WOO HOO EXCITED FOR YOU MARISSA!! I hope you adore the quilt - and great choice on the pack! The access to water bottle pockets for those of us with t-Rex arms is clutch. I will say the stretchy mesh on the old REI Flash 55 (like the one I have) has a tendency to tear. So hopefully the non-stretchy fabric is more durable!! CAN’T WAIT to see your adventures!! 💚
AHH! Miranda! Thank you so much for the quilt AND for watching my video! I can't even begin to describe how excited I am to get this quilt out on trail!
The directions Thermorest sends are not very good. On the newer Thermorest pads there is a plastic Wing Nut under the twist valve that you blow through. After you blow air into the pad turn that wing the opposite direction it’s in now. It will only turn a little bit till I stops. Then close the twist valve you blow through. This closes both valves.
I hiked many trails in the Pacific NorthWest in Canada (the West Coast Trail and North Coast Trail) in the rainforest during the wet season using the Naturehike tent. It kept me dry the whole time. It is a great tent for the price.
So glad it’s all working out for you! As for people walking late late to early morning in neighborhoods. That was me in our neighborhood because I worked graveyard shift work. Come home walk 2 dogs 2times separately around our block & sometimes see others. Usually kids during football season toilet papering houses or teens coming home.
Love your gear i did the same thing. Did research and got cheaper gear. Im using an enlightened equipment revelation but mine is apex 30 degree long wide. I definitely should've got the 20 degree xlong wide since its just a few inches too short for me to use like my other quilt i made myself
I have loved using the Flash55. I have swapped the brain from on top of my bag to a big fanny pack style! It’s been great for snacks while walking, putting my electrolyte packets, and anything else I want in easy reach that does not fit in the hip belt pockets. It may be something to try in a shakedown! 😊
@@david_W5QDF I totally get it! I’ve got gear I’ve accumulated through the years, stuff I got while in the Air Force, & a few new things. It’s all decent gear; just not as light as the newest stuff.
Double wall tent, HELL YEAH! I don't understand the folks who put up with leaks and condensation to save ounces. Can't wait to follow your adventure on the trail. Subscribed. Also, your sound level is really low, have to turn the volume way up to hear you talking.
Agreed. Mopping up condensation every morning just does not seem worth the ounces saved for me! and yeah I had an issue with my mic. Hoping to resolve audio issues going forward.
I can’t sleep on a sock. 🤣 I have the Naturehike Cloud Up 2. It is a great choice for an economical tent. I’ll be watching your progress from the comfort of my stealth camping locations.
Congrats on the quilt win. I tried for that also but won’t be going until 2025 so maybe next time. Couldn’t make it through. Please next time do in your living room or garage. Your great I’ll watch on the trail
I like your choice of tent. The Naturehike Cloudup 2 is what I am getting for my bikepacking sleep system. That was so great on winning the quilt. I am looking forward to watching your journey.
Best wishes for your hike! Look forward to more videos. I really liked the part of your video when you were talking softly in your tent in the morning. You are going to do well. Do you have plans to hike with a buddy? Or solo? Nobo or Sobo?
I'll be going Nobo! I'm starting solo, but I have a friend that offered support for the early stretch of trail and I'll have a friend joining me for a section of trail (TBD which section). Looking forward to finding my trail family though!
It's a sign of good luck that you needed a sleep system and you won a quilt. Keep putting that positive attitude into the world and you'll be at Katahdin in no time!
Yes! My plan is to stuff clothes I'm not wearing in my buff, but I didn't plan accordingly that night 😅 I'll have a better set up on the trail for sure!
CAUTION: I did my AT hike in 2019 and started March 12. I had the exact same quilt and the same pad you have AND I FROZE at night when it got into the 20’s. The cold from the ground soaked right thru the pad and sucked the heat out of my body. When I got to Franklin NC I purchased a closed cell foam pad and cut it down so that was just big enough to fit under my torso. I put that under my pad and it cured my problem.
I would add that once we got into April and it stayed above 40 at night, I definitely did not need that extra pad and I tossed it. But on those cold nights, especially in the smokies, I definitely needed it, or there would have been no sleep.
I am starting early April so I'm hoping it will be a bit warmer 😬🤞🏻, but I am going to be testing this gear out in the coming months to see about adding a sleeping bag liner or closed cell foam pad. Thank you for the insight! ☺️
@@RissaRoams when I hiked out of the NOC it was April 1st. We were hiking through a blizzard! But generally speaking it go much better by April 10th. If you are starting in April, by the time you get to the really high elevations in will be a couple of weeks and by then it will definitely be warming up more. The. It will be hot! Haha
First time I used my pad It leaked from the valve overnight. Tightening it a little tighter cured he problem. Good luck on your hike. I will be watching.
To fix your pad what worked for me was soapy water in a spray bottle, spray it on the pad while it’s inflated, apply pressure and look for bubbles. I found a pinhole in my Nemo Tensor this way, marked the spot with a marker and used the temporary patch that came with the pad and it has held surprisingly well since then. If you can’t find a hole it may be a problem with the valve.
Oh, that tent looks quite large inside. I have several Neoair pads and they are great - In one instance though, I had a brand new one that would not hold air, so I exchanged it and no problems with the replacement. The newer twist valves have a bit of a learning curve, so it may be you didn't have it completely closed - but quite possibly a leaky valve worth exchanging for a new one.
Good luck on your thru hike attempt! I have the same Flash 55 purchased 4 years ago so I would be interested to see how you pack your gear in it. Winning a quilt was a sure sign to help you along on this adventure!
That was great fortune to win the quilt.. maybe you list it in another video, but having a foot print for the tent in those rocky, rooty sites helps save the bottom from ripping or puncturing.
The Nature Hike tent is going to be good . I followed a young lady that completed the trail with the same tent. I hiked 800 of the AT last year 2023 and I am planning a flip flop this year . Good Luck and Good Health!
Marissa, lovely video and happy you shared. I was delighted when you showed your sleeping quilt, the 20 degree Enlightened Equipment Revelation...in the same color combination as my Revelation! I just purchased one for Christmas and I love it. Have not had a chance to try it outside yet but sleeping inside has been glorious, so comfortable! I will not be able to get it out backpacking due to medical issues before you hit the trail so I will be following you for an update on your quilt. I sincerely wish you the best on the trail and in life Marissa!
Great video, solid choices. If you're not sold on the Xlite I recommend trying the REI Helix. I made a video about pads explaining what I like, and don't like about the Helix. Happy trails!
Great video! I agree with your video description - it's hard to remember what all you want to say, and then trying to get what you DO remember out in a sensical manner haha. The Flash 55 seems like an awesome pack - it has great features for sure! Those water bottle pockets are clutch!! I used the women's short Thermarest NeoAir on my 2022 attempt and while I didn't encounter any inflating issues like you have... I will say as a side sleeper, my hips would hurt in the middle of the night often. I've upgraded to a Nemo Tensor (Extreme Conditions) for my 2024 attempt because I've heard it's great for side sleepers. Can't wait to follow along when you start!
My husband and I have the exact same Nature Hike tent. It works great! It fits both my husband, and I, plus all of our gear except food bags. We do section hikes on the AT, plus have thru hiked shorter trails such as the Foothills Trail in SC. We held up in that tent for 16 hours in the pouring rain near Mt Greylock on the AT in MA. It never leaked or had a condensation problem. We love the tent so much that we purchased a bigger Nature Hike tent so we would have more room to bring our dog backpacking with us. I'm excited to follow your journey and wish you the very best! Happy hiking!
Don't worry about the tent. With Zpack it can be a question of luck to get one that is decently made and it can get tricky to set up (surprise, not every tent spot is perfectly flat). It was quite fun to see those in the beginning of the trail who didn't figure it out. There is a reason it's called the bathtub floor - in theory it should keep water out but once rain splashes in, the bathtub fills quickly. With a double wall tent you will not have this problem. Freestanding is not needed on the triple crown trails. There are some platforms in the Whites but it is not that difficult to set up a trekking pole tent on them. If it gets too annoying to carry tent poles, you can still turn to Six Moons Designs, they make also budget friendly gear. Or depending how many viewers your channel attracts, ask on your channel, somebody may gift you a Tarptent 🙂
Awesome choice in quilts! Check out the older Osprey Exos framed pack, which is probably about the same price as the REI pack but comes in around 2 pounds. Not a tent guy so I can't offer much insight there. And throw that pack up there to use for a pillow, or you can get the free pillow from outdoor vitals and pay only shipping. Great pillow, I've used it for years.... Best wishes on beginning your adventure on the AT! God bless
Thank you so much for the well wishes! I'll be using clothes I'm not wearing stuffed in my buff for a pillow (I barely use a pillow in my day to day)! Just wasn't thinking that night in my front yard 😅And Osprey packs are a great choice, but the Flash 55 is a good fit for me right now! I couldn't be happier with it.
I’m a fan of the brain! I use the same women’s pad, it works well for me into below freezing weather when paired with a foam pad (Zlite sol). Contact Thermarest, their warranty is exceptional and they should replace it. Great score on the quilt! I think you’ll like it. If you can use that as a pillow, you’ll do great on trail! 🤓
Ok love your video and that you research on TH-cam and frugal. Ok deflated pad..REI made a comment to me about the fact they will replace your pad. I have not followed that up but caught my interest. Also you put the pad in a tub of water to see the leaks.
As for the tent, Sam over at Camping with Sam Bananas, has been using that little tent for around 5 yrs, It has served him well. I'm more of a tarp person, but I thought about getting one just to set up under my tarp, when camping in buggy places. I would get, or make, some silicone spray, and give it a bath to increase it's rain resistance. Seam sealing, at least the bath tube floor, would help keep the rain out. Pete over at " 1822MC Adventures and More ", Has a couple on the water proofing thing, very educational, and the cost is way lower than buying it. But! Most major outdoor suppliers will sell both. Those airmatts! When it gets cold, the air molecules get smaller, excuse the language but I would shit can that one quick, too much riding on it for it not work. I use a closed cell Thermarest, works the same everytime, so I know what to expect. Some folks do both, but my Thermarest has the silver, heat reflecting, side on it, I'm very impressed with it. I too am a belly sleeper, it's a little on the firm side, but it works really well. Decisions, decisions, decisions! Good luck Kiddo
I just bought a similar pad I will have to test it out. Two years ago when I was in the Smokies in early April they was 15” of snow. Stay warm get out on a cold night to test April is still cold up at 5000’. Happy trails hope to see you out hiking
Absolutely! The Smokies are intense and snow is always a possibility, but I'm hoping by the time I make it there it won't be too bad 🤞I'll definitely be testing my gear out in cold weather soon!
I slept with a closed cell foam pad (zlite )at 35 f the other night .just torso size with my pack under my legs . My back got cold even with my puffy on . I think those pads are like 1.7r value I would recommend doubling 2 closed cell torso size pads in the winter or bringing an insulated inflatable for winter time . Big Agnes has one that has good reviews and is $150 .
I've actually been working on my sleep pad and I think I've solved the issue! Taking it out this weekend to put it to the test! Hoping I don't have to switch it out after all.
I like your choices. Gear helps but success on trail is all you. plenty of people with ul and expensive gear dont make it. You have made smart choices and as you go you can adjust as the trail dictates. If your seams are seeled or taped and you keep the footprint from hanging out beyond your tent you should be fine, and if not a can of scotchguard waterproofing spray goes a long way. I look forward to following your adventure.
I'm actually intending on taking the footprint that came with my tent! A little heavy for sure, but I prefer to know my tent will have that extra layer of protection.
So I will say that if anyone uses your tent in the UK, then it has to be fairly decent in bad weather. The videos I have seen of backpacking and hiking on that island make it pretty clear that rain, fog and wind are pretty common. I share your preference for a double-walled, free-standing tent. Like a lot of folks, I have the bright green Nemo Hornet, which has been good to me so far, but then the only long trip I've taken in it has been in the Wind Rivers in Wyoming, which was fairly dry. Good, economical choices for the big three .
Audio was definitely an issue on this one. Unfortunately, the mic I was using didn't work and there is never a lull in traffic on my road 😅 I'll be finding a new recording location for sure
Yeah, I would definitely upgrade that tent, or at least hold a hose over it for a while to see if it needs seam sealed anywhere. That's a huge gamble in colder weather. Once your bag gets wet, you're in trouble.
I'm definitely going to put it to the test before hitting the trail and make any necessary improvements, but I'm not writing it off just yet. I've heard glowing reviews from people who've used this tent for years in all kinds of weather. Hoping it does just as well for me!
WOO HOO EXCITED FOR YOU MARISSA!! I hope you adore the quilt - and great choice on the pack! The access to water bottle pockets for those of us with t-Rex arms is clutch. I will say the stretchy mesh on the old REI Flash 55 (like the one I have) has a tendency to tear. So hopefully the non-stretchy fabric is more durable!! CAN’T WAIT to see your adventures!! 💚
Miranda's in the chat!!! Whoooo hooo
AHH! Miranda! Thank you so much for the quilt AND for watching my video! I can't even begin to describe how excited I am to get this quilt out on trail!
@@RissaRoams so exciting!
If you made it far enough into the video to know what I used for a pillow my first time testing this gear, you're a real one. 👌🏼Thanks for watching!!
The directions Thermorest sends are not very good. On the newer Thermorest pads there is a plastic Wing Nut under the twist valve that you blow through. After you blow air into the pad turn that wing the opposite direction it’s in now. It will only turn a little bit till I stops. Then close the twist valve you blow through. This closes both valves.
omg you have tiny t-rex arms too! t-rex arm gang unite lol
🦖✊
I hiked many trails in the Pacific NorthWest in Canada (the West Coast Trail and North Coast Trail) in the rainforest during the wet season using the Naturehike tent. It kept me dry the whole time. It is a great tent for the price.
So glad to hear that!
So glad you won the quilt
Great video. I'm looking forward to following you on your journey!
I love my two revelations. I have the zero and 30degree quilts at 950 fill and they are awesome
So glad it’s all working out for you! As for people walking late late to early morning in neighborhoods. That was me in our neighborhood because I worked graveyard shift work. Come home walk 2 dogs 2times separately around our block & sometimes see others. Usually kids during football season toilet papering houses or teens coming home.
Love your gear i did the same thing. Did research and got cheaper gear. Im using an enlightened equipment revelation but mine is apex 30 degree long wide. I definitely should've got the 20 degree xlong wide since its just a few inches too short for me to use like my other quilt i made myself
I have loved using the Flash55. I have swapped the brain from on top of my bag to a big fanny pack style! It’s been great for snacks while walking, putting my electrolyte packets, and anything else I want in easy reach that does not fit in the hip belt pockets. It may be something to try in a shakedown! 😊
I like the fact that you’re budget-minded! I’m certainly the same way, and the gear I have is the gear I use.
I use to be what is called a K-Mart hiker. Now I am a Walmart hiker or a shoe string hiker
🥾🥾🥾
@@david_W5QDF I totally get it! I’ve got gear I’ve accumulated through the years, stuff I got while in the Air Force, & a few new things. It’s all decent gear; just not as light as the newest stuff.
May your equipment provide you safety and comfort. Wishing you peace and good fortune. Happy Trails!
You saved some money by winning that sleeping quilt! Lucky you!
Yes! So grateful!
Good luck. You'll do amazing.
Looks solid. Congrats on the awesome EE quilt! I've been using my revelation for 3 years for hammock camping and I adore it.
Best of luck! Nice choices in gear. Should serve you well. New follower here. Crow✌️
Looking forward to following you on your adventure.
Double wall tent, HELL YEAH! I don't understand the folks who put up with leaks and condensation to save ounces.
Can't wait to follow your adventure on the trail. Subscribed.
Also, your sound level is really low, have to turn the volume way up to hear you talking.
Agreed. Mopping up condensation every morning just does not seem worth the ounces saved for me!
and yeah I had an issue with my mic. Hoping to resolve audio issues going forward.
Tent should be fine, for extra insurance consider seam sealing. Buff for a “pillow”
Yes, I definitely intend to use my buff for a pillow!
Go get it lady,proud of you and look forward to the journey
Rissa I have followed 4 people doing the AT on UTUBE, 3 finished ,1 stopped. Looking forward to following your journey on the AT
I can’t sleep on a sock. 🤣 I have the Naturehike Cloud Up 2. It is a great choice for an economical tent. I’ll be watching your progress from the comfort of my stealth camping locations.
A sock pillow is definitely not for everyone! It worked for me, but I can't say that I'll do that again 😂
Congrats on the quilt win. I tried for that also but won’t be going until 2025 so maybe next time.
Couldn’t make it through. Please next time do in your living room or garage. Your great I’ll watch on the trail
I like your choice of tent. The Naturehike Cloudup 2 is what I am getting for my bikepacking sleep system. That was so great on winning the quilt. I am looking forward to watching your journey.
Best wishes for your hike! Look forward to more videos. I really liked the part of your video when you were talking softly in your tent in the morning. You are going to do well. Do you have plans to hike with a buddy? Or solo? Nobo or Sobo?
I'll be going Nobo! I'm starting solo, but I have a friend that offered support for the early stretch of trail and I'll have a friend joining me for a section of trail (TBD which section). Looking forward to finding my trail family though!
It's a sign of good luck that you needed a sleep system and you won a quilt. Keep putting that positive attitude into the world and you'll be at Katahdin in no time!
Good afternoon from East Tennessee! Look forward to following you to Katahdin.
LOL your pillow! Mine is a piece of fleece sewn into a mini pillowcase and stuffed with whatever I’m not wearing. Works for me and is so soft.
Yes! My plan is to stuff clothes I'm not wearing in my buff, but I didn't plan accordingly that night 😅 I'll have a better set up on the trail for sure!
Re seam seal the tent ….. trust me
Great job. I have the tent too. Just make sure you seam seal tent and spray the fly. you wont regret your purchase.
I’m excited for you! Godspeed on your journey!
WOW!! You're AMAZING!!❤
CAUTION: I did my AT hike in 2019 and started March 12. I had the exact same quilt and the same pad you have AND I FROZE at night when it got into the 20’s. The cold from the ground soaked right thru the pad and sucked the heat out of my body. When I got to Franklin NC I purchased a closed cell foam pad and cut it down so that was just big enough to fit under my torso. I put that under my pad and it cured my problem.
I would add that once we got into April and it stayed above 40 at night, I definitely did not need that extra pad and I tossed it. But on those cold nights, especially in the smokies, I definitely needed it, or there would have been no sleep.
I am starting early April so I'm hoping it will be a bit warmer 😬🤞🏻, but I am going to be testing this gear out in the coming months to see about adding a sleeping bag liner or closed cell foam pad. Thank you for the insight! ☺️
@@RissaRoams when I hiked out of the NOC it was April 1st. We were hiking through a blizzard! But generally speaking it go much better by April 10th. If you are starting in April, by the time you get to the really high elevations in will be a couple of weeks and by then it will definitely be warming up more. The. It will be hot! Haha
I loved you video & explanations . I will be looking forward to veining your progress. ❤😊
@@RissaRoamsfyi if you’re considering the STS bag liner it didn’t add the warmth for me as advertised.
Enjoyed your video. It sounds like you made solid choices! Glad you won the quilt! 👀 ng forward to following your journey.
Great video! Looking forward to your journey.
First time I used my pad It leaked from the valve overnight. Tightening it a little tighter cured he problem. Good luck on your hike. I will be watching.
Take your sleeping pad and put it in the bathtub to find the slow leak. While it is wet circle the leak with tape. 🥾🥾🥾
To fix your pad what worked for me was soapy water in a spray bottle, spray it on the pad while it’s inflated, apply pressure and look for bubbles. I found a pinhole in my Nemo Tensor this way, marked the spot with a marker and used the temporary patch that came with the pad and it has held surprisingly well since then. If you can’t find a hole it may be a problem with the valve.
Definitely going to give that a try!
Oh, that tent looks quite large inside. I have several Neoair pads and they are great - In one instance though, I had a brand new one that would not hold air, so I exchanged it and no problems with the replacement. The newer twist valves have a bit of a learning curve, so it may be you didn't have it completely closed - but quite possibly a leaky valve worth exchanging for a new one.
Yes! It is a good size for a one person! And I'm definitely going to check the valve!
What is the necklace you wear? Looks like a tiny sun. Just wondering.
It is a tiny sun! It was a Christmas present from my parents 5 years ago. I wear it everyday!
not sure if someone already suggested it, but you can pull a shirt over the end of your pad to use it as a "pillowcase"
👍
Excellent share
Good luck on your thru hike attempt! I have the same Flash 55 purchased 4 years ago so I would be interested to see how you pack your gear in it. Winning a quilt was a sure sign to help you along on this adventure!
That was great fortune to win the quilt.. maybe you list it in another video, but having a foot print for the tent in those rocky, rooty sites helps save the bottom from ripping or puncturing.
This tent actually comes with a foot print!
Love your down to earth logic in researching and planning your gear. Can't wait to see it in action!
The Nature Hike tent is going to be good . I followed a young lady that completed the trail with the same tent. I hiked 800 of the AT last year 2023 and I am planning a flip flop this year . Good Luck and Good Health!
Glad to hear it served her well! Best of luck on trail!
Marissa, lovely video and happy you shared. I was delighted when you showed your sleeping quilt, the 20 degree Enlightened Equipment Revelation...in the same color combination as my Revelation! I just purchased one for Christmas and I love it. Have not had a chance to try it outside yet but sleeping inside has been glorious, so comfortable! I will not be able to get it out backpacking due to medical issues before you hit the trail so I will be following you for an update on your quilt. I sincerely wish you the best on the trail and in life Marissa!
Thank you for the well wishes! I can't wait to give you a full review of the quilt once I've put it to the test!
Great video, solid choices. If you're not sold on the Xlite I recommend trying the REI Helix. I made a video about pads explaining what I like, and don't like about the Helix. Happy trails!
I have heard wonderful things about the Helix!
Great video! I agree with your video description - it's hard to remember what all you want to say, and then trying to get what you DO remember out in a sensical manner haha. The Flash 55 seems like an awesome pack - it has great features for sure! Those water bottle pockets are clutch!! I used the women's short Thermarest NeoAir on my 2022 attempt and while I didn't encounter any inflating issues like you have... I will say as a side sleeper, my hips would hurt in the middle of the night often. I've upgraded to a Nemo Tensor (Extreme Conditions) for my 2024 attempt because I've heard it's great for side sleepers. Can't wait to follow along when you start!
Yes! Love the water bottle pockets! And I've heard great things about the Tensor! Hope to cross paths once you start your SOBO journey!
My husband and I have the exact same Nature Hike tent. It works great! It fits both my husband, and I, plus all of our gear except food bags. We do section hikes on the AT, plus have thru hiked shorter trails such as the Foothills Trail in SC. We held up in that tent for 16 hours in the pouring rain near Mt Greylock on the AT in MA. It never leaked or had a condensation problem. We love the tent so much that we purchased a bigger Nature Hike tent so we would have more room to bring our dog backpacking with us. I'm excited to follow your journey and wish you the very best! Happy hiking!
So happy to hear you've had such a good experience with the tent! Can't wait to get it out on trail!
Happy trails! Great video! 😊
Thank you! Enjoyed watching you and Little Bear's trek on the Foothills! Hope to see you two on trail!
I saw Miranda's video announcing your name. What a blessing? Ready to follow your journey.
That's so cool! I'm so incredibly grateful!
I believe you made good choices. Especially your budget. Excited to watch your journey
cant wait to watch your journey!
Haha T-REX arms.
Don't worry about the tent. With Zpack it can be a question of luck to get one that is decently made and it can get tricky to set up (surprise, not every tent spot is perfectly flat). It was quite fun to see those in the beginning of the trail who didn't figure it out. There is a reason it's called the bathtub floor - in theory it should keep water out but once rain splashes in, the bathtub fills quickly.
With a double wall tent you will not have this problem. Freestanding is not needed on the triple crown trails. There are some platforms in the Whites but it is not that difficult to set up a trekking pole tent on them. If it gets too annoying to carry tent poles, you can still turn to Six Moons Designs, they make also budget friendly gear. Or depending how many viewers your channel attracts, ask on your channel, somebody may gift you a Tarptent 🙂
great video
Awesome choice in quilts! Check out the older Osprey Exos framed pack, which is probably about the same price as the REI pack but comes in around 2 pounds. Not a tent guy so I can't offer much insight there. And throw that pack up there to use for a pillow, or you can get the free pillow from outdoor vitals and pay only shipping. Great pillow, I've used it for years.... Best wishes on beginning your adventure on the AT! God bless
Thank you so much for the well wishes! I'll be using clothes I'm not wearing stuffed in my buff for a pillow (I barely use a pillow in my day to day)! Just wasn't thinking that night in my front yard 😅And Osprey packs are a great choice, but the Flash 55 is a good fit for me right now! I couldn't be happier with it.
Smart setup, congrats on that quilt!
Favor follows you! Smart purchases. Enjoy your hike.
I’m a fan of the brain! I use the same women’s pad, it works well for me into below freezing weather when paired with a foam pad (Zlite sol). Contact Thermarest, their warranty is exceptional and they should replace it. Great score on the quilt! I think you’ll like it. If you can use that as a pillow, you’ll do great on trail! 🤓
Ok love your video and that you research on TH-cam and frugal. Ok deflated pad..REI made a comment to me about the fact they will replace your pad. I have not followed that up but caught my interest. Also you put the pad in a tub of water to see the leaks.
Thank you! Yes, I am planning on putting it in water to check for leaks. Unfortunately, I did not purchase the pad from REI 😕
As for the tent, Sam over at Camping with Sam Bananas, has been using that little tent for around 5 yrs, It has served him well. I'm more of a tarp person, but I thought about getting one just to set up under my tarp, when camping in buggy places. I would get, or make, some silicone spray, and give it a bath to increase it's rain resistance. Seam sealing, at least the bath tube floor, would help keep the rain out. Pete over at " 1822MC Adventures and More ", Has a couple on the water proofing thing, very educational, and the cost is way lower than buying it. But! Most major outdoor suppliers will sell both.
Those airmatts! When it gets cold, the air molecules get smaller, excuse the language but I would shit can that one quick, too much riding on it for it not work. I use a closed cell Thermarest, works the same everytime, so I know what to expect. Some folks do both, but my Thermarest has the silver, heat reflecting, side on it, I'm very impressed with it. I too am a belly sleeper, it's a little on the firm side, but it works really well.
Decisions, decisions, decisions! Good luck Kiddo
I just bought a similar pad I will have to test it out. Two years ago when I was in the Smokies in early April they was 15” of snow. Stay warm get out on a cold night to test April is still cold up at 5000’. Happy trails hope to see you out hiking
Absolutely! The Smokies are intense and snow is always a possibility, but I'm hoping by the time I make it there it won't be too bad 🤞I'll definitely be testing my gear out in cold weather soon!
What date are you starting. I started April 10 in 21 and 22 lots of rain and cold. I have a z pack umbrella life saver.
I use my stuff sack for my sleeping bags with my puffy in it as a pillow
I slept with a closed cell foam pad (zlite )at 35 f the other night .just torso size with my pack under my legs . My back got cold even with my puffy on . I think those pads are like 1.7r value I would recommend doubling 2 closed cell torso size pads in the winter or bringing an insulated inflatable for winter time . Big Agnes has one that has good reviews and is $150 .
I've actually been working on my sleep pad and I think I've solved the issue! Taking it out this weekend to put it to the test! Hoping I don't have to switch it out after all.
Triple Crown hiker died in NH on Wednesday dress warm GOD bless our family
I like your choices. Gear helps but success on trail is all you. plenty of people with ul and expensive gear dont make it. You have made smart choices and as you go you can adjust as the trail dictates. If your seams are seeled or taped and you keep the footprint from hanging out beyond your tent you should be fine, and if not a can of scotchguard waterproofing spray goes a long way. I look forward to following your adventure.
Nice set up! Sorry about the pad 😢
Better to find out now though! Definitely a bummer, but we'll get to the bottom of this!
Try to see if you have room for a footprint for the tent.
I'm actually intending on taking the footprint that came with my tent! A little heavy for sure, but I prefer to know my tent will have that extra layer of protection.
So I will say that if anyone uses your tent in the UK, then it has to be fairly decent in bad weather. The videos I have seen of backpacking and hiking on that island make it pretty clear that rain, fog and wind are pretty common. I share your preference for a double-walled, free-standing tent. Like a lot of folks, I have the bright green Nemo Hornet, which has been good to me so far, but then the only long trip I've taken in it has been in the Wind Rivers in Wyoming, which was fairly dry. Good, economical choices for the big three .
Yes! Backpacking in the UK is no joke! The wind and rain are intense. It definitely made me feel as though I made a good choice.
Good gear choices.......so happy you are bringing your "brain"......haha.....
Nice video - hard to hear you clearly with traffic/train behind you after you began. Maybe a mic or pause and cut till traffic is quieter?
Audio was definitely an issue on this one. Unfortunately, the mic I was using didn't work and there is never a lull in traffic on my road 😅 I'll be finding a new recording location for sure
VERY spiffy pack, I must say
15 lbs is a good base weight
Couldn't agree more
Sock pillow
For all your entire gear, how much did you have to spend
I still haven't added up for my full gear load out yet as I have few small items left to purchase, but I spent $360 on the items in this video.
Yeah, I would definitely upgrade that tent, or at least hold a hose over it for a while to see if it needs seam sealed anywhere. That's a huge gamble in colder weather. Once your bag gets wet, you're in trouble.
I'm definitely going to put it to the test before hitting the trail and make any necessary improvements, but I'm not writing it off just yet. I've heard glowing reviews from people who've used this tent for years in all kinds of weather. Hoping it does just as well for me!
Get a Zenbivy sleep system
Zenbivy is a great setup, and I definitely looked into that! I'd love to give it a try one day, but for now I'm happy with my gear choices