New Backpacking & Hiking Gear for 2023 (Big Changes!)

New year, new gear to try out and test during my thru hikes! Big changes in what I use as in the end I'd like to help people better by gaining experience with a more typical hiking kit. Rather than continue on as the super ultralight fastpacker, that I always have been. So I've added some comfort items, luxury items, and gear that leans more on the side of safety!

NEW GEAR:

This change was first considered as I realized recently that for the past 8 years I have more or less used the same gear for every thru hike I have ever done. From the Appalachian Trail, to the Pacific Crest Trail, Arizona Trail, and Florida Trail... whatever it was that I did, my kit stayed relatively unchanged. In many ways I think that's a good sign, what I've used works! With minor tweaks I could take the same gear to a very wide variety of environments and hikes.

Still, the gear I have used in the past is not for everybody, to say the least. Much of it relies heavily on my own experience, skill with campsite selection, and personal style which makes it work specifically well for me. While for many my kit would likely be a nightmare of cold, buggy, wet, and not fun. I've tried to share the skills here that allow such an ultralight gear list work happily, but often times it's still more fun to just bring more luxurious (by comparison) gear instead.

So here are some changes I am making! More fun, more safe, and easier to use.

0:00 - Intro
0:41 - Sun Protection
4:01 - Shoes
6:13 - Smart Watch
7:13 - Cooking
8:59 - Backpack
9:53 - Fleeces
11:00 - Shelter
12:39 - Sleeping Pad

THE BACKPACKING GEAR I USE:

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[JupiterHikes]

Thanks for watching! After nearly 8 years of using an extremely minimal backpacking kit, it's time to make some changes and have some fun 🙂 look out later this year for reviews on how this stuff works out

[carolkashefi]

How do you say you're getting older without saying you're getting older? Lol! We love the new changes, Jupiter! Keep up the great work!

[jimszymborski]

Use your old thin foam pad under your xlite, helps prevent puncture and also sliding around on the DCF of your tent. You can also use your old foam pad for a seat or an afternoon siesta

[Arbie]

Re: the pots and using the 1100ml as a 2p pot - if you aren't doing so already may I suggest trying to cook your intended hiking meals in them at home as an experiment. I find it's difficult to stir my usual meals in a 500-600ml pot, and that it spills and boils over way too easily. Whereas in a 1200ml pot, even though it's more volume than I strictly need, there's no boiling over and it's easy to stir without my lunch sloshing over the edge and into the dirt. You could think of the extra volume as something like a spill guard more than volume you'd actually use. It's bulkier and heavier, sure, but I find it's a much less miserable cooking experience.

[esdrasevt]

Man! So many significant changes! I'm excited to see your next video where you have some feedback on some of these gear changes! Happy trails, Jupiter!

[Springerbenj]

Wow, 2023 just keeps getting crazier! Awesome to see you switching up some gear!

[rschreck]

I saw that Desert Pack as soon as the video started. Love that pack!

[christopherch]

Thank
Mary Poppins😁. umbrellas are awesome.

[viveviveka]

Umbrellas can be great to have and really make a difference.

Something I've discovered is tasty variations on the theme of easy chia seed puddings. So simple. No cooking. I like having a serving saver to make it in and eat it from. Some polypropylene containers are super easy to clean. Just add a little water, shake vigorously and drink. Repeat if necessary. Quick, easy and no wastage.

There are all kinds of things you can add in addition to or besides chia seeds. Raisins and dried blueberries, among many other things. The sky's the limit.

[bundy]

The time has finally come where you aren't cold soaking anymore?! Loving this growth and venturing out of your comfort zone! :D

[nice_marmot-vd]

Was using my Nemo Tensor pad to sleep at my brother's house. His kitten attacked it and cut a 1" slit in the pad with her claws. I thought that was it, but with the patch kit that's included in the pad case, was able to easily repair it and have been using it for camping and backpacking for a couple of years after now. And for comfort I'd rate it as comfortable as my bed in my house.

[quirkykindalife]

Wow these are some big changes. I look forward to hearing about your travels with them.

[CampSaw]

It’s so funny how things have changed. I started backpacking in the late 80s and we didn’t think anything of a 60 pound pack! I love all the lighter gear but I also like comfort, those UL packs kill me! We started with the clunky half body Thermarest pads, now my favorite of all the 3 season pads is the same one you have. I’ve never had a blow up pad leak or pop. I do carry a patch but have never had to use it! Great review of your new stuff!

[Rawdilz]

I’m a hiker and use the brs3000 stove. I’m also a Hvac technician for the past 23 years. I can say the brs stove is absolutely safe. The only thing you need to make sure is, you don’t loose the o-ring in the bottom of the stove where is screws on to the fuel canister.

[ralphimbrogno]

Thanks for doing the gear review. It’s very helpful for those of us trying to drop some weight.

[dalehilliard]

Wow!.
... I'm shocked..🙂, Big changes for the minimalist, Always enjoy watching your videos

[Weberventure]

I would be lying if I thought you looked comfortable with some of these changes but from a viewers standpoint, this will be fun to watch!

[BobPritchard]

Keep the thinlite pad for use under your Neoair pad. I've got 4k miles on my combo without any leaks.

[stevecook]

I got a vargo 750 bot. I like a lot. The only thing I did was put the lid on a lathe and cut (very very carefully) the bottom lip so it doesn't collect yuck. It is outward to keep clean when you can't see the inside.

[mikehideous]

BRS mini is amazing. If youre skittish about lighting it, light a twig, then use the twig to light your stove. It's great. Just let the little bastard cool down before you grab it after cooking.