One piece of advice ive followed for years is no never cheap out on anything that separates me from the ground. Cheap boots and sleep mats? No. Temu titanium sporks and water bottles? Absolutely.
MATE! Really enjoy your videos. I mountaineered fanatically for 20yrs, and just returned after a break of over 6yrs due to illness. I can’t believe how much the outdoor kit industry has changed in that time. It’s nice to have someone on the Toob who isn’t fanatical about spending £1000s on the latest ‘thing’. Just wanted to say thanks 🤩
Thank you so much for your kind words! It's great to hear that you're back in the mountains after your break. The outdoor kit world can be overwhelming, but I'm glad to help navigate it without breaking the bank!
I'm glad you're not pooh-poohing naturehike tents just because they're selling copies of Western branded tents. The Naturehike stuffs are made in the same factories as where some of the premium western brands source their products and the price differentials make sense for a lot of beginners who just want to get out there without dropping $600+ on tents. When my daughter was in high school, we often took some of her mates on overnight hikes and we got them into the hobby. They or their parents would often ask for gear recommendations and I've never hesitated pulling naturehike out of the bag. Solid, decently priced, perfect for someone new to explore the hobby.
I've got a black ice Aliexpress special sleeping bag and its fantastic. light for a 3 season bag and lofts well. waterproof outer fabric is a bit rogue but didn't notice it being sweaty inside.
Great channel Mowser! I have a Naturehike and it’s been in really strong wind and heavy rain. Really solid. I’d recommend swapping out the pegs. The ones that came with mine were good, but the ones that came with my daughter’s were terrible breaking on the first trip. Swapped them out for Alton’s and been great ever since. Good weight, good pack size and good quality.
I have a similar shirt to Woolza that has been on most walks with me since about 1989-1990. It is a button up long sleeve Wilderness Wear brand shirt. It looks like the day that it was made. I had two but foolishly gave one away years ago. Wilderness Wear is an Australian clothing company that was originally a Tasmanian sock manufacturing company (now based in Melbourne) that still makes Australian manufactures high quality merino socks thermals.
Yes, that shirt pre-dates my three children and grandchildren. Still looks like new. Incredible quality. I am going to order some of the Wilderness Wear socks. Not cheap but good quality Tasmanian merino wool and made in Australia. They go up to Size 15 which is great. Cheers. Michael Butler.
Such a good video! I love the advice to find what works for you with the key equipment of shoes and packs. Too many of these videos (often made by large broad-shouldered men) strongly recommend specific backpacks as the best, but different people have different requirements. I'm very small (so camping pack is a large percentage of my bodyweight) and I have narrow weak shoulders, so the more minimal ultralight packs most people recommend are torture for me after about 30 mins, even when packed ultralight. On the other hand, my tank of a Fjällräven pack, which is heavier than many others on the market, has an amazing broad stiffened hip belt that I can use to transfer most of the weight off my shoulders, and with that I can walk all day carrying 1/3 of my body weight with (relative) ease.
I'm so glad you found the advice helpful! It's true that everyone's body type and needs are different, so finding the right gear is crucial for an enjoyable experience out there. Your experience with the Fjällräven pack sounds perfect for you!
This is a great channel Mowser. I am glad that your channel is doing well. Have you thought of having a site where subscribers can send photos ie. A gallery within the website? Regards, Michael Butler
Thanks Michael! Yes, I have given something like that a lot of thought. A community sort of a setup. Hopefully will get something happening like that in 2025. Lots of plans!
I can recommend the company “Mountain Equipment” as a hardshell layer. Their Goretex stuff is really good and doesn’t cost the earth. I have two GSD working lines and am outside every day. For hours. The dogs jump at me. There are also occasional bites. My jacket is made of D70 outer material, if I remember correctly and is super robust and at the same time very comfortable. At that time I looked for an offer and paid 300 euros. The colors are just not that great. But the quality is really good. Goretex has different membrane qualities. You should read these with the corresponding water columns and breathability. Goretex Pro is their best membrane. Paclite almost identical but much lighter. So always pay attention to which membrane class is installed. If there is nothing more precise, it is the worst in their range. I would always plan the jacket in such a way that it meets all the requirements later when these requirements increase. Otherwise you would have spent money for nothing on a jacket because you thought it would be enough.
My partner and I are just getting into backpacking and so far we have really high hopes for decathlon. Foam mat and open cell foam/inflatable pad for 70 total and it’s a better night sleep than my actual mattress. Also skip the jet boil buy bsr
Here in canada you gotta buy winter boots. 🇨🇦 its another pair of boots that youll probably only use 3 months out of that year but they are essential and very handy to have. You can squeese by with an extra pair of socks but temperatures dip down to -20 better to be prepared. 👍
I've just picked up a quilt and sleep system from Rock Front from Ukraine. Similar to Zenbivy but way cheaper. Have summer and winter options. I purchased a quilt for summer but yet to give it a try so can't comment on that front. I have a winter quilt from Tear Gear from Tassie but they have stopped making them which is a shame for others that is warm as. But I might pick up Rock Fronts winter quilt if the summer one works well to fit with the sleep system.
Sounds like you've made a solid choice with the Rock Front sleep system! I'm excited to hear how the summer quilt performs for you. It’s always great to find budget-friendly options that don't compromise on quality.
You can find some grear stuff in OPshops as well, picked up a few things that were $500+ for $10, some still had the tags on. Yep, durability is on a per-person basis... some will last a lifetime and others no matter what the object is always break or stop working. The classic is if you lend an item, does it come back in the same condition or better with a tank of fuel, or is it empty and looks like it got left outside for years uncovered.
Absolutely! OP shops can be a goldmine for amazing finds. It’s always a thrill to discover something valuable for such a low price. I know what you mean about lending!
Sure can pick up some good gear. I just picked up a high quality mountaineering/alpine pack brand new with tags (an older great model) for a very fair price. Just have to know what you are buying.
I'm wrapt in my BCF fishing shirt because I can unbutton it and cool my chest off when I'm hiking. I use an Aarn pack with front balance bags. It has vented parts as well. Itsideal over here in the West.I don't have a garminIn Reach Mini, though I do have an EPERB. I will wait until late next year and switch over to Optus when they partner with Elon Musks SpaceXs satellite network.
Researching GoreTex I’ve found it is made from PFAS. Older GoreTex is worse and it’s also deteriorating. What I’ve seen suggests you say goodbye to the old fave rain jacket.
I do love anything with Gore Tex or Gore Tex Pro light. Have not hiked in Iceland though. I have hiked in Northern Norway (In summer thought) and was using a lightweight Gore tex Montbell jacket. My Arc'Teryx Beta AR would be perfect for most conditions too.
@mowsertas The current opinions I've seen about GoreTex are that you can do just as well for less money. I've been torturing myself reading about rain gear for a week-2L, 2.5L, 3L, DWR and so on. Even if you pick a fabric you have to look for taped seams, flaps over zippers, and stitching. I already have good gear but it's heavy and camo. I travel light so I'm looking for lightweight packables. I won't be using it much after my trip. If I buy a $30 packable puffy for a midlayer and it falls apart after a year I can buy a lot of replacements for the cost of one $300 puffy. A light packable polyethylene waterproof shell made with pit zips for ventilation of vapor and a decent design is probably what ticks the boxes. I can't find one.
I use a Garmin inreach mini 2. But this is mainly for communication. On the track I use primarily GAIA GPS on my phone as well as my Garmin Feinx 7X watch for navigation.
LAYERS - A shelter system is important, but DON'T be cheap on your layers! In a pinch, your layers ARE your shelter system. But don't overpack with clothing either. I'll generally have one rain layer and one thermal layer, but I'll have two sets of underwear (including socks), two base layers and two mid' layers. These two sets of layers are divided into "trail clothes" and "camp clothes". Any time I need to hit the trail, I wear the stinky-dirty set. When I make camp, I change into my LESS stinky-dirty clothes. When clothes start to be a bit much, I do laundry. Just drop a few items into a large plastic bag with soap and water then shake-rattle-and-roll until the rinse is acceptably clean.
I know some people with the X-mid and they rate it very highly. It looks like great gear but I haven't tried it. I was actually thinking of getting some of their trekking poles.
@@mowsertasI picked up the normal X-Mid 1 recently and it was a great buy. It doesn't break the bank (unlike the Pro) but saved me 2lbs off my previous tent. The design really is quite clever and I love the huge vestibules.
@@mowsertas uh not up here mate I've just heard of them and I dont think anyone has here. It's a rare find it would be even rare to find an actual macpac tent in usable condition. 🤔
@@mowsertas the problem with mobile phones having satellite coms capability is battery life. There should always be a dedicated device for emergency use, one that the users would be able to have confidence in when it comes to battery life lasting long enough to facilitate accurate SAR efforts. It doesn't make sense to be able to call for help but then have the battery on the device dying on you. A dedicated PLB might be a simple device and you can't message home at the end of each hiking day, but with proper monitoring, we could be confident that if we activate it, the battery would last long enough.
Nature hike is a bad brand with good tents 😢. They just skip the p&d and steal from other brands and cheap out on materials while still being strong. I’m a guy who likes to buy from a brand that has a product developer so someone really thought about the product and made tests etc… appreciate the original and support it.
The shirt is made by a Norwegian brand called Norrona. I absolutely love their gear! The model i'm wearing is calle the Svalbard Flannel shirt. Older model so only available in their online outlet here now i think: www.norrona.com/en-GB/loyalty/?referralCode=LO0A2XLPX2
I have a D+ left foot and an E+ right foot which makes buying any shoe a ridiculous process. Buying "high end" standard sized (American D) hiking shoes/boots, because they were sale, has been my biggest mistake. I wanted the "best hiking shoes". Yeah, on sale they are more affordable and may eventually stretch out and feel ok, but I've put 100's of miles on shoes that just didn't fit well. Close your eyes. Screw what they look like. Screw the reviews. Pick a pair that actually fits and feels right! I'm currently wearing a pair of Merrell Speed 2 wides - incredibly generic, definitely not cool to "real hikers", and in my opinion ugly as hell - but f' that! My feet didn't hurt from day 1 and I'm doing 15+ miles a day on century-plus trails without pain. If you have regular sized feet, you have a million options, but if not, find a brand that has wide options and pay a little more to be comfortable.
One piece of advice ive followed for years is no never cheap out on anything that separates me from the ground. Cheap boots and sleep mats? No. Temu titanium sporks and water bottles? Absolutely.
Great tip!!
I like that
MATE! Really enjoy your videos. I mountaineered fanatically for 20yrs, and just returned after a break of over 6yrs due to illness. I can’t believe how much the outdoor kit industry has changed in that time. It’s nice to have someone on the Toob who isn’t fanatical about spending £1000s on the latest ‘thing’. Just wanted to say thanks 🤩
Thank you so much for your kind words! It's great to hear that you're back in the mountains after your break. The outdoor kit world can be overwhelming, but I'm glad to help navigate it without breaking the bank!
I'm glad you're not pooh-poohing naturehike tents just because they're selling copies of Western branded tents. The Naturehike stuffs are made in the same factories as where some of the premium western brands source their products and the price differentials make sense for a lot of beginners who just want to get out there without dropping $600+ on tents.
When my daughter was in high school, we often took some of her mates on overnight hikes and we got them into the hobby. They or their parents would often ask for gear recommendations and I've never hesitated pulling naturehike out of the bag. Solid, decently priced, perfect for someone new to explore the hobby.
Yes, they look like a really good and affordable option. I'm thinking of getting one for all my kids to take on the Overland track over summer.
@@mowsertas yeah and if the kids trash the tent, you're a lot less mad at them.
I've got a black ice Aliexpress special sleeping bag and its fantastic. light for a 3 season bag and lofts well. waterproof outer fabric is a bit rogue but didn't notice it being sweaty inside.
Great channel Mowser! I have a Naturehike and it’s been in really strong wind and heavy rain. Really solid. I’d recommend swapping out the pegs. The ones that came with mine were good, but the ones that came with my daughter’s were terrible breaking on the first trip. Swapped them out for Alton’s and been great ever since. Good weight, good pack size and good quality.
Thanks for the tip! Think I'll have to get one!
I have a similar shirt to Woolza that has been on most walks with me since about 1989-1990. It is a button up long sleeve Wilderness Wear brand shirt. It looks like the day that it was made. I had two but foolishly gave one away years ago. Wilderness Wear is an Australian clothing company that was originally a Tasmanian sock manufacturing company (now based in Melbourne) that still makes Australian manufactures high quality merino socks thermals.
Wow, a shirt that’s been with you since 1989? That's amazing. I do have a few pairs of their socks which I really like!
Yes, that shirt pre-dates my three children and grandchildren. Still looks like new. Incredible quality.
I am going to order some of the Wilderness Wear socks. Not cheap but good quality Tasmanian merino wool and made in Australia. They go up to Size 15 which is great.
Cheers.
Michael Butler.
Gold mate, that was some great advice.
Thanks!
Recently ordered the 60L Atom Prospector pack and had fun designing it. Cottage brand with about 10-12week lead time
The Atom packs look really good. Would be fun to design one!
Such a good video! I love the advice to find what works for you with the key equipment of shoes and packs. Too many of these videos (often made by large broad-shouldered men) strongly recommend specific backpacks as the best, but different people have different requirements. I'm very small (so camping pack is a large percentage of my bodyweight) and I have narrow weak shoulders, so the more minimal ultralight packs most people recommend are torture for me after about 30 mins, even when packed ultralight. On the other hand, my tank of a Fjällräven pack, which is heavier than many others on the market, has an amazing broad stiffened hip belt that I can use to transfer most of the weight off my shoulders, and with that I can walk all day carrying 1/3 of my body weight with (relative) ease.
I'm so glad you found the advice helpful! It's true that everyone's body type and needs are different, so finding the right gear is crucial for an enjoyable experience out there. Your experience with the Fjällräven pack sounds perfect for you!
This is a great channel Mowser. I am glad that your channel is doing well.
Have you thought of having a site where subscribers can send photos ie. A gallery within the website?
Regards,
Michael Butler
Thanks Michael! Yes, I have given something like that a lot of thought. A community sort of a setup. Hopefully will get something happening like that in 2025. Lots of plans!
I can recommend the company “Mountain Equipment” as a hardshell layer. Their Goretex stuff is really good and doesn’t cost the earth.
I have two GSD working lines and am outside every day. For hours. The dogs jump at me. There are also occasional bites. My jacket is made of D70 outer material, if I remember correctly and is super robust and at the same time very comfortable. At that time I looked for an offer and paid 300 euros.
The colors are just not that great. But the quality is really good.
Goretex has different membrane qualities. You should read these with the corresponding water columns and breathability.
Goretex Pro is their best membrane.
Paclite almost identical but much lighter. So always pay attention to which membrane class is installed. If there is nothing more precise, it is the worst in their range.
I would always plan the jacket in such a way that it meets all the requirements later when these requirements increase. Otherwise you would have spent money for nothing on a jacket because you thought it would be enough.
Great tips. Will check out mountain equipment!
My partner and I are just getting into backpacking and so far we have really high hopes for decathlon. Foam mat and open cell foam/inflatable pad for 70 total and it’s a better night sleep than my actual mattress.
Also skip the jet boil buy bsr
I'm interested in the Decathlon gear. It reviews pretty well!
Here in canada you gotta buy winter boots. 🇨🇦 its another pair of boots that youll probably only use 3 months out of that year but they are essential and very handy to have. You can squeese by with an extra pair of socks but temperatures dip down to -20 better to be prepared. 👍
Yep. Luckily we don't really need winter boots here but I have considered them!
The joy of Saskatchewan the -40's not uncommon so the right boots and clothing is necessary
@@paulsmart5199 I'm in Toronto so maybe you can get by with extra socks. But big winter boots are not uncommon. People seem to have sorels or hunter.
@@mowsertas I have some big ice fishing winter boots they're like rubber boots only they have felt liners. I swear each boot weighs ten pounds. 🤣
I use a naturehike star river 2, realy good for the money. I used it in pretty rough conditions and hat no complaines at all
That's great to know! Thanks!
I've just picked up a quilt and sleep system from Rock Front from Ukraine.
Similar to Zenbivy but way cheaper.
Have summer and winter options.
I purchased a quilt for summer but yet to give it a try so can't comment on that front.
I have a winter quilt from Tear Gear from Tassie but they have stopped making them which is a shame for others that is warm as. But I might pick up Rock Fronts winter quilt if the summer one works well to fit with the sleep system.
Sounds like you've made a solid choice with the Rock Front sleep system! I'm excited to hear how the summer quilt performs for you. It’s always great to find budget-friendly options that don't compromise on quality.
You can find some grear stuff in OPshops as well, picked up a few things that were $500+ for $10, some still had the tags on.
Yep, durability is on a per-person basis... some will last a lifetime and others no matter what the object is always break or stop working.
The classic is if you lend an item, does it come back in the same condition or better with a tank of fuel, or is it empty and looks like it got left outside for years uncovered.
Absolutely! OP shops can be a goldmine for amazing finds. It’s always a thrill to discover something valuable for such a low price. I know what you mean about lending!
And if you find any good bargains, you can regift with ease if someone needs that item and everyone wins.
Sure can pick up some good gear. I just picked up a high quality mountaineering/alpine pack brand new with tags (an older great model) for a very fair price. Just have to know what you are buying.
I'm wrapt in my BCF fishing shirt because I can unbutton it and cool my chest off when I'm hiking. I use an Aarn pack with front balance bags. It has vented parts as well. Itsideal over here in the West.I don't have a garminIn Reach Mini, though I do have an EPERB. I will wait until late next year and switch over to Optus when they partner with Elon Musks SpaceXs satellite network.
Arn packs are fantastic
Researching GoreTex I’ve found it is made from PFAS. Older GoreTex is worse and it’s also deteriorating. What I’ve seen suggests you say goodbye to the old fave rain jacket.
Yes, I've been looking into this quite a bit since making this video. Am going to investigate some PFAS free products.
We have a 3f ul qingkong 3 which is exact copy of a MSR mutha hubba nx3... At 1/3 the price !
Decathlon , Alpkit , 3f UL...good quality gear.
Thanks for sharing. Looks like a good tent!
Rain shell for Iceland in Autumn?
I do love anything with Gore Tex or Gore Tex Pro light. Have not hiked in Iceland though. I have hiked in Northern Norway (In summer thought) and was using a lightweight Gore tex Montbell jacket. My Arc'Teryx Beta AR would be perfect for most conditions too.
@mowsertas The current opinions I've seen about GoreTex are that you can do just as well for less money. I've been torturing myself reading about rain gear for a week-2L, 2.5L, 3L, DWR and so on.
Even if you pick a fabric you have to look for taped seams, flaps over zippers, and stitching.
I already have good gear but it's heavy and camo. I travel light so I'm looking for lightweight packables. I won't be using it much after my trip. If I buy a $30 packable puffy for a midlayer and it falls apart after a year I can buy a lot of replacements for the cost of one $300 puffy.
A light packable polyethylene waterproof shell made with pit zips for ventilation of vapor and a decent design is probably what ticks the boxes. I can't find one.
Nice. Which satelite navigator do you recommend?
I use a Garmin inreach mini 2. But this is mainly for communication. On the track I use primarily GAIA GPS on my phone as well as my Garmin Feinx 7X watch for navigation.
Also ive got blundstones. Boots for city walking 8n the shoulder months. Have you got blunstones down under there?
Blundstones are from Tasmania! This is where they started and we all wear them!
@@mowsertas I've got blunstones on right now. I've been wearing blunstones for 20 years.
They're the ideal city boots. Perfect for stomping the pavement. 👍
LAYERS - A shelter system is important, but DON'T be cheap on your layers! In a pinch, your layers ARE your shelter system. But don't overpack with clothing either. I'll generally have one rain layer and one thermal layer, but I'll have two sets of underwear (including socks), two base layers and two mid' layers. These two sets of layers are divided into "trail clothes" and "camp clothes".
Any time I need to hit the trail, I wear the stinky-dirty set. When I make camp, I change into my LESS stinky-dirty clothes. When clothes start to be a bit much, I do laundry. Just drop a few items into a large plastic bag with soap and water then shake-rattle-and-roll until the rinse is acceptably clean.
great tips!
Haha tell me you got the ZB without telling me you got the ZB! 😁🎉 🌟
What are your thoughts on Durston’s gear? I have the Kakwa 55 and plan on getting the x-dome 2 when it’s released soon!
I know some people with the X-mid and they rate it very highly. It looks like great gear but I haven't tried it. I was actually thinking of getting some of their trekking poles.
@@mowsertasI picked up the normal X-Mid 1 recently and it was a great buy. It doesn't break the bank (unlike the Pro) but saved me 2lbs off my previous tent. The design really is quite clever and I love the huge vestibules.
You guys have macpac down there???😊
Sure do. There's a Macpac store in most cities.
@@mowsertas not up here mate. They got a coupla tents thst look like they are famous.
@@mowsertas uh not up here mate I've just heard of them and I dont think anyone has here. It's a rare find it would be even rare to find an actual macpac tent in usable condition. 🤔
Shoes, Sleep and Safety then fire.
Iphone 14 and above have satellite SOS and I heard update 18.2 will include satellite text messaging.
Good point! I was going to mention that and forgot!
@@mowsertas the problem with mobile phones having satellite coms capability is battery life.
There should always be a dedicated device for emergency use, one that the users would be able to have confidence in when it comes to battery life lasting long enough to facilitate accurate SAR efforts.
It doesn't make sense to be able to call for help but then have the battery on the device dying on you.
A dedicated PLB might be a simple device and you can't message home at the end of each hiking day, but with proper monitoring, we could be confident that if we activate it, the battery would last long enough.
Aee the hokas any good?
Haven't tried the Hokas
@@mowsertas no way.
Latest thing is zero drop hiking shoes. Ve got two pairs of new balance minimus.
Nature hike is a bad brand with good tents 😢. They just skip the p&d and steal from other brands and cheap out on materials while still being strong. I’m a guy who likes to buy from a brand that has a product developer so someone really thought about the product and made tests etc… appreciate the original and support it.
What shirt are you wearing? I want it
It is a Norrona Femund Flannel 🤙
The shirt is made by a Norwegian brand called Norrona. I absolutely love their gear! The model i'm wearing is calle the Svalbard Flannel shirt. Older model so only available in their online outlet here now i think: www.norrona.com/en-GB/loyalty/?referralCode=LO0A2XLPX2
The Femund does look exactly the same as the Svalbard which is what I have. I can't figure out what the difference is?
Just picked up a Mongar 2 for AUD$139 DELIVERED. Why not? I’m going to keep in my car emergency kit.
That's a great idea!
@@mowsertas That’s USD$93 at the current exchange rate 🤓
I have a D+ left foot and an E+ right foot which makes buying any shoe a ridiculous process. Buying "high end" standard sized (American D) hiking shoes/boots, because they were sale, has been my biggest mistake. I wanted the "best hiking shoes". Yeah, on sale they are more affordable and may eventually stretch out and feel ok, but I've put 100's of miles on shoes that just didn't fit well.
Close your eyes. Screw what they look like. Screw the reviews. Pick a pair that actually fits and feels right! I'm currently wearing a pair of Merrell Speed 2 wides - incredibly generic, definitely not cool to "real hikers", and in my opinion ugly as hell - but f' that! My feet didn't hurt from day 1 and I'm doing 15+ miles a day on century-plus trails without pain.
If you have regular sized feet, you have a million options, but if not, find a brand that has wide options and pay a little more to be comfortable.
I just got a Columbia silver ridge utility hiking shirt for $100 and i think it was too pricey. I think i got ripped. 😮
Haven't seen that one!
@@mowsertas is that the one your friend has?
@@mowsertas I'm looking for patagonia terrabon pants they are the ones buddy used on tha Camino.
We get it, you were a broke college student but are really smart. Most of us, your viewers are not broke lol. We can afford high end gear.