Check out Garage Grown Gear: geni.us/m2tzeVo Gear from this Video: Zpacks Arc Haul: geni.us/3pBiA ZenBivy Light Bed: geni.us/5319bg BA ZOOM UL Pad: geni.us/gprgMe Duplex Zip Tent: geni.us/Agxnca Plex Solo Tent: geni.us/ahG1KjD Toaks 650 ML Pot: geni.us/yfCYqCh Pocket Rocket Deluxe: geni.us/3MrUHA BearVault 450: geni.us/qJ0A Hilltop Food Bag: geni.us/nh21IP Bogler Trowel: geni.us/evIJfd Farpointe Alpha Hoodie: geni.us/EGWb9nd Zpacks Rain Jacket: geni.us/7BYPG Gossamer Gear Umbrella: geni.us/Sd687 Nitecore NU25 UL: geni.us/3ThMg Nitecore NB10000: geni.us/uVqBML Helinox Chair Zero: geni.us/Zremfj

"I'm falling in love with umbrellas" is a hilarious quote out of context.

Still the best backpacking channel out there. Always quality videos.

We both bought a helinox chair on your advice, Steve. They are one of our best pieces of camping equipment. We’ve hiked into an area and had no place to stop to eat and so we setup right in the trail. Mind you, we rarely see anyone on the trails where and when we go out, so we have yet to block traffic. But sitting on a chair in the backcountry is a game changer.

Thank you for your backpacking breakdowns. Superb job Steven! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Thanks for this, Aaron. Cold Steel XL Triad folders are top shelf hiking tools for me, and especially the Rajah 2, XL Drop Point Voyager, and Large Espada. A machete is the essential primary cutting implement for my environment, because tropical rainforest, vines, and thorns. But I've done hikes with one of these folders serving as either a backup to a machete, or as a substitute for one. I find the XL Drop Point especially impressive, because it is big enough and tough enough to hack through some jungle, agile enough to do fine carving and food prep, and only comes in at 7.5 ounces. Even my favorite field knife, my Steel Will Argonaut 810, has slightly less reach and weighs 2 ounces more WITHOUT the sheath.

Your recommendations have done us well. Love the helinox chairs and the zenbivy sheet but mod-ed our down quilts we had made to work with zenbivy sheet. But we did something really unusual for most. We bought a freeze dryer and make our own freeze dried meals and snacks. We even use the FD food in our regual home life as an augment to canned and frozen preservation. Expensive initial payment but well worth it in the long run for avid outdoor people and people who maintain a pantry like us farm folks. See you in the woods!

200,000 subscribers! Congrats. Keep the videos coming. In find them very informative; this one is no exception.

great editing and flow on this one! Keep up the quality!

I’m bringing an umbrella and a chair for a thru-hike of the Black Hills I’m starting on this weekend! Did a shakedown night with some friends last week, and one was amazed at how much of a difference a chair with back support (Big Agnes) made, even over the picnic bench at our campsite.

I live in norther Minnesota and often find my self camping is below zero degree weather, I would love to see a video like this going over your favorite winter supplies

from you, this video actually matters. Many can talk about their "favourites" but they don't have the experience and comparison history you bring. Thanks. BTW, you forgot a link... Six Moon Designs Hands-Free Trekking Umbrella Kit

Great gear choices to highlight. Well done. Crow

Steven I just wanted to say thanks for all the gear reviews. I liked this video in particular because it wasn't a manufacturer pushing a specific piece of gear. I actually bought a number of items you recommend here, much of it from Garage Grown Gear (located near me in Minnesota!). I'm really happy to support a small business and also get the things I want for backpacking. I had a tiny problem with one order and GGG sent out a new item right away and I had it 24 hours later. I also enjoy your videos about places you have travelled and would love to see more of those (I know you don't get so many views on them, but they are great). I probably won't be travelling far from my home state this year (2023) but next year I definately want to do at least one good backpacking trip, probably in the western USA. Thanks again for the great content; you've got a fan.

I’ve hiked with an umbrella before and it was great! Thanks for the video.

Congratulations on 200K. Great video!

2 days agoa zpacks umbrella saved my life, had flash flooding cause hundreds of falling rocks in the alps. Completely exposed on a narrow ledge, i hid under my umbrella with my arm over my head and survived. My umbrella was damaged but only 1 small rock hit my head, the rest were deflected.

Minor correction: ZenBivy doesn't /require/ a rectangular pad. If you prefer a rectangular pad, GREAT - No judgement. If do you personally do not require rectangular you can save a few ounces by using a semi-rectangular or mummy shaped pad. Both work great with Zen Bivy. Great video, cheers!

Great personal choices and time trusted gear in your review. I have had the pleasure of owning quite a few of those items and they are top notch. Unfortunately here in Florida and the semi-tropical climate my personal favorite is a good , double bottom , Jungle Hammock. Double bottom so the bugs can not bite threw the material. Plus in cool weather ( a rarity here ) I can use a self inflating mattress between the layers. The quest here is staying cool in hot weather. A few days ago I gave away all of my gear including 5 packs ( including 2- Zpack ones ) but keep a different pack for my use along with my favorite Jungle hammock , all from cottage gear makers. Staying with one pack of UL Gear , it's the only gear I have used in the last 3 years so why keep the rest. Camping gear has evolved a lot in the last 60 plus years.

I appreciate you sharing your info and experience.

Easily one of the best backpacking channels out there. Keep up the great work!

Always enjoy your videos 👍

Have the Arc Blast and love it. So light and versatile.

Can you do a followup video on your preferred clothing? Everyone focuses on the upper layers(jackets, sun hoodie, etc), but what sock brands do you like? Pants/undies? Do you bring additional base layers to sleep in?

Worthy for sure! I really like these selections.

Those are nice and great camping items so far. Awesome video!

I live seeing your preferred stuff like this, can you do one of these every so often?

Great stuff. Thank you, a splendid channel

Awesome video as usual...love the loadout. I was curious as to what your black puffy in this video was...didn't catch any mention of it. Cheers and keep up the great content.

I've been thinking for a while that zpacks should offer their tents with zippers for people that want it. Looking forward to the review.

My partner and i use a nemo tango duo sleep system (i think they also make a single) that has a bunch of similar features that we love for all the same reasons. I have an enlightened quilt for solo missions but i kind of wish it had a sheet system for the pad

The zinbivy sure looks and acts a lot like my years old Nemo Tango quilt/sheet solo 30. Quilt alone is around 19 oz. With sheet still less than 2. Glad to see new ideas are from old ideas again. Like sleeping at home. Works great with either a 25 wide air mattress or to save weight with a folding pad like the switchback.

I bought the headlight because of your recommendation. Its excellent. I have a chunky pad, so I'm really into the 2 person tent. I'd much rather have the space "inside". I just saw the same trowel on Miranda Outdoors. apparently, its the one to have. solid video.

Bought that chair two weeks ago based on your recommendation (in Australia)…..first hike in the rainforest, mud everywhere, few leeches, no where dry……chair was awesome! Might have something to do with being 52 lol

Nice video! Whats the puff jacket called you're wearing and where to buy

Yay for umbrellas!

Thanks!

Howdy! I love your videos and am curious to how you choose which trails you take / which ones you avoid if any particular reason

We are near Gear Twins 😊 Although I really want to try the Zen Bivy. I don’t have that yet. I love your channel.

Steven I consider you one of the foremost experts in gear and gear reviews. I purchased a lot of new gear based on the reviews you have done, and it has helped me cut my base weight from 32 lbs. to 15 lbs. GGG and Moosejaw are awesome, and I never would have found them without watching your videos. With all that being said I wanted to express the high regard I have for your opinion. I do have one question....the Alpha Cruiser fleece, did you get that in the men's or ladies department?

The EuroSCHIRM TeleScope HandsFree UV is also a great choice for a light backpack attached hands free UV protect umbrella.

Fillo is great! You have the Zenbivy system minus the pad. Makes me wonder if you've tried their pad?? I find I have to have it inflated "just right" to be comfy. I stress trying to find a bear tree...at dusk. Considering canister. Thanks for Nicor nb10000 info! How much did your pack weigh? GGG is awesome for products and service!

Hi. Watching your videos with a great interest. I'm not sure if you had a chance to to try something made by Cumulus. It's a Polish brand and they make premium quality down bags, quilts, jackets etc. I own a sleeping bag and it is really good. I jave a question. What, in your opinion, should be the width of a quilt to keep it comfy and prevent drafts? I am 178 cm and 105 kilos, I'm a side sleeper and move a lot during the night. Greetings from Poland.

Being in the UK, it's really interesting how different the gear is in the US. Single skin tents, different sleep systems, frameless packs etc. You guys really do ultralight very well. I've just bought a Tarptent Stratospire 2, but with the solid inner. It's better than anything here in the UK.

I gotta hit the like button more for your videos because I love all of your content

Binge watching as a NOOB to backpacking. Looking forward to a trip to Black Hills, SD in September. Thanks for helping us get ready!

Can you compare Zpac Arc haul ultra vs Durston Gear Kakwa? What is the maximum comfortable load for these backpacks? Load capacity, comfort, build quality, ...

The pillow you used is not located with all the other products in the video description. Furthermore, I use to use the sea to summit aeros pillow; however, it was terrible for me as I don’t find blow up pillows comfortable. I switched the the Hyperlite Mountain Gear stuff sack pillow and with the fleece-liner and my extra large down jacket stuffed in is much better. The memory foam on this pillow that you used in this video sounds intriguing. Can you give me the comparison if you have used the HMG stuff sack fleece pillow v. this Nemo pillow?

I like it. I’m trading my osprey for a zpack for an upcoming thru hike. Seems like the right move. Thanks for sharing your insight.

Its crazy how much more weight can be saved. I'm into Prepping and got my BOB for like 3 Days,already near 20Kg without Water. Need to save a lot more weight.

I use my zenbivy with a mummy style pad (thermarest uberlite and thermarest therm) works fine.

Bummer, really liked that hoodie (and 1/2 price of SkyGoatMid) but out of stock in XL Cool video, thx for the tips.

I have a women's Zpacks Arc Haul and have not taken it out on a single trip yet. I've done several multi day trips, but the narrowness of the main compartment prevents me from taking my usual equipment in the Arc Haul. I think it has a lot to do with the bars that curve to provide air flow for the back. It really reduces the useable volume. My base weight hovers around 10lbs and my food and water carries vary. I'd say I end up taking 18lbs total weight for 4-5 day trips. My shelters may vary from a 9X7 dcf tarp to a XMid Pro 1P. My quilts range from 12 ounces to 18 ounces. Regardless of my gear, I can never fit it comfortably in the Arc Haul. Perhaps I'm packing it wrong. I generally flatten my pads on the bottom, then insert a pack liner to hold my quilt (no stuff sack), down booties, trekology pillow and my EE torrid puffy and alpha tech sleep pants, sleep socks and an extra sun hoody. After twisting that down, I load my food sack, repair/first aid kit, electronic cords and a nitecore 10k battery pack and tent. I generally pack my rain gear, ground sheet, cook set and little poop kit on the outside of the pack in the stretch pockets and side pockets. I'm not sure where I'm going wrong with the arc haul, but it is NOT wide enough to get all of this in comfortably. In the video, you say that you got a BV 450 inside? Really? This thing is just super narrow. I want to use it and I want to love it, but its just doesn't seem to hold my gear as do other UL packs. I'd love for you to show how you pack your arc haul comfortably, especially considering you are packing considerably more gear than I do. I've had it about a year and will probably end up selling it without ever having taken it on trail. I'm still searching for the perfect pack, having tried the Lite AF Curve, a Pa'lante V2, a Nashville Cutaway, an Atom Plus, OV Shadowlight and a Durston Kakwa. My OV Shadowlight (very similar to my ULA Circuit) is a pretty comfortable carry when I MUST take a bear canister. Otherwise, I'd say the Durston has proven to be very comfortable. When I can keep weight very low, below 15lbs, I'll opt for the Nashville or Pa'lante. They are super comfortable with small loads and when water is plentiful. I believe you when you say you like the pack. Many others have said the same. It just seems super narrow and doesn't carry even the lightest of my load outs very well.

Great loadout! Curious how you got the bear canister to be somewhat comfortable in the arc haul without it jabbing you in the back? After a suffer-fest of a trip into the Grand Canyon with consistent, drenching rain, I’m rethinking an umbrella. Like you said it’s great for rain and sun! Good stuff!

@MyLifeOutdoors , In your video you mention the Zpacks umbrella, but your link goes to the Gossamer Gear umbrella. They seem similar but I don't have either. Which one do you like better?

Great load out! I love seeing what the gear reviewers ACTUALLY use.

Water filtration system, shoes, puffy, sattelite texter, trekking poles?

nicely done

I have that backpack and hoodie❤ How durable has it been? Grest video.

I found Dan Becker through a couple your vids. I love the apparantly honest reviews and suggestions. But Dan does have alot more vids suggested from UKposts to watch than you. Not sure why. Keep it up. Love the hiking trail vids too

Hey Stephen! First of all great video, I’ve been curious about your personal set up since becoming a subscriber. I wanted to ask a quick question. I’m preparing my gear list for my wilderness trip guiding job for this summer in Algonquin. The bugs are absolutely miserable in June so I was wondering if you had any suggestions on how to keep them at bay without throwing on extra layers that make you sweat on a portage. Thanks in advance!:)

Fillo pillow is the best. Wish I would've known about it sooner.

Which color is the Duplex Zip, and which color do you like the most from Zpacks?

Whats this? Someone showing what they would actually use when they have free reign to pick? Thats worth a subscribe.

It’s been my experience that the pocket rocket striker stops working after ascending more than 8,000’ with cold temperatures. I also had one of the fasteners on the arm come loose and I had to put some locktite on it. Other than that I love the PRD.

Please Can you compare Zpac Arc haul ultra vs Osprey vs Durston Gear Kakwa? What is the maximum comfortable load for these backpacks? Load capacity, comfort, build quality, ...

When are you going to review the new Durston Kakwa 55L pack??

You should review the Nemo Chogori 2P tent. I heard its a really good tent

Great video

Farpointe hoody remains a stock out everytime you talk about it. Maybe someday I'll catch it in stock. Thanks for showing your go to gear!

Thank you

I’d love to know what that hat is - looks perfect

I really like you Video style.

I have an old tensor (r3.5) that’s on its last legs. I usually have 1 or 2 trips a year where it gets into the low 20s or high teens, and I get by (barely) by pairing it with a foam pad. Would love a cushier pad, but the ones that people seem to like for comfort all get reviews that say they sleep colder than their r value. I don’t want to go any colder than what I have now. I’m looking at a new tensor (r4.3) vs BA Rapide, Zoom or S2S Etherlight. Would love more comfortable, and warmer than the old tensor, but would prioritize comfort if it at least matched the old tensor for warmth. Curious what you’d go with in my situation.

Really considering an Arc Haul. I'm brand new to this. Not sure what capacity to choose or how to go about deciding the correct capacity for my needs. What would be your recommendation on this topic?

+1 for also showing gram units

Thanks! ✨☀️💪🏻👍🏻

I’m still not sure what you see in the BA Zoom UL over the Nemo Tensor. I love BA pads but this one felt 95% the same as the Nemo. Not a big enough difference for me and the BA is heavier by a couple oz AND their pump sack is 3oz more. Just too many cons. I sent mine back.

I might point out that while I also like the Nemo Fillo pillow, it is unfortunately not lighter than really, well, anything else you might bring, including most of the foam pillows. I was just doing a bit of a gear shakedown and weighed quite a few different pillows on a very accurate scale I have. Nemo Fillo: 271.0 grams (9.56 ounces) REI Trailmade Mummy Pillow (a foam pillow new this year): 154.2 grams (5.44 ounces) Thermarest Compressible Pillow, Size S (also a foam pillow): 207.0 grams (7.3 ounces) "Old" REI Trailbreak Foam Pillow: 304.0 grams (10.72 ounces) Choosing a pillow is always tricky, and it's super important to be comfortable with your pillow, just don't fool yourself into thinking the Nemo Fillo is lighter than a foam pillow. It is unfortunately not.

Wait…recent hike in Big Bend…did I miss that??? Can’t wait to see it!

Hey head's up, you have the umbrella listed in the links as ZPacks but links to Gossamer Gear. Just fyi

Love the videos

200K!!!!

Hold up! I thought you were gonna tell us about that wonderful tan hat you have on and where to get one

We are spookily aligned in our gear choices and general philosophy (chair gang unite), though you carry more beard than I do. :D

Interesting that I didn't see the Zoleo but rather the Garmin. Are you switching, testing, or do you prefer it now?

Hey I’m curious to know what you would bring in colder conditions (60f degrees). At night. Would it look different and how so? :)

I like your reviews. And also like your cool hat 👒 from this clip. Can you give me a link? 😁

how would you size the farpoint cruiser hoodie? im a large generally in t-shirt sizes, does that translate?

why is your boglerco trowel so heavy? Mine is 12g, yours is more than double the weight at 28g... did they change materials or something?

Where were you hiking in this video? Gorgeous!

The best trowel I’ve ever used is a stick. Free. Disposable. Multiple options if you’re in the forest. Works like a dream.

Dimensions of the Umbrella and circumference of the pole?

WOOHOO!

Wait? I can strap umbrella to backpack? TAKE MY MONEY

I eliminated zippers on my trousers to shave ounces, thereby greatly enhancing ventilation too!

I'll stick to my garden Tyrell and if I need a seat I'll bring a garden nee cushion

I’m surprised that you took the Zpacks and not the comfort of the Six Moon Designs harness. I have not tried the Zpacks bags yet but it is the next that I would like to buy. After my Six Moon Designs I debate getting another a pack because of the far greater comfort provided by the fit. I have to grab a thicker pad for comfort. Weight doesn’t matter if you are not comfortable.

Do you have a video where you review more budget-friendly gear? Many of us do not have the cash resources to pay $400 and $500 for a quilt or $600 for a tent. Thanks!

You should do give always