Me 3 😉 I’ll be 74 in January. Hope I can get in a couple good backpacks in the Southern Appalachians over the next couple of months. Time is running a little too fast … wish I could slow the circle down … Many thanks for the video!
Excellent video. My setup is very similar, base weight 7 lbs not including camera gear. ULA Ohm II pack. Ghost Whisperer Hoody is my default puffy down to 25F. Colder than that I switch to an Arctyrix Cerium hoody, colder than that I have a Marmot hooded puffy that I've use in the winter. Merino base layers, fleece mid layers. I have a Zpacks tent, earlier version of what you have, for when I'm sleeping on the ground. Primary I'm a hammock guy and I use a Warbonnet Blackbird and Warbonnet 20F quilts. Hammock Gear dyneema tarp. For bad weather I bring a hammock sock which raises my temp 15 degrees. I've had that setup in some pretty sketchy weather and it all works great. I use a trash compactor bag too. Anything I need to keep dry goes in that. I have never had any water issues with that despite swimming rivers with the pack floating in front of me and deluge thunderstorms, all day rain. My stove is an alcohol cat food can. That works great down to about 25F but colder than that I go with a UL butane setup (because the alcohol is difficult to light in cold temps). Freezing and deep winter I run a Whisperlite and inverted butane or white gas. I use trail runners too. Trash bag idea is great for drying wet shoes. Darn Tough socks all the way.
Love your channel. New beginner person with a camera here. Not a photographer by any means. I have a Sony A7C that I’m taking with me on my thru hike of the JMT on Oct 2, 2022. Thank you for the great tips and advice in this video about gear. I have many of these items based on your recommendations.
Great video. I would love to see a video about the food you take. I'm always looking for new ideas that are quick and easy. I'm an utterly boring eater, on and off the trail. :)
the answer is unfortunately always "back to sleep..." thats a really tight kit. I highly recommend you try out a quilt....I think you'll like it. Just based on the look of the bag you have as you tossed it around, I think a newer quilt will be a good bit lighter. Its my favorite part....just having warmth with feeling virtually no blanket on you. just love it...It's 10d nylon for comparison
I would be curious to see what you pack for food for a seven day trip. I struggle bringing enough food for three days without my pack weighing as much as a dump truck.
Excellent info IMO. I've experimented a lot with Gore-Tex (and similar) vs wind proof only vs non breathable waterproof vs a Poncho (which I don't like at all). I think your solution works extremely well for fairly dry climate like southern parts of the PCT. Waterproof breathable still makes sense to me for more varying conditions were Gore-Tex can do it's thing and manage to get dry again before it wets through. For days and days of rain basically nothing works really well, and for stable cold weather (-5C and below) I've been most happy with wind proof - unless the trip involves snow caves (or similar) - then it's back to Gore-Tex for me.
Hi. Great video. If I may suggest a first aid pack content and how to use the items would not only be interesting but highly educational and useful too. Thanks!
fantastic vid!! always learn good stuff from you Dave, thanks for always giving good advice and especially for how to keep things simple & light weight 🙏🏼🙏🏼 safe travels always!
Thank you for a great presentation Dave I have been following you for a long time now and you have given me some great advice over the years with my photography ,Maybe you can do a trip Down Under some time lol once again thanks for your great videos mate ,"HAPPY TRAILS".
Love these informative videos. I'm a once-a-year backpacker (it's more about canoeing up here) and never use half the stuff I bring, mostly because each piece is too specific. Need to start soloing and figuring out what to swap and change.
Good information Dave. Please do an updated food packing video. I remember the one you did a while back and would like to see where you've improved it. Thanks buddy.
Great vid as usual Dave. One fact we learned from our Dive Master classes is that water conducts heat away from the body 25x faster than air because water has a greater density.
Probably missed it...but how do you keep your down stuff dry if it is raining/snowing when you are in camp. The tent would offer some protection but one can not always be in it. Thanks for the information - I was wondering about which tent you were using. Thanks.
Very informative. I am one of those over-packers, so this really helps. I would like to see the other videos that you mentioned that you will make, with one on water would be great. I did a 3 day in the south of Japan, Yakushima and carried water for both my wife and myself, very heavy!!!
Always love seeing a great gear video... I know you used to use the Solomon quest boots... I've been tempted to make a switch to runners as well but always worry about stepping over streams where the feet might take a little water. What's your remedy for this? I worry about wet socks and blisters. And a layer video would be awesome... I'm always playing around with layering and clothing and am trying to find the best recipe. I'd also love to know the best layers to wear in a sleeping bag at night... I've heard less is more and the opposite.
please do individual detailed videos about all the gear, food etc. you don't carry anything for protection? a knife or hammer, nothing?. Great video. You are right about the misconceptions of buying the wrong things when you are a beginner backpacker.
Great information. I watch and listen carefully … proof? I caught the 8 pound jacket that moments later was 8 ounces. Love that you not only share what but also the why!
I was wondering if you need to sleep diagonal in your tent to keep your head from touching the side wall? I was looking into getting one to replace a 3 person tent I share with my girl. I am 6’1” and I just hate my head or feet touching the sidewall.
Thanks Dave. Have you ever used convertible pants. I like the convenience of them with extended traveling in Jeep. I have been looking at replacing mine with less baggy stretch design. Thinking of Kuhl, though there are reports out there that say they’re not the quality they once were. Any advice? Thanks
Dave as always your review is the best quality out there, thanks for putting it together. I am looking to switch from hiking boots to trail runners like the Altras. Question, if you happen to need to scramble, can those runners take the beating of the scrambling? Will they not break pretty easily from all the rocks? Just want to make sure I have all the info before buying them. Thanks!!
I find the trail runners to be way better for scrambling. Better foot feel for what you're climbing on. Usually get 300-400 miles in a pair of shoes before they are toast.
Hey Dave! I am trying to figure out gear for a trip t McNeil River in AK . There are plenty that discuss photographing techniques, camping gear, etc. What I am trying to figure out is backup power and storage for my camera and batteries. Weight is a big concern based on getting to McNeil I am limited to 270lbs total gear and myself (210). That leaves me 60lbs for camping gear, food, and camera gear. There is no electricity to recharge the batteries and offload my memory cards. I am shooting a Nikon z9 so buying a bunch of batteries and memory cards is an option, but not a very good option based on the cost of the batteries and memory cards. How do you plan for this? TIA Mike
Hey Mike, Good to hear from you buddy. Great question. I have a complete course on how I do everything for backpacking inside my landscape photography school. www.davemorrowphotography.com/membership-sale You can also check the free PDF under the video above for some tips. 60 lbs is an insanely heavy pack. Mine is 50 max, even for a 15-day trip with all camera gear. It's gonna be hard to move around with 60;) I never pack anything extra for big trips where I fly. Just extra days of food. You can just live from your backpacking bag during travel. No need for extra stuff.
Most comfortable pack of all time, have had up to 65 lbs in it. Weight lifting is essential to being a solid mountain athlete. My guess is they skipped back & shoulder day;)
Nice to meet you. I am a photographer in Japan. I saw your mountain photo. They are very nice photos. I would like to go up to the mountains and stay in a tent to take pictures of mountains and stars. I am looking for a waterproof and durable backpack. If you don't mind, what is the capacity and manufacturer of your backpack?
Thanks Dave, learned a thing or two. I can't stand the smell of capilene (or me) after a couple of days, merino wool IMO works better. Not as much smell, good temp range, still warm if it gets wet.
Dear Dave, It's nice to see you safe, fine and creative. I've been thinking of you many times since you deleted the Facebook. If you want, add a paypal donation link. It will help you a lot because people love to support artist like you. If you ever need some help on the youtube thing, let me know :)
Second question: Do u really have to have trekking poles? Seems like they'd be a big headache, esp. if u are in bear country like where I live. I know what if I have to choose between trekking poles with bear spray cans and bear spray known as lead. The choice would be simple. No problem if u are a bear hugger, like one of my friends used to be until one of his best hero hikers ended up being bear shake toast. 😎😎
Hiking Gear Checklist & PDF: www.davemorrowphotography.com/backpacking-checklist
I'm 72+, used to backpacking quite a lot. Watching your video, I can feel my inner fire is still burning. Thanks!
Me too :) I'll be 74 in February😎😎
Me 3 😉 I’ll be 74 in January. Hope I can get in a couple good backpacks in the Southern Appalachians over the next couple of months. Time is running a little too fast … wish I could slow the circle down … Many thanks for the video!
You guys are awesome! Really glad you liked it:) Thanks for letting me know.
The backdrop. Well played
Excellent video. My setup is very similar, base weight 7 lbs not including camera gear. ULA Ohm II pack. Ghost Whisperer Hoody is my default puffy down to 25F. Colder than that I switch to an Arctyrix Cerium hoody, colder than that I have a Marmot hooded puffy that I've use in the winter. Merino base layers, fleece mid layers. I have a Zpacks tent, earlier version of what you have, for when I'm sleeping on the ground. Primary I'm a hammock guy and I use a Warbonnet Blackbird and Warbonnet 20F quilts. Hammock Gear dyneema tarp. For bad weather I bring a hammock sock which raises my temp 15 degrees. I've had that setup in some pretty sketchy weather and it all works great.
I use a trash compactor bag too. Anything I need to keep dry goes in that. I have never had any water issues with that despite swimming rivers with the pack floating in front of me and deluge thunderstorms, all day rain.
My stove is an alcohol cat food can. That works great down to about 25F but colder than that I go with a UL butane setup (because the alcohol is difficult to light in cold temps). Freezing and deep winter I run a Whisperlite and inverted butane or white gas.
I use trail runners too. Trash bag idea is great for drying wet shoes. Darn Tough socks all the way.
Cracking video Dave, I would be interested in your daily food rations and how you decide what and how much you need. Safe trip.
Great Video Dave, the bread bag tip is priceless!!
Really glad you liked it!
Thank you Dave, yes, please if you make a in-depth review of the gear
Very informative. Thanks for sharing, Dave.
That was interesting and useful. Thanks for putting the video together.
Love your channel. New beginner person with a camera here. Not a photographer by any means. I have a Sony A7C that I’m taking with me on my thru hike of the JMT on Oct 2, 2022. Thank you for the great tips and advice in this video about gear. I have many of these items based on your recommendations.
Great video. I would love to see a video about the food you take. I'm always looking for new ideas that are quick and easy. I'm an utterly boring eater, on and off the trail. :)
Thanks for the extremely informative video! I'm watching this before I through hike the John Muir trail come summer so I don't die. It's appreciated!
Have fun!
That’s brilliant Dave, the best pack review I’ve seen from someone who knows what they’re talking about.
Glad to hear it, Brett!
Well done- very helpful.
Nice vid, Dave!
I'm doing the AT in 23 and I just got the same tent. Good to hear you like it
Great vid Dave. Have you come across Sealskinz waterproof socks?
the answer is unfortunately always "back to sleep..." thats a really tight kit. I highly recommend you try out a quilt....I think you'll like it. Just based on the look of the bag you have as you tossed it around, I think a newer quilt will be a good bit lighter. Its my favorite part....just having warmth with feeling virtually no blanket on you. just love it...It's 10d nylon for comparison
Great vid! Def have tent envy! Thankyou.
Thanks! Best tent of all time imo...
I would be curious to see what you pack for food for a seven day trip. I struggle bringing enough food for three days without my pack weighing as much as a dump truck.
Top notch gear and perfect review. Great work
thanks brother!
Thanks Dave! 😊
My pleasure!
Excellent info IMO. I've experimented a lot with Gore-Tex (and similar) vs wind proof only vs non breathable waterproof vs a Poncho (which I don't like at all). I think your solution works extremely well for fairly dry climate like southern parts of the PCT. Waterproof breathable still makes sense to me for more varying conditions were Gore-Tex can do it's thing and manage to get dry again before it wets through. For days and days of rain basically nothing works really well, and for stable cold weather (-5C and below) I've been most happy with wind proof - unless the trip involves snow caves (or similar) - then it's back to Gore-Tex for me.
Many thanks for the video! this is the real deal
You're welcome!
Awesome video, yes please! Video on food would be greatly appreciated!
Hi. Great video. If I may suggest a first aid pack content and how to use the items would not only be interesting but highly educational and useful too. Thanks!
Solid idea! I like it.
Thanks for the info, Dave. Concise quality - as always. And yes, would enjoy any video re your experience with gear - and anything else, of course ;-)
Love these reviews that you.
Great video Dave! Looking forward to other videos you mentioned such as camera gear, food, etc. If you're able. Thanks!
Would love to see a video which is all about your food related gear, preparations and - of course - what you eat 😊
Great video Dave! The Jones boys love it
Glad you liked OUR video.
fantastic vid!! always learn good stuff from you Dave, thanks for always giving good advice and especially for how to keep things simple & light weight 🙏🏼🙏🏼 safe travels always!
how do you pack up a wet tent? Do you carry a bag to put it in?
Really really fantastic dave, congratulations
Thank you for a great presentation Dave I have been following you for a long time now and you have given me some great advice over the years with my photography ,Maybe you can do a trip Down Under some time lol once again thanks for your great videos mate ,"HAPPY TRAILS".
Love these informative videos. I'm a once-a-year backpacker (it's more about canoeing up here) and never use half the stuff I bring, mostly because each piece is too specific. Need to start soloing and figuring out what to swap and change.
Good information Dave. Please do an updated food packing video. I remember the one you did a while back and would like to see where you've improved it. Thanks buddy.
Great vid as usual Dave. One fact we learned from our Dive Master classes is that water conducts heat away from the body 25x faster than air because water has a greater density.
Probably missed it...but how do you keep your down stuff dry if it is raining/snowing when you are in camp. The tent would offer some protection but one can not always be in it. Thanks for the information - I was wondering about which tent you were using. Thanks.
Very informative. I am one of those over-packers, so this really helps. I would like to see the other videos that you mentioned that you will make, with one on water would be great. I did a 3 day in the south of Japan, Yakushima and carried water for both my wife and myself, very heavy!!!
Always love seeing a great gear video... I know you used to use the Solomon quest boots... I've been tempted to make a switch to runners as well but always worry about stepping over streams where the feet might take a little water. What's your remedy for this? I worry about wet socks and blisters.
And a layer video would be awesome... I'm always playing around with layering and clothing and am trying to find the best recipe. I'd also love to know the best layers to wear in a sleeping bag at night... I've heard less is more and the opposite.
Very interesting - and also applicable to those of us who do less demanding hikes.
Great presentation - very informative, Dave. Thanks!
Great informative Video Dave! I definitely need to figure out when I can take another one of your workshops!
please do individual detailed videos about all the gear, food etc. you don't carry anything for protection? a knife or hammer, nothing?. Great video. You are right about the misconceptions of buying the wrong things when you are a beginner backpacker.
So nice.. God bless you
Dave, a video on your daily food and liquid intake would be great!
Another great video. Consider adding the GPS coordinates to the sites you visit, unless, of course, they are top secret.
love your videos. Thanks!
Great information. I watch and listen carefully … proof? I caught the 8 pound jacket that moments later was 8 ounces. Love that you not only share what but also the why!
haha. 8 LB Jacket is light!
Just curious if you had any experience with using hammocks?
I was wondering if you need to sleep diagonal in your tent to keep your head from touching the side wall? I was looking into getting one to replace a 3 person tent I share with my girl. I am 6’1” and I just hate my head or feet touching the sidewall.
Thanks Dave. Have you ever used convertible pants. I like the convenience of them with extended traveling in Jeep. I have been looking at replacing mine with less baggy stretch design. Thinking of Kuhl, though there are reports out there that say they’re not the quality they once were. Any advice? Thanks
Hey Dave! What happens to your tenting if u loose your trekking poles or if they end up being cracked & worthless? Do u have a backup plan? 😎😎
what happens to tent poles if the same thing happens? There are risks with any gear you have.
Dave as always your review is the best quality out there, thanks for putting it together. I am looking to switch from hiking boots to trail runners like the Altras. Question, if you happen to need to scramble, can those runners take the beating of the scrambling? Will they not break pretty easily from all the rocks? Just want to make sure I have all the info before buying them. Thanks!!
I find the trail runners to be way better for scrambling. Better foot feel for what you're climbing on. Usually get 300-400 miles in a pair of shoes before they are toast.
Hey Dave! I am trying to figure out gear for a trip t McNeil River in AK . There are plenty that discuss photographing techniques, camping gear, etc. What I am trying to figure out is backup power and storage for my camera and batteries. Weight is a big concern based on getting to McNeil I am limited to 270lbs total gear and myself (210). That leaves me 60lbs for camping gear, food, and camera gear. There is no electricity to recharge the batteries and offload my memory cards. I am shooting a Nikon z9 so buying a bunch of batteries and memory cards is an option, but not a very good option based on the cost of the batteries and memory cards. How do you plan for this? TIA Mike
Hey Mike,
Good to hear from you buddy. Great question. I have a complete course on how I do everything for backpacking inside my landscape photography school. www.davemorrowphotography.com/membership-sale You can also check the free PDF under the video above for some tips. 60 lbs is an insanely heavy pack. Mine is 50 max, even for a 15-day trip with all camera gear. It's gonna be hard to move around with 60;) I never pack anything extra for big trips where I fly. Just extra days of food. You can just live from your backpacking bag during travel. No need for extra stuff.
Is that the wind river range?
No, it does look similar though:)
Great video Dave!! Also, what kind of person gives this a thumbs down? 😂😂
Dave, this looks a lot like Olympic NP, specifically the Martin's Park area?
Dave: Rei reviews have complained about shoulder padding with the Hyperlite. What's your take on this?
Most comfortable pack of all time, have had up to 65 lbs in it. Weight lifting is essential to being a solid mountain athlete. My guess is they skipped back & shoulder day;)
Dave, how do you carry your DSLR?
F-Stop Small ICU
Nice to meet you. I am a photographer in Japan. I saw your mountain photo. They are very nice photos. I would like to go up to the mountains and stay in a tent to take pictures of mountains and stars. I am looking for a waterproof and durable backpack. If you don't mind, what is the capacity and manufacturer of your backpack?
Hey, here ya go: www.davemorrowphotography.com/backpacking-checklist
Thanks Dave, learned a thing or two. I can't stand the smell of capilene (or me) after a couple of days, merino wool IMO works better. Not as much smell, good temp range, still warm if it gets wet.
Dear Dave,
It's nice to see you safe, fine and creative. I've been thinking of you many times since you deleted the Facebook.
If you want, add a paypal donation link. It will help you a lot because people love to support artist like you. If you ever need some help on the youtube thing, let me know :)
Second question: Do u really have to have trekking poles? Seems like they'd be a big headache, esp. if u are in bear country like where I live. I know what if I have to choose between trekking poles with bear spray cans and bear spray known as lead. The choice would be simple. No problem if u are a bear hugger, like one of my friends used to be until one of his best hero hikers ended up being bear shake toast. 😎😎
Poles are essential in rugged terrain and when doing big daily miles.