When my kids were that age was the greatest time of my life. Cherish it. It goes so fast.
@CastawayHikes Жыл бұрын
I could see the Grayl being useful for a short afternoon hike where you aren't going to be needing much water and wanting a very simple hydration setup, but it doesn't make a lot of sense if you're going to need to filter 1-2 liters at a time for a longer hike
@kribinsky Жыл бұрын
That is my exact use for it. Quick hikes near questionable water sources.
@ktm9292 Жыл бұрын
Also great for overseas travel or trips in areas with not the best water quality (i.e., potential viruses) where you don't want to have to buy plastic bottles for.
@CalvertE98 Жыл бұрын
It's actually quick and simple why not for longer 1-2 liters? It purifies as well so much better for safety than most filters
@giftedfox4748 Жыл бұрын
It is a bit off that he would put the Grayl on the list of flops when he never really did a field test on it. From everything that I found on it shows it is very good but is heavy, bulky, and the lifespan on the filters are shorter. If he would have said something like that then I could go "you do have a point and that is why you use the other filter more" but no, just the fact that he feels like he wasted his money so it isn't a good choice.
@dcl9711 ай бұрын
We used the Grayl on our PCT hike last year and it was great. What it really excels at is filtering a lot of water at a time. We ended up filtering water for other hikers a few times, particularly when the water was very unpalatable, the Grayl didn't make it perfect but it was drinkable. A bunch of groups we were leapfrogging all ended up getting norovirus from filtering out of a lake near Crabtree, we filtered from the same one and had no issues. It's definitely heavy, but was worth the peice of mind and better tasting water.
@neemancallender9092 Жыл бұрын
I have had the Snow Peak Litemax for years of solid reliable service Great simmering control Yes you need to use a windshield I have an ultralight titanium windshield that weighs nothing
@PDXborn Жыл бұрын
2nd the great simmering. I've had mine for 12 years. Never let me down, but it does need to be shielded from the wind which is usually just on the other side of my backpack or a log/rocks. It's actually my go to stove in spring and fall or if I need to bring something I don't have to worry about failing when I'm deep in the woods but want a lightweight stove. I've used it in below freezing temps as well with no issues.
@hokudadog7637 Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the reviews! Good points. I must say, I disagree with your Grayl flop, it shouldn’t be on your worst gear list as it was your personal preference. Nothing wrong with the item! Grayl is great for a fast drink. I think it is just your habit to fall back to your Sawyer.
@garrettsaunders8458 Жыл бұрын
As with all gear it’s preference based, but yeah the grayl serves its purpose but just doesn’t fit the bill for most backpacking journeys. Great point to bring up though!
@26parma Жыл бұрын
The Katadyn BeFree is now my filter of choice after this year. Year 2/next year will be the huge determining factor for the BeFree though...gotta have filters last multiple years.
@kee7678 Жыл бұрын
same
@happyfuntimereviews5600 Жыл бұрын
I’ve had my Cnoc Vecto for about 4 years now. It’s the old model without the tethered cap and slider. I’ve used it close to 100 nights on the trail. No issues. The Grayl is awesome for traveling, not so much for backpacking. I go back and forth between the Squeeze and the Hydroblu Versaflo. Can’t decide which one I like more. Both have their advantages. Just have to aggressively backflush either and the flow rate stays pretty decent.
@commentsonthetube14 Жыл бұрын
I just use the cnoc vecto as a gravity filter and it doesn't develop leaks. I carry a 4 foot length of silicone hose and a water bottle adapter. Plus a 2 gram length of dyneema cord. Then I can hang the vecto on a tree or trekking pole and have it fill up a bottle while I chill. You can also blow into the tube to backflush the filter.
@semo7566 Жыл бұрын
Tnx for the review. I use Sawyer with CNOC 100 percent of the time in PNW but it can't clear viruses for suspect water sources on my trips to other countries. I'm taking Grayl to Colombia. 3 years with the same CNOC using it as a gravity system
@CarlsonAdventures Жыл бұрын
I have to agree with you on the Sawyer Squeeze. I tried another filter this year and after being disappointed in it I immediately went back to Sawyer. Great video man.
@curtelverd Жыл бұрын
Ditto on the Outdoor Vitals Altitude Sun Hoodie! It's a staple in every trip no matter the temp!
@NOLERRT Жыл бұрын
Love your videos and love your honesty! keep it up
@tylerorcutt6308 Жыл бұрын
I absolutely love the Grayl for backpacking in places with plenty of access to water sources. Filling the Grayl plus a Nalgene takes maybe a minute or two, no squeezing required. Pressing a bottle’s worth takes maybe 10-15 seconds, pour into your other bottle and repeat. I frequently fill my friends’ bottles at water stops because their filters are much slower.
@Dante07cid Жыл бұрын
I agree. And it is a more complete filter. In my area of the Midwest where farm runoff and nasty water in general exists, I need the extra filtration. I keep one in my truck for work and travel. Quick, simple and reliable. Totally disagree on Grayl being on the flop list.
@BigDawgCAM Жыл бұрын
Just a bit heavy for backpacking, and I would agree. I always reached for my Katadyn BeFree instead, meaning I never took my Grayl with me
@martinerhard8447 Жыл бұрын
Its just heavy and cumbersome....I am ising the trailaqua now which is like a bit upgraded sawyer squeeze.
@kevinhansen2027 Жыл бұрын
I couldn't agree more about the Quasar insulated pad. I've had several versions of Neoair, and the Nemo Tensor, my previous favorite. Save weight on other gear and treat yourself to an actual good night's sleep on the Quasar.
@browsman2328 Жыл бұрын
I agree with you on the MSR Windburner. I bought one one sale for $127 about 4 months ago and it has become my go to stove. Yes it is expensive and heavier than other options but in the long run I think it is money well spent. How many times have you had to fuss around with windscreens or seek shelter from the wind with regular backpacking stoves? No worries with the Windburner, it is impervious to wind, just set it up and light it. Plus the Windburner is assembled in Seattle USA if the means anything to you.
@telluridecolorado8918 Жыл бұрын
I bought a Western Mountaineering sleeping bag about 7 years ago. Truly the best sleeping bag I've ever had. (I also have a Mountain Hardware, that is very good bag.) The WM bag has held up to probably 300-400 nights camping. Amazing is all i can say! Think i paid $550.00, and it was worth every penny!
@Everydaybackpacker Жыл бұрын
Great video! I absolutely love my western mountaineering gear! I own two, the alpinelite and the astralite top quilt. Definitely great products. I also heard that CNOC came out with a heavier duty version of the vecto bag.
@BackcountryExposure Жыл бұрын
Yeah, I will likely be getting a VersaLite at some point as well from WM! I had seen the CNOC came out with that after I had filmed this video. So I will likely be doing a follow up at some point.
@kee7678 Жыл бұрын
@@BackcountryExposure I ended up with the Kuiu 15 degree bag..Wider shoulder area and their 850 down is quixdown. hydrophobic treatment and I loved my W.Mount alpinlite but..my new Kuiu bag is truly amazing.
@the_average_backpacker Жыл бұрын
Glad to see the Sawyer get a shout-out. I feel like it's gone under the radar and under-appreciated for a bit. It's great to have reliable water filtering that weighs practically nothing.
@nabwong Жыл бұрын
I bought the Quasar and loved it. Then I began to see all the videos raving how good the Rapide is. I had to try it. Returned it a short while after. The quasar is waaaayyyyy more comfy and quieter than the Rapide.
@jays7318 Жыл бұрын
Thank you! But I and my friends never had pinholes in our CNOCs. It's great for use for a gravity filter system with my VersaFlow filter, so I never squeeze it... maybe that's why I don't get pin holes
@dean_murray Жыл бұрын
Checkout the kovea supalite titanium. Its a variation of the snowpeak stove. The burner head is different and seems to be a bit better in the wind. It's otherwise identical.
@ShaysOutdoorShenanigans Жыл бұрын
I loved my nemo dagger! i switched it out for a xmid 2p because of weight (im attempting a thru hike)but i kept it because its awesome!!
@silence087 Жыл бұрын
Comparing the snow peak stove to the msr windburner seems like apples to oranges to me.
@commentsonthetube14 Жыл бұрын
And I use the grayl for international travel. It is kind of a waste of money for hiking though haha.
@andreasweber7828 Жыл бұрын
Im using the non-Osmo Dagger and everything you said sounds familiar to me. Don’t care if the Osmo comes a bit lighter. I’m happy to carry 1.5kg
@BackcountryExposure Жыл бұрын
Function over weight! That's my motto. :)
@anythingbutmyrealnamegoogl9615 Жыл бұрын
Hey thanks for covering some of this stuff, saves me from anymore expensive mistakes. I’m curious about the Western Mountaineering bag you got if you don’t mind answering a question. I’m in between on the ultralight and the alpinelite and the deciding factor is the chest width. I’m a pretty small guy, wrapping a tape around my arms barely at put me at 48”. The ultralight is 59” at the widest and I almost think It’d work for me on my side. Haven’t found anywhere within 100 miles to try it unfortunately so online is my best and cheapest option. I’m just curious if the ultralight was too constricting for you? Thanks again.
@BackcountryExposure Жыл бұрын
Good question. I love the UltraLite and for me it's just the right size. My chest measurement is 39", and for reference I am 5'9", 165lbs. If you're at 48" for your chest, then I'd probably steer toward the AlpineLite over the UltraLite. If you were to measure around your shoulders/chest you might be pretty close to the 59" width. Those are just my thoughts and experience.
@mtadams2009 Жыл бұрын
My daughter and I both have Western Mountaineering 20 UL sleeping bags and they are awesome. We have never been even a little cold in this bag. Ours are about ten years old and they have held up great. For distance hiking I use a quilt but did weekends in the Whites it’s always WM. Take care
@BackcountryExposure Жыл бұрын
The quality is amazing!
@samprather5729 Жыл бұрын
I've personally been able to use both the Sawyer squeeze and the Grayl this is year and they both were great. Definitely felt more secure drinking from the Grayl, but the squeeze is so simple and easy to use. It was nice having a sturdy/durable bottle instead of a thin smart water bottle. Definitely want to get the new titanium ultralight version
@stevewright2241 Жыл бұрын
I’ve got 2 WM sleeping bags and love both. You should give a Feathered Friends bag a try too. I love that bag too.
@BackcountryExposure Жыл бұрын
I’d love to try a FF bag!
@kee7678 Жыл бұрын
@UCVyZtccA-oMchXHai-CJyPA Kuiu, West Mount and F.F. are by far the top 3 on the market. They're great.
@tysonbrown249 Жыл бұрын
I've used the Cnoc Vecto 2L for several years and never had a leak. I never put them on the ground. Maybe on a groundsheet, but never just on the ground. Do you think that pine needles may be getting it?
@SneakyCaleb Жыл бұрын
First like and comment to my favorite outdoor channel! I picked up that exact nemo dagger because of you and a lanshan pro. Yes the Nemo dagger is a pound heavier than some comparable but it’s more sturdy and better in high wind conditions from what I’ve seen. Very versatile tent. Honestly it’s probably the best two person tent ever made dare I say. It seems to take me a couple extra minutes to set it up vs my older other tents but it’s not bad. Very nice
@BackcountryExposure Жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@FrontlineLLC Жыл бұрын
Think I saw you tonight (Thanksgiving) at the Spotted Dog in Zion. Yes? Love your content. It has helped me a lot the past couple years… Bryan
@BackcountryExposure Жыл бұрын
Ha ha! Yeah that was me. You should have come said hi. Thanks for watching and supporting the channel! Hope you had a nice holiday!
@FrontlineLLC Жыл бұрын
@@BackcountryExposure Do you live in the area or on vacation?
@BackcountryExposure Жыл бұрын
@@FrontlineLLC I live in Utah County, so on vacation.
@HawkeyeOnaMission Жыл бұрын
Nice video as always. SOLE has been a true life/game changer for many years to me.
@BackcountryExposure Жыл бұрын
I was always skeptical of insoles, cause I've never had foot problems, but silly me didn't consider how they would help with my IT band and hip pain. Glad to hear they've done well for you too.
@jonsanford2515 Жыл бұрын
I had good luck with Sole insoles. Am currently using Tread Labs. I like them equally. Tread Labs are a bit more expensive for the first pair, but you can replace just the cushioned footbed, and keep reusing the hard plastic heel cup/arch. After 2 or 3 pairs the Tread Labs become cheaper, and you generate less waste.
@LostAgainwithJim Жыл бұрын
I loved my Altitude hoodie. I really need to order a replacement.
@BackcountryExposure Жыл бұрын
That dang Escalante river!
@jadenm Жыл бұрын
Ive been considering the altitude sun hoodie. My main concern is wear and tear on the shoulders where my backpack shoulder straps would be. Have you had issues with that?
@BackcountryExposure Жыл бұрын
Hasn't been an issue for me. I can see on a thru hike where daily use for months on end would have a greater impact, but I've been very happy with the durability in relation to the type of fabric used. My expectation is for the hoodie to last a couple seasons of normal use and then may need to be replaced.
@BackcountryExposure Жыл бұрын
@@jadenm yes, 100% worth it. It’s one of my favorite layers ever.
@janefreeman995 Жыл бұрын
I've had weak leaky thread problems with both of the cnoc bags I've tried. One day I had to take a hotel room off the trail because all of my water leaked out and there was no upcoming source as it was getting late. I've had no problems with the snowpeak stove and it's been fine in the wind.
@BackcountryExposure Жыл бұрын
I've got another video coming soon where I dig deeper into the Litemax, but my main issue is the fact that when I light it, the entire burner doesn't light. I have to take my lighter and light the side that didn't. I know several other people who have this issue with the Litemax too.
@jeffpeters5347 Жыл бұрын
How does the Nemo Quasar compares against the S2S Etherlight XT in terms of side-sleeper comfort?
@TrailandBackAgain Жыл бұрын
Good, honest list. I had the same experience with the Grayl. I wanted to like it, but never use it.
@BackcountryExposure Жыл бұрын
Thanks Mark!
@RodneyClang Жыл бұрын
After switching to the Grayl I hope I never have to squeeze a bag through a sawyer again freezing fingers and so slow. Take it out once and see :)
@stevenhorwood1300 Жыл бұрын
I have a regular sawyer, A quick draw and a grayl as well as a ultraviolet light water treatment. I use my Grayl by-far for the most. Quicker to filter, and can filter and fill other bottles and I use it all the time traveling. Heavy yep, but for some reason it is my go to.
@yurrryurrr1463 Жыл бұрын
How can you trust the word of someone who says something isn’t good when he never even used it
@BackcountryExposure Жыл бұрын
The point that I was trying to make is the fact that I got excited about a piece of gear for my hiking and backpacking this year and I put it on the flop list because my intentions were for it to be used. But it misses the mark because it never seemed to fit into my gear system, and didn't get added because the function of other filters was more compelling than the Grayl. I didn't necessarily say that the performance of the Grayl was bad, rather the principle of money was spent, and it just sat on the shelf. To me that's a waste of money that could have been used on something else.
@zacharylaschober Жыл бұрын
Probably cause the Grayl is a purifier over the various filters which function fine throughout the United States and will always have smaller pack size and faster flow rate. Have used a Grayl once and have otherwise kept in my home emergency kit, but if I travel abroad may bring out for shorter treks over a filter and uv pen. Fits a great niche.
@JustinMcKinneyhiker Жыл бұрын
I couldn't agree more with your disappointment of the Cnoc Vecto. Mine sprung pin hole leaks everywhere. It's heavy, cumbersome to use, with the sliding lock bar at the top , and there are more reliable lighter water bags out there.
@BackcountryExposure Жыл бұрын
I’ve ordered their new Vecto X to see how things change and if it’s better for me.
@MeetMeOutside Жыл бұрын
Western Mountaineering is simply the best, very good investment.
@royalbrooks7163 Жыл бұрын
What problems did you have with the Platypus QuickDraw filter???
@BackcountryExposure Жыл бұрын
My first one grew a bunch of mold, completely my fault. So I bought a new one, and the second one came from the factory with broken fibers in the inlet side. I’ve reached out to Platypus (Cascade Designs) twice for warranty and have had no reply from them. It’s been several months and with two attempts to get info/help and no reply I’m not super happy with that. I know it’s not an expensive item, but it’s the principle for me that I wanted to get info from them and got nothing.
@kevinstarski1598 Жыл бұрын
Nemo needs to start making some single wall options.
@BackcountryExposure Жыл бұрын
I think the Hornet would be a much more compelling option if it was single wall. I prefer the double wall on the Dagger though.
@BigDawgCAM Жыл бұрын
@@BackcountryExposure Yeah! Then they could use the saved weight to add space and make it 20+ denier so it isn’t so darn fragile and cramped
@ethanwagner5564 Жыл бұрын
I’ll buy that Grayl from you yaha
@briargoatkilla Жыл бұрын
Ive tried most of the alternatives and havent seen any real advantage over the sawyer bags.
@BackcountryExposure Жыл бұрын
I think the new material Sawyer is using on their bags is a nice update to the previous material that would easily burst seams. My issue with them is just the small opening, which the Vecto fixes. It's the real reason I love the vecto so much.
@TennesseeSlim Жыл бұрын
Hydrapak has your back with their life time warranty. Best in business
@BackcountryExposure Жыл бұрын
I do love the hydrapak stuff I've got. Too bad they don't have something with a 28mm thread... or at least I don't think they do.
@TennesseeSlim Жыл бұрын
@@BackcountryExposure they have the seeker bag with 28mm and the other for the befree. But I use their reservoir as a dirty water bag and inline the fiter. That way I have the easy fill end and a quick connect for the filter. They even have a quick connect 28mm bottom cap for the squeeze. The one it comes with is useless.
@TennesseeSlim Жыл бұрын
@@BackcountryExposure Justin outdoors uses their collapsible bottle to relive himself when it's cold.
@LMay64 Жыл бұрын
I agree about loving the OV Altitude Hoodie. The only thing I wish OV had included, as a woman with long hair, is a hole for a pony tail when the hood is up. Its very similar to my OR sun hoody, but OR does have a pony tail hole. Still, I’d purchase the OV Altitude again.
@markjensen8247 Жыл бұрын
Shame on you for flopping a product that you have never used. Can’t say I’ll be watching your videos again. SMH
@BackcountryExposure Жыл бұрын
I thought my reasoning was justified, but apparently not. Sorry it was such a disappointment for you.
@taterhater7419 Жыл бұрын
i mean cmon, to say i love this super expensive gear, who cares. we all cant afford this. you really don't have to spend a fortune to go backpacking, don't let these people make you feel like you do. get some quality budget gear, it might not be "ultra lite" but it gets you out there enjoying the wilderness. i find it disingenuous that people try and hype expensive gear that they get for free.