Would be really nice if manufacturers started making these Ultra Fabric backpacks instead of all white, they add a black bottom, so people don't complain about it looking so dirty.
Hey there! I found this new project called freebeat Morph 2-in-1 eBike, and it's really exciting. It offers a unique blend of fitness and technology. Plus, it has this incredible feature where you can charge the bike when you're using it indoors. How cool is that? I totally agree with you about the backpacks. Manufacturers should definitely consider adding a black bottom to the Ultra Fabric backpacks to prevent them from looking dirty. It's a small change that could make a big difference. Keep up the great comments!
When bikepacking in the Scottish Highlands a couple of years ago, I used a Rab down quilt (not made anymore) in a one person single wall tent. I got some ultralight breathable ripstop from Ripstock by the Roll (check them out for almost any kind of outdoor cloth etc) to make a waterproof cover for my quilt. Scotland ain't dry by any means, and it was cold too. I put little snaps on the edge of the quilt and on the cover (with some extra cloth extending beyond the snaps). That way the superlight cover didn't slide off during the night. Worked great and slept warm and dry even when condensation dripped on top of me.
Really enjoyed this review, Justin. I have a few OV items that I really like, so I bought the Tushar rainjacket when it first came out thinking this might be IT. It fits well (but you need to size up), the fabric is very nice on the skin and it's really light. Downsides: the water repellent coating is not durable, it's wetting out on the shoulders after only a few hikes, wrists are elastic, not velcro, the pit zips are tiny and almost useless. The biggest problem, though, is the hood. It's not adjustable and no draw string, so if you have strong winds and driving rain or snow, it blows right in. I think with a just a few changes, this could be a real contender. As is, I have relegated it to around town use (it looks great for a rain jacket), and am sticking with my Montbell Storm Cruiser. All the bells&whistles for just a few grams more. If you got their sun hoodie, let us know what you think. It's my favourite.
@@douglasconrad8969 most of there stuff is, but after hearing something from one of the OV people I did some checking, and apparently OV was very particular about the factories it uses in China. They pay better, have met the international guidelines for factory working conditions, and have modern facilities. So in the end I was Ok with buying from them. Yes, it’s not made in the USA, but at least they aren’t using slave labor or sweatshops.
This was a really fun video! So fun that you got to go out with the OV crew. Hope to see you on the next trip! Great editing too. I am guessing there was an Insta360 X3 (or 4!) on a 100cm pole for the drone like shots. Correct? And what camera did you pack for the prime lens shots (which look REALLY good!) Thanks and take care! Love your work :)
Slept on a friends Oblivion (long/wide) last year and I finally pulled the trigger on one a couple of months ago. Also works perfectly for truck camping.
The water bottle compartments look so big that your bottles would easily fall out. Is that true or was there a strap that I could not see. Thank you so much, I really loved all of this gear from Outdoor Vitals!
Thanks for the video! I was mostly interested in the backpack and the rain jacket. I had a hard time finding a backpack for my "short trunk/long legs," and, years ago, ended up with the ULA Catalyst.I have an SI that gets cranky and backpacks do this to it. Ultimately, under the backpack I have to wear a fanny pack with either a wool sock or a bit of closed cell foam inside padding my SI. So it would be a game changer if I didn't have to do this! And I HATE that I can't reach my water bottles from the side pockets. It makes no sense! I don't need another backpack but if I were somewhere and could try one of these on... Well, you know! I waited a long time for the EE Visp to be in stock, so I was thrilled to get that. It does fine when it's sprinkling outside. I did use it 1.5 or 2 hours on a fishing trip when it did rain hard for some of that time. Unluckily, on a day with low 70s temp and low humidity, aside from the rain, areas of the Visp did wet out. I wore my Simm's during the other rain storms. For backpacking, I now know that I need something else. I sure hope you do a thorough review, including breathability, for this rain jacket. I haven't looked but I sure hope it comes in women's sizes that aren't only black. I'm happy with my tents and lower R- value pad but hearing about another company's products gives you an idea if you want to explore other things more thoroughly. Thanks again!
Just finished my 2023 thru hike on the AT and kinda wish I had known about this company before I purchased my gear. Perhaps if my family is supportive, I can try the PCT next year and swap some of my gear. As for the tent, better ventilation and tighten your guide lines should help. I would add for a trekking pole tent, single ply tent, it is heavy if I read the specs correctly; just over 2lbs.
I have a couple of OV products, and I like the looks of the quilt. I need a "summer" quilt. Unfortunately, the dollar conversion makes it quite expensive, since the CAD has tanked again. 😝
Justin, you have been using those trekking poles for so long. They seem to be the only ones I’ve seen that have such a long cork/foam handle and unique… a way to attach a camera/insta360. What are these poles and do you still like them? I love the option to throw my Insta up in the air like you do. Very cool and unique way to film out in the backcountry
I also have their down camp booties and they totally were a God-send two weeks ago in the Bob Marshall. The sleeping bag I was trying out wasn't one of theirs and I froze. Without those booties I would have been miserable.
I have the OV down booties as well, and I love them! I camp in late Autumn/Early Spring in Ontario, Canada, a lot, so keeping my feet warm is very important!
Great video Justin! While I love the outdoor vitals guys and some of their gear (the Tushar rain jacket is on my wish list) the $328 price of the CS40 is a huge turn off. Hate to sound like a Durston fan boy but.. the Kakwa 40 is a strong competitor to the CS40 and the Kakwa provides additional features that are missing in the CS40. Such as: a horizontal & vertical tubed frame as well as 2 free shoulder strap pockets all for $78 less.
I’ve decided to try the OV pack all because my Durston Kakwa 40 has failed in several points. The frame wore holes on the bottom of the pack directly affecting performance and carrying comfort. My OV Shadowlight is an extremely comfortable pack and I’m looking forward to testing the CS40.
I’ve looked closer at the tent, and I’m wondering what the logic is with not having a vent at the peak of the tent. Even double-wall tents often have these on the fly, is this the UL single-wall tent standard? Do these designers expect all ventilation to come from below? (When clearly warm water vapor rises).
Justin, I think you had the quilt inside-out (the second morning inside your tent). I am fairly certain the Outdoor Vital quilts have a diffential cut. Ao regardless of the temperature rating, the gray color stays outside.
I have cowboy camped on snow with my Uberlite in -10 degrees Celsius (14F). Felt just fine despite the Uberlite only having an R-value of 2.3. Other mats with a higher R-value have felt cold in similar weather.
I have their inflatable pillow. I like the fabic its made of; soft and quiet. But it only lasted 3 trips before it quit holding air. I kept it in it's stuffsack after use. So it wasn't mis-handled. Not a good first impression for me.
They should do an Ultra version of the tent. That would make it stand out more than just another sil-nylon trekking pole tent…. Durston Xmid is a much better design and materials for same cost.
I have a couple items from ov, and i find their ztuff as good as other more well known stuff. I also like they are willing to go out with you to provide an opinion of their gezr.
If your looking for a durable rain jacket the black diamond storm line is extremely durable. Iv been through alot of thick brush with it and haven’t got any holes or rips. Iv been very impressed with it
I have had my storyline stretch for a few years too and like it a lot, the dwr is starting to wear out, but it's light, stretchy and I agree, durable, and the cinch on the hood is great
Justin, just wanted to let you know your videos are great. Please tell me what set of trekking poles you are using in this video. Thanks and keep up the great work. Peace
It’s hard to tell if the backpack or tent are anything near innovative, they appear to be pretty standard clones of the Gossamer Gear and Z-packs. Maybe they’re less expensive?
I wonder why companies are still coming up with *new* tents that have already been done a bazillion times over. The lanshan has the same specs but is massively cheaper, and the durston has the same specs but is an actual double-walled tent, EE, Gossamer, sixmoons, all of them make about this same tent in a variation that at the very least has a specific benefit, but this tent for the weight and costs i just don't get
I ordered the Outdoor Vitals Tern Ultralight Merino Wool Hoodie for my Colorado Trail trip this month. After I pulled it out of the box, I removed the neck tag and tried it on. I immediately noticed a thumb size hole in the center of the chest, so I contacted Outdoor Vitals about them sending me a shirt with a hole in it. They replyed stating since I removed the tag they wouldn't warranty the product. If I wanted to pay and mail it to them I can have it repaired for a possible $20 charge. I paid full price, I should receive the entire shirt. Tayson Whittaker and Outdoor Vitals only want your money!
If I used my 15 degree bag in actual 15 degree weather, I would be dead. I froze my ass off in it when the temp was in the low 40’s. I paid four season prices for summer gear.
@@JustinOutdoors regardless…it is still cheaply sourced material, made overseas and shipped direct to customer. Buyer beware. Read the company bio…it’s all there in black and white. Support companies that actually create, design and manufacture their own products.
@@thepsychedeliccowboy No company manufacturers 100% of their product. Sure some companies might finish the product in a factory they own themselves, but no one is creating the fabrics, buckles, zippers, cordage, etc. (probably close to 90% of the effort inputs) in addition to finishing the product themselves.
@@JustinOutdoors I never said they did. But I know one thing, I will buy a gear item from Zpacks, Durchware Gear, Hammock Gear, EE, UGQ, etc or a small cottage company on GGG before I would ever buy something from Outdoor Vitals. That’s my opinion. They use inferior material, cheap labor, and ship direct to customer from overseas. Have they ever brought a product to market without a go fund me? You go ahead and push their stuff, makes no difference to me, but you know as well as I do the stuff is cheap junk. I’m not sure why I continue to argue this. I just don’t buy their stuff. I guess I just hate to see people I would look to for guidance tell me this stuff is good, when we both know otherwise. I love what you’re doing with the gear podcast and your UA-cam page. Don’t become like some of these guys on here and just push and review crap because they took you camping. Let Dan Becker do that.
Have you tried Outdoor Vitals gear?
👇 GEAR FROM THE VIDEO 👇
CS40 Pack: geni.us/OV-CS40
Oblivion Sleeping Pad: geni.us/OV-Oblivion
Stormloft Quilt: geni.us/OV-Quilt
Fortius 2P Tent: geni.us/OV-Fortius2P
Ventus Active Hoodie: geni.us/OV-Ventus
Nebo Windbreaker: geni.us/OV-Nebo
Tushar Rain Jacket: geni.us/OV-Tushar
Yes I have, I have a very old 0 degree bag and a sunhoodie I just got. Love them both
Would be really nice if manufacturers started making these Ultra Fabric backpacks instead of all white, they add a black bottom, so people don't complain about it looking so dirty.
Durston Kakwa and Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra are both made from ultra 200 in dark colors
Or at least in earth tones. The black and white backpacks look like something an Imperial Stormtrooper would carry.
Hey there! I found this new project called freebeat Morph 2-in-1 eBike, and it's really exciting. It offers a unique blend of fitness and technology. Plus, it has this incredible feature where you can charge the bike when you're using it indoors. How cool is that? I totally agree with you about the backpacks. Manufacturers should definitely consider adding a black bottom to the Ultra Fabric backpacks to prevent them from looking dirty. It's a small change that could make a big difference. Keep up the great comments!
Ula has an all black ultra.
People care about outdoor gear being dirty?
I don't know any of the people at Outdoor Vitals, but I do have much respect for the company that they have grown over the last several years.
I've had all the gear from them out perform what they claim. I was happy with everything I've got from them.
When bikepacking in the Scottish Highlands a couple of years ago, I used a Rab down quilt (not made anymore) in a one person single wall tent. I got some ultralight breathable ripstop from Ripstock by the Roll (check them out for almost any kind of outdoor cloth etc) to make a waterproof cover for my quilt. Scotland ain't dry by any means, and it was cold too. I put little snaps on the edge of the quilt and on the cover (with some extra cloth extending beyond the snaps). That way the superlight cover didn't slide off during the night. Worked great and slept warm and dry even when condensation dripped on top of me.
I love seeing you doing some northern Utah hikes. imo northern Utah is very underrated for backpacking/hiking.
Lets keep it that way. Don’t want too many people hiking in Utah. ;)
Really enjoyed this review, Justin. I have a few OV items that I really like, so I bought the Tushar rainjacket when it first came out thinking this might be IT. It fits well (but you need to size up), the fabric is very nice on the skin and it's really light. Downsides: the water repellent coating is not durable, it's wetting out on the shoulders after only a few hikes, wrists are elastic, not velcro, the pit zips are tiny and almost useless. The biggest problem, though, is the hood. It's not adjustable and no draw string, so if you have strong winds and driving rain or snow, it blows right in. I think with a just a few changes, this could be a real contender. As is, I have relegated it to around town use (it looks great for a rain jacket), and am sticking with my Montbell Storm Cruiser. All the bells&whistles for just a few grams more. If you got their sun hoodie, let us know what you think. It's my favourite.
Made in china
@@douglasconrad8969 most of there stuff is, but after hearing something from one of the OV people I did some checking, and apparently OV was very particular about the factories it uses in China. They pay better, have met the international guidelines for factory working conditions, and have modern facilities. So in the end I was Ok with buying from them. Yes, it’s not made in the USA, but at least they aren’t using slave labor or sweatshops.
You're in good hands! This is a great way to test their gear with them with you! Enjoy your time you lucky dog!
This was a really fun video! So fun that you got to go out with the OV crew. Hope to see you on the next trip! Great editing too. I am guessing there was an Insta360 X3 (or 4!) on a 100cm pole for the drone like shots. Correct? And what camera did you pack for the prime lens shots (which look REALLY good!) Thanks and take care! Love your work :)
I have one of their quilts and a Dragon Wool hoodie and like them very much. Would recommend.
Slept on a friends Oblivion (long/wide) last year and I finally pulled the trigger on one a couple of months ago.
Also works perfectly for truck camping.
OV makes great gear... I love my 30F quilt. I have a couple quilts and this one blocks the droughts better than most.
The water bottle compartments look so big that your bottles would easily fall out. Is that true or was there a strap that I could not see. Thank you so much, I really loved all of this gear from Outdoor Vitals!
Great description of the functional mechanics of the pack. Makes perfect sense and underscores the value of a well-designed pack!
Thanks for the video! I was mostly interested in the backpack and the rain jacket. I had a hard time finding a backpack for my "short trunk/long legs," and, years ago, ended up with the ULA Catalyst.I have an SI that gets cranky and backpacks do this to it. Ultimately, under the backpack I have to wear a fanny pack with either a wool sock or a bit of closed cell foam inside padding my SI. So it would be a game changer if I didn't have to do this! And I HATE that I can't reach my water bottles from the side pockets. It makes no sense! I don't need another backpack but if I were somewhere and could try one of these on... Well, you know!
I waited a long time for the EE Visp to be in stock, so I was thrilled to get that. It does fine when it's sprinkling outside. I did use it 1.5 or 2 hours on a fishing trip when it did rain hard for some of that time. Unluckily, on a day with low 70s temp and low humidity, aside from the rain, areas of the Visp did wet out. I wore my Simm's during the other rain storms. For backpacking, I now know that I need something else. I sure hope you do a thorough review, including breathability, for this rain jacket. I haven't looked but I sure hope it comes in women's sizes that aren't only black.
I'm happy with my tents and lower R- value pad but hearing about another company's products gives you an idea if you want to explore other things more thoroughly. Thanks again!
Nice update on these items!!! Glade to see Tayson backpacking with you…. Super rad 🤙🏽
Just finished my 2023 thru hike on the AT and kinda wish I had known about this company before I purchased my gear. Perhaps if my family is supportive, I can try the PCT next year and swap some of my gear. As for the tent, better ventilation and tighten your guide lines should help. I would add for a trekking pole tent, single ply tent, it is heavy if I read the specs correctly; just over 2lbs.
I have there blue 15 degree synthetic quilt , it’s great , Quality is very good . One of my favorite pieces of gear , very warm and cozy .
This video is such a good example of some of the various English accents of North America.
I have a couple of OV products, and I like the looks of the quilt. I need a "summer" quilt. Unfortunately, the dollar conversion makes it quite expensive, since the CAD has tanked again. 😝
Justin, you have been using those trekking poles for so long. They seem to be the only ones I’ve seen that have such a long cork/foam handle and unique… a way to attach a camera/insta360. What are these poles and do you still like them?
I love the option to throw my Insta up in the air like you do. Very cool and unique way to film out in the backcountry
check the video description for all my filming gear :)
I also have their down camp booties and they totally were a God-send two weeks ago in the Bob Marshall. The sleeping bag I was trying out wasn't one of theirs and I froze. Without those booties I would have been miserable.
I have the OV down booties as well, and I love them! I camp in late Autumn/Early Spring in Ontario, Canada, a lot, so keeping my feet warm is very important!
Great video Justin!
While I love the outdoor vitals guys and some of their gear (the Tushar rain jacket is on my wish list) the $328 price of the CS40 is a huge turn off.
Hate to sound like a Durston fan boy but.. the Kakwa 40 is a strong competitor to the CS40 and the Kakwa provides additional features that are missing in the CS40. Such as: a horizontal & vertical tubed frame as well as 2 free shoulder strap pockets all for $78 less.
I’ve decided to try the OV pack all because my Durston Kakwa 40 has failed in several points. The frame wore holes on the bottom of the pack directly affecting performance and carrying comfort. My OV Shadowlight is an extremely comfortable pack and I’m looking forward to testing the CS40.
remember you get what you pay for ! quality isn't cheap
Excellent Dan Becker did the same thing for them sometime ago! Great Justin indoors.
What is that meal you’re eating for breakfast? :) does it require any cooking?
I’ve looked closer at the tent, and I’m wondering what the logic is with not having a vent at the peak of the tent. Even double-wall tents often have these on the fly, is this the UL single-wall tent standard? Do these designers expect all ventilation to come from below? (When clearly warm water vapor rises).
Justin, I think you had the quilt inside-out (the second morning inside your tent). I am fairly certain the Outdoor Vital quilts have a diffential cut. Ao regardless of the temperature rating, the gray color stays outside.
I have cowboy camped on snow with my Uberlite in -10 degrees Celsius (14F). Felt just fine despite the Uberlite only having an R-value of 2.3. Other mats with a higher R-value have felt cold in similar weather.
I’m an east coast guy…..it’s so weird to see people hiking in the snow in July.
Thanks for your video. Were you using goretex shoes and/or waterproof socks? What's your view on that? Many thanks
Just regular socks and shoes
Their blow-up pillows are beyond wonderful and I never backpack without one!!
I have their inflatable pillow. I like the fabic its made of; soft and quiet. But it only lasted 3 trips before it quit holding air. I kept it in it's stuffsack after use. So it wasn't mis-handled. Not a good first impression for me.
This is a GREAT idea, awesome job Justin!!!
I'm looking into a new pad and at this price it is a strong contender. Thanks
They should do an Ultra version of the tent. That would make it stand out more than just another sil-nylon trekking pole tent….
Durston Xmid is a much better design and materials for same cost.
I’m wondering what tent Brigham was using? Prototype test of an Ultra trekking pole tent?
I have a couple items from ov, and i find their ztuff as good as other more well known stuff. I also like they are willing to go out with you to provide an opinion of their gezr.
I am considering their rain jacket and have been wondering about durability. Looking forward to you testing it out.
If your looking for a durable rain jacket the black diamond storm line is extremely durable. Iv been through alot of thick brush with it and haven’t got any holes or rips. Iv been very impressed with it
I have had my storyline stretch for a few years too and like it a lot, the dwr is starting to wear out, but it's light, stretchy and I agree, durable, and the cinch on the hood is great
Justin, just wanted to let you know your videos are great. Please tell me what set of trekking poles you are using in this video. Thanks and keep up the great work. Peace
I list all my camera gear in the video description
New kid on the block for pack material is Ultra200TX. Mark my words...come ‘24 you’re gonna see a whole bunch of companies jump on it.
Have several item from OV …… love their company
Wish you tried more of their clothing, it is all awesome!
Love you bro, and Justin I love OV. Member for life
It’s hard to tell if the backpack or tent are anything near innovative, they appear to be pretty standard clones of the Gossamer Gear and Z-packs. Maybe they’re less expensive?
Bad reviews could leave you abandoned in the Utah wilderness.
I wonder why companies are still coming up with *new* tents that have already been done a bazillion times over. The lanshan has the same specs but is massively cheaper, and the durston has the same specs but is an actual double-walled tent, EE, Gossamer, sixmoons, all of them make about this same tent in a variation that at the very least has a specific benefit, but this tent for the weight and costs i just don't get
Thanks for the review!
First off, if you utilize the guy lines on the roof to tighten up the tent roof.
Interesting format.
their prices are way too high for what they sell
Get em Justin! haha just kidding, I'm sure the outdoor vitals gear is just fine.
Love your videos!!
Of course there’s a guy from
Utah with that last name 😂
I need 2 try some of their gear 😊
Where is this? I live in UT and I wanna go.
Sponsored or not by OV, but I think that would be so much fun hiking with these two blokes 👍🏾
This pack Look awesome !!!!
And you didn't talked with them about the condensation....
I told them about the condensation dripping from the roof. I forgot to get it on camera though.
Outdoor Vitals rules
I see a lot of watermelon snow
I ordered the Outdoor Vitals Tern Ultralight Merino Wool Hoodie for my Colorado Trail trip this month. After I pulled it out of the box, I removed the neck tag and tried it on. I immediately noticed a thumb size hole in the center of the chest, so I contacted Outdoor Vitals about them sending me a shirt with a hole in it. They replyed stating since I removed the tag they wouldn't warranty the product. If I wanted to pay and mail it to them I can have it repaired for a possible $20 charge. I paid full price, I should receive the entire shirt. Tayson Whittaker and Outdoor Vitals only want your money!
Purple pants
All of the OV gear just looks too heavy and overpriced for what it is compared to other UL gear.
Packs look like Hyperlite
I thought so too, but then I noticed the load lifters. HMG doesn't have those.
OV is not a manufacturer. They import from China.
Not true. They invent all their products and have them put together in China, often providing the materials. Look at their website.
Outdoor Vitals gear is cheap Chinese made crap at a "premium" price. Buyer beware. Go read the company bio...My two cents.
If I used my 15 degree bag in actual 15 degree weather, I would be dead. I froze my ass off in it when the temp was in the low 40’s. I paid four season prices for summer gear.
Pretty sure most of their stuff is made in Vietnam
@@JustinOutdoors regardless…it is still cheaply sourced material, made overseas and shipped direct to customer. Buyer beware. Read the company bio…it’s all there in black and white. Support companies that actually create, design and manufacture their own products.
@@thepsychedeliccowboy No company manufacturers 100% of their product. Sure some companies might finish the product in a factory they own themselves, but no one is creating the fabrics, buckles, zippers, cordage, etc. (probably close to 90% of the effort inputs) in addition to finishing the product themselves.
@@JustinOutdoors I never said they did. But I know one thing, I will buy a gear item from Zpacks, Durchware Gear, Hammock Gear, EE, UGQ, etc or a small cottage company on GGG before I would ever buy something from Outdoor Vitals. That’s my opinion. They use inferior material, cheap labor, and ship direct to customer from overseas. Have they ever brought a product to market without a go fund me?
You go ahead and push their stuff, makes no difference to me, but you know as well as I do the stuff is cheap junk.
I’m not sure why I continue to argue this. I just don’t buy their stuff. I guess I just hate to see people I would look to for guidance tell me this stuff is good, when we both know otherwise.
I love what you’re doing with the gear podcast and your UA-cam page. Don’t become like some of these guys on here and just push and review crap because they took you camping. Let Dan Becker do that.
You have moobs
why go ultralight if your gonna have a 10lbs beard,lol