The Truth About Expensive Winter Gear
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- Опубліковано 13 тра 2024
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I just watched a video from a chemist explaining how gore-Tex isn’t breathable when it’s wet. Pretty interesting.
You can get some killer deals at Sierra Trading Post, Ross, Marshall's & TJ Maxx. I've gotten some awesome winter gear super dirt cheap with Goretex and have used it in -20 temperatures during winter ultramarathons and training.
I have found that military surplus stores are a tremendous resource. Silk or poly base layers as cheap as $2 some times. On average, around $5. Thrift stores are also a great place to shop for items. I've found some wool sweaters there for less than $10 each and even found an alpaca wool sweater, which was probably $150 new, and it cost me about $6.
I came to post this. I ran into a guy once that also uses an old GoreTex military jacket. He said he's been mountain climbing with it. Incredible value.
Same here in Scotland. I’ve got some of the best gear for outdoors from a surplus store. I’ve a pair of military boots that are goretex lined and almost brand new.
I love the military surplus stores. Over half of my camping gear came for them.
Yes. The thrift stores: Goodwill, Arc on the northside of Colorado Springs = absolute gold. Thank you, upper middle class large dudes for dropping off your stuff.
@@dieterh.9342 Definitely the ARC in COS. For me, Senior Day Tuesday - 50% off! 😀
Never underestimate the versatility of the rain jacket. I bought one in the summer expecting not to use it that much, then I got into Cross Country Skiing this winter and now it's my main winter jacket due to it's light weight and flexible nature.
I literally climbed Mt Adams in April using a Columbia vinyl rain jacket that I had purchased probably 5 years prior as my outer shell
@@johnuppole Using an ampli dry jacket from Columbia all year, hiking, gravel riding and mountain biking, perfect for rain and wind breaking with a base layer from -5°C to 10°C
How many do u need?
How many do you need to survive the winter?
I commute by bike every winter in Chicago with a good base layer, a rain jacket, and a balaclava for my face. It appears to never be enough, but once you ride and your body generates that heat, it's more than enough to even withstand those 0F rides. A great rain jacket is very clutch and versatile.
Can’t thank you enough for this! I’d been stressing these layers so much trying to find workable ones I could afford. I’m grateful for your advice!
Here in Scandinavia, there are other sources for (outdoor) clothing that one may not think of. Companies that supplies workers like constructors, carpenters etc often have underwear (long legs, long arms) at high quality to prices that typical are 1/3-1/5 of "fine" outdoor brands. Also, shops that has a hunters as target groups also use to have high quality products at good prices though everything is green or camouflage. But hunters are usually not as snobby as "outdoor entusiasts" and don't par 600$ for a jacket. They want stuff that works and are robust.
Hello, is Revolution Race one of these brands ? Could you mention others ?
@@pascalg5201 Look up "Blåkläder", "Fristads" or "Snickers workwear" they make good quality stuff that's decently priced.
Also varusteleka, a finnish military surplus/outdoors/hunting gear/survival store has great products too, like their "Savotta" brand.
Also, a big segment of hunters is in the trade(in my experience where I'm from). So they already have the lower layers. I've seen some just wear black work pants with a camo jacket and it works out just fine for them.
Only one caveat. Trade and hunting gear tends to be a little bit heavier(but also more robust).
Hello. Nice, could you give some examples of those companies? :)
@@maxjarvela4255 helly hansen workwear is good. I have their rainpants
Thanks for giving me confidence that I’m doing it right in my layering choices, Steven.
You channel is a well balanced plethora of information and very much appreciated.✌️
I’m glad you find it helpful! Thanks for watching and supporting the channel.
literally such a great video. you addressed concerns of your viewers and gave amazing layering recommendations at the same time. I get so much value out of your channel, THANK YOU!
No. thank you for watching. I’m Glad it was helpful!
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Support local businesses and merchants. PLEASE.
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Thank you for doing a video that doesn't financially scare people in to giving up on winter hiking and camping. Though I know in a lot of cases, you get what you pay for. People need to start somewhere to see if its even for them, before they start spending a lot of money and videos like this can get them out there.
Yeah you just have to go outside and find out how it feels. Start small so you can go home when you get cold. You might find that it’s not the $$$ jacket that you need, maybe just a neck warmer. The priorities will depend on your environment, activities, and personal tastes.
I've used the Marmont Precip for years and love them. I'm on my second one now. 1st one lasted a really long time.
A friend of mine got a puffy coat off Amazon for less than $50 and thru-hiked the AT with it 4 years ago. Did just fine for him.
I think one of the key takeaways here is knowing what to look for, knowledge of materials and how they perform. I work at a fairly high end outdoor retailer and yes, our stuff is expensive, but we don’t really carry a “bad” version of a product. That makes it easy for people to get reliable layers that are backed by the manufacturer, and so people are as likely to pay as much for convenience as they are quality and performance.
Plop me in a thrift store and I’m going to be able to put together a hell of an outfit due to my knowledge of not just fundamental basics of layering, but material properties, understanding of fit, quality of seams, etc. there might be some compromises, but I would hardly describe them as lacking, same thing for cheaper retailers!
It’s nice to have access to discounts and such, but I’ll easily be able to put together competent quantity gear well after I’m done working there, at likely cheaper prices than even I am paying now with said discounts.
The REI garage sale is an excellent way to save money, if you know what you are looking for!
Great comment
A quick update: the REI Garage Sale event has shifted to the REI Re/Supply store so it is available daily to REI members. The former event and the current store sell used items at significantly lower prices (sometimes 20% or less of new price) and support one way to avoid landfills and act more friendly to our environment.
Stopped at REI last week spent several hundred $ on new fleece jackets and then after coming home, stopped at the local thrift store. The racks were full of fleece jackets, several pairs of wool and hiking pants and even 2 pr of gaiters.
Don't overlook those places for gear, I grew up shopping in the old Army-Navy stores in the 1960's when it was cheap and plentiful.
I got a full goretex military surplus outfit for 350 Euros. The jacket even has ventholes like discribed in the video.I bought the Jacket in new stock condition for 100 Euros. Jacket is from 2005 but since Gore tex doesn't age it looks like brandnew and the plane green is a trend thing now, sow the wife was pleased to. Don't overlook those places ;)
And Patagonia and REI sell used gear, not to mention ebay.
@@dougfromsoanierana Ebay is my goto for about everything
@@dougfromsoanierana True. REI's Re-Supply/Re-Sale (Garage sale) has most items up to half off. Many are barely used. The stock also changes almost daily. If you live close to an REI, this is a great place to visit frequently.
I was one of the original members of REI back in the early 70's. My member # is like 3 digits. They are so incredibly anti everything that I would rather pay double than buy from them anymore.
Thanks for posting this. Too many other UA-camrs are posting disingenuous reviews about expensive gear and clothing from their sponsors, and I think that turns a lot of people off to hiking and backpacking. Thanks for keeping it real.
Idc that they post the reviews, in fact it’s good because they let people choose things well, but it sure makes it seem like everyone is using expensive gear, when many just wing it with the basics instead of biting into the consumerist aspect of it all. The issue is in the preparation of people when getting into an activity - defining budgets before having any idea of prices is great, I set a basic beginner budget and a max budget in case I get addicted and want upgrades.
@@pedroclaro7822 it’s fine that they post the reviews, but they need to be clear in letting people know which gear they were gifted by a company and which upon which gear they received a discount. As someone who once had 15 corporate sponsors, I feel it’s unethical not to do so. But really, there are tons of videos about expensive gear, and in comparison relatively few about affordable gear. And while I can afford to buy expensive gear, not everyone can and it’s unfair to leave that audience out most of the time.
@@toki1965 Most of the social media companies, such as FB and YT, demand that people who are promoting goods state clearly what it is they are promoting and how they are paid (commission on sales /views / affiliate purchases etc). Needless to say, it is something that none of the companies ever enforces, because they don't want to upset their advertisers.
The ones who aren't sponsored - Like Dixie, Darwin, Luke @ the Outdoor Gear review make you aware of that in most videos. Guys like Dan Becker, nearly everything is sponsored.
I stick to proven name brand but only buy them at clearance / Black Friday. Get on the manufacturers mailing list, you don’t have to pay more if you do that. I actually wear these jackets daily because the quality of regular clothes have gone down the toilet plus they have less bulk and perform better.
Thank you. Just went snowshoeing today and when I got home I came across this review. Excellent info and pricing !!
The first thing we learned in the Norwegian Army back in mid 80s was layered clothing and it worked well. We was out on exercises in minus 40, then we put on everything on and hunkered down in the tent. Sweating became more of a problem from minus 15 and up.
Honestly real wool knit sweaters are really great as mid layers or insulating layers for cheap depending on how thick they are. You can find them really easily in thrift stores and they just work great
Totally agree. I have an alpaca wool sweater I got for less than $10.
Also bargain brand stores like TJ Maxx..you can get great merino layers for 20$ or less in sale .
The video knocks it out of the park! LOVE IT! ❤ Thank you.
Great explanation of layers and their purpose. Wish I knew all this when I started, I just had to figure it out as I went. This should help so many!
These are also multi use items. Something like a tent or a sleeping system probably generally isn't useful outside of camping but a proper multilayer winter setup is good for any sort of outdoor winter activity and a rain jacket/windbreaker is useful year round.
Absolutely. I used to backpack/camp in my youth. My outdoor activity in the winter (and spring/summer/fall) is now golf. I eat in a restaurant/the club dining room and stay in a hotel/home. But I'll play golf all year round and the key to doing it comfortably is layering with thin versatile layers.
Very well explained and demonstrated. Also, thank you for mentioning DIYing mods to gear. 10/10👍🏼🌿
Thanks for summarizing the ideas behind each layer including when to wear them.
Excellent! Thank You! I was one of those who asked in your other video for cheaper alternatives. This is so good! Subscribed!
Thank you for being transparent and also listening to your viewers. We go to you and depend on you for education and confidence in being able to go outdoors hot or cold and knowing we are ready for it. Alot of us can't afford expensive gear, or alot of us aren't weight conscience. Maybe half of us are just drive in camp site type of people. But we admire the budget gear side as well as the expensive stuff. You give us the ability to min max between what we can go expensive or what we can skim a bit of cash on.
I've been training for the PCT, doing hikes in the snow on Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge. I've been using $15 Frogg Toggs, $23 Wrangler pants, $40 Decathlon puffy, and $5 Showa gloves. And it's worked wonderfully.
@@cobbler88 nothing wrong with the ft jacket it works...
@@escapetherace1943 It does in many situations, but this really isn't one of them.
I've got a couple of them for certain purposes, even the emergency one that delaminates if it gets too windy. But the Tyvek-type versions aren't really geared toward cold-weather hiking in the snow.
Take care.
Please tell me you aren't wearing jeans/cotton pants out in the snow ? Are you trying to get hypothermia ?
@@safromnc8616 it's -20 where i live and i wear cotton. Bite me. I just know how to deal with it and stay dry
You just have to breathe the wrong way and Frogg Toggs rip in half... Find a cheapy jacket that has that non-woven material as a liner to a more durable but still cheap outer shell. I got a jacket and pants like that for 20 bucks.
MLO, great post! I have to comment, I've found that buying quality brand names, based on experience, has always served me well in this regard: the quality brands keep on performing year after year, the lesser brands, the unknowns, typically disappoint at the worst possible moment. At least, this has been the case for me. I enjoy your content, production and presentation so, I subscribed. Cheers.
My mid-layer is a fleece with pit zips bought at MEC around the turn of the century for probably $75 in today’s terms. My point being if you buy a decent product and take care of it you may never need to replace it!
Oh, and my base layer is a fantastic set I bought at the grocery store of all places!
+1 on MEC. I get 80% of my outdoor gear at MEC, and typically MEC brands. This stuff last for ever. It is way smarter to buy a quality gear that fits, and will last, than a cheap junk at Amazon.
I hiked about 1600mi in the past 18 months and the Amazon packable puffer was my insulating layer for all of it, got it for $17! Mt Whitney, Gorgonio, Jacinto, Langley, Wilson, Baden-Powell, Eastern Sierras to the deserts of So Cal. I just finally convinced to upgrade after doing R2R2R and finishing, wetted out, in 20F. That takes a much more expensive level of garment to handle.
This review is so helpful! Practical options with examples and links. Thank you for the help and ideas!
I love the concept of this video so much that it feels a bit short. I hoped you would show yourself actually going on an overnight hike/campout and reviewing these, explaining what you get and what you compromise by going with the budget option verses the expensive option.
I love your content that I have seen so far. I had hypothermia while hiking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire when I was in 7th grade, so this topic is something that I am passionate about. I probably own way too many of each layer because I NEED to be prepared for the weather.
Looking forward to more.
I've spent a lot of time out in the cold with modern synthetics. It's what I'd wear on the ski slopes.
But I've done National Guard annual training at Camp Ripley, Minnesota, in January, using the old canvas-and-wool stuff the National Guard kept using for long after the Army had gone high tech. And I really liked it.
Totally agree with the video and, after 13 years working in wilderness areas, I have vacillated endlessly on this topic myself. I've found that cheap, second-hand, inexpensive (by my standards) gear is often all that's needed for a sustained stay in a backcountry setting, however there are some things I realized.
Firstly, some expensive gear is just simply worth it if you can afford it - these items are boots, tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, camp comforts etc...
Secondly, cheap layering pieces can be found anywhere and natural products tend to last longer by virtue of being more durable and more repairable - I mean wool sweaters, canvas material, waxed cottons etc. Synthetics had the advantage of being lightweight / better at insulating when wet over down etc. but they simply breakdown faster and are less durable in sustained outdoor settings. A shitty old down jacket when ripped, it may not be the end of the world, but a super expensive one? It's hard to justify actually abusing the gear the way it's intended to when it costs so much.
Thirdly, pack for what you're doing and how long you're doing it - that old wool sweater will be thrashed after five months but probably keep going and if you're only going to be out for 1 week a year - an Arc'teryx hardshell is completely unnecessary for most people.
Fourth on the list - brands are selling you the image they think you want. Its how this industry works - to sell you the notion that the only thing preventing you from being in the outdoors and looking awesome - is the fact that you need to buy their clothing. I have found all the nice ass expensive backcountry gear Ive ever wanted simply by just waiting for it to show up. This has changed a little bit with the re-sale market / fashion trends however its still possible to find that bombproof deadbird hardshell that retails for $500 for far far far less than that - it just means waiting around / using what you got and not just buying to attain the aesthetic these companies sell to profit.
I will say that the solid gear I need that absolutely cannot fail on me I would gladly pay for and I also pay for clean ethical working conditions within the textile supply chain and environmentally friendly materials. Goretex is toxic as fuck as are many other synthetic rain barriers but there are plenty of options these days found by a bit of research.
I guess the last point is that 2k on outdoor gear isn't going to save you if you lack the skills to survive in the woods but the right pair of footwear will totally make it more enjoyable IMO.
How is gore tex toxic?
@@axlrosea675 The manufacturing process for most rain gear / waterproof membranes use PFAs to maximize waterproofing through use of the DWR on the fabric. Gore-Tex has stated that they've shifted to PTFE, which theoretically is less toxic, but is still extremely toxic to manufacture. It's all toxic to manufacture and likely toxic to the wearer (people argue over this) and is toxic to the environment as PFAs tend to build upwards along the food chain.
Thank you so much for posting this! Just this past weekend I was leading a Winter camp with Boys Scouts and we started a Winter hike at 6F and almost no sun. Within a couple of hours it was in the upper 20sF and full sun. We started in full Antarctica gear... The highest rated thermal underwear, two more leg layers, 3 top layers, a buff and a hat on our head. We were just fine when we were sitting still or moving slowly at 26 degree below freezing F. But after moving up hard hills and especially when the sun came out I was having to heavily coach the kids to not sweat! I personally had taken off my mid-layer jacket and unzipped my shell jacket completely. Even with a synthetic shirt exposed straight to the ~25F wind I was sweating. I consider myself pretty advanced at this, but don't underestimate the effect of the full sun on you, and make sure you can ventilate! When we got back to camp I was keenly aware that most of these kids were probably sweating and at extreme risk, so I got them all warm and in new clothes. But it was a good lesson to learn that the cloudy day that is below 10F could turn into a crazy sunny day where you get a sunburn, and it rises 25 degrees! Just keep the mantra - "start cold, don't sweat" in your mind!
Brilliant to point this out. Also yes pit zips are essential! Hopefully more budget producers will realise they should include them
Well done!
And this is coming from a guy who just paid $375 for a STIO shell jacket.
I know SO MANY people who cannot and/or should not waste money on the more expensive gear.
I was one of them back in the day. Now that I am semi-retired I can afford the good stuff but I still encourage my sons and others in their 20's to be prudent on what they spend money on so that they too can afford to retire early,
Stio has a good product. Fit style, color…. But dang those catalogs wear me out.
People under 30 ain’t retiring bud
That's a very informative video.
There is another tip that I would like to share that would allow for lowering the price tag and providing more gear option at the same time, while not compromising the ability to wick moisture. So this is what I do, no matter if I'm hiking, skiing, winter biking or bushcrafting around :
My favorite base layer is a simple and cheap synthetic white tank top. The color is only important because it's also part of my outdoor kit in the summer (more about this later):
Everything that will be wear on top of this has preferably a full-lenght zip.
ypically, I will wear a fleece vest that has no sleeves and a softshell, without limiting myself to pit zip. This will allow a much better evacuation of the heat if i open my jacket as the armpit are directly in contact with the outside. It makes a great difference in comfort level, you don't sweat and stink as much on multi days trip.
In summer, I will typically wear that same tanktop, but with a sunhoodie (ideally, get on 1-2 size up) in a pale color as well. You'll get protection from the sun, from the bugs and I found the hood to be much more confortable than using any types of hat. There is sometime a visor cap in front of the hood that helps protect your face from the sun as well, and it useful too to deploy a bugnet in front of your face. If it's too suffocating, you can wear the shirt around your shoulder, with the hood on and some UV protection sleeves on your arm
Your armpits will not come as easily in contact with the material if you got a large enough hoodie, meaning you won't smell too bad even if you use the kit for a couple of days before washing it. If in town, the hoodie allows to visit shops not wearing a stinky t-shirt or being without a proper shirt.
The hoodie (also with a full lenght zip) can be a adequate base layer in the coldest winter temperature as well.
So in summary : tanktops are more packable, cheaper and more confortable to wear all year round. You don't need to select between a limited amount of jackets that are offering pit zip. Mixing sleeveless inner layers with full lenght zip allows for much versatily.
Thank you so much. I've never understood how to properly layer and suffered from being too hot soaking with sweat and too cold. This video will help.
Bravo!
That wool blend sweater you have in your closet....it is perfect.
I meet plenty of hikers and pilgrims on the Santiago way, most have basic decathlon gear, some even normal clothes. I’ve not seen any noticeable difference between them and the premium gear folk. Yea they end up averaging more miles a day, but some of these are attributed to eating meals someone else makes or sleeping in paid accommodations instead of tents or hammocks. Among those who also camp and cook for themselves there’s no palpable difference, if anything the premium gear folk are annoying wanting to compare gear and often turn out to be, for a lack of a better word, bitchy about the weather, bugs, trail conditions.
I’ve bought the cheap stuff and I’ve bought the good stuff. The cheap stuff works but the good stuff IS better.
Yeah - I stay fairly comfortable in the 20°-40°F range with a Merino Tech base layer, cheap old Columbia fleece, Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded puffer, and just a cheap $50 Columbia rain shell. One expensive thing, one sort of expensive, and two cheap things.
Wow, you have helped me so much in understand how to layer up and what to buy. Thank you! At the moment I'm simply doing fair-weather day hikes, but I started out this morning when it was "just' 46 and didn't feel it at all. I didn't get a shell but will keep that in mind; and with clothes I have at home, I only spent about $140, and from neck gaiter down to merino socks, including a rain jacket/pant set I'll rarely use, I'm all set. Thank you!
Good point regarding "use what you already own". My mind sometimes gets so focused on a specific part of gear that I forget that I already have something like that, just not specifically for hiking.
I think a wool layer is a worthy investment for a beginner. The best thing about wool is that it is warm even when wet.
So as a beginner you might start a hike going too fast and then not even realize when you are all over in sweat. Without wool or a dry set you will be out of luck and it can get even dangerous in cold conditions.
In the army I was unfortunate enough to witness several toes amputated due to using wet polyester socks in freezing conditions.
You mentioned pit zips for jackets, but I think having side zips on pants for shedding heat is a really great idea too. I have some hunting pants with partial side zips and that was a big reason I bought those and it’s a really valuable feature. I haven’t seen many options for that, but it’s also probably a pretty doable modification to add yourself.
Lots of snowboard and ski pants do come with leg vents just like pit zips if you’re looking for some. Quicksilver has em and the pants are great
Really appreciating how your communication skills are levelling up. It's crazy how much better your videos are getting! (Meant as a compliment 😅)
Started making my own outdoor gear inherited a serger and sewing machine found some outdoor patterns some polartec fleece base and neoshell made some practice stuff out of old sheets before commiting to the 20 dollar a yard fabric none the less I got a neo shell jacket that fits perfect for 40 bux and a few hours of playing around. This was the most expensive garment to make so far, next gonna try to make my own down sleeping bag then maybe a tent.
Excellent video buddy! For tall people who have access to a Decathlon, I'm 6'5" with a "wingspan" of 6'6" and I found excellent outdoor clothing there! Happy shopping to all and enjoy winter with the ones you love!
They sell online so everyone has access :)
But most Americans don't even know it exists. I love my Trek 100 down puffy
Absolutely. As a tall guy myself. Decathlon is amazing for basic stuff like t shirts, base layers and so on.
@@matejmudra9925 It's actually quite amazing as high end winter apparel.
Their expensive jackets (not expensive compared to NF, Patagonia etc..) are equivalent to the high end brands
@@Cant111 I wouldn't really trust their membrane jackets, but they are super cheap so its not that big of a loss. But for cheap and small stuff is great. UL tents as well.
This is an awesome refresher for what I already know, and I imagine I learned something new along the way.
Thank you so much for this video. Hiking has really become a vehicle for low key wealth display as much as it is about the great outdoors. I generally buy gear from amazon or Goodwill, with a handful of exceptions. One thing I do notice is that the higher end gear typically lasts longer. Not sure if it is always worth the investment, but I wore the same Patagonia shell for 20 years before retiring it.
In my experience, a quality base layer is a must. I have used polyester for years but have switched to all wool and will never go back. Also, I always use sock liners and smartwool socks. Feet are always warm and dry. Polyester midlayers have worked just fine.
Post season is great time to find some killer deals. I always hit up the big box stores and buy their brands. I’ve gotten fleece for $2, base layers for $8, puffers for about $10 doing this. I don’t understand going into the woods in $1,000 of gear as it tends to get torn up - buy the cheap stuff and get some practice in.
No lie right there. Not quite as amazing but got some great 50-60% off deals on a helmet, goggles and helmet speakers in downtown Breck a few years back. The people at the store, Craniologie, were really chill, too.
Frequently, but not always, the $1000s gear is for wearing once to take some pictures, then tooling around town in.
What big box stores ? Not a one of them make anything worth your time or $$, particularly if you are speaking about clothing from say Wal-Mart. You might find some other things there, but clothing....made in China garbage.
@@safromnc8616 Agree 100%. In clothing you either pay the premium for quality or you're getting crap that will lose shape and fade after a few wears. For technical gear I am willing to pay that price. Skiing is a horribly expensive activity. It is crazy to leave it to chance that your clothing will fail to keep you warm and dry.
Kudos to you for showing people how it can be done on a budget. I subscribed just based on this video.
You have a great catalog of videos.
Mike
Thanks for the sub! Glad to have you
For cold UK weather there’s no need to layer when using the Buffalo systems special 6 shirt is my favourite purchase. It’s moisture wicking pile keeps you warm and dry and has pit zips if you get too warm but can also fasten up close to keep you warm when you have stopped walking. Highly recommended
Eddie Bauer Outlet is another good budget option. Got a really nice fleece layer for $20 and a 650-fill down jacket for $40. And their clearance section is even cheaper when they're having a sale. I'm lucky enough to have an outlet store where I live, and a lot of the clearance section is marked down to $15 in the store.
Love Eddie Bauer
There are definitely also ethical and length-of-lasting considerations. I would definitely investigate the second-hand options in my area before buying the cheapest functional thing on Amazon. I got through my first season outdoor guiding mostly with lots of things from thrift stores, once I understood what the basic requirements for materials that wouldn't put me in a hypothermia situation. Some things I still had to amazon - finding a wetsuit that fit well was impossible locally even first hand, for instance. Then over time you build a gear library with one really good piece of lasting gear as you can get it, and one day you look back and realize you're wearing your $100 thing over a $5 thing and smile.
These are great tips. It’s just like any other hobby. Start cheap. Get a feel for what you like and don’t like. Eventually you’ll know what you’re looking for. I eventually upgraded my base 3. Everything else I was going to dump money into, I wanted to make sure it was Id use outside of backpacking and camping.
Great video and very informative. I still sport a pair of wool pants I purchased many years ago at an army surplus store. I won’t be invited to Paris for a fashion show but they do the job, at least in the snow.
Another great video! FWIW - Patagonia Torrentshell has pit zips and is currently on sale for a hair under $90 at REI. I paid full price for mine and I thought it was good value at full price, let alone $90. Bargain, and with a lifetime warranty no less.
They do but only xxxl☹️
@@andrewdouglas5020 In green, yes, but in Tidepool Blue and Wavey Blue, they have a full size run.
i use that as my shell for winter. it works great.
Solid comment on the 3L Torrentshell. I have an XL for thicker layering in the MN winter and I also have a L for warmer weather. My only gripes are the lack of a napolean pocket and the boxy fit. Solid value shell.
Just bought one at full price too and love it. Wish it had gone on sale inside of 14 days since they always honor price adjustments but it’s leaps and bounds better than the Columbia I bought for about $100.
32 Degrees frequently has baselayers on sale for $8.99ea, and they're actually VERY good, even when compared to other good moisture wicking stuff from Arc, Outdoor Vitals, OR, REI's house brand, etc.
I bought a 650fp down jacket from 32° heat for like $30. I know red flags. But, it was very affordable.
Ive watched countless videos on these subjects and this is honestly the most informative Ive seen. Well done.
Fantastic video. I am sharing with as many people as I can. Thank you!!
Down to earth and informative. Thank you.
Great content!! As a working class, parent, now retired on a fixed income….I don’t buy the super name layers. My experience is that it either works or it does not and most off-retailed layers I’ve bought work just fine. The features are important, the materials are important, the quality can fluctuate and even the top brands can rip, fail, burn, or become too small! The amazon puffer jacket you showed, I bought 2 of them and they do the job as my mid layer over my under $75 merino wool 1/4 zip 250 weight. I have a large outdoor gear room with plenty of options all bought below retail, many sites, like Steep and Cheap, offer up to 60% off the good stuff if you hunt for it!
Thanks for the store suggestion!!
Brilliant. I have a lot of stuff I have picked up over the years. But I do not have a puffer layer which will be my next purchase, so I enjoyed this video as it looks as thought I don't need to spend as much. Thanks.
I invested in an Arc'Teryx shell about seven years ago. Bought it in DC of all places. Has held up remarkably well. Not once has it leaked in the wet nor failed to keep me dry (and I sweat like a pig). The sealed zippers, pit zips, hood, etc all work exactly as they should. Nobody needs a ski jacket at that price but, if you have the ability to get one, they end up being worth it.
you really do get what you pay for with some products
They are a Canadian company with good ethics though. Some of that extra money is going into the pockets of workers who are being paid a fair wage. Stuff made in sweatshops will always be cheaper.
I live in Vancouver BC, home of Arc'Teryx, and have also done contract construction work for them as well. So have gotten to know their products a fair amount. I invested in the Alpha gold a couple of years ago, and even at half price (contractor discount, lucky us :) it was still $500. Which seems insane for a piece of clothing. But it was 100% worth it. It is BULLETPROOF against the rain. And if you maintain it properly (yes, you have to be responsible) it will last years. I have several friends who still have their original shells from years ago.
That said, I think this video is great to show that you can get by with more inexpensive items.
@@arlyquino What maintenance do you do? I just get mine dry-cleaned at the end of each season. Is there something else I need to do?
Good choice! My Arc'teryx jackets even got repaired for FREE after 7! years of usage. Buy once, use forever.
I've been hiking with an Amazon Essentials hooded synthetic filled puffy for 2 years. It works for me with just a long sleeve T and a fleece layer under it down to about 20*F or a bit below, and also works as a layer under my motorcycle wind shell jacket down to similar temps on the highway.
Well done, for the weekend warriors, low budget, want to try out just perfect advice. When snow biking, I would have to take my wind and puffy off and just vest it even in below freezing weather! Talk about working up a sweat when winter biking!
This is excellent! Thanks for producing this
Always good, Steve, thanks. Something that nobody, even individuals ever talk about, is hitting up second hand stores for clothing. In less time than it takes for an Amazon package to arrive, you're going to find all the layers you've talked about, both top and bottom. :>)
100%, the amount of outdoor clothing at my local thrift stores is astonishing.
The Eddie Bauer Cloud Cap rainshell is almost always on sale for under the price of that Marmot and has pit zips. I picked mine up around $55 but I think it's typically more in the $65-80 range. Still, a great option at more of a budget price.
Also, the best budget puffy is probably Costco (Gerry) or Decathlon. Typically not much more than that Amazon Essentials option, but with real down. I got my Gerry at around ~$30 or $35 end of season, and it doesn't get more budget than that.
Great video! The outdoors market (sadly) seems to have a high point of entry but there's lots of ways to make it more accessible, like how you've shown here. I got into layering systems a couple years ago and don't know how I managed the cold before making the switch. So often these days I'm walking around with just a fleece and shell in -5c.
I tend to sweat quite a bit, so moisture management is important. I use wool and fleece in combination while on the trail, and add a shell while stopped. Puffy jacket replaces shell at camp. I try to keep a dry base layer available for when things get really drippy....
Very good video. I have done ski touring and climbed mountains of up to 5500 meters (simple climbs, not too technical, not too cold weather) with similar affordable setups. Especially if you are a beginner, you don't have to spend a lot to start, and you can always upgrade things later if you find that some part of your gear is lacking. If you're a pro and really push the limits, you probably want something more technical (read, expensive), but then you get paid for it anyways.
I hiked the AT last year with the $29 Amazon puffy jacket. It was 2 ounces heavier than $300 puffy jackets. Worked great.
If you live in an outdoorsy area it is a good idea to regularly check out the local second hand stores, both the main stream ones and the ones that specialize in outdoor gear. Also garage sales are a good idea. I have picked up some amazing equipment at the annual Glebe neighbourhood garage sale in Ottawa.
I was going to fork over several hundreds of euros on gear to wear for my trip to Iceland. Glad I found your channel. Changed my trip from rainy snowy blizzard ridden times in March to June. Reason being safety driving on the Icelandic roads. At the same time it also affects my outfits to wear
One of the more entertaining facets about the backpacker's community is the brand snobbery. Like, this stuff really gets my attention because it's just fascinating. I once watched two men argue over two super obscure, but expensive, brands of water filter systems for backpackers at an overnight shelter. I had neither, and spent less than 1/3 of either of them, and had my coffee just fine the next morning. So, yeah. I get finding and liking a brand of something so much that you stick with it, especially with outdoor sports. I've done the same because so much of the activity depends on the smallest bits of comfort. I still do the same with my climbing gear. I just find it interesting that we do this, and your video reminded me of that trip. Fun times.
IMHO, regular bleach is the best water treatment.
Tbh I've never heard of this elitism until I found this channel, I've always been just fine with my carhart some gloves and maybe thermal leggings if it's real cold 😅
The Marmot Precip is a decent rain jacket for the cost, but you really need to be diligent about treating it with the DWR waterproofing. It packs down great and is great as a wind shell, but it does seep some water through eventually if it hasn't been treated recently. This has been my experience with all Sil Nylon shells, and I don't think it is particular to the Precip. Still worth it for the money, mines lasted several years.
same but mine's a columbia rain jacket, and not their cheap model. Rain started to go through it after a few years, gotta watch out for it
Same thing happened with mine
Great options! Thanks for sharing.
Bruh, you explain layering the best I have ever seen. It FINALLY makes sense.
If you’ve a fleece, a puffer, a base layer, and a rain jacket, those will work. Once you’ve committed to being outdoors, replace what wears out with better build quality. After, all we are paying for is marginal gains in performance, a little more warmth for the weight or slightly smaller pack size or a bit better ventilation or flat seams.
When I outfit people, I wouldn’t sell them on poor build quality, but I wouldn’t oversell them in marginal gains either. Getting outside for the first time to camp? I will probably ask about your sleeping pad, but the rest you probably have which will suffice, and then we are only talking about price range for upgrades.
In my experience some of, but not all, more expensive items tend to hold up better in the long run…it depends on how often you’re using it if it’s worth it or not
Not only do they potentially hold up better, often they are warrantied for life.
This is by far the coolest video on layering Ive seen in years
Great video. In my youth, I did a lot of snow skiing and I used these layering techniques regularly. On the slopes, you are hot cold hot cold all day. Sweating when you get to the bottom of the hill, then freezing by the time you reach the front of the lift line. Sweating mid day, then freezing as the shade covers the slopes. As I got older and started riding motorcycles, the same hot cold conditions would occur and a lot of the same layering methods were used. And as you showed us, the only expensive garment I owned was my outer shell. You can mitigate sweat with layers... you can't get dry and stay warm if you don't keep the splash out of your fabric.
Glad to see you reminding people that using what you already have is, indeed, a viable option. Boots, socks, one particular pair of summer trousers, and waterproof shell aside, pretty much all of my 'hiking' gear.. Isn't hiking gear. No need to be the marketing team's dream.
Great video! People do not realize outdoor activities do not have to be expensive.
For a newbie, I think this is good information for starting out. You can buy more expensive or specialized gear as you progress (if desired).
Great information. Looking into starting backpacking and trying to find less expensive items is not easy
My favorite mid layer by far is Patagonia Nano Air. Breathes amazing, also fantastic as a standalone piece in shoulder seasons (or lower temps when active).
Haven't tried the air, but I have a nano puff jacket and it's really good. I picked up some local brand jackets in Spain called Ganso, which is "Goose" in Spanish, as it's filled with goose feathers. The vest and jacket I bought are my favorite go to for 30 to 45 degree weather.
As someone that runs hot in general, the nano air line was revolutionary for me. Got the big hoodie and the running one with the stretchy mesh like back. Love em both. Had the hoodie since 2016. 🎉
Worth mentioning for baselayers, wool may not moisture wick quite as well but it holds odours much less. So if you're planning to be on a big multiday trip, wool can be better when you won't be able to shower for a while
Merino wool is the superior fabric
Yes. For those of us who need to go from the trail directly to a cocktail party, avoid that ookie smell of hard work and effort. Your Patagonia-clad friends pretending they like IPAs at the craft brewhouse wouldn't approve of the whole "sweat thing." 🤣
Invest in merino wool. And expect to keep doing it on a regular basis because some of you will give it an honest use and wear through it every couple of years or so. Except DT socks, which are the bomb.
THIS IS THE BEST THING EVER!!! First of all, nothing is more dear to my cheapass heart than actively not spending money. But to top it off, this is the BEST explanation of each layer, what they do and how to find and chose one. Thank you!!!
Great video!
You totally have some of the best ever.
I know when I first started Backpacking I was like how in the hell can folks afford this stuff. But like you say use what ya got till you can build your gear over time.
The main key is always to look for what environment you're going to be in, and the probable weather conditions. Essentially, the more extreme and/or unpredictable the conditions are likely to be, the more value you will get from more expensive gear, since their tolerances are tighter and can offer better effectiveness in situations where you can't just easily swap layers as you want.
If you know you will be very physically active for trecking and snow shoing - but then set up camp and be rather inactive for large periods of time, then you can get away with barely any specific gear for the treck itself and then pack regular warm clothing in your backpack for use once your camp is up and running, and here sweat evacuation is less of an issue since you aren't actively producing excess heat.
Often if it's not windy, snowy, or extremely cold, you will often find that you can treck in a sports tshirt on a good day, maybe a thin mid-layer on an avg day. Don't underestimate just how much heat your body naturally builds when you're consistently active, and all you gotta focus on is get as much sweat away from your body as possible, -how much cold air you're exposed to is rarely a decisive aspect to worry about.
I also always recommend anyone who treck / camp in sub zero (or near sub zero) temps, to get a thermal foil blanket. They can be found for very cheap, and may be the difference between staying warm in a pinch, or risk a hazardous outcome if things don't go to plan. See it as a base minimum insurance plan :)
Why would you need a foil blanket when you've already got a sleeping bag and a matress that are much better keeping you warm?
@@k0zzu21 Simply because you can't always account for everything, and the one aspect that is most important is access to heat. Those thermal foil blankets take up no space, you could even just have it in the pocket of your jacket. And they're cheap. It's more a case of "why wouldn't you?"
@@Real_MisterSir Well you wouldn't because your sleeping bag is a much better insulator than the thermal foil blanket.
For me softshells work the best for moisture wicking in the winter. softshell pants with flece underside on them bought em 3 years ago for 55 euros, for the top part i use poliester baaselayer got two of them for 15 euros also for core layering i use second hand softshell jacket fthat i bought for 20 euros with fleece on the underside for windy parts of the trail and as extra layers i got a regatta rain jacket that cost around 30 euros( well worth the money i also use it to bike commute to work when its raining) and a puffy west that i bought for 30 euros and usualy wear it on breaks or when hiking in high elevation. And yes do NOT cheap out on gloves or mittens because one day you will regret it.
Love this, fantastic info, thank you!
informative and multiple options provided, Great vid!
Base layer silk/cashmere/merino for less than $6 each. Taped seam rain jacket $11. Military 100% wool glove liners for $6. Thrifty’s serve us well, cheaply, and warmly. Screw poly, that shit stinks up the woods!
Well, a multi day rain jacket absolutely must cover down to somewhere below the crotch. So the PreCip is just not making the grade, which is situation normal for off the shelf outdoor gear unfortunately.
Personally, I think there is a good case for a longish hooded cape as it covers your pack and thighs as well. Maybe not so good in thick bushland where it may snag. If it has enough length, it doubles as a fly/tarp shelter. An ultralight weight version of the Polish Lavvu might be a good option. Of course there is always the Six Moons solutions.
I think there is something to be said for multi use items. Logically, fewer things to buy and carry ought to be both lighter weight & less expensive. But then logic and marketing are not good company.
Excellent video! And great alternatives to the really $$$ gear.
Well done. I have recently done two winter climbs to summits in the Sierra's. Both hit temps below 0 F and the last included a windstorm that ran thru the night. While I have a lot of the name brand outdoor gear, I opted to try US Military Gen III, level 7 extreme cold pants. They are Prima Loft filled with pretty heavy duty material on the exterior. Similar in construction to commercial versions that are priced at $180 to $250. I have to say these pants were very warm for in camp use, and really kept me warm in a light weight 20deg down bag (really a 3 season bag), inside a drafty 3 season tent. At a price point of $51 for a new set of these pants I find them well worth the price. Since purchasing these I have now purchased the Mil grade base layer fleece top (level 5). None of this gear is pretty, but the price vs functionality and ruggedness cant be matched with the consumer gear.
Thrift stores can be great for layers too, though I am wary of any sort of shell bought second hand. That said, I got a mountain hardwear goretex pro shell jacket at a goodwill for $50, and it works like new.
I’m a big fan of thrift stores and eBay for a lot of my gear. I can’t afford full retail for a lot of the UL gear on the market. And there’s always that someone who didn’t quite like what they bought after only a couple trips. Their loss is my gain. 😉
I work at REI and I support this thinking. If you aren't sure on just how used this gear is, just wash and treat it with Nikwax. This brings almost any gore-tex apparel to almost new. Tech Wash, and TX Direct. $25 well spent.
I got a brand new Columbia outdry rain racket with out zips with the tags still on saying it was worth over $150 new back in the day. Got it for $30 :)
Shhh stop giving away our secrets.
Let the yuppies waste thier money at REI
Thank you for keeping the planet green and buying used gear. Too much sits on shelves with way too much life left in it.
If your ok with second hand clothes that is a great way to get things like base layers and fleece midlayers I started off with Goodwill base layers around 7 bucks a pop and a used fleece for maybe 20 bucks tops ... rei end of season close out sales are a great way to save money too if you want to spend more than goodwill and under pataguci prices ive got down and synthetic down midlayers on a end of season/year sale from rei at about 60% off which was super handy frog toggs for the shell and if i need snow pants i still have a pair from 2001 that works good the few times i goto the snow and actually need snow pants. now i do have merino leggings and base layer and sun hoody and the mid layers are on the way but i got the more expensive stuff 1 at a time slowly over the last 2 years it doesnt have to be expensive up front you can cobble together a set up for pretty cheap and get more expensive things as you see fit over time.... shoot i started with a $5 blue tarp from the hardware store its now a dcf one but if you start out getting the best of everything out there it can seem crazy expensive but most people dont start with the best of everything on trip one my 1st set up was probably 300 bucks total if that