On a recent hiking trip to northern Vancouver Island, I used this camping set-up in remote and rugged (free) campsites.
Glorious.
YES I used 2 full-sized pillows.
Pick-up Truck GLAMPING 😀
Hiking with Helium Balloon Assist 😀
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Bryce Newbold – TIPS for Tenting
Inexpensive Ultralight Hiking Gear 2025
Good advice from one of the most experienced hiking vloggers.
Of course if you aren’t in the USA, some of these items will be more difficult to get.
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Hiking Backpack on Wheels
Anyone considering a long thru hike should look at trailer options.
The best I’ve seen (so far in 2025) is the Model X-Trek Version 3 out of France.
- quick and easy to switch between riding and carrying your bag
- can accommodate bags from 30 to 110 litres
- compact when folded for planes, trains, buses, etc.
- particularly suited to the military, rescue services, photographers, mountain guides and any other professional or amateur who needs to carry equipment in the wild
- MIGHT be an option for hikers with physical problems where they cannot carry a backpack
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
My Next Tent ➙ Durston X Dome 1+
I’ve been an MSR Hubba hiker for perhaps 20 years.
BUT if I bought a new tent today, it would be the Durston X Dome 1+.
I’m not buying today because it’s been SOLD OUT for as long as I can remember. 😀
I finally put my email address on the waiting list.
Click PLAY or watch the best review I’ve seen so far on YouTube.
INSANE Camping Inventions
Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2025
Best Ultralight Pack Overall: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40 ($369)
Most Versatile Ultralight Pack: Atom Packs The Pulse EP50 ($274)
Best Frameless Pack: Nashville Pack Cutaway ($326)
Most Comfortable Ultralight Pack: Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 ($315)
Best Load Hauler: ULA Circuit ($300)
Best Minimalist Pack: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55 ($379)
Lightest Large Capacity Pack: Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60 ($399)
Well-Priced & Comfortable Ultralight Pack: Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 ($275)
Frameless Pack with Good Organization: Pa’Lante V2 ($240)
Best Budget Buy: Durston Kakwa 55 ($199)
Best Crossover Pack: REI Flash Air 50 ($299)
In 2025, I’ll be switching from the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 3400 (as I’ve pretty much worn it out) to the Hyperlite Unbound 55. In my day hike testing, the Unbound is even better.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
HOW to pack your Backpack for Hiking
Ugreen’s 145W, 25,000mAh Power Bank
Increasingly on the trail, I need reliable power.
My latest purchase is Ugreen’s 145W 25,000mAh portable power bank.
… 3 ports: a USB-C port for charging the unit at a maximum power of 65W — capable of being fully recharged in 2 hours using a 65W AC charger — and for outputting up to 100W, another USB-C port that supports outputs up to 45W, and a USB-A port that allows for outputs up to 18W.
… a small LED panel designed for a singular purpose — to display the battery capacity …
- Battery capacity: 25000mAh
- Total output: 145W
- Charge protocols:
USB-C1
USB-C2
USB-A - Bi-directional charging: Yes
- Dimensions: 16 x 8.08 x 2.67 cm
- Weight: 505 g (1.11 pounds) !
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There are other better, heavier, and more expensive options.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
besthike.com 