Thanks to LMNT for sponsoring this video! Head to to get your free sample pack with any purchase.
The gear in this video
North Face Wasatch:
Ozark Trail CCF pad:
Kelty Cosmic 20:
Klymit mattress:
Paria Outdoors ReCharge XL:
Flextail Zero Mattress:
Outdoor Vitals:
Nemo Riff:
Zenbivy UL Bed:
Zenbivy UL Mattress:
Nemo Tensor All-Season:
My ongoing list of favorite budget gear:
Featherstone Granite 2P Tent:
Ampex 2P Tent: (if listed for more than $150 look at Bass Pro Shop)
Klymit Static V Mattress:
Flextail Zero Mattress:
Flextail Zero Pump:
Nevo Rhino 60L Pack:
Teton Sports Hiker 3700 Pack:
Aegismax Sleeping Bag:
Kelty Cosmic 20 Sleeping Bag:
CampingMoon XD-2F Stove:
BRS 3000T stove:
AOTO stove :
TOAKS titanium cookpot:
NiteCore NU 33 Headlamp:
NiteCore NU 25:
CNOC Vecto Water Bag:
UCO Spork:
UCO Collapsible Camp Cup:
My favorite backpacking gear at any price:
Sleep System:
Sleeping Mattress:
Camp Pillow:
Winter Sleeping Mattress:
Trekking Poles:
Backpack:
Camp Chair:
Hiking Belt:
Food Rehydration Bag:
Stove: (or this Amazon version:
Headlamp:
Hiking Shoes:
Mid Layer:
Backpack for fast/light:
Tent (my favorite semi or freestanding):
Camp Cookpot:
Backpacking Meals:
Trowel:
Rain Jacket:
FlipFuel Canister device:
Hiking Pants:
Water Filter:
Hiking Shorts:
Hyperlite Camera Case:
Pairing the right sleeping bag with a quality camp mattress is one of the most important decisions for any backpacker or camper. Low quality gear will likely result in uncomfortable nights and poor sleep. If you want to enjoy camping and backpacking more, this video will help you make the right decision on gear depending on your budget.
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If you’d like to work with me, you can reach me at erichanson@thestation.io
We are just at the (re)start of our camping/backpacking journey for our family, about a decade after doing some with Scouts. I’ve got to admit that we are going with the cheapest option for sleeping pads, (outfitting 4 people all at once), trying out 3 different accordion-style closed cell foam mats. Bought 2 of the Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite SOL (CA$77.95, on sale for CA$58.46), 2 of Woods brand from Canadian Tire (was CA$49.99 now CA$56.99 since the summer), and the CA$22.97 Ozark Trail option. Curiously, while unsurprisingly the Walmart one was the thinnest (not by that much though), both it and the Woods were wider – and thus more comfortable – than the Z-lite one. So my husband and I ended up snagging the mid-price option, giving over the Z-light to our teenage boys. The Ozark Trail one I’ll probably cut up for sit-pads, or a height boost for our pillows (side-sleepers here). It may be one of the first things we upgrade in our gear, but our choices are much more limited in my part of Canada, and prices much higher. I’ve looked at the insulated Klymit ones, but as they were recently embroiled in a R-rating disaster (claiming something like 4-5 when it’s actually more like 1.5), I find it hard to trust them. That reminds me, while overall an excellent & informative video, I do wish you’d mentioned that all ASTM ratings for sleeping bag warmth are based on pairing with a sleeping pad R-value of 5! Learning that was a HUGE eye-opener for me, and really forces you to more carefully consider what warmth bag/quilt you should be taking in any but summer conditions in order to be comfortable, and more importantly, safe. Thanks for another great gear review, even if I always feel FOMO seeing those Zenbivys…
I know a lot of you folks out there Have never tried old school but a wool blanket is absolutely amazing
1:20 you can find airmats for camping for cheaper
What’s up with the 🌽 music?
I just purchased the Flextail mattress and used it while it was still warm here in Texas..which means it’s in the 80s when you go to bed and wake up in the mid to high 70s. The mattress was great in terms of comfort. It reflected my own heat back on me and I was actually a bit too warm. I would only use this in TX in the fall, winter, or spring. I’m looking forward to using it this once temps cool off.