Gear of the Year: Most Innovative and Standout Backpacking Gear

Thanks Eric! Zenbivy Note: The newer models do not have hooks at the footbox to tie it to the sheet like the earlier models did. I asked them about why mine didn't have them and they said that people didn't use them. It seemed like a good idea so I effectively used one of the footbox hooks to attach to the pad, and sure enough it isn't as good as simply keeping the foot end loose. I am not entirely sure that's what you were describing, but if so, I just wanted to clarify for folks who might be wondering if something was wrong with their quilts after watching this. Durston: I'm surprised you opted for the pro vs the standard. The weight doubles, but it's still very, very light, and you get the double-wall to help with condensation. I have the 1p version as well as the 2p; frankly the 2 is the better option in my opinion for being able to get everything inside. Plus, the cost delta is massive. I'm curios to hear why you choose the pro vs the standard.

Favorite piece of 2023 gear is my superior gear 30 degree hammock with integrated underquilt and bugnet. It's super light, setup takes me under 3 minutes. I can go from hiking to sleeping or napping nearly instantly. I sleep better in my hammock in my superiorgear than I do at home. Takes up almost no pack space. If I want to winter camp, I can add their comforter (top quilt) and it snaps on to the sides, to let you take the system below zero. It's absolutely brilliant.

ZenBivy light bed was bought on your and Dan’s recommendation. It’s by far the most comfortable I’ve been sleeping outside — it was so so nice.

4:05 Ahahahaha that´s the spirit! 🤣🤣

Thanks for sharing! I ended up going with the Mystery Ranch Bridger 65 for me and also for my partner. Female 65l version for her. We are new to backpacking and also fish. So we figured having a pack that can carry a load over 30lbs comfortably was really important. Thanks for you reviews. Looking forward to more of your content. It is top notch!

The flip fuel is dangerous without a scale. I had a can bulge and almost cost me and others close by our lives. i wouldn't suggest it so casually.

Eric, I would like to challenge you: Your gear is mostly American and there's nothing wrong with that. And I certainly understand the desire to be patriotic. All I am saying is that there is still a lot of gear out there you never even heard of. So how about looking beyond the borders a bit more? i.e. try a backpack from Deuter or Vaude. Or a sleeping bag from Carinthia, they make lightweight things like the G180 as well. Or Grüezi Bag with their unique concept of integrating wool into their sleeping bags. The X-Boil and X-Fire Alcohol- and woodstoves might i.e. be interesting for you too. There are so many great European outdoor brands that I never or barely ever hear anything about. Lundhags, Haglöfs, Revolution Race, Hilleberg, Salomon, Bergans, Helly Hansen, Woolpower, Tasmanian Tiger, Ferrino, Robens, Helsport, Nomad, Snugpak, Mammut, Tatonka, Norrona, Salewa, Astri, Jack Wolfskin, Essl, Steinkauz or Komperdell come to mind. I understand quite a few of those brands may be hard to get in the US and I would certainly be willing to help out in that regard. Buying the stuff you find interesting and shipping it to the US.

Great video. I have seen several videos about the zen bivy and I have to say that if you use the Big Agnes Diamond park you’ll never go back. It uses a zipper which provides protection against drafts and it can be completely zipped off to use as a blanket or quilt, and can even be zipped together to make a sleeping bag if you have the extender. It’s the best ever!!

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 thank you for everything 😊

It’s too bad they don’t make the Zenbivy Light Bed in a 66” version, for those of us who are vertically challenged and don’t want a foot of dead space in our sleeping bags.

some great options. thanks for the video!

Great gear thanks for sharing. Cheers.

Thanks for a lovely video! ❤

Great commercial buddy!!

Because of you and Devin I went out got a Zen Bivvy. I love it so so much.

Great video! Thanks so much

Thank you Eric! Love you so much! You would love the Apostle Islands in Wisconsin!! Also, how about some more bargain and female options? 😊

Thanks for the gear vid, was able to snag Bridger pack discounted on cyber Monday 👍

Ty eric..luv them durston tents$$$(someday)

You forgot to mention that backpack saved Dan Becker’s life. Good job. 😊Then it got you arrested 🙁