This is a great video not only honest and telling us about your experience and showing your equipment this help me get a idea what I might need to go backpacking as a beginner thank you for your time and this video
Sleeping pads are rated by r value, not sleeping bags. Sleeping bags still have no universal standard of warmth measurement. This is why you need to be very careful when reading the temperature ratings. For example a 20 degree bag might mean that the bag will keep you comfortable down to 20 degrees or it might mean that it will only keep you alive down to 20 degrees.
The higher the fill Power the less down they put in. They can get the same loft out of less down when the fill power is higher. The benefit from that is a lighter sleeping bag.
Not at all! I found it at Walmart, it’s a waterproof phone case! Such a strange devise,m, but it fits perfectly right? The fact that it’s waterproof really sold me too.
Fill isn't really about the amount of feathers they put in, it's more about the quality of the feathers. A kilo of 950 down, will "Fill" a bigger space than a kilo of 850 down, because the feathers are a better quality and more springy. Filling a bigger space creates more air gaps, so it is more insulative. A higher "Fill" allows you to put in less feathers to achieve the same insulating power. So a higher fill, often means less feathers, and a lighter sleeping bag. So the fill number needs to be looked at in relation to the grams of down used. It's possible an 850 Fill bag is warmer than an ultralight 950 bag, but the 850 bag would just be heavier and have to use more feathers.
True. I’d like to add that warmth is dependent on the loft of the down which is usually measured in ounces or grams. The greater the loft the greater the warmth. A higher fill will give more loft with less weight.
For me the sleeping pad is where the money has to be put in. It is the only thing that insulate you from the ground. I had several and when I switched to some good R value I felt the warm coming on my back, really surprising. If you can borrow one from friend to see by yourself. But if you do not have a lot of money better spend it on a good pad instead of a good sleeping bag.. yes.
I 100% agree! I used to have a tiny pad where my legs wouldn’t fit and they would get freezing cold at night and I couldn’t sleep, even with a great sleeping bag. The R value for the thermarest XTherm is pretty good, but I still get cold on snow. I’ve been seeing some other backpackers use foam pads under their inflatable ones when I’m super cold weather, I’m gonna try it out 🙌🏾. Thanks for the comment!
I use a similar inflatable solar lantern as a "beacon". Usually, I try to do cooking away from camp and if it's dark, it can be tough to find my way back to my hammock. With the lantern on (esp. in blink mode), it's a whole lot easier. Also, since it's solar, I keep it on the top of my pack and it charges while I hike (ie: it never runs out of power!)
I used to also say "a normal shirt is fine, why would I spent $50 on a t-shirt" - all my t-shirts were cotton and I just assumed it was normal to stink, feel hot, itchy, etc. Then I got my first capilene shirt. Never looked back. It's not even worth thinking about for a second my dude, the difference in comfort is night and day especially if you're hiking full days in the summer heat. I haven't worn a cotton shirt backpacking in over ten years and I never will again.....
@@TheBackpackingBiologist Capilene is just a blend of common synthetic fabrics like polyester that Patagonia created nice stuff Patagonia is nice I own some of their clothing but we all know it’s pricey and any synthetic shirt will do the same thing
I have to Agee with the above statement. Is it necessary? No, but it does make things more comfortable. When buying gear it can be on your list, but kept at the bottom of the list.
@@christianb8228 Yeah it's true actually - you can save money buy just buying a Nike or Underarmor synthetic shirt. I like my Patagonia shirt but any synthetic shirt will do - I buy Patagonia because they are more sustainable and more ethical business practices - unlike those cheaper brands sold at Walmart and Target etc.
Trail runners = combine with shoe gaiters to maximize your comfort (unless you like little rocks and pebbles in your shoes rubbing against your feet!) Also combine with a decent sock like Darn Tough
Thanks for the helpful video! I’ve only been backpacking a few times and I didn’t know that sleeping bag liners were a thing. I feel like that combined with a pillow and pocket bellow and extra long spork are gonna make my next trip feel super luxurious!
i find that flex capacitor is a lot more comfortable and supportive than blaze. simple design,padding is just right and in right spots. frame and weight lifters are doing fantastic job. i really wanna like the blaze but it s just not that comfortable even after trying different adjustments. no idea why gg packs are so rated.
Great video! Definitely subbed! Though, you would have gotten my sub on the awesome Carhartt overalls alone. 😂 I also very much appreciate your Costco shoutouts.
Good video ! 60+ year's and a old Amazon Explorer. Good work the young people forget K.I.S.S = Keep it simple stupid. Yes I am older than Dirt! 👀 jut get out doors and have fun and be safe! Don't be a label junkie ( I Have X brand and my pack is so light I freeze and hate to camp ) bring what is truly needed and not just in case stuff your back will thank you years later I am old I know! 🤦. Enjoy life its short.
Great video and breakdown for beginners :) I like that you really talk about the purpose of gear. I think that’s more important for beginners than brand name as they figure out what is truly needed. Lightsaber noises are always a good thing too. Hope you don’t mind me asking, but pinoy by any chance? I only ask because I’m half pinoy myself :)
I really love your gear, especially your blades and fire starting gear, not many backpackers have those. I use Esse 4 and Bigboy Outback edition. All in all really good video, love your sleep system. Greetings from Europe
Thanks! I enjoy my sharp things and making fires, which makes backpacking way more fun for me! I really like the Esse 4, I considered getting that. Thanks for watching!
Very good video. Very good assortment of backpacking gear. Not cheap though. I liked it so much I just subscribed to your channel and gave you a like. What is your favorite shelter? Thank you so much for sharing this video. I enjoyed it a lot. God bless you.
Thank you! Definitely not cheap. For the moment, I love free standing double walled tents. I’ve experimented with some tent pole tents and they really aren’t my jam. But I think I need more experience trying others to make a solid decision
Great video! Happy to see a person of color hosting one of these channels. I’m subscribed to a bunch of channels and appreciate them all. Just seems like the backpacking community is mostly white folks and would love to see more diversity. Nature belongs to all of us! Keep it up and please share any other BIPOC content creators you know of. Thanks!
Thanks brother 💪🏾 I agree, I would love to see more POC out in nature, which is one of the goals of my channel. We need to find ways to make nature more accessible and less scary
Yes, It will fit any canister holding isopropane/butane blend such as the MSR/Jetboil/Gigapro canisters. They will NOT fit your average green propane tank you can use for a gas grill or car camp stove (I've made this mistake before). Hope this helps!
I won't carry a backpack without a Lid...their is nothing like a Kelty Trekker...I would not carry anything but a 0 degree Outdoor Vitals, Quilt...they are the best on the market for the money...I carry a Hiker pro..water filter, has to have activated charcoal as part of the filtering... system or you are living things in the water, you don't want to drink...I am also carrying a Black Diamond Mega Light 2 lb ultralight 4 season Pyramid tent, they are also called Mids in the industry...I also carry a Toaks Titanium small wood burning stove and their 750 Titanium pot ...I just boil water for freezer bag cooking... I'm also carrying a xtherm sleeping pad...I also have an estimated, 40,000 miles on 5 different touring bicycles...
This is such a cool concept! I love this very much. Especially that you have the scientific approach to it all. As an aspiring astronaut trying to share his journey, I can get behind yours!
I bought a nice rechargeable 400 lumen headlamp at Walmart for $30 Canadian. Definitely recommend it for that price point. The light lasts for hours even in the winter at night
@@TheBackpackingBiologist it actually can. I also bought a bug net for my head and lightweight compact rain pants while I was there. Couldn’t beat the price
haha so true what kind of tricks the mind can play when you're by yourself. I have a vid where I camp near an ice cave where 4 people died and you best believe I had ghosts in mind 🤣
Cuz I’m not smart 😂 nah, we come to the same problem, it gets caught on the frays as it goes in. I’ve just been leaving the bag at home, problem solved
Best advice to any new backpacker is to invest as much as your budget can allow on your big 3 (Backpack, Tent, sleeping bag or quilt + pad) buy the lightest as possible. your sleep is the one of most important aspect-of backpacking. You will be miserable on the trail it you don’t have a good night sleep 💤
With your quilt make sure you dont pull up the edges when you roll over. A gap will give you a draft that makes for a really cold spot. I have a ugq regular width 10 degree quilt and have to be careful to stay centered in it or I get a draft around my butt. Cold cheeks arent comfortable! Lol
Lmao 😂. I hear ya! I really am giving the quilt the benefit of the doubt, but it seems like there are so many extra steps I have to follow just to enjoy it!
I live in Ca and have been fortunate to never have to worry about rain on my trip. If I see it might rain, I just postpone it :P. So I don’t have a many rain clothes, but I may just get one in the future!
I just found your videos while doing some research on where to backpack in the eastern sierras! Happy to see a fellow banana slug and bipoc backpacker!! Much love !
This was an exceptional video. You deserve much more attention in this community. Liked and subscribed. Thanks for the video, those Goose feet things are next on my list! 😂
I wanted to get that one but couldn’t for some reason! I ended up running into my Dromedary and I honestly love it, especially for desert camping/island camping where there’s no water
I love that you were honest about , being alone , I think that is what scares me , I love being in nature and day hikes I don’t think I can back pack alone . Thanks for sharing
Being alone in the wilderness will definitely test you! If it's something that you really want to try eventually, try baby steps. Try something more local where you feel more comfortable. That's what I did. Cheers!
Loss it at 14:05 😅
🤣🤣
Need @ 20:46 sound effect.
I love that you admit liking a light because you are scared. I love when people are secure enough to be vulnerable.
Thank you! We all need to be a little more vulnerable now a days. Have a good day!
Great job, good humor, love your style. You would be fun to have at camp. Thanks for posting.
This is a great video not only honest and telling us about your experience and showing your equipment this help me get a idea what I might need to go backpacking as a beginner thank you for your time and this video
Thanks so much for the comment Edward! Get out there and go backpacking!
the light saber sounds with the saw had me giggling lol
haha 😌
Sleeping pads are rated by r value, not sleeping bags. Sleeping bags still have no universal standard of warmth measurement. This is why you need to be very careful when reading the temperature ratings. For example a 20 degree bag might mean that the bag will keep you comfortable down to 20 degrees or it might mean that it will only keep you alive down to 20 degrees.
Wow, I didn’t know that, but then again that makes sense to why I’ve never seen an R value on a sleeping bag lol. You’re right, bags can be tricky!
The higher the fill Power the less down they put in. They can get the same loft out of less down when the fill power is higher. The benefit from that is a lighter sleeping bag.
Wow, never knew that! Thanks. I gotta do some research, I’m looking into a new mummy bag
@@TheBackpackingBiologist the higher fill will cost more but will pack down smaller on top of being lighter.
you may laugh at this one, but where did you get the case that you keep all your fire making tools in? its the perfect size and appears waterproof.
Not at all! I found it at Walmart, it’s a waterproof phone case! Such a strange devise,m, but it fits perfectly right? The fact that it’s waterproof really sold me too.
@@TheBackpackingBiologist thanks so much for the reply. im now on a mission to find one to add to my load out!
You're such a great entertainer and educator! Keep it up. go banana slugs
Thank you! and go Slugs! 🍌
I actually really like the sawyer bags
Sweet! Glad they’re working for you :)
Good
Thank you
17:27 lol what is this crazy bear hang situation - where is that, it's totally insane
That’s at Yellowstone, every backcountry site has one! Pretty sick huh, they really want to make it easy to hang their food lol
I think some places on the AT have bear hang spots like that, too. Black bears are crafty bastards.
Fill isn't really about the amount of feathers they put in, it's more about the quality of the feathers. A kilo of 950 down, will "Fill" a bigger space than a kilo of 850 down, because the feathers are a better quality and more springy. Filling a bigger space creates more air gaps, so it is more insulative. A higher "Fill" allows you to put in less feathers to achieve the same insulating power. So a higher fill, often means less feathers, and a lighter sleeping bag. So the fill number needs to be looked at in relation to the grams of down used. It's possible an 850 Fill bag is warmer than an ultralight 950 bag, but the 850 bag would just be heavier and have to use more feathers.
That's an amazing explanation, thanks for sharing. I'm in the market for a new bag so I'll keep this in mind
True. I’d like to add that warmth is dependent on the loft of the down which is usually measured in ounces or grams. The greater the loft the greater the warmth. A higher fill will give more loft with less weight.
For me the sleeping pad is where the money has to be put in. It is the only thing that insulate you from the ground. I had several and when I switched to some good R value I felt the warm coming on my back, really surprising. If you can borrow one from friend to see by yourself. But if you do not have a lot of money better spend it on a good pad instead of a good sleeping bag.. yes.
I 100% agree! I used to have a tiny pad where my legs wouldn’t fit and they would get freezing cold at night and I couldn’t sleep, even with a great sleeping bag. The R value for the thermarest XTherm is pretty good, but I still get cold on snow. I’ve been seeing some other backpackers use foam pads under their inflatable ones when I’m super cold weather, I’m gonna try it out 🙌🏾. Thanks for the comment!
Meh, I rarely use a pad unless its wet season. Though I primarily hike in a hot climate
I use a similar inflatable solar lantern as a "beacon". Usually, I try to do cooking away from camp and if it's dark, it can be tough to find my way back to my hammock. With the lantern on (esp. in blink mode), it's a whole lot easier. Also, since it's solar, I keep it on the top of my pack and it charges while I hike (ie: it never runs out of power!)
Yes! They're so handy! People love them whenever I bust them out haha. Cheers!
I used to also say "a normal shirt is fine, why would I spent $50 on a t-shirt" - all my t-shirts were cotton and I just assumed it was normal to stink, feel hot, itchy, etc. Then I got my first capilene shirt. Never looked back. It's not even worth thinking about for a second my dude, the difference in comfort is night and day especially if you're hiking full days in the summer heat. I haven't worn a cotton shirt backpacking in over ten years and I never will again.....
I’ll look into it, thanks! I sometimes bring an athletic long sleeve to sleep in, which really does help a lot, for the days I just stick to a tee.
@@TheBackpackingBiologist Capilene is just a blend of common synthetic fabrics like polyester that Patagonia created nice stuff Patagonia is nice I own some of their clothing but we all know it’s pricey and any synthetic shirt will do the same thing
I have to Agee with the above statement. Is it necessary? No, but it does make things more comfortable. When buying gear it can be on your list, but kept at the bottom of the list.
@@christianb8228 Yeah it's true actually - you can save money buy just buying a Nike or Underarmor synthetic shirt. I like my Patagonia shirt but any synthetic shirt will do - I buy Patagonia because they are more sustainable and more ethical business practices - unlike those cheaper brands sold at Walmart and Target etc.
Trail runners = combine with shoe gaiters to maximize your comfort (unless you like little rocks and pebbles in your shoes rubbing against your feet!)
Also combine with a decent sock like Darn Tough
Tablets make an excellent back up, had my squeeze bags both fail recently and the tablets came in clutch
That's a great idea. And they dont take up much space either!
Great practical advice and explanation of “the why” thanks!
My pleasure, and thank you
Thanks for the helpful video! I’ve only been backpacking a few times and I didn’t know that sleeping bag liners were a thing. I feel like that combined with a pillow and pocket bellow and extra long spork are gonna make my next trip feel super luxurious!
Hahaha yes, you’re gonna feel like you’re at the 4 seasons
i find that flex capacitor is a lot more comfortable and supportive than blaze.
simple design,padding is just right and in right spots. frame and weight lifters are doing fantastic job.
i really wanna like the blaze but it s just not that comfortable even after trying different adjustments. no idea why gg packs are so rated.
Put the spork in the bag the other way around to avoid that issue.
Thankyou for this video, i really appreciate these sorts of videos ❤
Quilt fill is not warmth, its loft
Can you explain please :)
Lower fill power requires more down than higher fill power to achieve same loft and warmth
@@TheBackpackingBiologist that's why a higher fill power in the same rating weighs less
Good to know. I’m gonna have to look into loft, I never knew it’s existence till now lol. Thanks
Love the overalls old school way to go! Thay just work !🤗🤗
Gotta show these kids how to get dirty!
@@TheBackpackingBiologist h e l l 👀 yes 🚜🚜🚜 is good for the solo
I’m certainly not a beginner but I enjoy watching these videos to get inspired or look for new ideas and how to rearrange my ruck
Same here 😂 also this lad is cool
Great video! Definitely subbed! Though, you would have gotten my sub on the awesome Carhartt overalls alone. 😂 I also very much appreciate your Costco shoutouts.
LMAO thanks! I like to think I've earned those Carhartt overalls. And Costco is the best!
Spray shoes (Or gear) with a waterproofing agent such as kiwi spray. :)
Good video ! 60+ year's and a old Amazon Explorer. Good work the young people forget K.I.S.S = Keep it simple stupid. Yes I am older than Dirt! 👀 jut get out doors and have fun and be safe! Don't be a label junkie ( I Have X brand and my pack is so light I freeze and hate to camp ) bring what is truly needed and not just in case stuff your back will thank you years later I am old I know! 🤦. Enjoy life its short.
Haha love it. My dad always says “you don’t get to that age by being no fool”, so I appreciate your wisdom 😎
Great video and breakdown for beginners :)
I like that you really talk about the purpose of gear. I think that’s more important for beginners than brand name as they figure out what is truly needed.
Lightsaber noises are always a good thing too.
Hope you don’t mind me asking, but pinoy by any chance? I only ask because I’m half pinoy myself :)
I appreciate the kind words. And yes, I am Pinoy! haha it's always great connecting with another Filipino
@@TheBackpackingBiologist Haha that is awesome man :) I enjoyed the video, you got my sub. Happy trails and be safe out there dude!
@@ChucoHiker likewise! You have a great channel as well, just subbed. Take care
@@TheBackpackingBiologist Aw thanks man :) Much appreciated!
I really love your gear, especially your blades and fire starting gear, not many backpackers have those. I use Esse 4 and Bigboy Outback edition. All in all really good video, love your sleep system. Greetings from Europe
Thanks! I enjoy my sharp things and making fires, which makes backpacking way more fun for me! I really like the Esse 4, I considered getting that. Thanks for watching!
Very good video. Very good assortment of backpacking gear. Not cheap though. I liked it so much I just subscribed to your channel and gave you a like. What is your favorite shelter? Thank you so much for sharing this video. I enjoyed it a lot. God bless you.
Thank you! Definitely not cheap. For the moment, I love free standing double walled tents. I’ve experimented with some tent pole tents and they really aren’t my jam. But I think I need more experience trying others to make a solid decision
Great video! Happy to see a person of color hosting one of these channels. I’m subscribed to a bunch of channels and appreciate them all. Just seems like the backpacking community is mostly white folks and would love to see more diversity. Nature belongs to all of us! Keep it up and please share any other BIPOC content creators you know of. Thanks!
Thanks brother 💪🏾 I agree, I would love to see more POC out in nature, which is one of the goals of my channel. We need to find ways to make nature more accessible and less scary
So can the MSR pocket rocket be used with any fuel tank that uses isobutane and propane?
Yes, It will fit any canister holding isopropane/butane blend such as the MSR/Jetboil/Gigapro canisters. They will NOT fit your average green propane tank you can use for a gas grill or car camp stove (I've made this mistake before). Hope this helps!
Hi, what is that nifty little case you use for your fire kit? Thanks
omg i want to go backpacking now
haha do it!
hi🌷
try using a foam pad w/ur air mattress and it makes a world 🌎 of difference! Much warmer, not much more weight! or $ 😊🐾
I’ll definitely give that a try! Thanks for the rec :)
Great video. Totally agree that booties can make a BIG difference in sleep quality.
Thanks for watching! Bad news is I might have lost mine :( gonna have to buy a new pair. But that goes to show how great they are!
Nah aluminum is lighter than titanium but it’s not as strong
I won't carry a backpack without a Lid...their is nothing like a Kelty Trekker...I would not carry anything but a 0 degree Outdoor Vitals, Quilt...they are the best on the market for the money...I carry a Hiker pro..water filter, has to have activated charcoal as part of the filtering... system or you are living things in the water, you don't want to drink...I am also carrying a Black Diamond Mega Light 2 lb ultralight 4 season Pyramid tent, they are also called Mids in the industry...I also carry a Toaks Titanium small wood burning stove and their 750 Titanium pot ...I just boil water for freezer bag cooking... I'm also carrying a xtherm sleeping pad...I also have an estimated, 40,000 miles on 5 different touring bicycles...
You sound super experienced. I’ll check out all those things
@@TheBackpackingBiologist 2
What a great video! I recently discovered your channel and I’m so glad I did 😊
Thanks so much Carlos! I'm glad you like the vids :)
Loved your video thank you so much if you have not already please make that hiking shoe video
Thanks man! I haven’t yet but I’ll put it on the list!
This is such a cool concept! I love this very much. Especially that you have the scientific approach to it all. As an aspiring astronaut trying to share his journey, I can get behind yours!
Thanks man. I wish you luck on your journey, your channel seems great 👍🏾
Great video! Awesome gear choices. New follower here. Crow✌️
Thanks a bunch! Your channel looks awesome as well, just subbed. Take care!
I bought a nice rechargeable 400 lumen headlamp at Walmart for $30 Canadian. Definitely recommend it for that price point. The light lasts for hours even in the winter at night
That’s awesome! Walmart can come in clutch with gear
@@TheBackpackingBiologist it actually can. I also bought a bug net for my head and lightweight compact rain pants while I was there. Couldn’t beat the price
"is there a ghost". Love the irrational stuff we think of when out alone haha. Suddenly all the old scary stories are a bit more freaky.
haha so true what kind of tricks the mind can play when you're by yourself. I have a vid where I camp near an ice cave where 4 people died and you best believe I had ghosts in mind 🤣
stunned that this video hasn't been spammed by the " you're a glamper if you bring more than a half gram of equipment" crowd.
Haha well the video isn’t that popular yet, but rest assured they’ll find it
@@TheBackpackingBiologist loved your Bonsai video btw, looking forward to more of your content.
I appreciate you! 🙏🏾
why wouldnt u just put the fork in the other way around
Cuz I’m not smart 😂 nah, we come to the same problem, it gets caught on the frays as it goes in. I’ve just been leaving the bag at home, problem solved
Best advice to any new backpacker is to invest as much as your budget can allow on your big 3 (Backpack, Tent, sleeping bag or quilt + pad) buy the lightest as possible. your sleep is the one of most important aspect-of backpacking. You will be miserable on the trail it you don’t have a good night sleep 💤
Very thorough 👍
Thank you :)
Good point abour filter under freezing water !!!
Very crucial!
With your quilt make sure you dont pull up the edges when you roll over. A gap will give you a draft that makes for a really cold spot. I have a ugq regular width 10 degree quilt and have to be careful to stay centered in it or I get a draft around my butt. Cold cheeks arent comfortable! Lol
Lmao 😂. I hear ya! I really am giving the quilt the benefit of the doubt, but it seems like there are so many extra steps I have to follow just to enjoy it!
Great video, subscribed. 😁
Thanks! I’m glad you liked it :)
Rain suites & pack covers!!!
I live in Ca and have been fortunate to never have to worry about rain on my trip. If I see it might rain, I just postpone it :P. So I don’t have a many rain clothes, but I may just get one in the future!
Awsome video!
Thanks River!
My paid blows up with the pillow
Those are sick! I’ve seen those, saves buying a pillow
I just found your videos while doing some research on where to backpack in the eastern sierras! Happy to see a fellow banana slug and bipoc backpacker!! Much love !
Hey! Thanks for watching dude and glad you got into backpacking :). Go slugs!
ghosts YEP
😂 so irrational yet so real
This was an exceptional video. You deserve much more attention in this community. Liked and subscribed. Thanks for the video, those Goose feet things are next on my list! 😂
Ay! Thanks a lot! And the goose feet down socks are the best! Everyone I camp with ends up buying them 🤣. Cheers!
This is great, thanks for sharing! And I agree backpacking is one of the funnest things in the world! It shouldn't be about the base weight.
Thanks for watching and for the kind words!
Love the video, thanks! You earned yourself a new subscriber.
Thank you 🙏🏾
Nicely done. Your presentation was explained and organized.
Thank you!
Next video: Ghosts in the Backcountry and You
No one could pay me enough money to make that video 😂
Bro you need to get a CNOC bag for your Sawyer that bag is crazy
I wanted to get that one but couldn’t for some reason! I ended up running into my Dromedary and I honestly love it, especially for desert camping/island camping where there’s no water
I've never seen someone using a bag for their spork/spoon....
Haha I store my spork in the bag when I’m not using it, when I backpack I leave the bag at home. It’s still as annoying to take it out
I love that you were honest about , being alone , I think that is what scares me , I love being in nature and day hikes I don’t think I can back pack alone . Thanks for sharing
Being alone in the wilderness will definitely test you! If it's something that you really want to try eventually, try baby steps. Try something more local where you feel more comfortable. That's what I did. Cheers!
We get to carry guns with a permit here in the south
the light saber sound effects!
I have the high ground!
Get a frame pack