My Backpacking Kit Has Changed - Here's Everything I Pack!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 มิ.ย. 2024
- *This video is sponsored by LMNT! Try LMNT (it's incredible) by clicking here: drinklmnt.com/mirandagoesoutside
My backpacking kit has been majorly upgraded this year so I figured it was time I updated y'all on everything I bring backpacking, and how I pack! This is my fall backpacking kit, but almost all of this gear I'll use in spring and summer as well. While I'm still not an ultralight backpacker (as you'll be able to tell from my base weight 😅) I have definitely benefitted from trying more ultralight gear from cottage brands this year, and my pack is lighter and comfortable than ever before!
Intro: 00:00
Backpack, liner, sleep system: 0:42
Bear canister, toiletries, stove: 4:06
Puffy Jacket, midlayer: 7:43
New tent: 8:25
Rain Jacket, gloves, neck gaiter: 9:34
Water filter, water bottles: 10:16
Why I Love LMNT Electrolytes (sponsor): 10:52
Water filter, water bottles continued: 11:47
Poop kit, pee kit: 12:26
First aid kit, headlamp, sit pad, trekking poles: 14:25
Weighing my pack: 17:24
Outro: 18:24
Gear in this video -
Black Diamond Z-Poles: alnk.to/60YFPlN
REI Flash 55 Pack: alnk.to/3ya45Px
Six Moon Designs Pack Liner: alnk.to/58oSViR
Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt 20: alnk.to/5Q3UQzM
NEMO Tensor Sleeping Pad: alnk.to/3TZA3ta
BV450 Bear Can:
Big Agnes String Lights: alnk.to/hstVAiM
Hartford Gear Co. Small Bag:
ECOTOOLS Face Cloth: amzn.to/40a4JD8
Mini Toothbrush: alnk.to/hstVAr3
LightLoad Towel: amzn.to/3tHGBLT
NatureBuff Soap: www.naturebuffsoap.com/
Snow Peak Titanium Pot:
Soto Windmaster Stove: alnk.to/gzU8GeY
Enlightened Equipment Torrid APEX Jacket: alnk.to/cHLt6qv
SkyGOAT Hoodie: skygoatusa.com
Durston X-Mid 2 Tent: durstongear.com/products/x-mi...
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L:
REI Liner Gloves: alnk.to/1XVfgxw
BUFF Wool Neck Gaiter: alnk.to/devK2L6
CNOC 2L Bag: alnk.to/9bsju7p
Sawyer Squeeze Filter: alnk.to/6mObMWQ
CNOC 1L Bottle:
Happy Bottom Bidet: alnk.to/1N0uhKf
BoglerCo Trowel: alnk.to/e75wWYD
Freshette Pee Funnel: alnk.to/e75wWRk
Kula Cloth: alnk.to/cHLt6l7
NiteCore Headlamp: alnk.to/1C5Jj3K
Gossamer Gear Thin Pad: alnk.to/7X30Cr2
I can’t believe I forgot to talk about this, but I ALWAYS carry a satellite messenger! Mine is the Garmin InReach Mini: alnk.to/esV2UwM
The above links are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to purchase something from these links I may earn a small commission. This money goes straight back into making content, and allows me to keep making videos for all of you!
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The Miranda Goes Outside crew:
Director and Producer: Rainer Golden
Sr. Editor and Videographer: Abby Hagan
Videographer and Editor: Chelsea Newton
Videographer and Editor: Kyle Roof
Editor: Katie Van Fleet
Editor: Doug Linstedt
Dog: Tucker
This video was filmed by Rainer Golden and edited by Miranda Webster!
Follow me on IG @MirandaGoesOutside: / mirandagoesoutside
Find past Miranda in the Wild videos on REI Co-op's TH-cam channel here: / @rei
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Everything I Bring Backpacking - Major Updates!
#backpacking #hiking #camping #backpackinggear #2023 #fall #autumn #outdoors #travel #adventure #mirandagoesoutside #mirandainthewild
I would like to point out that for the one billionth time Miranda forgot her spork in this video. 😂 It’s the Sea to Summit Alpha Long Spork, if anyone is wondering.
OMG SPORKY I’M SO SORRY
@@MirandaGoesOutside If Charles Dickens were alive today he’d write about your forgotten spork.
Gosh Darn! Lol
Btw… I won the prize giveaway from her live show and haven’t heard from you. I sent an email and responded to the announcement of the two winners, but haven’t had a response yet. Maybe you didn’t get my email? Thanks so much!
💙🐦
@@AT-Bluebird oh shoot!! I'm emailing you now - thanks for following up!!
I’m beginning to believe she doesn’t use a spork at all. In her new quest for ultra light, perhaps she’s using twigs and clam shells….
I want to thank you guys for not putting constant music behind your video's. As a neurodivergent person, it's often hard for me to watch video's with constant music in the background. It makes it hard to follow what someone is saying as it can be very distracting for us. I know this is also the case for some people with hearing difficulties. So thanks for not falling into the trend of always needing music. You guys are awesome.
💚💚💚 thank you 🙏 and you’re welcome!!
Yess
Just a shout out- you don’t need an apostrophe when you use plural. If you are doing plural possessive then you might. Videos = plural. Video’s = singular possessive: video’s creator. Videos’ = plural possessive. The 3 videos’ launch date will be simultaneous.
@lisaphares2286 seriously?
Please no apostrophes in simple plurals.
Pillow Tip: The Filo Has a loop on each side. Buy some small bungee cord 1/16 inch and tie a portion on each loop and then loop it over your sleeping pad. This is what I do and my pillow never moves.
I came here to say this same thing! Rig up a bungee cord to the fillo 🎉
Why not just put the buff around the pillow?
Same
I found that a t-shirt or even a tank slipped over the top of my pad will hold any camp pillow in place.
FWIW Garage Grown Gear has a pillow strap that attaches to your sleeping pad to prevent the pillow from shooting out from under your head at 3am
Nothing helps me feel more refreshed than just washing grime and sweat and dirt off my face, its such a quick easy way to re-energize you when you can't take a full shower or nap, so I absolutely don't question a good washcloth and soap or wipe in the pack.
I feel the same. Usually I just dunk my head!😊
Me too. Face and hands must be clean. I also carry a tiny nail brush that weighs only 5.4g, and a folding comb/hair brush that weighs 13.6g. Makes me feel civilised! 😄
Cool to see you're giving the X-Mid a try! I hope it works well. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. I also have a new pitching video on my TH-cam channel that has a lot of good tips on getting it set up.
- Dan
Sweeet thank you Dan!! I’m stoked to try it!
Took my X-Mid 1 out this summer for the first time and it was the best! My mom’s Big Agnes blew over in the wind and was soaked the next morning. Mine was dry and no wind issues even though our tents were less than 3 ft apart. Great tent and plenty of space. Even fit my REI chair with my pack on it in the vestibule.
@@karistsolomitis3398 Awesome. Glad to hear it's working well.
This tent has made its way over the pond to the UK. The one thing that has stopped me buying it has been the pitching (from what Ive seen on YT) so I will now have a look at the new video. Many thanks for putting it together.
@@suewheeler5795 Thanks for giving it a look Sue :)
- Dan
I'm impressed at how much the weight of backpacking gear has come down in the couple decades I've been away from the hobby. That 17-18lb dry weight would've been doubled in the late 90s to early 2000s. Technology and innovation have been truly kind to us.
Great video, you've got great camera presence and a nice way to present your stuff. Glad I found the channel. 👍
Definitely - I remember when a "lightweight" pack was about 40 pounds. It's come a very long way.
Love that little toiletry bag! I’ve been trying to figure out ways to make toiletry-ing easier at camp. I wonder if thats a video you would consider doing? Like, when you use your soap, how how do you pack it back up after, how far from the tent do you do it, etc. If anyone on the crew uses contacts, what is their system for carrying in the solution and glasses, how do they clean their hands before taking them out, etc. Maybe just me but contacts are one of the most stressful things for me at camp 😂
I noticed that you had outer layers for inclement weather, but no change of clothes, even socks and undies. Some people wear the same clothes multiple days when backpacking, while others change every day. You must also be prepared for falling in a stream, etc. What is your recommendation on clothing? Also, do you use booties/sandals while at camp?
In my experience a base layer dedicated for sleep is the only change of clothes most weight conscience hikers bring. Maybe an extra pair of socks or 2.
I was curious about a change of clothes also. It is refreshing (though perhaps a luxury) to put on a fresh pair of unders or socks in the morning.
She uses sandals while camping, but didn't show them. A second or even third pair of socks and underwear is advisable
To stretch the temperature rating of my 20deg quilt, I also got a fairly inexpensive 50deg synthetic, wide over quilt. Layering these two allows the temp rating to be extra 10deg lower, ie becomes 10deg quilt. Perfect for winter camping!
Ooo what a great idea!!
I watched the "how to pack your backpack" video before my first backpacking trip 7 years ago! Over the years I evolved from a traditional backpacker to a hybrid backpacker (half ultralight gear half traditional backpacking gear!). It's so fun to see you going through the same process over the past few months 😊 thank you for the videos and for making everyone feel comfortable in the outdoors 😊
As a former AT hiker, I don't recommend battery powered headlamps. Lithium AAA batteries are expensive, and the other kinds burn out too quickly. You also need to charge everything else between stops, namely your phone, so more clutch is having a wall charger with enough slots than to have things that are battery powered.
I took the Nitecore 25 and it was one of my favorite pieces of gear. I prefer to Hike at night (insomnia / it's cooler) and that little guy did some heavy lifting.
BTW, your setup is awesome. You could definately thru hike with it, even though that isn't your goal. I'm always learning from your channel!
Going to second the Nitecore25 headlamp, it’s awesome! For longer trips a good battery bank (Nitecore makes one) and cables along with wall charger to recharge when possible, especially if thru hiking, as you’ll need it for recharging devices (phone, satellite communicator, watch, headlamp, etc.).
_" I don't recommend battery powered headlamps."_
Got it... I'll start searching antique shops for a carbide lamp.
50 yr old with decades of hiking under my boots. Made the switch to a quilt this year(ZenBivy) mostly due to Miranda and a few of the other other YT folks. That plus the tensor, saves so much weight and was insanely comfy on a late Sept. Yosemite trip. If you are a restless side sleeper, this is your jam.
2 things I would consider adding/changing to your setup:
Battery bank and rechargeable batteries. My mandatory gear dictates what kind of battery power I use and for me that mandatory piece of gear is the Garmin inReach. So ideally everything I have should be micro usb powered, but recharging a headlamp is a pain. So instead I have usb powered batteries so I can use my headlamp and if it dies instantly swap in new batteries (and start charging the old ones)
Next, all safety items (water filter, headlamp, hiking poles, Garmin inReach) are either tied down (just use gutted para cord with end-line bowlines at the ends) and connected to a small carabiner in my gear or inside a sealed pocket. I don’t trust safety items to just the tension of an elastic pockets.
I’d love to hear your thoughts and anyone else’s too!
Happy hiking!
Thumbs-up on the lashing of critical items! Probably a carry-over from my sea kayaking outings, in which the saying is, if it's not ATTACHED to YOU, then you don't really have it. :)
If you swich to non usb rechrgable battery headlamp you can take a look at Folomov A1 (li-ion battery charger) or Olight UC
P Style + Kula Cloth on a retractable badge clip has been a HUGE game changer on the trail, especially when it’s cold out or there are lots of bugs out where I don’t want to pull my pants down
I hike and backpack with a gal who swears by her pStyle.
Here in western Europe there's a nice gadget called Uribag, available for both men and women. Foldable and reusable container with spout and cap. Stands on its own when filled. So really useful inside a tent (or car)
@@e.k.4508 How does it stack up against regular female urinal devices, such as the one she showed in this video? I have tried a few and they didn't work for me, despite trying repeatedly, but always willing to give a new device a try in the hope that it works. It would be so convenient when hiking or backpacking.
@@Ekinnajay I can't compare. But the Uribag seems fine, although I'm worried about the materials of the cap. It already has a crack in the cap after two uses so I doubt the durability. It can also not stand on its own ... What I like though is the all-in-one system
Would love to see a video of you explaining what to look for in a new set of trekking poles! What height you need, folding vs extending (are folding ones just one height?!), weight, grip material, etc. I cant tell if theyre all just so similar it doesnt really matter, or if there are red flags to avoid. It's all so overwhelming!
Get ones with cork grips. Nothing beats them in the summer when you sweat, and they aren’t as cold in the winter as other materials.
Folding trekking poles generally have fixed sized bottom segments but there's a section at the top (once everything is screwed/attached together) that is adjustable. So, still adjustable, but possibly not as much as some extending trekking poles.
The advantage is that when folded up, they are usually shorter than extending trekking poles, so can fit inside a pack more easily. (As demonstrated by how Miranda was not able to use the standard trekking pole holder on her pack and just put them in the side pocket.) Like you could fit it inside a day hiking pack so that there's fewer things on the outside that could catch on stuff, but still have the poles with you if you end up wanting to use them.
I am a big Durston fan, that tent is awesome. You should try the Kakwa 55 pack. I feel flash 55 folks get too attached to their pack. :)
- A Zpacks summer quilt in conjunction with that EE quilt will make your setup 4 seasons without a bunch of extra OZs
- I use an OV extended head pillow, with a exped mega pillow for a body pillow and a mesh bag of extra clothing between my knees
- I really like the rei helix wide pad (I think it is super comfy) - I will spend OZ on a good night sleep
- I use Colman soap sheets, I like they are single use vs a multi use bar that you have to store
- my daughters use the pee funnel and it works great vs squatting
Good luck on the tents virgin voyage.
There's a reason Flash fans get attached!! It's a great pack, especially for the price. 😀 Love my X-Mids, though! #notacult
I use the fillo pillow and bring a cut out of an anti slip mat about the same size as the pillow! I just roll it up with my sleeping pad to store. It's inexpensive, light, and works fairly well for me :)
I love your interactions with Rainer so much lol
!! This is SO smart!
Hi Miranda, an easy solution to your pillow situation would be to inflate your fillo pillow, put your buff around it and then thread a pad strap through the underside of your pillow and between the buff and strap it down. I've done this a couple times now and it's worked for me.
Use some shockcord through the loops and strap to your pad 🤷🏿♂️
Fillo Pillows have a loop on one end, and a tag on the other end that’s essentially a second loop. Get a couple feet of shock cord and tie it to both ends to make a pad strap for a couple bucks.
I came here to say that Durston gear is loved by so many for a reason and that Dan is great about answering questions. I also saw that he has already commented on this video. The man must never sleep.
I love how much you love the ultra-light puffy jacket. I get second-hand excitement from your enthusiasm.
🎉🎉🎉 what great timing! Can add these to my holiday wishlist.
Oh heck yeah!! Let me know what’s top of the list 😁
I saw a few other people mention it but wanted to add my support for the Zen Bivvy fast sheet to stop your pillow sliding off the matress, absolute game changer and only adds 80 -110g depending on the size you use. The fabric also feels way nicer to sleep on than being straight on the matress!
Always rad to see the current pack and how it evolves
Your transition into the sponsorship was so good lol. Thanks for the pack update!! You help me figure my stuff out without feeling overwhelmed!! ❤
I feel like the channel is seriously hitting a stride! There’s a acquired confidence and familiarity im picking up from you. It’s like you know who you are, and who the channel is and that’s exactly what you’re providing. Well done!
We use the zenbivy sheet with the pillow garage at the top to keep our pillows in place. I suppose it is added weight, but my husband and I are very pleased with the whole quilt/sheet system.
I was looking at the zenbivy quilts. Can’t figure out which one to pick.
@@OlgaWB I think that depends on the temperatures you will experience. We camp early in spring and late into fall. We used to pile on clothing to wear to make up the difference if it got too cold but having bags rated to the temperatures we were out in is a difference maker.
We have lighter down bags we have had for years that we use in warmer weather. They are designed to unzip and lay flat like a quilt. I ordered the extra stick-on clips from zenbivy and laid one of the down bags on top of the system, the pads and sheet in place. Then I placed the clips to the correct locations and now we have a 20 degree system and a more summertime arrangement.
If you are talking about down vs a synthetic fill, well, it’s about weight and if you think you will be in conditions so wet your sleep system will get wet. Wet down is a nightmare. I will say we have never, ever had our bags get wetted through in 40 years of backpacking. Not that it won’t happen. But we are really careful about where we camp and we have a good tent.
Okay Im in PDX and just need you to hold a beginner hike and camp trip.. YES and THANK YOU :) I binge your videos but none of my friends hike and camp ...soosooo ready! Thank you for the content!
So with your pillow, put it on your sleeping pad and the put a shirt over the pad and pillow like a hat! The pillow stays in place, doesn’t fly off when your on the top bunk in shelters haha…and it then feels like it has a pillow case on it! Soooo comfy 😊
What clothes do you pack? How many extra under garments, socks, and layers? Thanks for sharing, Miranda… even though you forgot your spork. 😜 Rainer’s earning his money over there. 😅
Looking forward to your review of the Durston tent! The design looks awesome and I've been eyeing it for a while. Curious to see how it works for you.
Thanks for all of the tips. I’m a new Outback owner and wondered why i seemed to have trouble with opening & closing the lift gate. This video answered that question and more.
Thanks for another great video, Alex!
I also love the zenbivy sheets for pillow control. Would love to see what you think about their entire system in a future video!
My pillow is secured in one of two ways. For starters, I use the Sea to Summit Aeros Premium (regular for backpacking, large for car camping). Depending on season/sleep system set up, that then gets slid into either the hood of my S2S liner or my Zenbivy sheet which has a built in insulated hood. The pillow stays in place throughout the night with both setups. Zenbivy also has a "fast sheet" which covers only half the mattress pad and has a hood, and then an uninsulated full sheet. If you know of anyone with sewing skills they could probably make you a similar concept: a little pillow pocket sheet to go around the top of your mattress pad to hold it in place.
You can still use the nemo fillo elite pillow, just tie some shock cord to the nemo tag on one side to the small loop on the other side.
!!!!! THANK YOU!! This is the easy hack I was hoping for!
This is exactly what I do!
Love my Xmid 2! Can't wait to see your impressions of it.
A note about the lightload towel, I would recommend unpackaging it (you'll need to use a little bit of water to unravel it) and then sending it through the wash at least once. It will be kind of stiff and awkward the first time you use it. It won't be unusable, but a little less effective because of the water you'll have to use to unspool it.
I am so in love with lightload towels that at home I have replaced my cotton towels with their full size ones because they are so much more absorbant. Especially great as a hair towel because it isn't as bulky as cotton and does a way better job. Also, it is the GOAT gym towel!
Always helpful. I realize it’s a different sort of pillow inflatable has a different feel than your Fillow Elite, but I’ve really liked the Trekology pillow. Its latest version comes with a strap to wrap around your sleeping pad so the pillow won’t move.
Some awesome new changes to your backpacking setup there Miranda 👍 And ya definitely can't beat that base weight. Well done my friend 👍
I have used the Exped Air Pillow for a long time now. It has tie loops that i have 2 thin stretch cords I loop around my sleeping pad. Usually throw a t shirt or buff around it for softness and extra grip (Yay for EE quilts. My 15* down is amazing)
l've got the Revelation 20 degree and yes, in WA, you can get a very solid 3 seasons out of it by just dressing appropriately underneath it. For winter, I have the -10 degree Convert, which is basically the Revelation with a full length zipper so you can zip it into a mummy bag if you really need to. I wouldn't use it for winter in Minnesota or North Dakota, but I've slept in it and been very comfy at near 0 degrees F which works even in the mountains in most places.
I highly recommend the Klymit Drift camping pillow!! It might be better suited for car camping instead of backpacking because it doesn't pack down super small however if you don't mind the size and weight (The large pillow is 28 ozs. The small pillow weighs 19 ozs) then it's definitely worth it. It's sooo comfy!! 👍
I'd love to see you try out the Amok Dramur Hammock. I just used it at 30 degrees with their winterlight pad (R5 insulation) and was perfectly warm. Hammocks changed my love of hiking as I'd always wake up in pain in a tent, but I sleep comfortably in the Dramur and sleep reasonably flat and on my side all night. Game changer for me. I'd love to see more people use it!
Here in the PNW I layer a 40° EE Apex Convert quilt over my EE down 20° Enigma. This combo manages moisture very well and keeps the down quilt fluffy. I’ve had this to 15° and felt very warm. I imagine I could take it to 0°. I wear EE synthetic booties, EE synthetic pants, a 150 gsm alpha direct hoody, merino wool gloves, and merino wool beanie.
Lately, I’ve been using the new Outdoor Vitals pillow and I attach a line lock that wraps around a sleeping pad and the pillow is nonslip. It’s been great.
I switched to a quilt, and I've always struggled with inflatable pillows. I ended up switching to the Zpacks Ultralight Medium-Plus Pillow. It's basically a dry bag with a layer of super soft fleece on it. You put clothes in it to pad it, and it's big enough that it doesn't really move around.
Trash compactor bags are great as an inexpensive dry bag. We've used them on youth canoe-camping trips, combined with 5-gallon buckets. The trash compactor bags keep gear dry, and the 5-gallon buckets provide physical protection for the trash compactor bags.
My pillow is a simple inflatable pillow placed inside a queen sized pillowcase. I put in in (inflated) across the sewn end then the rest of the case goes under my torso so it doesn't travel. I use the pillow case for a number of other things as well. Pre filter for muddy water before filtering, laundry bag for my fine washables and so on.
For the pillow: I haven't seen many other comments suggesting this, but you can add velcro to the pillow and the mat. Sea to Summit even have a special type of velcro that they include with their mats and pillows (I haven't actually tried it but it seems great). If the pillow strap is still a bit slippy or you're someone who really tosses and turns this could be an extra step more secure.
Enjoy your gear :) Enjoy your X-Mid. I have a couple of the tents and the 55L Kakwa. It’s the first pack that actually feels comfortable.
This one of my favorite channels
So many things and feelings!
My mom set up a container like how u use ur bear...so 🧡
The way u...just put sleepbag in 😺genius!
Your experience and positivity ✨️ thanx!
Trekology 2.0 inflatable pillow. It comes with a pad strap so you don't lose it. It can be cold in winter though because the air in it gets cold, but if you wrap your hoodie or puffy around it, it works great. I've had mine for several years now.
I hope you practiced setting up the X-Mid before youre out in the backcountry! It can be a tricky tent. Ive had a 1P for a couple of years, and hust got a 2P this year. I have a love/hate thing for that tent 😂 I think it's because I failed geometry in school. 😉
Trekology makes a great pillow - I've been using them for a few years and been very happy with them. The valve design is a lot better than other brands I tried out.
Also use the Trekology pillow. When it’s cold I’ll stuff my puffy into a stuff sack as a insulated layer on top of the pillow.
For the pillow I have seen people use tent repair patches to attach bungie cord to any pillow to wrap around the sleeping pad to keep it in place!
I have the same sleeping pad! And I also dislike sleeping bags, so I prefer blankets. So, I actually use a sleeping pad liner/cover, which has a pillow compartment, and it works really well! I'd recommend it if you don't mind the extra grams!
Interested to see more on the durston! I know there's endless content on it already, but a little more never hurts 😅 I'm considering getting one to cut down on weight and still have a 2 door option. I love the look of it, and even if I were out alone, being able to wake up, open both sides to see out and around camp or overlook, and still be protected from the bugs is what I'm interested most in for a solo person tent. Also the extra stargazer setup, to pitch only the net in nicer weather, sounds like something I'd enjoy and still be well under half the weight of my current setup.
I’ve been happy with the 1p xmid - spacious for a 1p, and still has 2 doors/vestibules.
Hello Miranda. As a quilt user too, I made a "pillow pocket" for my Fillo with attached straps for my pad. Weighs 66g but, it will not move around and as a tummy sleeper I can put my arm under it too. The top fabric is very much like the Fillos and bottom fabric is ripstop. Stap are webbing and use the same buckles at most pad straps. Let me know if you want the pattern.
Another easy pillow fix is either use your buff (if it's stretchy enough) to slip around the top of your pad like a sleeve, then put your pillow under that, or you can do similar with a zipped up jacket/shirt. Keeps the pillow from sliding off edges and doesn't require any extra gear.
That’s ok I recently changed out a lot of gear I’ve been using since the 70’s. A thirty to forty pound pack I was lugging around went down to just over 20 pounds but that’s with a lot of stuff I don’t always bring. I was amazed at the lightness of everything. My 7 pound tent went to just over 2 pounds. My tired “self inflating” OG thermarest I finally put to rest with a Big Agnus again like 1/2 the weight. I don’t care if I’ve got the lightest stuff or not, I’ve cut so much weight off from what I had that my whole body sings for joy when I put my new pack on.
Great review of your cold weather gear, and yes, I saw your Garmin InReach mini too. I am curious about your new tent as well. I did watch the video of the Durston Tent and was really impressed with the ease of set-up, 2-person capacity, and how snow and wind weatherproof it is supposed to be. I saw only one complaint and Dan recommended closely following the new pitching guide video with the link provided which is very detailed and shows how to trouble shoot and do variations to the tent as well, and it is about 18-minutes. I have always been a 4-season tent hiker, so was never real concerned about weight, but for just a little over 2-pounds, I can be flexible. But before I buy, I will wait to see how you like it. But another "but" Miranda, I would highly recommend watching the video and practice set-up prior to going out.
For the pillow situation, I slide my pillow into a neck buff/gaiter then I use a elastic pad strap from enlightenedequipment sliding through the buff behind the pillow. Strapping this around my sleeping pad to be secured. Another alternative is velcro but that will require you to stick the velcro onto the sleeping pad and pillow.
P-style, Gnara pants (changes everything!), tushy travel bidet (5.3 oz wt) for your poop kit consideration. Gnara pants, are well made, and they unzip from stem to stern-you never have to squat to pee again, the p-style really isn't necessary after you get the hang of it either-that much less weight! Another excellent addition to poop kit is BORSALI Paper Soap Sheets. To clean your hands after and before food prep. They are super light sheets that dissolve with a tiny amount of water.
A few great pillows for a quilt are those that have straps that go around the sleeping pad and hold it in place. Outdoor Vitals just relased an upgrade to their pillow in a normal and a thicker pillows, both with straps. The Trekology 2 off of Amazon has the same but is not a very thick pillow. Lastly the Hikenture again off of Amazon is like the Trakology but is a bit thicker. All three of these are great pillows and work well with a quilt and any of them run about 20 bucks.
Great video, thanks. For a good pillow try the new Outdoor Vitals non-slip pillow with pad strap connections. Inflate it 85%-ish, wrap your buff around it...bliss comfort. And it’s SUPER light, plus packs down to nothing.
I use the Nemo Fillo with a quilt as well. I added a piece of shock cord to the loop on one side and the label on the other so it stopped falling off the sleeping pad at night.
I like to bring the Nalgene when it gets cold too. After you fill it with hot water you can wrap your wet socks around it to help dry. I bring the old school HDPE version. It's softer but lighter and you can still fill it with hot water.
I love the Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight pillow because it is so comfortable and yet packs down absolutely tiny. Sea to Summit includes "hook-and-loop patches" with their pads but I have good luck using adhesive velcro patches to hold the pillow in place. Outdoor Vitals just released a cheaper pillow that still packs down very small, the Ultralight Non-Slip Stretch Pillow. I got one recently when they were on sale just after release and it seems like a very good product. They have a flap on each side of the pillow with a grommet in each flap so you can use cord to attach the pillow to your pad. On the back of the pillow there is a grid of non slip rubber dots which seems to do a pretty good job of keeping it from slipping without attaching anything. I have not tested this one yet but am looking forward to it. Still, I just love the Aeros Ultralight so much that I will probably usually stick with it.
Have watched tons of your videos. Not sure why I'm just now subscribing. Made some meal cozies tonight from one of your How to make your own gear videos. Your videos are fun. Thanks!!!
Would love to see what hiking outfits you’d recommend! Love the videos as always miranda and team ❤
Put the Buff over your pillow of choice (mine is the Big Sky DreamSleeper, weighs under 2oz) and then use some shock cord to tie it to your sleeping pad. Alternatively, you can zip up your jacket around your sleeping pad with your pillow inside it.
I have seen some hikers stuff their Nemo Fillo pillow inside their buff and then run a thin line through the buff and around the sleeping pad to hold it in place. This allows you to use your favorite pillow and hold it in place with a quilt. You are already packing the buff and the line weighs only a few grams.
I use the Nemo Fillo Elite, and I've added a strap that goes around the sleeping pad, attached to the pillow. Now it stays in place all night long :)
I really enjoyed your video and I loved that top quilt and the different options you have for the different sizes and I found what I needed and I like and bought me one. So Thank You very much, Love the channel and your attitude.
I use the ZenBivy Light Bed. All the benefits of a quilt and a sleeping bag together, including a hood for my pillow, which is the Thermarest compressible size regular.
Pillow: I’ve found putting my buff over the pillow and using a connector attachment through the buff and under the mat it stays in place for the most part. I actually use the clip attachment from my quilt that I don’t use with the quilt.
You should try a Zenbivy fast sheet to contain your pillow and help with drafts. It weighs ~3 ounces. I modified my hammock gear quilt by adding the connection loops and it works great.
Probably my best investment in gear are my Hammock Gear quilts. Haven't gone to ground with the top quilt yet, but really digging the adjustability of the underquilt. Used my 0deg quilt on a high-30s night without being too hot.
I had a liner with a hood at the top that was big enough to flip over my fillo and the top of my nemo tensor. It kept it in place pretty well and if you have an extra quilt strap it'd keep it pretty snug. Bonus bit is that the liner would keep the pillow clean from my dirty self lol.
Just want to say I love my Zenbivy quilt sooo much! And it has the most awesome pillow barn that keeps my pillow in place. If you get the opportunity, definitely try a Zenbivy sleeping system!! ❤❤❤
You can get the bottom portion of a zen bivy to keep the pillow in place
Great video! Updating my pack this week!!!
Wooo that’s awesome!!!
I sewed a fitted sheet (very light wt material) with a sewn in flap for my pillow so it doesnt fall of the end of my sleeping matt...it works great, means i dont need a liner for my quilt as well
Quilt user here 🙋🏻♀️ I use the flextail B-shaped pillow and it came with a strap on the back of it. I use a wide pad to keep my elbows off the ground and modified the strap to fit a wide pad. You could sew a strap to the Nemo Fillo to hold it in place on the pad. Or try the Zenbivy Fast sheet. I got one by need to sew a seam on each side to make the pouch smaller.
I have the PStyle urinary device and like it so much that I sometimes use it at home. I think I need to keep it and a kula cloth in my bathroom all the time.
Also a fan of the Flextail pillow, the only inflatable that works for me
Nice gear loadout, Miranda! While I understand the reason for keeping the quilt loose inside the bag, it seems to still be taking a lot of space. A stuff sack (preferably larger size) would help compressing the quilt more and since air can escape through it (unlike with the dry bag), the quilt's shape will still follow the bag's shape once the heavy gears are put on top of it. That would give you more space inside the bag.
Putting your quilt in the bottom loosely means everything else can just settle in and you have no wasted space. Some call it the brick and mortar method, the solid items are the bricks and the soft items are the mortar.
i use the tensor alpine pad (long/wide) with my UGQ quilt, and just switched to a sea to summit aeros deluxe pillow. i have broad shoulders and am a side sleeper so i needed something thick, but this pillow is also wide enough that it keeps it from moving around a lot, at least for me.
I have the trekology clone of the aeros pillow, but it has straps. I had to mod them w/ extra elastic go around my 25" pad though. For the fillo, maybe sew little loops on each side... then you can add cordage to go around the pad. Maybe a bowline on one side and a taunt line hitch on the other side. If you want the thing removable, then maybe the maybe a mitten hook on one side and then a hook-style line loc on the other side (or just another mitten hook)
Ever looked into the Matador Speed Stash for the backpack strap pocket addition? It’s got a real solid securement system that’s specifically designed to work with sternum straps so it doesn’t slide down.
I carry a fleece for warmth (don't have a puffy) and I use it to wrap my pillow. But sure that approach would work for you, but I don't find it slipping and I prefer the surface to the pillow surface. 🤷♂️
Big sky inflatable pillow inside buff. Can use the top strap from quilt in loop through buff to hold pillow to pad if desired.
Just got my Xmid pro 2+ 👍
My trick with the pillow situation is to get a pillow that allows for a strap which goes around the pad. I use the exped megapillow, but adding your own pad strap loops to pillows is easy too.
I use this too:)
I like the idea of sewing on a strap to my fav pillow.
Just got mine like 2 weeks ago and I love it!!!!
durston devotée here! i’ve been using and loving it for years! i hope you enjoy it! but if there’s anything you’d like to changed, dan is incredibly open to feedback. happy hiking!
Hey Miranda, I love your videos! Do you have a video of what is in your first aid kit? I would love to see what you have and how much of each item you pack.
I really enjoy taking a massage ball with me, its a comfort thing but it helps with sore feet, legs and back! And it functions as a fidget toy while cooking
Nice vid, always good to reassess gear…change items out. The only thing that kind had me thinking, was putting tent lights in bear canister with food/smellies…that would worry me with scent transfer and bears.🤷♀️
I put my pillow into a buff and use a cord to weave thru the buff and underneath my pad. I use the zpacks pillow attachment cord, but any bungee string should work.
Hey! I use an Enlightened Equipment Revelation 20F as well (950/10/10), and got my NEMO Tensor EC a week ago. I coupled them both for an overnighter where it got down to 20F here in CO. The pad was a hint less comfortable than my EXPED 7R (which I had next to me in my Durston X-Mid2, wrapped in my Zenbivy 10 Quilt and Sheet) but it was WARMER. The ZB was a bit warmer than my EE20 as is to be expected since it has a lower limit rating, but the EE overperformed with the pad and I was plenty warm... And I hate to admit that I'm a bit of a pansy about being cold when sleeping, AND I'm a cold sleeper, so... I bet I could have dropped another 5F before I really got uncomfortable. Also, if this was in my Durston X-Mid1 I would have been even warmer.
YOU were the reason I went to a NEMO Fillo, but tried a Trekology pillow and... It's GREAT! And I've tried similar pillows and didn't like them but these are really good, and rather cheap. They have a strap so they stay put. BUT, you can use a Zenbivy sheet, which has a hood (this is magic... Seriously) and keeps your NEMO in place. I will be using my EE Revelation with my Zenbivy sheet. Try it if you have a chance. Also, it is easy to modify the quilt to work just like a Zenbivy with the sheet, and that's a very good thing.
Use an old pillow you sleep with at home. It’s a game changer! It’s a little bulkier but guaranteed to be comfortable. Worth the “extra” weight and it’s my #1 luxury item.
PILLOW RECOMMENDATION: Use a good quality blow up pillow WITH strap to attach to sleeping pad. Place it inside your buff, blow it up only partially then slide coat or some other clothing inside the buff on top of the blow up pillow. I actually use a "My Pillow" on top of the blow up pillow, all inside the buff, and strap it down to the sleeping pad. Viola! Perfect, fully adjustable comfortable pillow that never gets away from you during the night.
I’d like to see you try the Zenbivy sleep system. I love that it has a slot for my pillow so that it doesn’t slide out from underneath my head.
Seventeen pounds is pretty awesome.
I’m used to a thirty pound backpack, with a 3L water bladder, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, Sea To Summit inflatable pillow, R.E.I. backpacking chair, and some food. We’ve been depending on the bear boxes at the campsites in Big Bend N.P.
We did encounter a juvenile brown bear a couple of years ago on the Laguna Meadow Trail, but it was not really interested in us our our gear.
I’m more concerned about the panthers there in the Chisos Mountains than the bears.
Thanks for the run-down of your gear. You’ve got some great ideas.
Happy Trails!
@Justin Outdoors has some good recommendations on pillows that work well with the quilt that stay place with pad straps, haven’t actually tested any myself yet!
For a pillow trick if it doesnt have loops for a pad strap use patch tape and shock cord too make one.
Greetings from Sweden. I also use Nemo fillo elite. You can tie a paracord to the little storage bag inside that goes around the pad! ✌️