Great video! I live in a travel trailer so space is seriously limited. I sold so much after getting off PCT 2023. I love gifting or selling for cheap to get someone else into the outdoors! Sold tensor pad, EE quilt, lanshan tent, & lots of clothes. ❤
@@timbschwartz I guide trips and find a lot of the older gear still gets use as loaner gear for newbies that are too heavy with their own gear, or just lack gear altogether. Some of the stuff also makes it to my wife’s kit. So reuse, but still in the same household. And when it gets old in the tooth, I get some friends together for an “old school gear” trip.
I think gear evolves and so does our kits. I just changed my pack to a heavier more robust Waymark pack because I hike with my dog and she rarely carries anything. My Zpacks was fine but we are planning on doing the Colorado Trail and there are some long water hauls. I have the mini stakes and they have worked great, no issues. I mostly hike in New England. I should sell a lot of my old gear, I have a nearly new BA Tiger Wall and a Granite Gear 38 L which is just as new but I keep convincing myself that I will someday use them or someone will come with me. This is funny because I am an old man and no one I know wants to hike even thirty miles, forget hundreds. I think if I don’t use them this year I will give them to a good home. Take care
Yeah, that's how it was with a lot of these. I keep saying "I'll probably use this one day", but it's been years since I've used the Duomid, for instance. Thanks for the comment!
I think you'll enjoy using the minis. I use them exclusively and find that they hold good enough, even out here in the sandy desert of Nevada. It's interesting how super light tents like the plex solo have almost made bivvies obsolete, from a weight standpoint.
I had a similar journey with a pocket tarp, bathtub floor and bug net- weighed 12oz but was a pain to set up. Plex Solo is just so much quicker and less painful. I think at least one full size Groundhog will make its way back to you for the main Plex tie out which takes a lot of uplift pressure due to the steep angle of the line. Great video as always. 👌🏼👌🏼
I hope I'll follow your good example and get rid of gear I don't use this year. I keep some stuff to lend to friends and relatives who come to the mountains in the summer, but I have quite a few other things someone could be using. And since I have no basement or gear room, I really need to pare down. Thanks for the reminder and inspiration.
I use the MSR Groundhog minis exclusively for my DCF hammock tarp. Slightly more risk of wind pulling a short stake out of the ground than a tent, I get that, but it does quite well for me. I can wrap my 6' cordage (zing-it) around the stake for storage (also different than most tenting applications). I splice the cordage onto the minis, and even put some shock cord line tensioners INSIDE the zing-it in case the wind tries to rip my DCF. I will say that I often will put a rock on the stake if in loamy soil, because I hate getting up in the middle of the night to re-stake my tarp.
Hope you enjoy the x-mid. I started with x-mid 2 standard, liked it so much that I went with the pro 2. I got the 2 over the 1 for extra space, multi use for various camps (week long scout camp) & possible interest from my 2 boys using it in the future when they camp together. Regardless, x-mid is brilliant design, comfortable to sleep, sets up easy, and I always carry trekking poles now anyway. Hope you enjoy and thanks for posting this. I too am a convert from bivy camping back to a light weight tent for similar reasons! Borah gear makes great stuff and I have several of his items.
@@timbschwartz I thruhiked the PCT in '23 with a Duplex. I started off with minis for my mainlines, carbon fibers on the 4 corners, and Ti hooks on the guy-outs. Works fine in the good soil of the Midwest, but out West it wasn't enough holding power. Switched to full-sized groundhogs on the mainlines, minis on the corners, and kept the Ti hooks on the guy-outs. Worked great.
So much more to complain about in Washington other than the weather. In fact, the reason we call it the Evergreen state is because of our weather. Plus we have the Enchanted Valley. Can’t beat that.
I project you’re going to love the mini groundhogs. I’ve never found ground where the minis weren’t adequate and I longed for the full-sized version, when used with UL shelters. When I car camp with my MSR Zing tarp the full-sized Ground Hogs are appropriate. Not for backpacking, though.
I’m with ya I used to have a room full of gear then I one day realized that I like my life better keeping it simple. I’ve come over to the outdoor vitals mind set “live ultralight”
I switched from budget Y-stakes to mini groundhogs about a year ago. I've found that the minis hold really well in a lot of different soil conditions, but have had a couple occasions where the combination of wet soil and strong wind resulted in one being pulled out. So I've started carrying a couple regular groundhogs in my kit (since I always carry a couple of extra stakes anyway), but I suppose another option would be to just put rocks on top of any stakes that I think might not hold.
I feel like the bivy has its place to shine. I live and camp mid-south(Arkansas, Kansas, etc) Where in the summer it is HOT & HUMID(90+degrees and 100% humidity), with alot of ticks(theres a special place in hell for these creatures). Being able to just setup my borah bug bivy(appox 5.8 oz) allows me protection from the ticks/bugs but get plenty of ventilation, and if its supposed to rain I can throw up my MLD grace duo(5.3 oz) and still have some ventilation. Everyone needs to hike their own hike however, so if it doesnt fit your needs, its best to get rid of it.
Really good point - I think climate plays a huge factor here. Here in the PNW, the binary decision of tent or tarp without any bivy seems to work pretty well.
I hope you kept the original groundhogs because what matters most with stakes is how deep they go into the ground. Secondary is their shape. If you are really worried about weight then get the Ruta Locura 9 inch carbon fiber stakes. They are 7.5 grams each and hold amazing for their weight. They have metal tips so that you don’t break them when shoving them into the ground. And the cord hole is inside the carbon fiber so that the metal tips don’t separate when pulling them out. You will break one eventually during many trips I’m sure, since I broke one. But you can carry 1 extra since it’s just 7.5 grams. For the Solid Durston, I carry 4 full length groundhogs and then 7 Ruta Locura 9 inch stakes. This way i have 4 bomb proof groundhog stakes for the 4 corners, so that I’m sure I have a shelter up. And then I have 7 more, 2 I use for the doors, 2 for ridge line, 2 for the wide panels so that I get more livable space and for storm proofing, and 1 spare, which I normally use on the middle of the narrow side facing the wind. It reinforces the ridge line further too, but not %100 needed even in a storm, so it’s really a spare in case one breaks. Comes out to a total of 108.1 grams for stakes. Or 3.81 ounces.
Thanks for the tip! I still have them - there's always going to be a time and place for the big ones, but for now the minis seem to do a pretty good job of keeping the tent standing. I appreciate the comment!
I would reconsider getting rid of the DuoMid. In conditions where hypothermia is of concern, I carry the DuoMid as as an emergency shelter. There’s no other shelter I’ve seen that’s as easy to set up and as light and spacious. Stake out base of shelter in a perfect rectangle using four stakes, shove in a single pole, stake out the door, and you’re done. Now you have a bombproof shelter than can fit two hikers with camp chairs and pack comfortably inside. You’re out of the wind, can safely boil water inside, and can get warm and dry. On a 20 mile tour where there’s periods of rain and high winds, with temps 40 F or lower, taking a mid-day break of 90-120 minutes under the shelter of the DuoMid can be a game changer. Of course you need extra layers, some sort of insulation off the ground, and a cook kit, in addition to the shelter. I just find the DuoMid to be my preferred shelter for long day-hikes in less than favorable conditions. For groups of up to six, I’ll bring along a 12x12 tarp, but the fiddle factor and finding a good spot to pitch makes me not want to use it when I’m only dealing with 1 or 2 people.
I don't think I'm over mids forever, but for now it just doesn't make a ton of sense anymore. At some point I'd like to grab a silpoly supermid as a group shelter, but that's probably a long way off.
@@timbschwartz Just like Eastons, indestructible and very light. They are my goto right now with tents like Durston and HMG that demand a rigid stake. The MSR carbon core are my utility stakes for doors and panel ties.
It's tough to get rid of gear but I was able to sell my older Gregory Optic and OV Shadowlight to fund my Waymark Embr. I'm really excited to use the Embr this year. I liked the OV layout, particularly the center zip (I've owned a number of Mystery Ranch) but I didn't utilize the 4 small side pockets like I thought I would and they just became wasted space.
Hi! Not those two, specifically, but I normally take enough groundhogs (or minis now) for main tie out points, and 4 shepherd hooks for non essential points.
What gear are you getting rid of moving into 2024?!
Great video! I live in a travel trailer so space is seriously limited. I sold so much after getting off PCT 2023. I love gifting or selling for cheap to get someone else into the outdoors! Sold tensor pad, EE quilt, lanshan tent, & lots of clothes. ❤
I never get rid of gear. I have a basement that looks like REI. Having said this, I’m envious of your ability to let go and re-home some of your gear.
I wasn't always this way haha. I've found the ability to get rid of stuff is like a muscle - the more you do it the easier it is.
Better than rotting away in your basement
@@timbschwartz I guide trips and find a lot of the older gear still gets use as loaner gear for newbies that are too heavy with their own gear, or just lack gear altogether.
Some of the stuff also makes it to my wife’s kit. So reuse, but still in the same household.
And when it gets old in the tooth, I get some friends together for an “old school gear” trip.
I have enough extra gear that my friends can’t say “Man I can’t go. I don’t have gear.”
I’m talking about two fully equipped friends 😂
@@andymytys are you licensed as a guide id like to know what steps to take.
I think gear evolves and so does our kits. I just changed my pack to a heavier more robust Waymark pack because I hike with my dog and she rarely carries anything. My Zpacks was fine but we are planning on doing the Colorado Trail and there are some long water hauls. I have the mini stakes and they have worked great, no issues. I mostly hike in New England. I should sell a lot of my old gear, I have a nearly new BA Tiger Wall and a Granite Gear 38 L which is just as new but I keep convincing myself that I will someday use them or someone will come with me. This is funny because I am an old man and no one I know wants to hike even thirty miles, forget hundreds. I think if I don’t use them this year I will give them to a good home. Take care
Yeah, that's how it was with a lot of these. I keep saying "I'll probably use this one day", but it's been years since I've used the Duomid, for instance. Thanks for the comment!
I think you'll enjoy using the minis. I use them exclusively and find that they hold good enough, even out here in the sandy desert of Nevada. It's interesting how super light tents like the plex solo have almost made bivvies obsolete, from a weight standpoint.
I had a similar journey with a pocket tarp, bathtub floor and bug net- weighed 12oz but was a pain to set up. Plex Solo is just so much quicker and less painful. I think at least one full size Groundhog will make its way back to you for the main Plex tie out which takes a lot of uplift pressure due to the steep angle of the line. Great video as always. 👌🏼👌🏼
That's a really good point on the larger groundhog! Thanks so much for the kind words!
I hope I'll follow your good example and get rid of gear I don't use this year. I keep some stuff to lend to friends and relatives who come to the mountains in the summer, but I have quite a few other things someone could be using. And since I have no basement or gear room, I really need to pare down. Thanks for the reminder and inspiration.
Thank you for watching!
I use the MSR Groundhog minis exclusively for my DCF hammock tarp. Slightly more risk of wind pulling a short stake out of the ground than a tent, I get that, but it does quite well for me. I can wrap my 6' cordage (zing-it) around the stake for storage (also different than most tenting applications). I splice the cordage onto the minis, and even put some shock cord line tensioners INSIDE the zing-it in case the wind tries to rip my DCF. I will say that I often will put a rock on the stake if in loamy soil, because I hate getting up in the middle of the night to re-stake my tarp.
That's really good to hear! i'm excited to give them a try.
Hope you enjoy the x-mid. I started with x-mid 2 standard, liked it so much that I went with the pro 2. I got the 2 over the 1 for extra space, multi use for various camps (week long scout camp) & possible interest from my 2 boys using it in the future when they camp together. Regardless, x-mid is brilliant design, comfortable to sleep, sets up easy, and I always carry trekking poles now anyway. Hope you enjoy and thanks for posting this. I too am a convert from bivy camping back to a light weight tent for similar reasons! Borah gear makes great stuff and I have several of his items.
Thanks for the insight here! I'll need to pick one up at some point.
I'm in the PNW and the X-Mid Solid has been pure gold. Mostly because I can stand up the fly quickly then setup the rest out of the rain.
Oh nice, thanks for sharing! I really want to pick one up.
I also use ground hog minis,but I kept 1 full size for the main guy out of my single trekking pole shelter. Better hold.
That's a good tip!
@@timbschwartz I thruhiked the PCT in '23 with a Duplex. I started off with minis for my mainlines, carbon fibers on the 4 corners, and Ti hooks on the guy-outs. Works fine in the good soil of the Midwest, but out West it wasn't enough holding power. Switched to full-sized groundhogs on the mainlines, minis on the corners, and kept the Ti hooks on the guy-outs. Worked great.
So much more to complain about in Washington other than the weather. In fact, the reason we call it the Evergreen state is because of our weather.
Plus we have the Enchanted Valley. Can’t beat that.
Love love love Enchanted Valley! (And Washington)
I project you’re going to love the mini groundhogs. I’ve never found ground where the minis weren’t adequate and I longed for the full-sized version, when used with UL shelters.
When I car camp with my MSR Zing tarp the full-sized Ground Hogs are appropriate. Not for backpacking, though.
I'm psyched to try them out! Like you said before, the size difference is wild.
I’m with ya I used to have a room full of gear then I one day realized that I like my life better keeping it simple. I’ve come over to the outdoor vitals mind set “live ultralight”
Love that!
I switched from budget Y-stakes to mini groundhogs about a year ago. I've found that the minis hold really well in a lot of different soil conditions, but have had a couple occasions where the combination of wet soil and strong wind resulted in one being pulled out. So I've started carrying a couple regular groundhogs in my kit (since I always carry a couple of extra stakes anyway), but I suppose another option would be to just put rocks on top of any stakes that I think might not hold.
Thanks for the insight here! I'm excited to see how they work in different conditions.
I feel like the bivy has its place to shine.
I live and camp mid-south(Arkansas, Kansas, etc) Where in the summer it is HOT & HUMID(90+degrees and 100% humidity), with alot of ticks(theres a special place in hell for these creatures).
Being able to just setup my borah bug bivy(appox 5.8 oz) allows me protection from the ticks/bugs but get plenty of ventilation, and if its supposed to rain I can throw up my MLD grace duo(5.3 oz) and still have some ventilation.
Everyone needs to hike their own hike however, so if it doesnt fit your needs, its best to get rid of it.
Really good point - I think climate plays a huge factor here. Here in the PNW, the binary decision of tent or tarp without any bivy seems to work pretty well.
Good taste on the rain jacket!! I have one myself 👍
Nice! Hands down one of my favorite pieces of gear
Weirdly sentimental about gear. Same brother!
I hope you kept the original groundhogs because what matters most with stakes is how deep they go into the ground. Secondary is their shape. If you are really worried about weight then get the Ruta Locura 9 inch carbon fiber stakes. They are 7.5 grams each and hold amazing for their weight. They have metal tips so that you don’t break them when shoving them into the ground. And the cord hole is inside the carbon fiber so that the metal tips don’t separate when pulling them out. You will break one eventually during many trips I’m sure, since I broke one. But you can carry 1 extra since it’s just 7.5 grams. For the Solid Durston, I carry 4 full length groundhogs and then 7 Ruta Locura 9 inch stakes. This way i have 4 bomb proof groundhog stakes for the 4 corners, so that I’m sure I have a shelter up. And then I have 7 more, 2 I use for the doors, 2 for ridge line, 2 for the wide panels so that I get more livable space and for storm proofing, and 1 spare, which I normally use on the middle of the narrow side facing the wind. It reinforces the ridge line further too, but not %100 needed even in a storm, so it’s really a spare in case one breaks. Comes out to a total of 108.1 grams for stakes. Or 3.81 ounces.
Thanks for the tip!
I still have them - there's always going to be a time and place for the big ones, but for now the minis seem to do a pretty good job of keeping the tent standing.
I appreciate the comment!
Love your style! You’re so funny, too! 😃
I have the exodus and I love it!
I would reconsider getting rid of the DuoMid. In conditions where hypothermia is of concern, I carry the DuoMid as as an emergency shelter.
There’s no other shelter I’ve seen that’s as easy to set up and as light and spacious.
Stake out base of shelter in a perfect rectangle using four stakes, shove in a single pole, stake out the door, and you’re done.
Now you have a bombproof shelter than can fit two hikers with camp chairs and pack comfortably inside.
You’re out of the wind, can safely boil water inside, and can get warm and dry.
On a 20 mile tour where there’s periods of rain and high winds, with temps 40 F or lower, taking a mid-day break of 90-120 minutes under the shelter of the DuoMid can be a game changer.
Of course you need extra layers, some sort of insulation off the ground, and a cook kit, in addition to the shelter.
I just find the DuoMid to be my preferred shelter for long day-hikes in less than favorable conditions.
For groups of up to six, I’ll bring along a 12x12 tarp, but the fiddle factor and finding a good spot to pitch makes me not want to use it when I’m only dealing with 1 or 2 people.
I don't think I'm over mids forever, but for now it just doesn't make a ton of sense anymore. At some point I'd like to grab a silpoly supermid as a group shelter, but that's probably a long way off.
Always interesting 🤙🏾
Thank you!
Now you’re motivating me to thin out some gear!
Haha! It's wild how good it feels to purge the gear closet. So much room!
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for watching!
I'm ditching my Big Agnes Copper Spur UL 1 person tent and replacing it with the Durston Xmid 1 pro.
Nice, let me know how it works out!
Have you used any MLD quilts by chance?
Hey! I have not, but I have a ton of other MLD gear. You like them?
@@timbschwartz just ordered the Spirit 28. I really do like MLD and figured I’d give a synth quilt a try.
Have you tried Big Sky “Tube Steaks”? I like their 7.2” ones…
Hey! I have not, but they looks pretty similar to Eastons, which I do own. Do you like them? I'm a sucker for a y-beam.
@@timbschwartz Just like Eastons, indestructible and very light. They are my goto right now with tents like Durston and HMG that demand a rigid stake. The MSR carbon core are my utility stakes for doors and panel ties.
Nice! I was really tempted on the carbon core, but I've seen mixed reviews on durability. They're ridiculously light.
@@timbschwartz I broke almost all of my Zpacks carbon stakes. The MSRs seem to be holding up well…not broken one yet. 🤞
DAC V stakes! You will never look back. No I'm not getting rid of them, I am recommending them!
Oh nice! Looking now. Thanks for the tip!
Dutchware gear sell them. DAC J stakes. I usually mix up the small and medium sizes, depending on the conditions.@timbschwartz
Sold Xmid and bought Bonfus Middus - check it out, its like a double wall Altaplex
I'll take a look! Thanks for the tip!
Love my MLD Exodus
One of my favorite pieces of gear!
Is this gear being sold?
Hi there! I'm going to offer it up to some friends and family first.
It's tough to get rid of gear but I was able to sell my older Gregory Optic and OV Shadowlight to fund my Waymark Embr. I'm really excited to use the Embr this year. I liked the OV layout, particularly the center zip (I've owned a number of Mystery Ranch) but I didn't utilize the 4 small side pockets like I thought I would and they just became wasted space.
Ever blend stakes to have a variety? Maybe two full and 6 mini Groundhogs?
Hi! Not those two, specifically, but I normally take enough groundhogs (or minis now) for main tie out points, and 4 shepherd hooks for non essential points.
X-mid time