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.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
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) !
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
There are other better, heavier, and more expensive options.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
My RAB Men’s Cirrus Flex Insulated Hooded Jacket
I’ve been wearing a series of Helly Hansen LIFALOFT™ Hooded Insulator Jackets almost daily since 2019.
Love them. Especially because I can machine wash and dry those jackets without fear. I’ve washed some dozens of times.
But in 2025 I’m having trouble finding that jacket online.
As an alternative, I’m trying my first RAB synthetic puffy jacket.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
Synthetic primaloft equivalent to 650 fill.
CAD $230 shipped free to me. A good price. Not much more than I’ve paid for the Helly Hansen.
Click PLAY or watch a review on YouTube.
Apple Watch for Photos / Videos 2025
My main use case is taking a photo / starting video recording remotely.
Of course I put my iPhone on a tripod.
- Camera Remote on Apple Watch is fantastic. Within about 33 feet or 10 meters it provides these options:
- photo timer delay
- switch Camera (front or rear)
- LIVE PHOTO (auto, on, or off)
- all iPhone camera modes work with the app — aside from panorama
- framing the photo / video from a distance is a plus
- I always use LIVE PHOTO to later choose the best image
- I set up the iPhone to get closer to birds / animals. And then click remotely when they are in frame.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
besthike.com 