Gear To AVOID! And What You Should Get Instead
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 พ.ย. 2022
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Nemo Tensor: geni.us/YUKk
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Use Code MyLifeOutdoors for 20% your first purchase with Bombas: www.pntrs.com/t/8-11047-288482-142593?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbombas.com%2F
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Vario Jacket: geni.us/CekbJd
Lost Ranger Sleeping Bag: geni.us/0ebgpX
Bombas Boxer Brief: geni.us/vBEN
Bombas Hiking Socks: geni.us/XKip6
Bombas Ankle Socks: no longer available
LifeStraw Peak Filter: geni.us/DhDChx
Nemo Tensor: geni.us/7zc0kJa
MSR Freelite: geni.us/9CCOW
MSR Hubba Hubba: geni.us/zhUAT
Zpacks Plex Solo: geni.us/ahG1KjD
Get Out Gear Trek Chair: geni.us/0BjwLUH
Durston Kakwa 40: geni.us/vbcrj9
Durston X-Mid Pro 2: geni.us/lchuziJ
Hoodie I'm Wearing: geni.us/EGWb9nd
Honestly I do not understand why somebody spend 600 dollar on a tent. I bought mine for 15 dollar in Tesco. That is 40 times difference. It is a popup tent. For sure it is not 384 gram but come on... I mean I like cool gadgets for sure but my camera of phone costs less, and I am pretty pretty sure those are way more complex products with way way way more features.
Bombas are so much better than Darn Tough, Smart Wool, etc. Softer, roomier, and stay up. The best!!
I looked at the Bombas after you mentioned synthetic socks. I only saw hiking socks with merino wool, a cotton blend, or compression. What am I missing? Thanks.
@@ldavis4428 sorry just now saw this. I linked to the synthetic socks in the description. Let me know if it’s not working.
I'm a cycling enthusiast and there are NO cycling media outlets that will speak ill about a new piece of gear (in fear of upsetting manufacturers and sponsor daddies.) So refreshing to see a constructive, trustworthy reviews. Thanks!
Same!
this is a great channel for really good perspectives. I'm surprised channels can survive when they are just a shill for whatever is new. It's so obvious and a turnoff. I get the temptation though.
@@nedanother9382 I get those kind of channels. It's not like they don't give a nice bit of information - spec readout and a nice set of b rolls of how the gear looks IRL, some level of real functionality is also nice, but it is just that - gear porn.
I agree. Not just in cycling but a lot of other sports where people need the revenue given by sponsors. This channel and outdoorgearreview are my fave channels. The latters speaks more candidly, no bullshit. If he thinks then tent is terrible, he says it, but with an objective breakdown of why that is. He even calls manufacturers to talk to them about their tents
Wrong. Pinkbike rips on new items all the time and the commenters do too
Like how direct and to-the-point your review is and no dumb “outdoors” music or editing sequences w slo motion. Nice job.
Literally half of the video is slow-motion, lol.
Or no stupid comedy skit at the start of the video!
Darn tough wool socks are the best and work all year round. I wear them in 100° heat and the dead of winter, they are the best and last a long time
Thanks for sharing your honest opinion. Great job on testing the chair as well or give their designers some great feedback to try and come up with a solution. I’d love to try that tent out but I think the $600 tag is a marriage fight I’d like to avoid 😅
I'm Canadian... to get a decent backcountry tent 600 is the starting point lol
There's not enough talk of your dog rolling over on the floor when you also fell on the floor. Very cute!
The dog in the back, mimicking his fall 😍
This randomly showed up in my recommended feed, and while I'm not that much of an outdoorsy person, you made a great pitch for all these products and explained why the worst products should be avoided in a concise manner. No fluff, no BS, and quality camera work. Well made video!
I completely disagree about the synthetic underwear and socks. They get smelly really fast and bacteria grows really quickly and easily on those types of fabrics, doesn't hold heat when we,. for women in the woods they can issues with infection, or cuts or blisters can get more easily infected with the synthetics. Go with wool blends. Wool holds it's heat when wet & naturally resists bacteria.
Funny he recommends his sponsored stuff instead. Makes you wonder about everything else. Everyone that spends time outdoors knows about wool and blends... good grief... silk can be even better... synthetics are better than cotton, but that's it...
I’m with you on this! Merino all the way. It does all the things he said he liked about the synthetic plus being antimicrobial. And, bonus, no micro plastics leaching out of your laundry. Bombas has merino so, same buy a pair donate a pair deal. Win - win - win.
the channel is named lifeoutdoors yet he smells capitalism. the moment he said he has a discount code I puked
Wanted to drop in and support your comment. Wool has been the best since animals walked the earth.
Yeah I don't like synthetic underwear for that situation. Although I have nylon body shaper I perfer wool in that situation for sure. Especially if u are gonna wear it more days.
i swear the modeling you do for clothing is sooo superb
I prefer merino wool underwear and socks over synthetic, doesn’t stink after a few days. Synthetic? Pheeew!
Love wool base layers!
Big Agnes makes a double wide pad that fits the floor of the Copper Spur perfectly. It’s noticeable heavier and bulkier than two pads, but it’s also the only pad I’ve ever used where I consistently wake up in a puddle of drool so it’s crazy comfortable. For couples, it’s the bomb.
@@Northern_Rockhopper Rapide. It’s the only double-wide pad they sell. They also sell the Rapide as a single, so you may see them bundled together as additional size options with the single.
Just checked the Durston site because a rave like that deserves some research. Looks like the Kakwa 40 is scheduled to start shipping around mid-March and the X-Mid Pro 2 tent should start shipping around April. So look for these if you're planning a mid-late summer trip or something later in the year.
Ok... I'm in the deep South. Humidity and heat, right? For me at least, synthetics are not optimal. I do get it, and 100% synthetics have specialized uses for me. However, I find that Merino wool, wool blends with synthetics and yes, some cottons are Primo. I realize that it is counterintuitive to modern and popular belief, but Cotton is not an automatic outdoor enemy. I have some very light/thin cotton hoodies that are some of my favorites year-round. I have also had incredible success with bamboo fiber as in the Freefly Hoodie. I appreciate your hard work and information. Peace! This is certified by and Old .
Yes, cotton is only the enemy in the cold and damp. It's actually perfect for keeping cool when it's hot and muggy.
I like that you keep these videos concise. On others I have to put them at 1.25 or 1.5 speed. Yours, I find I have to pause at times. Great job :)
I completed the CT this summer and my list of favorite gear is very similar. I love the Kakua 40 pack, Nemo Tensor, and Zpacks Plex solo as well!!! Amazing how similar our favorites are, there must be a good reason for that. Thanks for the awesome videos and keep them comming!
Hey mark how did the Nemo tensor hold up on the trail ? I know the complaints are all over about not liking it . Did you baby it, use a ground pad anything like that?
@@UniteChopRise I did use a thin pad underneath, but I have seen no problems with the Tensor not being durable. I absolutely love this sleeping pad!!!!
I'm off the Nemo (at least for now). Had the better earlier version when they combined the foil with the Primaloft. Always comfy and as you know the fabric is great.....I just couldn't stop it from getting tiny holes. even had a full blowout once (there was nothing in the tent that was at all abrasive) patched patched until I had to make it a shorty to get rid of the patches. I completely submerge it in a tub w calm water...good to go. Until every other hour at 12000 ft. damn. So now I have an as yet to be tried neoair. Its weird that the one that feels the sturdiest is 10 D thinner than the xlite.
cheers
Can confirm the tent, I have an Altaplex (taller person version) and its great for a solo trip.
Great summary. Thank you. Although I dislike how low the Zpacks tent's ceiling is at the foot end and head end. Durston X-Mid for me
I do like the LifeStraw Peak.
However, I don't use it with the included bag.
I use it with my Cnoc bag. It weighs about half of what the Squeeze weighs and has comparable flow.
Decades of back country hiking have eliminated most "gear" from my list. My sweetie and I can be very cozy and comfortable with a double tarp/wool blanket system. If we get separated, each has a tarp/wool blanket for survival. I have just wrapped up in the blanket and tarp like a taco after a twenty-four mile hike. But gear reviews are still entertaining.
Your my new favourite content creator on TH-cam. Great perspective without all the bells and whistles. I recently invested in the memo tensor sleep pad. Loved it until the material failed in in the middle of the night on last night of a 6 day hike. I will give it one more chance as it was a very😢comfortable sleep
Problem with tents that are for two with a bigger floor but not taller heights is that they get moist in all the bad ways and sleeping next to the wall will be like sleeping next to a wet wall that drips no matter how good the ventilation is.
You make a good point. Especially in the PNW or other areas where humidity is already high.
Thanks for this video. I haven't considered buying american outdoor products in the past, just because I knew little about them, but you are changing my mindset.
I love how your dog rolls over in sync at 6:01!
My favorite piece has lasted for decades. It's a blue hiking pack with a metal frame by north face. It was made in the 1980s. It's gone through Yellowstone, the Tetons, the Cascades, and many many others. It's a little on the heavy side once full, but I've stayed on trail for 2 weeks without resupply with this thing.
I love how your dog copies you rolling backwards at 6:02 when the chair collapses.
I think having the main horizontal connector rod being front side to back side is the reason for the collapse. I got a Chinese knock off from Amazon that is extremely light weight. However when I leaned back, it held. The main horizontal rod is position side to side.
Merino wool for underwear, socks, shirts is a better choice. Merino wool is odd resistant unlike man made synthetic fabrics.
Great lists! You are the first to verbalize exactly why I also dislike the lifestraw filter. I really wanted to like that thing, but when I tested it out before a trip, I found the same flaw. I just couldn't filter all the water when it got down to the filter. I lucked out and have someone close selling the Durston Pack and I'm excited to give it a try soon. My Plex Solo arrived earlier this month and that will also be going out on a few trips with me. I'll have to give that OV jacket a go. It didn't impress me on paper, but everyone who wears it seems to recommend it.
Someone (Steven) should put a gear list together of the absolute worst but serious gear on the market...the life straw (in every form) ...that unbelievably arrogant million dollar backpack from Big Agnes...if you include outrageous price as well as horrible design you can throw in most of the latest tents from Big A (for the record I love the brand, they just got lost). that chair ...all chairs and so on. A gear list of shame.
the lifestraw was so bad and hard to get anything out of, that I'm not surprised their new creation also sucks. I also had issues with the competitor's filtering devices too, and found that someone old army contraption worked way better. Problem is, we couldn't find what it was called to even figure out how to buy one online. (FYI for others: The Lifestraw was meant for only last resort. Its surprising how many people think its for every day camping, hiking, prepping. No! Its only meant for "gotta go now, or we die" and "we must drink now and no time" time situations when you can't use or bring the better stuff with or when the better stuff goes bellyup because of weather, etc. With that said, Lifestraw company is not known for brilliance in ease of use.)
I’ve never heard of a real outdoors person using a life straw. It just seems gimmicky and cheap and poorly designed
@@jerryrocketandthegogogirls3517 The whole point of a life straw is a last ditch resort in extreme circumstances. Its not for any other purpose. I wish people would get this straight! Think Shtf on steroids. Think your backpack with everything is stolen, but you got your Life Straw because it was where it belonged - stuck in a spot where it can't fall out, in a securtiy bag around your chest, for example.
That Nemo Tenaor pad is CLUTCH. It's good by itself. But... Pair it with a Nemo foldable switchback underneath and it's just like sleeping on your warm bed at home even in freezing conditions. 👌👌💯💯👍👍 Bet pad and best pad combo I've ever used
Hollow performance socks. I tried them on a whim and I prefer them to the Darn Tough socks, and I really like my DT socks! But the Hollow socks are Alpaca and come in 3 different styles. The boot socks are thicker and more appropriate for winter.
Niiiice, I’m super stoked for my Tensor pad to come in, it’s replacing my trusty if not that warm or comfy Thermarest scout, I’m hoping the extra 6 inches of length, 5 of width and extra 1 R value will get me back out earlier for 2023
I have used the MSR Freelite in windy/pouring conditions and had no issues when entering or exiting the tent. I just tapped on the roof and the door flap outward like I do with all tents in the rain. With that said, I do wish the headroom was just a little wider.
2 man under 2 lbs winner in my book
@@BaaSicStuff you like 2 men 2 lbs you all night? I bet that's a winner in your book
@@BlindBadger212 you want to camping?
It is so strange how every reviewer of this tent has failed to figure that out??
Like you, over the years with various tents I’ve always given a quick tap or tug to the vestibule to clear it of water… I do the same with this tent and water dropping in is a non-issue.
I’ll need to check out the Bombas briefs cause I sure love their socks. I now backpack with one pair of Bombas and one pair of Injinji socks. Love them both but if I had to only choose one pair I’m leaning toward the Bombas! Great list of Best/Worst!
Thank you for thinking through this list. It's very helpful.
Thank you for mentioning the Bomba socks I have a few pair from when i was homeless so thanks.
I can’t believe the Tensor is on here. Every single one I saw this year on the AT including mine delaminated. No one was using a Tensor by the end of the trail. Most including myself moved to a XLite or the CCF Switchback.
I love my Tensor. I’ve been using it all year with no problems. I can only speak from my own experience.
Interesting! I wonder if it’s the repeated use that made that happen? Where on the pad did yours delaminate? Was it the same area for everyone?
@@KyleGraham19 they all delaminated in the welds between baffles.
Love your vids. Always so concise and well-informed. I'm a bushcrafter/backpacker hybrid, so I like your vids for backpacking gear and Coalcracker Bushcraft's for bushcrafting tutorials. I love getting the best of both worlds when it comes to old, resourceful knowledge and new high-tech equipment. If anyone reading this knows any good channels that do bushcrafting/backpacking hybrid content, let me know!
Hello Gabriel - check out a channel called Nagualero. I don't think he focuses on the backpacking/gear part, but i remember being pretty gripped by his skills. I know next to nothing about bushcrafting, so it might be a bad suggestion for someone like yourself :)
@@mycommentistrue6358 Thanks anyway, I'll check em out!
@@mycommentistrue6358
I love nagualreo! So sad he passed away
@@Rick-oe1ru No way! I didn't even know this had happened! Im sorry to hear... I just watched the video
seeing you snap those chairs made me laugh out loud, nice work
Who makes the black sweater you are wearing? Seems like that is also one of your favorites. Thanks.
Check out WIGGYS gear. Made in Grand Junction, CO. Sleeping bag system is great. I have a HUNTER bag with a hood. Almost big enough for two. Outer bag with 2 different liners, one down to -80 F rating. Even winter camping I rarely zip it all the way up. Jacket and leg blankets (chaps) are the warmest outdoor gear I have ever had. All Wiggys products are machine washable, which is a huge plus. Supplier of cold weather gear to the Air Force and USMC.
In the UK I only use Bridgedale socks, had some for almost 20 years and still going strong. Wouldn't use any other kind. But I like the charity aspect of the socks you've talked about, that's great
6:10 The chair needs lightweight titaniumsteel connectors, not plastic.
Alternately kevlar mesh reinforcement.
This isn’t for me, or probably anyone else, but when I was trekking down the John Muir one time I came across a guy and his buddy.
They both were wearing denim. One was in shorts and only wearing sandals.
So the whole cotton thingy doesn’t hold up for everyone. With where they were I’m pretty sure this wasn’t the first time they had been out.
I absolutely love the lifestraw you mentioned in the video
I know this video is like a year old, but the copper spur on the “worst” list is absolutely insane. It’s a fantastic ultralight tent.
I like how you alternate best and worst thanks
I'm from the U.P. Michigan and i found if you foam the inside of the tubing you won't have the bending or breaking of chairs or anything else. I did this because I have friends in the 300lb + weight and this works great.
That’s a great idea. In this case it wasn’t the aluminum tube that broke it was the plastic hub. The company has identified the problem and pulled the chair from the market. They are currently fixing the issue and will rerelease in the spring
The Big Agnes Copper Spur UV2 is an excellent, spacious tent to use solo. I did the whole CDT and GDT with it alone and loved it. It's comfortable and light weight if you're alone, but the narrator is right here that it wouldn't work for two people.
My partner and I have spent nearly 5 months in the past year in this tent without issue!
@@lukewindle4989 the copper spur hv ul 2,3, or 4?
I have the copper spur HV UL2, and I’m not sure if it’s the HV that’s making the difference but me and my partner (6’3” 240lb) fit just fine every time.
I got the black tail hotel 3 bike packing for my cycling touring adventures, and I LOVE it. It’s sooo roomy. It’s the only piece of big Agnes I have, the footprint for the tent ripped on first use, and you have to pay 70 bucks extras for the footprint. Hopefully I just got a dud, and the new one doesn’t rip right away. Good advice on the underwear and socks, I just got a osprey aether 65l pack and want to start backpacking more, during the wet season.
The REI ultra lite chair is great
Man Im glad I didn't jump on that chair. I was really hovering on the Kickstarter, but I felt i would break it. I didn't think it would be the front hub that's breaking though.
The problem with water coming into your tent when opening the rainfly is universal no matter where the zipper is, it seems to me. The main advantage when you dont have to reach down into the tip of your apsis is, you also dont get a cold, wet piece of cloth into your face when opening your tent.
I took a pair of bombas and a pair of smartwool up Mt Rainier in mountaineer boots. The bombas were horrible. They didn't wick moisture away, left my feet extremely cold and then caused blisters.
I took them off in blinding snow (-10f) at the bottom of Muir Snowfield. Didn't even last to camp Muir because I didn't want to suffer the 1.5hr up the Snowfield in such terrible socks. Never again.
Watched two of your videos. Very thoughtful. Wish product names/pictures were on screen longer for writing down/googling. Thanks for considering.
I got to respect how you didn’t pull any punches. 👍🏼
I love my Ranger UL but then again I got it at a steal for $250 out the door. Only had two other down bags, both from klymit, so not a whole lot of comparison.
Hi, thanks for the video. It’s that the only down of the MSR Freelite ? I know it’s not nothing, but it’s really the tent I’d like to go with it. Thank you 😊
Excellent work as always buddy! The channels that came out with their Trek Chair videos 5 minutes after getting them with no real testing really did a disservice to the community.
4:20 Pop up tent. 1.5 pounds no setting up needed, deploy in 5 seconds.
Once you get the hang of it you need exactly 10 seconds to compact it again.
Small enough to fit into a backpack.
They're cheap too.
Enjoyed this one. Agreed with your choices as well.
The Nemo tensor insulated is definitely super confortable and the inflation system is amazing.
But I definitely think it’s not as warm as the Thermarest.
@mylifeoutdoors what brand is the black sweater you are wearing at the end of the video?
Love your vids! Each one increases my desire to go backpacking. Maybe this will be a good year for that? 🤔
Adding crinkly foil inside a sleeping mat is a no-no. Instead of increasing the R-value you try and cheap out. I guess it's a bit more ultralite but I want my mat as silent as possible.
JMHO: A camp,chair should seat us at normal chair height. A seat that was designed to be comfortable to a pre school child simply doesn’t hack it. Even a $25 kindergarten chair that sells for $125-$150.
Courtesy of Half Vast Flying
Can confirm Bombas hands out socks at the VA!
THANNS!
Great video. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the video/ review!
The plex looks exactly like a tent I designed, that's awsome to see it exists I bet it's awsome.
Thanks for the feedback on your gear! Nice video.
I’m using the lost ranger ul and personally it’s the warmest and most comfortable bag I’ve ever owned. It also attaches seamlessly to most air pads. My only complaint is you have to be careful of the zippers snagging. Plenty of snags, no tears yet. Expensive, yeah, but quality always is. 9/10 would recommend.
Good video! Pretty sure you can live with cotton underwear though. Been doing everything from day hikes to multi day technical alpine climbs and never worn anything but cotton underwear. I always hate the stink from synthetic base layers, assumed synthetic underwear would be yucky after a few days.
This list is great but I'm most curious about the hoodie you're wearing. Who makes it??
The Copper Spur comes in a UL 1,2,3,4 & 5.
I was given a lifestaw years ago - I never could drink with it - weird
Yo the fact that the chair at the end keeps breaking and I have an Amazon special chair similar to it that I basically use as a rocking chair, is downright embarrassing for that brand.
What don’t you like about the Xtherm pad? How is it less comfortable?
use a kilt. tent, blanket, skirt, coat, cape, hat/hood, bed/mattress/pillow, ice wall, wind block and sexy.
How is the Kakwa comfort compared to the Six Moon Designs that you like so much previously?
The NEMO pad feels amazing, The freight is GREAT!......if you live in a dry area .....agree, but I own it, my wife and daughter share it, plenty of room, and its 2 pounds! NOTHING comes close to that with ..... 2 pounds! 2 MAN TENT.... and they are on sell cause they do suck if I lived in Virginia still
Late to the party here... but I see another problem with trekking pole chairs IF you use a trekking pole tent...
Which one do you get to use? No chair once your tent is up, or no tent when you want to sit...
What else do Durston make ?
Could well take out top three positions next year.
I just ordered a Durston Xmid Pro 2. It was shipped to me on 6 April 2023. Haven't received it yet. They are in stock now.
Great info Steven, brilliant channel
What a about wool material ? For boxer and socks
Props on that thumbnail👍
Glad to see Nemo still kicking ass in the gear world.
Do you like the Kakwa 40 better than your Waymark Lite 50?
I just got back from a trip using the Lifestraw squeeze and both Dog and I aren't feeling well. Not recommended.
Wonder what you DO with all that gear ? I mean, do you have enough tents, bags, pads and chairs to equip a small school field trip ? Or do you sell it after test ? Could be interesting to have an "insider" on this.
Nice job and great links! Thanks
Have you covered hammocks yet? I’m a pretty novice camper and really wanted to get into hammock camping. I would love to see what insight you could offer, if any.
Respect for putting your younowwhat on the line no less than 3 times to fortify your opinion on that chair mate! I believed you!☺
What about the msr elixir? Don’t need the UL but need compact and better price
Huh everyone’s been praising the big Agnes tent. Makes me wonder
Personally I’ve got three best new pieces of gear.
1. Outdoor Vitals Fortius 1P Tent
2. Hammock Gear Burrow Quilt
3. Helinox Chair Zero High Back
Do you still like the Helinox chair high back? I'm interested.
Why wouldn't you bang MSR FreeLite to get rid of residue water before opening?
Bombas makes incredible socks. Hiking, backpacking, work, you name it. Theyre just great socks. I wear them on the jobsite every day because my feet are soaked by the end of the day otherwise
Damn I just bought that chair and poles combo :/ do you know if the v2 fixes the issue