Lanshan II is double wall. I LOVE mine!

@DanBecker

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for clarifying!!!

@ThePurposeFullLife

4 жыл бұрын

No worries bro! As usual, great video!

@adopancia7445

4 жыл бұрын

Definitely a very good DOUBLE WALL tent, and you can buy a 4 season inner tent. Fantastic buy. And, if you would believe it, a very similar but even better one is this one s.aliexpress.com/zEBFfuEj I own both and the Asta is superior: a litttttle larger and fantastically built.

@BackcountryForward

4 жыл бұрын

Adopanci A how much does the asta weigh with inner?

@SHORT84691

4 жыл бұрын

This looks like a hidden gem. Larger than the Lanshan 2 and also the same weight. Is the weight description accurate?

Don’t forget to invest in yourself. Going for a few runs each week and getting in shape will make a world of difference.

@JDSly1

3 жыл бұрын

Especially if anyone is getting older like me. I'm 56 and simply couldn't do it if not for 3 workouts a week at our local YMCA and one day hike every 2 weeks with my full pack on. Training is a must.

@chantenr4713

Жыл бұрын

Yes start with a mile a day walking or jogging then look up a video of how to stretch and do that before and after

@E_Clampus_Vitus

Жыл бұрын

Working out sucks. Just get on trail.

@jhonyermo

19 күн бұрын

@@E_Clampus_VitusEXACTLY absolutely positively

You are absolutely right about not going cheap on a quilt/sleeping bag. "Invest in your sleep" is a saying for a reason. If you're looking to buy just a few upgrade items, I'd totally start with the quilt, then the pad, then the tent. A good night's sleep changes everything on day 2 and after.

Dan, this is your bread and butter right here, man. This is exactly why I watch and like your videos. Practical advice for us weekend warriors who are just beginning our collections. Thanks!

@nicksam5518

4 жыл бұрын

Truth

Dan - great video! Per sleep system, I use an Aegismax quilt. In colder temps, I’ve used it with a liner and a Costco quilt, or another sleep system. My cook system is a 550ml Toaks UL pot & BSR stove. Typically, I only heat up meals for dinner and maybe breakfast. Great ideas with jackets and rain jackets! Costco definitely has a few hidden treasures!

I've tried several down jackets and always come back to the Ghost. Second alternative closest I've liked is the Cotopaxi Fuego. I switched back to the Columbia Outdry UL over the OR Helium for the fact that the OR is just DWR treated and the Outdry is a true rain jacket. All good stuff though. Great vid man 👍 Side Note: inexpensive quilt company is Hang Tight shop on Etsy that sells the Heatseeker quilt 20° for around $100 and 40° for about $85. Great quilts for the price and they work just as good as the big companies. I use them and can attest they work in those temps or lower

My wife’s OR jacket ripped. They replaced it free. It’s nice when brands stand by their products. One reason to pay more.

@degamma8

3 жыл бұрын

OR and Osprey are my go to because their lifetime warranty

@teejay3272

3 жыл бұрын

I sent a beat to hell, tenacious tape covered, OR Transcendent Hoody in for a zipper repair. They wrote me and said there was no way they'd sent that back and asked what color I wanted for my new jacket. And they delivered. Sent a beat to hell Osprey Kestrel in to see if they could replace the mesh which was shredded. They asked me what color I wanted for my new pack. And they delivered. I'm a lifer after that

@AK-xu5sj

3 жыл бұрын

@@teejay3272 let’s hope they never change.

@Ethan-um7cp

3 жыл бұрын

I got a pair of OR waterproof shell mittens ... USED... in 1993 for snowboarding. Still waterproof today.

That's awesome to get the kids involved always a blessing...

Another great tip is after you find the item you want, do price comparisons online. I got my (normally $300) Marmot rain shell on sale for $125. Used it hiking in 30 - 50 degree rainy weather in Alaska & it was great. Also loved the pit zips :)

Paria makes a great 15 degree quilt. It's around $170 on Amazon. I've since upgraded to the ZenBivy but bought my daughter a Paria quilt.

The HeatSeeker quilts from HangTight's Etsy shop are super affordable and very warm. The stitching looks good, but time will tell how durable they really are

Also, good timing, I'm researching pads to do some cold weather outdooring, teens or twentys. Thanks on the memo tensor insulated. Recommended by several hikers.

The Decathlon Forclaz MT 100 50L backpack is worth checking out - many people talk fondly of it. And I'm very happy with the Marmot Sawtooth is a great affortable down sleeping bag..

Nice video man. I enjoy how you still hit up the Amazon specials.

I have a Lanshan 2 (old version, double wall, taped seams) and I absolutely love it. Storm, Rain, Wind it always kept me safe. Quality is really good. Was my first tent ever and I find pitching it not that difficult.

I’ve really enjoyed my Klymit Static V luxe insulated air mat, it’s a decent budget option.

Dan your right on target and right to the point all in one video which makes us want to see all your videos!!!!!.Your amazing, down to earth love your videos

@DanBecker

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks a TON!!

REI Half Dome is also a great budget friendly tent! It is a double wall system and can be found on the cheaper side of $100 around the holidays! Great video!

@DanBecker

4 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Thanks for the contribution!

Hilarious opening, and quality info, great job Dude! Subscribed for sure.

I'd say outdoor vitals is easily a much cheaper option and a really good quilt

I love my outdoorsman lab sleeping pad! My father got me it for Christmas a few years back. I don't actually "camp" with it though. I keep it in my backpack that I take everywhere with me. That way, if I ever have to stay the night at someone's house, I have a place to sleep.

Great video! Love my Lab Shan2. FYI, you can hang it from a ridge line instead of walking poles. And I heard they're coming out with a single wall tent soon that'll be around two pounds.

So glad I found this channel!! I'm just starting out, and this is EXACTLY the information I need for every question I have. Dan is so genuine and easy to listen to - I trust him, and that doesn't usually come easy for me! haha Thanks so much, you've saved me so much experimentation with these videos!!

Everything recommended here is great, love the Pasta POT

Your experiences with gear make it so easy for us

Awesome info! Very well put together and thought out 👍🏽

Hey Dan, Love how your personality is really coming out in the videos. Great info as always. Enjoyed meeting you at Yankee Springs. Jason and Christie

Yes more of these videos. Just getting into hiking and backpacking again and looking for what’s good and also the budget options. Thanks for the input!

This video concept is actually my current situation, while camping I went for a hike and all my gear got burnt up in a fire leaving me with only my titanium cup and I'm now buying a whole new kit. Thanks for the budget options, makes it a little easier on my wallet.

@ryanbananananannaan6749

3 жыл бұрын

How

Thanks for your enjoyable and informative content -- good stuff! One alternative to the UGQ quilt is the Economy Burrow top quilt by HammockGear. Seems the two companies are offering similar materials and options at a comparable price. I've got a 20 deg coming soon -- hope it is actually as well-made as the reviews indicate it will be.

Hammock Gear Econ quilts are cheap warm and light....my favorite piece of gear is a 20 degree Burrow. Also If you are a summer/shoulder camper AntiGravity Gear makes a 55 deg quilt that I have slept in all summer and now into the fall. It's like a professional tailor made a coscto quilt. Overstuffed, very light and 70 bucks!!

Great video! Really nice gear choices here awesome job. I'm with you all the way on the UGQ Bandit I have a 30 and a 0 degree. For a cheap down option I started with a Hyke & Byke 30 degree bag which I still own I've pushed that to mid 20's but I'm a warm sleeper. Last year I picked up a new Osprey Exos and love it I wish I just would have started with that pack instead of messing with cheaper options. I still use the frogg toggs UL after 3 years I need a new jacket.

"You hate you're not going to die rating" 😂 Took me a few backpacking trips to buy a good bag, Az can be tricking.

@DanBecker

4 жыл бұрын

🤣🤣🤣

@BackcountryForward

4 жыл бұрын

David Eggleston totally agree. I have 3 bags now (and one quilt) and I feel like I’m still testing/searching... finding the right bag has by far been the hardest journey for me.

Arcteryx atom lt jacket (the one you’re wearing) is my favorite jacket ever. I wouldn’t pay retail for it though. Marmot precip and minimalist are my favorite rain jackets.

When it comes to quilt or sleeping bag I would recommend military surplus MSS modular sleep system intermediate cold bag for extreme weather or the patrol bag for mild cold weather or buy the whole system and use what you need they have a compression stuff sack that is amazing for a Holding it all in a small compact size the whole kit can be found for around $100 or $25 per bag on eBay prices vary but I’m happy with my purchase

Found you from Joe Robinet. Great quality video and great energy/vibe my dude!

@DanBecker

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! And welcome!!

Hey man I really like your energy. Great video, I’m gonna subscribe haha. Happy new year!

Mountain Hardwear rain jacket here. Amazing! I wear it in winter too with down filled cheaper jacket under. So warm and versatile!

@johnhughes5665

4 жыл бұрын

Ditto

@05chmps

3 жыл бұрын

Great MHW trekking shirt too.

Thanks Dan for the alternatives. I am looking into hiking but the sticker shock is keeping me at home.

@1LeggedAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

Me too! Sintax77 has a great budget 13lb packing list ($250) I am thinking of going for.

@JRoss707

3 жыл бұрын

Keep an eye on EBay, Bald, hiking is often a recreation where people will buy and realize it’s not for them, and then sell after one use. I’ve found some awesome like new equipment for half the price of new.

Lanshan 2 is an awesome tent. Its a double wall, 2.5 lb. Great alternatives!

Thanks for including the budget gear suggestions. I work for a living and simply cannot afford much of the high-dollar gear.

Love that ArcTeryx Hoody. Bought it last week and love it.

Great video. I know it's getting old, but I am in the process of renewing my interest in hiking and camping in the wild, and it was reassuring to see that two of my budget investments, the Lanshan 2 tent and the Osprey Exos backpack are mentioned here. As for sleeping, I prefer a large sleeping bag over a quilt, and went for det Warmpiece Viking 600 as a 3 season bag. I bet it is not better than yours for your preferences, but I guess peoples differing preferences is the reason for the many different products out there. One thing you have said in other videos and that I totally agree with is the fact that you need good sleep, so sacrificing quality for cost should not happen when considering the sleeping system. A really quick comment about the cooking pot choice: I camp alone for the most part, and first went for a small pot. What I discovered is that a small 0.5 l pot make the total solution more bulky than a larger 1 liter pot. The reason is simple: The larger pot can hold my gas canister. So in this case, more is really less.

I have that style cook set. I heat up two cups of coffee in the big pot and poor what I want into the cup and drink without burning my lips. My Nemo Vector is like your Tensor but I have a built in foot pump and they are comfortable. Thanks for information, you’re always very helpful, I need Frog Toggs. I don’t go out in the rain much so a cheap raincoat makes sense 😊

Klymit sleeping pads are great budget pads. A few sizes/styles for varying needs.

@toomastsamoot6549

4 жыл бұрын

I love my Klymit hammock pad with the little "wings". Besides the obvious extra side warmth, it prevents your hands from touching the mosquito net (and being bitten) if you want to read or use your phone lying on your back.

@Brinxy13

4 жыл бұрын

Not for winter though, they just readjusted their R values and made them rendered useless almost.

@brandonfoley7519

4 жыл бұрын

Can you do a AT thru hike with it

I really like that he is positive to all the products

For cheaper quilt look at Hammock Gear’s Econ line, just opt for the wide option on the top quilt for ground sleepers as the original is designed for hammocking with an underquilt. They are amazing, not cheap but very reasonable. I absolutely love mine!

Can I add a tip for high end gear? Sign up to the mailing lists of all the outdoor gear retailers. They will send a ton of emails, but they always have sales on, so you can always find something that you need. I have a ton of Rab gear, most of which was bought at a discounted price.

I honestly enjoyed using my uncles big old external frame pack when I did about 70 miles in 8 days with scouts. Was quite comfortable for me, I really love the ventilation you get with the external pack. If they had a cheap ultralight external frame pack I would be all over it

@jabbathejuh101

4 жыл бұрын

I use a kelty cache hauler for hunting its not the most lightweight but ive hiked 80 miles with a heavy load and it definitely did the trick. If you go to kelty site they have one called the trekker you might like. Go to the sale tab they mighthave last years model on sale. They only sell the hauler at sportsmans but uts super comfortable. And you can use a duffel as it just holds whatever bag you want to use by huge flaps buckled together.

best sleeping bag system: The North Face One Bag.. three temperature ranges built into one sleeping bag

I got a down puffy from Mountain Warehouse, $45 on sale, 15 oz, tested to -30°C depending on activity level and such. Awesome jacket.

I love my Katabatic Quilt. It is Incredibly warm! It’s expensive but the warmth is worth it.

Big Agnes is the tent Tinkerbell used last year on the PCT and she highly recommends it.

I agree with other folks that the hammock gear econ quilts are the way to go. I have a 30 degree econ quilt and the standard 20 degree underquilt and have been comfortable into the low 20s. For tent camping I'd definitely order the wide version of the quilt.

Like the different options.

Thanks Dan! Good stuff. As for an inexpensive lightweight down sleeping bag, the Aegismax M3 has surprisingly become my go-to sleeping bag. At just over 2 lbs and comfortable into the upper 20°'s, the $150 price tag is outstanding.

@trevorscott8929

4 жыл бұрын

Spencer Thomason, I got the Nemo forte 20 at REI on sale for $160 and it’s been phenomenal. A little more room to move than the traditional mummy but all the advantages.

I remember you weren't super impressed with the Outdoor Vitals Stormloft Down 15 degree Top quilt, but I've really been happy with mine so far. Got it down to 30 in my hammock, and the only chill I got was from below, through my uninsulated pad. Which was expected. As a cheaper alternative to UGQ, I'm happy...so far.

@gorsch777

4 жыл бұрын

Great video also! I'm going to look into that cheaper tent. Looks like a poor man's "The Two"

I picked up the Big Agnes Tiger Wall tent last year on sale at REI for 300.00 it's worked out well. I just upgraded again to Zpack Duplex to drop some more weight. Both tents are great one is just lighter.

Love my Lanshan. It is a double wall tent and a fifth of the price of Zpacks. You usually have to order it from China (AliExpress) and it needs two trekking poles.

I was about to buy one of the $40-$50 budget sleeping pads when I came across the thermarest neo air trekker classic for $60 on sale. It’s not as light as the newer models but it’s built with great quality and has a really good R value.

Hey, love you’re videos. I’ve watched a ton of you’re stuff. If I could offer some feedback, your text comes up really fast and so small I can hardly read, see or sometimes even notice it before it’s gone. If you could make it bolder, maybe a drop shadow, something to make it easier to see. Keep the content coming!

@DanBecker

4 жыл бұрын

Great advice! I really appreciate that feedback! I’ll definitely work harder to make sure Text is more visible. Thanks again!

I'm still waiting for the price to drop on the DB3K! Hopefully there'll be a frameless dyneema version.

Love osprey or Gregory bags and klymit insulated pads.

@phillipdelaney2989

4 жыл бұрын

I second that. I love my ospreys. Gf got a small gregory daypack that has exceeded my expectations so far. light and durable! We rock climb so we're always scraping and scuffing our packs, but haven't seen any noticeable wear. If the reservoir fails, replace and 'upgrade.' I've had the insulated klymit insulated pad for 2 or 3 years and I don't recall ever being cold while sleeping on that. Ive had a few different pads but that one has been my favorite.

@johnmclain250

3 жыл бұрын

I like the klymit insulated long and wide pad myself. It's the only one thats large enough for me to be comfortable on, and perfectly fits in my tent so I can't roll off of it in my sleep.

@MrRickroll23

3 жыл бұрын

I love my Gregory z65. Bought it on sale for $150. I started with an "internal frame" Wal-Mart backpack hurt my back. Splurged and bought it for myself and it is fantastic

I am pretty good at putting up a 10 by 10 canopy. Would you recommend this for a shelter on the A.T..

UGQ are the best out there in my opinion. The wife and I both bought one that was rated for 0°. The UGQ quilts are worth every penny

I'm absolutely in love with my Lanshan 2 and I've even taken it (the 3 season version) on a couple of trips to Mt Shasta and camped in the snow! I've had it in every kind of weather and it's never let me down. I bought it in college and now that I'm working and have the money, I think if I had to replace it I would go with the REI Flash Air 2 Tent. It's almost the same design for about $350 but seems to have some improvements (and REI's return policy!). Also, for cheap backpacks the Modase pack on amazon is a frameless, 40L, 18 oz backpack that costs 24 frikkin dollars. Being frameless you're limited in weight but if you can get your weight under 30 lbs it's a crazy deal. My go to is a Crown2 though and it's an incredibly well-designed pack that is a joy to use. As for cheap sleeping bags.... i dunno, this is just something I can't cheap out on!! I do enjoy my Mountain Hardware Lamina Z Spark. Thanks for the video!

@KristNorsworthy

Жыл бұрын

can you link me to the Modase pack? I don't see it on amazon. Thanks. :)

Dan, the Hammock Gear Econ line of quilts may be a good, less-expensive option.

@adamcates603

4 жыл бұрын

so-sign. I got my 20-degree Hammock Gear Econ Burrow for about $120 used, but in great condition.

@bobbybrowning5898

4 жыл бұрын

I’d also check out HangTight gear on Etsy. Steve, who runs it, is a stellar dude who makes quality gear!

@texmexia49

4 жыл бұрын

Second that. Have a 10 degree Econ Burrow. My favorite piece of gear I have.

Just ordered the Frogg Togg thanks

Good stuff here! I use the Paria 15 degree overquilt and absolutely love it. For the price, you can't go wrong. At a little over 2 lbs and $160, it rivals quilts at 2-3 times the cost. I also find the Paria Recharge XL sleeping pad a winner as well. Comfortable, wide, and R value of 4.7 and just 26 oz ... at $85.00, it is also a great value!

@sueb860

4 жыл бұрын

I 2nd the Paria quilt and sleeping pad! I have a UGQ 0 degree quilt but to get my daughter and hubby into cold weather backpacking, I got them each the Thermodown 15 quilt. I also got the Recharge insulated pad because I can't justify $$ for an insulated thermarest or nemo pad, and I am very pleased! Devin at Backcountry Exposure has done some good reviews on Paria products. I like that he reviews gear that is budget friendly and not as well known as the big companies.

@freddonelson5505

4 жыл бұрын

@@sueb860 Devin was the first one to stear me towards Paria as well!!

I have that cheap Chinese pot. I think I payed 8$ for it. Had it for two years or so, and as you say it works fine. My gascanister, "fot", burner, lighter and a sponge fits perfectly inside it. :) Thanks for the video.

I have to say I'm pretty happy with my Teton 0deg synthetic and my HykeandByke 0deg down. Both very packable. I really only camp during the winter so these are appropriate for me. But if I camp in weather above 50 I just take a cheap Walmart bag and wear thermals. All about them layers.

I'm loving the new near zero tent I got this year, fits the weight and price of lanshan but doesn't take trekking poles. I go into more detail in my review of it.

Nice video Dan. FYI the hammock gear Econ quilts are over $100 cheaper then the ugq. That’s always the option I recommend for people just starting out. 🤘

Outdoor Vitals quilts are less and absolutely ROCK!

Exos 48 still available $150 to $200 depending where you shop, great video

Cedar Ridge Outdoors quilts are superb

I have the Osprey Exos 58. Love it. It lighter than most 2.63 and you take off the scull and it's less yet. I took it book over the zpack because it has a crazy lifetime warranty. My dog could run off with it and they'd take care of it. Dan I wish I could have been at Yankee Springs. If you do this again I'll be there. We only live 15 minutes away. Plainwell.Mi.

I picked up a 3.5 lb. Hyke & Byke Antero 0⁰ hammock bag for 200 bucks. Not super cheap but INSANELY warm (⁰F, not C). Plenty of room to side sleep (I'm 6-1 /190lbs) and eliminates the need for an under quilt. Also - got mine in black and orange, which we know you like :)

Missed the meet up, got stuck at work, hopefully next time. I'm too damn cheap for a $400 tent haha. Maybe someday

The landshan2 is amazing and I take it everywhere. I don't like the lack of a decent built-in groundsheet, but they do sell one for cheap. It is a double walled tent with removable rain cover and I also bought some carbon fiber poles for when I don't have my trekking poles. Give it a try Dan!

@DanBecker

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Tyler! I just might do that!

I have a ugq 0 degree under quilt and I love mine

I like to go with a kelty cosmic 40 deg down bag. I believe 1 lb 9oz. And i put in a sea to summit 15 deg liner inside. Works great for late spring to early fall. I picked both up at Gander outdoors going out of business sale for 120$ for both.

I would only say the following for one other item, the Pack. The Granite Gear Crown 2 60 as a better buy option for the sub $$ Zpacks. The 60 liter is just for the main body, it doesn't include the collar, optional lid or stretch pockets. What rocks with this pack is there are enough compression straps on it that you can easily make it a "smaller" pack. I also like how I can take the lid and with the help of a couple carabiners turn the lid into a chest rig instead, if I don't leave it at home.

@BackcountryForward

4 жыл бұрын

Doug Beaumont and John Schmalbach totally agree! I’ve got the mass drop and put it through the ringer this summer and I’m really impressed! Wish the drop.com one came in different colours though. But oh well!

@johnschmalbach8243

4 жыл бұрын

@@BackcountryPilgrim I do the same thing with mine if I am base camping for day hikes, and such. I just use a little cordage on the side that has the two female ends.

@StumbleOutdoors

4 жыл бұрын

I have the massdrop version of this. $120 and an absolutely outstanding pack. I would say it toos out at 30#... But that helps me to decide what i really need to take with.

Can confirm the cheap Chinese pot is legit!

@degamma8

3 жыл бұрын

I own the exact pot! Burned the silicone handle when I wasn’t paying attention but it’s a champ, has lasted me 4 years now

@Deepstatedebate

3 жыл бұрын

Mmm, aluminum leaching into food is so delicious! Maybe pick up some lead utensils while you're at it. Get all the metals you shouldn't eat with.

@Deepstatedebate

3 жыл бұрын

Hope you folks like Alzheimers.

@tchaikca

2 жыл бұрын

@@Deepstatedebate if your kidneys are functioning properly-the risk is negligible of ingesting enough aluminum (or lead) to have any effect.They still (after 40 years of study) have not been able to conclusively state that there is a link-and that’s researching ALL metals (including the ones that occur naturally in the human body). I like my Moscow mules in a copper mug-won’t be stopping that any time soon.

Just realized you missed the chance to title your channel, Dan Becker Backpecker. Love your channel!

The intro before the music 😂👍

@Dan Becker- the Marmot Azos is a great recommendation! I love mine

Kelty Cosmic Down 20 degree sleeping bag could be a cheap alternative to the UGQ quilt. I’ve had one for years and it is solid and does the trick for sure.

That looks identical to the REI Magma quilt and that thing is also pretty awesome. Super light, has the same comfort rating I believe. But it's also not cheap haha

Slowly but surely building my gear list. This video really helps. Im wanting to do Hammock camping but boy those underquilts….yikes....$$$$$. Luckily I am a large dude that doesn't require much insulation and mostly do summer/fall camping in Alabama. Really loving your vids bro. Just to get me start Im sticking to budget/economy gear. So thank you sir. BTW.....if you want to get rid of the Cosco Quilt.....just saying. Ya boy would love to buy it. Also your costume changes would give Superman a run for his money.

Thanks for the video, new sub here! Hello from Alaska!!

I've been picking up gear upgrades on EBay recently and doing pretty well. It may not be the best and lightest, but it's cheep(ish) and not as heavy as the milspec gear I'm replacing. I did one hike with a scout troop with what I had "borrowed" when I retired from the Marine Corps. I never knew that an 8 pound base weight pack was bad, or that a 4.5 lb tent was heavy.... but now I do and the difference is amazing.

@techguy9023

4 жыл бұрын

John Francis I went from a large alice pack to an Osprey Atmos 65. I wish I had got the Exos. I bought my kids Osprey packs from ebay. One was unused with tags. All three were less than one new. The tent is a North Face Stormbreak. Has a full fly but it’s too heavy a 6.5 lbs. I get what you’re saying .

I'm peeping that Nemo sleeping pad, for sure. Also a Z packs pack...Although that Osprey pack looks interesting, too!

@trevorscott8929

4 жыл бұрын

Amy Routt, Nemo sleeping pads are the best I have used. I own the cosmo 3D but I wouldn’t hesitate to buy the Tensor. I have heard nothing but good things and will be getting my group Tensors for Christmas.

I have been using the cheap Chinese pot for two years. It's great for getting set up. I am about to upgrade for no reason at all.

GREAT video, Dan! Thanks! Given all the stuff you have there, what minimum pack size to carry it all? Does that Exos 48L fit it all for 3 days? Or the 58L?The Arc Blast is 55L but I really prefer the comfort of Osprey packs, which to me is worth the extra pound...I'm not a thru-hiker. Thanks again. Keep up the great stuff and be safe!

UGQ quilt can be substituted for a custom "little shop of hammocks" "Z" toaster quilt. The shop is based in canada and is in CAD so you Americans may like that, Canadians can save some money. LSOH is generally 100$ cheaper. But it is a tiny less customizable, theres only like 2 things UGQ has for customablility that LSOH doesn't. The quilts also come with storage sacks while with UGQ you gotta buy one

NatureHike has some decent budget friendly sleeping gear.

Hey Dan, I love the look of the OR Helium 2 and have wanted to purchase for my upcoming JMT hike, however, it’s a hard to come by at the moment with most vendors being out, and the $200 price tag is incredibly steep, imo for what it is. I believe I found a good alternative, the Hydro Packable Rain Jacket 2.0 from Montem Outdoor Equipment. It comes in at 2 ounces more (9oz.) but has pit zips and chest and side pockets. I look forward to receiving it, it looks very promising, it retails for $79 and you can get it for $59 with a coupon code. I would love to see you review this item. A US. Company, more than likely outsourced from China, same as OR. Cheers.

Dan. The sleeping bag that I use is from hyke and byke. Mine is the Eolus model. It’s 800 fill down and rated at 15 degrees. I haven’t had a chance to use it in the extreme cold. It’s a decent bag. I got it from Amazon and it ran about $160.00

I got my jacket at Macy's shockingly and it was $30 . I have a rain jacket from Cabela's for $30 but just recently got an ultralight weight one from WISH for under $5. I have that inexpensive tent and I love it, so light and the mesh allows ability to see. Can't go wrong with that sleeping pad or cookware. Backpacks are the worst to shop for, I had one for under $70 but it's close to 5lbs. So I caved and got osprey, worth every penny. Quilt I recommend Hemlock Mountain outdoor on a great alternative.