I have the same battery and just use a small piece of electrical tape cut in a circle over the top and bottom instead of the dumb end caps. Smaller and lighter. You can poke a tiny hole in the top one to see the charging light if desired.
@@natehikes They're all solid recommendations 👍 MLD is a good company, I don't have any of the mentioned gear, but have a few of their shoulder pockets attachments, bear hang kit, and their Evazote pad (basically a thin foam like the GG thinlite), so wouldn't hesitate to buy stuff from them. Litesmith is fantastic for so many little UL things. You can also order directly from US plastics for some things they may not have (I have a giant one of the talenti style jars from them that's bigger than the biggest one Litesmith sells, for when I'm backpacking with my partner and we want to do a double ramen bomb in one container.) Love that you showed a fairly budget, solid watch option instead of the latest Garmin fenix 8 for $1K or whatever.
Quickly becoming an MLD fan over these past few years. GG was always sold out of 1/8” foam pads back in the day so I turned to MLD instead. Got the bear bag for the LT in 2021 and it worked well. Thanks for tips and your input. See ya out there!! 🤘
Thanks for this gear review. Interesting, to say the least. MY UL/SUL GEAR: TENT-> Tarptent NOTCH Li. (Dyneema) PACK-> Osprey EXOS 58 SLEEP SYSTEM-> Western Mountaineering Megalite overstuffed to 20 F. REI 3 season R3.5 FLASH insulated air mattress COOK SYSTEM-> Trail Designs Sidewinder titanium Caldera Cone W/ optional INFERNO insert to make it a "gasifier" wood burner.(HOTT!) ESBIT or alcohol is the usual fuel, mating 3 cup anodized aluminum pot & lid, plastic measuring/drinking cup, long handled Lexan spoon. ** I have Cascade Designs CF trekking poles too BUT... they both have hand straps. POLE STRAPS are essential (if you know how to use them).
I have two Exos packs and love ‘em. It’s fun assembling a UL kit with traditional big 3 items. Anybody can buy their way into UL, but that’s kinda boring..
Second the Trail Designs Sidewinder!! İt's super efficient and quick, it's UL, it all nests in a small pot and so much quieter than a canister stove. Love mine, will never use anything else.
I agree - On the high side. Overall impressed with the Outdoor Vitals products I have. Plus their “Live Ultralight” membership makes it easier to save for a big purchase like this. Let me know what you think after some testing.
Those jars are for real. I got an assortment from another company, can I say their name? Gah-Rog Groan Geer. The 26oz is a little too big, but boy, could you make a lot of food in that. I think the 16oz is just right. And the plastic is polypropylene - can take boiling water... Which reminds me.... water at 170-180 is sufficient for rehydrating meals, homemade or commercial. Enjoyed your take on the gear and your casual style!
Bali-clava 🤣 It’s Balaclava mate. I got a cheap one I made from a ripped jacket. I sewed the bottom of it and that’s it. Still zippered. I gotta ad those armpit straps to keep it in place. Thanks! As for pumps I got the atomic pump. I had a lantern anyways so it’s more functions for less weight. I’d have loved links to the products in the description, Nate. Great video anyway :)
I hesitate because I really don’t think what I eat would be appetizing or pleasing to others. I actually don’t cold soak that often and opt more for dry foods. If you’re still interested, let me know.
Start here if you haven’t: Backpackers Beware: The HEAVY Truth About Food and Weight ua-cam.com/video/EetmnJ5eD-w/v-deo.html I can’t make any promises, but I’ll see what I can do.
Warmth to weight down wins, but that doesn’t exactly equate to a warmer bag. This was the quilt used by Andrew Skurka for his 4700 hundred mile Alaska-Yukon expedition.
Can I ask what the pros and cons of using a battery cell over a battery bank is? Seems like it ticks off every box. Especially the price point box, two 5K MAH is two/thirds the price of a single 10K MAH battery bank for less(?) weight and splitting up the battery storage already seems like a no brainier and the norm.
Yea - I had same thought. But I guess it’s more complicated than that (see others comments). Power loss thru the charging cord potentially reduces the overall capacity. All I know is that I plug in what needs charging and it charges it to where I need. So I suppose you could double or triple up - the theory stands as far as I can tell. Electricity is confusing 🫤
A note on the battery. When using the USB-C port to charge a device, it will run at 5v and at 5v that 21700 battery has a 3050mAh capacity. Plus you still need a cable. Another option (and my personal favorite) is the Anker Nano 5,000mAh. It weighs 3.5oz and you don't need a cable as it has a built-in USB-C connector.
Yaaas! Basically everything I have is USB-C except my iPhone - which I just switched to and kinda regret. You’re obviously well versed in this, so question: Don’t all power banks fall short of their advertised capacity, regardless of cord? Or is it the cord that causes the loss?
@@natehikes Yeah, lithium ion batteries are always advertised at "optimal" capacity. So even the quality brands will find the highest possible capacity and market the whole line at that. Cheap ones and knockoff brands will just flat out lie In the case of this Nitecore one, Lithium-ion batteries have a higher capacity at lower voltages so because it's a 21700 battery they advertise it at it's normal spec (3.5v) as it's primary purpose is as a 21700 battery and a battery bank (5v) is secondary. I've seen Nitecore batteries test pretty consistently near their advertised capacities though. Same with Anker. So I tend to stick to those. There are USB-C -> lightening adapters. Pretty inexpensive for you iPhone
I have the same battery and just use a small piece of electrical tape cut in a circle over the top and bottom instead of the dumb end caps. Smaller and lighter. You can poke a tiny hole in the top one to see the charging light if desired.
You’re dedicated! Any other suggestions for the items shown?
@@natehikes They're all solid recommendations 👍
MLD is a good company, I don't have any of the mentioned gear, but have a few of their shoulder pockets attachments, bear hang kit, and their Evazote pad (basically a thin foam like the GG thinlite), so wouldn't hesitate to buy stuff from them.
Litesmith is fantastic for so many little UL things. You can also order directly from US plastics for some things they may not have (I have a giant one of the talenti style jars from them that's bigger than the biggest one Litesmith sells, for when I'm backpacking with my partner and we want to do a double ramen bomb in one container.)
Love that you showed a fairly budget, solid watch option instead of the latest Garmin fenix 8 for $1K or whatever.
Quickly becoming an MLD fan over these past few years. GG was always sold out of 1/8” foam pads back in the day so I turned to MLD instead. Got the bear bag for the LT in 2021 and it worked well. Thanks for tips and your input. See ya out there!! 🤘
MLD makes great stuff. I gotta look into that 3oz sleeping bag liner and the balaclava!
Right? I think they deserve more attention than what’s presented on YT. They rock! Great customer service too 🤘
Thanks for this gear review. Interesting, to say the least.
MY UL/SUL GEAR: TENT-> Tarptent NOTCH Li. (Dyneema) PACK-> Osprey EXOS 58 SLEEP SYSTEM-> Western Mountaineering Megalite overstuffed to 20 F. REI 3 season R3.5 FLASH insulated air mattress
COOK SYSTEM-> Trail Designs Sidewinder titanium Caldera Cone W/ optional INFERNO insert to make it a "gasifier" wood burner.(HOTT!) ESBIT or alcohol is the usual fuel, mating 3 cup anodized aluminum pot & lid, plastic measuring/drinking cup, long handled Lexan spoon.
** I have Cascade Designs CF trekking poles too BUT... they both have hand straps. POLE STRAPS are essential (if you know how to use them).
I have two Exos packs and love ‘em. It’s fun assembling a UL kit with traditional big 3 items. Anybody can buy their way into UL, but that’s kinda boring..
Second the Trail Designs Sidewinder!! İt's super efficient and quick, it's UL, it all nests in a small pot and so much quieter than a canister stove. Love mine, will never use anything else.
I got the jacket recently. It is a bit pricey for what it is but I do agree it seems pretty awesome.
I agree - On the high side. Overall impressed with the Outdoor Vitals products I have. Plus their “Live Ultralight” membership makes it easier to save for a big purchase like this. Let me know what you think after some testing.
Those jars are for real. I got an assortment from another company, can I say their name? Gah-Rog Groan Geer. The 26oz is a little too big, but boy, could you make a lot of food in that. I think the 16oz is just right. And the plastic is polypropylene - can take boiling water... Which reminds me.... water at 170-180 is sufficient for rehydrating meals, homemade or commercial. Enjoyed your take on the gear and your casual style!
Ahh didn’t know they were on GGG. I don’t visit that site enough. Someone else said they use the 26 for them and their partner and it works great.
Bali-clava 🤣
It’s Balaclava mate. I got a cheap one I made from a ripped jacket. I sewed the bottom of it and that’s it. Still zippered. I gotta ad those armpit straps to keep it in place. Thanks!
As for pumps I got the atomic pump. I had a lantern anyways so it’s more functions for less weight.
I’d have loved links to the products in the description, Nate. Great video anyway :)
My wife makes fun of my pronunciations too 🤣 I’d like to learn how to sew someday. Thanks for watching and the kind words 👊
Would like to hear more about what recipes you have for cold soaking that are worth eating. Thanks.
I hesitate because I really don’t think what I eat would be appetizing or pleasing to others. I actually don’t cold soak that often and opt more for dry foods. If you’re still interested, let me know.
@ Still interested. Anything to lower weight and stay moving.
Start here if you haven’t:
Backpackers Beware: The HEAVY Truth About Food and Weight
ua-cam.com/video/EetmnJ5eD-w/v-deo.html
I can’t make any promises, but I’ll see what I can do.
@ Figures! Thanks.
Why would you want a synthetic quilt if they're not as warm, don't pack as well, etc. Seems like a lose lose?
Warmth to weight down wins, but that doesn’t exactly equate to a warmer bag. This was the quilt used by Andrew Skurka for his 4700 hundred mile Alaska-Yukon expedition.
Can I ask what the pros and cons of using a battery cell over a battery bank is? Seems like it ticks off every box. Especially the price point box, two 5K MAH is two/thirds the price of a single 10K MAH battery bank for less(?) weight and splitting up the battery storage already seems like a no brainier and the norm.
Yea - I had same thought. But I guess it’s more complicated than that (see others comments). Power loss thru the charging cord potentially reduces the overall capacity. All I know is that I plug in what needs charging and it charges it to where I need. So I suppose you could double or triple up - the theory stands as far as I can tell. Electricity is confusing 🫤
The battery isn’t good for thru hikers though. Unless they have the latest phones that don’t need charging very often.
Agreed. I carried 10,000 MAH when hiking the LT.
Yeah I cold soak with boiled water too😂
Hey that makes two of us 😆
The jar is making me click away.
That’s why I put chapters. Next!
A note on the battery. When using the USB-C port to charge a device, it will run at 5v and at 5v that 21700 battery has a 3050mAh capacity. Plus you still need a cable. Another option (and my personal favorite) is the Anker Nano 5,000mAh. It weighs 3.5oz and you don't need a cable as it has a built-in USB-C connector.
Yaaas! Basically everything I have is USB-C except my iPhone - which I just switched to and kinda regret. You’re obviously well versed in this, so question: Don’t all power banks fall short of their advertised capacity, regardless of cord? Or is it the cord that causes the loss?
@@natehikes Yeah, lithium ion batteries are always advertised at "optimal" capacity. So even the quality brands will find the highest possible capacity and market the whole line at that. Cheap ones and knockoff brands will just flat out lie
In the case of this Nitecore one, Lithium-ion batteries have a higher capacity at lower voltages so because it's a 21700 battery they advertise it at it's normal spec (3.5v) as it's primary purpose is as a 21700 battery and a battery bank (5v) is secondary. I've seen Nitecore batteries test pretty consistently near their advertised capacities though. Same with Anker. So I tend to stick to those.
There are USB-C -> lightening adapters. Pretty inexpensive for you iPhone
@theaknights Dang..Way over my head. God gave me a tool belt for life and left a few things out - I’m surviving but it’s tough sometimes 🙃
Any Garmin will have drastically better battery life than the Apple Watches. I’m an apple guy, but their watches suck.
Sold it to a friend. That watch had it all except battery. So many hikes spend trying to keep it charged. I miss it for everyday use though 😢