Gear That Worked Great For Me On The Colorado Trail

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4 жыл бұрын

In this video I will talk about some of the gear that worked exceptionally well for me on my Colorado Trail thru hike. I even threw in a couple honorable mentions.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest at REI- bit.ly/3M8RhKu
Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest at HMG - bit.ly/40YvucR
Katabatic Flex 30 katabaticgear.com/products/fl...
Sea to Summit Bug Head Net at REI - bit.ly/42T7OIF
Sea to Summit Bug Head Net at Amazon - amzn.to/40VWvxE
Columbia Silver Ridge Shirt at REI - bit.ly/3KrZ0lS
Columbia Silver Ridge Shirt at Amazon - amzn.to/40WXBsX
Outdoor Research Sun Gloves at REI - bit.ly/2r1TGiy
Outdoor Research Sun Gloves at Amazon - amzn.to/376HPAq
Outdoor Research Sun Runner Hat bit.ly/3K1HOSB or amzn.to/3nEYaJu
Naturehike Travel Foldable Backpack at Amaazon - amzn.to/2NRYe46
Enlightened Equipment Copperfield Wind Pants - bit.ly/42WURNZ
This video was recorded with:
Sony a7iii bhpho.to/3KqyxF3 or amzn.to/3MaMisJ
Sony 16-35 2.8 bhpho.to/40Lbr1o or amzn.to/3Kp5oKz
K&F Concept ND Filters amzn.to/3ZF1nGa
Rode Video Micro bhpho.to/3zqO1mj or amzn.to/3K6MUx6
Manfrotto BeFree Live at BHphoto - bhpho.to/3hHpLl1 or amzn.to/2AufoPr
Full disclosure - The links in this description are more than likely affiliate links. This means if you click on one of these links and make a purchase I make a commission from that sale. As much as I love money, I would highly suggest giving yourself at least 48 hours before any purchase decision and asking yourself “Do I really need this?”. I hope more times than not, you find yourself saying “I Definitely do NOT need this”. If you find yourself still in need, shop around and find the best deal for your money.
Please note that I am not recommending any of the gear seen in any of my videos. The gear I use is what I have found works best for me at the time period I am using it. I have come to these gear choices through vast levels of trial, error, and experimenting with gear out on trail.
Gear, clothing, footwear, etc. are not one style works for all. Do as much research as you can, try out things in person if able, and make the best informed purchase decision for YOU. Do not buy gear just because it worked for, was showcased by, or recommended by someone on KZfaq

Пікірлер: 96

@ChrisGoesOutdoors 4 жыл бұрын

Totally forgot to insert my patented "I dont recommend any of this gear and I don't not recommend it. Do your own research and see what will work best for you" line I usually say in these videos. With the holiday season upon us and black friday deals abound I recommend giving some extended thought before any purchases. Cheers folks!

@GoneFeralWithSquidly 4 жыл бұрын

ChrisGoesOutdoors I appreciate that disclaimer. Different gear works differently for everyone. I’m sure others look at my bag of crap and wonder “what is he thinking?”

@ericrebarchik4453 3 жыл бұрын

L 1

@ericrebarchik4453 3 жыл бұрын

@Glazehikes Жыл бұрын

Thanks Chris. This series has been amazing. Planning to hit the CT in summer 2024. Your videos have been a huge inspiration filled with tons of great info on the trail and hiking at elevation. Peace and happy trails.

@MrJacobmetcalf 3 жыл бұрын

@nedanother9382 2 жыл бұрын

"that's one bad hat Harry"

@LostAgainwithJim 4 жыл бұрын

I appreciate your approach to reviews. Letting us know what worked for you, and what didn't, but not explicitly endorsing anything. It's refreshing.

@ChrisGoesOutdoors 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks man, just trying to keep it real

@hair2050 2 жыл бұрын

That little backpack is such a good idea. I am dumbfounded. Such a simple yet beneficial item. 👍

@famousamos 4 жыл бұрын

Love your work bc it is very insightful. Btw, awesome beard.

@johneason6540 4 жыл бұрын

Enjoyed your information.

@timhawkins2502 4 жыл бұрын

Good info!

@ChrisGoesOutdoors 4 жыл бұрын

Appreciate it Tim!

@iviewthetube 4 жыл бұрын

Once I tried to take a bite of food while wearing the mosquito head net.

@oldtobyii7740 3 жыл бұрын

burned a hole in mine trying to spark up a joint in the cascades 😂

@adamnelson976 3 жыл бұрын

I saw your day-by-day CT hiking videos and was curious about the hat. Glad you covered that first here, I was hoping you would! Thank you!

@joehikes5855 4 жыл бұрын

Nice gear selection. Congratulations on your Colorado Trail Thru-hike completion.

@ChrisGoesOutdoors 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Joe!

@KrizAkoni 4 жыл бұрын

I really love that OR hat, my wife got me one for Christmas last year and it's been a lightweight lifesaver in the sun. Interesting comments on the EE pants...I may check those out.

@ChrisGoesOutdoors 4 жыл бұрын

They were pretty fantastic to have around. I didnt expect to use them remotely as much as I did

@Ericidryfly 4 жыл бұрын

Congratulations on finishing the Colorado trail. Looking forward to your review of the hyperlite 3400. Thinking hard about switching from my Arc haul to the hyperlite.

@ChrisGoesOutdoors 4 жыл бұрын

I really liked it. Lot to like about the pack, very little to dislike. Hopefully review coming soon....ish haha

@Teddy-fx6fx 4 жыл бұрын

Would luv to hear more about quilt and pack for sure. Great content as always. 💀

@ChrisGoesOutdoors 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Teddy, will try to get them out soon. Both very solid pieces of gear

@paulgammelljr6883 4 жыл бұрын

congrads on the hike. would like to hear about pack airflow compared to arc haul. wind pants on list.

@ChrisGoesOutdoors 4 жыл бұрын

to be honest I didnt really notice any real difference. I feel like it was pretty similar sweat wise even on the Zpacks

@stevenbrown234 4 жыл бұрын

Congrads on CT. With great interest I watched your Sun gear experience. Last fall I hiked the Camino Frances. All the time sun! I wore long pants(RailRider EcoMesh), sungloves (Litesmith), and put a white bandana behind my OR hat. All worked, no sunburn.So different from our northern New England hiking! Be well, Brownie

@ChrisGoesOutdoors 4 жыл бұрын

The sun gear was crucial made so much of a difference

@drbryanbikes 4 жыл бұрын

Chris, so glad you are happy with the HMG 3400. I’ve had four of their packs and currently have both the HMG Southwest 4400 and Windrider 4400, as hiking in Yosemite and the Sierras you need a bear canister and cold weather Backpacking needs more room. Love your honest and well tried and true experience with gear!!!

@ChrisGoesOutdoors 4 жыл бұрын

Its been a solid pack, hopefully recording that review soon. Its legit been raining for like 4 days straight until today in the MA area. Sucks for lighting haha

@DonnyCutlets 4 жыл бұрын

Definitely do a review on the southwest 3400

@ChrisGoesOutdoors 4 жыл бұрын

Hope to get it done as soon as I can!

@DonnyCutlets 4 жыл бұрын

ChrisGoesOutdoors Cant wait dude been eyeing this pack for a minute!

@scottburleson7215 3 жыл бұрын

+1 on the Solplex. The Duplex takes a huge amount of space. I wish Zpacks would bring it back.

@kennethstarr5545 4 жыл бұрын

I agree on purchases. Don’t drop all your cash to save money. Save money buying what is needed.

@ChrisGoesOutdoors 4 жыл бұрын

Amen! If its something you 100% were going to purchase and you can get it now cool but no use on buying stuff you can get a deal on just because its on sale

@tinmanandoliveoylsadventur7129 4 жыл бұрын

Very good. You have some cool gear. Expensive but cool. I think before my PCT attempt this year which I'm scheduled for starting 3/25/2020 I'll pick up that OR hat. I have the sun gloves. I drive with them sometimes, just because.

@ChrisGoesOutdoors 4 жыл бұрын

Think the hat would be a great choice for the PCT. Best of luck out there!

@ChicaandSunsets 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this vid! I have the Columbia shirt, and am getting the OR sun gloves. Thanks so much for this video! We want to head out this Aug (depending on the state of the virus of course). - Chica

@ChrisGoesOutdoors 4 жыл бұрын

Hopefully things are better by then. I would really like to get back out myself!

@ChicaandSunsets 4 жыл бұрын

Agreed! Hope you get to the PCT soon!

@MrJoebmxer 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome gear review and congratulations on another successful thru hike man! Hey would consider doing a video on a break down of town stops/resupply for the Colorado Trail?

@ChrisGoesOutdoors 4 жыл бұрын

Possibly. I only stopped in I think 4 towns total along the way but will think about it haha

@MrJoebmxer 4 жыл бұрын

ChrisGoesOutdoors cool cool. Well that’s good to know that it seemed to be pretty simple to resupply. Thanks

@thereisnocarolinHR 4 жыл бұрын

I carried a little osprey backpack just like that one on the AT and would use it around town or to haul water back to camp. It was nasty by the end though. I actually need to replace a lot of gear to be able to thru hike again I think

@dirtyteeth0 4 жыл бұрын

Great stuff, dude! I leave on Friday for the Florida Trail. You should come down and do a section. It’s getting cold as balls in the North East now 🤪

@nedanother9382 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Chris great video. Its not that you have especially the best gear but you explain exactly why you have it. And your reasoning is solid. Like me, I doubt that there was any likelihood that you were going to be miserable on trail. And mosquitos are misery. Soooo tempted to get those wind pants. Very multipurpose like you pointed out. I have a question though....kinda based on the fact that it seems the popular backpacking youtube channels are in the east. Is there a reason "you all" tend to go to Colorado mountains vs California mountains on your big trips. I'd argue that our mountains are some of the most beautiful inspiring places on Earth. More importantly other than weather its the only other good thing about California. If you came saw and passed the word to your friends in the east....they wouldn't hate us so much and I wouldn't feel like a unicorn

@pennysowers8536 4 жыл бұрын

I'm fixin' to buy a pair of Copperfield pants and was happy to hear your favorable opinion on them. I'm also happy to see your opinion on the Flex 30. I haven't been able to decide between it or the Palisade. It's a small weight penalty for the flex but it appears to offer more options as far as temps are concerned making it more useful? I was hoping to wear all my layers and get down to 20 or so and open it up when it's spring/summer.

@ChrisGoesOutdoors 4 жыл бұрын

Ya I really like being able to fully open it up. I think it gives it much more versatility which is why I went with that over something like the palisade. I do kind of wish I got the 15 though. Just because for New Hampshire hiking it would be a genuine 3 season for me. In all honesty I can probably push the 30 to the 20s with layers but it can get quite chilly up in them New Hampshire hills

@daveinstlouis7296 4 жыл бұрын

Can't wait to see the Bad Stuff, Did you have rain pants/gear with you or just the wind pants?

@ChrisGoesOutdoors 4 жыл бұрын

Had a rain skirt with me along with the wind pants. I'll give you a little hint on what one of the non-all star pieces of gear were 😂

@stomperr69 4 жыл бұрын

when you said solplex is it altaplex or which one cuz I don't think it's on the site for solplex

@ChrisGoesOutdoors 4 жыл бұрын

It is the solplex. No longer made unfortunately which is probably why it can’t be found on the site. If you search for it on KZfaq I have an initial setup video of it as well as a post Appalachian Trail review of the tent as well. I picked up an altaplex this summer and it solves pretty much any “issue” I had with the solplex. But I still chose the solplex on a weekend trip this week haha. It’s been a great tent to me

@TheBlacktulips 4 жыл бұрын

Chris, great video. Do you think the rain pants and the net will work for black flies in the whites?

@ChrisGoesOutdoors 4 жыл бұрын

I would think so. Dont think they would get through the pant fabric but possible, it is pretty thin. I feel like I had the black flies bite through some pretty crazy stuff haha

@TheBlacktulips 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I guess we will all find out together next spring. My 8 year old is trying to do all 4ks. He is hooked now but haven’t gone through black fly season yet. Hopefully these equipment will help him survive.

@kaeliejames4149 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Chris! Interested what you ended up doing in terms of food storage at night when hanging a bear bag wasn’t possible. We have heard a bear canister is overkill. My boyfriend and I are doing the CT this summer and would love to hear your experience with this. Thanks!

@ChrisGoesOutdoors 4 жыл бұрын

I just slept with it. Wrapped food bag in my pack liner, and pack liner in my backpack. I dont necessarily recommend that. There are some people that claim sleeping with it is the best option. Perhaps they are right but who knows. I would possibly consider an opsack / ursack combo if I were to do it all again. Enjoy it. CT was amazing!

@davidfranson8118 4 жыл бұрын

Hey Chris, love the channel!! I had a question about the OR sun runner hat. If you were ever to do the AT again, would you wear this hat? I'm thru hiking the AT next year (can't wait!!) and am considering a hat like this. Sun exposure is obviously not as much of a factor as it is on the Colorado Trail or PCT, but I feel like its versatility would be beneficial even on the AT. I burn pretty easily like you, so adequate protection is always a concern for me.

@ChrisGoesOutdoors 4 жыл бұрын

With the amount of shade cover on the AT I would probably pass over it and use the buff again like I did before. There are few long exposed areas on the AT. But I may also consider rocking the hat without the little curtain thing. Carry the curtain around though maybe incase you felt it necessary. Also depends when you start. When I started in Georgia in April the leaves had not grown back yet so we were seeing decent sun for the first couple of weeks. Hope that helps!

@davidfranson8118 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Chris, very helpful! I was really impressed by how effective the hat seemed to be on your CT hike. I may do as you suggest and wear just the hat and have the curtain handy for the occasional exposed areas on the AT.

@kennethstarr5545 4 жыл бұрын

I have made the decision to stay with my Osprey Aether 70. Even though it is a little more than 5lbs I don’t care. For me the comfort supersedes any weight loss with using anything UL. I don’t even know the pack is there let alone what I carry in it.

@ChrisGoesOutdoors 4 жыл бұрын

How it carries is crucial. Can make 50lbs feel like 5 or 5 feel like 50

@barondavis5692 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Chris, I’m planning on doing the CT this summer. I have a 30* EE but I don’t think it’ll be enough. I’m getting a UGQ full zip quilt, but struggling on what temperature rating I should get. CT and all around cold weather quilt- 0*, 10* or 15*? Which would you suggest? Thanks 🙏

@ChrisGoesOutdoors 3 жыл бұрын

Depending on the year the EE 30 may be ok. The one I used back in 2017 was severely underfilled. They increased the down they used twice since I had purchased my original one. I dont really know much about the UGQ quilts. From my experience the 20 should suffice for CO. I wanted the 15 or 20 katabatic for new hampshire where I usually am. I literally just picked up an EE revelation 20 again to replace the katabatic 30. I believe it has 5oz more down than when I bought mine back in 2016-2017. Hope that helps

@barondavis5692 3 жыл бұрын

ChrisGoesOutdoors Yes, it does help. Thanks for your response. 20* for the CT, lower for colder temps other than the CT .

@barondavis5692 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Chris, it’s me again with another gear question. You brought a fleece and a puffy. Did you need both? If not, which would you bring with you?

@donnienewman9141 4 жыл бұрын

I've been thinking about wind plants and those ar 2oz sounds great. I was wonduring if you've ever used permethrin for all the bugs and how'd it work for you?

@ChrisGoesOutdoors 4 жыл бұрын

Use it all the time but have never noticed it repelling any bugs. I like to think it works on ticks which is why I use it though as I have never found any on me but who knows haha

@donnienewman9141 4 жыл бұрын

@@ChrisGoesOutdoors LOL!! Good to know. I though it was supposed to keep bugs away too. Got eaten up last year and was going (still am) use that stuff this year. I'll use everything then! LOL!!

@horsedog713 4 жыл бұрын

What size was the Naturehike foldable pack you used?

@ChrisGoesOutdoors 4 жыл бұрын

I believe it was 18L total. Its kind of like a glorified stuff sack with a zipper and backpack straps

@iviewthetube 4 жыл бұрын

Divers use MiraZyme to get the funk smell out of wet suits. I wonder if this would work on tents too?

@DarxusC 3 жыл бұрын

I'd worry about it wrecking the water resistance.

@wakeandblakevideo 4 жыл бұрын

Pants and head net worked to keep mosquitoes off your legs and face, but was there anything that worked well to keep them off your torso? I always get bit through my shirt.

@ChrisGoesOutdoors 4 жыл бұрын

The columbia shirt I show worked great. They couldnt bite through it. The only really open spot in that case was my hands and unfortunately they were able to get through the gloves I show. I just kind of tried to be mindful to check and swat every now and again for the hands

@JohnVanHare 4 жыл бұрын

Have you checked out the Modase 40l backpack? You won’t believe it’s only $22.99 on Amazon. A little heavier (12.7 oz) than the NatureHike but it’s sturdier than you’d think.

@ChrisGoesOutdoors 4 жыл бұрын

I have a pack similar to that I bought when I was screwing around with the idea of throwing together a super budget UL list but I wasnt happy with the build quality of it. Size wise too it was super overkill for what I was looking for. The naturehike is essentially a glorified stuff sack with backpack strap haha

@iviewthetube 4 жыл бұрын

Did the mosquitoes puncture the wind pants?

@GrimesMusic 4 жыл бұрын

Would you say that the wind pants would work instead of leggings? If so down to what temperature. Thanks.

@ChrisGoesOutdoors 4 жыл бұрын

I personally wouldnt go that route. I had a pair of patagonia thermal weight leggings and these with me. I feel like they add a little warmth but not that much. Your results may vary tho

@muralichinnakonda4098 4 жыл бұрын

Hi...I am planning on doing the CT next year. How much did you carry typically? I saw your video where you say your pack weighed almost 45 lbs due to water. Where was that? The 22 mile section in segment 26/27? Thanks!

@muralichinnakonda4098 4 жыл бұрын

Meant to ask "how much water did you carry typically" not how much you carried in general with respect to gear etc...

@ChrisGoesOutdoors 4 жыл бұрын

Ya there that part in particular I had 5 liters of water on me at one point. At the beginning I 100% had way too much food with me as well. I went to breckenridge without resupply and still had enough food to have kept going if I wanted to.typical carry with a resupply was probably 30lbs. Usually didnt carry over 1-1.5 liters of water unless I knew it was a long dry stretch

@RuneArn 4 жыл бұрын

I'm curious about the HMG 3400. If you were to only section hike the 100 mile wilderness of the AT with no resupply and estimating it to take 10 days. Would you think the 3400 could handle it? (without the rest of the gear being super heavy of course). I know it's a fairly open question, but I'm trying to decide if the 3400 is the best option or if the 4400 is the better option. I feel like the 3400 will be a better option in general for other hikes, so I'm kind of leaning towards that over the 4400.

@ChrisGoesOutdoors 4 жыл бұрын

I think it would be fine. I had a ton of room in mine. So much so that I could lay my camera on top when it rained and still was able to roll it down considerably. I considered the 4400 as well but am happy with the 3400. In all honesty if I didnt carry so much camera gear I would have been happy with the 2400

@drbryanbikes 4 жыл бұрын

If you don’t pack a bear canister I would agree with the 3400. The weight difference IMHO is negligible however...and what REALLY rocks these packs is they STAND up by themselves when packing. Love mine!

@RuneArn 4 жыл бұрын

@@ChrisGoesOutdoors Great, thank you :)

@RuneArn 4 жыл бұрын

@@drbryanbikes I was planning to bring a bear bag instead of a canister. Great to hear you like the pack. It seems most people just love them, which can't be bad :)

@drbryanbikes 4 жыл бұрын

Rune Arn thanks and sure you’ll be very pleased. No need for a pack cover and super strong and very Top Shelf pack!!

@Besalu 4 жыл бұрын

What was your base weight overall?

@ChrisGoesOutdoors 4 жыл бұрын

Something around 17-18lbs with the camera gear I brought. I think I posted a lighterpack link in my intiail CT gear video

@jacklincoln9033 4 жыл бұрын

lol that hat ...I'm guessing you never had a mirror with you luckily? Function over fashion at its best. Good vid,useful and a chuckle too.

@ChrisGoesOutdoors 4 жыл бұрын

Hiker chic at its finest

@dlewis3970 4 жыл бұрын

My biggest issue is most all the contributors I see on KZfaq and Instagram are fronting products that are majorly cost prohibitive to most of us weekend or week long hikers . Don't know or care what your income is your out of my price range.