Gear to AVOID! And What You Should Get Instead.
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- Опубліковано 16 тра 2024
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Gear I would Avoid:
MSR FreeLite: geni.us/rWvHIK
BA Prospector: geni.us/vTEK
Insulated V: geni.us/ONPs
Jetboil: geni.us/e2MkC5
Flexlite Air: geni.us/TVoVK0h
Gear I would Get Instead:
Exos Pro 55: geni.us/lbo5
MSR Windburner: geni.us/ZLneL
Pocket Rocket Deluxe: geni.us/bmPeHl4
Pocket Rocket: geni.us/miwAd
Toaks Pot: geni.us/FfAC
BA Rapide: geni.us/bO48Qum
Chair Zero: geni.us/b9bPk
MHW Strato: geni.us/QjqXx6
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*Gear I would Avoid:*
MSR Freelite: geni.us/9CCOW
BA Prospector: geni.us/KGGb4fe
Insulated V: geni.us/xv9Bn
Jetboil: geni.us/fwXq5lh
Flexlite Air: geni.us/t5kqG
*Gear I would Get Instead:*
Exos Pro 55: geni.us/OlmFdC
MSR Windburner: geni.us/i8ez
Pocket Rocket Deluxe: geni.us/1YRnL
Pocket Rocket: geni.us/raKi
Toaks Pot: geni.us/yMC4t
BA Rapide: geni.us/Qu8G5
Chair Zero: geni.us/LR2hUH
MHW Strato: geni.us/akDF
Just out of curiosity I have a toaks pot and a soto amicus stove and the pot seems to let off a real bad smell when I have used it. Is this normal ?
i love my jet boil. while your drinking instant coffee, im using the french press option
I love my Jetboil and I have never spilled a pot of boiling water on me due to the locking feature of the system, a very important safety feature in the backcountry. Most of your choices are a pass for me which just emphasizes how everyone has their own preferences and priorities in choosing their gear.
Totally agree. The jetboil is fuel efficient, safe, fairly light and I’ve never had any issues. It’s a weird take on this vid. And I’m a professional backcountry guide.
To each their own, but I’ve never spilled a pot of boiling water on myself either due to the safety feature of I don’t spill boiling water on myself. It’s not terribly difficult or complicated to just set up your stove on a reasonably flat, level surface. Totally fine if it’s important to you to have extra safety checks, but it’s also a valid opinion to think that it’s overkill, and a lighter, smaller, cheaper system is perfectly adequate.
@@Gandhiownsyoujetboils the only one that allow you to do peppamint hot chocolat in the tent, IN the sleeping bag, no worries to spill it boss
@@matador483 tbh it sounds less cool to use jet boil rehydrate/boil food than actually cook something in an easier route.
He's only really slating the fact that the build quality doesn't really meet the cost well compared to others, in use it is a very efficient design and I agree the build quality of the actual burner does feel a little on the entry level side, the pots tho can't really fault them.
My wife and I are set on our gear, with no need to buy anything soon. Yet here I am watching the whole video. I love your content. Thanks for all your work you do for this community!
Same here. I enjoy these videos that are both informative and fun.
I've always used army surplus and love it.
There’s always fabulous new gear to admire
2:46 I have a jetboil and i've been using it for over 3 years on different hikes. I highly recommend.
Years ago I bought a cheap 2lb chair from Amazon for about $25. Last year I bought the Flexlite from REI on sale at $60. I found it to be unstable. So I took the base from my Amazon chair and put the flexlite seat onto that and now I have a REALLY comfy and sturdy 1.5lb chair.
Hit the tent with your hand and get the water off. Then open the door. It works for me.
Just heat i was about to say 😂 Not a big deal
Modern problems occasionally require monke solutions
I love my Jetboil stash. I got it on sale for under $100 a few years ago, and it's super efficient, fairly lightweight, and has a bunch of features I really appreciate like the fact that the pot "locks" in to the burner, dramatically reducing the likelihood of spills. It's not perfect, but it's a nice balance of weight and features for me.
The tarp tent double rainbow DW 2023 fits two wide pads and is only ~2.5 lbs. Can be made fully free standing w/ trekking poles too if you need to pitch on rock or in a place where you can’t stake it out well.
I have that static v pad and have used in many time down to freezing levels and had no problems. I find it really comfortable too. I do use a foil ground cloth under it though so that’s bound to reflect some warmth.
5'7 110 lbs woman here who is always freezing (I sleep in a wool hat even during summer camping) and I never had an issue with the Klymit V's heat rating. Been getting my best trail sleep with it actually! however i use a sleeping bag, not a quilt.
Thank you for your advice on the MSR Freelite 2. If the only thing you can find wrong with the tent is water off the rain fly (which is easily solved with a slap) then this must make it the best semi freestanding tent in the world !!! I'm gunna buy it and just give it a good slap now and then 🙂
These are the videos I need in my life! Awesome job and thank you! These are all items I'm looking for and you gave me more confidence where my money is spent!
I love my Jetboil(s)! Also have FireMaple equivalents. Like them both.
Can confirm on the insulated static V. That being said I got mine cheap so I'll keep it for a summer pad but its definitely not great below freezing. Got four hours of sleep in 18 degrees but was in a four season tent and a sleeping bag rated below 0 degrees.
I've slept on mine at around 26F in a 0F bag in a summer tent with no issues multiple times.
Appreciate the alternative suggestions!
Thank you Steven! Always enjoy your content!
Have used a jetboil on a few motorbike camping trips and it’s been great.
I have used the Klymit V multiple times in 20 F weather, always stayed warm.
Agree 100% on the freelite. I had a few more issues with this tent (leakage, low quality zippers) but MSR in Ireland fixed that at no costs. It is weird, because every other MSR product I have used so far was great.
I'm new here, watching your videos. I'm disabled so neck back injury due to wreck on highway with a tanker. So I have to car camp. I use slightly heavy ER, slightly cheaper. I pack backpack in jeep. No back packing. But learning what to gear gather in finding what it takes to work. I been collecting 10 years. Getting ready spring camp in central Ohio. Unless super heat wave comes high 40s night time . Love videos on gear
I like my Jetboil but I agree, a bit pricey. I’m sure the MSR is great but I’ve been more hesitant with MSR products. They use to make some of the best snowshoes but when they started outsourcing production, the quality/reliability dropped all to save a buck. Since then, it left me with a more negative view. With that said, some items are probably just down to personal preference. Love your videos and input.
Nice to see unbiased reviews! I sometimes wonder if the people who design outdoor kits, actually do any of these activities 🤔 One of my bugbears, is tents with a door that falls inwards, especially during rain.
I use a Klymit insulated static V on a regular basis down to 0°C where based on my personal experiences the limit is reached. I on my behalf would still recommend the static V down to 5°C without any hesitation making it a decent affordable lightweight small packing 3-season sleeping pad.
I couldn’t agree more! I bought it as a placeholder for a more expensive pad as I don’t sleep on the ground often… but I was pleasantly surprised. It was really comfy and kept me warm into the low 40s/high 30s F without much work.
Honestly I love my flex light chair too… and I don’t personally use a jetboil but all my friends I backpack with do and I have no problem with it as a system. In fact I use the same pocket rocket deluxe and toaks combo he mentions in the video (highly recommend and I have a dedicated video on that subject in fact).
It just goes to show you preferences are 90% of what is “good”.
I think bag choice has a huge impact, that being said, ive had my static V insulated luxe down below freezing and havnt had an issue. For the size/weight/price its a great option. Spend more and get a better one, but in my experience the klymit meets my needs
About that insulated mattress: the R value is different than the RSI value because they are different units. R is imperial (ft2·°F·h/BTU), RSI is metric (m2·K/W)
You failed to mention the REI Flexlight Air is lighter than the Helinox, and twice the leg angle which for some (like me) is more comfortable. I also like the fabric better on the REI. Ryan Jordan of Backpacking Light did an amazing video 4 years ago comparing the two chairs, and ultimately it comes down to personal preference and body metrics.
I am 180 lbs and had the REI Flexlight break the first time I used it.
I personally prefer the front to back under support of the flexlite because it’s more stable when you lay back. Both are fine chairs I do agree it’s preference. I often don’t take chairs backpacking because I hammock camp, but if I know I’ll sleep on the ground… I bring the flexlite!
I was on an expedition with canadian army cadets this summer and we used the msr freelight and the jetboil. He was right about the tent there was one day where it was raining and the water seeped through the ground tarp and got me and my tent mate wet and when we opened the door it got our heads all wet. The jet boil we absolutely loved though. We had another stove and for 90% of the expedition we used the jet boil and it never failed us once. We were a team of 6 people (not including the lt because he had his own) and each time we used it it boiled two meals worth of water so we were using it 18 times a day for two weeks and it only went through 1 and a half fuel tanks and always boiled our water within 5 mins.
I like the Caldera cone. On an early Spring hike my Jetboil burner ( like a Pocket Rocket burner only) wouldn't vaporize the fuel. Yes alcohol is slower but the cone was a great wind shield. We were able to make a dehydrated breakfast in below freezing temperatures.
Huge fan of the pocket rocket! Super light and easy to use.
I absolutely love my Jetboil. It's served me very well so far.
Flexlite Air is fantastic especially on sale.
I used both flex lite and zero chairs a lot. And in shifty sand or soil or uneven land I found the REI chair's side to side tilting is easier to control than the zero having front to back tipping
I use the static five insulated Luxe and I love it for winter camping. Winter is usually when I camp the lightest. I have a tarp that’s a space blanket on one side and I usually set all my gear on one side of the Mylar then fold the tarp over and pin it with two stakes through the corner grommets. with that set up I usually only need a wool blanket And some pillows down to like 10° and my mummy bag if its colder
I am leaning into backpacking/camping alot lately since becoming an adult and missing those camping years so looking for probably late season gear and love content walking into this first video
I have both Helinox zero and flexlite air chair. I actually prefer the flexlite air when sitting, it feels less pinched by the aluminum poles when I sit and also weighs less. One problem is that it takes more space to pack up.
The wind burner is the best stove on the market imo as long as you want to carry that weight. I miss mine tremendously. The cost is a bit more than a jet boil unless it recently changed. Last I saw was $170. I bought an off brand jet boil and it just as good as any jet boil I've used and I only paid $40. Been using multiple times a day for the past year and zero complaints.
Thanks for the video. Fun production format.
i really like my rei chair. packs nice on my bike and perfect for day trips .
Super strange to see the flex lite listed here. We own two, and at least a few of our friends also have them. After 30+ trips over the past year, there is zero damage and everyone has found them incredibly comfortable (we also got them for around $70 during a sale). Feeling premium and actually being durable aren't always the same; our Zero had bent poles and a hole in the pocket after less than 6mo (and nobody over 190lb sat in it).
He’s a little on the heavy side so that is probably why he feels those poles he complained about. I’ve had both and I prefer the REI
Came here to say to say the same thing. The rei chair is comfortable and light. I’m built like a running back and weigh 210lbs and I’m fine with it. 😊
@@ronin3377 Yeah, I've noticed that he advises against certain items because of a very specific (and individual) dislike that doesn't affect most people. Another example was complaining about great 2p tents because they don't fit 2x extra wide/long pads. If people didn't ever buy items that don't fit large/extra large folks, the vast majority of backpacking gear wouldn't ever be recommended.
I'd like to vouch for the Klymit Insulated Static V...I have used this 4.4 R rated pad with a 15 degree sleeping bag multiple times in temps between 1-10 degrees Fahrenheit and had absolutely no issues what so ever other than my nose getting cold (outside of the bag). I used it inside a tent as well as on top of the snow with a military surplus bivy. I liked it so much I bought a second one as a backup. This is coming from a guy who also has the thermarest X therm and still will use the Static V above zero degrees over the thermarest due to comfort. Just IMO, and I am in no way, shape, or form affiliated with Klymit.
I agree, it's still a budget pad, but it does the job and is pretty decent value for money. I've been down to similar temps, and It starts to become uncomfortable or me around -15C.
I’ve used mine in temps of -20/-25C (-4/-13f).
12 day stay so we had the luxury of prepping our area before setup
If I test my product and it has a rating of 1.9 but then I put a sticker on that product that says 4.4, what is my product rated? The answer is somehow 4.4, apparently.
I understand your points with the jetboil but I can say I had one for 7 years and 2 deployments with the Marines and still use it to this day while doing storm work for the power company. I’m sure there are better options but it has served me well
I like the honest genuine review. Idc if it cost more but what won't let me down on the trail!
I use my Klymit insulated static V lite in temperatures frequently down to -3°C with no issues whatsoever. Quality bit of kit that doesn’t cost too much compared to other known big brands.
Would love to see you test some Decathlon backpacking gear!
I had a Static V regular because it was cheap and I could abuse it when I was travelling. I could lay directly on ground, gravel, concrete floors, etc and it held up. It wasn't as comfortable as my other pads at the time, but I was too afraid to do that with my expensive Xlite or QCore pads. Static V regular is a decent budget pad for summer use, I added a closed cell foam to get a bit colder use, but I've never tried it in winter.
My Marmot Limelight has a rain fly like that, I just tap it in a few spots and the rain runs off. Not sure if that’ll work on the MSR but if it good in all other areas, it’s worth taking the time to tap on the rain fly.
I used a Klymit Static V Ultralight Insulated pads on a late August trip to Red Castle in Utah's Uinta Mountains. Paired it with a 20 degree Teton Sports Altos down sleeping bag. Woke up to a well frosted camp and partially frozen water bottles. (Temp was about 28 before sunrise) I never had a shiver with it. I think the baffles or air chambers really are well insulated, but where it's not insulated (the channel welds between the air chambers) the down bag did well enough to fill out those spaces, enabling a somewhat effective use of the insulation from the bottom of the sleeping bag. I think that's the expectation with the design of that pad. So it's definitely not something you'd want to pair with a quilt in anything below 50 degrees or so but with a puffy down bag, it's probably fine down to at least mid to upper 20's. That said, I wasn't a fan of the valve system so it has been shelved in favor of some other pads I have now.
I own a flexlite chair, 100% agree, though you missed the worst aspect, the switch in direction makes it incredibly easy to topple, I've never seen someone sit in the chair for more than 10 minutes without tipping over
Tent! Telos TR2 from Sea to Summit! Light, super comfortable and durable!
Never used a jetboil but I created something similar with a SOTO Windmaster with tri flex pot stand, an Optimus windshield plus an anodised HE aluminium pot. This didn’t cost much less than a small JB system although my setup is more flexible.
I got the REI flex lite chair because it fits my back better. As a WIDE individual, it's far more comfortable.
I carried the Static V2 on the LT was shocked how cold I slept. Haven’t tried the insulated, as it still seems to be a warm weather pad (shoulder at best).
I'm gonna have to disagree with this take on klymit's static v insulated. I've used it down to -5°C which was pretty chilly but I found it perfectly usuable for temps just below freezing with an appropriate sleeping bag (quilts will definitely not work). I do prefer to sleep slightly cooler, on my side, don't move in my sleep and I'm kinda small so that all plays a big role. What I really like about it is that it's reasonably warm (for me), packs down small, decently light and incredibly affordable compared to other about-freezing-temp pads. I definitely understand why it's so polarising though, and Klymit's marketing is absolutely scummy as heck.
Did you put anything under it? I have the non insulated one and I put a Nemo folding pad under and slept fine at -1 degrees.
@@Intentionally-wild8175I have taken the pad down to the -15C/-20C range. Nothing underneath. It worked. -28C was a big no no (went inside). As of recent, I have placed a CCF pad underneath.
Do I recommend this pad for cold weather camping? Absolutely not, if anyone I know that was looking for a warm pad I would recommend something else for sure. I went down that whole Klymit rabbit hole and have since kind of stayed away from them when it comes to colder temps.
@@Intentionally-wild8175 nope, but I try to avoid wet ground in winter if possible
@jennysweitzer8175 I used mine in the Army, combined with the issued sleep system (Goretex bivvy bag, thick winter bag, thinner summer bag) everywhere from Iraq to Alaska, and honestly never had a problem with it. I've slept in -35 with it and am still here to talk about it.
I do like the fact it's light and packs down small, and find it generally pretty comfy to sleep on, but my experience matches Steven's in that I find it sleeps colder than is comfortable for me, so much so that I've given up on it after only 3 years of use, which was disappointing. I think you're right in that it just depends on your warmth requirements.
Same happened to my Helinox chair too! I didn't even see any ambers or anything flying close to my chair, yet I woke up to a small burnt hole. It's easily fixable, but it shouldn't happen so quick.
I’ve had the same gear for years… if it works..it works..
Msr hubba …jet boil…Kelly metal frame 70…the only upgrades I’ve made is for hot tenting and bought an alpaca wool blankets and made anarak out of it
I have a Freelite2…. When I grab the zipper to open up, I give it a few pulls, the water drips off the door and I open the door and no water enters. It isn’t an issue at all.
I’ve done this same thing in every tent I’ve ever owned (because I am tall and always brush against the fly getting in and out) to minimize water getting on me.
I am gobsmacked reviewers have not figured out this one simple trick.
Yes, my first thought when he mentioned the water coming in when he opened the door was “Why doesn’t he just give the door a few taps to dislodge the water before opening it?”. It would only take a second. Sure, it would be better not to need to do it, but it’s hardly a deal-breaker.
I wouldve gotten a smaller tent but i knew i wanted at least 4 ft high inside because i didn't want to be claustrophobic,i also wanted it to have more space if i went camping with another person or more gear. Its not so big that it wont fit a 8 by 10 tarp underneath so i think its a good size. It also has a mud mat and has a canopy over the door.
I've got the prospector 50 it's great, like anything you're buying know what you're getting
I purchased my Jetboil 13 years ago and is still going great
Great video as always mate, would like to make the observation that I've used the same Jetboil (think it's the Flash) for 17 years, no way anyone's convincing me that it's not a good bit of kit. From the original price I think its cost has been AU$8/year, which is pretty good, and the quality is obvious as it's lasted this long and I flog the thing (even the piezo igniter still works). I love the fact that the pot locks to the burner, I'm pretty uncoordinated so that's a real concern for me, never burned myself yet...
As for chairs, have had Helinox, it was heinously uncomfortable and bullshit expensive, picked up a Nemo Moon thingy (not the new one), bit heavier but so comfy, can 100% recommend (6' 90kg)
Do like a Lanshan tent for a budget job, 1P and 2P are both excellent tents for the money, not sure how you'd go in really cold weather though, haven't used the 4 season versions.
Cheers, hope that .02c worth is useful to someone
i wanna let you know that opening transition instantly made me subscribe XD God bless man
I just got the Wawona 6 tent from North Face (I know NF is kind of just a luxury eye catcher brand) but overall it seems super nice it has a solid big vestibule too so rain getting in is no issue.
I bought a knockoff jet boil called “fire maple” from Amazon. Got if for sale and paid 40 bucks and it’s probably the best purchase I’ve ever made as far as camping gear goes. Planning out meals is so easy now and I don’t need to get a fire going or lug a big camping stove around with me at camp. I’m not a backpacker I’m an overlander so space isn’t necessarily an issue nor is weight but the convenience is still second to none
I'm about 100 lbs and I love my Flexlite Air, but I agree Helinox Zero feels much more stable.
Great appreciation for your content. Sincere thank you! Friend has jetboil. I have a pocket rocket. Awesome and a fraction of the cost.
You sir, are a gentleman, scholar and a master craftsman! 👌
If possible, please do a video on the Nemo tensor extreme conditions sleeping pad.
The last one was nice but it was a pre-pro model,the testing with the freezer was kinda flawed and it wasn’t given a shot in real world conditions.
There’s only like 4 videos on youtube on it and non have the signature MLO feel to them. Nice videos. Keep it up😊.
I have the Prospector 50L, and I feel as though it's vastly over-criticized. It's a solid bag with great functionality and storage spaces. The Nalgene-sized water bottle holders are fantastic, and I love the fact that I can take the hip pouches off at convenience. I did get mine on clearance for about 100 bucks, so had I paid full price, I might be more liable to complain.
In regards to the padding issue, I find the more I've worn it, the more the padding breaks in. You can massage the padding with your thumbs around your contact points when you first purchase it, which i've found helps to 'break in' the strap padding.
The only gripe that I have with the bag, is that I haven't found a great way to utilize the positioning of the mounting loops. This might be my inexperience with attachments on bags, but I feel as though some of the loops for mounting foam pads, tents, etc., to be a little difficult to utilize without creativity.
Happy hikes!
i use the prospector too and i agree that all the negative reviews are so so nitpicky and it seems like people are trying to hate the bag before liking it.
I do not disagree with your points at all, I really enjoy your videos and you sharing your experiences!
I kicked the snot out of my Jet Boil backpacking in New Mexico for 12 days! It really held up to my abuse. In all fairness, some of the other folks had whisper lites and those were a fraction of the cost and weight. I didn’t have to pour and pump white fuel.
I'm also gonna defend the flexlite air. I think it's a great chair and just as comfortable as the chair zero. It does feel different, but not worse in my opinion. I got mine for $50 new and would happily buy it again before dropping $150 on the chair zero. Whereas the issue with the MSR tent is clearly a problem, I think the difference between these chairs is much more subjective, but I completely understand your position. I'd urge people to go down to REI and try both before you form an opinion. Also, I believe you were mistaken in saying that the chair zero is lighter.
Another JetBoil lover here. Paired with a Maxpedition 12x5 pouch I can carry the Flash, spare canister of fuel, some spices utensils etc and keep it all protected.
Couldn’t disagree more with your opinion on the Flexlite chair. I own 2 of them.
Same here. I used both before buying and chose the REI because it felt more stable. It's been great.
Can confirm about big agnes too, I have tried dozens of sleeping pads and nothing even comes close to the comfort and warmth. And it's not like it's THAT heavy. It's worth every ounce in my opinion, even if this one broke I'd just buy the same thing again.
I'm not a big fan of sleeping on the ground, but my Klymit is one of the few ways to be relatively comfortable as they are about the only ones wide enough for someone with broad shoulders. A 25 inch pad has my shoulders drooping off the sides causing my arms to fall asleep.
99% of my gear comes from Garage Owned shops not the Big Named places. One exception is the ancient ( seemingly indestructible ) self inflating , mummy style ,Therm-a-rest mattress , full length. Plus I hammock camp because most of the places I go the ground is wet or swampy. I also find a hammock offers a lot more comfort ( ventilation ) then any tent which I use now and then. The air mattress is about 75% inflated so it conforms to the hammock and my body.
Always good, Steve. Thanks.
The Pocket Rocket Deluxe is good but expensive. And if you're gonna recommend a stove without the piezo-lighter, the Pocket Rocket and Pocket Rocket 2 have substantially different burner heads which I don't think perform nearly as well in breezy conditions. If you're looking to ditch the igniter and save a few bucks, I'd alternatively recommend the Soto Amicus without igniter. It has the same burner head design as the Pocket Rocket deluxe, AND it has four legs instead of three, which gives a little more stability with certain pots. The Soto Amicus with a 750ml titanium pot is my go-to stove for solo trips.
Hey Moosejaw: This sponsor ad actually made me excited to buy from your company. Keep this guy.
Sure would like to see you review Six Moon Designs tents. Thanks for the informative video. I enjoyed it.
Love sub 10 minute videos! Good job 👏
I like my MSR Windburner because it works in the wind.
I love the BRS camp stove, it's tiny, it's light, it's easy to use and it's only $25 AUD on amazon. It may not be as fast or stable as jetboil or other more expensive options, but I've never had issues with it and I'll gladly take that sacrifice for such a big saving and put that $100 or so bucks towards my pad or other gear that's a bit more important to me.
I love cheap but functional gear like this, if it breaks or get's lost, it's not the end of the world, I can always get another one.
I like my klymit pad a lot. That said most of my camping is in the summer months.
And here i am not complaining about my hardware tarp with holes in it and having a blast
Have you had issues with big angie pads leaking? I bought one 7 years ago and it did not make it even 1 weekend. I love this channel btw
Great video. Thanks for the reviews
I’ve taken my non-insulated static V pad out to sub freezing temps in Korea and Japan, had no issues with a proper sleeping bag and Bivvy. Individual preference > sweeping judgments saying that it’s not worth it.
The issue I have with the helinox is the poles that make up the back support. I always find them poking way too hard into my back/shoulder area which gets frustrating after sitting in it for a while. I would like a lightweight but durable chair that has a back support where the poles are wider spread out so you only touch fabric when leaning back.
Why do you prefer the MSR stoves over the Soto Windburner?
Yeah I learnt the hard way. Buy a good tent and bring a footprint with you always.
I’ve actually switched to hammocks since discovering all the DD-Hammock goodies. Next level stuff and well made. Not the cheapest but great value for the £. Wise people used their brains making that stuff.
Getting off the ground is really smart, esp in temperate climates like mine.
Learn by doing guys! Got off you tubes hehe
If you can get a Jetboil on sale then they're great - I bought mine second hand a few years ago, I think I paid £35 for it, and I've been very happy.
I've been using a flexlite air for ages and it's been great. I'm 6'4" 200 lb, so I am large for it, but it manages just fine. Mine has a few ember holes int eh cover too, but it doesn't seem to make a difference. REI does sell new cloth bits though. Nemo makes a chair that feels super high end, but it's also heavier than it needs to be.
I’m 6’ around 215lbs. I really enjoy my Flex Lite as well. I got mine on sale for $50, I’d never spend $100 on a chair.
I am a cold sleeper, 66 yo female, and used the same klymit pad in Iceland on top of windy cold mountain and it kept me warm, so think you are wrong on this. It also doesn’t make crinkly noises.
Have any experience with the 2 person light fighter tent? Thoughts?
The Klymit R-Value is supposed to be in combination with a full spleeping bag that will fill in the gaps in the pad structure. The ASTM rating is just for the pad itself, which will not do the job. I'm not sure it will do the job with a down sleeping bag either but that is the claim.
The thing that I think makes it still a dodgy claim though, is that the non insulated static V has the same chamber design, so the difference between the warmth of the two should still be tiny.
The downside of all of these tents, is that it's inner first. That's not what you want if you also camp in Scotland no matter the weather. Only the Hilleberg Black Label series will then receive my trust. I took a Tarra with me last time with winds of around 60-70 km/h with wind gusts going up to about 80-90 km/h. Pitched it in the middle of an open field with the guy lines pegged out. Didn't even fully peg out the base of the tent, and I slept like a baby. I presume it can withstand much worse than that.
Since I was alone and the Tarra is quite heavy, I will choose a Soulo BL as a solo tent. Hopefully they will be available soon, so that I can buy one for this winter! Camping season never ends!
Yeah, it's even worse in arctic tundra. So-called 3-season tents made by big brands for under-the-treeline camping fare pretty poor in e.g northern Sweden
Old friend of mine drunkenly sat down on my Helios zero chair and snapped the legs. I got it at half price from EMS and I’ve never bought another one bc I can’t bring myself to spend $200 on it but it was my favorite piece of camp gear
What do you recommend for a headlamp?
With respect to tents how about the Tarptent Rainbow Double?
I use an insulated Static V. It was only $10 more than the regular one ($50 overall) and it's kept me warm during 20°F nights, there's probably better pads out there but it isn't as bad as you're saying
I got the Jetboil Zip. It's good at boiling water but that's it. You can't simmer with it so you can't cook in it.
I got the REI chair because it was more comfortable sitting forward in as you would to eat, and I couldn't spend $150 for the Chair Zero, but the Zero was more comfortable leaning back. (Both are unusable on a loamy forest floor)
Put little Kong tennis balls on the end of each leg, and they provide a stable base. I use my Flex on loamy and/or surfaces with no problems.