This really isn't meant to throw shade on anyone else, but I truly appreciate the fact that you still put out videos that are less than 20 minutes. There seems to be a trend towards 40-60 minute long backpacking videos, and I just can't dedicate that much time to one video.
@@Gurumeierhans he has retailers in europe already, all that does is bake the fees in and add a markup though often making it cheaper to order direct. So no it isn't twice what it should be you just aren't used to seeing how much tax you are paying.
Gotta admit it, I was totally expecting the title of this video to be click-bait-like like "I tested a never-seen tent in the wild!" or "X-Dome secrets revealed" or something. I appreciate the lower-key title and delivery, even if it results in fewer new subs overall.
Justin doesn't do that, and he's canadian, so he isn't using Celcius to make it seem colder. I saw some guy Xander something..He's clearly American, and says it's negative twenty (which is only zero F) in one of his videos. He shows a thermometer with the smaller F scale barely visible. So technically he's not lying, but since his audience is majority american and since he is american and nobody in the USA uses C (outside of chemists, maybe) who use C often enough that it becomes the scale they automatically use, you know? There are a lot of metric units americans use just as easily as imperial, like centimeters and grams, but not centigrade.
@@robl5662 My earlier reply doesn't it doesn't appear to have saved. I wasn't converting -20F to centigrade. I was converting the other way: -20C is about 0 F. (It's actually -4 F, but it's about zero F). The mistake I did make though, was thinking that Xander guy I mentioned before is American. (His profile says he's Canadian).
Don't know if you have this, but maybe a video on transitioning from doing only warmer weather trips to colder ones like on this video? Common fears/myths, important changes that need to be made not only in equipment but mindset, etc. I would like to start doing some cold weather trips but honestly am very nervous about it. Love the channel
How is the sizing ? I used to have tanks from this brand, but that was 20 years ago... I must "handle" now several more kilograms. I don't remind the size I was using, but I have a slight memory that size chart was made for very fit people; is it really the case ?
Love my Brynje wool fishnet baselayer, keeps me warm all by itself when hiking and backpacking down to 0c or 30F. Looks funky so I have my shell ready to put on when I see other people on the trail. Love your "start cold" philosophy, works great to help prevent sweating too much. I am realy loving that X dome1, thinking of getting one next year. Thanks for a great video Justin.
Those Brynje fishnet base layers are really great, I just tried the synthetic top on really steep 2K hike with a 48lb pack. I was REALLY sweating in around 5C and all I needed was that layer and I was warm. I'm definitely going to use these layers whenever I do any colder hikes and skiing.
I have the Harvest Right med, when you factor in OAs, Mylar packaging, product and operational costs depending on what model you bought you'll average around a 30% to 40% savings compared to commercial freeze dried meals. It'll pay for itself using it 3 times a week for a year. Splendid machinery.
There is a reason that fully 4-season tents have beefed up aluminum poles (and don’t rely on the lighter weight poles like 3-season tents), and that’s snow load. Due to the relatively flat tops of dome tents like the X-Dome if there is snow during your winter adventure, there is definitely going to be snow accumulation on the top of the tent. For all the strength (especially for the weight) of carbon fiber, it is not great with forces that go perpendicular to the pole (sheer forces such as heavy wet snow piled up, or extreme winds). That said, carbon fiber would probably be fine for all but the worst snow and wind conditions. Depending on the resin used in the carbon fiber, the poles could be affected by extreme cold as well.
19 днів тому
Yeah.... Too bad so many videos are running on Durston while Slingfin has serious option for winter. Then all you need to do to convert it to a summer tent is to buy the mesh. I am not saying Durston is bad, but there are conditions and trips where dust is flying from all sides and any mesh tent turns out to be an absolute disaster. So I pack the tent with both full body and the mesh body.
Yes it is nice to have both mesh and solid interior options, and SlingFin makes great tents. We will have a solid inner option in 2025 so they will be interchangeable on the X-Dome as well.
@@jeffreycarman2185 That is true, but the ability to add optional trekking pole supports in the X-Dome makes it unusually strong for snow loads. Then it is parallel to a very strong pole.
Just curious about your sleep clothing system. When you are testing these sleep systems, especially in the shoulder seasons or winter it would be nice to know what you are wearing when you get inside your sleeping bag/quilt. In this case, are you wearing all your layers to sleep (down jacket/pants and under-layers)? or are you removing the jacket and pants and sleeping in your thermal layers? It would be good to know as a reference. Thanks a bunch. Love the channel.
I always just sleep in my base layers. I should definitely mention that! If I need to put on any additional layers, that's when I have made a note of that in my videos. But I'll do better of explaining my layers when testing.
Love the breakdown of this cold-weather gear! It's awesome to see everything in action, especially that layering system and the gear for keeping warm at night. Those insulated pants and the Zenbivy setup look like absolute game-changers for winter camping. Great details on each item, and it's helpful to see the real-world testing instead of just reading specs. Keep the gear reviews coming, super helpful for anyone prepping for the colder months!
Very informative thank you. I'm considering finally getting out for some winter backpacking trips. I've been reluctant to in the past, as I've been concerned about being cold, but now I'm just at the point where I can't wait until the warmer months to get out camping!
Hoping for more X-Dome content and testing. Crazy how initial batch preorders sold out before there was any reviews.. I needed the JustinOutdoors seal of approval gosh darn it.
I plan on testing it a lot. There are some things I think could be improved but I have been very impressed so far. Testing the weather limits will be interesting.
@dontpanicbotanics, I preordered my X-Dome within couple hours of release but cancelled it until I see further reviews on performance. It was supposed to arrive by now if I didn’t cancel it but I just wanted to be on the safe side. Can’t believe orders now won’t ship until April! Crazy! 😬
I enjoy winter camping, but having a campfire is a must for me. I also like real food as you don't have to worry about food spoiling. That sleep system looks wonderful!! And the Durston x dome looks like a great tent!
I bought that X-Dome tent after Dan announced it! Excited to give it a try! Cool to see it in the video and that it does well in the cold! Just love that vestibule design!
Regards to the Zenbivy, isn't there a small half length cinch across the middle with the cord off to one side? Also, can you explain what you are wearing when you sleep? People always talk about the sleep system but never state if they're wearing anything while in bed or if they're in their full insulated clothes including that MT500 jacket for example.
Thanks for your effort with testing the gear. Much appreciated. I used the Brynje shirt in Iceland. While I was there at the end of June, the weather was still cold, misty, and miserable. It performed well in Iceland and at home during the east coast winters of Long Island. However, I now prefer Alpaca clothing for warmth. I don’t like changing clothes when it is cold. Very uncomfortable. I will add needed layers. Never had much luck just stuffing a sleeping bag directly into my pack. Didn’t compress enough. I toss and turn when I sleep. My sleeping bag did not work. Too confined. I had to open it like a quilt. That helped. Wishing you peace and good fortune. Happy Trails!
Probably makes sense to remind people to always add water to your pot before you try to melt snow. You'll burn up your pot if you put nothing but snow in it. Liquid fuel stoves like the MSR whisperlight are also better choices for weather below freezing.
I haven’t made the plunge to getting one of those Brynje fish net shirts, but to see how well the mesh shirts work for warmth last spring I bought an inexpensive mesh shirt from a cycling apparel company Darevie and I have worn in with just a thin layer over (with no wind) in temperatures as varied as 20 degrees F to 60 degrees F when doing hiking and mountaineering. The combination is very good at heat and moisture regulation. I need to get a Brynje top now.
Nice review. I am an UL backpacker who does a lot of four and five day trips but also try and get one longer trip in each year. Next year it’s the Colorado Trail. I am much older than you so weight is huge for me and I also carry all my dog’s gear and food. I tried one of the pillows you suggested and it worked very well, thank you. I ran into a couple of AT thru hikers at about the 1,800 mile mark and their REI Flash packs did not look so good. They liked them but it looks like they will be headed to the trash after the AT. Who knows maybe they were not kind to their packs. The lighter you go the more delicate things get. I must add you live in a very beautiful location. Thanks for sharing your experience. Take care
I've done a little bit of cold weather overnighting and my #1 issue is condensation in the tent overnight. Running the msr elixir 2 and while its nice that its 100% waterproof after all these years of use, the lack of ventilation makes it a nightmare in subzero temps. Its literally raining from the fly in the morning. May need to try Dan's product after seeing this.
.. Gear tester extraordinaire ... ... I have used a dehydrator and vacuum sealer for many years and works well ,, but a freeze drier is a whole other level ...... Stay Safe ... .. Very nice tent .. IMO ,, far superior to trekking pole tents .... For a shoulder season with snow expected ,, would be nice to have a skirt section sewn on the outer bottom ... .. In late shoulder seasons ,, low temps ,, and altitude,, replace canister stove with a liquid fuel stove system ..
I too picked up the Brynje last year and was pretty surprised at how well it worked. I used it once on a backpacking trip and once on a dayhike. I'm hoping to get out more during the winter this year to see how it holds up.
Love the quick overnighter hustle back for your daughter move, go dad. I’m holding off on the X Dome, hoping Dan makes a dyneema version someday. Do you think that would make for a great four season intent? It would be mostly for ski touring overnighters here in the Pacific Northwest.
A dyneena version would be sweet but, at under 1kg, the poly version might still be my preferred test. The reason is that I hate folding dyneema in the winter and being able to scrunch and stuff poly means you can get frost off the tent more easily. That frost could end up making up the weight difference.
I use a very similar approach to layering in shoulder season. I normally add a short sleeve tu change with the mesh or to add between the mesh and alpha. It works great but only truly usefull in several day long trips when temps change more.
Which wind jacket works well with the mesh layer? The link to it is not working. I’m guessing Patagonia Houdini wouldn’t work so well since it’s not very breathable.
Does your new pot lid fit the firemaple pot? I'm considering fully removing the handle and using your pot lid as the handle instead(when it comes out), if it is compatible.
Yes. I like a fully freestanding tent a lot more than a trekking pole tent in winter. The exception would be a large pyramid tent if I want the extra space or am sharing the tent (e.g., Black Diamond Megalight)
I was going to say, you should try alpha direct pants and you are. Which ones are you using as I was thinking about getting some as I feel it might really help my legs stay warm when I'm hunting out of a stand. Not sure if you tried these boots before or not. Baffin Borealis are awesome.
Negative Point: Air vents can only be opened and shut from outside. As for the home made trekking meals: I dehydrate meals for years. Basically any major leftovers almost always get a revival as dehydrated trekking meal. And I put them in empty used trekking meal bags as for they have ziplocks
Winter and a tent is a no no for me. Condensation will always be an issue regardless of the brand, price or size of the tent. A tarp on top if snowing or under if is fine thus providing extra insulation . Room with a sky view.
Not jealous of the bears but always jealous of the stunning winter conditions you have out there.... I don't camp in summer really winter is my season...awes9me video 👌
Its so weird that fishnet is something new to you and the americas (canada/us). Thats oldschool knowledge here in Sweden. Have photos of dad using it im the 1960th
Hey Justin, have you heard of the MYOG SUL Inverted Remote Canister Stove by Roger Caffin on BPL? It uses a BRS but modified to work with an inverted canister. It's being unofficially sold by the creator. It looks like it'd be perfect for shoulder season stuff like this, and it weighs under 50g. If you get to test it out I'd be intrigued to see the results.
Dang how come your food hydrates in just 10 mins?! Is that coz it is freeze-dried as opposed to using a dehydrator? I find my home made DH meals take at least 30 mins to rehydrate and I take a thermos type food jar to keep it super hot during re-hydration!! I'm usually using ground meat so small pieces too!
Looking for a sleeping bag to use in this temperature range .. I have a 30 deg quilt but want a bag for when it gets colder. I definitely run cold have any recommendations?
Alpha, among others, is 100% polyester plastic. I've been trying over the years to reduce the amount of microplastics at home and that I leave in nature. So I'm using wool whenever possible. There's still gonna be plastics in the tent and sleeping bag, but the clothes, especially fleeces, really shed the microplastics.
So. You saved money on freeze dried, but what is the cost of your freeze drier and how many meals before you breakeven. Hopefully before your ole n gray! :o)
This is the first look I'm taking at the X-Dome and I have to say I'm a little disappointed. I really hoped for a hubless pole system - just 2 poles forming an X (hence the Name) + a brow pole. It also seems like there are far too few clips/hooks to connect the outer tent to the poles. And it doesn't even look like the points where the clips are sewn to the fly have particularly strong reinforcement. Seems like those seems are a guaranteed point of failure in strong winds.
We prototyped it both ways, but I came to prefer the single forked arch pole set with hubs for a few reasons. First, we upsize the spine portion so there is no reduction in strength like there is in similar tents that use the same size poles as the legs for the top part. So the strength is similar either way, but this is slightly lighter because we can use a single larger tube on top instead of dual smaller tubes. It also allows for better vent positions. With a true dual arch tent the vents are naturally right on top where they are vulnerable to horizontal gusts. Also the hubs allow the legs to be at 45 degrees to the tent corners, so you get even tensioning on the ends and sides, whereas with dual arch you'd have less tension on the end walls. The forked arch system also allows everything to be fully connected. If we had two separate archs you'd have to stake it down before you add the poles or it can tip over, and it's more pieces to lose or step on. So basically this is simpler, lighter, and I think more functional. The clips are quite strong. We have tested to them to failure and refined the design, including having bartacks on each one right through a double rolled seam (a lot of material). They can support a lot of weight on each clip.
Works for me, but I live in 🇨🇦 like Justin, the Decathlon offerings in Canada are much more than US, but UK is even more. I even went to Decathlon in the Philippines! Couldn't find my size sun shirt & ended up with a nasty sunburn, sun poisoning!
Guylines are easy to add. There are guyout points midway up the tent under each pole, 2 at the bottom of each short panel, 2 coming off the brow poles, and options 2 coming off the hubs. I'd probably like to see 2 under each pole, but I'll need to test it out in heavier wind before making that call.
Interesting new gear. I'm surprised by fishnet and mesh gear being as warm as it is. Very cool! (Pun intended) I'm surprised that area of Kananaskis is already frozen. That's a good lake that I'd like to try to random camping in the shoulder seasons and not far from the backcountry campgrounds in the area.
Brynje by itself under a wind or rain shell is my favorite way to use mesh. I just wish that I was more Nordic so that I wouldn't feel so naked when other people are around. :) I can wear a shirt over it, but that takes away some of the magic. _Sigh_
It's easy to stay warm when ur moving & generating ur own heat, it's more about venting moisture & sweat, cuz when u stop, if ur wet from sweat, ur gonna freeze! Hypothermia is a real threat. But the fishnet & insulating layers help trap warm air and allows vapor to move thru layers without condensing into liquid on ur skin. I would layer a fleece insulating layer over the fishnet, under the wind shirt, so when u get to camp & swapping outer layers, u don't lose too much heat, but hyoh 😅
Would love to see the X-Dome setup and perform in really windy conditions as another UA-cam had poles snapped while trying to pitch it in the wind. Wonder if that quality issue has been addressed since I use the MSR Advance Pro 2 with also the Easton pole with no issues in the wind.
@ I’m talking about before the repair… if the pole didn’t snap initially, a repair wouldn’t be necessary, correct? I understand the pole snapped with the sleeve being too big. I’m talking about initially when he was trying to pitch it in windy conditions and it snapped. That was what I was concerned about. Hope that clarifies what I was asking.
@L4mTr4n the only reason it needed a sleeve in the first place was because it was a prototype model, meaning built by hand, and so one of the metal inserts on the pole came off. That wont happen with production models. The youtuber decided that, instead of holding off and waiting for a repair, as one would do with a prototype model, he decided to try setting it up during ripping winds with an incorrectly sized sleeve.
@@bflagg94 I get it but typically the splint is bigger than the diameter of the pole itself anyways. I’m not ruling this tent out as I love the design so I take that initial test/review as a one off. I’m just saying I would love to see more review on the actual production unit in windy conditions before pulling the trigger on my purchase.
That’s a $3000 dollar dehydrator freeze thing. I was watching another channel that the guy was talking about his and he told the price. It’s crazy expensive definitely won’t save any money. I wish he mentioned the price and how they sent it to him which is fine but most people can’t afford this stuff.
Yeah... for Justin, it's a tax write-off, so that's pretty much an instant 30% off. If you can make meals and sell them it may be worth it, or perhaps rent out time using it, it could be worth it. but even so... 200 meals at $15 a pop... this freeze dryer is going to take a lot of time to pay off if you're not earning income from it. Freeze dryers are also a definite commitment. Check out technology connections video on them... really interesting deep dive. They're trendy with the groups that are preparing for an apocalypse, so there's a pretty big markup on them right now... hopefully they go down in price over time.
A few points from a former ski patrol member and 30-year experienced winter backpacker: 1. Very nice boots but when the tread becomes impacted with ice, snow, and frozen mud, you will lose all traction. This is not the time to slip and fall in the wilderness. You never know the nature of the terrain you will be facing so at least carry micro-spikes and/or crampons. 2. Never approach a frozen lake edge covered in snow when you have no way of knowing there the shore ends and the lake begins. 3. You did well to place your gas canister where it could get some body heat but you screwed up placing it directly in the snow when cooking. At least set it on a raised platform or inverted aluminum dinner plate with a windshield on one side to protect it from the wind. This matters in extreme cold conditions because you will can end up using more fuel than you expect. You don't want to run out of gas in winter conditions. Inverting a gas canister works only with stoves that can accommodate that. Isobutane is more flammable propane but doesn't perform as nearly as well when the temperature dips below -14. Pressure gas stoves are easier to use but for cold sub-zero winter conditions when you have to melt snow for cooking/drinking water, it is preferred to use something like the MSR Whisperlite with white gas. These stoves will work in nearly any temperature and are bullet-proof. Lots of heat is lost due to even a slight wind so bring a folding windshield.
👇 GEAR FROM THE VIDEO 👇
X-Dome 1+ Tent: geni.us/X-Dome1plus
Flash 55 Pack: geni.us/Flash55
Zenbivy System: geni.us/ZenbivyULbed
Fishnet Layer: geni.us/Brynje
Wind Jacket: geni.us/DecathlonWindJacket
Softshell Pants: geni.us/ORTrailbreakerII
Keen Boots: geni.us/Revel4EXP
Tensor XC Pad: geni.us/TensorExtreme
Alpha Direct Fleece: geni.us/AlphaDirect
MT500 Down Jacket: geni.us/MT500DownJacket
Insulated Pants: geni.us/TorridApex
Booties: geni.us/CampBooties
Fleece Socks: geni.us/PolarFeet
Pocket Rocket Deluxe Stove: geni.us/PocketRocketDeluxe
Petrel Pot: geni.us/PetrelPot
Insulated Food Pouch: geni.us/rehydratorpouch
Freeze Dryer: geni.us/HarvestFreezeDryer
Hey man, just a heads up that the Wind Jacket link is broken currently, and the MT500 link defaults to the UK site. Love the video this week though!
what is the trekking pole you have in the video? great video btw. thanks!
What are the pants? 1:50 the link does not work
Great video! Would love to see you test out some gadgets like Starlink, portable wind turbine, solar panel, portable gas heater, etc.
This really isn't meant to throw shade on anyone else, but I truly appreciate the fact that you still put out videos that are less than 20 minutes. There seems to be a trend towards 40-60 minute long backpacking videos, and I just can't dedicate that much time to one video.
Nice trip. Thanks for using our gear.
-Dan
Please start selling in Europe 😥
@@Gurumeierhans They only direct sell on their website, and they will ship to Europe.
@@chrissvaty4649 Yes, but with shipping+taxes+tariff its almost twice as expensive as it should
@@Gurumeierhans he has retailers in europe already, all that does is bake the fees in and add a markup though often making it cheaper to order direct. So no it isn't twice what it should be you just aren't used to seeing how much tax you are paying.
@@ryan92084 Its the price+ shipping + 19% VAT + 12-16% customs. Makes a 240€ tent a ~380€ tent. Yes its not twice but still not an attractive option
I think it's really funny that fishnet thermals are back! This same system was popular for a while in the 70s.
I too wear fishnet, but not when hiking 😉
THANK YOU FOR THE TEMPERATURE CONVERSIONS!!!
Gotta admit it, I was totally expecting the title of this video to be click-bait-like like "I tested a never-seen tent in the wild!" or "X-Dome secrets revealed" or something. I appreciate the lower-key title and delivery, even if it results in fewer new subs overall.
Justin doesn't do that, and he's canadian, so he isn't using Celcius to make it seem colder. I saw some guy Xander something..He's clearly American, and says it's negative twenty (which is only zero F) in one of his videos. He shows a thermometer with the smaller F scale barely visible. So technically he's not lying, but since his audience is majority american and since he is american and nobody in the USA uses C (outside of chemists, maybe) who use C often enough that it becomes the scale they automatically use, you know? There are a lot of metric units americans use just as easily as imperial, like centimeters and grams, but not centigrade.
@@andreameigs1261 Your calculation is not correct. -20 F equals -28.9 C. So in Fahrenheit -20 would be 20 degrees colder than 0 Fahrenheit.
@@robl5662 My earlier reply doesn't it doesn't appear to have saved.
I wasn't converting -20F to centigrade. I was converting the other way: -20C is about 0 F. (It's actually -4 F, but it's about zero F).
The mistake I did make though, was thinking that Xander guy I mentioned before is American. (His profile says he's Canadian).
Don't know if you have this, but maybe a video on transitioning from doing only warmer weather trips to colder ones like on this video? Common fears/myths, important changes that need to be made not only in equipment but mindset, etc. I would like to start doing some cold weather trips but honestly am very nervous about it. Love the channel
Brynje shirt and bottoms are amazing. They don't get enough mentions, glad to see you trying them.
💯 agreed ❤
Old school stuff that workes. Fishnet is standard here in Sweden and Norway and have been standard for 50 years
How is the sizing ?
I used to have tanks from this brand, but that was 20 years ago... I must "handle" now several more kilograms. I don't remind the size I was using, but I have a slight memory that size chart was made for very fit people; is it really the case ?
@@marcb1289 Very much so
Love my Brynje wool fishnet baselayer, keeps me warm all by itself when hiking and backpacking down to 0c or 30F. Looks funky so I have my shell ready to put on when I see other people on the trail. Love your "start cold" philosophy, works great to help prevent sweating too much. I am realy loving that X dome1, thinking of getting one next year. Thanks for a great video Justin.
Those Brynje fishnet base layers are really great, I just tried the synthetic top on really steep 2K hike with a 48lb pack. I was REALLY sweating in around 5C and all I needed was that layer and I was warm. I'm definitely going to use these layers whenever I do any colder hikes and skiing.
I have the Harvest Right med, when you factor in OAs, Mylar packaging, product and operational costs depending on what model you bought you'll average around a 30% to 40% savings compared to commercial freeze dried meals. It'll pay for itself using it 3 times a week for a year. Splendid machinery.
I wish the X-Dome was available with a solid interior as an option (with mesh at the high vents). That would make it an awesome winter tent.
We are planning to add this option. It'll take some time, but should have it by mid-2025.
There is a reason that fully 4-season tents have beefed up aluminum poles (and don’t rely on the lighter weight poles like 3-season tents), and that’s snow load. Due to the relatively flat tops of dome tents like the X-Dome if there is snow during your winter adventure, there is definitely going to be snow accumulation on the top of the tent. For all the strength (especially for the weight) of carbon fiber, it is not great with forces that go perpendicular to the pole (sheer forces such as heavy wet snow piled up, or extreme winds). That said, carbon fiber would probably be fine for all but the worst snow and wind conditions. Depending on the resin used in the carbon fiber, the poles could be affected by extreme cold as well.
Yeah.... Too bad so many videos are running on Durston while Slingfin has serious option for winter. Then all you need to do to convert it to a summer tent is to buy the mesh. I am not saying Durston is bad, but there are conditions and trips where dust is flying from all sides and any mesh tent turns out to be an absolute disaster. So I pack the tent with both full body and the mesh body.
Yes it is nice to have both mesh and solid interior options, and SlingFin makes great tents. We will have a solid inner option in 2025 so they will be interchangeable on the X-Dome as well.
@@jeffreycarman2185 That is true, but the ability to add optional trekking pole supports in the X-Dome makes it unusually strong for snow loads. Then it is parallel to a very strong pole.
Just curious about your sleep clothing system. When you are testing these sleep systems, especially in the shoulder seasons or winter it would be nice to know what you are wearing when you get inside your sleeping bag/quilt. In this case, are you wearing all your layers to sleep (down jacket/pants and under-layers)? or are you removing the jacket and pants and sleeping in your thermal layers? It would be good to know as a reference. Thanks a bunch. Love the channel.
yes, that information would be very beneficial to know how this particular zenbivy actually performs. -11°c is bloody cold !
I always just sleep in my base layers. I should definitely mention that! If I need to put on any additional layers, that's when I have made a note of that in my videos. But I'll do better of explaining my layers when testing.
Love the breakdown of this cold-weather gear! It's awesome to see everything in action, especially that layering system and the gear for keeping warm at night. Those insulated pants and the Zenbivy setup look like absolute game-changers for winter camping. Great details on each item, and it's helpful to see the real-world testing instead of just reading specs. Keep the gear reviews coming, super helpful for anyone prepping for the colder months!
Very informative thank you. I'm considering finally getting out for some winter backpacking trips. I've been reluctant to in the past, as I've been concerned about being cold, but now I'm just at the point where I can't wait until the warmer months to get out camping!
Cold weather is intimidating to me but this year I am going to get out there and do it. 100%. THANKS.
Hoping for more X-Dome content and testing. Crazy how initial batch preorders sold out before there was any reviews.. I needed the JustinOutdoors seal of approval gosh darn it.
I plan on testing it a lot. There are some things I think could be improved but I have been very impressed so far. Testing the weather limits will be interesting.
@dontpanicbotanics, I preordered my X-Dome within couple hours of release but cancelled it until I see further reviews on performance. It was supposed to arrive by now if I didn’t cancel it but I just wanted to be on the safe side. Can’t believe orders now won’t ship until April! Crazy! 😬
@@L4mTr4n first batch is mid November, second batch is spring 25
don t worry and wait for the solid version ;)
@@JustinOutdoors what do you think could be improved ? Thank you
I enjoy winter camping, but having a campfire is a must for me. I also like real food as you don't have to worry about food spoiling.
That sleep system looks wonderful!! And the Durston x dome looks like a great tent!
Ahh - you discovered the fishnet base-layer! It's the best. You need to sport it around camp though - so fashionable!
I'll stick with the old fashion base layers - I wouldn't want to find out after all these years I might be an AGP !
I bought that X-Dome tent after Dan announced it! Excited to give it a try! Cool to see it in the video and that it does well in the cold! Just love that vestibule design!
YAWWWP
@ YAAAAWWWPP!
Me too! love seeing the video and knowing I bought a great tent.
want to see the review from u
The zenbivy does have a draw string at the neck it’s just different. Its called the Kylie-curve
I would love to see how you make freeze dried meals!
There's tons of videos on the Harvest Right freeze dryers, so as to offset the huge upfront cost & break-even when eating freeze dried
Regards to the Zenbivy, isn't there a small half length cinch across the middle with the cord off to one side?
Also, can you explain what you are wearing when you sleep? People always talk about the sleep system but never state if they're wearing anything while in bed or if they're in their full insulated clothes including that MT500 jacket for example.
Yeah I've got a Zenbivy and you can definitely cinch it around the neck. Helps a lot on cold nights!
Thanks for your effort with testing the gear. Much appreciated. I used the Brynje shirt in Iceland. While I was there at the end of June, the weather was still cold, misty, and miserable. It performed well in Iceland and at home during the east coast winters of Long Island. However, I now prefer Alpaca clothing for warmth. I don’t like changing clothes when it is cold. Very uncomfortable. I will add needed layers. Never had much luck just stuffing a sleeping bag directly into my pack. Didn’t compress enough. I toss and turn when I sleep. My sleeping bag did not work. Too confined. I had to open it like a quilt. That helped. Wishing you peace and good fortune. Happy Trails!
Brynje baby! I even wear it during humid eastern US summers now.
Probably makes sense to remind people to always add water to your pot before you try to melt snow. You'll burn up your pot if you put nothing but snow in it. Liquid fuel stoves like the MSR whisperlight are also better choices for weather below freezing.
Totally agree. There are 1001 little things that are important to keep in mind when getting out in colder temperatures.
I haven’t made the plunge to getting one of those Brynje fish net shirts, but to see how well the mesh shirts work for warmth last spring I bought an inexpensive mesh shirt from a cycling apparel company Darevie and I have worn in with just a thin layer over (with no wind) in temperatures as varied as 20 degrees F to 60 degrees F when doing hiking and mountaineering. The combination is very good at heat and moisture regulation. I need to get a Brynje top now.
8:18 Woah, sick kick!
Looks nice! I measured my Petrel pot and total volume is 800ml ✌
Where did you buy the aluminum bag that you have your freeze dried food in? For rehydration? I can't find it in your links. Please help
It's a mylar bag included with the Harvest Right freeze dryer, but u can find online as well
Have you tried the fishnet leggings? What size did you use for the top fishnet layer?
I’m going to buy this tent because of your review. Thanks for the recommendation.
Can you do a hammock overnighter in sub zero temp please Justin, is underquilt and top quilt a must? or can you get by with a pad and tarp?
Nice review. I am an UL backpacker who does a lot of four and five day trips but also try and get one longer trip in each year. Next year it’s the Colorado Trail. I am much older than you so weight is huge for me and I also carry all my dog’s gear and food. I tried one of the pillows you suggested and it worked very well, thank you. I ran into a couple of AT thru hikers at about the 1,800 mile mark and their REI Flash packs did not look so good. They liked them but it looks like they will be headed to the trash after the AT. Who knows maybe they were not kind to their packs. The lighter you go the more delicate things get. I must add you live in a very beautiful location. Thanks for sharing your experience. Take care
Great Video. Would love to see a more detailed X-Dome Review.
I need to test it quite a bit more, including under 3 season conditions. I've had it on two trips and only one was snow-free. haha
@JustinOutdoors Do you have any initial impressions of it compared to the TT dome? Specifically the wind resistance of both. Thanks
I've done a little bit of cold weather overnighting and my #1 issue is condensation in the tent overnight. Running the msr elixir 2 and while its nice that its 100% waterproof after all these years of use, the lack of ventilation makes it a nightmare in subzero temps. Its literally raining from the fly in the morning. May need to try Dan's product after seeing this.
.. Gear tester extraordinaire ... ... I have used a dehydrator and vacuum sealer for many years and works well ,, but a freeze drier is a whole other level ...... Stay Safe ...
.. Very nice tent .. IMO ,, far superior to trekking pole tents .... For a shoulder season with snow expected ,, would be nice to have a skirt section sewn on the outer bottom ...
.. In late shoulder seasons ,, low temps ,, and altitude,, replace canister stove with a liquid fuel stove system ..
I too picked up the Brynje last year and was pretty surprised at how well it worked. I used it once on a backpacking trip and once on a dayhike. I'm hoping to get out more during the winter this year to see how it holds up.
Love the quick overnighter hustle back for your daughter move, go dad. I’m holding off on the X Dome, hoping Dan makes a dyneema version someday. Do you think that would make for a great four season intent? It would be mostly for ski touring overnighters here in the Pacific Northwest.
A dyneena version would be sweet but, at under 1kg, the poly version might still be my preferred test. The reason is that I hate folding dyneema in the winter and being able to scrunch and stuff poly means you can get frost off the tent more easily. That frost could end up making up the weight difference.
I use a very similar approach to layering in shoulder season. I normally add a short sleeve tu change with the mesh or to add between the mesh and alpha. It works great but only truly usefull in several day long trips when temps change more.
Oh and that decathlon jacket is sick. Nothing beats it in value.
Which wind jacket works well with the mesh layer? The link to it is not working. I’m guessing Patagonia Houdini wouldn’t work so well since it’s not very breathable.
Does your new pot lid fit the firemaple pot? I'm considering fully removing the handle and using your pot lid as the handle instead(when it comes out), if it is compatible.
hello... i live in yyc and could be nice if you say where you go hiking in the rockies to give some ideas where to go for hike...thanks
Bravo! I am not skilled enough, or even have the right gear for an experience in the early winter like this. But, I am learning.
Thanks for your videos!. At 13:37 you left something on the ground Justin, a meter or so to the right of your feet. .
Would you say that tent is better than the X-Mid Pro for winter?
Yes. I like a fully freestanding tent a lot more than a trekking pole tent in winter. The exception would be a large pyramid tent if I want the extra space or am sharing the tent (e.g., Black Diamond Megalight)
@ ok cool, thanks
Justin since you like these fishnet layers from Brynje you should 100% try their winter combat base layer!
Just want to know if you grabbed the headlamp when you came back for the camera?
Great adventure from the mountains. Maybe I should go once before the proper winter arrives 👍🙂❄️
Hi
Great video again. Just wondering if you slept in your puffy jacket. Also what was the thermometer you used?
Thanks again
Thermodrop zipper-pull thermometer from Thermoworks, and GGG, Garage Grown Gear
I was going to say, you should try alpha direct pants and you are. Which ones are you using as I was thinking about getting some as I feel it might really help my legs stay warm when I'm hunting out of a stand.
Not sure if you tried these boots before or not. Baffin Borealis are awesome.
Negative Point: Air vents can only be opened and shut from outside.
As for the home made trekking meals: I dehydrate meals for years. Basically any major leftovers almost always get a revival as dehydrated trekking meal. And I put them in empty used trekking meal bags as for they have ziplocks
I actually tested that - it's easy to open up the vents from the inside.
Winter and a tent is a no no for me. Condensation will always be an issue regardless of the brand, price or size of the tent. A tarp on top if snowing or under if is fine thus providing extra insulation . Room with a sky view.
Not jealous of the bears but always jealous of the stunning winter conditions you have out there.... I don't camp in summer really winter is my season...awes9me video 👌
Hey Justin! Havlve you gotten to try that affordable Hikenture sleeping pad in colder weather yet?
That fishnet shirt - I want to try one, but the appearance is odd. I really like the looks of that tent, but I primarily hammock camp.
Its so weird that fishnet is something new to you and the americas (canada/us). Thats oldschool knowledge here in Sweden. Have photos of dad using it im the 1960th
Please give us videos on your experiences with freeze drying!
The Flash 55 is an amazing pack, particularly for the price.
21 more days of construction season... Then my camping season starts and goes till April 😂
Hey Justin, have you heard of the MYOG SUL Inverted Remote Canister Stove by Roger Caffin on BPL? It uses a BRS but modified to work with an inverted canister. It's being unofficially sold by the creator. It looks like it'd be perfect for shoulder season stuff like this, and it weighs under 50g. If you get to test it out I'd be intrigued to see the results.
I have! Deciding on whether to buy one! They are very very expensive.
The tent seems fantastic, seems better for me than the Tarptent. Is the fishnet a Brynje?
Dang how come your food hydrates in just 10 mins?! Is that coz it is freeze-dried as opposed to using a dehydrator? I find my home made DH meals take at least 30 mins to rehydrate and I take a thermos type food jar to keep it super hot during re-hydration!! I'm usually using ground meat so small pieces too!
great video, thanks for sharing.
where can u buy a food bag like that for homemade freezedried meals?
Looking for a sleeping bag to use in this temperature range .. I have a 30 deg quilt but want a bag for when it gets colder. I definitely run cold have any recommendations?
Alpha, among others, is 100% polyester plastic. I've been trying over the years to reduce the amount of microplastics at home and that I leave in nature. So I'm using wool whenever possible. There's still gonna be plastics in the tent and sleeping bag, but the clothes, especially fleeces, really shed the microplastics.
Plus the added bonus that wool won't catch fire or melt on you!
Good solid review. I’d love to see a crossover episode with Steve Wallis.
i’ve been waiting for this one !
As someone who lives above the Arctic circle, this is right up my alley
So. You saved money on freeze dried, but what is the cost of your freeze drier and how many meals before you breakeven. Hopefully before your ole n gray! :o)
Just need a choker necklace to go with the fishnet shirt.... lol
Great gear review as always.
The biggest gear fail for me was only packing one Justin instead of multiple Justins…
loved the video as usual brother
not sure why the Decathlon site doesn't show your orange colour Mt500 jacket. I like the orange.
Good lord man! Where is the pink spoon!!!??!??
I don't think the hiking community is ready for fishnet Justin
I have a whole fishnet ensemble... hehe
@@JustinOutdoors Thoughts on Brynje sizing? Go with normal sizing, opt for a size larger?
He’ll be doing OnlyFans soon. 😂
@ what tier sub is that? 😂
I was hoping to see more fishnets when Justin unzipped his thigh vents....j/k Thanks for sharing some of your new stuff for winter camping.
This is the first look I'm taking at the X-Dome and I have to say I'm a little disappointed.
I really hoped for a hubless pole system - just 2 poles forming an X (hence the Name) + a brow pole. It also seems like there are far too few clips/hooks to connect the outer tent to the poles. And it doesn't even look like the points where the clips are sewn to the fly have particularly strong reinforcement. Seems like those seems are a guaranteed point of failure in strong winds.
We prototyped it both ways, but I came to prefer the single forked arch pole set with hubs for a few reasons. First, we upsize the spine portion so there is no reduction in strength like there is in similar tents that use the same size poles as the legs for the top part. So the strength is similar either way, but this is slightly lighter because we can use a single larger tube on top instead of dual smaller tubes. It also allows for better vent positions. With a true dual arch tent the vents are naturally right on top where they are vulnerable to horizontal gusts. Also the hubs allow the legs to be at 45 degrees to the tent corners, so you get even tensioning on the ends and sides, whereas with dual arch you'd have less tension on the end walls. The forked arch system also allows everything to be fully connected. If we had two separate archs you'd have to stake it down before you add the poles or it can tip over, and it's more pieces to lose or step on. So basically this is simpler, lighter, and I think more functional. The clips are quite strong. We have tested to them to failure and refined the design, including having bartacks on each one right through a double rolled seam (a lot of material). They can support a lot of weight on each clip.
Great video! Wind Jacket link is broken.
Works for me, but I live in 🇨🇦 like Justin, the Decathlon offerings in Canada are much more than US, but UK is even more. I even went to Decathlon in the Philippines! Couldn't find my size sun shirt & ended up with a nasty sunburn, sun poisoning!
Is that food freeze dried or dehydrated? Looked like a dehydrator to me.
nice 👍 and i have a question how many liter backpack do you recomend for all seasons and can 40l pack can make it ??
40L is tough for cold weather. My pack on this trip was 55L and just big enough. You could get away with less than what I brought though.
@@JustinOutdoors thank you 👍👍
@@JustinOutdoorsno camera equipment or tripod
I like the look of the tent but theres no guy lines also id like a more solid inner
Guylines are easy to add. There are guyout points midway up the tent under each pole, 2 at the bottom of each short panel, 2 coming off the brow poles, and options 2 coming off the hubs. I'd probably like to see 2 under each pole, but I'll need to test it out in heavier wind before making that call.
@JustinOutdoors ok cool I've seen a cpl reviews of the tent and I thought it didn't have guy out points 👍
Interesting new gear. I'm surprised by fishnet and mesh gear being as warm as it is. Very cool! (Pun intended) I'm surprised that area of Kananaskis is already frozen. That's a good lake that I'd like to try to random camping in the shoulder seasons and not far from the backcountry campgrounds in the area.
Looks like your link to the wind shirt is broken.
Do you use the poly or wool fish net?
Poly - wool holds on to too much moisture for my uses
Snow would blow right into that tent. Come on man
Had to chuckle at the zenbivy thing. At what point do you just admit it's a sleeping bag lol.
Brynje by itself under a wind or rain shell is my favorite way to use mesh.
I just wish that I was more Nordic so that I wouldn't feel so naked when other people are around. :)
I can wear a shirt over it, but that takes away some of the magic. _Sigh_
So, two different outfit. One for activity. One for sitting still!
It's easy to stay warm when ur moving & generating ur own heat, it's more about venting moisture & sweat, cuz when u stop, if ur wet from sweat, ur gonna freeze! Hypothermia is a real threat. But the fishnet & insulating layers help trap warm air and allows vapor to move thru layers without condensing into liquid on ur skin. I would layer a fleece insulating layer over the fishnet, under the wind shirt, so when u get to camp & swapping outer layers, u don't lose too much heat, but hyoh 😅
I think the T,shirt is a bit YMCA on the mountains.!!😂😂😂
I clicked into this cuz I saw the X Dome
Is this the first production X-Dome that we’ve seen out in the wild?
This is still a pre-production tent. All of the production models are still stuck in limbo at the Fedex depot in Calgary.
In the shot where you put your backpack on to leave, it looks like you left you headlamp behind.
I did. Haha. Then I did a dummy check when getting my camera and managed to grab it.
Why no fishet on the legs?
Lol walking around camp in fishnets. Probably because it just keeps your core temp up
I find my legs are warmer than my upper body, so I just had boxer briefs on under the softshell pants.
Fishnet shirts and backcountry bidets I'm not sure what kind of channel this is anymore? Lol
New name will be OnlyHikes 😂
Would love to see the X-Dome setup and perform in really windy conditions as another UA-cam had poles snapped while trying to pitch it in the wind. Wonder if that quality issue has been addressed since I use the MSR Advance Pro 2 with also the Easton pole with no issues in the wind.
Those poles snapped because he attempted an incorrect repair with a sleeve that was way too big. That'll cause any tent poles to snap
@ I’m talking about before the repair… if the pole didn’t snap initially, a repair wouldn’t be necessary, correct? I understand the pole snapped with the sleeve being too big. I’m talking about initially when he was trying to pitch it in windy conditions and it snapped. That was what I was concerned about. Hope that clarifies what I was asking.
@L4mTr4n the only reason it needed a sleeve in the first place was because it was a prototype model, meaning built by hand, and so one of the metal inserts on the pole came off. That wont happen with production models. The youtuber decided that, instead of holding off and waiting for a repair, as one would do with a prototype model, he decided to try setting it up during ripping winds with an incorrectly sized sleeve.
@@bflagg94 I get it but typically the splint is bigger than the diameter of the pole itself anyways. I’m not ruling this tent out as I love the design so I take that initial test/review as a one off. I’m just saying I would love to see more review on the actual production unit in windy conditions before pulling the trigger on my purchase.
@@L4mTr4n diameter wasn't the issue, the issue was the length
That’s a $3000 dollar dehydrator freeze thing. I was watching another channel that the guy was talking about his and he told the price. It’s crazy expensive definitely won’t save any money. I wish he mentioned the price and how they sent it to him which is fine but most people can’t afford this stuff.
Completely depends on your usage if you think about it, at $15/meal the cost adds up pretty quick.
It also eats electricity like crazy. Just the electricity cost alone could buy enough mountainhouse to go do overnights every weekend.
Yeah... for Justin, it's a tax write-off, so that's pretty much an instant 30% off. If you can make meals and sell them it may be worth it, or perhaps rent out time using it, it could be worth it. but even so... 200 meals at $15 a pop... this freeze dryer is going to take a lot of time to pay off if you're not earning income from it.
Freeze dryers are also a definite commitment. Check out technology connections video on them... really interesting deep dive.
They're trendy with the groups that are preparing for an apocalypse, so there's a pretty big markup on them right now... hopefully they go down in price over time.
Depending on dietary issues. You have 100% control over what is in your food. Not an issue for me but could be for others
X dome ad blitz
A few points from a former ski patrol member and 30-year experienced winter backpacker:
1. Very nice boots but when the tread becomes impacted with ice, snow, and frozen mud, you will lose all traction. This is not the time to slip and fall in the wilderness. You never know the nature of the terrain you will be facing so at least carry micro-spikes and/or crampons.
2. Never approach a frozen lake edge covered in snow when you have no way of knowing there the shore ends and the lake begins.
3. You did well to place your gas canister where it could get some body heat but you screwed up placing it directly in the snow when cooking. At least set it on a raised platform or inverted aluminum dinner plate with a windshield on one side to protect it from the wind. This matters in extreme cold conditions because you will can end up using more fuel than you expect. You don't want to run out of gas in winter conditions. Inverting a gas canister works only with stoves that can accommodate that. Isobutane is more flammable propane but doesn't perform as nearly as well when the temperature dips below -14. Pressure gas stoves are easier to use but for cold sub-zero winter conditions when you have to melt snow for cooking/drinking water, it is preferred to use something like the MSR Whisperlite with white gas. These stoves will work in nearly any temperature and are bullet-proof. Lots of heat is lost due to even a slight wind so bring a folding windshield.
Lost me after the madonna fishnet shirt. 😂