Budget Backpacking Gear Review
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 มิ.ย. 2024
- 00:00 Hey y'all
00:48 Tent (Naturehike Vik 1)
00:53 Features
02:01 How The Tent Performed
02:05 Setup
02:46 Condensation
05:19 Superior Alternative Budget Tent
06:02 Backpack (3F UL Water Resistant Pack - Nylon, 56L)
06:10 Comfort
09:34 Water Resistance
10:00 Critique on Gear Loops
10:52 The Things I Like About The Pack
11:45 Sleeping Bag (Aegix Max Goose Down, wasn't cold enough to test properly)
13:15 Sleeping Pad (Sleepingo Inflatable)
14:16 Comparison With NeoAir xLite
14:48 Food Kit
15:29 Pot (Stanco Grease Pot)
15:59 Stove (BRS)
16:13 Food Bag (Coghlin’s Dry Bag)
16:47 Spoon (Tokes Long Handle)
17:58 Water Treatment (Sawyer Mini)
19:25 Rain Gear (Frogg Togg Ultralite 2)
21:04 Headlamp (Nitecore NU 20)
23:24 Footwear Tips
24:11 (Adidas Rockadia)
26:15 Clothing Tips
26:40 PJs (cotton clothes I already had)
27:12 Thrift Store Hiking Clothes
27:51 Walmart Socks
29:20 Optional Items
29:42 Trekking Poles (Cascade Mountain Tech Aluminum w/ cork)
31:21 Power Bank (Anker)
32:14 Price and Weight
33:07 Overall Summary
**BUDGET GEAR LIST HERE: lighterpack.com/r/9fvp69
CDT Gear List: lighterpack.com/r/fsmeqf
PCT Gear Lists: Desert - lighterpack.com/r/f84ma7
Sierra Nevada - lighterpack.com/r/b8a8ic
Cascade Range - lighterpack.com/r/40d5gd
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Disclosure: There are Amazon Affiliate links in my gear lists and possibly in product links in this video description. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Great video: no hemming or hawing, no side talk, no self-talk, no tangents, no lack of appropriate vocabulary, just useful, factual info. This is a great channel. Thank you.
Fellow Opelikan here. I'm 39 and decided to quit my job, sell my house, get rid of everything I own, and travel to all 48 contiguous states for my 40th in a converted box truck. Even though what you do and what I'm doing is very different, you still have some excellent advice and are an inspiration to me and I'm sure thousands of other people! Thank you!
How many states to go?
How did that work out for you. I'm am at this position at 39 too
@@MsPennay1 I'm also 39 and me three. Is 39 midlife crisis or celebration age or something? Weird. I'm thru hiking north on the AT in 2023. I will be 40 when I start and be turning 41 on trail.
@@kdavis4910 I'm really not sure maybe a mix of Midlife crisis, mental break, spiritual journey, escape from the matrix???
Or just the call of the wild.
Thanks for this review. Cheap and/or poor folks such as myself really appreciate experienced outdoors-people taking the time to give quality reviews of things we might actually use.
Absolutely agree! I'm starting to research this subject to help our scout troop get involved in backpacking
this channel puts out the absolute best review videos, products tested and videos are detailed and timestamped.
Thank you so much!
Dixie, love your non biased, fair, non-snob review. My first backpacking gear came from the Army surplus store . It was heavy and durable. That started a life long love affair with hiking. A few of your peers are doing their best to promote brands, and stopping some folks, especially youngsters, from enjoying the experience. It's not about the gear, it's about the experience. Love the work you do. I'll be watching. Thanks.
Dallas, The beauty of TH-cam is the choice to watch the channels that has the same mindset as you. To never set foot on a trail has nothing to do with a overly-promoted (and sponsored) TH-cam channel. You can overnight camp with a sandwich, a water bottle, a blue tarp from Walmart and your dads old sleeping bag. Not having expensive gear is just another excuse/reason. Just get out there.
Just want to say how incredibly, incredibly thorough, fair, and detailed your reviews are...true of all you do. Your videos are an amazing resource. Keep it alive, Dixie. I hope your life is everything you want it to be.
That’s so kind of you. Thank you ♥️
yes good reviews. if I was a manufacturer I would send her out with my gear in the research phase to get good feedback
"I went with old trusty", LOL If that grease pot could write a book...
Aluminum cookware ---- think Alzheimer's and cancer long term consequences
Thanks for mentioning Fancy. I will never forget her sliding on the snow!
Thank you so much for this. Doing research can be so difficult and before I know it I’m down a rabbit hole. This video definitely helps me narrow my search. You’re the best!
You need the right tent for your situation. The best tent of the wrong category is the worst tent for you.
Hey Dixie, I just wanted to say thank you for including Kilo and Celsius in your Video.
It makes it way easier to understand the Dimensions of the products.
It's good that she uses pounds and ounces too. All those folk in Liberia and Myanmar would be lost otherwise.
I adore her for a lot of reasons but the fact that she gets that not everyone is dripping with cash is really refreshing. Most of these hiker channels go on and on about insanely expensive gear and sorry man, but I don’t have 800 dollars to spend on a tent.
Dixie, I was a lifelong High Sierra backpacker and mountaineer. I found that I could get away with a lighter sleeping bag in summer if I wore a light pile cap. Made a noticeable difference while sleeping. I like your channel
3 cheers for the Tokes Spoon! I have used many of plastic sporks, spoons, forks, forknives etc. I have had lost them, break them (most common) and one time i even dropped a plastic one in a river and it floated away! The Tokes is long handled, and gets down in the crevices of your food pouch so your dirty hands stay out of it. Its ultra light. Its sturdy and won't bend or break. And it sinks in the water so it won't float away.
There is a titanium TiTo spoon on Amazon for $6.55 that appears to of similar dimensions and weight for the thrifty among us.
Well done presenting a sensible budget wise gear list
Showing how to keep away from the brand buying frenzy
A great introduction for the beginner with gear that will be excellent for many seasons of hiking
Thanks for another great video. I started using Trekking Poles because of your videos and find they help me keep up my pace and help me with some balance issues I have (old guy stuff). I was also happy to hear your advice to always carrying a warm jacket just in case. I live in southern California and have seen too many day hiker deaths or rescues in our local mountains due to unexpected temp drops. also for new backpackers borrow, rent, and use REI to find what works best for you I know a lady that returned 3 packs before she found the one she liked.
Trekking poles are so underrated. I'm so glad I grabbed a pair on sale!
I bought a pair of Trail Buddies from amazon last year, and it had all the requiremwnts that Dixie liked about trekking poles-cork hand grips, snap locks, and the accesories, with strap and stuff sack, for $35! I used them and my daughter used them, and we both really liked them! I bought her a set last month for our hikes this year ☺
I just purchased that aegis bag, and i also recently bought that stove for 16 on Amazon....Im hoping to have the other big 2 by next year, cuz i want to do a section hike. Happy trails!
I so appreciate that you say there's no shame at all in using affordable gear.
Outstanding! Most backpackers on here only push over-priced stuff that still falls apart after a few uses.
Thank you so much for taking the time to put these together for us! You have helped me make many decisions so far. As someone with not so much cash to spend these videos really help!! Thank you for your unbiased opionion.
Great video! Thanks Dixie!
Update: what I really love about this video is that even though I'm not necessarily looking for specific brands to buy right now, I learned a lot from hearing your reasoning and pros/cons regarding each item :)
Wish I lived in your neck of the woods. Here in the UK things like Wild Camping are illegal for the most part. You have to go to campsites, or seek landowners permission. The spirit of adventure somehow doesn't quite seem the same. But your videos have inspired me to get off my backside and do something. So I ordered a tent, backpack and the basics. Never been camping or hiking before, so should be fun. And although I might have to go to like a designated campsite, we still have some beautiful scenery in the UK.
Love the videos, love hearing about all these trails and your experiences. Can't ever imagine doing what you do, but your enthusiasm is contagious.
Thank you for not only this video, but so many of your other videos. Im new getting into more serious hiking over the last few months. And learning what gear to get is overwhelming. Your videos are so helpful! Im still not brave enough for backpacking yet. But you are making me feel much more confident ❤❤
you annotation/timestamps in the video is really well done, such an attention to detail and really delivers when watching it for specific purposes.
Hello from Sweden! I bought several of the gear you recommended. The backpack, the stove, a similar sleeping pad etc. (we do not have Amazon here yet) the only thing I changed, was to buy the lanshan tent (2 person). Funny that you changed this recommendation now.
I made a good choice, it´s a great little tent.
Thanks for the inspiration from overseas! For its money, these things work great!
I feel very unique in Sweden with lightweight equipment.
Most hikers here stick with the old school very expensive and rather heavy equipment.
You make the best, thoughtful, thorough videos.
I'd recommend the Hyke & Byke Zion tent (1 or 2 person) double-walled with dual vestibule and includes a ground sheet. You use the rain fly by itself, with the ground sheet, or with the mesh inner tent. Very flexible and free-standing. And budget-friendly.
I have this tent and love it!!! I have backpacked with it before, it is legit HEAVY. I would not backpack with it again and would have picked a lighter weight, slightly more expensive tent. But it is absolutely perfect for car camping and I use it all the time!
@@carolinehildebrand5150 Hi, is it really that heavy for backpacking? I’ve just bought the Vik 2.
We have used that pad multiple times and so far so good!
Keep them coming Dixie. Thank you
Thank you for sharing Dixie. Stay safe, healthy & happy.
“Spot On” and BIG THANKS 💞
Coming from Hungary I find these tips extremely useful. Thanks for this Dixie!
Great start. Glad to see you on trail again.
Thanks for sharing! These are great tips!
I need you to be so detailed... I m a first timer, thanks to you... I am going on my first backpacking overnighter in 3 weeks. And just going down your list and shopping. Ps sorry to hear about Hank.
Just a heads up, the Nitecore NU25 is only $6 more expensive on Amazon and has a really great red beam feature! I went through 2 other headlamps on the PCT that didn't work for me and the Nitecore is the best and lightest one I've found so far!
Also at one point on the trail when I needed an extra warm layer, I found really great lightweight Columbia fleece at TJ Maxx for $20.
I have the nu25 it's been great and hasn't failed yet in light rain. It has the red light and also a flood light setting which is nice in the tent. Also if you press and hold the red light button it will do a series of blinks. Each blink represents 25% of battery life 3 blinks would be 75% battery life left. I use that feature all the time!
@@americanboondocks I did not know this. Running to go test now. So cool. This headlight is the best in my opinion. Really impressed with it.
Thanks for mentioning this. I just looked it up and will probably order one.
Awesome! Been camping for a while but your input helps make it a better experience.
Hello Dixie, thank you for sharing this informative video. Always great stuff. All the best to you and your family. Stay healthy. 🤗
I love your videos. I only have been hiking for part of the day for the last few years. Always with a friend. You have inspired me to hike a day hike by myself once the weather gets a little more comfortable. I feel like the day hike by myself will change me in a good way. Help me grow. Thank you
This was fun to watch. I'm all about budget if it gets the job done :)
I appreciate your awesome advice and reviews Dixie. Thank you!
Very thoughtful, thorough, great review! Awesome job!
Wow!! You are such a wonderful help! Thank you so much! 🙏🏼
this is a crazy good resource and i love all your vids. thank you so much!!!
I love my frog toggs fishing and camping. I did upgrade my jacket to a $35 frog toggs because it has more arm movement when kayaking.
I love that $35 Frog Togg jacket! I keep it in the car in case I get caught in a storm.
Dixie your videos have me so hyped for my they hike. Such great information. You have really helped me prepare for my journey
Thank you so much for your honest reviews!! Keep up the good work. Hope you can continue with your thru hikes soon :)
I'm a huge Lan Shan fan! I've used the one person many times and I just upgraded to the two person. Got it in the mail and set it up just for fun yesterday! You just can't beat the price for a double wall 10th at that weight. Mine was waterproof through days of rain at Havasupai. Thank you for mentioning it, I think it gets overlooked in a lot of hiking groups. Love you girl!
I can't wait to get back out there
Another great video! Thanks Dixie! I agree, a red light setting on headlamp is important. In fact, when we were camping at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, the rangers required it. I've found a lot of fantastic deals on top of the line gear at REI Garage Sales (Used Gear). Much of the gear was only used once and returned and were marked down 50% or more.
Great video Dixie as always!!!👍🏻🇺🇸
Thank you. I have been looking for a budget bag !.
Great video, you provided a lot of information with your review of each product. It's helpful because I'm trying to get into ultralight backpacking. Thanks for the video!
Great video as always Dixie!
Thank you so much Dixie! Very helpful!
Dixie! I've been a day hiker and I'm just getting started with backpacking. Your detailed reviews of essential, budget-friendly equipment is especially appreciated because I'm going cross-eyed researching sleeping pads---eeeeek, what a nightmare! Thank you, I'm ordering the Sleepingo Ultralight Sleeping pad to use on my first overnight!
Wow what an incredibly applicable video! I listen to your segments on The Survival Podcast, and I was about to send a question in asking, "what low cost backpacking gear should I buy for a boys scout who might not be into hiking long term. But I decided to check your channel first, and you have a video on EXACTLY that topic! Thanks a bunch! Love your videos, and you have inspired me and my son to get out and hike together; great bonding time!
My husband bought the Cascade mountain trekking poles. He took them out for the first time this weekend. We laughed so much because he looked like a baby deer trying to get its bearings learning to walk. Once he got the hang of it, he enjoyed using them.
Excellent review of the budget gear!
Thanks, Dixie. I just purchased the trekking poles based on your recommendation.
Excellent detail in your reviews. 👍🏼
This was such a great video, I use almost everything you mentioned aside from the tent and pack. I use a Teton Scout 3400 pack and have a zero mile mark tent that I don't use cause i use the Equip double hammock from Walmart, a Legit camping rain fly tarp ($25) and a PYS bug net ($40) I have the same Trekking poles, stove, sleeping pad and rain gear (that I don't use the pants from either) I haven't had any issues with any of it, even the walmart hammock that was $40 has been fantastic, like you I was surprised how well the poles worked out and never used trekking poles before but I really like them. One thing I won't go budget with though is foot wear, my Altra 4.5's will always be with me :)
Again, Great video!
Thank you so much for your thorough reviews ... best wishes from Calgary :)
Thank you Miss Dixie. You're an inspiration to keep moving. xxoo.
Thank you. Oh thunder sounds good lol. Be safe!
Looks like a great budget setup and fair review! I used to love to hike the Pine Mountain trail when I lived in Columbus, Ga. I plan on hiking the Pinhoti this fall too. Happy Trails Dixie!
Hi Dix . I noticed you just folded your four section sit pad in half ...What I do is fold each end panel backwards toward the center this gives more rigidity and will enable the pack to stand and you'll have both hands free Good informative video for the new comers great rundown of gear
I bought a lightweight London Fog black down puffy at Sam's Club for $25 and I love it! Haven't tested it for as low a temp as it indicates, which is 19 degrees, because I'm in central Florida and it hasn't gotten down that low. It has a hood that can zip off and a stuff sack. It's great!
I don't think I'll ever end up going this light with gear but love the reviews. Hike with a combat load and 20 - 30 lbs. Feels great lol. New backpacker and loving it so much, I'm sure my wife is happy I'm not at home pestering her all the time now too haha
Love your attention to natural life on trail.! I missed seeing these!
I grew up hiking on the AT on the Whites in NH. This is an area in which weather changes can be sudden and extreme. It takes a person such as you who has been in so many different conditions to do a meaningful gear review Thank you for putting in the effort to bring this information to us.
For you dedication I am donating the letter "G" for you to tag onto " hikin'"
"rainin" and so forth but at your discretion of course. I do love ya all's accent though.
As I'm an absolute beginner in hiking and camping,I found your videos very helpful to know what I need to start with.Expecially cuz I'm pretty short on cash
Just got off the Pinhoti this morning. I wasn't very prepared but had a great time. Beautiful trail!
Great review of your gear.
Thanks for the video
Great video as always. I liked those ending clips. A lot of people don't realize all the double hiking we solo hikers need to do to record ourselves hiking on the trail... :-)
Great video. I went with the lanshan 2 pro and love it. I have a newer but smaller 3f ul bag and love it for short trips (around 35l). I going to check out your other recommendations.
I appreciate you so much.
You're Awesome, Dixie!! 😄😎
Thanks for the video!
Puffy jackets can usually be found for decent price at Steep and Cheap, or REI's outlet site.
I bought my puffy from REI’s used gear list. Under $100 and while I wish it had a hood, you don’t typically find quality down for that price
Just got one of rei's in house down puffies on sale for 30% off, one of the best purchases I've ever made, as a southerner in the north!
Thanks Dixie this was a great budget gear video. Take Care
I know, 2 years after you filmed this (and thank you for that) but a recommendation for a puffy coat (two actually): The Decathalon Forclaz Trek 100 sells for between $60-80 and has been favorably compared to the Mountain Hardware as being just as warm and very nearly as light; the latter sells for over $300. I also happened upon an Eddie Bauer (initially famous for their down gear) at Costco. 650fp down for $35 and it seemed like a solid jacket! I've found that Costco, can be an outstanding source for a few hiking & camping related items, like this coat, pants, and also Cascade carbon trekking poles which I mention since you're dipping your toes into trekking pole tents. These poles are far better than my entry level REI and Black Diamond aluminum poles that cost twice as much; in fact I'd dismissed the Cascade poles because I thought they must be junk for only costing $32, but after buying them out of a 'well, I need something that'll work for now' mindset, discovered they're absolutely outstanding poles by any measure.
Thankyou for putting the Celsius temps and grams measurements in for us Aussie/Kiwi's. Love your channel. Hubby and I are currently doing the Bibbulmun track in Western Australia.
Great reviews 👍
Thank you so much!!!
Thanks Dixie! Love my Cascade trekking poles! They are great and have hundreds of miles on them so far. Also the NiteCore NU25 rechargeable headlamp for $36 has a additional red light feature. It’s an awesome headlamp! It even has a feature where you press the buttons to lock them so it doesn’t accidentally turn on when in your pack wasting battery. Love both of those items.
Me, my sons (5) and a couple girlfriends all have the Cascade Mountain Trekking poles and we have had no problems at all. And like Dixie found...they have adjusters on each clip to tighten or loosen.
Thanks Dixie, I’ve had good luck with the Kelty late start 1, inexpensive and not too heavy. Also the name appeals to my morning motivation level 😀
I've had my sleepingo pad for a while now I definitely would recommend getting one
Good list for a budget kit. Good to see it all held up. Never tried the nu20. I recently broke the nu25 so looking for another back up option
Nice backyard overlooking the water.
Puffy Jacket recommendation:
Check out the Decathlon Forclaz 100 Down Jacket!
I saw that Decathlon is available in the US, too (Decathlon is kind of a french Ikea for sports gear). Its 80$, 300g/10oz, and keeps me just as warm as my way more expensive (280€ vs. 50€) Patagonia Micro Puff jacket.
all my hiking stuff is decathlon, except for shoes.
it looks good. I wonder how much it weighs :)
@@Beyond2020 should be written on their website
Beyond2020 mine is 303g in size L
Yesterday I was the first time at a Decathlon in Germany and I am impressed with the quality / price ratio
Wash with Nikwash. Amazing how much it lofts up. We had several scouts take it out last summer on the PCT in Oregon. Also used at Wolfboro in the sierras with no problems.
Great budget gear review. Now is a great time to get gear cheap. REI and lot of other companies are having sales during Labor Day weekend.
Would love for you to do a Walmart only budget hiking trails gear tested review. Back pack included, shoes all Walmart. Love your channel
Very sound advice. Thanks for doing this. All trails will have gear trolls so don't pay any attention to them and enjoy yourself.
NICE! I have very similar items too (lashan 2, uses trekking poles, aegis 35° bag similat mattress, sawyer squeeze, brs, etc) Great beginner's starter kit!
WHATAYAKNOW . . . strewed, really is a word.
The tent needs a *double* zipper rather than one that goes in the opposite direction.
I cut the legs of my Frogg Togg pants off at the knees, not to save weight but to get more ventilation. But it also saves weight.
I love that headlamp. After using it for 1700 miles I bought a second one for my truck and tossed the Garrity one out. Mine do not have a flash setting and I hate that setting on flashlights. Maybe someone decided flashlights need a flash setting because of the name *Flashlight* LOL For 10.00 extra the Nitecore NU 32 has a red light as well
GREAT JOB . . . Loved seeing a new review from you. You're still the BEST.
Thanks for the suggestion of the upgraded Nitecore NU 32. The power button protection is growing on me 👍
Thanks Dixie!! I have the black diamond Stride Headlamp. It is rechargeable, has a red light setting, and is about $20. It works well, is lightweight and also has strobe settings! I got in on a budget and was surprised about how much I love it.
AWESOME! Thanks for sharing
Thanks for this review! Just completed an overnight trip with a set of older gear that weighed about 30lbs. Wow, I wouldn't mind trimming it down a few pounds :)
Great video! I can vouch for the Aegis Max down bag. I have been using it for a few years now and it does sleep very comfortably down to 40F. It does get cold below that. I pair a fleece throw with it to lower the comfort temp, but I wouldn't use it much below freezing. I also use the cascade trekking poles. They are a great barrel lock, cork pole for the money.
I just bought naturehike cloud up 4 season tent. Loved the double walled tent and it had two wayzipper entry.