but you show us all the best gear

I am in year two of predominately canoe camping, but we will be expanding more into kayak camping this year. This has been an absolutely fantastic activity that I have been able to share with my teenage son and his friends (with their dads). We are all investing our time into getting these kids to fall in love with the outdoors with the hopes they are going to plan float trips for spring break instead of booze binges on Florida beaches as they get older!!! As long as I am able to keep going, this is going to be a part of our lives!!! We started with having to buy a lot of gear for year one, so I was TRYING to be budget minded. Now, I am going to plan to upgrade one or two items at a time to improve on gear I use frequently and also give me diversification to have different gear set ups. As always, thanks for the videos! I was stoked to see you had a new one out today!!!

@@jadewatson2440 no doubt, there’s budget versions of everything out there that work just fine. I’ve slowly upgraded to good stuff over the years one piece at a time. Go back to my old videos and it looks like an Amazon outdoors ad haha

You’re doing great work by getting the next generation into the great outdoors! They’ll be thankful for that many years down the road. And they’ll do the same with their kids! Yep, upgrading a couple main leaves a year is key because gear is expensive! I started out completely budget and now have a nice line up but it is important to just start with whatever means you can allocate for this hobby.

@@shawndearie5439 One cool thing about buying new gear (other than it feeling like Christmas morning when it arrives, of course), is now you have an extra. While it's always good to have backup, I try to utilize the extra gear by bringing a new friend along whenever possible. The more the merrier!

That’s great advice and something I’ll add. Ours is basically bandages but that’s not enough for a serious incident.

Agreed. I don’t use a big pillow for hammocking which is nice for packing space

That’s really smart and something I should add!

Change is definitely warranted! Lots to be learned over the years and I feel like my kit is dialed at this point. Still some changes I’d like to do but we have the future for that

Shooting for this summer or fall! Currently testing features, placements and materials. Having fun with it!

Alright I may have to go with BD. So many people are recommending their headlamps! Thanks for the rec

Whoa that’s an epic trip! Horseshoe bend looks so pretty from above. I bet it’s even better down at river level. So cool to hear the dry bags worked well too!

Lol that’s probably going to be my issue unless we shift to more spirit related beverages

That’s actually a great idea! Plus the leather won’t absorb water like a hot hand does. Leather is much lighter too

Thank you so much Brad! Means a lot to have your support with them. Really been enjoying operating the dry bags along side the channel. Buffalo should be amazing! Definitely on my list to check out

We will be out on the Buffalo with a group of six canoes in just a few weeks!

@@shawndearie5439 dang am I the only one who hasn’t planned a trip there?? Haha it must be incredible

@@GatewoodBrown It's a gorgeous river with lots of put ins and take outs. It's our National River btw. We went last year and had a great time. The smallies were on fire too.

@@paddlepedalproductions5452 maybe I can get a trip out there this year. Seems like the Texas rivers except more trees

Man that’s what I like to hear! You may not sleep the best that first trip but there’s nothing better than waking up and having no obligations out in nature

I’m targeting a July release date for the gear list! A few things have changed since last year

Ha! If you are happiest with a certain piece of luxury gear then always bring it along! A good chair is key after a long day of sitting haha.

I'll check that out! Rechargeable is definitely high on my priority list since I'm sick and tired of regular batteries haha.

@@GatewoodBrown that’s exactly why I wanted a rechargeable headlamp. It seemed like every time I needed my headlamp I needed to replace the batteries.

@@christopher-iy2yd yes! That was my experience too. The hassle and decreased performance of traditional batteries was enough to make me look elsewhere

@@GatewoodBrown i have a black diamond also and have had it for two years now, great headlamp!

Going well! The grill is certainly a key move. Not something I ever leave home without. Your brats will be perfect for it!

That Subaru sounds like a nice vehicle for adventures! Glad you’ve been able to bounce back after the accident. I’ll check out that headlamp for sure!

Cheers from Houston! I too work in the energy business, maybe I know him. You all will have a blast up there in Kansas. Starting to get pretty warm down here in Houston. Coffee, tunes and good company is the way to do it

He’s Kyle Day-Murphy Oil. Great guy!

Your comment worked! Haha yeah man same here. I take the legs off but leave everything else in tact as seen in the video. It’s tedious to assemble after a long day on the river

That’s what I like to hear! Excited to get some use out of mine

Thank you so much Landon! Packing it up today and shipping your way! Should be a nice pack to use for fly tools and tackle

Thank you so much!! You’re great for being a part of the community!

That's a great idea and not something I'd considered. I'll be sure to check pete's videos out about that. Thanks my man!

You bet my man! I saw some backpackers using it and thought it was a cool tool. I love that you can see the weight, puts a lot of gear into perspective!

That’s a great point and not something I thought about. Mold is a killer so I’m glad to be using a pump. Thanks for the insight!

Dude that is so rad! Welcome to Austin! I’m down in Houston so definitely jealous of your proximity to all this stuff. Thank goodness for the algorithm haha

I’ll check them out, thanks for the rec!

Seems very versatile. I’ll check it out, thanks!

I’ll check it out! I often go for lightweight on the headlamp but if it puts out a ton of light and holds good charge that is definitely intriguing

I think one of the UL hikers I follow uses that one too. Seems like a great option!

The PNW is one of the best places around for kayaking. So jealous of your location!

Ahhh the cold butane info is interesting, I didn’t realize that. I always thought it lacked efficiency but maybe that was a function of the temps

I’ll have to try that sometime. Shoot, the backpackers don’t take coolers and they’re doing just fine!

Hey Greg, What kind of light weight food? Mountain House meals are about as light weight as I can imagine, and taste pretty darn good. Curious to know what you like instead.

@@paddlepedalproductions5452 I’m interested in hearing this as well

@@paddlepedalproductions5452 I'm a vegetarian, so my choices are more limited than most people's. Most of the backpacking food on the market is not vegetarian, so that's a limiting factor for me. One advantage of going lightweight and non-perishable with food is that you're not limited to 2 or 3 day trips. If you're used to going with non-perishable food, then you don't have to change anything to do a week long trip. I do have some stuff, like Casa Corona dehydrated refried beans, that I have to order online, but there are options at the grocery, like some stuff called Right Rice, which is a vegetable "rice" that's fast cooking, tasty, and high in protein. Generally a high protein oatmeal for breakfast, various snacks including nuts, dried fruit, clif bars, crackers, peanut butter, etc. I'm working on my own couscous blend with spices and sprouted lentils (far faster cooking than most lentils). I do have some non-perishables that are not that lightweight, like Clif bars, Peanut butter and Nutella.

Also, there are other things at the grocery, like Uncle Ben's rice or something equivalent or Lipton sides, which are quick cooking options, some of which do not require milk. So that's a dehydrated TV dinner, in essence, but then some of the time I'm cooking my own stuff, and the key to that is that you have to test it out at home first.

Haha I like that! Seriously consider picking up the portable grinder. Such a game changer and pretty dang cheap. Cooler full of beer is always good on the river!

Thanks Matt! I’m thinking late summer or fall for the duffel. Currently testing out materials, placements and functionality. Should be a good offering!

Cheers man! We need a home and away trip (ID/TX). Snag that ridge outdoor gear hammock, $50 and they may even send ya one. Cool dude over there although he’s kind of elusive sometimes haha

I’ll check that out! Never heard of them but I’m definitely targeting something rechargeable

I can say they have both held up pretty well so far. I work on an iron ore mine in Western Australia and have used both for extended periods of time and they have been worked hard. Wet all the time covered in thick dust, banged up regularly, they have survived pretty well. Really impressed with how robust the Milwaukee was to....it accidentally got dropped from a considerable height and ran perfectly after 😂 highly recommend both as rechargeable options!

Thanks man! The duffel will be rad. Basically everything I have ever wanted in one haha. Oh that’s a great idea about the dream hammock. I’ll have to consider that because I wasn’t overly stoked with my synthetic quilt either

@@GatewoodBrown I absolutely love the quality of the hammock they made for me. Like you, I started with the Ridge and loved it. I did get cold in it and refused to go the quilt route for various reasons. A bit of research on some forums led me to discover double layer hammocks. Even by themselves, it cuts back on some of the wind since there is a second layer. And being able to store spare clothes etc in the gap makes it versatile. Some people even use emergency blankets in between the layers. It's an ultralight option. I personally use my woobie. Also, if you are set on keeping the ridge, there are tie down points inside the hammock along both sides. Woobies have chords around the entire blanket. I tied mine down and slept on it and it worked great. The ties prevented it from sliding and it covers the whole hammock perfectly creating a warming layer. Might be worth checking out!

@@mosulmedic7048 I appreciate the explanations for all the options! Wouldn’t be surprised if that type of info made it into a video one day haha. Yeah the tie downs had me confused during the caddo lake trip when I was trying to install a quilt. I have a lot of research to do!

About to start the editing on it! We filmed last September and just haven’t dedicated the time to put it together. Shooting for May release though

@@GatewoodBrown looking forward to it!

I was going to ask the same thing. That'll be a fun one. Looking forward to it.

@@joshinfwtx4506 this is going to be a fun video to make. Good crew and a stunning environment. Wild!

Not a bad setup right?!

I’ll check that out! Lots of recommendations for black Diamond. They must be doing something right

You’re a legend thank you! The boundary waters will be a wonderful trip. Have fun man!

Thank you! I'm working on a couple right now that should be released soon. I wish I had more time to work on them as well! It should be heating up soon!

@@GatewoodBrown Going to be a good month around here before it's warm enough!

@@matopezuta2050 shucks! I hope it warms up quick for you this spring!

I’m eager to try that Java press out for sure. Haven’t yet but fully intend on it. I’ll check out the summit pan! Haven’t heard of that one yet

It's made by jetboil. Grooves on bottom of pan match that of the pot stand. Kinda holds it on there even at slight angles.

@@jadewatson2440 sounds like something I definitely need since we do cook with our stoves. Thanks!

I’ve been trying to take some inspiration from You and other backpackers with regard to gear. I’ve had so many trips with a heavy kayak and you all prove all the stuff isn’t necessary!

Thank you so much my man! Always means a lot to have your support for the gear and the videos!

Thank you so much Kaitlyn! Means a lot to have y’all’s support. I will say, the duffel is going to be legit. Basically everything I’ve ever wanted in a waterproof duffel

@@GatewoodBrown do you know what sizes they will come in yet?

@@williamburditt4390 about 55L! Great backpack utility as well

I’ve got everything linked in the lighter pack link! But that’s a great point, if it’s not obvious I need to figure out how to make it more seamless with the videos. Cheers!

Wonderful thanks for tuning in!

You bet Eddie! More on the way

I’ll check that out my man! Lots of good feedback on that light

It’s not the best and something I definitely need to upgrade.

Just wanted to echo this comment here and recommend at least a CAT7 tourniquet and a Stop The Bleed kit. Often you can find these in a waterproof or vacuum sealed pouch and hopefully you'll never have to break the seal. The tourniquet, I would keep on my pfd or on my kayak. Again, hopefully something you'll never have to use. I would also add to that a HAM radio or a GPS beacon device of some sort to get the SOS out when you're in zero service, but that may be for a diff comment altogether, lol. Loving these videos as always and glad you are spreading great info, great content, and great footage to kayakers everywhere. Let's paddle sometime. I live on the Llano river!

He’s not going into combat.. allergy medicine is more useful for this scenario..

There’s just too much cool gear to bring! Haha

@@GatewoodBrown just subscribed to your channel, looks pretty cool.

Man you were hauling one while hiking?? That's wild haha, I bet the jetboil was a huge change. Yes I definitely need to start testing out dehydrated meals like you are doing. Cheers!

@@GatewoodBrown yeah it was heavy. I like premaking a meal and freezing it and putting it in aluminum foil. That way at camp just toss it in coals or ur jetboil and you're good to go.

You and many others have recommended black Diamond so I’ll check theirs out for sure

Thanks man! Dude so many people have recommended the black Diamond. I think I’ll go ahead and pick one up. Yes the red lens is so key for campfire hangs. Hope to see you out there man!

Yes I’d bet a headlamp is helpful under those circumstances. I’ll check house some of that gear, thanks for sharing!

@@GatewoodBrown No problem don't know the product of my Paddle glove since their in my tacklebox nore my fishing poles since those are in the garage and I'm not planning to drag those out so those I didn't put the name of them on my list.

Haha! They successfully did that last year. Fond memories of the ascend though! I suppose I still need to do a review on that kayak lol. Really enjoying the sit on top life. I’ll check out the klymit pad and compare it to some other options I’m looking at. There’s a lot of good gear out there these days!

@@GatewoodBrown that’s the problem I’m super indecisive and I have no clue what to bring, it’s kinda overwhelming adding the nerves in going solo.

@@weatherornotheresmike9303 I hear ya. At the end of the day you really don’t need much other than a kayak, paddle, pfd, tent/hammock, sleeping bag, sleeping pad (tent), lighter, stove, fuel, water, food, medical kit and a camp chair.

Thanks, BP! That's the age old question and it all depends on your state. Certain states dont allow any camping in the riverbed if both sides are private land. However, your best rule of thumb is to stick to islands. Hard to go wrong there until you're more familiar with your states navigability laws.

Thank you! I was pretty stoked while reviewing the footage haha. That shot in slow mo was wild!

Thanks my man! Kayaking is so freeing. No trail to follow, just views. And the occasional headwind haha

I’ll check both those out for sure. Sound like cool pieces of gear!

I’ll check them out! Still in need at this point

Hey Clint! Thanks for the kind words about the filming and editing. I always try to bring full effort with each edit! I’ve heard good things about nitecore so I’ll be sure to check those out!

Haha yes it does! A long tenured item in our lineup

Will do!! I’m in need for sure

Oh cool! I’ll check that out, black Diamond makes some great gear

I echo this, also have the 350

Only $30 at REI.

Thank you so much for watching! This is the year. I can feel it! Some great streams in Oklahoma. Definitely a place I want to paddle someday

Hey, Thanks THB! Hope you've been well my man. Weather is warming up!

Thanks my dude! Restock will be at the end of May (there were a couple weeks of delay). It means a lot to have you consider the gear! Cheers my man!

Yes! I anticipate a 2023 release. Right now just thinking of features and design (in my head lol) but that’ll definitely be something I bring to market

I’ll be trying out the kammock mantis this winter so we shall see how it does!

I want to do a UL kayak trip sometime!

Great question. For my local rivers I nearly always hit the rock bottom which chews up paddles pretty good. Thus I use a fiberglass blade in skinny water and the bending branches when I know it won’t touch anything but water

I’ll check that out! A few others said to check out night core as well

I’ve seen that one before! A few people I trust use nitecore so I might have to pick one up

Same! You start to realize the more you bring the less you actually use lol. Alright I’ll check that water filter out!

@@GatewoodBrown I'm surprised you don't already have one!

@@bradmizzou I buy too much gear haha. Need to donate some filters and snag one of these. It’s certainly expensive! I recently bought the life straw squeeze. Loving it

@@GatewoodBrown wow the life straw squeeze looks really cool. Same concept as the geopress but I'd imagine the squeeze is much lighter. Maybe you don't need the geopress! Also I bought one of your 27L dry backpacks when you had them on sale sometime during the pandemic. I don't remember when. Hoping to use it on a 4 day kayak camping trip coming up this October on the Eleven Point river here in Missouri. 🍻

Man they’ve been MIA! Maybe we should start carrying one. Be like, hey guys can I have your design? Lol

They’re both low right now! Check with outfitters along those rivers to get an idea of rentals and good launch locations. It can easily turn into a long hike under bad conditions!

Lots of people recommend the black Diamond lamps. I’ll have to check them out!

Hey PPP! I do plan on bringing the high back chair whenever ‘luxury weight’ is allowed for. So flatwater and calm trips where dragging isn’t necessary. I’m definitely a side sleeper and I find the hammock to be comfortable that way too! Alright I’m buying a katadyn. I’ve had my eye on it for years and need to just pull the trigger. Life straw has been great and a budget option but not as good as other options

Thanks for snagging a remote designs bag as well!

I’ll check that out! Definitely need to upgrade my life straw

Thank you for watching!

They’re premium for sure but absolutely worth it. Massive weight saver too. I’ve never tried a twig stove

@@GatewoodBrown some guys here is the Bush buddy folds down pretty small. Keeps fire off the ground and you just use twigs and sticks to heat your pot or whatever.

I’ll have to check that out! Seems like it would improve my stove setup

@@GatewoodBrown I have a Coleman single burner that uses the 1lb propane tanks. I don't use it anymore because it the assembled height plus the pot makes it very easy to tip over.

@@maxboo1 yeah that’s pretty tall. Definitely prone to tipping!

Mavic 2 pro! Main camera is an a7iii

@@GatewoodBrown awesome thanks!

Thank you so much! Film with a Sony a7iii and record audio via a lav mic. Then combine them during video editing

Not yet! But I’ve been talking with RX Angler about doing a marsh kayak camp and catch/cook our meals. Great concept!

I’ll check it out!

You nailed it! We love that lake, especially for off season camping. You can have the whole place to yourself.

Thank you!

Thank you Schaefer!

Thank you so much! I appreciate you tuning in all the way from Denmark!

For sure! Check your local kayaking facebook groups. That is going to be the best place to see people organizing trips

The 120 isn’t know for speed but that’s ok since we always do rivers. Flat water lakes would be a different consideration

Thanks Steve! Excited during this development phase, it’ll definitely be everything I’ve ever wanted in a duffel. For summer I’ve been using the astral loyak AC. VERY grippy which has been great during dragging sections

@@GatewoodBrown thanks I’ve heard good things about the Astral shoes. I had picked up a pair you used to recommend and really liked them. Thanks again for the great affordable gear and awesome content

@@stevestory8483 you bet Steve! It’s been fun having you a part of the community!

I’m hopeful they will be ready for sale by this summer or fall!

Good question! I don’t mod any of my kayaks and try to keep them as simple as possible. I even take off the bungie chords haha

Ugh they need to get them back in stock! The only alternatives are every expensive so if you’re down with that check out dream hammocks, Warbonnet, dutchwear and other top brands

@@GatewoodBrown I really think they may have gone out of business, their website doesn’t work anymore either. Thanks for the recommendations though! Keep up the great work.