Howdy, welcome to the channel! Im Zac Magers
The goal of this channel starting in 2023 is to share my journey of getting back into the outdoors, and reviewing gear I use. Im a new backpacker, new to the gear, and reviews will be primarily first look or impressions aimed at helping new backpackers like me.
As time goes on I aim to provide more longterm use gear reviews, gear comparison reviews, and in an effort to either confirm or question the top common negative reviews of a given product, test the gear for myself and share my personal results.
Its never too late to get out into the backcountry and improve your physical and mental health. I sincerely hope anyone watching feels encouraged to get out there and live the best life possible!
Previous videos on this channel, started in January 2020, are unrelated to my new direction in 2023. Ive decided to keep all previous uploads public for friends and those that still find interest in the content.
Thanks so much for being here!
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Sweet video Zac, excited for the next part
Thank you! I already miss being up there for sure… Thanks for checking out the vid:) Have a great rest of the weekend ! Cheers
why are you squishing it? thats not how people move when sleeping
Not the best but the most versatile and rugged minimalist/barefoot sandals available, in my personal experience.
Howdy there! Any other recommendations you have I’d love to hear them, always looking for new gear to try out. Love my Bedrock so far ! Thanks for checking out the vid:)
bought the x ultra 04 the left shoe was leaking, never salomon again
Hot lips was like the best thing I've added to my cook kit in years, so simple but changes so much lol
Finally got to try it this weekend... what a difference ! The heat, I can deal with that, but the metallic taste as you sip coffee, no sir I wont have it. Really worked well, glad I got it :) Thanks for checking out the video, Cheers
I've probably watched an actual ton of these videos and out of all the possible sleep system combinations you landed on the combo I agonized over. I think it's extremely intriguing to find someone else who's relatively new in the procurement phase and selected the exact same rig I did....minus the tent. Why'd you opt for the single wall and not something like the hybrid Tarptent double rainbow li? Comparable in weight plus a preponderance of features with a dyneema fly, trekking poles modifies to freestanding, clip in liner for condensation mitigation and 50 inch floor. Never heard of it or did you genuinely favor the Durston for some reason? Asking cuz I haven't ponied up on that one yet and it seems like a no brainer unless there's something you see I don't.
Howdy Daniel! Theres a coincidence right there ! Actually just tried out the new ultralight 25 degree quilt with the 25 degree full sheet and it was awesome...its just a nicer experience having the sheet material under your feet instead of sleep pad material. Also, I didn't notice it until I was in the mountains in bed but there are some other connection points midway down the quilt that look like they are supposed to match with something.. I need to look into that but so far its a great combo ! As to the tent question, basically the selection process in late 2022 went like this : I started with what's one of the most ultralight / well known / best performing DCF tent on the market right now : Zpacks. SO initially this was my choice At the time, X-Mid was not on the radar as far as making the top 10 lists for ultralight gear, at least not that I came across. I accidentally stumbled across a youtube video where someone had just ordered a Durston DCF tent, was on a long waiting list and was sharing some thoughts about that. I looked it up and just immediately fell for the functional design, the aesthetics, and how seemingly easy it was to pitch this tent. So I switched over and Im super super happy I did. I had to go through buying the non plus 2 person first but Im really happy to have ended up with a plus version! I would say that its highly possible I may have eventually started leaning towards Tarp Tent if the standard X-Mid Pro 2 was what I was stuck with, but now that the 2 plus is out...this is perfect for me. In 2023 I was looking for an alternate tent and thats when I came across Tarp Tent. They have super impressive models to choose from, highly functional, light weight. Ultimately I went with the Big Agnes Copper spur HV3 to use more for the kind of campsite you would use at Lodgepole in the sequoias. Thanks for checking out the video !
@@zacmagers Ha. We've entered bizarro world. Mrs. And I purchased the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV3 but the MtnGlo version along with my SHTF tent the Hilleberg Keron 3gt. Funny how different people can assess the plethora of options and land on the same selections. I know I've spent more research hours than cash (barely) so to pick those is evidence you've done the same so you probably have a good reason not to be concerned about a single wall tent like you live in an arid landscape or something. I'm near the Shenandoahs and Skyline Drive and I do mean there's some dew. Condensation is a constant struggle up here. I got about one more tent purchase left before my wife rakes me over the coals so this last decision is crucial and the Xmid was on my list of 3. I think considering my locale double walls are a must. Once I work up the moxy and get over this ridiculous camera shyness I'll put up a companion video and let you see your kit in a mirror in the double rainbow👌😃 I have the full sheet too with the 10f light quilt from Zen but man that color scheme with the old sheet with the updated ultralight 25 just clashes awfully. Green, navy blue, yellow with white and gray or black and red....I listed way too many colors and none of them compliment each other. I'd almost have to buy the half sheet just so it didn't look like a paint ball exploded when you opened the tent door. I think they chose to halve the sheet because of the sewn in foot box on the 25f. I guess they figured your lower torso wouldn't be making contact with the pad anyways. Best I can figure besides saving a whoppin, what, 2 ounces?
Brilliant filming and narration man, just amazing work!
Awesome thank you very much! Really happy you enjoyed the video :) I’m just about to check out of the hotel and head to the tram for this trip. Be well, cheers !
Worth noting: just because you have a similar amount of sweat on your back at the end, doesn't mean you sweat the same amount! Without it, a ton of sweat is on your pack, which is trapping heat on your back. With it, moisture is evaporating away, but also it's still freaking hot, so of course you're still sweating a ton, and you could still easily soak the shirt.
Howdy Matt! You make a very solid / valid point. This is very non - scientific experiment to say the least and I’ll admit I was having a little fun with the comments in this video for sure. I would love to approach this topic again in a more well thought out video. Not going to satisfy everyone but I definitely could do a better job:) Like not doing this on near 100 degree days … Appreciate you taking the time to check it out tho! Be well, cheers.
This helped me lmao 😭🙏
Right on!!! Glad that helped you out:) Have a great day!
San Jacinto was my first overnighter too. Many years ago. I think I hauled 40 lbs up the Devils Slide trail. Now, I'm around 20LBS loaded. The tram is a blast too. And Round Valley has great campsites. Enjoy!!
Hey mister Tim! Wowww 40lbs is no small task ! I’m glad you have a very manageable weight now. 20lbs with some added comforts is just fine :) Do you have a favorite Round Valley site number to stay at? I was going to go back to Swallow, it looked beautiful when I was checking the area out last December. The tram is really awesome I’m looking forward to that again, all the folks running the tram and the facility staff were so helpful and positive, seems like a good crew there. Thanks for checking the video out! Can’t wait to head out there soon :) Cheers
Zac, I hear you on the “I don’t want to bring two cups just to drink coffee.” However, bringing my GSI mug with my toaks 750ml pot was a game changer. It allows me to make my pour over coffee and keeps it warmer much longer than the titanium pot. It’s super light and insulated. Just find something that fits in it so it doesn’t become wasted space while packed in your bag. 🤙🏼
There’s a GSI mug!? I wonder if the GSI filter nestles inside .. Ok so you make a good point that I honestly had forgotten about : these titanium cups cool down super quick and the contents as well. It seemed like you had 5 min max of super hot coffee, a few min of luke warm coffee and downhill from there so you have to hurry. Not a very relaxing way to start the day. I’ll probably have to give that a shot! thanks for the suggestion :)
Hey Zac, got my package thanks again. Also get the flex tail. The light is worth it and it works great just a little loud.
Hey Jason! Glad you got the package man, hope you have some good camping / backpacking this summer :) I’ve been very very tempted to get it…I know someday I’ll be in REI or something and won’t be able to help myself. I wonder if it will fit my Nemo Elite pillow…
Fantastic as ever buddy..!! Informative, entertaining, thorough.
Congrats. It is very rare that someone makes me laugh out loud. Your pondering the name is something I have pondered every time I use the stove.
Also I suggest using a paper filter with the GSI filter. I put 1 serving in one of those small snack baggies. After brewing I just lift the paper filter out and put it into the now empty coffee baggie for an easy clean up.
Hey Garry! Been a while I hope all is well :) Glad you had a good Sunday chuckle, always a good way to start the day ha. And I’ll certainly give that a try for sure, actually as I think that through there’s less water use for clean up and I don’t have to rinse grounds onto the..well ground, great idea I’ll give that a shot!
thanks
Thanks for checking out the vid !
I've been wearing Baggies since they were introduced. They last forever. Get yourself a pair of Peter Limmer boots for your room. In the 60's they were THE Boot. Period.
Just looked those up! Reminds me of Danner, such a classic look. Great suggestion! Thanks for checking out the vid:)
Hey man! I' m going to iceland in november and im looking for a pair of shoes that keep the ice out. I'm not planning on submerging them, just want to keep moisture out. Thoughts?
Howdy there ! Great question. While Im not experienced even in areas of light precipitation backpacking, Im certainly not yet experienced in snow / icy conditions, however I did pick up a pair of the Climasalomon Ultra 4 early this year that I plan on putting to the test in light snow conditions. Theres a lot of expensive ways to put money into waterproof / snow ready boots, so far the Climasalomon are actually reasonably priced and have good reviews for light duty snow readiness. Im hoping to test these later this year. Hopefully that helps ! Cheers
What size is your ladies patagonia baggies? I wear medium in mens version😊
So I just stayed with medium ( medium in mens and medium in women's ) and foooor sure, the women's medium are a little snug, but I happen to like that. If you spend a lot of time with leg day, that might not work out too well especially taking big incline steps. So far the switch has been working out great !
Just saw your video about switching to ladies baggies now i want to try also 😂 i think much comfier, shoutout from japan:)
Howdy from LA! Thanks for checking out the video!
A man living in Arizona was attacked and killed by a Black Bear in 2023. Three teens from Arizona have been attacked one killed this year alone. First they encourage you to use spray instead of fire arm against the Bear now this, what gives? I’ll bet since the protesters have been using bear spray as a weapon that is the reason it has been labeled as such.
Hey... Great video.... I love my Olympus 5 ( black on black) Just finish 3 days i Sweden in Rain, horse shit, hills and small rocks... They performed perfect for me. Will love to try the Lone peak 8
Hello there and thank you ! Having some extra outsole cushion Im sure helped a little with the horse shit for sure, excellent choice ! Really glad they work out well for you, they are super nice looking shoes. It would be nice if the Lone Peak came in some similar color ways as the Olympus.. Thanks for checking out the vid! Cheers
Just stumbled across your channel as I was looking for a review of Ombraz sunglasses. I’ve always been into the outdoors, but haven’t really done any backpacking after becoming an Eagle Scout as a teenager decades ago! I do lots of trail running in the Bay Area and some peak bagging in the Sierra (Mount Whitney and Matterhorn Peak being the two most exciting). I like the vibe and will look forward to following along on outdoor adventures. Subscribed!
Howdy there Salty Dog! Awesome user name. Stoked to hear you find time to get out there, and I bet trail running in the Bay area must be absolutely amazing! The meditation and clarity on the day hike / trail run weekends before the week presumes, not much else beats that for mental health in my opinion. So I’m happy to hear you get out there and hit it! Very much appreciate you checking out the channel, got a few adventures planned in the mountains this year and I can’t wait to get some more vids up:) See you on the next one Cheers
I cut only the elastic band out of mine rather than the whole liner. It’s great
Right on ! I often wonder how long Patagonia will include that liner... Thanks for checking out the video ! Cheers :)
By making both parts the same, they only need one mold tool. Helps keep costs down.
A fellow member of the procurement / supply chain folks of the world? This is truth, you are correct. Different revision controlled designs, different tooling costs. I would have loved to get more into the design / end procurement and warehouse management of additional materials, but I found myself being long winded enough :) Retention rate zero % at that point ha! Thanks for mentioning this and checking out the video!
When are we going to see "Jo" again? Her birthday video was her biggest appearance yet. These reviews, their updates, and comparisons to previous ones are getting more helpful each time. Keep it up man, great stuff.
Mr Sawn! How are you man!? Much appreciate the kind words. Continuing to explore new ways of delivering information, getting to the point while still being me. It’s been really fun. Finding the time lately is the bigger challenge but the show must go on! I mentioned to Jo there was a major demand for her return haha. She says “ tell them you don’t let me go with you when you film”… these lies :) I’m planning a few nights in San Jacinto in June that she is trying to arrange time for, but we definitely have a trip in September back to Sequoias that she will be joining. Really looking forward to that!
On your Thinsulate question, there's a ton of different brands using it as synthetic insulation in winter gear, kinda similar to primaloft. Thinsulate seems to work better as insulation in areas that are likely to be compressed during use, where down or prima would be useless as it relies on open air and loft. Living in the upper midwest, it's a pretty recognizeable brand when it comes to winter gear, especially in gloves. Now I live within 20 miles of 3M's headquarters, and I'm not a fan at all of the companies ethics and environmental issues (look up Tartan Highschool cancer,) but they do make a lot of chemical products that people rely on
I think my biggest thought after watching this is about the bear that Norwegian Xplorer encountered. It likely would have been in that bear's long-term benifit to be sprayed during its false charge. It would have given the bear a great reason to be scared of humans, and avoid them in the future. Instead, the bear spent a good amount of time near humans, got close and attempted to show aggression towards them (probably so they'd leave their food,) and had no negative consequences to take from it. That bear is *just that much* more likely to do it again in the future, which I'd guess he had already done before in the past. In the end, problem bears have only one ending. Bear spray might get them further away from that unfortunate ending.
Thank you bro
Super stoked you won! Feel free to email me anytime ( email and Insta linked on channel also ) [email protected]
Congrats
"It's about 20-25 miles from where I grew up" The LC to Sequoia is 25.
Hey man! That’s for sure the range 100%. When I was finishing editing and looked it up, 23 miles is the exact distance. Thus far since that edit, I’ve managed to learn that mileage number and not have a Jim Carrey The Number 23 meltdown …
Nice one Zac 👍🏼
Thanks man! Thought that would be kinda fun :)
23 miles away
Whats up Jason! Congrats man! Hopefully that wasn't too hard to find... Whenever you can, hit me up here and we can get things rolling for you :) [email protected]
@@zacmagerswow
@@zacmagers done d**m
Is there a reason in your opinion not to buy a reusable filter and just bring the coffee you use at home? I haven't tried out a camping version of those filters but there actually are a few. I think that those options from your video produce unnecessary waste (as you have also mentioned).
Howdy there! Thanks for checking out the vid:) So, I’m still super new at backpacking and I’ll be exploring more this year on some planned trips. Someone reached out and recommended I believe it to be the MSI reusable filter? Anyways I picked one up and actually plan to use this in a few weeks on a planned backpacking trip in San Jacinto. I’m no coffee connoisseur, but I’m pretty set that even something as simple as the Alpine instant isn’t going to be my go to unless the trip calls for it. I just want a simple medium roast black coffee that taste good, bringing my own grounds and a reusable filter seems like the way to go. I’ll test that out in a few weeks so that will definitely be in a June vid release. Also, need a lightweight solution for a cup…I’m not vibing on drinking coffee from a titanium cup. Cools too quick, tastes metallic. You’re camping, it’s not ideal I get it, but coffee is important to me and I want to get that right so I can start the day with some chill amazing coffee in the chair! I’ll let everyone know how the MSI filter works out in the June vid. Cheers !
"I'm my own pain in the neck". Ha, yeah me too.
That’s just how it goes sometimes !
Your videos are very well shot! Beautiful to watch.
Howdy there! Really appreciate you, awesome comment and thank you so very much for checking out this vid, was my fav from 2023 by far. Happy you enjoyed:) Be well, cheers
The rule is silly! The best thing that can happen in a bear encounter is you both go your separate ways. The best thing that happens if the bear is aggressive is that you have to use the bear spray to protect yourself and the bear runs off stinging a little bit but otherwise unharmed and doesn't have to be put down for mauling a human. The bear now associates the feeling of the bear spray with humans and wants nothing to do with them. Silly decision by those National Parks you mentioned. An absolute lack of logic or foresight by them. Do what you have to protect yourself because chances are no one else will.
How the duck do you keep yapping for 25 minutes when you only have 3 minutes of useful information? Learn to STFU when you don't have anything to say.
Howdy there! Well, thanks for checking out the vid, much appreciated. A mix of ADHD and nerding out, I can certainly manage a yammer. Trust me, having to listen to this multiple times when I’m editing is the hardest part! As I continue making content, I hope to find a good balance with getting to the point and making enjoyable content. Appreciate your time and comment! Be well, cheers
looks dumb
Ha, short and sweet! Well thanks for checking out the vid tho:)
Woo I love this and l learn something from history thank you man for your job
Howdy there! Really glad you enjoyed! This place just continues to fascinate me no matter how many times I go. Beautiful place. I spotted a different trail when I was there the other week, going to check that out next. Be well, cheers
Nice to come here and confirm my bias for this tent with the big agness rapide sl wide sleeping pads. Great combo bro!
These pads are awesome! Those side ridges make a considerable difference for sure. I was so happy to see these fit so easily in an X Mid Pro…awesome Thanks for checking out the vid!
This is a great video man. I like your set up and the aesthetics of the video. Keep trucking
Hey there, much appreciated! Thanks for checking out the vid :) Cheers
I have both and always leave it outside lol. I can’t believe I haven’t tried this . Smh lol
As long as it doesn’t have beef jerky crumbs on it, works out well!
The amount of sweat doesn’t matter. What matters is allowing the sweat to cool you by evaporation. This should improve evaporation. And that’s good.
black bears are harmless man. they are mostly vegetarian. i have never had a problem with them when hiking and camping in Yosemite and sequoia for many years. i have seen a bear countless time not even one time the bear would approach me. no need for bear spray. if you are a pussy don’t go to wild places and stay home.
It seems that brands are waging a full-throttle battle for the lightest tent. Thank you for this thorough review. Just in time for camping season. You should do a video on what it's like to camp/hike in Beverly Hills. That would be interesting to watch!
Howdy Brice! Hope all is well with you and team! True that, that’s an important narrative / tag line for sure. I’m so blown away by the space in this new tweak of the X Mid design, and shoutout to Dan for giving me some design details to note in this video. I’m super stoked to get this tent out there this year! It’s a little nerve racking to film in this spot, as beautiful as it is. LA is not so…accepting of tents in higher end neighborhoods so I have to make quick work of it, understandably so. The amount of times I have to edit out me walking over to rangers or concerned park guests is quite a bit! It helps there’s a camera and it’s seemingly obvious what’s going on but the looks are like “ he’s not staying out here in Beverly Hills is he ? “ it’s a good time ha! A night there would be funny. Tesla sounds in the background, a late night post-mates delivery of my favorite tacos, wake up to someone setting up a birthday party picnic, that would be a classic on the channel for sure! Thanks for checking this out Brice, congrats on the new blue color way release of your frame, looks awesome!
I have just completed my 2nd Camino (in Spain and Portugal) and have about 300 miles in my Altra Olympus 5's. I can see very little wear so recommend them. I would not wear them in an extreme rocky environment though
Howdy there! Well thats a good chunk of miles, Im happy to hear these are working out for you! Being super new to backpacking, Im not experienced enough to have a well thought out and tested set of gear per the conditions Im heading in, but one thing is pretty clear, Im going to beat the hell out of these if I keep using them on some of my frequented trails local in LA. I wish I could fins something lite, vibram sole, non gortex for use in my favorite spots with scree, wet rock, scrambling, and regular trial...the holy grail for me. Otherwise these are just short lived expensive experiments. Open to suggestions! Thanks for checking out the vid :)
Hi there. Just finished the camino frances 2 weeks ago, I used a NB more v3 trail but I saw a lot of Olympus 5 being worn by pilgrims. It is a good choice for the type of terrain of the Camino, very few difficult rocky areas.
Howdy there ! That’s very interesting, seems like a popular shoe there. Hope you had a great time on Camino ! This feed back kind of solidifies that these shoes will be just fine and better used for more continuous flat trail conditions or pavement. Although I did notice these shoes seem to run about a half size smaller tho…
@@zacmagers Howdy! Yes I believe you’re right on the sizing. Precisely at Santiago de Compostela, there’s a good hikers store where I decided to try on the shoe. The sales rep + my trying it confirmed it does run snug, thus recommending me to go half a size up. The reason seems to be the padding on the heel, which hugs that part of the foot well enough so that the front displaces a bit forward (this happened to me in similar ergonomics in running shoes like the Asics Nimbus 25 and Saucony Triumph 20, where they have heftier heel support). Since it’s not easy to find stores that carry Altra’s, after that try-on I decided to purchase them since they’re on good sales because of the upcoming release of version 6.
CA is ban happy. There is only one party that rules CA. The party of taking stuff away from you. This isn't about safety, it's all political.
I carry whatever means of defense I deem necessary. It is solely my decision. The last time I traveled to California was about 6 years ago. I'm glad I got to see the state decades ago, because I will never be going back. In the last year, I also made the decision to scratch all national parks off my list of destinations. There are too many people there anyway. I travel most of the year, and most of my time is spent in remote areas of national forest and BLM land. I've had 100s of encounters with bears, some pretty hair raising. What you are seeing with the black bear in the video is a prelude to a predatory attack. It's not wise in a circumstance like this to take too soft an approach. The bear is looking for weakness and deciding whether the attack is safe or a poor risk. He is testing.
Howdy there ! The footage of this bears behavior basically lives rent free in my mind, not from a place of fear but an understanding of how situational each encounter can be, and that its just a mater of time before the long standing " there have been no black bear fatal attacks in X years in X area " is no longer a stat thats true. Now thats certainly not the bears fault, but we happen to be sharing a space in this nature and its ridiculous that people aren't allowed to protect themselves with non-lethal means. The rangers are utilizing rubber pellets, spray, so on as a deterrent as last measure when its the last resort, which just points to not a protection of bears from weapons, but a lack in trust of the general public to carry non-lethal protection. Folks that misuse these tools should face heavy fines and /or jail time, but instead the tools are stripped away from everyone. Thanks for checking out the video !
Thank you Zac. Good comparison. Would be cool if Dan could make a “plus” version in the regular Xmid 2p non dyneema. I prefer the inner mesh of the double wall version which helps keep my quilt from touching the fly and getting moisture on it.
Hey mister ! That actually sounds like a great request…hopefully Dan see this suggestion. The couple times I used the 2023 X Mid Pro 2 last year, I was having this issue with my sleeping bag. Fortunately nothing too extreme but I was having a hard time falling asleep because I was thinking about my bag touching the walls. I remember a couple nights looking through the tent with my headlamp on and it looked like a sauna in there with moisture floating around…wild. Great suggestion, hopefully we see that in the lineup someday soon!
@@zacmagers exactly! It’s kind of a mental thing. Like… is my warm bag going to get saturated with condensation and affect the warmth for night two? Anyways, thanks for the info in the video. Well done.
Despite not having “plus” in it’s name, the regular double wall X-Mid 2 actually already has slightly MORE floor area X-Mid Pro 2+. However, the interior peak height of the X-Mid 2 is 4” shorter than the X Mid Pro 2+. X-Mid 2 Interior LWH : 92 x 52 x 45. X-Mid Pro 2+ Interior LWH: 90 x 52 x 49.
@@e2dub that’s great to know. Thank you. I did not know that. Now I need to go buy one 😂
Great review. Some good random laughs. I’ve been super curious about this product for a while now. Thanks for all the work you put into this!
Thanks for checking it out! Really glad you liked it, this was a fun one :)