I've done the TMB before - to anyone reading this, make this trip a priority. You won't regret it. Go with friends or alone you'll have an amazing time. This gear list is definitely solid advice. I'm looking forward to picking up some Evolved Supply Co. Gear soon.
Interesting. Did the TMB 2 weeks ago. Finished in 9 days with the full camp setup. While I can attest the refuges well frequented we met a lot of people going full camp mode and sleeping at camping sites. Usually that gets you water, a small store, shower, toilet and a way to wash your clothes. 10€ a person plus 7€ a tent or so. Only in 🇮🇹 it's a little bit harder, could stay in a Refugio there. That said can't confirm your fear of bad coffee at all. It was a treat to have so many stops with nice espresso or americano. Food and water supply is good on this trail so can really cut the weight there, but no need to sleep in refuges every night - that's hella expensive.
I drove down from the UK and did this last year, I camped every night, there are several free camp sites or wild camping is also easily done. I did a mix of both and had no problems at all. I’m 48 and had no problem completing the walk. If you’re used to walking all day you should be fine completing this.
The roommate and I just got back from backpacking the Blue Lakes, both of us thought we packed minimally and still ended up carrying 30-40lbs respectively. Obviously, the bear canister that we're required to have did add a significant amount of weight and our 7lbs tent probably doesn't help either. We're hoping to do the TMB soon, but we desperately need to figure out how to get our base weights down without completely breaking the bank. Thank you so much for these videos, we've been using your gear recommendations for years and it hasn't let us down yet.
the TMB is one of the highlights of my life, 100% would do it again. I'm glad I camped it too, selecting and using the gear it's a part of the experience that i really value.
TMB is definitely on my bucket list. I just put together my bikepacking kit, minus a few odds and ends, so I'm looking forward to that video. I'm planning my first trip as soon as it cools down a bit in the fall.
I greatly enjoyed the TMB with you and the rest of the group and looking to go back to Italy with my wife next year. Others seemed surprised I was so old. Was just at local bike shop regarding a new touring bike
I just dud the TMB, I think I was 2 weeks ahead of you. You went thru the same company. I had such a fantastic time, I will do it again. We had tough weather and still a lot of snow to hike thru. But best of memories, we had 7 hikers and a guide. Awesome group.
I love that these new packs are uniquely designed and are more than just bigger or smaller Rangers. I could see this next one being a great day pack 🤙🏻
Darwin, the new bag looks great! So many small “day packs” either don’t have hip belts or they are “one size” which aren’t comfortable for us short people. I currently just use a 12L running vest as my day pack, but your bag has me intrigued. I’d like to carry better “10 essentials” when day hiking. I hope your new bag will be available for short torso people. I’ll keep an eye out for its release.
Hi Darwin, love to look at your videos and see the evolution of your gear. Many bloggers have a ''lightest camping gear'' video. I would be interested in a ''most compact'' gear list, I am sure the light weight suff is a good starter, but being minimal volume has many advantages too (travel, biking...) would you be able to make a video of a camping gear list with minimal volume in mind? tks
Love the pack. Which it had another picked your phone could fit in. I love my run vest that fits my phone since most women’s shorts don’t have pockets or deep enough pockets for smart phones
What a beaut I think you plucked the Mallory right out of my dreams. Thru hiking the Via Alpina next summer, here I was debating between an Evolved Supply Co. Ranger and a Black Diamond Distance 22. It looks like a gorgeous marriage of the two that I would trade an internal organ for if that turns out to be true. Signed up for news via your website, I really hope you get it launched before next summer
Finished the TMB last month. I was probably a week or so before you. I did the slow 11 days classic route. It was fantastic. Thanks for all you do, you’re a pretty good dude.
It's good that you do these lists. Reason being its always good to see what, ( someone like your good self ) uses and gives honest feedback and reviews on what works and doesn't work on different hikes ect. I do like the look of those new Cnoc 500ml water bottles and the cap with tube. It'll save those who struggle getting their bottles back in the chest pouches, stopping and getting annoyed. Did that small camera stand do OK, or would you of preferred the slightly taller stand with bendy legs to make filming a bit easier?
Looks a lot like my Camino gear list. I carried a similar style pack with the running style vest and water bottles up front which worked great. I need to check out those CNOC bottles 👍🏻👍🏻
@@DarwinOnthetrail Doesn't matter, your videos are good quality, I'm sure you can edit something together even if it's just hiking footage. I'd love to see it, as would we all.
This is great man, thanks. I grew up in the Swiss alps. I personally hate the style of overnighting in shelters, "Hütte" as they are called in the German speaking part, and I am jealous of the endless wild landscape in the US without a forester or hunter or shepperd banging on your tent at 6am to tell you its forbidden.......
Have you looked into the new trail we have here in Oregon called the blue Mountain Trail? It’s roughly 500 miles and so far only 14 people have threw hiked it
I hate to tell you this, but there will always be another model. Learn to “Love the one you’re with”! 😂 It’s not about collecting gear, it’s about being out there as long as you can.
@@DarwinOnthetrail There are some challenging stretches where you are not meant to wild camp, like in some of Italy and Switzerland, but there are usually paid campgrounds to fall back on. It can be pretty social doing the camping. I am doing the TA this year, I wondered if that's something you ever considered doing?
The refugios seem great and there are a lot of appealing aspects to them, but also wondering, as an introvert, if it’s overly depleting to have to be social and around people all evening/night/morning. What was your experience? I typically look forward to that time alone in my tent- but also don’t want to miss out.
Guys, Rifugios are great, and I use them last time I did TMB, but they can be quite expensive 😅 that’s the only drawback… To bivouac with a tent is a completely different experience, more in contact with nature but less contact with the community of hikers.
@jennifer1424 Many refugios let you pitch your tent nearby for free, and it's kinda good practice to buy a meal at the refuge. Personally, I don't particularly like sleeping in the refuges as more often than not they are stuffy, noisy & crowded. Pitching your tent outside gives you the best of both worlds - social if you want, peace, quiet & fresh air at night - with access to the loos of course!
I've been wanting to do the TMB, but have heard that it's getting quite busy. Honestly, there are plenty of alternative multi-day hikes in the Alps that are just as stunning, but less well known because they don't circle the famous Mont Blanc.
Great video as always Darwin! How do you usually store your camera when it take it on a thru hike? Do you have a waterproof bag for it in case it rains?thanks
I am doing the EBC in mid march, do you have idea about tea houses bedroom temp at night ? I am looking foward for some mountaineering videos, TMB is in my bucket list and close to home .
Dang, wanting to do a hike likevTMB 4aWhile Darwin. Almost scored an awesome old Alps painting from one of those famous 19th Century artists (Frederick Biernstadt I tgink) in Green Bay & it slipped out of my hands.
Can someone explain how these shelters work? How much does it cost, what can you get inside, what if it is overcrowded and we do not carry a tent to sleep outside? thx
Hey there, I see you have done the tmb multiple times if I've got it right. What about the HexaTrek? What would you take in your backpack? Here in Europe the HexaTrek is a pretty young Thru-hike but I bet worse the devotion. Happy trails to you. Thx for reading. Bobcat from Belgium.
I understand you're showing a prototyple, but the provided link seems a bit of a switcheroo... link is the the Ranger pack, which doesn't have the same running vest straps. Very interested in the Mallory. Is there an anticipated release date and/or pre-order available? Thanks!
Which company did you use to book your refuges? I yried to book myself, 10 months prior, and they were all full. Apparently the yravel companies book them all....and then sell to us.
I clicked every single link in your description. Your welcome. And some links are already broken. I was looking for a better rain jacket and pants, but $250 is too much for me personally.
Ultralight isn’t my thing but I like your videos. I consider myself a pretty lightweight backpacker but I’m not about to pay for some of the ridiculous gear that’s trendy with today’s wealthy hikers.
Is it you who decided to put the "suggestion layer" at ±5:30 or is it TH-cam who does that automatically? It's really annoying as it prevents us from watching the content we're actually interested in. If it's not you, and also if you're annoyed by that too, send TH-cam a feedback asking them to change that back to the end of the video, where it belongs/makes more sense.
@@DarwinOnthetrail To be fair, a "ultralight sub-8 lb!!" header image suggests a full backpacking kit. This is essentially a daypack plus. My gear isn't especially light and I can get sub 8-lb with a day pack no problem.
If an e-bike enables someone to get out and enjoy the great outdoors, good luck to them I say! They could have arthritis after years of climbing 7 - 8,000'rs for all we know!
Refiugio?? Why the 2 "i"? French or English is the same spelling: Refuge. Only in English the pronunciation add an innexisting "i". In english it goes like: Ref"i"uge. In French it is pronounced like it is written: Refuge. The Re part in English is also different in sound then in French. If it was pronouced the same in French it would write Rèfiuge. But the i followed by the u would be against proper French syntax. The e in this word and all other French e without accent is pronounced like the one in "the" not like in "she". Refugio is Spanish. It is pronounced more like: Re-Foo"i"o. It is common belief for Anglophones to think French, along with most of their culture is overly refined for no reason. Yet in this case, it shows that Anglophones have just never cared about adjusting the pronunciation of vowels with their written form when this was made a discovery. In turn the language remain learned orally and then the written form is roughly brushed over it. But all in all this single word is actually more simple in the French version or the Spanish version! In the French language their is more specific words for each things. They also have specific pronunciation for specific meaning. That account for less ambiguity, greater honesty and show less intent of betrayal. When you watch an English comedy show, the language allow for more laughter since more of the same word with the same pronunciation have the same signification. It is then easy to present a context suggesting a specific meaning but then reverting it to the other meaning. But in real life these ambiguity into codes of laws or contracts account for many tears.
I've done the TMB before - to anyone reading this, make this trip a priority. You won't regret it. Go with friends or alone you'll have an amazing time. This gear list is definitely solid advice. I'm looking forward to picking up some Evolved Supply Co. Gear soon.
+1 It is one of the most impressive tour i ever made.
Interesting. Did the TMB 2 weeks ago. Finished in 9 days with the full camp setup. While I can attest the refuges well frequented we met a lot of people going full camp mode and sleeping at camping sites. Usually that gets you water, a small store, shower, toilet and a way to wash your clothes. 10€ a person plus 7€ a tent or so. Only in 🇮🇹 it's a little bit harder, could stay in a Refugio there. That said can't confirm your fear of bad coffee at all. It was a treat to have so many stops with nice espresso or americano.
Food and water supply is good on this trail so can really cut the weight there, but no need to sleep in refuges every night - that's hella expensive.
I drove down from the UK and did this last year, I camped every night, there are several free camp sites or wild camping is also easily done. I did a mix of both and had no problems at all. I’m 48 and had no problem completing the walk. If you’re used to walking all day you should be fine completing this.
The roommate and I just got back from backpacking the Blue Lakes, both of us thought we packed minimally and still ended up carrying 30-40lbs respectively. Obviously, the bear canister that we're required to have did add a significant amount of weight and our 7lbs tent probably doesn't help either. We're hoping to do the TMB soon, but we desperately need to figure out how to get our base weights down without completely breaking the bank. Thank you so much for these videos, we've been using your gear recommendations for years and it hasn't let us down yet.
the TMB is one of the highlights of my life, 100% would do it again. I'm glad I camped it too, selecting and using the gear it's a part of the experience that i really value.
TMB is definitely on my bucket list. I just put together my bikepacking kit, minus a few odds and ends, so I'm looking forward to that video. I'm planning my first trip as soon as it cools down a bit in the fall.
I greatly enjoyed the TMB with you and the rest of the group and looking to go back to Italy with my wife next year. Others seemed surprised I was so old. Was just at local bike shop regarding a new touring bike
TMB is on my list for 2025. Turning 50 next year's so seems the perfect time
DO IT! It would be a great way to celebrate 50!
You will find many 50+ hikers 👍🏼
Especially French hikers
I just dud the TMB, I think I was 2 weeks ahead of you. You went thru the same company. I had such a fantastic time, I will do it again. We had tough weather and still a lot of snow to hike thru. But best of memories, we had 7 hikers and a guide. Awesome group.
I love that these new packs are uniquely designed and are more than just bigger or smaller Rangers. I could see this next one being a great day pack 🤙🏻
Darwin, the new bag looks great! So many small “day packs” either don’t have hip belts or they are “one size” which aren’t comfortable for us short people. I currently just use a 12L running vest as my day pack, but your bag has me intrigued. I’d like to carry better “10 essentials” when day hiking. I hope your new bag will be available for short torso people. I’ll keep an eye out for its release.
Hi Darwin, love to look at your videos and see the evolution of your gear. Many bloggers have a ''lightest camping gear'' video. I would be interested in a ''most compact'' gear list, I am sure the light weight suff is a good starter, but being minimal volume has many advantages too (travel, biking...) would you be able to make a video of a camping gear list with minimal volume in mind? tks
Love the pack. Which it had another picked your phone could fit in. I love my run vest that fits my phone since most women’s shorts don’t have pockets or deep enough pockets for smart phones
6:03 Glad to see you are using Norrøna🇳🇴. Another norwegian brand that has taken off the last years is Lanullva, very comfortable!
I really dig Norrona’s stuff! Well made & fits me very well
TMB was nice I did it a couple of years ago also in ~ 8 days. About 1/2 camping 1/2 huts.
Great way to do it! 🤙
What a beaut I think you plucked the Mallory right out of my dreams. Thru hiking the Via Alpina next summer, here I was debating between an Evolved Supply Co. Ranger and a Black Diamond Distance 22. It looks like a gorgeous marriage of the two that I would trade an internal organ for if that turns out to be true. Signed up for news via your website, I really hope you get it launched before next summer
The towel and collapsable water bottle are on my list now!
Finished the TMB last month. I was probably a week or so before you. I did the slow 11 days classic route. It was fantastic. Thanks for all you do, you’re a pretty good dude.
Carried a very similar kit on the TMB two weeks ago. Great hike. Loved it!
love the color selection for the collection of clothes
Your attention to detail is amazing. You would have made a great engineer, but luckily you found a better vocation.
It's good that you do these lists. Reason being its always good to see what, ( someone like your good self ) uses and gives honest feedback and reviews on what works and doesn't work on different hikes ect.
I do like the look of those new Cnoc 500ml water bottles and the cap with tube.
It'll save those who struggle getting their bottles back in the chest pouches, stopping and getting annoyed.
Did that small camera stand do OK, or would you of preferred the slightly taller stand with bendy legs to make filming a bit easier?
The TMB is 100% on my bucket list.
Go get it baby!🎉
Looks a lot like my Camino gear list. I carried a similar style pack with the running style vest and water bottles up front which worked great. I need to check out those CNOC bottles 👍🏻👍🏻
Hydrapak also makes similar bottles.
I'm planning to do hut to hut in the Dolamites, this is super helpful!
Thanks for the heads up on the coffee situation.
Will we see a video showing us the hike? That looks fantastic!
Not sure... didn't really shoot enough footage for a "Full Video"
@@DarwinOnthetrail Doesn't matter, your videos are good quality, I'm sure you can edit something together even if it's just hiking footage. I'd love to see it, as would we all.
Great kit buddy!
Thanks for sharing.
Looking forward to an update on the bikepacking gear.
- Nick
Prescott, AZ
Such fun! It's keeping you young Nic 🥰
The gray begs to differ sometimes 😂
Going to do the TMB in 3 weeks time 😁😁😁 but with the camp set up
Nice!
I’m interested in the idea of camping as well. Any recommendations for information about the camping sites?
I've not considered the TMB but I am starting a Camino next month
Lots of great stuff here. Thanks for the video! 👍👍
Thanks for watching! 🤙
Well done 👍🏼
Great set up for
- I agree, rifugio’s coffee is terrible 😂
This is great man, thanks. I grew up in the Swiss alps. I personally hate the style of overnighting in shelters, "Hütte" as they are called in the German speaking part, and I am jealous of the endless wild landscape in the US without a forester or hunter or shepperd banging on your tent at 6am to tell you its forbidden.......
Have you looked into the new trail we have here in Oregon called the blue Mountain Trail? It’s roughly 500 miles and so far only 14 people have threw hiked it
OK just got the Ranger and now you drop this new pack...just take my money go on!
I hate to tell you this, but there will always be another model. Learn to “Love the one you’re with”! 😂 It’s not about collecting gear, it’s about being out there as long as you can.
Just got back from hiking a modded version of the TMB. Second time around and utterly beautiful.
Excellent! As usual. :)
Thank Ya! Glad you enjoyed it!
Awesome. Did you film in ProRes? Interested to see how it comes out.
The ultralighters amaze me with how they seem to get lighter and lighter for a multi day trip
I love how dude is just sitting in front of $10,000 worth of gear lol
Hope to see a TMB video series. The wonderful Follow Bigfoot channel, before he retired from vlogging to take up fathering, did a great TMB series.
Nice, TMB also on my list. What a nice pack that is, will it be available somewhere?
I wild camped the TMB and there were lots of other doing the same in 2023.
It does seem appealing, but I do dig the Refugio's!
@@DarwinOnthetrail There are some challenging stretches where you are not meant to wild camp, like in some of Italy and Switzerland, but there are usually paid campgrounds to fall back on. It can be pretty social doing the camping. I am doing the TA this year, I wondered if that's something you ever considered doing?
The refugios seem great and there are a lot of appealing aspects to them, but also wondering, as an introvert, if it’s overly depleting to have to be social and around people all evening/night/morning. What was your experience? I typically look forward to that time alone in my tent- but also don’t want to miss out.
Guys, Rifugios are great, and I use them last time I did TMB, but they can be quite expensive 😅 that’s the only drawback…
To bivouac with a tent is a completely different experience, more in contact with nature but less contact with the community of hikers.
@jennifer1424 Many refugios let you pitch your tent nearby for free, and it's kinda good practice to buy a meal at the refuge. Personally, I don't particularly like sleeping in the refuges as more often than not they are stuffy, noisy & crowded. Pitching your tent outside gives you the best of both worlds - social if you want, peace, quiet & fresh air at night - with access to the loos of course!
I've been wanting to do the TMB, but have heard that it's getting quite busy. Honestly, there are plenty of alternative multi-day hikes in the Alps that are just as stunning, but less well known because they don't circle the famous Mont Blanc.
Thanks for sharing your gear, techniques, and experience. What phone holder you use on your tripod?
Hope to see you in Cascade locks
I'll be there! Come say hey at the Evolved Supply Co. booth!
Nice tight setup!
Great video as always Darwin! How do you usually store your camera when it take it on a thru hike? Do you have a waterproof bag for it in case it rains?thanks
Can you direct me to a video if you have done one on collapsible water bottles for hiking. Thanks
I am doing the EBC in mid march, do you have idea about tea houses bedroom temp at night ? I am looking foward for some mountaineering videos, TMB is in my bucket list and close to home .
Random question with the bidet, do you use filtered water to clean up or dirty water?
thats a cool pack
Love the looks of that fastpack you're testing out! Hope it will be available in the not-too-distant future!
Soon... 😉
Dang, wanting to do a hike likevTMB 4aWhile Darwin. Almost scored an awesome old Alps painting from one of those famous 19th Century artists (Frederick Biernstadt I tgink) in Green Bay & it slipped out of my hands.
Can someone explain how these shelters work? How much does it cost, what can you get inside, what if it is overcrowded and we do not carry a tent to sleep outside? thx
Hi Darwin! One question, now that you are taking more climbing trips, what do you think about freestand vs non freestanding tents?
How did you manage in the refuges with shoes? I thought you had to leave your shoes at the door, so need some form of hut shoes?
Darwin can you make a video how you shoot with iphone ? Settings equipment ?
Hey there, I see you have done the tmb multiple times if I've got it right. What about the HexaTrek? What would you take in your backpack? Here in Europe the HexaTrek is a pretty young Thru-hike but I bet worse the devotion. Happy trails to you. Thx for reading. Bobcat from Belgium.
I see you used Pursuits, what time of year did you do the Tour? Does it considerably more wet later in the year to justify boots or GTX trailrunners?
Cool. Thanks ❤❤❤
That pack prototype looks great!
I couldn’t quite see, but it doesn’t seem to have water bottle pockets on the sides right?
thanks ❤
The only time I stayed in a hostel, someone snored so loudly that I had to go outside to get any sleep!
Earplugs were definitely in that "First-Aid" Kit 😉
@@DarwinOnthetrailoh yeah, I would say they’re in the “survival kit” 😂
Nice looking pack. Can't wait to see it.
What’s the quick drinking straw? Cheers
When are you going to do extensive paddle trips?
🤔 ohhhh... now we're talking!
Yes
I understand you're showing a prototyple, but the provided link seems a bit of a switcheroo... link is the the Ranger pack, which doesn't have the same running vest straps. Very interested in the Mallory. Is there an anticipated release date and/or pre-order available? Thanks!
When will we get more info on the new pack?
How long do custom insoles last?
For latin-american culture, it is wild to think you are not carrying boxers and socks for every day, for us is a must.
Just curious how you landed on the name Mallory for your pack.
West Highland Way and Great Glen Way in the Scottish highlands
Omg my everyday purse/backpack weighs this much.😮 I need to downsize.
There's something about the phrase "pit zips" that makes me giggle
nice pack
Which company did you use to book your refuges?
I yried to book myself, 10 months prior, and they were all full.
Apparently the yravel companies book them all....and then sell to us.
Looks like it NU20, not 25🫠
Great gear list and the trek itself
I clicked every single link in your description. Your welcome. And some links are already broken. I was looking for a better rain jacket and pants, but $250 is too much for me personally.
Frog toggs makes bargain rain gear and light
I would lose the coffee cup, add my superlite hut shoes and a multi- tool/knife. 2 essentials.
Different strokes for different folks, my guy
Ultralight isn’t my thing but I like your videos. I consider myself a pretty lightweight backpacker but I’m not about to pay for some of the ridiculous gear that’s trendy with today’s wealthy hikers.
Is it you who decided to put the "suggestion layer" at ±5:30 or is it TH-cam who does that automatically? It's really annoying as it prevents us from watching the content we're actually interested in.
If it's not you, and also if you're annoyed by that too, send TH-cam a feedback asking them to change that back to the end of the video, where it belongs/makes more sense.
RIP Nike Challenger shorts
I didnt see the type of underwear listed? Just asking for all the fat thigh guys out there! Thank you for the great video.
A few grammes could be saved by having a european charger, not a us charger and an adapter.
You forgot something very important.... the French Beret...
kinda stinks how "evolved" stuff is taking over the list and we can't be sure if it's actually the best or because he owns the company
I get the sentiment, but as long as he has design control, it's still "his" recommend, as opposed to shilling for someone else's product.
Poor people also saunter, still.
No sleep, shelter, or cook system.
That’s not backpacking.
Where do you see the word Backpacking? 😉
@@DarwinOnthetrail To be fair, a "ultralight sub-8 lb!!" header image suggests a full backpacking kit. This is essentially a daypack plus. My gear isn't especially light and I can get sub 8-lb with a day pack no problem.
Frist!
I hope you’re not using ebikes on your “bikepacking” trips.
😂 I would never ride an Ebike. I’m an actual cyclist.
You can find lots of Bikepacking videos here on my channel from over the last 9 years. 🤙
@@DarwinOnthetrail nice! I think I’ve missed all your bikepacking trips.
If an e-bike enables someone to get out and enjoy the great outdoors, good luck to them I say! They could have arthritis after years of climbing 7 - 8,000'rs for all we know!
Refiugio?? Why the 2 "i"? French or English is the same spelling: Refuge. Only in English the pronunciation add an innexisting "i". In english it goes like: Ref"i"uge. In French it is pronounced like it is written: Refuge. The Re part in English is also different in sound then in French. If it was pronouced the same in French it would write Rèfiuge. But the i followed by the u would be against proper French syntax. The e in this word and all other French e without accent is pronounced like the one in "the" not like in "she". Refugio is Spanish. It is pronounced more like: Re-Foo"i"o. It is common belief for Anglophones to think French, along with most of their culture is overly refined for no reason. Yet in this case, it shows that Anglophones have just never cared about adjusting the pronunciation of vowels with their written form when this was made a discovery. In turn the language remain learned orally and then the written form is roughly brushed over it. But all in all this single word is actually more simple in the French version or the Spanish version! In the French language their is more specific words for each things. They also have specific pronunciation for specific meaning. That account for less ambiguity, greater honesty and show less intent of betrayal. When you watch an English comedy show, the language allow for more laughter since more of the same word with the same pronunciation have the same signification. It is then easy to present a context suggesting a specific meaning but then reverting it to the other meaning. But in real life these ambiguity into codes of laws or contracts account for many tears.