You really need to try the REI helix pad. It’s worth every ounce! The word will eventually get out. CHEERS!

I'm a big fan of opsacks personally even if just for keeping food dry from rain.

Instead of an opsac I've been using a turkey oven bag, fits nicely in your Bear bag. Just fill it an twist it like a pack liner

I like your book selection.

Oh man, congrats on all the awesome new gear, especially that packraft! Looks super nice! 😄 Can't wait to see what experiences you have with it all. 😊 Cheers and atb from Norway.

Absolutely brilliant topic man, love your content!

Great list. Just ordered the pillow! From one old backpacking geyser to another!

Hey Bubba, thanks! It's reassuring to know that I'm not the only one who likes new gear even if it's redundant. I found a way to justify the new stuff by giving the slightly used gear to my grandkids lol.

Carefull with that EE Apex pullover synth when its raining hard. Be sure to have a towel, becauae if you get super wet, like hypothermia wet its almost impossible to put on that Torid jacket.

Good list of new gear. I see a few things I want to try. Thank you, Colorado Girl

That sounds so familiar 😂 every Christmas I am telling my mum that I have everything right now... By the time it is February I have a wish list to the moon and back 😂

Thank you for your work. Your videos are encouraging to hike, delivered in a reasonable tone without careless hype.

Thanks for sharing you new gear items. Really like my EE Torrid jacket. very warm. prefer a full zipper for venting. hope you enjoy your EE pullover. I have the etherlight XL Insulated and included stuff sack is designed to inflate it. I can completely fill the XL pad by gently blowing into the sack 3-4 time total. The Nemo also has a pump sack so not sure why a electronic air pump is necessary. I've been using a Trekker Space pen and Opsak bags for many years - work great. hope you have some great trips in the Bob. with the low snowpack, it will be interesting to see the snow level in May and June.

Looking forward to your adventures this summer in the new pack raft!

Absolutely love my Torrid pullover. I’m convinced the double-layer of insulation at the pocket (+ lack of a full zipper) makes it significantly warmer. I’m curious to see how you fare with the Opsak. I shied away from it a while back due to the smaller size and closure - went to a nylofume pack liner in my food bag instead - but if it’s durable and straightforward enough it may be worth a switch.

Great video! Just hours before watching, I was debating purchasing the new flex tail. It’s still sitting in my cart. You seem to be a reader, so I’ll offer you a recommendation; Song Lines, by Bruce Chatwin. It was published many years ago, but it’s new to me. I am almost through it now. It’s fantastic book that any outdoor person or hiker would appreciate. Let me know if you’ve read it already.

Another episode of Dan's Fire Side Gear Reviews is on the air. I've had the EE Torrid full zip up for a season now and really have liked it. That sleeping pad pump looks pretty good and I'll look forward to your field test with it. We'll look forward to a future review of your new teleprompter 😜

Awesome recommendations! I’ve been using the insulated Tensor and its been great!

The Black Friday 30-40% off sales always suck me in. As a result, I don’t have the kit “dialed in” until December. 🤣

A really informative and inspiring video, tnx a lot!

New Sub. Enjoy your content 😊

I like putting my snacks in my Pullover Pockets...

I really don't get the 'Avoid the horrid laborious 4 minutes of pumping your sleeping pad, bring an electric pump' attitude. Preferably buy a sleeping pad with a pump sack I'd say, use wind, if available, to fill pump sack, slightly lean on pump sack to fill pad, repeat. Choosing a decent camping pillow, that I do understand.

Ever thought of taking a pencil instead?