My Backpacking Gear List - 2023
Вставка
- Опубліковано 2 лип 2024
- This video I break down the backpacking gear I will be using for 2023. ~ If you enjoyed my video please LIKE & SUBSCRIBE. Leave a comment with questions and check out my channel for more gear & backpacking videos.
To give you some idea of my backpacking profile, in the past 7 years I have averaged more than 30 nights in a tent and over 400 trail miles. For longer trips I typically hike about 15 miles per day. I am not an ultralight hiker, however much of my gear is ultralight. I use ultralight gear because it is often the best and the reduced weight enables me to carry more other items like a larger dedicated camera and tripod or to carry more food to go longer between resupplies. I have a few things which vary depending upon trip destination, number of days and expected conditions - however the bulk of what I carry is consistent throughout every trip.
Yosemite is my favorite backpacking destination followed by Kings Canyon and Sequoia - the High Sierra. I have numerous permits secured already for this year. I am hopeful that with all of the snow in '22-23 winter there will be no wildfires and the backpacking season can be smoke free all the way into next winter!
One thing I forgot to mention in the video because I was sitting on it is a small foam pad seat. I do not carry a chair because of bulk/weight. The foam pad works great on top of my bear can for a seat, or on top of many other things naturally available in the wild.
In 2023 I have multiple trips already planned to hiked in Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia. I will do parts of the John Muir Trail and Pacific Crest Trail. I have thru-hiked the JMT and Sierra High route. I have hiked sections of the Continental Divide Trail / CDT, Appalachian Trail / AT and North Country Trail / NCT. I would love to thru-hiked the PCT but I cannot get that much time off from work with my career. My second must frequented long-trail is the Ice Age Trail IAT in Wisconsin. I lived there most of my life and would spend lots of time in the Kettle Moraine Forest, mostly stealth camping off-trail. I still have many fond memories of the trails in Wisconsin, however I much prefer the western National Parks and mountain's. I now live in CA / Santa Cruz and can be in Yosemite or Kings Canyon in 3.5hrs. I love it here!
Here is my gear breakdown -
Zpacks Arc Zip Ultra backpack
SlingFin Portal 2 + Groundsheet + Upgraded Pole Kit + Long lines on all tie-outs
MSR Groundhog Mini Stakes
Enlightened Equipment Quilt Revelation 20F
NeoAir UberLite Regular Wide
Nemo Switchback Foam Pad Short
ThermaRest Z-Seat
Sea To Summit Aeros Pillow
Befree 1L 2x
HydraPak Seeker Water Bags 2/4L
Pocket Rocket Deluxe + Flat Cat Gear Windscreen + Canister Holder
Valtcan Titanium Pot 1L
Long Handle Spoon Titanium
Freezer Bag Coozy
Bear Cans - BV450 + Bearikade Weekender + Expedition
360 degree hat
Baseball hat
Julbo Glacier Sunglasses + case
Long Sleeve Hoodie - Wool Synthetic Blend
Nike DriFit leggings ¾ length
Smartwool Shorts
Injiji Toe Socks + Darn Tough Light Hiker Socks
Dirty Girl Gaiters
Altra Lone Peak trail shoes
GooseFeet Gear custom puffy
Patagonia Houdini Air wind shirt
MontBell Wind Pants
Outdoor Research Helium Rani Jacket
Zpacks Rain Kilt
Sun Gloves (various)
Buff for hiking
Insulated headband
Neoprene water crossing socks - NRS
Leather Gloves - Marmot
Smartwool long underwear + long sleeve shirt for sleep
Wool buff
Smartwool Balaklava
Smartwool knit hat
Goosefeet Gear Down Socks
Samsung Galaxy S23+
Sony a7c + lenses
Insta360 X3
DJI Mic
Carbon fiber tripod
Phone clip for tripod
Garmin inReach Mini
Garmin Fenix 5X
BlackDiamond rechargeable headlamp
Rechargeable tent light
Solar panel - Suntastics
Anker USB battery (various)
Airpump
Roll top dry bags
First aid kit, band aids, rubber gloves,
25ft of line
Hand sanitizers
2 chapstick
2 lighters
Small toothbrush +paste
Bug spray
50SPF sunscreen
Duce of spades
Various zip lock backs - non-slider kind. Freezer bag thickness
Zpacks Bear Bags
Emergency whistle
Compass + Thermometer
2 locking carabiners for attaching things to pack
Small multi-tool / pocketknife
Sun umbrella
TBD / Early season gear
Kahtoola Microspikes
Zpacks Trekking pole
Ice Axe
00:00 Intro
00:58 Backpack
01:35 Tent
04:00 Sleep system
08:09 Water filter
10:50 Stove / Cook Pot
15:05 Bear Can
15:51 Hiking Clothes
20:38 Weather clothes
28:00 Sleep clothes
29:53 Electronics
38:14 First Aid Kit and stuff
40:13 I hate ticks! Bug spray
40:42 LNT
41:58 Other gear
43:39 Early season gear
45:17 Physical map
45:42 Wrap up
What is your #1 piece of backpacking gear for 2023? Is there anything I am missing? Anything I should change?
I prefer Alcohol stoves. The alcohol is good for improvised disinfection, the stove is lighter, so is the fuel container. Over here in Portugal Gas is not that common, except around bigger cities, so it's not even an option for me, but I love the Trangia - I do all my cooking on it and save tons of money, despite the added weight of the cookset. But even on a short hike where I eat premade stuff it's better since I can premeasure my fuel and take just what I need, saving a bunch of weight overall.
@@pedroclaro7822 I had been using an alcohol stove from 2018 to 2021. There are a lot of advantages to alcohol stoves! My alcohol stove setup is Trail Designs Kojin and sidewinder ti-tri windscreen. I also use 190 proof everclear as my fuel which gives me 2 fallbacks - antiseptic and booze! My only gripe is the time it can take to get a boil going. I switched to primarily using the gas stove because of time savings. I recently got "Flipfuel" which is a device that allows me to refill gas canisters, so I no longer have a collection of partial used containers. I tested an esbit stove this past weekend - hated it! The tablets smell really bad and that smell transfers onto hands and other stored by them. Alcohol stove is infinitely better than esbit for that reason alone. Anyways... Thanks for your comment. :) Happy trails.
Hi there! Massive Like for John Muir hat and t-shirt! Love it, because I also have tons of his books and have done his trail here in Scotland coast to coast 135 miles where I live. Also been to his place like 3 times now where he was born and his museum here in Dunbar.
Its probably one of the most beautiful town here in Scotland and with the best traditional local fish & chips you can get by the main high street! ;)
Anyway hope to come to USA one day and do some of his trails or stuff there.
ATB from Edinburgh
Hello Gregory,
Thank you for the nice comment! In case it wasn't obvious from my channel name, I like John Muir. The history of his life, adventures and accomplishments is an inspiration to me.
Dunbar sounds nice. I would like to visit Scotland some day and hike the trail. And I hope you are able to hike the JMT in USA some day! The John Muir Trail in California is magical!
I used to live in Wisconsin (another state with some John Muir history) most of my life and ultimately moved to California in 2020 because I was spending all of my vacation time in California on or around the JMT. Now I hike the JMT and surrounding trails every other weekend! 😀
Oatmeal and eye love this motion pitcher...thank you for making it. We just ordered the same pack only the solid black version, can't wait to get it! Subscribed.
Thank you for your comment and sub! You'll like the pack! Happy trails 👣 😃
Excellent video.
Thanks!
Hi. Excellent gear load video there. You show very good sense and experience. I note something that I really do agree with - yes, maps on cell phone use up power when actually should be kept for communication. A map and compass exist for finding your way. Get in good training with them. Along with qualification and experience, the hiker won't go wrong with map & compass. If lost, a good navigator can always relocate. Thanks for the video, a fellow outdoor enthusiast.
Thanks for your comment and for watching! Happy trails 😃
Great video, lots of good info! Agree with your inclusion of an air pump for air mattresses, tho the most recent version of Flextailgear's the Tiny 2X, is IMO, a leap. Only 3 oz, rechargeable USB C, lots of attachments, sucks and blows, (helps to start fires) and is a cool tent light, too! And an actual switch, not some weird touch thing. I'm a gadget guy, and this new pump has a permanent spot in my pack. Really enjoyed your video!! Happy trails!
Thanks for your comment and the tip about the airpump. That does sound better. I just bought one on amazon based on your suggestion. The "classic" thermarest pump I show in the vid is nothing special...and the newer thermarest pump that works with their new winglock valve is worse because the switch is on the outside and is prone to turning on accidentally. I much prefer rechargeable stuff in case that ever happens I can recharge in the field. Now I am stoked to have a new gadget coming in the mail. 😃
Main plus also iin not using breath you don't put moisture inside mat.. (Which can freeze/Crack the pad
Nemo Fillo Elite. My go to pillow for sure. I use another bag with my mid/outer layers stuffed in it as a body pillow
Looking... I like what I see. It looks compact and has a similar design to the sea2summit. Packability is a pretty important factor for me. Thanks for the comment. 👍
@MountainsCallingMe it's not the smallest, most ultralight pillow but it is AMAZING. I opt for comfort over packability on this item. Stays inflated, easy to inflate, the elite size is similar enough to a pillow at home, I like rectangular pillows, and the felted material feels great to lay face on. I've had Sea2Summit as well. It wasn't bad at all - but I still prefer the Nemo. Best of luck on your decision!
So glad to see gear load out with some new (to me) and interesting items. Do you know what brand your wool/synthetic hoodie is? Thank you.
The hoodie is Voormie. I have worn varieties of those for last 6 years. Ridge Merino is also a great merino sun hoodie. I have also been wearing a sunshirt from Jolly Gear. Its not wool but it breaths better and is also is super comfy. I am going to be making a video review of sun hoodies in the next few weeks. Thanks for watching! Happy trails 😃
@@MountainsCallingMe Thank you for the reply! I look forward to watching your review of sun hoodies. Cheers!
love sling fin, my next purchase is the portal 1p
Cool! SlingFin makes some great tents.
Love video, great gear list. One question. how many J’s did you polish off before this video the chilliest monotone voice I’ve heard lol
lol 😶🌫️
Very intrigued w the Arc Zip Ultra, current Osprey Atmos AG 65L is not comfortable and too heavy. Arc Zip is a little pricey but hopefully a long term investment for many trips to come. Thanks for all the great gear info!
Thanks for your comment. I had the same Osprey pack before switching to Zpacks. I got 7 years out of my prior generation Arc Zip backpack and it was the only pack I use for countless trips. I definitely feel like its worth it in the long run - so long as I get another 7 out of this one. :)
@@MountainsCallingMe hey Eric, is there a way to add shock cord to the back of the pack, similar to the ULA Circuit pack, in case you need to carry a wet tent?
Also, have you checked out the Zenbivy sleep systems? Best bag/quilt in my opinion.
@joaquin munoz yes. There are 3 loops top/middle/bottom on the back on each side of the pack. You can definitely use those to run shock cord across the back of the pack. I hadn't heard of Zenbivy. I will check them out! 👍
@@MountainsCallingMe what are your thoughts about foregoing hip belt pockets and using the FUPA as storage on the sternum strap or hip belt (fanny pack style)? Would it be a continuous hassle to buckle/unbuckle the FUPA when taking off/putting on the pack? Appreciate any thoughts.
@joaquin munoz the FUPA came out after I started using a zpacks pack with waist belt pouches. I considered buying a FUPA but couldn't justify it over the pouches. I think you're right that it could end up being more of a hassle. The hip pouches are in a good place. A fully loaded fupa might be uncomfortable if its bouncing around. 🤷♂️ just a hunch.
nemo filo elite is an awesome lightweight pillow and its really comfortable
Thanks for your comment. That is the one everyone is telling me :) Definitely going to be my next pillow!
Great video. What guy lines do you use for the tent and what length works for you. Thanks
Hi John, thanks for your comment. I am planning to do a video soon explaining how I install customized guy lines on my tent. In the mean time I will explain it as best I can. It depends on the attachment point. I always try to attach to rocks and things so I want to have 3-4 ft of extra line at the end of every line which I make into a slip knot and attach to the biggest rock I can find.
For the corners 4ft. For the doors 4ft. Head and foot end 4ft. This length gives me enough line to have a loop around a big rock and that be about 1-2ft away from my tent.
For the attachment points higher on the tent its longer - 6-8ft. The further away from the tent I can place the stake or the rocks the better. However in tight tent sites I need to also be able to shorten the lines so I have Line-loc adjusters on all of the attachment points except the corners.
Where there are multiple anchor points on the higher part of the tent I use one line between those then attach a line to that line with a steel ring with a line-lock adjuster attached to it. This enables me to have an attachment on both of those upper points but without having the added full line. Basically I halve the number of lines & stakes/rocks I need while still having lines on every attachment point. It will be easier to understand once I get that next vid posted! Some time in the next week or so... :)
The lines are Zpacks Z-line 2.0mm yellow color. I find them to be incredibly bright and visible in the dark. Zpacks also has a line-loc with a webbing loop sewn into it which I use convert attachment points into adjustable attachment points.
@@MountainsCallingMe I just recieced my Durston X-Mid 2. Looking forward to setting it up once the snow melts here in Leavenworth, Washington, and I want to customize it some. Perhaps an unrelated question for this video but the X-mid requires 4 corner stakes for setup, so it isn't free standing (ordered the 2, Z-flick tent poles). Are required tent stakes that much of an issue when backpacking vs. freestanding, or can hard, rocky ground be compensated by finding rocks to loop around to secure tent?
@John i used a zpacks duplex for 5+ years and did so in countless places where stakes couldnt be driven into the ground. That is why I have the extra long lines on my tent, so I can attach to rocks. If I had to guess I would say more than half of my tent sites in that time couldnt have stakes driven into the ground(easily). I did not switch to the Slingfin Portal because it stands without stakes. That isnt even something I think about because my comfort with using rocks instead of stakes.
I posted the guyline video. I hope this helps! ua-cam.com/video/E1BVgVn4cPw/v-deo.html
@@MountainsCallingMe I'll check it out
Great video! Where did you get the tripod? Having a hard time finding one that light
Thanks for your comment! The tripod is an Oben CTT-1000 carbon fiber model. I like that it is light but it is still very sturdy. It does not tip over. In addition to full frame camera, I also use insta360 x3 on a selfie-stick extended fully which would easily tip over a less stable tripod. Here is a link 👉 amzn.to/3NgunzJ
I use the Nemo fillo elite. Its a good pillow
Cool! 👋 I am gonna try that one. My Sea2Summit aeros is near its end...
Thanks for the video. I added a couple of items to my gear list based on your suggestions. I'm curious, how much does all that gear weigh?
Hi. Thanks for your comment. I'm glad the video helped. All of this including the Expedition bear can and fullframe camera+tripod is about 21lbs.
My heaviest load was in 2018 I did the southern half of the Sierra High Route in 11 days without resupply. For that trip my pack was 40lbs total weight. Camera gear and food are always the heaviest part of my pack. For 3nts or less trips my starting weight is under 30lbs including 1L of water.
Hint Hint: They sell adapters for the garmin watch on Amazon. 1 less cable ;)
Thanks for watching! 🫡
What’s your typical base weight? It’s hard to tell how many of the “redundancies” you actually take on trips. I lost count of how many socks and gloves you have. And why have a Houdini when you could just get a rain jacket that also serves as a windbreaker? The Montbell Versalite is great for both with solid pit zips. Also acts as an outer shell for that extra 10-15 degree warmth.
My typical base weight including the Expedition bear can and fullframe camera+tripod is about 21lbs.
I bring extra gloves because my fingers get cold and I do night sky photography where I am sitting outside the tent in the dark using my fingers on the cold metal camera a lot. I suppose I could just carry the leather gloves. But those wouldnt be good for going up mountain passes in hot sunny conditions. I used to just have sun gloves and tent gloves. But I found neither of those would last through a multiday trip. Had many pairs of OR sun gloves get holes from handling rocks around camp. If I am expecting night time temps in 50's or above I would leave the tent gloves behind. FWIW this is my justification.
The Houdini I can hike in comfortably. The outdoor research rain coat I honestly dont use much. I usually just roll with the umbrella. If anything I could see upgrading my rain coat but I dont know about giving up the houdini! I will take a look at the Versalite. Is it comfortable to continuous wearing inside the tent when your just relaxing and need extra warmth? How does it breath - other than the zippered openings, does it lock in moisture? I throw the Houdini on a lot when I stop for a snack and by the time I am done my hiking shirt is dry. It works really well for that.
Thanks for your comment.
@@MountainsCallingMe the versalite is great… I’m very impressed with it. The adjustable hood, high neck protection and long pit zips, combined with the material, makes it a great middle ground of rain protection, wind protection and breathability. The real question is how it compares in functionality and weight savings to your current set-up. I see you are hard-core into photography and that makes sense of your needing lots of gloves. There are the mittens that have fingerless gloves inside and the mitten part folds out. That might help you get rid of some of your gloves. I have gone through a bunch of gloves myself - my favorites are from KUIU. They make ultralight hunting gear, and hunters need to use their fingers, so their gloves are sensitive to the needs you seem to have. They offer a wide variety for different weather situations. Check them out. Like you, I’m into socks but found I get what i need with darn tough, injinji and a pair of waterproof socks. If i want to be luxurious i bring a thick pair of smart wools for colder nights, but I’m aware the down booties are lighter and warmer. Never tried them. You do have nice photographs that you put in there…so if that’s the top priority, makes sense to not skimp on that gear. That said, check out KUIU.
600th!
Awesome! 🥳 Much appreciated! 🫡
How do you keep your Garmin Mini's battery from dying when you keep in tracking mode?
I use an anker USB battery charger for shorter trips. I have 10k, 20k and 27k size anker batteries.
On longer trips I also use the suntastics solar panel. The solar panel really works well with the inreach because the battery inside the inreach is relatively small. So it charges quick. When I am stopped for lunch I will do solar charging and then at camp at night and in the morning.
On longer trips I increase the time between tracking pings from 10min to 20min. That really helps with battery life.
Thanks for your comment. 👋
Can I ask what is the average total weight of your pack with food and water?
Thanks for your comment.
I do a lot of 1-3 night trips through out a typical year, so my "average" would probably be less than 30LBS with food and water. 28LBS if I had to guess. That is including the full-frame camera and accessories. I also have more camera stuff now that I am doing the channel probably adds 1LB. new 360 cam, mic's and batteries I wasnt using last year. But those are relatively light compared to the big camera. If I didnt bring camera stuff my pack would be so much lighter! lol :)
During 1 week or longer trips my starting weight is approximately 35LBS.
My heaviest load was in 2018 when I hiked the Sierra High Route 11 days without a resupply. My pack was almost 40LBS. With a large percentage of that being food.
Looks like alot to carry
Looks like a lot when its all spread out - I guess because it is... but most things are lightweight and pack down small. Everything here fits in/on my pack with the largest size bear can.
@MountainsCallingMe bear can also doubles as a seat to sit on. If not capable then not a good quality can.
Also who makes the airpump?
I have been using the thermarest pump. It works. I just got the Flextailgear pump x2(on amazon). Im testing it and will probly have a review video soon. If I were you, I'd suggest that pump as its universal and has some other cool features like helping start a fire. 🔥
What are you using to charge your phone?!
I try to use the solar panel as much as possible to charge the phone. When my phone is in airplane mode and power saving is enabled, it will go days without charge and minimal use. The solar panel is a Suntastics 5watt, and the USB battery is an Anker 20,000mah. I also have a 27k and 10k battery that I use depending on trip length. Bringing the solar panel only makes sense for me on trips longer than 4 nights. On trips 4nts or less I have been able to manage with just a 27k Anker or less.
It also depends on destination, season, weather and expected sunshine. In winter or bad weather I need more battery due to more tent time and increased usage.
Often when traveling far from home I will bring multiple pieces of charging gear and decide at the trailhead what usb battery size and if I will bring the solar panel. Because its difficult to be 100% sure at home.
Thanks for your comment 👍
For size and weight on the solar there are a lot of options nowadays (especially past cpl years) to get more than 5 watts which makes huge difference fyi
@Anthony Gorrell thanks for your comment. I have been using the same panel since 2017... Agree, that is like a dinosaur in tech age. What panel you use? Please share 🙏 🙂
Nemo Fillo
Thanks. Checking out the website now. It looks very comfy!
just your backpack and tent are 1k get real pal
ok... 🤷♂️
@@MountainsCallingMeidk why people get so upset about how much money people spend on their gear. Like if you can’t afford it don’t buy it.
after all that you dont even prove it fits in your pack. very annoying and self indulgent list then.
Thanks for watching. 👍
what a dick do you even go outside? no shit it fits in the pack what benefit is there to lying?