👇 GEAR FROM THE VIDEO 👇 Best Pack 1: geni.us/Wapta30 Best Pack 2: geni.us/ArcHaul Best 1P Tent 1: geni.us/PlexSoloLite Best 1P Tent 2: geni.us/HornetElite2 Best 2P Tent 1: geni.us/XmidPro2Plus Best 2P Tent 2: geni.us/OffsetTrio Best Sleeping Pad 1: geni.us/XliteNXT Best Sleeping Pad 2: geni.us/Ultra3R Best Quilt 1: geni.us/Rockfront400UL Best Quilt 2: geni.us/enigmadown Best Pillow 1: geni.us/DreamSleeper Best Pillow 2: geni.us/TrekologyPillow Russbe Bags: geni.us/RussbeBags 550mL Pot: geni.us/Toaks550UL Temp Strips: geni.us/TempSticker Pika Lid: geni.us/ThePikaLid Best Filter: geni.us/PlatyQuickDraw Best Pump 1: geni.us/PadPal Best Pump 2: geni.us/alpenblow Best Light: geni.us/NU20Classic Best Battery Bank 1: geni.us/Carbon6k Best Battery Bank 2: geni.us/NB10000v3 Best Insulated Jacket: geni.us/TorridApex Best Rain Jacket: geni.us/RF-RainHoody
I love that whenever you talk about temperature, you always consider both F and C and when you talk about dimensions, you always include how tall you are for the reference!
Also he uses grams and millilitres! I can translate inches, miles and feet, but dear god pounds and ounces and liquid ouches are a mess. I don’t know how Americans can use them.
@@petercruz1993been an American for 45 years (my whole life) and I still don’t get them either. lol. In 10th grade of grade school math, all we did was learn conversions of stuff.
@@TheNypenfan Haha! The thing that blows my mind is fluid ounces. When you buy liquids they don't weigh the same or have the same volume. For example honey is heavier than water and coconut water is lighter. In metric everything is is grams and millilitres. Everything converts perfectly.
Right! I’ve often dreamt of a rain anorak or hoodie such as that. I gave up on “waterproof breathable” fabric since it will wet out in areas where water pools (such as the should where backpack straps cross) within an hour and, in all but the most cold conditions I end up sweating so much that I’m wet and uncomfortable anyway. I also like umbrellas since they actually keep the rain off, making the question of waterproof fabric moot.
I picked one up a couple months ago and though I've only had rain a couple times so far, it's holding up great. I recently took it for a test run on an absolute downpour at 40°F and it kept me totally dry. With a rain skirt, the weight, protection, and price are really hard to beat.
That Rock Front quilt looks interesting. I can see how the draft tubes would help when strapping the quilt to a pad. I personally prefer not to use strap systems for more freedom of movement. In that case, the draft tubes like would function similar to just having a wider quilt I think. So neat idea that may not apply to my preferences.
If you are omitting straps with a quilt, would that mean that you're using a traditional mummy bag in shoulder seasons or generally colder camping conditions? I'm struggling to imagine not using the straps my quilt included just because without them, there's no way to mitigate the cold and the drafts.
@@DevinSchiro Yes. In warm weather I use a quilt with an open-able footbox (EE Revelation) with a 40F rating. In typical 3-season conditions I use a quilt with a closed footbox and 20F rating. And then in colder conditions I use a sleeping bag. I can see a quilt with straps and draft tubes working fine in the winter, but for me the main appeal of a quilt is the freedom of movement, so if I'm strapping it down and putting weight into draft tubes and strap systems then it gets pretty similar to a sleeping bag option.
@@durstongearthat makes perfect sense! What did you use when you hiked the PCT in 2014? I think my main issue with all sleeping systems is just that there is no real good one-size-fits-all for thru hiking conditions. Especially the PCT with its diverse climate. One night I’m sleeping on snow and cinching down the straps. A week later I’m in 100 degree temperatures and kicking both legs out of the foot box. These aren’t issues you’re likely to have with a shorter trip where you can plan for one set of conditions. But finding the *perfect* thru hiking quilt or bad has been consistently elusive.
@@DevinSchiro I hiked in 2014. I would have used a quilt around 20F but don't remember which one. If I was in variable temps, that's when I like the footbox that opens.
Nice annual review. You got me intrigued again on the Rockfront rain jacket, especially with the full side zips, it rains so much here in the PNW Cascades. I think I'm going to purchase one and give it some tough testing, at ~5 oz it's an easy light wind layer is it fails at being a full rain jacket. I just hope the sleeves are long enough!
@@memathews how does it fail at being a “full” rain jacket? It’s a non-breathable rain jacket so there’s no membrane that adds weight. That’s how they achieve such light weights. Other companies like Light Heart Gear have had these out for a while (although heavier) and have been field tested to show it is a true rain jacket
Quick question about your OR grid fleece jacket... the only grid fleece I've used has the grid facing in with a smooth outside. I thought that having the grid in would be warmer because of trapped air, and the smooth outside helps with layering. What's the benefit of the opposite, is it better for moisture control? In your experience do you find the OR fleece just as warm?
I would love to hear your review of the new one person tent that ZPacks just launched. The Pivot uses 2 trekking poles, but the second pole is used in a low position to add foot room. I think it also solves the issue of “what if a trekking pole breaks”.
Rock front definitely seems like an interesting and innovative company! Draft tubes on a quilt, makes so much sense. Full-length pit zips how has nobody done already.
@JustinOutdoors What is the name of the silver insulation mat you have under your sleeping pad at 3:40 in the video, please? I checked the links in the description and your PackWizzard packs and cannot find it listed anywhere. It looks similar to the thin padded material used in car solar shades but I’ve yet to find one in a larger mat version. Thanks again for another great informational video! Looking forward to your adventures this winter!! Best regards, Dionne
Do you know how much PSI do those ultralight pump put out? I know that’s one of the issues with smaller and lighter pumps is that they can’t hit a high enough PSI to give your pad the firmness.
This is a good question. These are essentially just fans that blow air in, and don’t actually have the ability to pressurize the pad (for the firmest fill with pumps you have to blow in air or use a full sack).
@@jeffreycarman2185No doubt you have realised that saying the pumps only blow air in so you should blow in instead is a bit stupid! The normal Flextail pumps manage 4.5kPa (0.653psi) and Decathlon for example recommend 0.3 to 0.5psi for their matresses.
@@jimtitt3571 I have no direct experience with the Flextail and didn’t know there were specs available. I have seen a lot of videos reviews of the Flextail and the biggest complaint people have is that it does not fully inflate the air mattresses. The Flextail isn’t an air compressor. It is a fan that blows air. Once the pressure inside the mattress equals the output of the fan it will reach equilibrium and will not inflate the mattress any more. The inflation sack relies on manual power (you have to squeeze the air out of the sack into the mattress) which is a rudimentary air compressor. So it seems to me that a person pushing with their muscles and weight against a sack full of air is likely to have more ability to pressurize a mattress than a small battery powered fan, but I don’t have anything substantial to back up that estimate.
@@jeffreycarman2185 There is a thing called nosocomial pressure, this is where the pressure on skin/flesh above a bony joint causes the capilleries to be closed and the blood supply cut off which normally we experience as numbness or discomfort. It is a major problem with immobile patients in hospital who cannot feel the discomfort (paralysed etc) so do not move to relieve it. Medically this pressure is 0.6psi and air matresses used in patient care should be below this pressure (and camping mats). Most people inflate their camping mats too hard because they know that when they inflate in daytime temperatures it will be a soggy experience at 2am, always check the inflation before sleeping.
Great video once again. I’d be super interested to know the total rrp cost for each option (all of the option 1 choices + single items, then all option 2 + single items). It’d probably make my eyes water, but would be good to know.
Justin i am a massive fan of the Zpacks Arc haul and i currently have the 60 and 70 litre but i have also had the 40 and 50 and found them all absolutely outstanding BUT what have Zpacks done by getting rid of the old type of trampoline back system for this new Lycra panel ??? Do you know why they changed it ? I personally, i think its a massive step backwards and I cannot figure out why they would do this !!!! Am i missing something here because it makes absolutely no sense to me .
What's your opinion on the Rockfront quilt vs the Katabatic quilts? Katabatic also has the side draft tube thing (by using the mitten clips) and a differential cut.
@@MoeBergOSS Lol i don't think so; he has a wife and kid and running a youtube channel isn't as easy as people think. I've gotten some fantastic gear that I heard about from him.
@@CombatBanana He was the same before the kid and he first started. Isn’t part of relying on views and likes etc to get paid actually interacting with the people who make that happen?
Is the big sky pillow taller (at the part where your head goes) than the trekology? When you're on your side, does that middle convex part push on your ear? I got the trekology on your recomendation, but it's not tall enough.
I know I’m out voted but I tried the arch haul and didn’t love it. I put 30lbs in it and it didn’t carry well. Felt like the arch was pushing the weight to far out. It was noticeable and I could feel it pulling me back. It was also just uncomfortable with tiny straps including the hip belt buckle. Because it was so small it was digging into my belly. I’m in AZ so I sometimes have to do water carries so that’s why I tested it at 30lbs. The REI Flash 55 carried the weight WAY better and the same 30lbs felt WAY lighter.
I agree with you that the Flash 55 carries weight better. It's one of the best packs for weight carrying I think! It does sound like the arc haul may have been the wrong size for you.
@ could have been. I know a lot of people love it so I know I’m a one off. I tried adjusting straps every which way. It was good but not $500 great. I wanted ti force liking it but just couldn’t.
Excellent review as always. I was hoping you’d give an award for Best Watch. I’m debating between the Coros and Garmin platforms. Are you still rocking the Enduro 2?
Just wondering if you have any suggestions for a 4 person tent? I have 3 kids going backpacking with me next summer and we hike in bear country and I don’t want them to sleep in a tent by themselves. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
The Tarptent Hogback is one that I’ve dreamed about over the years. It’s a semi-freestanding tent that has (from what I can tell) gobs of floor space and headroom. Also, pyramid shaped tarps (such as the Black Diamond Mega Light, the MSR Front range, Liteway Pyraomm Max Tarp) each has an inners tent option for summer. There are several options out there for large tents from Nemo, MSR, etc, but few are very light. Another option is to get two 2-person tents (such as the Lanshan 3F UL) that have two doors that you can set up really close together such that the vestibules overlap, or you could set up a small tarp between the two as a mega-vestibule. When we went out as a family (two parents two kids) we used an old 4-person Wenzel backpacking tent that my in laws got us at a garage sale (that uses nylon floor, instead of that really thick tarp bottom for car camping). I replaced the heavy fiberglass poles with repurposed aluminum poles from a tent that we scrapped (this saved 2.5 pounds) and I didn’t bring the rain fly, because the forecast was 0% chance of rain and brought a 9 foot square tarp that could easily cover the center area in a pinch (which saved another couple of pounds). This set up was still well over 4 pounds though, but it was “free”.
Hmm maybe I missed something, but it looks like neither of those teensy pad inflators has a valve fitting for the rei helix? @JustinOutdoors if anyone knows it's you! Picked up a helix after spending too many cold nights on my ether lite xt, on your recommendation, it's my go-to!
For the most part people who do go ultralight are just doing it as a “look at me” thing. Eventually you’ll see many of them come to their senses and realize ultralight is not for them or fun to actually do. Ultra comfort is where the ultimate goal should be. Ultralight equipment but enough of it to have actual fun and not use a napkin as a quilt or cardboard flats as camp shoes.
@MoeBergOSS very well said! I could see myself trying it if I were to be a summer camper... but my season is dec-April so I carry enough to be safe if weather turns...
For the best budget UL backpack, I will submit the 3F UL Gear Yue 45+10. I have it and I love it, and have had it loaded up to 35 lbs. and it carries it very well. I've only been able to find in on their website.
The rain jacket looks awesome but when I click the link it’s shows 404 not found as if the website is gone and no longer up. Any ideas what’s happened?
The problem with the PadPal and AlpenGlow pumps is that they’re extremely fragile and don’t come with a case. I could use my cook pot to protect it, but then I have to take up pack space to store my fuel canister outside my pot. I’ve somewhat solved the problem by replacing my ditty bag with a Chinese take-out container. The pump is protected. We’ll see how the container fares.
Oh no! Have you broken one?! I was skeptical as well (more so about the padpal but have been throwing loose in my ditty bag and smushing it into my pack about 20 times, along with dozens of inflations and haven't encountered an issue. I thought the 3d printed material would be more brittle in cold temps but didn't encoutner any issues subzero either. I haven't used the alpenblow as much but it also seems a bit more robust. Time will tell though! I also seem to have pretty good luck with gear durability, so take that into consideration too!
@ I haven’t broke it but instead took preventative measures. This pump feels like it’s 3-D printed… in the hand, it feels like a bird’s skull. I can’t imagine it isn’t fragile and at almost $60 USD and usually sold-out I just don’t want to risk it dancing around with other gear in a ditty bag.
@@andymytys Ah, I totally get that. Luckily brands are a-okay with me pushing the limits of their gear and appreciate the testing. So keep an eye on whether I end up breaking the padpal with non-careful use!
Please review more tarptent products. They're Cottage Gear and deserve the exposure. The Dipole and Double rainbow have been my two favorite tents to use for years
I second this … the Tarptent DR LI is my go to tent for solo trips - even prefer it over the XMid Pro 2. I’d also love to see an Ultamid by HMG be reviewed too … recently got the Ultamid 4 and it’s easily my favorite tent to share when I go on trips with my mom 😊
Great video as usual, however, I'm not really a fan of ultralight. If figure if I can't carry a 35 pound pack on a 5 to 7 day hike, I better hang up my gear.
@@bilaltahir9978 Its for both reasons. Its lighter because there is less unneeded fabric and insulation being compressed behind your back. You can roll around in quilts and they feel less claustrophobic. Quilts are also more versatile because you can get ones that unzip entirely so they act like a blanket and are more breathable when it's hot out. Try one out. I think you'll like it. Just make sure to bring a good hat if it's going to be cold out.
The X-Mid Pro 2+ might be "plenty roomy" for shorter people, but looks small for someone who's taller than 180 cm. I guess the same goes for the other tents as well.
I'd say most tents are pretty good for people up to 190cm but over that and tent options start getting very limited. It's cool to see some manufacturers making "long" versions of their tents thought!
I use Hammock Gear "ground sleeper" quilts, The burrow are UL and " comfort rated" where as EE and others are not. A HG 10 degree for example, keeps you warm to 10 degrees. EE and others that's their limit. Please check them out. They weigh less and give you more warmth with up to 950 fill. materials, etc can be chosen along with lots of colors/patterns. Best quilt ever!!! Just need to choose the reg or wide for ground/tent sleepers.
I thought the pad pumps were interesting so I looked them up on-line; $48 and $57 price!. A good idea, but IMO ridiculously expensive. I'll wait until a knock off is available at a more reasonable price.
Those Nitecore powerbanks are the worst powerbanks ever. They don't support fast charging so it takes almost 10 hours to full charge 10k 🤦♂️. It forces you to stay in town and take zero. Also they are way too inefficient (about 30% is wasted when charging your stuff). It means 10k is actually 7k 🥵
Like what? The Alulla graflyte fabric is cutting edge premium fabric. Theres only 1 other backpack brand(in Tennessee) that uses the fabric rn and it costs a lot more. The bonding and waterproof was of the fabric prices to last longer than laminated fabrics and is very lightweight. No other backpacks can boast the same specs
Let us know what better options there are for the same price. Durston products are pretty hard to beat in all, if not most categories. The only issue I’d say Durston has with their backpacks, is a bland aesthetic design and there are no color options to attempt to mitigate this. Ultimately, you take a penalty in aesthetic if you prioritize performance, weight and cost savings.
@@durstongear ik the question wasn’t for me, but an attachment loop to clip on a load lifter strap when needed to carry more weight would be awesome. The option to put on on or not would diversify the uses of the wapta for me personally
@@dylanpausic5026 Thanks for the feedback. I don't have load lifters on the Wapta because it is frameless (no frame to connect these too). I could help to 'shift' the load like the 'load shifters' from Gossamer Gear. We could do something like put a loop where the top strap comes out of the seam and then people could add a cord from there to the shoulder straps are sort of a lifter. It would be nice to enable this, but also I don't want to add much weight (e.g. make it standard) because the focus is to make a superlight pack.
👇 GEAR FROM THE VIDEO 👇
Best Pack 1: geni.us/Wapta30
Best Pack 2: geni.us/ArcHaul
Best 1P Tent 1: geni.us/PlexSoloLite
Best 1P Tent 2: geni.us/HornetElite2
Best 2P Tent 1: geni.us/XmidPro2Plus
Best 2P Tent 2: geni.us/OffsetTrio
Best Sleeping Pad 1: geni.us/XliteNXT
Best Sleeping Pad 2: geni.us/Ultra3R
Best Quilt 1: geni.us/Rockfront400UL
Best Quilt 2: geni.us/enigmadown
Best Pillow 1: geni.us/DreamSleeper
Best Pillow 2: geni.us/TrekologyPillow
Russbe Bags: geni.us/RussbeBags
550mL Pot: geni.us/Toaks550UL
Temp Strips: geni.us/TempSticker
Pika Lid: geni.us/ThePikaLid
Best Filter: geni.us/PlatyQuickDraw
Best Pump 1: geni.us/PadPal
Best Pump 2: geni.us/alpenblow
Best Light: geni.us/NU20Classic
Best Battery Bank 1: geni.us/Carbon6k
Best Battery Bank 2: geni.us/NB10000v3
Best Insulated Jacket: geni.us/TorridApex
Best Rain Jacket: geni.us/RF-RainHoody
I finally acquired a frog togs rain jacket , I am super hyped glad It was at my local big 5
I hope rockfront gets jacket back in stock
I love that whenever you talk about temperature, you always consider both F and C and when you talk about dimensions, you always include how tall you are for the reference!
Also he uses grams and millilitres!
I can translate inches, miles and feet, but dear god pounds and ounces and liquid ouches are a mess. I don’t know how Americans can use them.
@@petercruz1993been an American for 45 years (my whole life) and I still don’t get them either. lol. In 10th grade of grade school math, all we did was learn conversions of stuff.
@@TheNypenfan Haha! The thing that blows my mind is fluid ounces. When you buy liquids they don't weigh the same or have the same volume. For example honey is heavier than water and coconut water is lighter. In metric everything is is grams and millilitres.
Everything converts perfectly.
Hard agree
@@petercruz1993 1000% agree with this.
Good picks :)
Lmao 😭
ROCK FRONT Rain Hoody looks stellar. That's going on a wish list.
Right! I’ve often dreamt of a rain anorak or hoodie such as that. I gave up on “waterproof breathable” fabric since it will wet out in areas where water pools (such as the should where backpack straps cross) within an hour and, in all but the most cold conditions I end up sweating so much that I’m wet and uncomfortable anyway. I also like umbrellas since they actually keep the rain off, making the question of waterproof fabric moot.
I picked one up a couple months ago and though I've only had rain a couple times so far, it's holding up great. I recently took it for a test run on an absolute downpour at 40°F and it kept me totally dry. With a rain skirt, the weight, protection, and price are really hard to beat.
Are they 100% waterproof? Not like the breathable ones that eventually will soak?
they are out of stock everywhere....
That Rock Front quilt looks interesting. I can see how the draft tubes would help when strapping the quilt to a pad. I personally prefer not to use strap systems for more freedom of movement. In that case, the draft tubes like would function similar to just having a wider quilt I think. So neat idea that may not apply to my preferences.
If you are omitting straps with a quilt, would that mean that you're using a traditional mummy bag in shoulder seasons or generally colder camping conditions? I'm struggling to imagine not using the straps my quilt included just because without them, there's no way to mitigate the cold and the drafts.
@@DevinSchiro Yes. In warm weather I use a quilt with an open-able footbox (EE Revelation) with a 40F rating. In typical 3-season conditions I use a quilt with a closed footbox and 20F rating. And then in colder conditions I use a sleeping bag. I can see a quilt with straps and draft tubes working fine in the winter, but for me the main appeal of a quilt is the freedom of movement, so if I'm strapping it down and putting weight into draft tubes and strap systems then it gets pretty similar to a sleeping bag option.
@@durstongearthat makes perfect sense! What did you use when you hiked the PCT in 2014?
I think my main issue with all sleeping systems is just that there is no real good one-size-fits-all for thru hiking conditions. Especially the PCT with its diverse climate.
One night I’m sleeping on snow and cinching down the straps. A week later I’m in 100 degree temperatures and kicking both legs out of the foot box. These aren’t issues you’re likely to have with a shorter trip where you can plan for one set of conditions. But finding the *perfect* thru hiking quilt or bad has been consistently elusive.
@@DevinSchiro I hiked in 2014. I would have used a quilt around 20F but don't remember which one. If I was in variable temps, that's when I like the footbox that opens.
I bought the RockFront quilt because of your other video. So far it works very well, but I haven't used it below 4 degrees Celsius yet.
Nice annual review. You got me intrigued again on the Rockfront rain jacket, especially with the full side zips, it rains so much here in the PNW Cascades. I think I'm going to purchase one and give it some tough testing, at ~5 oz it's an easy light wind layer is it fails at being a full rain jacket. I just hope the sleeves are long enough!
@@memathews how does it fail at being a “full” rain jacket? It’s a non-breathable rain jacket so there’s no membrane that adds weight. That’s how they achieve such light weights. Other companies like Light Heart Gear have had these out for a while (although heavier) and have been field tested to show it is a true rain jacket
@@dylanpausic5026 I guess he's meaning *if it fails at being a full rain jacket
Can you show how you pack the durstan pack and list what you carry?
I love the Torrid. It doesn’t look like it’ll keep you that warm, but it does.
Quick question about your OR grid fleece jacket... the only grid fleece I've used has the grid facing in with a smooth outside. I thought that having the grid in would be warmer because of trapped air, and the smooth outside helps with layering. What's the benefit of the opposite, is it better for moisture control? In your experience do you find the OR fleece just as warm?
I just got the Roc Front Quilt, and it was AMAZING! Thanks Justin for the gear advice.
Did you get the 400? How is it for cold weather?
very nice video just wondering why the nemo tensor sleeping pads werent mentioned.
So many cool items on your list. I am definitely going to check out Rock Front.
I've been trying to buy one for a while now and they haven't been in stock :(
I would love to hear your review of the new one person tent that ZPacks just launched. The Pivot uses 2 trekking poles, but the second pole is used in a low position to add foot room. I think it also solves the issue of “what if a trekking pole breaks”.
Rock front definitely seems like an interesting and innovative company! Draft tubes on a quilt, makes so much sense. Full-length pit zips how has nobody done already.
Great video as always. Sometimes, I don't even know those products what you are showing even exist. Thank you, Justin :)
@JustinOutdoors What is the name of the silver insulation mat you have under your sleeping pad at 3:40 in the video, please? I checked the links in the description and your PackWizzard packs and cannot find it listed anywhere. It looks similar to the thin padded material used in car solar shades but I’ve yet to find one in a larger mat version. Thanks again for another great informational video! Looking forward to your adventures this winter!! Best regards, Dionne
Do you know how much PSI do those ultralight pump put out? I know that’s one of the issues with smaller and lighter pumps is that they can’t hit a high enough PSI to give your pad the firmness.
This is a good question. These are essentially just fans that blow air in, and don’t actually have the ability to pressurize the pad (for the firmest fill with pumps you have to blow in air or use a full sack).
@@jeffreycarman2185No doubt you have realised that saying the pumps only blow air in so you should blow in instead is a bit stupid! The normal Flextail pumps manage 4.5kPa (0.653psi) and Decathlon for example recommend 0.3 to 0.5psi for their matresses.
@@jimtitt3571 I have no direct experience with the Flextail and didn’t know there were specs available. I have seen a lot of videos reviews of the Flextail and the biggest complaint people have is that it does not fully inflate the air mattresses. The Flextail isn’t an air compressor. It is a fan that blows air. Once the pressure inside the mattress equals the output of the fan it will reach equilibrium and will not inflate the mattress any more. The inflation sack relies on manual power (you have to squeeze the air out of the sack into the mattress) which is a rudimentary air compressor. So it seems to me that a person pushing with their muscles and weight against a sack full of air is likely to have more ability to pressurize a mattress than a small battery powered fan, but I don’t have anything substantial to back up that estimate.
@@jeffreycarman2185 There is a thing called nosocomial pressure, this is where the pressure on skin/flesh above a bony joint causes the capilleries to be closed and the blood supply cut off which normally we experience as numbness or discomfort. It is a major problem with immobile patients in hospital who cannot feel the discomfort (paralysed etc) so do not move to relieve it. Medically this pressure is 0.6psi and air matresses used in patient care should be below this pressure (and camping mats).
Most people inflate their camping mats too hard because they know that when they inflate in daytime temperatures it will be a soggy experience at 2am, always check the inflation before sleeping.
How compact would you say the torrid is when packed? And do you think it loses warmth if compressed over time?
Thanks brother
He’s not good at answering posts like yours. Not cool. He’s always been like that unless you criticize him and then he will respond.
Great video once again. I’d be super interested to know the total rrp cost for each option (all of the option 1 choices + single items, then all option 2 + single items). It’d probably make my eyes water, but would be good to know.
What temperature guage do you use?
amzn.to/4fPC8Ko
Quilt: Such a simple and effective solution: move the pad attachments a few cm in from the edge.
Like a ZenBivi but without the sheet.
Nice.
Justin i am a massive fan of the Zpacks Arc haul and i currently have the 60 and 70 litre but i have also had the 40 and 50 and found them all absolutely outstanding BUT what have Zpacks done by getting rid of the old type of trampoline back system for this new Lycra panel ??? Do you know why they changed it ? I personally, i think its a massive step backwards and I cannot figure out why they would do this !!!! Am i missing something here because it makes absolutely no sense to me .
I love my arc haul... Very comfortable and functional.
What's your opinion on the Rockfront quilt vs the Katabatic quilts? Katabatic also has the side draft tube thing (by using the mitten clips) and a differential cut.
He rarely answers anybody’s questions. What a shame! Others in his shoes are much batter at it than he is. Maybe it’s an ego thing.
@@MoeBergOSS Lol i don't think so; he has a wife and kid and running a youtube channel isn't as easy as people think. I've gotten some fantastic gear that I heard about from him.
@@CombatBanana He was the same before the kid and he first started. Isn’t part of relying on views and likes etc to get paid actually interacting with the people who make that happen?
@@MoeBergOSS I guess he could be better about replying to comments but I doubt its an ego thing. I still rly like him and his channel.
Outstanding list! Interesting competition in the ultralight pump area 🧐
Haha right!?
I hope you've been enjoying your AT hike Mr. Kriz! I've been having fun watching you battle all the wind lately on your IG XD
@ So far it has been a blast. Taking my holiday pause and retreating from the negative windchills - flopping to GA and working North after that.
Is the big sky pillow taller (at the part where your head goes) than the trekology? When you're on your side, does that middle convex part push on your ear? I got the trekology on your recomendation, but it's not tall enough.
i so want that Rock Front Rain Hoody...waiting on stock still!
Check out the Neve Gear Feathertail quilt. It's even better than the Rock Front.
Love mine, I've had it for over a year now. I only wish he did a 1o degrees warmer weather version.
@@needtokeepwalking Agreed
Im surprised you dont mention slingfin tents. I think they are excellent
I know I’m out voted but I tried the arch haul and didn’t love it. I put 30lbs in it and it didn’t carry well. Felt like the arch was pushing the weight to far out. It was noticeable and I could feel it pulling me back. It was also just uncomfortable with tiny straps including the hip belt buckle. Because it was so small it was digging into my belly. I’m in AZ so I sometimes have to do water carries so that’s why I tested it at 30lbs. The REI Flash 55 carried the weight WAY better and the same 30lbs felt WAY lighter.
I agree with you that the Flash 55 carries weight better. It's one of the best packs for weight carrying I think! It does sound like the arc haul may have been the wrong size for you.
@ could have been. I know a lot of people love it so I know I’m a one off. I tried adjusting straps every which way. It was good but not $500 great. I wanted ti force liking it but just couldn’t.
Excellent review as always. I was hoping you’d give an award for Best Watch. I’m debating between the Coros and Garmin platforms. Are you still rocking the Enduro 2?
Just wondering if you have any suggestions for a 4 person tent? I have 3 kids going backpacking with me next summer and we hike in bear country and I don’t want them to sleep in a tent by themselves. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
The Tarptent Hogback is one that I’ve dreamed about over the years. It’s a semi-freestanding tent that has (from what I can tell) gobs of floor space and headroom. Also, pyramid shaped tarps (such as the Black Diamond Mega Light, the MSR Front range, Liteway Pyraomm Max Tarp) each has an inners tent option for summer. There are several options out there for large tents from Nemo, MSR, etc, but few are very light.
Another option is to get two 2-person tents (such as the Lanshan 3F UL) that have two doors that you can set up really close together such that the vestibules overlap, or you could set up a small tarp between the two as a mega-vestibule. When we went out as a family (two parents two kids) we used an old 4-person Wenzel backpacking tent that my in laws got us at a garage sale (that uses nylon floor, instead of that really thick tarp bottom for car camping). I replaced the heavy fiberglass poles with repurposed aluminum poles from a tent that we scrapped (this saved 2.5 pounds) and I didn’t bring the rain fly, because the forecast was 0% chance of rain and brought a 9 foot square tarp that could easily cover the center area in a pinch (which saved another couple of pounds). This set up was still well over 4 pounds though, but it was “free”.
Hmm maybe I missed something, but it looks like neither of those teensy pad inflators has a valve fitting for the rei helix? @JustinOutdoors if anyone knows it's you! Picked up a helix after spending too many cold nights on my ether lite xt, on your recommendation, it's my go-to!
What is your approx. height Justin just to get a sense of clothing sizing. Thanks for posting sizes you wear.
I'm 5'10 180lbs
What kind of gas canister do you use at 6:10?
That's actually an air horn canister refilled with propane/butane. It's enough fuel for a weekend trip while saving several ounces.
I hope ya do a video where you compare the Pad Pal and the Alpenblow
For me it is foldable bowls that can also be used as a cutting board. Discovered that way too late.
The link for the rain jacket doesnt work, is it just me ? 🤔
Great video! Even though I never plan to go ultralight 😂😂
For the most part people who do go ultralight are just doing it as a “look at me” thing. Eventually you’ll see many of them come to their senses and realize ultralight is not for them or fun to actually do.
Ultra comfort is where the ultimate goal should be. Ultralight equipment but enough of it to have actual fun and not use a napkin as a quilt or cardboard flats as camp shoes.
@MoeBergOSS very well said! I could see myself trying it if I were to be a summer camper... but my season is dec-April so I carry enough to be safe if weather turns...
For the best budget UL backpack, I will submit the 3F UL Gear Yue 45+10. I have it and I love it, and have had it loaded up to 35 lbs. and it carries it very well. I've only been able to find in on their website.
The rain jacket looks awesome but when I click the link it’s shows 404 not found as if the website is gone and no longer up. Any ideas what’s happened?
Is that mt Glasgow behind you 1:09
Thanks man.
The problem with the PadPal and AlpenGlow pumps is that they’re extremely fragile and don’t come with a case. I could use my cook pot to protect it, but then I have to take up pack space to store my fuel canister outside my pot.
I’ve somewhat solved the problem by replacing my ditty bag with a Chinese take-out container. The pump is protected. We’ll see how the container fares.
Oh no! Have you broken one?! I was skeptical as well (more so about the padpal but have been throwing loose in my ditty bag and smushing it into my pack about 20 times, along with dozens of inflations and haven't encountered an issue. I thought the 3d printed material would be more brittle in cold temps but didn't encoutner any issues subzero either. I haven't used the alpenblow as much but it also seems a bit more robust.
Time will tell though! I also seem to have pretty good luck with gear durability, so take that into consideration too!
@ I haven’t broke it but instead took preventative measures. This pump feels like it’s 3-D printed… in the hand, it feels like a bird’s skull. I can’t imagine it isn’t fragile and at almost $60 USD and usually sold-out I just don’t want to risk it dancing around with other gear in a ditty bag.
@@andymytys Ah, I totally get that. Luckily brands are a-okay with me pushing the limits of their gear and appreciate the testing. So keep an eye on whether I end up breaking the padpal with non-careful use!
Please review more tarptent products. They're Cottage Gear and deserve the exposure. The Dipole and Double rainbow have been my two favorite tents to use for years
For sure! I'll be continuing to test the ArcDome and I am hoping then send over a Double Rainbow silpoly edition to test in 2025.
I second this … the Tarptent DR LI is my go to tent for solo trips - even prefer it over the XMid Pro 2. I’d also love to see an Ultamid by HMG be reviewed too … recently got the Ultamid 4 and it’s easily my favorite tent to share when I go on trips with my mom 😊
Correct me if I'm wrong, but Bussbe does not recommend using boiling water in their bags.
Officially, no - they don't put the "can use boiling water" label on it. But based on my research, there is no reason it can't accept boiling water.
Leaching.
They themselves said not to. Ziploc said the same thing about their freezer bags. I tried to post links earlier but the post won't show up
There are some bags, like Stasher, that actually say you can use boiling water and are reusable. Don't know how good they are for backpacking tho.
@@CombatBanana Silicone, very heavy relatively
Love this
Shoutout to ROCKFRONT THEY ARE FROM UKARINE! 👏
1 day too late.... I literally placed my order with Zenbivy and now that it shipped you're releasing this -_-
What is the fuel canister @6:10?
i find that carrying my pillow and mattress already inflated while hiking reduces that weight quite a bit, just make sure to use helium
When’s the pika lid available?
He showed it in the video at the bottom right corner when mentioning the Pika lid. Early 2025
@ whoops. I was checking out his website while at that point in the video.
I swear I just watch these videos to see if the gear I own are on the list :D
I use the Snugpak Jungle blanket instead of a quilt
Great video as usual, however, I'm not really a fan of ultralight. If figure if I can't carry a 35 pound pack on a 5 to 7 day hike, I better hang up my gear.
Pack fitting and features are such a personal thing that it is difficult to pick 'best pack.'
You don't use a sleeping bag and only a quilt?
95% of the time during 3-season - yes
It's really the way to go. Even if it's super cold, like below zero f, you can get a separate down hood and just layer multiple quilts.
@JustinOutdoors are you doing this for weight saving or is it because quilts are more comfortable?
@@wesdiezy is it due to weight saving or comfort?
@@bilaltahir9978 Its for both reasons. Its lighter because there is less unneeded fabric and insulation being compressed behind your back. You can roll around in quilts and they feel less claustrophobic. Quilts are also more versatile because you can get ones that unzip entirely so they act like a blanket and are more breathable when it's hot out. Try one out. I think you'll like it. Just make sure to bring a good hat if it's going to be cold out.
The insulated Jacket doesn't have the same orange color anymore, which is a bummer.
Ok wait, are you using an air horn as feul for that brs?? I need answers! 😂
He did a video awhile back showing it… use a flipfuel valve to fill. Same valving system.
Yeah it looks crazy compact. But seems a little unstable to put a pot with water on top of all that. Not sure I’d want to try that.
@@r2herzog I'm assuming it needed to be emptied first? And then refilled with other feul?
@ Correct.
The X-Mid Pro 2+ might be "plenty roomy" for shorter people, but looks small for someone who's taller than 180 cm. I guess the same goes for the other tents as well.
I'd say most tents are pretty good for people up to 190cm but over that and tent options start getting very limited. It's cool to see some manufacturers making "long" versions of their tents thought!
🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
Y’all sleepin on Tarptent.
I use Hammock Gear "ground sleeper" quilts, The burrow are UL and " comfort rated" where as EE and others are not. A HG 10 degree for example, keeps you warm to 10 degrees. EE and others that's their limit. Please check them out. They weigh less and give you more warmth with up to 950 fill. materials, etc can be chosen along with lots of colors/patterns. Best quilt ever!!! Just need to choose the reg or wide for ground/tent sleepers.
Pleased to see a ukrainian company in your list-Rock Front has also cool insulated pants !
7d fabric on a quilt seems much to fragile. As important as a quilt is I don’t understand making it out of something that thin.
I've had it for over 4 years now with no issues. I'm not sure what sort of things could impact it while sleeping in a tent.
i don't really like ultralight backpacks, i prefer like sturdy ones, like deuter aircontact 50+10l
Nitecore NB10000 gen3 is still insufferably slow to charge 😭
I thought the pad pumps were interesting so I looked them up on-line; $48 and $57 price!. A good idea, but IMO ridiculously expensive. I'll wait until a knock off is available at a more reasonable price.
Ultralight equipment and suddenly a pump... 😅😂
$50 for a pump that's like $5 in materials? Was expecting $25 or something.
Isn't rock front gear out of Ukraine What in the world does it cost to send it here?
J MONEY
I have a feeling that Rockfront sponsored this video 😂
Those Nitecore powerbanks are the worst powerbanks ever. They don't support fast charging so it takes almost 10 hours to full charge 10k 🤦♂️. It forces you to stay in town and take zero. Also they are way too inefficient (about 30% is wasted when charging your stuff). It means 10k is actually 7k 🥵
Rockfront is made in Ukraine :)
Very lightweight... 715grams... Wat?
I have a better powerbank that weights +-20g more and costs 3 times less
Co-winners for all those categories? Thumbs down!
A balloon aka a clear bubble pillow isn’t a real pillow.
Man I really hate the Durston bags for that price there are so many better options
Like what? The Alulla graflyte fabric is cutting edge premium fabric. Theres only 1 other backpack brand(in Tennessee) that uses the fabric rn and it costs a lot more. The bonding and waterproof was of the fabric prices to last longer than laminated fabrics and is very lightweight. No other backpacks can boast the same specs
What would you like to see us change?
Let us know what better options there are for the same price. Durston products are pretty hard to beat in all, if not most categories. The only issue I’d say Durston has with their backpacks, is a bland aesthetic design and there are no color options to attempt to mitigate this. Ultimately, you take a penalty in aesthetic if you prioritize performance, weight and cost savings.
@@durstongear ik the question wasn’t for me, but an attachment loop to clip on a load lifter strap when needed to carry more weight would be awesome. The option to put on on or not would diversify the uses of the wapta for me personally
@@dylanpausic5026 Thanks for the feedback. I don't have load lifters on the Wapta because it is frameless (no frame to connect these too). I could help to 'shift' the load like the 'load shifters' from Gossamer Gear. We could do something like put a loop where the top strap comes out of the seam and then people could add a cord from there to the shoulder straps are sort of a lifter. It would be nice to enable this, but also I don't want to add much weight (e.g. make it standard) because the focus is to make a superlight pack.