Cheap vs. Expensive Backpacking Gear (tested)
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- Опубліковано 17 жов 2024
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Cheap alternatives to my extremely expensive backpacking gear.
Would love to see more actual cheap gear, especially for us weekend warrior people! I know you've posted some in the past like the Bryce. But I feel I dont see those pop up on your channel as much lately, other than the odd gadget (instead of actual big pieces of gear).
Love your channel Dan! Those videos were one the main reasons i started following you! Would be great to see more!
My recommendation? Look for gently used gear. I've saved hundreds of euros this way and so far no duds.
I agree he shouldn't have used the word "cheap" or "budget". But just "less expensive" or "more budget friendly".
With that said, most of these channels aren't aimed at weekends warriors. So buying a $50 backpack that will break on you during a 5 day 100mi hike would suck
I started walmart brand items for backpacking. For those complaining on price, remember that cheap cheap gear is that it is harder to return and or rehome. Packs alone, ive gone thru multiple multiple different manufacturers to find one that fitted and worked for me. And there is a huge diffrenece in how a cheapy piece of gear works and a mid to high range piece of gear works
the Naturehike tents are very good too
My man, you and I have VERY different definitions of "Cheap" because this stuff is still way outside most people's, especially beginners ranges.
For real, give me that AliExpress gear...
A video focusing on a sub $200 per pack, sub $200 sleep-system, and sub $200 shelter could be an actual comparison of cheap vs expensive bests, because what you've done is best expensive and best mid/high-price options.
@@chamomillionaire1427 Its because hes still considering quality, you aren't going to get quality that 'Lasts' unless it have some price to it.
@@chamomillionaire1427 I was thinking below 500 for all, preferably less. As a beginner, you don’t know how much you’re gonna use it or if you’re even gonna like backpacking that much so why invest so much money. I think the outdoor should be accessible to everybody.
This is definitely "cheap" in terms of good equipment. You can build a serviceable setup from Walmart's Ozark Trail line for a couple hundred bucks if you're a totally new backpacker, nobody is stopping you. But those items probably aren't going to last you decades and hundreds of trips or be anywhere near as comfortable as the more budget-friendly items from this list. $900 for a an extremely comfortable setup that you wouldn't need to change or replace for years is pretty cheap in the world of backpacking.
I have used the Outdoor Vitals quilt for the last couple of years and absolutely love it! It is exceptional.
What this channel needs is a Temu sponsorship episode showcasing a $200 full loadout tested in the Grand Canyon (in snow).
I bought Zenbivvy. A lot of money but wow it’s quality and unique. Yes, like a real bed.
When shopping for sleeping gear, I always think about what I would pay for one or two nights at a hotel/AirBnB. That’s usually at least around $300 or so and you walk away with nothing. Multiple that by a few times and consider the lower cost of camping, then I think you can justify spending around $1,000 for your complete sleeping system. You can get some nice stuff for that!
That's a great way to think about it. People have no problem paying $300 for a decent hotel room that you'll only be in for like 12 hours. You're backpacking sleep system (if you get decent gear that'll last a few trips) is a place you'll be spending up to thousands of hours in. I don't understand why people turn their nose up when someone discusses great sleep systems.
@@dungeonsanddeadlifts7610how many trips will good gear last, more than “a few” I hope
Exactly how I look at it a week in an air bnb equals the cost of a xmidpro2 so I bought one . The more I use it the cheaper it gets.
@@dungeonsanddeadlifts7610 You know those aren't necessarily the same people, right?
Quite a bunch of people do have problems paying $300 for a 12 hours stay. The point that good gear can be worth it stands, I have a 30 year old backpack which I just replaced cause it's too freaking heavy for modern standards, but the pack itself is mostly fine, so good gear can even last a lifetime.
Yet the way you framed things is misleading.
I don't live in the US, US brands don't bother shipping here, and a thousand dollars is bonkers value in 3rd world money, but I bet lots of people living in dreamland would also struggle spending thousands of moneys in a "great sleep system", specially if you have kids and whatever, still those people might desire to go out and hike, camp and all that, and they rightfully deserve to be able to.
Not hating, just trying to keep the discussion wide and away from certain shaming that should have no place out there in the wild, I believe.
I have the 10 degree zenbivvy quilt and sheet paired up to the Big Agnes Rapide. It is the best night sleep i've ever had while camping.
similiar setup here. zenbivy light 25 with a core down sheet and the rapide pad. The sleep is top notch. For anyone looking at zenbivy and balking at the price just know they frequently go on 15-25% off sales.
Great video! You’re going to get pushback about ‘budget’ but… Everyone has different thresholds and financial restrictions, so you’re just not going to please everyone.
Sleep System:
The Zenbivy is absolutely amazing and it’s what I use. I’m a fairly cold sleeper and the 25F version is likely going to be all anyone who is a casual camper will use, and frankly if you invest in something like a Nemo Tensor EC, the additional insulation reduces the need to put a really heavy top quilt on for all but the most extreme conditions. With that said, I have two answers that you can mix and match.
1. The Zenbivy Sheet is really where the magic is. The pack size/compressibility of the Ultralight Sheet vs the Light Sheet is really small and the price difference is really big. The smart money is to buy a Light 25F version of the Sheet.
2. Don’t worry about buying a Zenbivy quilt. While I find them to be the best, full-stop, even I can admit they aren’t the lightest nor do they compress the smallest (which isn’t great for your down anyway). If you can buy one, just do it, and in fact I think the minor delta in weight and pack size (perhaps forcing you to a slightly larger pack) is well worth it to go to the Light quilt instead of the UL quilt (I have both). I’ll even go a step further and say that the Light CONVERTIBLE Quilt is the pinnacle of their sleep systems as it’s such nice material and is more versatile since you can open the foot box entirely and there’s something unmatched in the comfort of how it folds up onto itself when you have to close the footbox up. WITH THAT SAID there’s yet another hack: You can buy silicone magnet cable ties from Amazon for $16 which are useful all over your camping tools, and at camp, but which happen to connect two STRONG magnets together with a 2mm band. 2mm happens to be the perfect size to clip into the Zenbivy Sheet clips. Now you can just clip the shell of whatever quilt you have to the sheet and you have a nice Zenbivy alternative. It isn’t a perfect solution but I’ve used it several times now and it’s proven a reliable method for me; the quilt stays in place and doesn’t damage anything. AND since you’re using a Zenbivy Sheet, it’ll have the clips at the top for their pillow case which is only $20. This lets you put whatever pillow you’d like (or a puffy, or clothes, or whatever) into it and use that instead of their very expensive, but extremely nice, pillow.
I actually use a Horizon Hound GR-20 quilt which is a fantastic and well made option from Amazon and sells for $90. There’s also the oft-recommended Featherstone Moondance 25 quilt but for $225 you might as well just bite the bullet and get the Zenbivy Light Quilt, IMO. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but IMO the sleep system makes the single biggest difference in your multi-day adventures, and everything else is secondary. If you get a good sleep, you don’t really care that your tent is a bit too small or that your pack is an extra pound or two heavier than it absolutely has to be. Anyway, if you are a colder sleeper you can STILL get the 25F version (of whatever quilt) and add the Horizon Hound (or similar) to it to radically increase the R-value for less than moving to a 15F or 10F quilt, and lets you go lighter when you don’t need so much insulation. The HH quilt packs down quite small and is just over 1.5lb.
Tent:
I’d push back on this a bit and say that the Naturehike tents are an amazing option and they’re extremely well proven and quite well built. The advertised weights often include a bunch of unnecessary bags and very heavy stakes. The VIC 2p, officially weighs in at 3.6lb but that certainly includes the items I mentioned, and it’s truly free-standing, but instead of being a ‘tunnel’ tent design, it’s a side opening tent which is much easier to deal with. It also sells for just $139.00 on Amazon, or $159 directly from their site. That’d be my choice for a free-standing option, though if you only need a 1p free standing tent, the Naturehike Bikepacking 1p tent (sometimes named Spider) is a well built little tent with enough room to get the job done, and without the extra bags and lighter stakes comes in at 2.6lb and fits sideways in the bottom of every one of my 30+ liter packs (and vertically in my 22l Camelbak Rim Runner), and it sells for under $90.
On the tent: I love shilling Featherstone myself, as someone who did a LOT of research and shopping around, they're insanely underrated. $100 for their one or two person freestanding models that are within the 3-4.5 pound range fully packed with all the goodies including a ground sheet, plus a lifetime warranty, and they're bombproof. A while back, UA-camrs were going NUTS for the Featherstone Backbone when it came out since it was one of the lightest and nicest trekking pole tents out there before dyneema became a thing. Super super super underrated company and tent. Eric Hanson recently tried one out and was blown away by it from the weight for the price to the build quality.
@@KiwiDragn I've used a few Featherstones. They're good, but for the money I'm still pushing into Naturehike. I did a little more looking and the VIC and Cloud Wing are both under 3lb if you skip the footprint (which you absolutely can). I recently played around with the Backbone, and while I like the design, it was just too small even for a 1p tent. The foot end slope is just too acute to get a 3" pad and a quilt/bag on top of it and not be all over the wall. The REI Flash Air 2 would probably be a better option, or the SMD version which would most closely be the Lunar Duo. But I digress; the point I think both of us make is that there are certainly good tents out there. I DO like Featherstone stuff, and do put it in par with Hyke and Byke (I'm not sure why Eric chose the one he did; there are others in the line that would have been better for that application). For bags, the Hyke and Byke Antero is amazing; it's almost a quilt and works with hammocks; 800fp down and on a budget but with all the necessary draft collar/tube etc.
I'm using the one tigress 2 person tent inner /w a tarp , love it ; can be used with or without poles , just need a Ridgeline
Great video Dan! OV makes some of my absolute favorite gear! Glad to see them represented more than once here! And I'll be in the camp of the Durston X-Mid Pro 2...haha!
Glad you made this video I'm 56 years young 😊just trying to go backpacking with my dog we will only go on a over night or 2 so this list is great. I had no idea what to by and weight is a issue because I have a bad back and knees. God Bless ❤thanks
Love the Paria tent. I have to say your videos on them are what prompted me to consider it and I am very happy I did. As for sleeping bags I love my Big Agnes Anvil Horn. It's a hybrid of a sleeping bag and quilt. Mine is rated for 15 degrees F. Pair it with the wide Big Agnes pad and it is a very good night's sleep for me.
Need a vid that does this for people over 6'4". Great Vid, though, thanks 🙏
I grabbed the Paria Bryce 2p tent based on a similar video a year ago. It’s a really solid tent for the price. I did have a stitch flaw near where the bathtub meets the mesh, which could be a failure point. I reached out to Paria and they immediately gave me the option to send out a replacement inner or to send their new “solid” inner to make this a 4 season tent. So for about $175 I now have an all season tent with two inners. The biggest flaw is the front entrance, and the fact that it’s also angled so it’s very difficult to keep water out in the rain. I am upgrading gear this year for the upcoming fall season, and this Paria is going to work as a great back up tent for friends that want to join me but don’t have any gear, or for when the kids eventually want to rough it with pops. Hope that helps anyone who was considering going with that brand.
Could you make a video on the Paria quilts?? They have a 15° and 30° that I don’t hear much about from any UA-camrs. But from the videos I have seen on them, the reviews have been great and the prices are really low for what they claim. Please make a Paria quilt video if you think it’s worth it!
I don't know about anyone else, but these budget options are still way too expensive, and also there are far cheaper options that are perfectly usable, you showed the xmid, why not the 3ful lanshan? Or why not show foam pads for budget options? Sure they're not as comfortable, but if the point was budget, 150usd is hardly budget
Good questions! I’ve made many videos on options like those. Feel free to poke around on the channel. The ones in this video are our picks for the best expensive and alternative less expensive options that we have tested and still feel are just as long lasting. May not fit everyone’s ’budget’ but then again we’d never recommend gear based solely on low price.
Also creators would get absolutely roasted for doing it- there’s a portion of the backpacking community that are long thru hikers and they won’t even hear of the cheapest gear and sometimes it’s for a good reason- it doesn’t last very long or perform properly in situations that could cost you your life! And sometimes it’s just elitism.
Quazilla is currently doing the AT with the lanshan 1
@@sheilasunshine9173most of the time it is elitism. We'll over 50% of the backpacking community I've unfortunately come across during my trips will mock any gear without a brand name, they mock items they find useless or too heavy, they act as if their opinions are rules that will offend the backpacking gods if not followed.
@@DanBeckerwell said Dan. I've picked up a lot of the recommendations you've made of, what I like to call, 'ultra-budget' gear items and I've been very pleased with them. I understand this video is aimed at a different group of people who already know they love backpacking and are looking to upgrade from their ultra-budget gear to a more long term, high performance option, and may only be able to afford one or two of the 'best' items but aren't sure which they can save money on without a noticeable sacrifice in performance or durability.
Thanks for the opinions and reviews. I have been looking really hard at the Zen Bivy models since I've adopted the Haven tent system and spoke to Derek of his experiences. How constricting is the foot box? I prefer rectangular bags due to me hating the feeling of foot and leg restriction
I picked up the Paria thermodown 15 quilt and it is also a really good quilt option.
I'm thinking of buying the Decathlon MT900 UL FORCLAZ backpack (in the womans version). Mainly because of the price & trampoline back. Do you think that that's a good backpack?
It’s time to check out Naturehike tents!
This was perhaps the most useful video you have made. Thank you
I'm just getting into backpacking again after 20 years away. It's amazing how things have changed and improved since then. As far as budget backpacks go I bought a 70 litre Night Cat brand backpack for $75 Canadian and so far it works great. Obviously I'm not counting on this to last me a long time but it got me back into the swing of things while I accumulate the other gear I need for longer trips. Great video, love the channel!
Love my outdoor Vitals shadow light 45…
Seen over 1200 miles, holding up great
❤
Dan i am with you 100% on the Zpacks Arc haul. I have used loads of different packs over the past 4 and a half decades and the Zpacks is the absolute most comfortable pack i have carried. I started with the Older models and they were awesome but the new materials are the icing on the cake.
Feel exactly the same way about the ULA Circuit. Made in the Ultra fabric. An have had others on. Not that one. But from what I see both brands in the ultra fabric is definitely some home runs.
@@AquaTech225 i have only tried the Proton in the ULA Brand and i have tried all 3 Atom packs more recently but it's the move away from having next zero sweaty back patches that seals it for me. You can literally feel the air moving across your back depending on how much you tention up the Arc with the Zpack system.
@@Olan... oh I’m sure it helps to a degree. But for me that didn’t matter much. When you’re far enough in the south with some insane humidity. Louisiana specifically. Other than being inside. Or complete in some bubble of high velocity fans.
Theirs just no way around sweating like a mofo drenched. So that aspect wasn’t going to benefit me. I can just walk an stand outside an beginning to sweat. A with the humidity. Theirs no evaporation of sweat to have the effect of cooling.
Now for other areas. Yeah definitely probably helps some. Or least enough that it wouldn’t hurt to have that type of option. Just the humidity is sick down here.
The majority of the year because of it. I just don’t do anything like that outdoors. It completely removes any enjoyment. It would take that away even car camping somewhere not carrying anything. AC only
@@AquaTech225 I totally get that because i have spent 6 months in the jungle and travelled extensively in all conditions . We have humid cold here in the UK winters and when its 5 degrees here its colder than - 5 in the Alps dry cold 🥶
@@Olan... lol I don’t remember the last time I seen snow. Like anything over a half an inch. Gotta be close to a decade. I know we had some years back. But it never crossed over an inch on the ground.
But we have really only 2 cool months here and march-December is just hot-warm.
I may have to take a look at the arc haul. When I bought mine. It was something about the design of theirs that actually kept me away from there’s. But I may have to check it out anyway. Never hurts to have more than one pack
I got the Arch Haul for Christmas. I was so excited and waited for the sale and everything. Loaded it with 30lbs and I liked it but didn’t love it. Also got my son the REI Flash 55 and tried it on to compare and the Flash 55 fit like a glove and felt lighter. I was bummed because I had to send back the Arch Haul and get the Flash 55 instead. Backpacks are like shoes. You have to try them on and I couldn’t force it when it costs almost $500. It was very easy to return and had no issues and I like zpacks but the pack just didn’t fit me well.
Great video, Dan! My tent of choice when I am not "hanging" is the Fortius 1P trekking pole tent. I borrowed a Durston 1P from a friend, and it was terrific. I couldn't justify the price difference in the two so I bought the OV tent. Keep the videos coming.
I blew my budget and bought a Seek Outside divide 4800 2.0. I needed a 65 L + expedition back pack that could easily handle 50 lb loads. This pack will carry about 90 L, can easily carry 100 lbs, and only weighs 2.9 lbs. With a few options, I paid $800+ CDN dollars, which is about $600 US. I look at these purchases on a cost per use basis. If I use the pack 5 times per year, over the next 10 years, that is $16 per use, which is a number I can justify to myself for a big 3 item. The external frame on this pack makes a 45 lb load feel like 35 lbs, and I shaved 2 lbs off my base weight. Highly recommended to those looking for such a pack.
Great review as always, your delivery and honesty is a welcome relief from so many of the merchants online that state their recommendations are not influenced by the manufacturers. Thank you for that. One request for a future video; could you help explain why, in the middle of the year with all kinds of activities going on that makers of so many items are out of stock on so many items? Or have very limited sizes available? It's more than frustrating. Thanks
If y start backpacking total green. Maby only one trip what til just take a tent y have . Or will you stil buy one. That you show in the video.
And how big diffrends
Are there light trip vs heavy.?
I have the MARMOT Crane Creek UL 2P/3P Ultralight I got it on amazon its amazing I've taken it on multiple camping trips the last 3 years down to 20 degrees in a snow storm I've been in heavy rain with it its amazing I've never been cold in it it has a lot of room enough to keep all of your gear inside of your tent with you i have even sat in my backpacking chair in the tent with all of my gear while it was raining made and ate my food in the tent i am 6ft and had extra room above my head in the tent
Hey Dan. Good choices for moderately priced gear. Going any cheaper probably means a lot more weight and possibly volume. My Big 3 are 7.5 - 8 pounds. Need to drop a couple pounds 'cause I'm old. 😜 I will check out some of your suggestions. The Flextail pad looks interesting. Hard to give up my REI Flash packs. But maybe... I can make a Zenbivy-like sheet for $30. But why bother. Cheers
I bought my daughter a Paria 2 person tent and its huge inside! the quality seems as good as more expensive and comparing it to my Nemo its almost nicer.
I have to say for a good budget trekking pole tent Feather stone makes a great option I personally have the 2 person one they make I believe at the time I got it for around $150 on sale.
I'd really like to see you do a review on the Paria Zion 2-person tent. As a single hiker, I love the space and dual entrance it gives. I'm willing to hike that little bit of weight for the creature comforts it provides.
Shadowlight is legit. Ive taken mine of a few trips including Isle Royale. Its a joy to carry.
Interesting list on the budget items, but I concur on the “best” choices, as well as the budget XMid, so it sounds like a good list all around.
Dan, I’m sure you’re aware of the Paria Zion tent. Have you tried it. I’m curious where it stands compared to the Bryce.
Love ZinBivy. And like that Flextail pad. Think Ill mix them. Sizes look compatible.
I would love to see someone like you review the gear available from mountain warehouse and compare it with other budget backpacking gear.
I trust Dan a lot for his wisdom and intelligence, the guy has an absolute wealth of knowledge and he's super fun to watch. I'm sorry Dan, but I have and never will trust your opinion of what's affordable outside of Paria tents. I love the "more affordable" options for upper middle class experienced hikers but I'd love to see you do some of what Eric's been doing and taking some cheaper stuff out for a test night, with a budget of $500 to $800 since I know you prefer comfort, especially with your backpack and sleep system.
I'd like to keep it constructive, so I do want to point out that I'm fully aware Dan has health and comfort things that lean him more towards pricey, comfortable sleeping gear. I do think that Paria make amazing tents but I really like Featherstone myself ($40 less, same lifetime warranty) and others adore Naturehike. As for sleeping pad, I know the Klymit is considered trash from a warmth standpoint but I've heard people saying that with the mattress cover they sell it basically doubles the R value and makes it much nicer to lay and sleep on from warmth to comfort. I personally use a floppy accordion mat because I'm poor but it works. Anything is better than the ground.
I won't pretend $200 for an indestructible backpack is bad though, I genuinely don't know enough about backpacks to point at some $30 white label option and say "haha! see! it's comparable!" especially given how every backpack carries differently for different people. I personally use a $15 backpack I got off Temu and I think, besides it not having a single bit of breathability and it being a bit heavy by itself, along with some manufacturing issues, that it works fine for me. On the flipside I'm POSITIVE that other people would immediately despise it and throw it out. Backpacks are a very personal thing when it comes to comfort and a $200 fits-all that lasts is pretty hard to beat I won't lie.
I guess, for people who can't afford nice things, anything is nice. It is painful seeing so many people saying affordable is still beyond what a lot of people can afford, and I'm glad Eric's been making some videos about affordable gear recently. Dan's video is nice too for setting a goal for people to aim for, though it would be rad to see those lower priced quality setups for beginners or those who can't drop $1000 on a hobby.
Lundhags Padje Light, it comes with reasonable prize and weight, it can handle the load and quite rough use and is comfortable. That was my choice.
Superb comparison and well explained
My latest lightest backpack pick is the Swiss Bach equipment molecule 50. Currently on sale so a really really great deal. Love it!
UK, I got a Naturehike cloud up 2 which I think is basically the same as your budget semi-freestanding tent for £100 second hand. I think they're usually £120 new.
That's because it is a Cloud Up 2, only rebranded. Buy enough units and Naturehike will put your logo on anything they make and in whatever color you want. Most of the budget stuff on Amazon is like this. It's just rebranded factory OEMs and the companies that sell it are not real gear companies. It's just some guy that buys OEMs in bulk, picks a color and has his own brand printed on it and then it gets shipped directly to an Amazon-affiliated warehouse sight unseen. The person or persons doing this may have as many as a hundred different brands specializing in everything from outdoor gear to kitchenware to bathroom fixtures and neither knows anything about any of it nor has he ever laid his eyes on a single product he sells. It's an extremely lucrative but very unethical business model because the markups can be in the hundreds of percent, you can't get any parts or repairs and warranty claims are usually ignored or rejected after the mandatory 30 day return policy.
Thanks for the content, on a budget -- recommend to check Naturehike gear, it's like Xiaomi but for camping and hiking. Not the best of the best stuff, but for price/quality it's hard to beat.
I really like hammocks gear top quilt the burrow and if you wait and get specials I've gotten it up to 25 and 30% off and you get a better quilt than the outdoor vitals
Its discontinued but I got REI's Flash Air 2 it's free standing or treking pole convertible, 2.2 lbs and was less than $200
Very nice review! Greetings from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil!
The Flextail pad is excellent !! 🧡
Great video Dan! I definitely love seeing the top picks in each category with the less expensive options.
On the quilt/sleep system, I don’t understand why more people aren’t recommending the Big Agnes Anvil Horn (has 30, 15, and 0 degree variants). It’s basically the Zenbivy system but as a sleeping bag. You can get the 30 degrees version for like $188, the 15 for $208, and the 30 for maybe $250. And then you essentially the sheet and hood with the bag built in. I’m a bigger guy, and I find it very comfortable to roll around in. Not the absolute lightest, but a great system for backpacking.
Awesome video dan. What would be your recommendations for expensive and budget sleeping bag? (Not quilt) Thanks!
Budget list: granite gear crown3 60L, Paria Outdoors quilt or bag, Paria mattress, Paria tent
I'm always looking for 3 person tents for two people and dogs. Rarely see these tents reviewed though, it's always 1-2 person. Would love to get your insight on more gear that works for people other than single, no companion(s) options.
I actually bought the eureka suma 3 because of one of his old reviews. It's a castle for how light and packable it is. I love it.
I would sell or abandon you dog and get a two person tent!
I know it's a two person option but it's worth looking into: Featherstone's Granite and Peridot lineup. They have a lot of interior space and you should be able to have your dog squeeze in at your feet or between you. I own one and the space inside is only a bit smaller than my Gander Mountain 4 person tent was. They're also cheap ($100), tough as hell and have a lifetime warranty. Whip out the measuring tape and do some checking is my best advice. Even then, for the price, you could always just buy one of their Granite or Peridot models and an Obsidian (1 person model) and still be under the $250 mark, then the pup can have his own personal tent.
From Paria, also consider the Zion model tent. Weight differences are negligible and you get 2 side entrancees and 2 vestibules. Same price as the other tent. I have used it and like it very much.
I have the 2-person as a single hiker and I love it and the space it gives me to put equipment in the tent or vestibules. I'll hike that extra pound for the comfort it provides.
I still use stuff I did in the army. Surplus stuff is durable and usually affordable. Tested and proven
What do you think about the pop up tents free standings?
Scored the shadow light 60l tall for $188 shipped yesterday
What about similar Backpack by Naturehike? it costs just 120$ and from what I see it is pretty decent backpack.
Are you planning on making a winter gear list for 2024 like the one you did for 2022?
I'm so glad that I bought my gear BC (Before Covid). My Zpacks Zero 55 liter backpack weighs 9 ounces and only cost 149 bucks. It's basically an Arc Blast without the frame. I wish they would start making them again. Especially with the cinch top instead of the cumbersome roll down top. I feel bad for people buying gear today.
That's an incredible deal. Wow.
Glad to see you make a video for normal people. Not everyone can spend that much to enjoy backpacking and you were away from the normal group for a while.
You should check out 3F UL Gear for the backpack
Scored Gregory Zulu 55L in S/M size at REI for 130$, and you could apply 20$ coupon to make it 110$ . This is my first backpack and I hope it would last.
For tent I highly recommend to check out Klymit Maxfield 1p on sale. 110-120$ or 2p(which I have) for 170. Under 4lb, good space, lasted 35nights in a row.
you can get a custom Enlightened Equipment quilt for a similar price to the cheaper suggestion, depending on your specs!
I don't understand why you did not put the Lanshan 1 or Lanshan 1 Pro, cheaper and lighter than the Bryce. My pick on the PCT so far, less than 850 grams/30oz all in, with 11 stakes and 4 cords, except the 7 USD polycro ground sheet that I use, for 100-150 USD in promo, 115-180 full price before tax on amazon.
When you gonna get a pad pal? They only weighs 9grm and works as good a a flex tail pump?
I have one.
Tarptent is my go to. They have a huge selection of tents. From $200 to almost $800. At about 1 pound per person they are as light as you'll find. They even have a few 3 person, and one 4 person sizes. For me if going as a couple a 2 person tent doesnt work. I cant think of another 3 person tent thats just under 3lbs for $370 bucks. Good magnet tie backs, and only 5 stakes. I know thats 3lbs, but thats a 3 person tent. They have a 1 person version thats about 1lb, and 2 person options that are about 2lbs.
I have my 55l pack from Zpacks, the one with the curved frame and no mesh bit to hold the pack away from you. I used it for 40 days of hiking around Europe, mainly in the alps, around 10 days at a time. I wasn't happy with it. Regret buying it. Sure the weight is phenomenal, but the lack of pockets and general weakness of the pack was rough to deal with. Carbon frame kept bending out of shape and being a huge pain in the arse. I can see that the older type with the mesh wouldn't have this issue. I wasn't going crazy with my pack weight, it was just too flimsy and light and lacked some adjustment features and comfort. I'm going to just use my old berghaus freeflow 40, it's like 900g heavier, but I don't have to baby it and worry about it breaking on me. and it has pockets. Seriously, constantly unrolling, unpacking to get to my stuff, it was annoying.
Hammock Gear Econ 20F is about $230 when on sale. They also sell a down insulated hood accessory. That would ve my mid priced option.
Dan: What about Sodium dichloroisocyanurate powder for disinfection?
I have the shadowlite 60L pack and while it is good I recently bought my dad the Durston kakwa 55 and I think I would go with that instead, it feels better built and tougher. I am starting to wear small holes in the OV backpack and I dont think the zipper is as useful as I thought it would be when I bought it.
Durston Kakwa is a GREAT pack. It is my new go to since I bought one last year. Carries 35-40 lb loads no problem and only weighs 2 lbs. It is also built well.
Always appreciate you content and view points; well done again.
A little surprised you didn't highlight the length of the flextail pad. You're 6'4", right? That pad, as you are aware, is 72" and only available in the one length. Not a big deal for the 'average US male' but I'm guessing you'll be coming up short....as would I...6'7".
Any chance of a gear video for tall people? Tent? copper spur long! Backpack? gotta be careful with available torso lengths; Sleep system? not everything has a tall/extended length. What clothing & shoes are out there? Most pants stop at 34 inseam...looking for 36", many of the manufactures don't make tall shirts/coats, who does? shoes? most men's hiking shoes stop around 12-14....looking for a 15 or even 16. Hiking poles...which ones are good for tall folks? I can get by with the cheap amazon set and now the Get Out Gear set at their longest setting. Anything else?
Thanks! You can see the length of the pad at exactly 12 min into the video.
@@DanBecker Need a good video for us tall dudes. I hate going to gear shops and walking out frustrated due to the lack of support. Not enough of them stock the longer and wider gear we need.
Does the Flextail pad work well with the Zenbivy sleep system?
Yes it does
In the fall of my 65th year I will SOBO thru hike the AZT. One and done. I have been hiking in southern az. the past 2-3 years. Osprey kestrel, lanshan2, zenbivy, air-core ultra, pocket rocket, water buffalo, Sawyer Squeeze, Beserget french press, and my poop kit. 800 miles. I am AZTat63.
Lots of good information. I help run a scout troop so i would like to know of some lighter weight options that can withstand some serious abuse.
Where can I find tent mortgage companies?
Did facebook marketplace for a lot of stuff. Or used rei. My big agnes sleeping bag was only 30$+ cleaning for like 20 bucks.
Day pack is gregory for $20
Takes time to find deals, but used and upcycling is a great idea
DAN! KEEP THE SINCH CORD INSIDE THE QUILT! Tighten and loosen while it’s on your chest inside lol. Now it’s not falling on your face 😂
I think you can save a lot of money on the mattress if you don’t need so high r values. My mattress (only sold in scandinavia I think, but there should be similar in the US I would think) only cost me the equivalent to 30$. It’s super comfy. It “only” has a r value of 2.2, but I only go hiking during summer anyway. And if I want to use it when it gets colder, I can match it up with my super light and thin cell mattress that has an r value of 2, and that cost me 20$. So that is 50$ for a combined r value of 4.2.
And sure, if you need ultra light tents, they cost a bit of money, but if you can manage to carry 1 kg extra, there are good tents at decathlon for less than 50$.
I see a lot of people upset about the budget stuff not being budget enough.
I think it’s worth considering that most people don’t want sleep under a tarp on a closed cell and eat cold dinner.
There definitely is knockoff crap from aliexpress and temu I’m sure. But you can’t really be sure about the quality and lack of customer support. As well as how ethically it was produced.
It’s always better to stay on the safe side and go with brands that are reputable.
Cont: if you’re going with reputable brands within a reasonable amount of comfort and safety, you’re probably not going to find packs and tents under $200. And the ones you do probably aren’t worthwhile.
@@Lousysuperior Featherstone, Naturehike, Alps Mountaineering, Kelty and more sell affordable ($100 range) and bombproof safe tents while having great reputations. I'm getting tired of watching influencers shilling this crap about money = good but at least they're getting paid to do it: people like you defend it for free.
I watch Dan for his wisdom but I know damn well not to trust his opinion on budget and affordable because the only gear he plugs and shills is from companies that directly pay or have paid him in the past.
@@KiwiDragn I defend some of the more expensive stuff because I’ve used it and it has drastically improved my experience backpacking and I think it’s worth considering. No you don’t need the most expensive gear, but you can’t have quality, lightweight, and affordable. You have to pick two. Are there brands that are way overpriced, sure. Hyperlight is a great example. Could you just buy a granite gear crown 2 on sale? Yes absolutely. Thats exactly what I’d recommend. But there’s not great alternatives like that in every category, especially tents.
Anyways, yes. You can backpack on a budget. But ultralight on a budget is much more difficult.
My idea of cheap is different. Have a $30 2 person tent from target. Sure it weighs just over 5 lbs but I backpack a couple of times a year so I'm very happy with this tent. Had it for nearly 10 years still going strong.
I camped in Baja and Southern California in the 70s and 80s using a two person tent I bought at Oshmans for about that same $30 and I upgraded to a better rain fly for about $12. Seam sealed it with some off the shelf item at a camping store. I also used it in Florida and NC during the same time. My kid used it in our backyard in the 90s. It hit the trash about 5 years ago when it started to break down and developed a smell.
the zpacks arc haul carbon frame snaps. Seen so many on the PCT this year.
I think the Durston Kawka is a much better value choice than the Outdoors Vitals backpack. Also, the Hammock Gear quilt is a better value quilt than the Outdoor Vitals one, especially when it goes on sale for 30% off.
I used to think these prices were insane. I buy real budget gear. I carry around an extra 5 lbs. I just do overnights so no big deal. But, I just bought a used dual sport motorcycle for 3 thousand and didn't even blink. If it was one of my only hobbies, yeah, that wouldn't be that high. I'd get the absolute lightest, warmest, though. Not that stupid thing.
I been into backpacking for years now and if I was going to do a through hike of the AT I would buy the top gear. Overnighters and week longs, I would be more frugal. Don't buy 2 grand worth of gear and use it 3 times a year. And don't get caught up in the gram game. Your legs aren't going to be more tired if you carry 2 more once. If they are, you need gym membership instead.
I use:
Bakpack, Salewa Trek Mate 65+5 (1,5 Kg - on sale at 160€)
Tent, Ferrino Blow 2 (two people tent, self-supporting - 1,5 Kg - on sale at 300€)
Sleeping Pad, Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm NXT (regular/large - R 7.3 - 550g - 260€)
Sleeping Bag, Sea To Summit sleeping bag Ascent ACII (-4° / -20°C - 1,1 Kg - on sale at 350€)
Total cost, 1.070€ (approximately 1.170$)
Total weight, 4,65 Kg (10,25 pound)
Excellent review. This is a good way to look at the top performing gear and make a choice. Of course there are cheaper options, peeps, but thats not the point of this video.
What about the Granite Gear Crown 2 backpack?
That pack is probably decent for what it is. I love my ULA CIRCUIT made with the ULTRA fabric. Most comfortable one I’ve worn but it’s still $390 or something.
But buy once cry once
They can keep both !!
Always use tarp! unless you go above tree line. - small/light/cheap/strong and more space
but the forttylegs and alll sorts of insect
I love this channel but anyone saying the durston x-mid is budget/cheap or that an over 300 dollar quilt is budget/cheap is a little out of touch.
This video is comparing Ferraris to Mercedes. Yes one is cheaper but its still considered expensive.
Dan, i have a question.
Why are gear companies constantly copying other manufacturers instead of coming up with their own designs?
What happened to external pouches?
Example, i purchased a Camp Trails backpack over 30 years ago, today it would be considered a medium weight and had two large external pouches that were perfect for cook set and food. Why don't they make packs like that now? That pack is sun faded from so many trips, super thick material and is still more comfortable than any of the packs they are coming out with today. If I'm doing a trip and have an extra heavy load, its my go to choice hands down.
I hear ya. Id love to find a pack with modularity in the way that hunting and tactical backpacks are made. Its just so much more convenience-based and organized
Great video Dan! I made the decision to hammock camp. You should do a video on that gear. There’s several great and innovative companies making excellent hammock gear.
I was a hammock camper for years! Made the switch to tents a few years back 😳
@@DanBeckerDan, we’re y’all using OnX when y’all set up in the wrong spot? Just curious, I’ve been wanting to subscribe but I’m curious about its accuracy
Any idea when OnX will be supported in the Old World?
@@minemetsa do you mean where Stakes are called Pegs and Thru Hikes are called Long distant walks 😂😂😂
As someone who is mainly hunting I had to laugh at the expensive backpack. 400 bucks is a small mystery ranch. Pretty easy to spend around 1000 bucks on a hunting bag.
The difference is the weight of the packs and the particular fabric used. These are the ultra fabric strong but weighs nothing.
Mystery Ranch is using the heavy duty fabrics they always have. Their main goal isn’t being light as humanly possible for it to be. Yet strong as possible. Mystery Ranch is just way over priced because of the cult like following it has. Their price is because the buyers cranked it up because the following a who the supplied or have supplied to or gov contracts they may of had to have gotten known ect.
I have a pack like this. But I’ve in the past had a few models of mystery ranch. For hunting ect. Their packs are nice and all. But theirs nothing above an beyond that prices should be anything near where they are. They really should be half or even less than they are being sold for.
Thankfully though. They hold value well if they’re not messed up. Sold the few I had off an got basically all of my money back. 2 slightly under purchased price. But one made up because I got more than I spent back.
You should check out the Paria Zion it's way better option than the Bryce for a budget tent
And it's crazy in Canada as well
I have seen a sleeping mat 110$ in USA, sold 262$ here 😮
I got a r-6.2 pad for $85 cad with prime a few weeks ago.
@@shawnr6117what pad?! Been looking for one that actually is rated that low ASTM for a good price but it's terrible
Right?! I wanted to buy the Paria recharge and it was $80 extra just to ship on top of the $200 lol
@@brentperron6914 Hikenture sleeping pad 6.2 r-value 186L x 64w $99.99 cad, $84.99 cad with prime on Amazon Canada. Kinda reminds me of the tensor but don't have one to compare it with.
@@brentperron6914 they are in stock and claim to be ASTM rated