalgene often when I am car camping & it is great for the "hot water bottle" trick to be warmer at night... I like the permethrin. It is so easy an effective... It also cuts down on my weight, since I rarely have to bring deet now... Or very little... Thanks Karen for being a part of the conversation!
@@AndyParrishOutdoors Thank YOU for the great advice! 😍
Most of my list would’ve required either robbing a bank or timetravel ! Some of the lighter synthetic fabrics were not available or too expensive for me. Some of the new stuff is still too expensive, but cheaper(heavier)versions are at least available now.
I know the feeling. The Tensor Airpad mentioned in the video didn't even exist yet. I just wish it did...
Have you had issues with the 4.5 front tips coming off the shoes? Recently switched to Topos and they have been awesome for the trail. Just saw your post on the The Old Crow Hiking Show and wanted to show some support. Now following!
Thanks MOTM! I haven't had that issue on either of the 4s or the 4.5s although I've seen lots of reports of that. The cushion is the 4s was the failure point. I got about 400 miles out of them before they were done... I got the 4.5s (2 pairs) on clearance right before the 5s came out and I only have about 75 miles in the first pair so far. Thanks for checking out the channel! 👏
@@AndyParrishOutdoors Anytime my friend! Always looking to support fellow hikers! this happened to me on both the 4 and 4.5 and agree that they last about 400-500 miles before they are done. Heard that the 5's now have a stitch but haven't checked it out in person yet. There is a ton of places to hike and explore on my channel that might interest you. Would love to hear your feedback!
I will definitely check it out! 👍
Do you have a recommendation for a solar battery backup for Philmont. Doing a 12-day and I don't want to carry anything huge just looking for a good solar battery backup
You got 4 of 5 right. The first one you got wrong. Get the Altra Olympus 4. (If Altra and Hoka had a love child it would be the Altra Olympus Trail runner shoe.)
If it also had the stoneguard, I would have pulled the trigger on that one. I really like the idea of the extra cushion... I might try it anyhow...
I can second the olympus' great pair of hikers.
OK, I'm so tempted to try them out...
Good info as always. What did you think of the micropur at Philmont? (Hmmm...maybe water at Philmont could be a new Philmont tutorial?)
Possibly! Thanks Bill.
You could go one step further and use barefoot trail runners. They're so lightweight you can carry two pairs. I've never gone over on my ankle in barefoot shoes nor have I ever gotten blisters.
I do wear & like the Xero Z-trail sandals on occasion and they have some similar benefits to the barefoot trail runners. I've not taken them on any extended hikes yet though...
What camera gear you bring when you go backpacking? And what editor you use editing your videos? Thanks
I'll take the canon M50 and my cell phone for on trail video. And I've used powerdirector for my editing...
Thanks Andy and viewers for the really helpful information. I'm really in need of a sleep pad. 3 season mostly. It sounds like you're really happy with the Nemo Tensor. How long have you had it? There's a lot of praise out there for the XTherm pad. Looks like for good reason. No way I can afford both. Is it worth spending the extra for just the XTherm? Also, do you use anythig under your sleep pads in cold weather? Thanks again to you and followers for the advise. Best & happy hiking! Bob V
Bob, Great question... I have both and I am a big fan of both.... The X-therm is a MUCH warmer pad -bit.ly/3a8CNqy. I've been on it in single digits and it is plenty warm. The Nemo Tensor Insulated - bit.ly/3l6eDiJ is a more comfortable pad, but not as warm (R-6.9 vs R-3.5). Even the Thermarest Xlite is warmer at R-4.2 & quite a bit lighter... So the big determining factor is the temperatures at which you think you'll want to camp and whether you sleep cold or warm... Colder (well below freezing) temps and I'd lean towards the Xtherm. Cooler to Warm (down to around freezing, maybe a bit below) and I'd go with the Nemo. I think the Xlite and the Nemo Tensor Insulated are more comparable for temp rating sake and the XTherm and the Nemo Tensor Alpine (R-4.8) are better comparisons, with the Thermarest ones being better insulated and the Nemos being more comfortable... If I were you, I'd probably order through REI and try one out. If you don't like it, you can return it up to a year later and then try the other one... 👍
@@AndyParrishOutdoors Thanks Andy! Super appreciate your feedback! I'm a big fan of REI mostly for that warranty reason. I'm so amazed with the sleep pad choices & the technology used in them. I also really value user feedback as a big part of my gear research. Your channel has been a big help. I'm getting ready for 2021 hike/camping. Hope to be out by the end of March. Best Always....Bob V
@@bobv7753 Thanks, Bob. I could talk about this stuff all day long! Let me know how it works out!
@@AndyParrishOutdoors Will do! 👍
Skip the ENO and go straight to a cottage vendor hammock!
That is No Joke! It was on my larger list as well... I love my Dutchware Chameleon. What do you use?
@@AndyParrishOutdoors I have a Chameleon as well. I have pimped it out with accessories. Love your channel and that you rep IU across the country 😀
@@coachhikes2747 Thanks Coach! LOL, you have to wear the cream and crimson with pride!