After hiking 2,200 miles last year and trying out a bunch of new gear, this is what I liked the least! Some of this backpacking gear is still really amazing! But... maybe it's not the best option out there, maybe it's not the most ultralight, and maybe you should avoid some of these items.

Gear mentioned in this video:
Arc'teryx http://tinyurl.com/3hxezjj2
Sun Hoodie https://amzn.to/42zrMrS
Pot (650) http://tinyurl.com/39ejssrs
Pot (750) http://tinyurl.com/hn32nxxp'>http://tinyurl.com/hn32nxxp (Get this one)
Pot (1,100) http://tinyurl.com/45xzty9e
Shoes https://amzn.to/3HNuwsm
Tarp http://tinyurl.com/mryympx5

So if that's all my least favorite gear, then what do I actually really love when it comes to hiking and backpacking?

My FAVORITE Thru Hiking Gear:
Tent http://tinyurl.com/bdxm9229
Tarp https://tinyurl.com/4jtaxvd7
Quilt http://tinyurl.com/4fm96rt4
Backpack http://tinyurl.com/ykhnu4fh
Pack Liner http://tinyurl.com/2p8uvn7w

Shirt https://amzn.to/49ukurE
Shoes https://amzn.to/3SvcfVD
Rain Jacket http://tinyurl.com/bdadk452
Fleece https://tinyurl.com/ucd7ypdr
Puffy https://tinyurl.com/29966jbw
Socks https://amzn.to/3tUDH6U
Bug Head Net https://tinyurl.com/2vrwsd26
Smart Watch https://amzn.to/3mz7ePp

Stove http://tinyurl.com/58r2rys8
Pot http://tinyurl.com/hn32nxxp'>http://tinyurl.com/hn32nxxp
Battery Bank http://tinyurl.com/47x276b3
Flashlight http://tinyurl.com/5n6jkrmd
Camera https://amzn.to/4axYKgb
Lens https://amzn.to/41Xjlqg

So in the end all of this gear is really great, but each thing has a problem with it that's large enough to make me want to avoid it next time.

The yamamountain gear cirriform 2p is just not wide enough and definitely too heavy as a tarp. In most cases instead of carrying the 17.5 ounces which mine weighs I would rather just carry a tent! Comparing to my zpacks tarp which weighs just 5.6oz that's quite the difference, while a fully enclosed tent like the zpacks duplex weighs 20oz! So for just a tiny bit more weight, it seems worth it, to not carry the Cirriform. Add on that for two people it's not wide enough and my decision is made. It would be a great solo shelter, as it's certainly made to withstand some serious storms, I don't think it's good for two people.

Arc'teryx proved to be, unfortunately very underwhelming. All of their gear is twice the price of anything else, and usually a lot heavier than anything else! I wanted to try more gear from them but when it came to comparing their jackets to others on the market I could always find something better... for cheaper. So I don't think I'll be buying from arc'teryx again, unless I am going for style.

The Xero Mesa Trail shoes I was very unhappy with. I think that they are just far too minimal, too barefoot, to be using on a thru hike. With just an 8mm stack height, that's 1/3rd the cushion and protection of a shoe like the Altra Lone Peak. Even compared to other minimal shoes out there, Xero has gone too far. I think these could be great for training, but I will never use them on a thru hike again.

The Outdoor Research Echo Sun Hoodie was functionally really great. Super ultralight, very breathable, and provides a ton of protection from the sun! I just wasn't happy with how it looked on me. I see other people wear it and they look great in it, I just don't think it is for me. So I will be going back to my tried and true Columbia Silver Ridge Lite button up hiking shirt instead. A classic hiking look, I love the button up shirts most.

My cook pots from Toaks were great but maybe the sizes were a little off. I got the Toaks titanium 650ml cook pot when really I probably should have sized up to the 750ml instead. If you're trying to save every ounce and gram, then sure the smaller size worked, but I think most would be happier with the larger version. I also tried the 1,100ml pot by Toaks and would share that with my partner when hiking together, as our only pot. This worked, but again maybe it's better to just have your own food, and your own pot. When you're hungry after a long day hiking, sharing can be frustrating.

00:00 Least Favorite Gear
00:38 Arc'teryx
03:49 OR Sun Hoodie
05:45 Toaks Cook Pots
08:21 Xero Mesa Trail Shoes
13:03 Yama Cirriform Tarp
16:57 Thank you :)

Hiking Essentials Shirt! http://jupiterhikes.com/product/hikin...

THE BACKPACKING GEAR I USE:
http://www.jupiterhikes.com/gear/

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