I just got a pair about 3 days ago and agree with your initial assessment on the heel collar. It sits really low but after wearing them daily for the past 3 days it seems to have broken in and they feel really secure on my heel. The foam is softened quite a bit and overall they're very comfortable. In terms of sizing, I did have to go up to an 11 from my usual 10.5. I think I would prefer The timp due to feeling a bit more nimble but these are going to feel pretty amazing after a long day on a rocky Trail. I did have durability issues with the 5s sole peeling off but I don't foresee that being an issue with these. Great review! Thanks for taking the time to put it together
@ernestbuckstarr2 күн бұрын
Thank you Mat, your experienced input is greatly appreciated!
@matjobin2 күн бұрын
@@ernestbuckstarr Always happy to share and help. Thanks for watching!
@neilquinn4 күн бұрын
Where is it in stock though? Seems sold out everywhere
@matjobin2 күн бұрын
@@neilquinn Not sure. I bought mine directly from Altra’s website. Hopefully more get released soon. It’s a great shoe.
@neilquinn2 күн бұрын
@@matjobin Looks like they added language that they will be back in stock late september
@matjobinКүн бұрын
@@neilquinn Awesome! That is good to know.
@laura1988165 күн бұрын
It seems like the new Kings have an almost velcro texture to the heel cup to keep your foot securely locked into the shoe, I like it
@matjobin2 күн бұрын
@@laura198816 The shark skin! It reminds me of the skins made for alpine skis. I like it too and how secure everything feels.
@laura198816Күн бұрын
@@matjobin😮 oh!! I've never noticed it on any other shoe, but I just discovered Altras. I mostly used Nike before. Had to switch due to tight Nike toe box causing me pain
@matjobinКүн бұрын
@@laura198816 I don’t know of any others with that type of heel cup fabric. I hear ya! I’ve been wearing Altra’s for several years now and can’t go back to anything else. Enjoy!
@commentsonthetube147 күн бұрын
Ohhhhh, I've been wanting this for years! The new nu 25 is so annoying with the two main lights.
@carlosparrado81639 күн бұрын
Congrats!!! But I think that the right test to do is use different waters to each filter. If you use the same water many "dirty" was stopped in the first one (mini)
@JasonHikes19 күн бұрын
Nice review! How long do you usually get out of these?
@matjobin9 күн бұрын
@@JasonHikes1 It depends, but I always expect between 300-500 miles for a pair of trail runners. Typically I’ve been getting 500+ miles out each pair of my Altras over the last several years.
@JasonHikes19 күн бұрын
@@matjobin awesome thanks Mat!
@davidc67759 күн бұрын
Did you see the new nitecore nu 20 classic they just released? Seems like the old nu25 with some updates. The people need a review!
@matjobin9 күн бұрын
@@davidc6775 I actually just got my NU20 classic in the mail recently. Some nice updates and pretty similar to the old NU25 (which is one of my favorite headlamps). I might have something in store. Stay tuned 😉.
@marcoc270610 күн бұрын
Thanks for the detailed review! Especially the sizing comparison with other Altra shoes. I have a pair of Lone Peak and the comparison gives me a good referene point.
@matjobin9 күн бұрын
@@marcoc2706 Happy to help! Thanks for watching.
@RC-qf3mp10 күн бұрын
Great review. I wasn’t aware of this shoe. I’ve since fully transitioned to only minimalist shoes and want that ground feel and flexibility in the sole. My top concern is good tread, esp on slippery rocks. But good to know this shoe is available if i ever need or want more cushion. How is the treat on slippery rocks? Seems like it would be the same as for the Lone PEaks - which isn’t great. But if find myself stuck in a town with limited options, and need a shoe, this looks like a good option.
@matjobin9 күн бұрын
@@RC-qf3mp Thanks! It has been on hiatus for a couple of years and was released again just recently. The Vibram traction is greater with these than what’s on the Lone Peak.
@larryjanson401112 күн бұрын
of course deet is bad. it is ment to keep bugs off you. but is non toxic and good for use on your skin. ( were the bugs want to bit you). bugs are very bad north of bakersfield's ca due to farming ( water), but farther north fire is the biggest problem. ( this year the “park fire” 450,000 acres). but was found to be arson.
@patrickblack91612 күн бұрын
Hi Mat, I noticed that you’ve used both Tyvek and Polycro as groundsheet options. I’d love to hear which one you prefer overall and what trade-offs you’ve found with each. Thanks again!
@matjobin12 күн бұрын
@@patrickblack916 It depends on the type of trip or long hike, and the location for me. Sometimes I even don't use a groundsheet at all if I'm using a tent. I generally prefer Tyvek for its durability and longevity, but its trade off would be an increase in weight compared to polycro. I find it a lot easier to shake debris off when packing up on wet mornings at camp. I've had a good experience with polycro and haven't had any major issues with it, but it can puncture easier. I've also found it to collect a lot more debris than Tyvek which makes it a pain to clean off in wet environments. This also leads to carrying out additional weight if not cleaned before leaving camp so the weight can creep up close to what the Tyvek weighs. If I'm looking to go as light as possible and things will be relatively dry, I'd pack the polycro. Most of the time I find I go with the Tyvek. Thanks for the question and for watching!
@toddfoster747715 күн бұрын
Color options are very poor. Great shoe.
@kevindblew682217 күн бұрын
8:58. The half pyramid is my personal favorite. I can set it up in about 90 seconds. The versatility is phenomenal. Want breeze? Open up the sides. Feeling raindrops? Pin the sides together at the front pole. I’ve weathered torrential downpours in this configuration when hiking. And you don’t have to be a BlackBelt, Origami Ninja to pitch it.
@matjobin16 күн бұрын
@@kevindblew6822 One of my favorite setups too!
@kenwbrenner18 күн бұрын
Hi Mat. As usual, very much enjoyed this video. Got to see a "blue trail" + the AT. I also find it interesting to find and walk on old portions of the trail. As info, I was stationed at the submarine base in Groton, Ct 1971-1974. When time permitted, I would walk some of the blue trails in southeast CT (using a 1971 edition of the CT Walk Book). Once went to northwest CT near Salisbury and hiked up to the top of Bear Mountain. Always enjoy your narration and filming - look forward to future videos. God Bless!
@matjobin16 күн бұрын
@@kenwbrenner Thanks so much for watching! I’m glad you enjoyed the video. Lots of great history on the AT and the blue blaze trail system.
@DJVOutdoors19 күн бұрын
My friend said they are more comfortable than not even wearing shoes. I’ve had lone peaks and allwtr since 2019 these really do look amazing
@matjobin18 күн бұрын
@@DJVOutdoors Like walking on pillows. They’ve been nice in the winter and have been working well so far!
@DJVOutdoors18 күн бұрын
@@matjobin just ordered some
@lizkarimian516424 күн бұрын
Did you say your bivy was custom?
@matjobin22 күн бұрын
@@lizkarimian5164 It was at the time I ordered it about 5 years ago. During that time I had chosen the fabric weight, color, zipper style/side and requested the headcap to be made of the same fabric rather than all mesh. Not sure what the current options are. It’s been a great bivy. You can check it out a bit more here if you’d like: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p8-Un5ik39S5aWQ.html
@yungsmile754628 күн бұрын
Sawyer Picaridin lotion and mix my own permethrin diluting 24% industrial to 1% with water. It's way cheap compared to buying .5% spray bottles. Bug head net zippered hammock net on the ground.
@JPazerАй бұрын
Mosquitos/Midges love dark colours. I went camping with my friends who wore white shirts, and all the midges were stuck to my black t shirt.
@NathanHassallАй бұрын
2 years later and Robic reigns superior over DCF and Ultra for durability.. Ultra de laminates from itself like dcf. 200d - 100d robic is tried tested and true.
@matjobinАй бұрын
@@NathanHassall I still really enjoy good ol’ Gridstop in terms of durability, but I haven’t experienced any delamination with my Ultra 200 fabric V2 and currently have a little over 2,000 miles on it. I’ve heard of others experiencing some delamination with the fabric though. The new Graflyte material seems to address this, but only time will tell. I have an Aluula Graflyte pack on order and am looking forward to testing it out on the trail in the near future. I’ve been digging the Ultragrid fabric lately too and have found that to work well so far.
@NathanHassallАй бұрын
@@matjobin Glad you mentioned! ...Also glad to hear yours is holding up I guess it really depends on a number of factors (2000 miles is pretty darn good) Cheers!
@suspicionofdeceitАй бұрын
Needs a foam update desperately.
@matjobinАй бұрын
@@suspicionofdeceit I’m hoping for that with the next iteration of the Olympus.
@TacticoolVIKINGBeardАй бұрын
Why are these INSANELY expensive?...😢 i watch Björn Andreas Bull-Hansen's channel and he swears by the Zpack he has so i was looking at reviews from others as well but didnt realize this would be half my paycheck! (i get paid every 2 weeks...)
@matjobinАй бұрын
@TacticoolVIKINGBeard It's mostly due to cost of materials and the labor involved. Lots of great options out there that aren't made of Dyneema such as the Lunar Solo tent shown in this video. UltraTNT fabric shelters would be another option. They cost a little less than Dyneema, but will offer a similar performance out on the trails.
@ErlefromVaАй бұрын
Great video, thanks
@matjobinАй бұрын
@@ErlefromVa Thanks for watching!
@scurvychef2Ай бұрын
Was highly considering this event this year but did not attend. I think I will for 2025 though.
@matjobinАй бұрын
@scurvychef2 It's a great event! Maybe we'll cross paths out there next year.
@timevault3381Ай бұрын
What would be the reason to choose Cuben Fiber or as some call it Dyneema fabric over this TNT Tarp, I truly wonder what the price difference is all about?!
@matjobinАй бұрын
@timevault3381 Between the two it would be for the lighter weight. What's nice about the Ultra TNT is that it has the same qualities as DCF and better abrasion resistance than DCF, but at a lower cost. Both will still pack bulkier than sil-poly though. A sil-poly tarp would also be a fraction of the cost.
@runnerscorner2994Ай бұрын
Been waiting for a review about this! Yahoo!!
@rschreck876Ай бұрын
Looking at when you showed the insole, makes ya wonder: are they really as wide as they advertise.
@suspicionofdeceitАй бұрын
Yes they are.
@user-wu6jf1hu5rАй бұрын
In the front yes, not so in the middle
@zhuochen8092Ай бұрын
The size is still off in my case. I usually wear 10 for altras but for Olympus 6 even 10.5 felt tight in the front during descending. Had to return the pair. Maybe the heel padding is too aggressive.
@2ddwАй бұрын
Thank you!!
@chancetolbert4852Ай бұрын
I'd love for you to come to south Louisiana and go tarp camping and then hear you try to say with a straight face that the Northeast has a lot of bugs.... lol
@davef5916Ай бұрын
Do you always use the tyvek even if you're using the bivy?
@matjobinАй бұрын
@davef5916 I always have Tyvek or polycro when using my tarp, because on some nights I don’t end up needing the bivy each night, and it’s still nice to have a clean surface to sort through everything and set my sleeping pad on. If I’m using the bivy then I don’t usually use a groundsheet under it.
@davef5916Ай бұрын
Hey Mat, do you have any advice on guyline lengths for each point for the zpacks 7 x 9 for maximum versatility?
@matjobinАй бұрын
@davef5916 Over the years, I’ve found 50ft of line total to be plenty in most situations. I like to use 8’ segments for the two ridgeline ends, 6’ for the four corners, and 5’ for the two side tie outs. If I need extra length for one of the lines, I’ll remove line from where I’m not using it for a pitch and will use a sheet bend to connect to two ends of line.
@davef5916Ай бұрын
1. are the bags you keep your bivy and tarp in completely water proof so if its wet they dont wet your fleece? Or are loose stuff sacks ok? 2. Do you think compressing the quilt damages it at all? Or is any more or less space efficient beyond the fact its more waterproof 3. If its raining do you still keep your fleece at the top outside the nylofume? 4. Do you ever take a ground sheet for tarping, if so where do you put that?
@matjobinАй бұрын
@davef5916 The bags are highly water resistant and made of Dyneema. I use them more to keep things clean and as dry as possible in the pack. I've never had trouble with compressing my quilt, but it's also not long term. It also depends on the trail and location. If I'm on a very wet trail for a thru hike, my quilt is able to loft at the end of each day. In town or resupply, I like to try fluffing it while doing my laundry too. At the end of a long hike or shorter trip, I'll store it loosely at home and won't keep it compressed in storage. On dry trails or shorter trips where there is no rain forecasted, I'll just stuff my quilt loosely in the pack liner instead. I'll still store the same items mentioned in this video in the footbox of my quilt too. For very wet trails, it's just the extra water resistance I use it for. I do keep my fleece at the top for quick access when needed and not having to dig it out of the bottom of my pack with things like my puffy that I want to keep dry. I've been using Alpha Direct 60 and Alpha Direct 90 fleeces for a few years now and they have always dried very fast, so I've never been concerned if they get slightly wet or damp. I do take a groundsheet with my tarp setup (either tyvek or polycro) and always stuff it in the front outer pocket.
@wio2189Ай бұрын
Hey, thanks for the video. Currently I am considering which Cutaway to get. Is my assumption correct you have the 30l (18" as you said)? Since we have similar gear this would be helpful intel. How many days of food can you fit inside? Wondering if a 5 day carry is feasible. My BW is around 9lbs. Appreciate any advise, I'd love to make the 30l work.
@matjobinАй бұрын
@wio2189 Thanks for watching. Nice on the Cutaway! I believe mine is what is now referred to as the 30L. I bought mine back before the Bridge (20L) and Fretless (40L) were released. Now I think they are all referred to as the Cutaway with different capacity. Yes, the one in this video is 18" torso and 19" vest straps. I've had 5 days of food in mine without any trouble. It should be manageable. Hope you enjoy the pack!
@wio2189Ай бұрын
@@matjobin Thanks for your reply! Funny enough I did just order the exact same specs 1 minute ago, 30l, 18" torso and 19" vest straps. So your reply about capacity makes me feel real good with that! I am excited to see how the Aluula fabric performs, too! Have a great one
@matjobinАй бұрын
@@wio2189 No worries. Awesome! Hope the pack treats you well for many miles. I've been eyeing that fabric too and looking forward to checking it out at some point. Happy trails!
@pringerxАй бұрын
Great video man. Just some questions. 1. How is the internal volume between the 2 packs? Which one is bigger? 2. How many days of food can you carry in each pack max 3. Which pack do you find more comfortable to carry or which do you find yourself using more? 4. Do you prefer the ultraweave or ultragrid fabric, I'm deciding between the two, I've heard of delamination issues with ultraweave... 5. Where did you buy the quilt stuff sack and what volume is it? Thank you 🙏
@matjobinАй бұрын
@pringerx Thanks so much! In response to your questions: 1. The V2 has a taper toward the bottom, a higher collar and a little more capacity of course, but the Cutaway is more barrel shaped so it feels a bit bigger internally and is easier to pack. If that makes sense? 2. I've had up to 7 days of food in the V2 so far, and 5 days with the Cutaway so far. 3. I find both to be very comfortable. It depends on the type of trip for which pack I go with. If I'm looking to keep things simple and streamline, I use the V2. If I want more access while on-the-go and not having to remove the pack then I go with the Cutaway. I've been really enjoying both packs. 4. I have been very happy with the Ultraweave fabric and have close to 2,000 miles with the V2 now. I haven't had any issues with delamination, but I've seen others have. The Ultragrid will be more robust, but not as water resistant. The color options of the Ultragrid are nice to have for a little more customization. The Ultraweave has been pretty solid though. 5. The stuff sack came with my Zpacks Solo quilt. I believe it is a medium (around 6L).
@aramboodakian9554Ай бұрын
Another way is use a chemical hand warmer against the canister only in freezing weather of course.
@higler.2 ай бұрын
this is one rare tent!
@matjobinАй бұрын
@higler. I’m surprised it’s not available anymore. It’s a great tent!
@bonariablackie40472 ай бұрын
I have two products that work beyond all measure. One is Smidge. Even if you sweat, it stays on, and it is safe for all areas including the face. Don''t use it on wounds. The other is Jungle Formula Again, it will stay on even if you sweat, and it will protect against ALL biting insects, including mosquitos, midges, and ticks. Both are very cheap, both last a long time and both are utterly fantastic at getting rid of anything that can bite. DO NOT use Permethrin on anything. Not only is it going to leach into the environment in the rain, it is also carcinogenic. Your kit is not what is important to bugs. YOU are what is important to the bloodsuckers. Protect yourself and you should not have any difficulty with biting insects. Slugs, now they are a different thing altogether. Moths can be avoided by using a red light, because they can't see red.
@IAMGWH120 күн бұрын
Thanks…great info for Florida here!
@cheryellemley-mcroy67582 ай бұрын
Milk of magnesia is an effective deodorant. Could i use that instead?
@KAJUSURVIVAL2 ай бұрын
Sukses selalu sobat, salam kenal 🙏🙏
@georqedubyakush60662 ай бұрын
Mosquito like bright white so i wear a white shirt on the way to my site to get it stinky and pin it to a tree a bit away from me, sometimes that thing looks like static with how many it attracts, if they're especially gnarly at night point a light at the shirt. Maybe I've placebo'd myself but i swear it keeps em off me, still need some kinda skin coat repellent for backup
@LawrenceFox-jx1fq2 ай бұрын
Bivvy on sleep pad means lots of ticks
@kenwbrenner2 ай бұрын
Hi Matt. Enjoyed this relaxing walk. Past Experiences: I was stationed at the submarine base in Groton, CT from Fall, 1971 to November, 1974. As a hiker I enjoyed walking the CT blue trails. But, on two occasions, I went to Cape Cod (October each time) and hiked all but one of the trails (Great Island) in the National Seashore. Also rented a bike and rode on the paved trails. My favorite was at the Marconi Station area. Enjoyed the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail. Another I enjoyed was the trails at the Nauset Area and its trails. One of the keys was going in October! I assume there were water sources at/near the designated camp sites. Always great when there's a picnic table as well. Always enjoy your hiking videos - thanks!
@jamesking99412 ай бұрын
Very cool video, Loved the content and the music. It was very dreamy, bubbly, and aquatic. For some odd reason i was expecting to see a Mermaid. I think I'll watch it again.
@matjobin2 ай бұрын
@jamesking9941 It was a unique experience. Thanks for following along!
@kenwbrenner2 ай бұрын
As a submariner, I never got to see one either! 🙂
@ervinslens2 ай бұрын
Such a beautiful and unique scenery my friend!
@matjobin2 ай бұрын
@ervinslens It was a blast and provided a different perspective for sure! Thanks for watching!
@ZeberkoPoland2 ай бұрын
Thank you for not speeding up the water flow test in the final video. It saved me from buying a mini. It's one thing to see numbers, it's another thing to see it live. As a weekend warrior, I choose micro. A good compromise
@matjobin2 ай бұрын
@ZeberkoPoland Absolutely! I’m glad my video was helpful. The micro is a great compromise between weight and flow rate. Thanks for watching.
@klamathmountainultralight2 ай бұрын
I'm actually looking at a Cutaway since my Joey is just a bit too small for what I need. Would you say the Cutaway can handle weight better than the Joey? I found the Joey got uncomfortable above 20lbs, and I need to be able to haul up to 25 comfortably...
@matjobin2 ай бұрын
@klamathmountainultralight 20 lbs is about the max I would carry in the Joey for any extended period of time. It’s manageable, but I’ll generally go with the V2 or Desert Pack if carrying more than that (though running vest strap pocket access won’t be a feature with those two packs). The Cutaway definitely handles a little more weight than the Joey (at least in my experience). If I still want all of the generous access while on the move and find I’m around 20-25 lbs, I go with the Cutaway. The additional hipbelt straps (and padded attachments) can help with the weight a little too. I actually have a comparison video in the works between my Joey and Cutaway packs, so check back to the channel soon.
@matjobin2 ай бұрын
@klamathmountainultralight 20 lbs is about the max I would carry in the Joey for any extended period of time. It’s manageable, but I’ll generally go with the V2 or Desert Pack if carrying more than that (though running vest strap pocket access won’t be a feature with those two packs). The Cutaway definitely handles a little more weight than the Joey (at least in my experience). If I still want all of the generous access while on the move and find I’m around 20-25 lbs, I go with the Cutaway. The additional hipbelt straps (and padded attachments) can help with the weight a little too. I actually have a comparison video in the works between my Joey and Cutaway packs, so check back to the channel soon.