I like my Flextail Zero Pump all in all. Mainly because it has an easily replaceable battery (I hate products with built in difficult to replace batteries, as you will get maybe 5-7 years before the whole thing needs to be junked). I do wish they had used a higher grade of aluminum and coated the threads as they are rather crusty (a bit of beeswax fixed that though). As for your issue, I would strongly suspect the battery is at fault. Batteries are known to weaken as they are cycled (drained and charged), in addition to having decreased run times.
You're analysis of the Nemo Fillo is spot on. It easily is the most comfortable pillow I have used, BUT it doesn't have enough height for side sleepers. I put a piece of shock cord on my Fillo to hold it on the pad and I shove my jacket underneath it for more height. I have a Zenbivy pillow coming for Christmas this year I am sooo excited.
I bought the Zero Pump as an early supporter. Used it once. It's OK but I'd rather not rely on a tech tool. So as you do, I am using the bag. I have the old (non-adjustable) REI Flash 45 and the 55L packs. I want to drop a couple pounds but haven't found a lighter pack that fits and tides as well. That said I'm usually carrying about 22 pounds at the trailhead. If you can recommend an ultralight framed pack in the 1.4 pound range, please LMK. Great that you are willing to share the not optimal experience gear. Might save your viewers some $. Thanks
First! I am glad to see your opinion on all of these gear items. I am really glad you mentioned the Hubba Hubba. I think MSR has fallen off in quality (customer service and product quality). I have the Hubba Hubba 1 UL tent and have recently broken a pole. I have emailed them 3 times over the past 3 weeks with no response. I now have a useless tent, that I really enjoyed using. I really expected more from such a big brand. Anyways, rant over. I love the channel and all the hard work you do! Thanks again for the work and the great food bags! I really enjoy the zippered design over my roll top food bag.
Dang that’s a bummer! I likewise had issues with getting timely response from Cascade Designs when I had issues with me QuickDraw filter. They did eventually get to me, but it took a while. Hope they help you out! Thanks for the support and watching!
I like that little pump. Don't let a rock get in it!!!! G 3:04 ets the job done. I top off my sleeping pad with a manual breath or two. I got tiny pump and the bigger pump with the battery charger. I still got to top it off to get it as firm as I like.
I'd pick up the Flextail if it were $15. It would give me an excuse to make use of my Fenix HM50R V2.0 headlamp which uses the same 16340 battery. I've been switching out from using lithium polymer powered devices. Once they swell or die the device is pretty much useless. I switched to 14500 lithium battery (AA sized) powered devices for backpacking. My Wurkkos HD10 headlamp, Weltool T1 Pro TAC flashlight, and Ledlenser ML4 Warm camp light are all 14500 battery powered. Oh another thing, I have the original Flextail with the light. I stopped using it because it has really bad PWM flicker. So when I'm filming with it on, the footage looks like a strobe light is on. I don't know if they improved the light in the next version.
About time someone talked about the X2 pump over the Mini. That light feature on it is brilliant and also means that it's one other item that you don't need to take. As for the pillow, and air pillow can be bought very cheaply so I paired up a Trekology air pillow with a travel memory foam pillow. It's been great for me and about half the price of the Zenbivy.
Your hunch about the Zero Pump’s decreased performance and output is correct….the battery. The same happened to me. The rechargeable battery lost its ability to fully charge decreasing its ability to power the pump effectively. Contact Flextail and explain the situation. They made it right for me.
I’ve bought a new replacement battery. Now the darn thing thermo throttles apparently. I mean I’ve gotten my money back, but I’d like to just use the pump
IMO, buying backpacking tents should always be like buying running shoes: never buy the newest, "best" version at full retail price, but instead, opt for the best of the previous year models. You'll have way more reviews to go off of to help your purchase decision, and on top of that, they're deeply discounted. For instance, for 2025, Nemo is basically making a couple of near-negligible changes to the Dagger tent, and so it'll still be over $500 for the newest version, whereas you can get the 2024 model for almost $200 off right now. It's a no-brainer.
The flextail zero pump is easily the most overhyped piece of gear. It’s expensive, heavy and just sucks. The first one I purchased didn’t work, when I turned it on it made the most awful high pitched noise then shut off. They are awful, and I’m tired of all these UA-camrs saying they’re great…
@ It’s 1.2oz without the battery (deceptive marketing?) and more like 2oz with. There are now much lighter options (8-9 grams) that are cheaper, made in the US and actually work out of the box (i.e. PadPal, Alpenblow).
Push back on your Flextail comments. The Zero Pump is lighter by a few oz than the Flextail 2X. I noticed you have used 400 times! What were your realistic expectations? I use the Fextail 2X and have not had any of the issues in comments below. Mine has been very reliable, recharges easily, etc. If I used 400 times I would expect some issues. Therefore, even if you toss after 400 uses that equates to maybe 1 cent per use. Go figure.
Hi Devin, i had a curiosity question. How rich would you be if you got a dollar for every time he who must not be named, ju$[!>¤^?doors was mentioned in the comments.
@BackcountryExposure That I believe is an indicator of respect to you, it is well deserved. Wait, it's 3 pm here in Australia. Shouldn't you be in bed.
@BackcountryExposure Totally fair lol Btw, you may have some hair or something stuck in the fan if it is slowing down. That happened to mine, but I was able to get the hair out and it’s back to normal. Just a thought! Anyway, keep up the good work! It’s channels like yours that made my first trip go off without a hitch years ago. I felt like a pro before I even got out there, so thank you for what you do! Cheers!
Gear From This Video ⬇️:
- Nemo Tensor Trail: geni.us/Tensor-Trail-REI
- Nemo Tensor All-Season: geni.us/Tensor-All-Season-REI
- Flextail Zero Pump: geni.us/Flextail-ZeroPump-Amzn
- Flextail Tiny Pump 2X: geni.us/Flextail-TinyPump2X
- Nemo Fillo: geni.us/Fillo-Pillow
- Zenbivy Soft Top Pillow: geni.us/Zenbivy-SoftTopPillow
- REI Flash Air 50: geni.us/REI-FlashAir50-Men
- REI Flash 55: geni.us/REI-Flash55
- MSR Hubba Hubba LT 1: geni.us/MSR-HubbaHubba-LT1
- Hill Zero Scout 1P Camo: geni.us/HillZero-Scout1P-CAMO
- Durston Gear X-Dome 1: geni.us/Durston-X-Dome-1
🏔️SHOP MY ETSY STORE - Backpacking Food Bags & Accessory Bags: geni.us/BCE-Etsy-Store
I like my Flextail Zero Pump all in all. Mainly because it has an easily replaceable battery (I hate products with built in difficult to replace batteries, as you will get maybe 5-7 years before the whole thing needs to be junked). I do wish they had used a higher grade of aluminum and coated the threads as they are rather crusty (a bit of beeswax fixed that though).
As for your issue, I would strongly suspect the battery is at fault. Batteries are known to weaken as they are cycled (drained and charged), in addition to having decreased run times.
You're a gear comparison master! I appreciate your insight.
Ha ha ha I try.
😊That's why I watch you!!! Appreciate your honesty and opinions!! Thank you!!
You’re welcome. Thanks for watching!
You're analysis of the Nemo Fillo is spot on. It easily is the most comfortable pillow I have used, BUT it doesn't have enough height for side sleepers. I put a piece of shock cord on my Fillo to hold it on the pad and I shove my jacket underneath it for more height. I have a Zenbivy pillow coming for Christmas this year I am sooo excited.
I bought the Zero Pump as an early supporter. Used it once. It's OK but I'd rather not rely on a tech tool. So as you do, I am using the bag. I have the old (non-adjustable) REI Flash 45 and the 55L packs. I want to drop a couple pounds but haven't found a lighter pack that fits and tides as well. That said I'm usually carrying about 22 pounds at the trailhead. If you can recommend an ultralight framed pack in the 1.4 pound range, please LMK. Great that you are willing to share the not optimal experience gear. Might save your viewers some $. Thanks
I still prefer the blow-in pump sacks . No charging to nurture and it’s quicker with less noise.😊
First! I am glad to see your opinion on all of these gear items. I am really glad you mentioned the Hubba Hubba. I think MSR has fallen off in quality (customer service and product quality). I have the Hubba Hubba 1 UL tent and have recently broken a pole. I have emailed them 3 times over the past 3 weeks with no response. I now have a useless tent, that I really enjoyed using. I really expected more from such a big brand. Anyways, rant over. I love the channel and all the hard work you do! Thanks again for the work and the great food bags! I really enjoy the zippered design over my roll top food bag.
Dang that’s a bummer! I likewise had issues with getting timely response from Cascade Designs when I had issues with me QuickDraw filter. They did eventually get to me, but it took a while. Hope they help you out!
Thanks for the support and watching!
I like that little pump. Don't let a rock get in it!!!! G 3:04 ets the job done. I top off my sleeping pad with a manual breath or two. I got tiny pump and the bigger pump with the battery charger. I still got to top it off to get it as firm as I like.
Hey. Are you still using cumulus tenequa 700? Are you happy with the size or is it too roomy? It looks very wide
@@ThisguyLeftthechat I looooooove that bag for my cold weather trips. I absolutely recommend it.
Thanks for the side by side of other options too.
☺️☺️
I'd pick up the Flextail if it were $15. It would give me an excuse to make use of my Fenix HM50R V2.0 headlamp which uses the same 16340 battery. I've been switching out from using lithium polymer powered devices. Once they swell or die the device is pretty much useless. I switched to 14500 lithium battery (AA sized) powered devices for backpacking. My Wurkkos HD10 headlamp, Weltool T1 Pro TAC flashlight, and Ledlenser ML4 Warm camp light are all 14500 battery powered.
Oh another thing, I have the original Flextail with the light. I stopped using it because it has really bad PWM flicker. So when I'm filming with it on, the footage looks like a strobe light is on. I don't know if they improved the light in the next version.
About time someone talked about the X2 pump over the Mini. That light feature on it is brilliant and also means that it's one other item that you don't need to take. As for the pillow, and air pillow can be bought very cheaply so I paired up a Trekology air pillow with a travel memory foam pillow. It's been great for me and about half the price of the Zenbivy.
@@PokerMuppet that’s a good solution for sure. Thanks for the tip.
Your hunch about the Zero Pump’s decreased performance and output is correct….the battery. The same happened to me. The rechargeable battery lost its ability to fully charge decreasing its ability to power the pump effectively. Contact Flextail and explain the situation. They made it right for me.
I may do that. Mine is an early early model when it was first released, and as I noted in the video it’s been used a ton!
I’ve bought a new replacement battery. Now the darn thing thermo throttles apparently.
I mean I’ve gotten my money back, but I’d like to just use the pump
hä ? I like that pump a lot !
I wish the flash 55 came in other colors....I despise that yellow color lol
@@BrittanyLabrador it does come in a green color.
My Flextail Zero pump only worked twice, and I left my pump sack at home to save weight. Don't risk it.
IMO, buying backpacking tents should always be like buying running shoes: never buy the newest, "best" version at full retail price, but instead, opt for the best of the previous year models. You'll have way more reviews to go off of to help your purchase decision, and on top of that, they're deeply discounted. For instance, for 2025, Nemo is basically making a couple of near-negligible changes to the Dagger tent, and so it'll still be over $500 for the newest version, whereas you can get the 2024 model for almost $200 off right now. It's a no-brainer.
That’s smart advice.
I stuck with my lungs or a pump sack to inflate inflatables. No exceptions!
The flextail zero pump is easily the most overhyped piece of gear. It’s expensive, heavy and just sucks. The first one I purchased didn’t work, when I turned it on it made the most awful high pitched noise then shut off. They are awful, and I’m tired of all these UA-camrs saying they’re great…
I have one. It's definitely not heavy. And I wouldn't exactly say it's expensive. I've had no problem with mine to be honest. I'm glad I purchased it.
@ It’s 1.2oz without the battery (deceptive marketing?) and more like 2oz with. There are now much lighter options (8-9 grams) that are cheaper, made in the US and actually work out of the box (i.e. PadPal, Alpenblow).
@@bobbillybobason mine works great.
Mine works great, as well. I love it on my 10cm -40 Mammut mat. Takes forever using the built in foam pump.
Love mine!
Always carry less weight. Try to get by with less.
👍🏻
I agree! Ounces turn into pounds and pounds turn into pain!
The Flextail turned out to be a Flex-Fail 😅
Push back on your Flextail comments. The Zero Pump is lighter by a few oz than the Flextail 2X. I noticed you have used 400 times! What were your realistic expectations? I use the Fextail 2X and have not had any of the issues in comments below. Mine has been very reliable, recharges easily, etc. If I used 400 times I would expect some issues. Therefore, even if you toss after 400 uses that equates to maybe 1 cent per use. Go figure.
Hi Devin, i had a curiosity question. How rich would you be if you got a dollar for every time he who must not be named, ju$[!>¤^?doors was mentioned in the comments.
@@needtokeepwalking ha ha ha! Funny enough I think I get mentioned in his comments on his videos than he does in my videos.
@BackcountryExposure That I believe is an indicator of respect to you, it is well deserved.
Wait, it's 3 pm here in Australia. Shouldn't you be in bed.
I agree with most of these, but I do still love my Zero Pump lol
@@TheRealStove it’s still a great piece of gear, I just wouldn’t buy it again. 😁
@BackcountryExposure Totally fair lol Btw, you may have some hair or something stuck in the fan if it is slowing down. That happened to mine, but I was able to get the hair out and it’s back to normal. Just a thought! Anyway, keep up the good work! It’s channels like yours that made my first trip go off without a hitch years ago. I felt like a pro before I even got out there, so thank you for what you do! Cheers!