Justin, I'm a big fan of yours not only for your backpacking videos, but also your honest and valued opinions on gear. I agree with your FAIL of the NU25, the headband is terrible and gets tangled easily. Thanks to you I have purchased the Black Diamond Deploy and I love it!
Interesting. I was hesitating between those two and was about to get the nitecore. You're talking about the UL headband (shock cord), right ? I couldn't find much feedback about the BD deploy from the ultralight community and I had a bad experience with a BD Spot (failed in multiple ways during my last hike..)
@@tt-of4xv My apologies, yes the shock cord is annoying. As for the Black Diamond Deploy, I think it's easily the better of the two. The Deploy has a longer run time, a strap headband and if you a gram counter like me it's lighter than the NU-25. What's interesting the Deploy incorporates a variable angle lens so there's no need to adjust the light up and down with your hand. NU-25 = 46 grams Black Diamond Deploy = 39 grams.
I’m not sure why the new NU25 gets so much hate from the influencers. I love it. I never had the old one though so maybe I don’t know what I’m missing.
@4:06 Get the NU21. (This is what NC should have upgraded the NU25 to.) 👍 Nitecore NU21 360 Lumen Ultra Lightweight Outdoor Headlamp Dual Beam USB-C Rechargeable Headlight
Dubitative as for your comments on the Duplex. How can you tell this is a fail for this year, and at the same time just praise the X-Mid hiding the fact this tent not only have zippers, but double the amount on each fly? I own the Durston, and also own a Dipole Li. Both phenomenal tents. I just felt this way of shooting the Duplex down to place the X-Mid right after wasn’t fair :)
I don't think Justin explained himself as well as he could have there, but I believe he was specifically saying that the zipper design on the Zpacks was not as well-thought-out as it could have been. It adds more complexity to what was already a pretty simple tent as well.
I don't have a Z-Packs tent, but I've seen other reviews that show the shortcomings of the fly closing on the non-zipper model and how it can let weather in, etc. I'd be willing to accept the extra complexity of the zipper for better weather protection, and the zippers on the fly is one advantage I thought the Durston had over the Duplex.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the backpacking gear! It's always helpful to hear feedback from others who have experienced different products. On the topic of outdoor gear, have you heard about the Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series? It's a versatile power station that offers massive capacity, powerful output, and fast recharging. It's a great option for outdoor enthusiasts like us who value reliability and convenience. Let me know if you'd like more information!
With the DreamSleeper pillow: I put a tee-shirt over the end of my sleeping mat and slip the inflated pillow under. The tee-shirt holds the pillow in place.
I've heard people love the non-pro (and even know of some people that love the pro) but I had too many points of issue with it and Osprey's reply was essentially "working as intended".
Exos pro is truly terrible. The trampoline is way too soft and it bounced all the time at a 14kg load. I have multiple holes and a rip after a 10 day / 200 mile hike. The stupid design of the back length adjuster is so annoying, you have to redo it every time you put the pack down and check it when you pick it up. Every single time. Oh, and all the webbing is tiny and shiny, so it continually pulls through - walk 10 minutes, readjust the shoulder straps, 10 minutes later readjust the hip belt etc etc all day long.
I think the Big Agnes matt is a 'fail' that won't affect a lot of weekend warriors. I switched from the neo-air because of poor comfort and find the BA much more comfortable. I'm rarely below freezing, so the insulation isn't really as much of a concern. That being the case, it's still probably the best 2-3 season pad for weekend warriors.
Justin and I 100% love all of your videos and maybe I am the odd duck out but I don’t understand the love for tents. I have always been a hammock, guy or when ground sleeping just simply a tarp guy
What is this quite modern habit of identifying yourself with stuff? I hear it only Americans do. So, you like to use a hammock. Being a 'hammock guy': did advertisers tell you you can't use other products? Like forever? Sleep at home also in a hammock? You don't own it that way, the stuff owns you!
Really wanted to try out the new nemo tensor for a winter pad as I do not have a winter pad yet. I recently did my first winter mountain trip and loved it. Used my helix but the Cascades were a bit to cold for it. I noticed on Expeds USA site they have the Ultra 7r for $120 and i've seen some decent reviews for it. Also, you seem to like the 5r so I picked up a 7r for super cheap (to good of a price to pass up). Wondered if you had any experience with it? Love the channel and pack wizard, good stuff dude.
I will take the zpacks 😅 Great video. I am thinking about the defy as well because it is so affordable. Mostly we can simply use our cell phones here in Europe so I would use it very rarely and than this one is so much more nicely priced in the subscription than the Garmin and Zoleo.
Wouldn't the sleeve in the back of the Trekology Aluft Plus pillow be considered a "pocket" also? That's how I've been using my cover for 2 years now. I put my down jacket in the back "sleeve" for the extra lift.
Did I miss something or there has been nothing about the Kalenji blue jacket from Decathlon Justin is often wearing ? I use the vest version (without sleeves) while hiking or ski touring here in the French Alps and I love it so much ! Especially for 10€ 🙂
Really dosappointed with the new nu25. The nu33 is actually awesome though.if they just make a lighter nu33 with the same modes and such, jt would be what i want.
A LOT of other devices have beat Spot. lol i've been using an InReach since they were owned by DeLorme. I'm still on the same hardware and it's been working great for years.
You know I'm a huge fan, but is that naked, plastic, bubble-pillow really more comfortable than even a stuff sack full of day clothes?!? Let alone a tried and true contender? PS, this counts as a comment, so good for the stats : ) JMoneyG for the win!
I like the Sofirn HS10 headlamp, it's cheap, has USB-C and moonlight, and replaceable 16340 batteries. I use a 3D printed screw top can to carry an extra battery. I also have a Trustfire T40R handheld light for far away stuff. but there's no red mode, and I'm just camping not doing super long hikes, so I'm not sure if there's different requirements.
I’ve had two of the new NU25s, they look cool, have usb C…But my old nu25 is still my go to, the first new one died after getting a quick river crossing dunk even though my phone and everything else was fine. The UL version is better than the standard, standard would fall apart at the mounting bracket mid trail run. After losing the group to put my headlamp back together a couple of times I stopped using it.
Failing the pretty much universally loved Nu25 and promoting a headlamp that doesn't have red light (previous video) is just bizarre. I can't take this seriously anymore.
So agree, my experience is pretty much opposite on most presented here, plus the opinions are often that of a young guy. If you're older weight is more of an issue.
The old NU25 was great (other than microUSB). The new one is bulkier, has a terrible "UL" headband, is missing a 1 lumen mode, and the buttons are not as quick to use.
The old nu25 is universally loved. The new one is a pain in the ass. Too many useless modes. If they'd just made incremental updates to the old one like USB c , better charge indicators, and new LEDs, it would have been a home run. The dual primary LEDs was a huge mistake.
Motorola Defy - disappointing coverage via the Bullitt service . Claims to have more coverage coming in 2024 but time will tell. Also, no ability to get weather forecasts. They are way behind the competition here.
👇 GEAR FROM THE VIDEO 👇
REI Flash 55 Pack: geni.us/Flash55
Dreamsleeper Pillow: geni.us/DreamSleeper
Zpacks Patches: geni.us/StickOnLoop
Defy Satellite Communicator: geni.us/DefySOS
X-Mid Pro 2+ Tent: geni.us/XmidPro2Plus
Oblivion Sleeping Pad: geni.us/OV-Oblivion
Thank You Justin - for sharing all of this RELEVANT and AUTHORITATIVE information for us!
They ruined the new NU25 by removing the 1 lumen mode. It’s super useful.
@@YoDawgUnleashed 100%!
I agree there
Justin, I'm a big fan of yours not only for your backpacking videos, but also your honest and valued opinions on gear. I agree with your FAIL of the NU25, the headband is terrible and gets tangled easily. Thanks to you I have purchased the Black Diamond Deploy and I love it!
Interesting. I was hesitating between those two and was about to get the nitecore. You're talking about the UL headband (shock cord), right ? I couldn't find much feedback about the BD deploy from the ultralight community and I had a bad experience with a BD Spot (failed in multiple ways during my last hike..)
@@tt-of4xv My apologies, yes the shock cord is annoying. As for the Black Diamond Deploy, I think it's easily the better of the two. The Deploy has a longer run time, a strap headband and if you a gram counter like me it's lighter than the NU-25. What's interesting the Deploy incorporates a variable angle lens so there's no need to adjust the light up and down with your hand. NU-25 = 46 grams Black Diamond Deploy = 39 grams.
I’m not sure why the new NU25 gets so much hate from the influencers. I love it. I never had the old one though so maybe I don’t know what I’m missing.
The old one is smaller, lighter, and has better lighting options.
@@Andy-Mesa which one do you recommend then ? I wish petzl would update the bindi.
Que nosso Pai Yah te abençoe, irmão 👊🏽 Aquele que segue nosso Rei, nada tem à temer 💪🏽
@4:06 Get the NU21. (This is what NC should have upgraded the NU25 to.) 👍
Nitecore NU21 360 Lumen Ultra Lightweight Outdoor Headlamp Dual Beam USB-C Rechargeable Headlight
I like the NU21, but I had to swap out the elastic for something longer because my head is preternaturally large.
I am in the minority but I love the new nu 25. If someone wants something like the old nu 25 the nu 21 is more similar
Great video! Did you leave out the end screen maybe?
Dubitative as for your comments on the Duplex. How can you tell this is a fail for this year, and at the same time just praise the X-Mid hiding the fact this tent not only have zippers, but double the amount on each fly? I own the Durston, and also own a Dipole Li. Both phenomenal tents. I just felt this way of shooting the Duplex down to place the X-Mid right after wasn’t fair :)
I don't think Justin explained himself as well as he could have there, but I believe he was specifically saying that the zipper design on the Zpacks was not as well-thought-out as it could have been. It adds more complexity to what was already a pretty simple tent as well.
I still love the NU 25.
Hello Justin, your content is truly awesome! Keep slaying! 🌟
I did the same pillow mods with my HMG Pod on my AT Thru in 2019. Same Zpacks stickon loops, bungy and buff.
❤😂🎉🎉🎉 I have the same OV pad that I bought earlier this year!!!
Absolutely love it, very comfy!!!😊
I agree with you on the exos 55 pro. I really think you should try the Durston 55 to compare and contrast to Flash 55 and Zpacks.
I don't have a Z-Packs tent, but I've seen other reviews that show the shortcomings of the fly closing on the non-zipper model and how it can let weather in, etc. I'd be willing to accept the extra complexity of the zipper for better weather protection, and the zippers on the fly is one advantage I thought the Durston had over the Duplex.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the backpacking gear! It's always helpful to hear feedback from others who have experienced different products. On the topic of outdoor gear, have you heard about the Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series? It's a versatile power station that offers massive capacity, powerful output, and fast recharging. It's a great option for outdoor enthusiasts like us who value reliability and convenience. Let me know if you'd like more information!
With the DreamSleeper pillow: I put a tee-shirt over the end of my sleeping mat and slip the inflated pillow under. The tee-shirt holds the pillow in place.
Very surprising on the Exos Pro, I have an Exos 58 (non pro) myself and it's been great
I've heard people love the non-pro (and even know of some people that love the pro) but I had too many points of issue with it and Osprey's reply was essentially "working as intended".
@@JustinOutdoors The crazy thing with Osprey is that every time they update the exos they fix something they broke earlier and brake a new thing oO
Exos pro is truly terrible. The trampoline is way too soft and it bounced all the time at a 14kg load. I have multiple holes and a rip after a 10 day / 200 mile hike. The stupid design of the back length adjuster is so annoying, you have to redo it every time you put the pack down and check it when you pick it up. Every single time. Oh, and all the webbing is tiny and shiny, so it continually pulls through - walk 10 minutes, readjust the shoulder straps, 10 minutes later readjust the hip belt etc etc all day long.
I think the Big Agnes matt is a 'fail' that won't affect a lot of weekend warriors. I switched from the neo-air because of poor comfort and find the BA much more comfortable. I'm rarely below freezing, so the insulation isn't really as much of a concern. That being the case, it's still probably the best 2-3 season pad for weekend warriors.
Justin and I 100% love all of your videos and maybe I am the odd duck out but I don’t understand the love for tents. I have always been a hammock, guy or when ground sleeping just simply a tarp guy
What is this quite modern habit of identifying yourself with stuff? I hear it only Americans do. So, you like to use a hammock. Being a 'hammock guy': did advertisers tell you you can't use other products? Like forever? Sleep at home also in a hammock? You don't own it that way, the stuff owns you!
I was sure you were going to go with the REI Helix as your win for pads.
Really wanted to try out the new nemo tensor for a winter pad as I do not have a winter pad yet. I recently did my first winter mountain trip and loved it. Used my helix but the Cascades were a bit to cold for it. I noticed on Expeds USA site they have the Ultra 7r for $120 and i've seen some decent reviews for it. Also, you seem to like the 5r so I picked up a 7r for super cheap (to good of a price to pass up). Wondered if you had any experience with it? Love the channel and pack wizard, good stuff dude.
great video justin! curious which rovyvon flashlight you’re using
cheers
Please make a review of the Nordkamm "ANTARES" backpack series 🙏! It is available in 50L , 40L or 30L. The 50L has a integrated frame as well!
REI Flash or Decathlon MT900? I like the look of the vertical zip on the MT900, but unsure of comfort. I'm in Europe, so I couldn't return the REI.
I will take the zpacks 😅
Great video.
I am thinking about the defy as well because it is so affordable. Mostly we can simply use our cell phones here in Europe so I would use it very rarely and than this one is so much more nicely priced in the subscription than the Garmin and Zoleo.
Not as good satellite connection in my experience so far but the rest of the stats are a win!
Wouldn't the sleeve in the back of the Trekology Aluft Plus pillow be considered a "pocket" also? That's how I've been using my cover for 2 years now. I put my down jacket in the back "sleeve" for the extra lift.
I would love to see you debate my life outdoors on the exos pro since he loves it. Great video!!
At my age, I cannot reach pack pockets anyway, so rely on belt pockets instead. But my trail bottle is a 16oz aluminum with screw top so it fits.
Did I miss something or there has been nothing about the Kalenji blue jacket from Decathlon Justin is often wearing ? I use the vest version (without sleeves) while hiking or ski touring here in the French Alps and I love it so much ! Especially for 10€ 🙂
Sit pad under my Trekology is what I do as well.
Video on the Defy coming soon? Info about it in regards to Canada has been hard to come by.
I'm waiting for it to officially launch in Canada before doing a video. They keep pushing back the date!
Drat. I ordered a nu25 recently. I still love my ol trusty nu32's.
The NU25 is still a great headlamp, I just wish they had just taken the old one and added USB-C.
The new nu25 is amazing
Not a fan of the new NU25 as well. But I got my eyes on the new SUNBLESA - just waiting for the USB-C model to come out.
I'll have to check it out!
@joez4284 I have tested the Sunblesa for my channel and I can highly recommend it
Really dosappointed with the new nu25. The nu33 is actually awesome though.if they just make a lighter nu33 with the same modes and such, jt would be what i want.
Been using the Defy for 3 months now.
Beats my old SpotX by a mile!
PLUS super tiny and great battery!
PLUS super cheap machine & subscription!
A LOT of other devices have beat Spot. lol i've been using an InReach since they were owned by DeLorme. I'm still on the same hardware and it's been working great for years.
Love your videos dude however disagree with you regarding the trekology aluft pillow. Loooove my one❤
You know I'm a huge fan, but is that naked, plastic, bubble-pillow really more comfortable than even a stuff sack full of day clothes?!? Let alone a tried and true contender? PS, this counts as a comment, so good for the stats : ) JMoneyG for the win!
I hate to say it, but I find the Big Agnes Zoom UL a bit cool too.
I like the Sofirn HS10 headlamp, it's cheap, has USB-C and moonlight, and replaceable 16340 batteries. I use a 3D printed screw top can to carry an extra battery. I also have a Trustfire T40R handheld light for far away stuff.
but there's no red mode, and I'm just camping not doing super long hikes, so I'm not sure if there's different requirements.
Hey Justin. Which model of Exped Ultra sleeping pad (1R, 3R, 5R) is your wife using please? And how does she like it? Any issues? Thanks.
5r
You are either Just in or outdoors you cant be both dude!!
So many takes that I disagree with and I've used most of the gear listed.
That OV pad seems a bit heavy
22-29 oz for a R3.5 pad is a non-starter for me.
Sorry but most products are a fail for some people due to we all have our own views. So its never a fail .
got a trash bag that cost 699 and expected it to be an amazing product
he should check out the boruit v 10
Quick question: what does a man use a Kula cloth for? I love mine...but I'm female
I have wondered the same. I've seen them on several men's packs on UA-cam
best pack of the year is kakwa 55
Why do companies feel the need to upgrade their equipment every year seems weird to me
Why buy a heavy pad, when you can wait for a light pad to go on sale for the same price?
40 lbs goodness sakes what are you carrying ? rocks ? lighten up man 😊
I’ve had two of the new NU25s, they look cool, have usb C…But my old nu25 is still my go to, the first new one died after getting a quick river crossing dunk even though my phone and everything else was fine. The UL version is better than the standard, standard would fall apart at the mounting bracket mid trail run. After losing the group to put my headlamp back together a couple of times I stopped using it.
I just don’t understand how you can count a pillow as part of your equipment when talking about “ultralight”, it’s hardly essential. 😂
Defy is defunct. Bullitt their third party partner folded a week ago.
Failing the pretty much universally loved Nu25 and promoting a headlamp that doesn't have red light (previous video) is just bizarre. I can't take this seriously anymore.
So agree, my experience is pretty much opposite on most presented here, plus the opinions are often that of a young guy. If you're older weight is more of an issue.
100% agreed!!
The old NU25 was great (other than microUSB). The new one is bulkier, has a terrible "UL" headband, is missing a 1 lumen mode, and the buttons are not as quick to use.
The NU25 is beloved because if what it was, not what it is now.
The old nu25 is universally loved. The new one is a pain in the ass. Too many useless modes. If they'd just made incremental updates to the old one like USB c , better charge indicators, and new LEDs, it would have been a home run. The dual primary LEDs was a huge mistake.
Motorola Defy - disappointing coverage via the Bullitt service . Claims to have more coverage coming in 2024 but time will tell. Also, no ability to get weather forecasts. They are way behind the competition here.
Zpacks is getting their lunch handed to them by Dan Durston, and now they're ripping off features to try and stem that flow.
THE NU33 is fantastic.