New Backpacking Gear I’m Trying in 2024

A roundup of new backpacking gear I’m trying out this year! In this video I do initial reviews of several different pieces of backpacking gear, and will post updated reviews as the season goes on! Let me know if you’d like to see more videos like this, sort of informal gear review roundups. I’m somewhat of a gear nerd, but want to add the disclaimer here that you don’t need the most perfect gear to go on a backpacking trip. Just take the backpacking gear that works for you and keeps you safe and you’ll be fine.
Backpacking Gear featured in this video:
*These links are affiliate links which means I earn a small commission when you use them to purchase, at no cost to you. Thank you for the support! Also, several of these items were gifted to me, but I was not paid to talk about them in this video.
Nitecore Carbo 20,000 battery bank: alnk.to/dLh4sTM
Trail Brush by Trail Stuff: alnk.to/dAmju5t
Sam Bob fleece: sambob.biz/
App Gear Co fleece: appalachiangearcompany.com/pr...
Cnoc Vesica: alnk.to/hhAe5im
Cnoc 2L Bladder: alnk.to/1N1xLvW
Searching for:
Pants
Backpacks
Pack Rafts
Thanks for watching! Don’t forget I put out new backpacking videos every Wednesday so make sure you subscribe!

Пікірлер: 97

  • @morgenfree
    @morgenfree2 ай бұрын

    With the CNOC Vesica - if you collapse it and attach it to your Sawyer Squeeze and Vecto with a cleaning coupling, just hang it from a tree and it makes a super fast gravity water filter! Plus then you have a cleaning coupling to back flush the squeeze if it starts to gunk up, or just do it routinely and you don’t have to worry! I believe it filters so quickly because the Sawyer Squeeze doesn’t need to fight with the air taking up space that is already in the bottle like on a hard sided Smart Water Bottle. I did have a slightly bad taste to the water after it has been in the Vesica, but it isn’t as strong of a taste after freezing it with Baking Soda, lemon juice and water and then washing thoroughly, but I can’t get it to go away completely.

  • @gracejansen

    @gracejansen

    2 ай бұрын

    Seconded! I just started doing this on my last trip & it was honestly life changing

  • @eliseott

    @eliseott

    2 ай бұрын

    This is one of the things I'm most excited to try out with the Vesica! Try a denture tablet for the taste!

  • @trosebrook100
    @trosebrook1002 ай бұрын

    Hey Elise! I'm really enjoying my flextail zero mattress pump. It's a total luxury item but not having to blow up my mattress after a long day is heaven. At 1.2 oz it's totally worth it.

  • @nam_hn

    @nam_hn

    2 ай бұрын

    It's around 2 oz when you include the battery. But it's still lighter than many pump sacks.

  • @JasonSnailer

    @JasonSnailer

    2 ай бұрын

    I have one too but mine is the one with a light in it. It’s alittle heavier but multifunctional

  • @eliseott

    @eliseott

    2 ай бұрын

    That's awesome! I use a pump sack which is also a little easier than just blowing up straight into the mattress. 1.2 oz. isn't bad at all!

  • @chuckdenham126
    @chuckdenham1262 ай бұрын

    I found the perfect hiking pants. Patagonia Terrebonne Joggers. They are lightweight an comfortable, very breathable, dry quickly , have UPF 40 sun protection, and no zipper to wear out. Love them!!

  • @JasonSnailer

    @JasonSnailer

    2 ай бұрын

    These are my favorite hiking pants also. Very light very comfy I’ve been hiking in these for years and no holes. If u get a hole Patagonia will fix it

  • @eliseott

    @eliseott

    2 ай бұрын

    Oooh definitely going to add these to the list to scope out!

  • @carlmcdonald4576
    @carlmcdonald45762 ай бұрын

    Pack recommendation - check into the Durston Kakwa 55, particularly for carrying big weight. Rated at 45 pound, yet they have a very comfortable carry, and are "tightly" engineered not to balloon outwards so the weight stays closer to the body's center of gravity.

  • @eliseott

    @eliseott

    2 ай бұрын

    I trust the Durston designs so I'm super interested in their packs! Glad to hear a firsthand positive experience too!

  • @toxikliz9610
    @toxikliz96102 ай бұрын

    I love the nunatak bears ears pack! They have a hybrid version if you're not always carrying the canister, I have the ul framed version to keep myself accountable. Can't get lazy if the can is structural in my pack!

  • @eliseott

    @eliseott

    2 ай бұрын

    Oooh interesting! I really love the idea of a bear can compatiable pack and I also love that it's on the outside so you don't have to worry about getting all your food out for the day!

  • @hikingmovie
    @hikingmovie2 ай бұрын

    Durston Kakwa 55 is a really comfortable larger pack. Still looking for the perfect pants too.

  • @nam_hn

    @nam_hn

    2 ай бұрын

    The Kakwa 55 can fit horizontally a Bear Vault BV475 in the middle of the pack or a BV500 at the top.

  • @leviantuna8553

    @leviantuna8553

    2 ай бұрын

    I have the 40 but I’ve found it to be the most comfortable pack I’ve tried.

  • @brandielewis6599

    @brandielewis6599

    2 ай бұрын

    I have the 40 and love it!

  • @eliseott

    @eliseott

    2 ай бұрын

    yay! thank you!! Hopefully I'll be able to share some pants recs eventually (there's been some good comments on this vid).

  • @jakeva9802
    @jakeva98022 ай бұрын

    If you want a faster charge look at the Iniu 20kmah 65w. Weighs somewhere around 14-16 oz but will charge to full in 2 hours with a 45w charger. The nitecore 20kmah in comparison will take about 8 hours to charge. Good if you want to get in and out of town quicker.

  • @eliseott

    @eliseott

    2 ай бұрын

    Thanks for the rec! fast charging has never been a huge priority for me but that might change for future efforts.

  • @danieldeviers9934
    @danieldeviers99348 күн бұрын

    I'm not big on bloviating about particular brands especially clothing but the Outdoor Research Ferrosi pant is legs down the best article of clothing my lower torso has ever had the pleasure of donning. (They make a convertible version too if you must have the shorts) Fit, feel, weight, durability, flexibility with a 4 way stretch and a light water resistant coating. Can't beat em, and they adapt admirably in the civilian world. Grassy to classy

  • @natesummers3280
    @natesummers32802 ай бұрын

    Durston Kakwa 55L has been awesome! They make a 40L as well if 55L is too much. I’m also an X-Mid owner as well, so admittedly drank the Kool-Aid, but glad I did! 😅👍🏼

  • @eliseott

    @eliseott

    2 ай бұрын

    I, too, have drank the Durston koolaid so glad to hear you like the packs as well! that one is def on my short list.

  • @evag.7027
    @evag.7027Ай бұрын

    Can’t recommend the mountain hardwear trail sender pants enough!! super breathable (feels cooler than shorts in the sun), dry quickly, have enough stretch and great pockets. Have a good hiking season, looking forward to your videos! Cheers from the PCT :)

  • @eliseott

    @eliseott

    Ай бұрын

    I really love their clothes, so I'll definitely be checking those out! thanks! and CHEERS! enjoy!

  • @Glazehikes
    @Glazehikes2 ай бұрын

    Thanks Sauce. Great video as usual. I love my OR Ferrosi Pants- lots of colors and sizing options. Breathable and durable too. For longer, heavier hauls where I need a hip belt, my go to is the Hyperlite 2400 (any model really - I have the Junction). This pack is so comfy under weight it’s really kind of mind blowing . Also very weatherproof too. Peace and happy trails as always. Edited grammar.

  • @eliseott

    @eliseott

    2 ай бұрын

    I really like my OR Hoodies, so I'll def have to check those out. Good to hear you like the hyperlite, they seem to be growing in popularity - that must be for a reason! Happy trails to you!

  • @BackwardsKnees
    @BackwardsKnees2 ай бұрын

    Always found the discussion around battery packs and performance interesting since almost all of them all have the same batteries from the same manufactures and they just repackage them in different containers.

  • @JasonSnailer

    @JasonSnailer

    2 ай бұрын

    Might be true but output can vary even with the same batteries in different skins

  • @eliseott

    @eliseott

    2 ай бұрын

    Interesting, I'll have to do more research. I do know this one is lighter for the same mAH so there's at least that difference (which is probably the main thing I care about).

  • @patriziaheinzl8961
    @patriziaheinzl89612 ай бұрын

    I tried many different pants. I like the OR Ferrosi Pants the best so far. Backpack: I love my Kawka 55.

  • @eliseott

    @eliseott

    2 ай бұрын

    Love to hear that! A few folks have said they really like them, might be time to make the purchase! Same with the Kawka!

  • @rodoceros
    @rodoceros2 ай бұрын

    Looking forward to your CNOC review.

  • @eliseott

    @eliseott

    2 ай бұрын

    So far have really been loving them!!

  • @iainwright-turner6210
    @iainwright-turner62102 ай бұрын

    I love my outdoor research ferrosi pants, lightweight wind resistant, i find the freedom of movement in them great for long miles for pants

  • @eliseott

    @eliseott

    2 ай бұрын

    I love my OR sun hoody so I'll def have to check those out.

  • @lenisteingen3036
    @lenisteingen30362 ай бұрын

    I was disappointed to find out the nitecore 20000 is only a few grams lighter than the Anker one. I was hoping it was lighter cause the Anker feels so heavy. Thank you for your content, Sauce! Especially the last few videos were so helpful!

  • @eliseott

    @eliseott

    2 ай бұрын

    The difference between the two I have is just over 2 oz. but I do have an older anker. And thank you so much!!

  • @chrisr2925
    @chrisr29252 ай бұрын

    For pack recommendations, have you considered the OV Shadowlight? It's the same weight as the long haul and it carries my BV 450 horizontally very well. It could fit a BV475 horizontally as well.

  • @eliseott

    @eliseott

    2 ай бұрын

    oooh I haven't looked into that one but I'm very intrigued. I like the sitpad in the back and that front zipper is super interesting. Also a fan of the side pockets.

  • @drivingmissmolly
    @drivingmissmolly2 ай бұрын

    When it comes to packrafting, I’ve had mine for almost two years now, and I can fully recommend the gnarwhal by Alpacka. Mine is self bailing, no whitewater deck, but it comes with thigh straps to help keep you inside during larger rapids, but the thigh straps are super easy to get out of by just straightening your legs. You can even roll it like a kayak but it is a bit more difficult. I also got the cargo fly, of course. I’m 5’2” and my legs are a bit bent in the medium (pretty sure I got the medium) and my two mini doxies even fit in the small space behind my seat. I’ve been debating getting a different one for lake trips so I have a bit more room, but then I think about the extra weight and shy away from the idea lol Highly recommend the gnarwhal since it can handle really well in higher-class whitewater, super forgiving for beginners, tracks well, and comfy enough for long trips.

  • @eliseott

    @eliseott

    2 ай бұрын

    THANK YOU SO MUCH!! This is precisely the kind of intel I was hoping for. Appreciate you and hopefully will have one of my own soon.

  • @PT_Hikes
    @PT_Hikes2 ай бұрын

    I'm eyeballing the REI flash air 50. Sub 2lbs and if it carries anything like the REI flash; im thinking it'll carry 35lbs. Waiting for the anniversary sale to make a decision on buying though.

  • @eliseott

    @eliseott

    2 ай бұрын

    nice!! hope it goes on sale for you!

  • @JasonSnailer
    @JasonSnailer2 ай бұрын

    Nice to hear ya on the last BPR

  • @eliseott

    @eliseott

    2 ай бұрын

    It's good to be back!!

  • @SgtSpartyOutdoors
    @SgtSpartyOutdoorsАй бұрын

    Have you looked at 11 skies hiking pants? The owner was a BPR guest and I have a pair for this summer but I haven't put them through their paces yet. Supposed to have a thru hike guarantee

  • @eliseott

    @eliseott

    Ай бұрын

    I've heard of them for sure. it's been a long time though. I tend to trust stuff made by thru-hikers!

  • @hannahcollins1816
    @hannahcollins18162 ай бұрын

    I'm super curious to see how the toothbrush works for you! I thought the concept of it sounded pretty genius

  • @eliseott

    @eliseott

    2 ай бұрын

    Took it out on my first trip this past week and loved it! A few design updates I think could be considered but overall still pretty in love with it.

  • @AndyShepard
    @AndyShepard2 ай бұрын

    I'm also looking for a new pack and packraft. I think I'll go with a Durston Wapta 30 and an Alpacka Scout.

  • @eliseott

    @eliseott

    2 ай бұрын

    Both Alpack and Durston have shown up a lot in the recs in these comments! I'm leaning in similar directions!

  • @nobostone7193
    @nobostone71932 ай бұрын

    Something new I got for this years CDT is the Black Diamond Whippet attachment and trekking poles. I’m hoping It replaces the need for a full size ice axe. I haven’t used it yet but seems like it will work fine for the needs of a thru hiker. Check it out!!

  • @eliseott

    @eliseott

    2 ай бұрын

    oooh i've always been interested in Whippet attachments. I do feel like it would suit our needs (really just self-arresting).

  • @zakafx
    @zakafx2 ай бұрын

    bamboo handle toothbrushes exist if you weren't aware (I still cut mine; just commenting on the wasted plastic bit you mentioned).

  • @eliseott

    @eliseott

    2 ай бұрын

    I know! Def helps with the plastic issue.

  • @CharmingGecko
    @CharmingGecko2 ай бұрын

    Instead of getting the long haul, get the Durston Kakwa 55. Best pack on the market IMO.

  • @eliseott

    @eliseott

    2 ай бұрын

    thanks for the rec!!

  • @HorizonHikes
    @HorizonHikes2 ай бұрын

    Check out some of the joggers from fabletics! Same materials as their shorts so maybe not the most durable compared to something like the khul renegades or the prana hiking pants but VERY breathable and comfortable. I wear them off trail constantly (I just got them a month ago though so I haven’t worn them on trail yet). I also know plenty of women rock leggings on trail if that’s your thing 🤷‍♂️

  • @eliseott

    @eliseott

    2 ай бұрын

    Oohh i'll defintiely look into those, sounds like the kind of material I'm looking for. Durability is definitely a factor but I'm mostly looking to just protect my legs from the sun and occasional stray poky plant. The more durable hiking pants would be great for extended bushwacking but I don't think i'd be comfortable hiking in them all the time. Leggings also seem to just be a bit too thick but maybe if I found the right pair.

  • @HorizonHikes

    @HorizonHikes

    2 ай бұрын

    @@eliseott I have some base layer tights from fabletics that are VERY breathable. I wear them cycling even in hot weather for a layer between me and the rain pants. If their leggings perform similarly they might be worth looking at 🤷‍♂️

  • @hilaryyoung5290
    @hilaryyoung52902 ай бұрын

    Gurl, if you find those pants, let me know! 😆

  • @eliseott

    @eliseott

    2 ай бұрын

    I will of COURSE be screaming from the mountaintops when I find the mircale pair haha

  • @DanielOutdoors
    @DanielOutdoors2 ай бұрын

    1.Terrabone Patagonia Pants 2. Packraft Go for a small enough with a deck. I tried Kokopelli Rogue for the must durable, but any other might do a job. Next i am going with is less in weight, and smaller due to lack of use. I rather skip the whitewater due to an injury i once got from not beeing careful enough with packrafting. 3. Toothbrush, thats a no go to me. Why? When you get sick you need to replace it. Better to cut wooden bamboo toothbrush instead. The putting the spoon where you touch from your hand is not a preferred thing to do. 4. Carbon Powerbank while it problaby go well, you should had choose to buy 2 single Nitecores instead, benefit 2 charging A USB and C USB for less weight and can be duct tape togheter. Now if one fail you have the other too. 5. I do use Cnoc bottles too, but i am not sold about it these yet. I might switch back from Befree to Sawyer to be honest. Because the Cnock and befree might leak. 6. Pack. I having the same issue, but I am very satisfied with Hyperlight 4400 70 liter. Specially regarding packraft. Because you will need the space.

  • @eliseott

    @eliseott

    2 ай бұрын

    1. Thanks for the pants rec! 2. Thanks for the input, I am wondering if I should just start with something that can handle chill stuff and upgrade if I ever feel the itch for bigger water. 3. I think it's such a cool idea!! The cap on it prevents you from touching the brush itself unless you are using it to brush your teeth. Replacing it would be a need with any toothbrush and these are not expensive ($8 USD). 4. Interesting thought on the powerbank! I'll have to keep that in mind for the future. 5. I love my Sawyer, but don't really have experience with the BeFree. I do believe the Cnoc should be compatible with it though. 5. Good to know, and yes thinking I will need something bigger with the pack raft as well!

  • @cittapolyglotta7414
    @cittapolyglotta74142 ай бұрын

    Hi, Concerning hiking pants. I absolutely can’t understand why convertibles are such a no-go? For me, as multi-purpose item they are choice no one for ultralighters. But ignoring the laws of fashion I just bought a very breathable pair (Fjällräven Abisko midsummer lite). The default is wearing only the upper half, and I also really love the bonus storage space aka pockets (especially for my phone, also my tent stakes go in there while pitching). And the bottom parts weigh 91 g instead of 284 g for my regular pants.

  • @hilaryyoung5290

    @hilaryyoung5290

    2 ай бұрын

    The zippers on convertible hiking pants don't fit my thighs... 🥴

  • @eliseott

    @eliseott

    2 ай бұрын

    I am not against converitbles!! I just haven't found any I like yet. I've had my eyes on a few, I'll have to check those out. Glad you like them!

  • @paigeyllizabeth
    @paigeyllizabeth2 ай бұрын

    I love this video

  • @eliseott

    @eliseott

    2 ай бұрын

    I love YOU!

  • @rya7642
    @rya76422 ай бұрын

    Yeah we still have snow on the mountain. Three feet of it!!! Not going to be able to hike until probably July

  • @eliseott

    @eliseott

    2 ай бұрын

    It snowed a foot after I made this video hahaha some trails are melting out by me though finally!

  • @neist
    @neist2 ай бұрын

    Toothbrush is a clever idea, but the thought of the metal banging into my teeth makes my skin crawl.

  • @eliseott

    @eliseott

    2 ай бұрын

    I get that, I haven't had that issue luckily!

  • @arthurvino
    @arthurvino2 ай бұрын

    Kakwa 55 for s Larger pack.

  • @omgBort
    @omgBort2 ай бұрын

    how do you rate the flavor combination of fresh mint and chicken ramen when brushing your teeth?

  • @eliseott

    @eliseott

    2 ай бұрын

    haha the brush is on the other end!! So hopefully will never have to try that combo.

  • @annevandijk00
    @annevandijk002 ай бұрын

    Atom Packs!

  • @eliseott

    @eliseott

    2 ай бұрын

    have been eyeing them for years!

  • @rungavagairun
    @rungavagairun2 ай бұрын

    CNOC bladders are the bomb. Just don't accidentally lean on the clip on top of your inflatable sleeping pad [pop! sssssssss...].

  • @rungavagairun

    @rungavagairun

    2 ай бұрын

    ...also regarding trail pants, I really love the REI Trailmade pants for men. They are cheaper than the big outdoor brands by quite a bit, and if you catch them on sales or clearance, super affordable. They are lightweight, breathable, quick drying, and super comfortable.

  • @eliseott

    @eliseott

    2 ай бұрын

    Oh no!! At least they aren't too expensive to replace. And I'll have to check out the women's versions!

  • @rungavagairun

    @rungavagairun

    2 ай бұрын

    @@eliseott There are women's versions of the CNOC bladders? The clip and bladder were fine, but when I leaned on the clip accidentally, the corner of the plastic clip punctured my sleeping pad. Props to Nemo. I submitted a warranty claim, just hoping they would help me mend the sleeping pad. I explained on the form that I thought the issue was caused by user error, not defect in the pad, but no matter what I did, it still had a slow leak. They replaced the pad with a brand new one, and it was an upgrade to the newer version.

  • @jhonyermo
    @jhonyermo2 ай бұрын

    Please tell me. What is difference between Planning and PRE Planning? Isn't planning always done pre, as in BEFORE? If there is PRE Planning, it stands to reason there must be POST PLANNING

  • @eliseott

    @eliseott

    2 ай бұрын

    LOL fair. I personally do a fair share of post planning though.

  • @_Chris390
    @_Chris3902 ай бұрын

    That Nitecore battery is literally four times the price of an Anker 20,000 one. And looking at reviews of their batteries, they seem less reliable too. Seems like a waste of money. Any toothbrush that is not an actual toothbrush - I always laugh at this. You can save that weight somewhere else, easily. Dental health is way more important than saving a couple of grams. And there is a reason why toothbrush handles are made of plastic, and not of metal - Good luck with that titanium spork handle hitting against your teeth and damaging them. Laughable, honestly.

  • @eliseott

    @eliseott

    2 ай бұрын

    Yeah the nitecore is def pricier than the Anker, certainly something to consider. Like I said, I'm curious to see how it holds up, but I've had other nitecore products last over 5 years and 6,000 miles so far. You do you on the toothbrush! It shouldn't be banging into your teeth though.

  • @jackpumkinhead9583
    @jackpumkinhead95832 ай бұрын

    That toothbrush is silly

  • @eliseott

    @eliseott

    2 ай бұрын

    silly and FUN!