Gear From This Video: Sleeping Pad: geni.us/7zc0kJa ZenBivy: geni.us/5319bg Pillow: geni.us/JGBYwtT Pack: geni.us/0Sz9 Shoes: geni.us/PYYQw3z Hoodie I am wearing: geni.us/EGWb9nd

About the shoes: Many people make it sound like the decision is between heavy, durable (leather) hiking boots and trail runners. BUT: There are plenty of lightweight hiking shoes, that are waterproof, have good stability and grip and only weight a fraction more than a typical trail runners. I often see people refer to light hiking shoes as trailrunners. But there is a huge difference. Typically, Trailrunners are running shoes with more grip. They are usually very breathable, and well cushioned. Hiking shoes on the other hand are often waterproof, have a stiffer sole, more support and a more durable outer material.

I really appreciate when reputable channels put out a "if doing this, buy this" list, such as this. I get that it may reduce their views elsewhere (when doing your own research), but it saves SO MUCH time and effort.

I believe this is the best channel on KZfaq. It is so informative. Steven tells it like it is. I’m so glad I found this channel. Keep up the good work.

I love this video because, after 25-years of backpacking, I disagree with almost every recommendation made. And, I love this channel! It just goes to show, we each have our preferences and it can take time to learn your own. I've used a CCF sleeping pad (as shown) since the start and I sleep great on it! I want to try a 1/8" pad next! (Note: I am a 3-season backpacker.) I feel super cozy and comfortable in a sleeping bag. Granted, I have not yet tried a quilt. My perfect pillow is my pull-over fleece folded nicely. Anything bigger and my neck hurts the next morning. Even at home, I often sleep with NO pillow or just a 1" thick piece of foam (from JoAnn Fabrics) in a pillow case. For a backpack, I'd purchase the lightest pack I could find (

Where’s the respect for the beloved Thermarest Z Lite Sol? I love this item! It has many many uses! I’ve cut mine in half (36”, 7.2oz) and use it as a seat cushion, a protective matt to unload all my gear onto as I start to set up my tent, an entryway matt in my vestibule, a wind shield for my stove, and a protective and warmth enhancing layer to put under my Thermarest NeoAir Xlite 25” wide pad. I’m not a chair kinda guy. It’s heavier and less utilitarian than the Z Sol. A chair needs level ground under it. Lastly, I highly recommend a wider pad than the traditional 20” width. Going to 25” made a huge difference in improving my nights sleep! Great video! So many good options available today.

The content of this video is organized extremely well and flows seamlessly with to the point information while remaining engaging. Well done, and thank you for the gear recommendations!

I went for years downing people that hiked with pillows, then in tried the fillo , and don’t leave home without it. But the one that changed me the most and made a hypocrite out of me , is a camp chair! Yes I said it “ I’m one of those guys that carry’s a chair” there’s nothing better after a long hike then sitting down by the fire to eat sitting in a chair. Don’t knock it till you try it!

As you alluded, saving weight on your feet can be much more significant than saving weight in your pack. I was once on the trail to the top of Half Dome. I wasn’t far from the trailhead when someone in hiking boots commented on my featherweight barefoot shoes. They said, “You will NEVER make the summit in those shoes.” I told them that unlike them, I had already been to the summit and was almost back at the car.

The Paria Down Pillow is the most comfortable IMO. One side has down and the other has an opening to stuff in your down jacket or other clothes. Truly excellent.

100% correct on that nemo pillow! I bought one 9 years ago for camping and have used one every single night since- at home and camping

I agree with your if someone is a "committed" beginning backpacker. But a first-time backpacker should rent backpack, tent, pad, and maybe sleeping bag for at least their first three overnight trips and be sure to try different equipment each time. Air pads have advanced loads and offer a great sleep, but the corrugated foam pad is still good in an area where lots of cushiony debris covers the forest floor. In my life, boots are preferred for snow, winter rains (days-long here in the PNW), and off-trail forest activities, but a simple on-trail hike is so much easier with trail runners of some sort. Gaiters are essential in snow and rain to keep lower legs and feet nicely dry. Lastly, I still prefer a sleeping bag, it feels like a big coat and turns with me, but maybe that's just years of experience.

I appreciate this video, as I'm just getting into backpacking and need to purchase gear. Thanks!!

Helpful video. Thanks

Man back pack sizing is the truth! I'm 6'2 with a 16 inch torso. Getting a small bag changed my life dramatically for the better.

Thank you for being honest with your picks and realizing we can't afford the best stuff. We have to make compromises

I enjoy this channel and I’m more into bike packing, not everything is the same in both worlds but you can definitely get a solid idea of where to start here.

Great vid. I like the stiffer sole of a boot, especially on rough trails. Can still be light and airy. UnderArmour makes full-height tactical boots that feel like a trail shoe.

Great video, and great suggestions. Definitely agree on the pillows, they're not expensive, they're tiny and light, and make a massive difference. I wasted years suffering poor sleep camping largely because I didn't have a good inflatable pillow with a comfortable fabric/foam layer, and now I won't go camping without it. I'm more of a boots guy myself, but that might be due to the typical conditions in the Pacific Northwest where rain is likely, and even if it doesn't rain you will definitely be trodding through a fair number of muddy areas or streams on most hikes. Personally I'm quite comfortable in a sleeping bag despite being a side sleeper and a tosser, they're simpler to set up than quilts, and less likely to leave you with an errant limb out in the cold if you flip the wrong way. Definitely agree on closed-cell sleeping pads; these were obsolete the minute the "self-inflating" (not really) air pads became available in the 70s/80s, and the newer options since then have only left closed-cell pads further behind. I'm definitely glad the trend of 3/4 length pads has mostly gone by the wayside; those things were always a dumb idea, and sacrificed an immense amount of sleep comfort for a uselessly negligible reduction in weight and volume. You didn't mention your usual inclusion of a chair here (probably because you know you say it all the time), but I'd also like to emphasize that the new wave of lightweight camp chairs have revolutionized my trips as well. When I was younger we never had or brought chairs because there simply weren't any practical options you could realistically take backpacking (and the "light" options were functionally no more comfortable than simply sitting on a log), but spending a few pounds of your weight budget on a modern synthetic fabric and aluminum pole marvel to dramatically increase your comfort at camp is absolutely worthwhile.

Neo Air is like sleeping on a bag of Sun Chips.

I like the big close cell foam pad for my mid day break. Nice to just stretch out. Great suggestions

Perfect timing! Thank you 😊

Great vid. Thank you

Recently found this channel, I'm looking forward to begin backpacking myself, appreciate all the content, don't think I've ever been this early to a vid before!

Good Information! Thanks

As for those foam pads, I love to bring them to relax around camp. Brilliant if the ground is cold or a bit damp, plus it's nice to double up with my sleeping pad, because why not :p

another great video! keep smashing it out of the park

thank you for the neat musical post-credits scene 😎

I watch your video and I am like... After many mistakes ended up with that pad, yup, after sleeping bag ended up with quilt, yup, after hiking shoes now I wear trail runners, yup. Adjustable backpacks, now, yup (mostly due to kids growing in size one year to the next) What else to cover. 1-I'd argue if your going with more than 2 people (and even less) a gravity water filter is really nice and actually doesn't use much more space or weight then the other options. 2-Skip nalgene bottles (which everyone thinks they need early) and go for a regular bottle of water you'd get at the gas station/corner store. 3-Purchase one good set of layered clothing off the start and a spare pair of underwear and socks and hold off before investing in more than that for clothing before you see if you really need more. 4-Tune your tent/hammock choice to the most likely type of camping you'll be doing. I almost exclusively do canoe tripping with my wife, which means all my tent locations are right beside the water. This means more condensation in the air, which means pretty much double walled tents are the way to go otherwise your gear gets soaked from condensation on the inner walls. Also your not sure if your tent will be setup on soil or a large rock from one site to the next, so my tents need to be free standing. However, for other campers, maybe if you'll always have good soil, you won't need a free standing. Or if you sleep alone with lots of trees around, hammock's may work, or if your in dryer climates, maybe you don't need a full double wall. However, if your not sure and you were forced to choose just one, a double walled, free standing, tent can be used potentially at a small weight cost anywhere just about (except perhaps in a ravine with no flat area for a tent). 5-Finally, ignore all flashlights/ lamps and just get a decent headlight before considering anything more.

Hey Thanks I'm with you on Six moons love mine

I own the Nemo 4.2. With a cumulus 350 + quilt. Very comfortable to 0°c . I have a emergency foil to assist if needed. Very happy.

Awesome stuff! I do really like my hammock, but I'm considering a pad/quilt combo, even if it's supplemental to my hammock. On more of car camping trips, I've taken some fleece or wool blankets with me, but they're definitely not feasible for backpacking.

I live in the desert southwest I use a footprint, a foam pad all to protect my air pad. I certainly dont need them for insulation. Only for protection from the cactus needles. Yes it us extra weight. Yes it maybe over kill. Yes in your environment I would not carry them. I do wear synthetics but here in the desert wearing wet cotton shirts during the day can be refreshing but at 107 it will be dry in no time. Love your show.❤

Great video and great information.

I bought the Nemo Filo pillow on your recommendation a few months ago and took it with me on a two week camp this summer. Of all the pillows I've used it's definitely the best so I've been recommending it to anyone else who'll listen.

I'm just after 3 day hiking 2 night. Everything you says is true. I've done some mistakes but we still have a lot of fun. Thanks 👍

Bought the Zenbivy from a Facebook ad targeted to me. Did some research and looked like the cat's meow. Got the Nemo Fillo and love it.

I bring a foam pad for the dog. Helps protect the tent floor and will insulate her from the ground on very cold nights.

Another amazing video man!

For backpacking in wet conditions, I’d consider the opposite approach to footwear. Relentless rain/mud your feet are gonna get wet and shoes saturated. Trailys can air out overnight day after day.. boots you’re hosed without a dryer. The real answer is whatever will keep your feet dry.. if it’s nothing then the most breathable option with lugs it is

Good video. Good advice, as always. What beanie hat are you wearing? I like the look of it.

I completely agree with you on the decision of Trail Runners instead of Hiking Boots. And I have a few pairs of hiking boots, but just bought a pair of hiking shoes. That are very light weight compared to my hiking boots. And the reason I like my new hiking shoes is. That they are not only somewhat water resistant. But also way more comfortable than hiking around in my Merrell MOAB hiking boots.

I was a bit surprised that you didn't mention a shelter option. I almost always see new backpackers buying a heavy and expensive tent. Honestly, for the money you really can't do better than a 3F UL Lanshan 2 in that it's actually a very very decent shelter for very very cheap (as far as tents go)

I would recommend Decathlon Trek 100 Easyfit backpack. Comes in 50L or 70L. Easiest to adjust and you don't even need to take it off. $100 for 50L and $130 for 70L.

I will get a warm down jacket for the winter hikes

The Zenbivy with the Nemo tensor and fillow have hands down changed the game for me 💯

I toss and turn and sleep on my side. I found that getting the right sleeping bag made a huge difference! It's silky, so I slide on the inside, not mummy style, so I have room, but has a drawstring at the top so I'm not getting drafts. Also buying the woman's version. I'm only 5'5" so not having all the dead space is awesome. It's a kelty

Love your work! About sleeping pads, I gotta say I find the foam pads to be more comfy than the X-Lite and the Tensor. To me, there's just not enough give to the material of inflatable pads and it causes numb limbs. At least, for me!

Continued great editing. I get your comments on the Nemo, but until that thing comes in vertical baffles, I’m going keep using my Exped SynMat 7UL. I’ve tried the Nemo, and it, like Thermarest, encourages rolling off it because of the horizontal baffles.

If I were just starting I would avoid all the cheap crap I bought at first. Cheap sleeping bags, I would look for a good quality down bag off the jump. I finally bought a marmot 15 degree bag it was the best money I have ever spent on camping gear. It was a end of model bag so I got it for $150 having used it for a year now from hot to cold it was the best camping gear I have purchased. Second best gear was getting an MSR Windburner and frying pan it was pricey but way better than the cheap stove I had. I’m starting to understand but once cry once for certain with gear.

I will go on my first backpacking trip soon! Just 50 km since well its litterly the first time, i have never been on a trip that far

I'm for boots all the way. I've never had much luck with trail runners. I enjoy the support a good hiking boot gives me. I really like your videos. I use an Alpine Freight pack for all my outdoor adventures the 100 L works for me whether camping; fishing; hunting, or hiking. Only my gear loadout changes. Again, thank you, for what you do. I need a new sleeping pad for my camp cot?

Love the fillo idea!

A man after my own heart. I don’t 100% agree on the equipment choices but the goal you’re achieving is what I realized for myself. And that’s the point, isn’t it. I happen to sleep like a baby on the extra large neo air and I use the thermarest foam pillow and absolutely love it. My sleeping bag? Yeah… I’m definitely gonna try that zenbivy! While Im at it I’ll also try the Nemo fillo. But man that thermarest is my favorite thing so it has a high high bar. Great stuff definitely watching some of your vids.

I would also add that as soon as you get to a tougher, more alpine environment the hiking boots become essential. I cant even count how often the saved my ancles on rocky, slippery terrain. I love my trailrunners but I would never wear them for alpine trekking.

5:42 no “waterproof” hiking boot or trail-running shoe is going to keep your feet dry when slogging through puddles in the rain or post holing through wet snow all day. One nice thing about typical trail runners is that they dry out much faster and are easier to wear. I still prefer boots in the snow.

I bought an egg carton pad last year as additional insulation and tent floor cover. I found a titanium spoon on Amazon with big bowl and close to 9” long. It’d make making and eating meals more enjoyable. I second trail runners (Salomon is my fav) with various length gaiters. I only wear mountaineering boots in snow which is seldom.

If you are on the heavy side or are carrying a heavy pack, don’t get trail running shoes. Get some breathable hiking boots to protect your ankle.

i have that pad, but i use it in my hammock instead of a under quilt.

i use a exped foam mat all the time in scouts here in australia and it is great

The whisper lite stove has a a mich lighter version and the fuel bottle is a standard water bottle. You can use a smaller bottle. It is more of an expedition stove a week or more easily without an extra bottle of fuel. You can simmer peas and rice or boil water.

Like you, I switch back and forth between my trail runners and Keen boots. I have a pair of Keen's in my every day size for training and for just street wear on those cold wet days. I recently threw them on for a day of errands and grocery shopping. It was one of those days I was feeling a bit exhausted from lack of sleep. As soon as I put my Keen's on, I was energized. There's something about the cushion that assists with a rebound in your stride. I don't know how to describe it. I think it negates the weight. I used to wear them for field work before I retired so I'm used to the weight. In the summer I like the cooler trail runners but miss the comfort of my boots. So if it's really hot and I'm training by road walking I'll switch to my Keen Sandals. They let in too much gravel for trails.

I have a (closed cell foam) sleeping pad as a large sit pad (and it's good for naps during the lunch pause). It was quite nice when walking 110KM (about 68.35 miles) in five days, during Fjällräven Classic - I view it as a luxury item.

Cool man. Big fan of your channel. For the first time I disagree with you on one thing, the pad. I continue to take both a pad and a closed cell foam pad and won't change, just so many ways I use the closed cell foam pad. I use it under my tent, works great. Keep on trucking.

My work demands full steel toe boots at all times, so even heavy hiking boots feels super light. They're my go to cuz of the better ankle support and more long term comfort.

In terms of the boots vs runners, I think a major thing to consider is the environment your hiking/camping in. Here in Australia, basically everywhere is snake country so that extra ankle protection boots provide could be the difference, thus I'd suggest boots.

I've never tried it but from what I hear is that people get around the problem with trail runners in wet and snowy conditions is by wearing a pair of waterproof socks over their normal hiking socks. Sounds like a solid idea, I don't do much hiking in bad weather but thats def something I'll try when I finally do a through hike.

The new Xlite NXT is a nice warmth (4.5) and comfort (3” thick) upgrade over the previous and is substantially quieter than the predecessor, though still much louder than Tensors, Rapides, etc..

Wow your channel has grown exponentially. Do you mind sharing the whole KZfaq journey? I can remember you only have a few thousand subs couple of months ago. Or I might be wrong.

A closed cell foam pad can be used for so much more than just sleeping on, I can fold it up and sit on it and I can partially fold it to have under my knees while I’m prepping food or making a fire. And lastly I use it as extra protection for my air sleeping pad. It weighs nothing and I can strap it to the outside of my bag. It’s a solid investment imo.

I’m a new backpacker and I am starting off with a Nemo switch 2p tent, an rei 35 degree bag, a big Agnes insulated air pad, a HEST pillow (the best) and an alps mountaineering cascade 90, I’ve done some five and 6 mile hikes with this stuff to see how i am gonna be able to handle it and I think it’s going to work out well. Definitely not light at all but I am trying to get in to shape, I think I will be fine.

thanks for the warworm. Gonna be hours before i get that outa my brain lol

1 - "Old Hickory" knife. 2 - 2 x OD green U.S. wool blankets. 3 - 10" Lodge skillet. 4 - Some cotton clothesline. 5 - A really solid 16 oz. latte (getting started is the hardest part).

The Nemo pillow is the best hiking pillow i have ever owned. Also, due to my tendency to roll my ankle a lot, I will never do trail runners. I need the extra support.

50yr old soon to be backpacker, AT centric, 5-7 day trips max. I'm looking at a budget friendly setup; 3F UL 40+16 pack Onewind hammock & tarp Altra Timp Summer base weight should be right at 10lbs, & Winter should be just over 14lbs.

I have done 1000km hike without a pillow. Piling up clothes under your head works great... ... until you get freezing cold weather in the middle of summer and need to put on all your clothes

I wear 10" tall Vibram sole leather work boots as my everyday footwear. Hiking boots are lightweight by comparison.

I have a closed cell pad. When I started that’s the only thing I slept on. I have a GG pad now. It’s my chair, stretch pad, and under my blow up pad. Glad I sleep on my back. Don’t carry a pillow either. I like the ba rapide sl pad for the valve over the nemo

If I could start over I would watch this video and learn how to do it right :)

Today I just bought 20m of light weight water proof fabric to make a few things for my kids. The most important being a easy fast shelter incase of rain. Having a dry place to rest, have a snack and unpack gear to get into rain gear is great with kids. I'm not sure yet what size I'm going to make but it will basically be a tarp that I can tie to a tree on 1 corner and stake quickly. 4+ people need to fit so I'm honestly thinking about something 5×6m but I'm thinking that might be a little over sized. I'm making one out of a different fabric that's 4x1.5 and a 2×3 to test the size. If anyone has a size recommendation for 4 people to shelter from the rain let me know.

Great info, bought the Zenbivy system because of you. However since I will be doing this with my wife, I will be carrying the tent, sleeping bag and pad (couple size). So I went with a Mystery Ranch backpack, yup I know you're not a fan of the heavy backpacks haha.

I use 2 pillows (trekology and filo ultralight). My quilt is a katabatic flex 30 reg. Wide. When I snap the back with the cut of it goes underneath me a little. I never use straps. No drafts. With the baffles I can shake the down on top of me if it’s colder out. I use an Xlite regular wide. With a liner,this setup I regularly go into the lower 20’s with out a problem. Wearing midweight base layers,light weight fleece ,hat and socks. A friend of mine just bought an rei 30 degree quilt and says it’s a 40 degree maybe. He wanted to save money. It has over 3 ounces less down in it and paid more than I got mine for on sale. So do your research.There’s a few companies that don’t have bad reviews for a reason. I guess with katabatic people either love or hate the pad straps but I don’t use them. The pack I use is a hyper lite junction 2400 black. No complaints. Just get correct size. This stuff is pricey but if you do you’re homework and buy stuff on sale you will have it for a long time.

this is exactly the video i need

I generally prefer trail runners, but for loose talus/scree, I like boots

I'm a side-sleeper who likes to toss and turn and move my feet. I don't think I'd like a mummy bag, but I'm not sure I'd like a quilt with a foot-box either. I like versatility, so a quilt you can open or a comforter you can close sounds like a good fit. BTW, I seem to remember ye olde cheap rectangular sleepover sleeping bags that allowed you two zip two together to make one large sleeping bag for a couple. Does anyone make anything like that for modern backpackers/campers? Also, would the size and weight of that foam pad be much different from a small cot? I'd rather be off the ground if I had a choice.

Good job

Steven I’m a total gram weenie but my air mattress & pillow go with me always. I’m getting old so I figure the least I can do is enjoy my sleep on trail

Nemo smells weird but is super comfortable

I love my foam pad. I hate hiking all day and then having to spend 10 mins, lightheaded, blowing up my pad

If you don't granny knot your shoelaces they stay tied better, look better too. Took me a long time to unlearn the bad habit but it's worth it.

I have a very slim waist and no hips to speak of. When I carry a heavy pack the waist strap just slips down over my hips and takes my trousers/shorts down too! I end up with a bad back because all the weight is on my shoulders.

😂😂😂😂 That's song for everyone 🤣

If I were just starting out, I would buy the Nemo pad, wide. I’m a side sleeper and I still have a 20” pad…four of them. Might you do a review of stoves by Flat Cat Gear. I have the Epicurean Baker and love it. Lightweight and I enjoy freshly baked Irish Soda Bread after a long day of hiking.

I'm torn between getting a quilt and getting a sleeping bag with wider hip and shoulder room to allow me to sleep how i usually do.

Opinions re membraned or non-membrane trail runners? When I tried wearing a pair of non-membrane trail runners, I liked that my feet never got hot and sweaty during a mid-summer hike, and that it was very light, however, I was annoyed by all the dust and grit making its way into my feet.

The foam pads can be used as ground cushions instead of bringing a giant foldable chair lol

What I find strange is that noone talks about hiking Shoes! Some of them are just as light as trail runners but more rugged and not all of them are waterproof, that being an important consideration for some people. My foam pad is for going under a air mat and as a sit pad when I don't want to assemble the chair

At 5:08, you tied a Granny Knot. (See the way the laces end up north to south?) Square knots hold better and longer.

If you have foot or ankle issues, I think boots are better solution the trail runners, because they give you more protection

From one Steven to another... I'll never leave CCF. I sleep just fine on it - and it will never go flat. You know what you get when an inflatable goes flat? LESS than the CCF R2 (I think they are closer to 1.7 anyway). I know I know... patch kits. First of all that sounds like more work and less relaxing - with defeats why I'm out there to begin with. Plus that's a little more weight - not much but if we're going to start packing our fears then you better add in tent patch kits, a knife, an extra compass, a hatchet... you get the idea (we all have our preferences). Living in the PacNW, I am working in my first pair of trail runners this week! I'm 46 and I'm slowly working on shedding boots. Nemo pillow is in the garage and has yet to be tested... I'm leaving the clothing ball behind! The SixMoons Minimalist V2 is... 40liters. Maybe you mentioned that and I missed it, but that's a noteworthy point for newbs.