Had lunch with you a few days ago in the shelter where your wife got her trailname. You gave me a ton of tips and tricks and really improved my day! (Had a horrible day until that point) Did a shakedown at Neel Gap and lost 11 pounds of gear. Thanks again so much from Canman. (The Dutch guy)

@LaconianConcepts

3 жыл бұрын

Wow! That’s a lot!

Browsing for cheap hiking gear on ebay is difficult when you dont know item names in english. Today I learned "Ass coaster" is actually a "Sit pad"

@iwinrar5207

4 жыл бұрын

I want an ass coaster

@nathanjohn367

3 жыл бұрын

What is the use of sit pad?

@datghettoazn127

3 жыл бұрын

I use a gardening kneeling pad. It has a handle!

@worldcitizeng6507

3 жыл бұрын

@@datghettoazn127 i think the Dollar store sells it

@datghettoazn127

3 жыл бұрын

@@worldcitizeng6507 that's where I bought it. But idk why you felt the need to tell me.

I love Paria Outdoor Products. I successfully thru hiked the PCT last year using their sleeping pad, sleeping bag and trekking poles. Good quality and affordable prices and EXCELLENT customer service with life time warranty with no questions asked.

Have to say Darwin, your speaking is always fantastic in these videos! You said "um" once in this one and I realized you never really stumble over what you're trying to say. Keep up the great work and good luck on the AT!

@abbiewhittier4405

4 жыл бұрын

Cody Markham I got 2 ums so far lmao!!

@fuggoff5277

3 жыл бұрын

@@abbiewhittier4405 2um's in 15 min Darwin is certainly not Obama

Hey Darwin. Could you talk about having glasses on a thru-hike? Like, what to bring to keep em clean, how to not lose or break em, wether an extra pair is needed. thanks!

@JokkeHimSelf

3 жыл бұрын

Go on Amazon and search for Soft Glasses Case - 4-Pack of Sunglasses Cases - Pouches with Snap Closure - for Eyeglasses and Sunglasses (Mix) That's the kind I use whenever I'm travelling, glasses are the best choice in my opinion and just bring a 50ml spraybottle and a microfiber cloth and you are good to go :)

@swirledworld340

2 жыл бұрын

Definitely emergency pair if you are blind

@ricker76er

2 жыл бұрын

I wore a strap on my glasses in high school gym class. They kept them on my head during physical activities.

I highly recommend Trail Buddy trekking poles. They're super cheap, a cottage company, and have really great customer service. For a sleeping pad I recommend Paria Outdoors. I can't remember the specs off the top of my head but super thick with a really high r value. As a bonus their 30 and 15 degree down quilts are a great value as well

@CharlesBlank

Жыл бұрын

I have the cascade mountain tech carbon fiber and cork poles cuz I found em for 30 bucks at amazon.

Maybe consider giveaways with any gear you are gifted? Even if you just do it on the down low or with some hikers organization it could really help some people out. Just a thought if it works. Keep up the great work!

@MikeontheMandolin

4 жыл бұрын

Vince Imp I agree.

@Vagabondpilot

4 жыл бұрын

100% agree

@jessiejustus2695

3 жыл бұрын

Agreed

@paulbancroft2812

3 жыл бұрын

This is a great idea

@SnoringVids

2 жыл бұрын

Right why send it back? Donate it to scouts or hell gift it to new trail friends. Sell on ebay donate the profit?

Just ordered the Mier UL 1 off Amazon! I have been putting my budget UL set up together to get into backpacking this summer and been watching all of your budget ul vids so this was great timing. This checks off all of my boxes: ultralight, freestanding, bathtub, double-walled, and affordable. boom.

Love these videos - as a Scout leader we are always looking for good (and inexpensive) gear recommendations for our youth. Thank you!

Loving my new 2020 AltaPlex (thanks for helping to bring it back, I'm 6'3" with size 15 feet and the Duplex was too small). Also, I use the TR NeoAir XTherm for winter and UberLite for 3 season. And the ZPacks Vertice raingear (jacket, pants, and gloves)is a tough pill to swallow, but it is phenom8nal rain gear for active use and does pretty good for wind too. For UL backpack I use the Nero without belt and when hammocking or winter, I use my Arc Haul

I agree with the cottage company thoughts. I love supporting those in the industry that really put in the extra innovation to improve a piece of kit I already own. Thanks for always showing us new companies to do business with.

I love that you have affordable gear to recommend for the occasional hiker! Good stuff to hear from a seasoned hiker who otherwise uses the best (but expensive) gear. Great reviews, thank you.

Thanks Darwin, I really appreciate your input on some cheaper gear. Your recommendation on the BSR stove convinced me to buy one and it is the absolute best stove ever.

I think I’ve mentioned this before but I found a great titanium mug called the Tomshoo 750. Cost me about £15 and has served me really well. I can also fit my canister, brs stove and lighted all inside. Cracking little thing 👍

I have that pack and it is small and pretty good but absolutely DO NOT overload it. If you keep the weight well within the tolerance of the pack you will be golden. This a good video - you just got some people ready to go.

20 minutes ago I was talking about that 3F pack to a buddy and watching a review on it! Thanks for this latest video!

Well done Darwin! Really appreciate your new approach to gear reviews.

Love that you're supporting the small companies, by the people who do what you love. Keep up the great work love the vids !!

I'm quite new to the Leave No Trace hiking lifestyle. I'm used to walking long distances in the forest, 10-15 miles on private property, for photography (I was taught from a very young age to never leave a trace). I've now done a few weekend hikes; which is obviously very different from walking through the forest taking pictures, and the hikers I've run into have been awesome (compared to some other outdoor sports/activities I've been heavily involved in). They've really made me want to get more involved in long distance hiking far more! Your videos are really helping me learn about the different types of gear used, and the terminology that I'm going to need. Thanks for your videos, they really do help newbies like me, and a big thanks to experienced hikers, who see new guys on the trail, and ask if everything is okay, it's very much appreciated!

Love the idea of supporting the cottage company’s. Great stuff, brother! I’ve been using the trekology pillow for over a year now and it has done great 👍

Darwin, I gotta tell ya, THAT was a great video. I really appreciate the lower $ options you mentioned in addition to your great info and attitude. Quick, to the point and super helpful. Thank you.

I like your new policy and the transparency it provides...no doubt you're on the side of the People!!! Didn't know Trekology made a pad but I've been digging their Aluft 2 pillow for some time now. Sea to Summit are good but too $$$. I love that you love cottage companies and just want to point out that sometimes they are a good source for folks on a budget. I just got some eVent mitts from John at Borah Gear for a real good price and you can't beat the quality either. I would check cottage companies before going anywhere else first. Well researched and presented Darwin...thanks.

Hey Darwin, thanks for making this. I am an avid day hiker that has wanted to do longer hikes for decades but budget (and lack of knowledge) has prevented me from jumping into it. As a military veteran I know all about long distance with heavy packs (LOL) but I would love to do longer hikes with something a little more manageable and comfortable at my age. This list has been really, really helpful. Thank you sir!

Planning my first section hike for next year.... will definitely consider these items when it comes to purchasing my gear. And thank you for your transparency!!!

I can vouch for the frogg toggs Xtreme lite jacket.. I work outside for a living, and bought mine last spring. I have abused it for an entire year on the job, and on multiple backpacking trips.. it has zero rips in it and is still waterproof.. the thing I really like about it, aside from the price and weight, is the material itself is waterproof. There is no waterproof coating to wear off.

@DarwinOnthetrail

4 жыл бұрын

Nice! Great to know!

@memathews

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the review on this, it's the one thing Darwin hadn't used, and I wondered about waterproofness and delicate handling. It rains constantly in winter here in Oregon and a ripped rain jacket is useless. 👍

@chromedome1975

4 жыл бұрын

@@memathews the down side is you sweat in it, so you still get wet, but hey! It's better than cold rain..

@memathews

4 жыл бұрын

@@chromedome1975 Exactly! Anything better than 10-12 hours of cold rain leaking down your back.

@oldguy871

4 жыл бұрын

@@DarwinOnthetrail I purchased this at walmart as a lighter replacement of my heavier jacket. using it in the summer is not so great. there is no way to ventilate this jacket unless you un zip it and then of course the purpose of the jacket is defeated. This makes for a very hot and sweaty hike. I will say that water can't penetrate but after walking in the rain for about one hour sweat was worse then the rain. I now use it in the cooler seasons to avoid overheating.

I really love your videos mate, always packed with information and product names that I wouldn't otherwise known. I do hiking and multiple day backpacking in Scotland without any access to resupply, so the gear you usually showcase is not that useful here, cause most of the year it's very wet and windy, but I still found some gems in what you recommend, especially in terms of sleeping pads and sleeping bags! Keep up the good work!

This video is great!! Not all of us can afford expensive gear. Thank you for making this video inclusive!

Kudos to you sir. Integrity is harder and harder to find nowadays. You paying full price so WE can get unbiased reviews is appreciated.

Love these Budget Gear reviews. Hope you’re staying safe!

Dude, finally back to your roots of the video world. Really enjoyed it.

I'm taking the Lanshan 2 on the AT this year. I've had it for a year and I love it.

@chefegzyle

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this! I was on the fence about buying the 2. (I hike with my German Shepherd) this was a good comment to read.

@theedavierg4581

4 жыл бұрын

It is a very very nice tent. I bought one as well last year.

@theodoreyoungman2111

4 жыл бұрын

Can you use these tents without the innards. So like a tarp?

@chefegzyle

4 жыл бұрын

@@theodoreyoungman2111 Yes you can, I think it would make a spectacular tarp shelter.

@SonnyH.

3 жыл бұрын

How tall are you. I am 6’ 2

I buy and test a lot of budget gear as starter kits for my Scouts. That Frogg Togg Xtreme jacket is excellent. I have a custom made jacket in micro10 that's awesome and even a bit lighter and cheaper than your Zpacks Vertice, but I got my wife the FT Extreme and it's a great piece of gear for the money. I recommend it to my Scouts all the time. Another great budget option is the Olicamp anodized Space Saver mug. The Trekology pad and pillow are an excellent value and if you get their pump sack it doubles as a dry bag for the pad pillow and your quilt. I love to use the Exped mat and Snozzle bag that way in my own kit. There is definitely something to be said for quality pieces of budget gear when you are starting out. Like you, I'm almost 100% custom cottage stuff, but I also help out a younger crowd that can't afford to make that leap yet and I have and idea page set up on Amazon of stuff I recommend for them.

For the money the Lanshan 1 is fantastic. Used one for 10 days in the Alps last summer and was well impressed.

This is a great video. I will share this in my group. This is beneficial for most beginning backpackers.

Thank you so much for doing these. It always has great gear.

2:16 #DarwinNotForSale highly respectable position.

@bass779

4 жыл бұрын

@@BCRBCRBCRBCRBCRBCR He isn't sponsored by the companies that make the gear reviewed. I don't see an Amazon link as a conflict of interest.

@greenhat7618

4 жыл бұрын

BCRBCRBCRBCRBCRBCR man’s gotta make a living, he’s making fair reviews and it ain’t like you’re paying more

@Rambling_Bob

4 жыл бұрын

Darwin has 238k followers and will make commission on the ads that play before, during and after his videos. I like his position of integrity 👍

@SeraphX2

4 жыл бұрын

@@Rambling_Bob And yet TheOutdoorGearReview doesn't get sponsored and also buys his stuff and won't do Amazon links and does just fine without them. To each his own, but I highly doubt Darwin *has* to do this. Doesn't he like own a business or something? (Maybe I'm thinking of a different YT'er)

@Ether-pb5gb

3 жыл бұрын

​@@Rambling_Bob Take it easy. When somebody works at McDonalds, do we question their integrity? This dude is giving up his time by making/editing the video, doing research. Let him make a dollar

Thanks Darwin!! Always a pleasure. ATB, Bill

Hey Man! Totally respect your position on returning or paying for gear! KUDOS!

Glad to see this series come back. Having said that, for anyone looking to get into hammock camping.....check out Wise Owl Outfitters on Amazon. I bought one of their ultralight hammocks, and while I haven’t used it on trail I’m loving it thus far. Just under a pound for the hammock (which approaches a 2p size) and all hanging gear. Think I paid $30 for it, and it’s made in the US as well. Comes with carabiners, daisy chain hanging straps, and an integrated stuff sack that’s large enough to easily repack. Could also easily and cheaply save some more weight by going to whoopie slings and ditching the straps and biners.

Good for you, Darwin, on your gear review policy. You have great integrity. Here are some low-cost items I'm trying out over the next several months. Pack: Massdrop X Granite Gear Crown X60 - $104 including shipping. Tent: River Country Products Trekker 1 - $49! Quilt: Paria Outdoor Products 15 degree - $150. Rain jacket: Original Frogg Toggs rain jacket (I tried the Extreme but it felt weird) - $30.

That Frog Toggs Extreme Lite was a nice pickup for me. Thanks for the recommendation.

Great video, thanks for the good info. I use my Lanshan 2 for desert hiking here in the Great American West. It's been a great tool, and has held up very well in some seriously inclement weather. It DOES weigh a tad more, but I love having the peace of mind knowing that when I get to camp, it will perform well, and I don't have to worry about getting some good rest.

@brockdelorenzo7505

4 жыл бұрын

jetjock blake i have the 2p Pro- love it

Great video and super alternatives for budget gear. Thanks for your research and commitment to the cottage vendors as well as your commitment to purchasing your gear. Super ethics

I appreciate your time in sharing your passion.

@DarwinOnthetrail

4 жыл бұрын

🤙🤙🤙

We need more KZreadrs like you. Great content

I‘ve been following you for eons, and this video rates way up on the scale of Darwin‘s Most Valuable! And I‘m writing that as a guy who also mainly goes for cottage business gear (Duplex, Vertice jacket, Zpacks backpack, EE quilt, etc.). What I love about this video is the way it opens up the field for aspiring hikers who might otherwise hesitate to get started on UL backpacking. Great service to the community, dude! :-) Also quite interesting for me as a source of recommendations for people who cross my path and maybe want to join me on my adventures but aren‘t yet equipped. And that Trekology sleeping pad looks like a winner for people camping out in less-than-frigid conditions, such as on other peoples‘ floors or for fair-weather camping. They also make a great pillow that is the comfiest I have tried, and I‘ve tried many. Thanks for gifting the community with this input at exactly the right time of year so people can get started and enjoy the Great Outdoors this spring and summer! :-)

The trekology pad is great I got it with the pump sack but yes the R value is low or not at all it’s definitely a warm weather pad and my first one had a slow leak so I called them they verified my purchase and sent me a new one in three days!! No questions asked great customer service and it’s been excellent ever since!

Thanks Darwin great video and very thoughtful provoking. Especially the pack.

Thanks Darwin! I dig your videos and honesty.

I love those drybags with shoulder straps. I have one from Alpkit UK, really good. Waterproof 30liter has side pockets a rooltop, blader holder.

Thanks Darwin! Such a great budget gear video!

Cheers for the comparisons between the more expensive gear and the cheaper stuff! That was well explained. Thanks!

I’ve used the Lanshan tent, solid option. The netting bugs me (pun intended) , but a very good sturdy tent for the price.

Great video. And I love your approach to gear reviews.

Thanks! Gonna have pick up that rain jacket and tent. Great gear is a necessity when spending as much time as you do on trail. I on the other hand can't spend the time I want out there. Ultralight is almost my only option these days, 4 bulged disc, rotator cuff, jacked up feet and knees.....so I greatly appreciate these videos. Fyi, I dream of the day I can be on trail as much as you, thank ya

Awesome video man! Great compare and contrast of UL gear

New subscriber. Absolutely love your take on gear and backpacking tips. Keep up the great work!

Love the integrity brother...well done.

@DarwinOnthetrail

4 жыл бұрын

🤙🤙🤙

Your eyebrows tell a story lol. How do you get them to make such a perfect wave

Another option is Sierra trading post. They at times get great brands for discount prices because they are related to TJMaxx but for sporting goods. I got my thermarest neo air sleep pad there for $75. I always look there first for gear to see what they have before I check out amazon. Just putting it out there for budget minded people. Also got my tent and other awesome gear for car camping and day hiking

Awesome! Great review on budget gear. Comparison to the pricey stuff helps alot. New stuff for the newbie or the weekend warrior operating on a budget will help others get out there and enjoy nature. The packs I'll look at. the tent also has a 1.5 version I believe. No idea about cost or wieght. Senior 77 did a review. We need more people doing reviews for us, not just the companies or for free gear. Big thumbs up!!

I just bought the frogg toggs extreme lite hi-vis blue size small should be in the mail this week! Cant wait to try it out. Packs into its own pocket, very lightweight & breathable, taped seams so for the warmer summer months, its kinda what you need without melting out there in a warm rain or wind lol..I actually owned the very first runs of the frogg toggs rain jackets back when i fished the bass tournaments and although it worked it did shred and start coming apart in no time and it was just a mess to use after a while. But the material is different with this one so hoping its much better. Thanks for showing us this gear Darwin!

"...If you don't have a big thick neck like me" **Laughs in powerlifter. Immediately passes out due to hamster-like lung capacity**

@isaaclim3348

4 жыл бұрын

*laughs in wrestler*

@Bookit9254

4 жыл бұрын

Bradford Taylor I made the mistake of reading your comment while taking a sip of coffee... 😂

@freddmi5212

4 жыл бұрын

I think he meant beard.

@jajajdjdjdj6434

4 жыл бұрын

@@freddmi5212 no😂

@paulbancroft2812

3 жыл бұрын

What does “laughs IN ____ mean? I understand the phrase “laughs in house” and “laughs at powerlifting” even laughs at power lifter in the house” but how do you laugh IN a powerlifter?

love your position on testing gear / sending it back or paying for it. your stock was already pretty dang high with me, now it's way up there. big integrity there, pal. excellent. also love the support of cottage industries. however, still an important series. thanks for doing it.

Awesome stuff !!! Great gear and good alternatives for everyone. Now, get out there !!!!

Love your stuff.... keep up the gear reviews. I enjoy watching...

Darwin you are a godsend and I love your channel.

Great review Darwin. Always appreciate your honesty

@DarwinOnthetrail

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the continued support over the years Deb!

Instant like and comment as soon as I read the name of the video! Love these!

I've had a Lanshan 1 for just shy of two years now. It's a surprisingly good tent though I got mine for around $86. I've since picked up an MLD shelter and I hate to say there are things I like better about the Lanshan. I was looking at the Tutor pack, but didn't quite like certain things about it. I ended up getting a Granite Gear Virga 26. Perfect size for the weekend trips that I take when I'm only carrying gear for me. It's somewhat similar to the Waymark pack with a webbing hip belt, no frame, load lifters (which I didn't think I'd care for), and a roll top. It wasn't much more than the Tutor. Took it out to Three Ridges this past weekend for it's first trip and really liked the way it carried. Never thought I'd go frameless with a webbing hipbelt.

@Mark_Jacobson81

4 жыл бұрын

Matthew Growney i had the Lanshan 1, but found it a bit cosy so sold it and bought the Lanshan 2 👍 I don’t mind carrying that extra weight for the extra space

@MJGEGB

4 жыл бұрын

@@Mark_Jacobson81 I'm 5'10" and I found it to fit like a glove. You have to pitch it properly for sure or you lose a lot of space, I'm sure the 2 man is the same way. The other thing I do is clip my mostly empty pack to my trekking pole strap up in the vestibule. There's only a few things that I want in my tent with me when sleeping at night. Mainly a bottle of water and headlamp. The big advantage is being able to pitch in tighter spots but I get that single person tents aren't for everyone. I've been using a bivy lately so the Lanshan is probably going to feel like a palace when I use it again.

@robwood777

4 жыл бұрын

Granite Gear is a great option for affordable packs. I'm working with a Granite Gear Crown60. While not UL at 36oz, its a comfortable, framed pack with plenty of room and it's light enough for me. Plus it was about 100$ on sale.

Hello Darwin, thank you for sharing this very informative video. You featured some great money saving options. All the best of good things for you. 🤗

Your videos are a massive resource for me thank you so much

+1 on the Frog Toggs Xtreme Lite Rain Jacket -- All I use.

@bonnevillebagger9147

4 жыл бұрын

Rich Beck a great pick

From the Amazon page on Trekology UL Pad "With an estimated R value between 2 to 2.5, this pad is great for 3-season camping (35.6F or 2C and above)!"

@blakew5672

4 жыл бұрын

I wonder if that’s using the new standard they’ve developed? For the price I doubt it.

@Slow_poke_hiker

4 жыл бұрын

@@blakew5672 you're probably right. I am certain that is why it was hidden in text with the qualifier "estimated"

@darwin the lanshan 1 ULpro is a great option and they lengthened the tent for the pro version

I find that metal shoe horn works just as well as the trowels shown in the video and it's just a fraction of the price ;)

happy hikes, brother

I really appreciate this series! I want to hike the AT in the future but I can’t invest in expensive gear right now.

Been watching for like 2 years and just realized I have not been subscribed. lol. I am prepping for my 2021 AT thru hike after I retire next year. This has been super useful! Just grabbed the Frogg Toggs. Thanks Darwin and keep up the good work!

Excellent video. Good Luck, Rick

I really like that rain jacket!

Thank you. Great video. Love your presentation style.

For those intersted they made a lashan pro version for the same price but 200gr ligther, but doesn't come with a compression bag. Thank you for your video, it was really informative and help me out as well :)

This is perfect timing! Thanks.

Charming chap! I like the "cottage" gear approach. :)

Another excellent video. I would like to point out some things. 3F UL Gear does now offer a "Pro" version of both the Lanshan 1 & 2, it's single layer instead of double, lighter, and a bit bigger (length is 230cm vs 210-215cm). There is also the Trajectory 35L pack, roll top, removable belt, offered in Xpac and DXG UHMWPE, has load lifter straps, hip pockets and comes in at 845g 110$usd-130$usd. I have gone with a 3/4 (junior) Klymit pad, ridiculously small and lightweight for summer and the beginning/end of the shoulder seasons. Still rocking the BRS stove, and I have abused (read as drop) it a lot and it still works fine (I did have to bend the supports back once, from a 20 foot fall). Still hoping you explore the Condor Trail around central California. I can't really find any video footage of it, it would be nice to get it some exposure and interest.

I think it's great that you're going to send the items back. It's impossible to know if they've sent you a "better" version than the production line when they send you a free product even if it is no strings attached.

One related topic I’d love to hear more about is durability. What gear have you come across in all your hikes and meeting other hikers that someone have been using for a long time without fail?

Great series. I'm trying to go UL to lighten the load on a bum knee.

I've used Frogg Toggs before and they're lightweight and keep you dry. They're also a bit delicate and easy to tear, which is the only problem with it. Otherwise highly recommended. Nice to see they have a new option available - I'll check it out.

Lanshan comes also in a 1 pro version. It's basically a copy of the Altaplex only in 20D sil-nylon. It's a single wall 1 pole tent, it weighs 25 oz (690 g) and the interior length is about 8 inches (20 cm) longer than the "normal" version. As it cost $ 138, it's still a cheap option,

Been using the Lanshan 2 for over 2 years and it has been great. I like it for a one person tent, But I have a lot of gear and I am hunting on most trips.

Great video. Love it. Awesome tent.

Very good video , very good gear options !!

Six Moon Design is a perfect low cost option for light weight tent. they are also a cottage company and have a great price. I actually use the SMD Lunar Solo. SMD have a sale every year just before Christmas as well. you can get a great deal. JMHO.

@jasonpetty3786

4 жыл бұрын

@@ChopperChad I got a lunar solo a few years ago during the christmas sale. I think i paid $180 for it. I love it. I wish they would make one out of DCF. I think it is a better design than Zpacks.

@badderthanyou

4 жыл бұрын

Tarptent Protrail is a great budget option too. Made in USA. No child labor.

@oldfunsfrontporch5390

4 жыл бұрын

South LA Hiker love my lunar solo!!

Have a lanshan tent and a 3ful pack. Love both. Cheaper to buy on AliExpress if you can wait 3 weeks for it to show up

Nice alternatives... I use a tarp mainly but when I went to Nepal I used the Black Diamond Beta Light. 15 ozs (not including stuff sack and stakes) and a true 4 season tarp/tent and cheap at $150ish. I always use 2 hiking poles so no problem and tons of room inside, I'm 6'4. Just my 2 cents...

A lot of nice budget alternatives

I have the 3F UL 35L-45L backpack, and the straps are not quite as close together as your pack. The top rolls down and then clips with side straps. However, there's still a Y strap above that to let you put gear on top of the pack. It's a bit heavier at around 30 ounces (large size), but has a lot of good features for backpacking. It comes in Dyneema gridstop or XPAC. ~$118.

Love these videos!