One of the best things about alpha direct that I’ve found is how well it dries. Water basically beads to the bottom and drips out. It’s pretty amazing actually
I got the heavier Senchi and like it so far. My 7s seem to have lost their cushion after about 250 miles, otherwise I like them. The 5s were my favorite.
@KrizAkoni That's great to hear about the heavier Senchi. I've been debating picking one up. I've been very happy with the Alpha 60 and Alpha 90. They've been a game changer for me the last couple of years. Sorry to hear that about your 7s. My current 6s are nearing that, grants they have a lot of mileage on them. I liked the 5s. They had some nice updates with the midsole foam and the stitched toe cap.
Hey Matt. An ultra lighter here from the Whites as well. Really enjoy your videos. Was wondering if you’ve ever done stealth above tree line overnights in the shoulder season? If so, what kind of layering and shelter setup do you use when around 45-35F and windy at night above tree line?
@studiopiko Nice! Thanks so much. I haven't spent many nights in exposed areas in the east, but I have out west. Since I'm using a tarp most of the time, exposed areas aren't as friendly. I've had a great experience with pyramid style shelters in windy exposed areas and continue to use them throughout the winter too, or I'll use an old Mountain Hardwear Direkt 2 tent I have. In shoulder season, I'll continue to use my tarp and like to use it in mild winter conditions too if applicable. For layering I've been happy with a lightweight polyester shirt for a base layer, Polartec Alpha for insulation and Goretex Shakedry for a shell. Polartec Alpha has been a game changer for me and I even continue to wear it into the winter though I bump it up from a 60 gsm to a 90 gsm for the season. I'll also have my EE Torrid jacket, a beanie, and some gloves in my pack for breaks and around camp.
Great video. I am also sad about the fact that Altra won't make more Lone peak 6 but I've had durability issues with them. They didn't last as long as yours for some reason. So I now just purchased the Topo Atheltics Pursuit as it seemed like a good alternative. Time will tell. As for the packs, Have you heard of the Yonder by John Z? It looks really unique and interesting. I hope to be able to grab one next drop.
@tructructructructruc I'm trying to keep my 6s going as long as possible. They've been great! It can be hit or miss like everything though. The Pursuit does seem to be another popular option out there. I haven't tried them though. I'm a big fan of John Z's stuff. I'm actually hoping to purchase the Abode next time he releases some. His packs look really nice too. I love the nod to Ray Jardine and well thought out simple design. Looking forward to your thoughts once you get some mileage in with one.
@@matjobin Nice, I hope you manage to get a abode. I've emailed him a few days ago and he said that next drop should be at the end of this month with both abode and yonder available at the same time. But sssh that's a secret, I want to be able to purchase one. The abode is awesome and I'm sure you'll like it. I don't own one but I purchased a custom shelter from Tipik here in France. He makes a shelter called a Caroux and it's quite similar to the plex solo. So I ordered a modified Caroux and it's basically an abode made of 20d silnylon and it's like 280 grams. might get an abode and compare but I love how small the silnylon abode can pack.
I’ve used Palante, then Waymark, then Nashville packs, and Zpacks, buty Volpi Fastpack with the best straps is the best, and only thing I ever use anymore. I honestly think it’s a waste to make a frameless pack without vest straps.
@SoldierCloudStrife I still need to check out a Volpi at some point. I've used the others you mention and still prefer the Pa'lante overall. Nothing wrong with any of the others. I've had a good experience with them, but the slight edge goes to packs like my Joey. I love the vest straps on it and have been debating modifying a larger pack like the v2 or Desert Pack with them. Perhaps that will be a project in the future.
Great video. So I'm considering the Nashville pack as well, but concerned whether I'll be able to fit everything into the pack. I have a 9.5 to 10 lb base weight. Typical ultralight system: Zpack Altaplex, sleep pad, quilt, food bag, small electronics and medical kit, etc. Do you think I'll be able to fit everything into the cutaway? Thanks!
@shoresy6183 Thank you! It sounds like your base weight would work with the Nashville Cutaway pack I have featured in the video. The gear also seems like it would fit, but it would depend on the specifics of each item aside from the Altaplex tent, and also the type of trip as that could influence the bulk of the gear and food. I haven't had much trouble find room for things with my Cutaway. It's a great pack with a lot of pockets, and always seems to have a never-ending amount of space (at least for me). Since this video, I think I saw that Nashville Pack has different Cutaway pack capacities now so the largest one could be an option too if needed. For reference, I believe mine would be closest to the Cutaway 30.
@michaeldumas4907 It's a nice alternative to the other options out there. I still prefer DCF for the lower weight penalty and greater translucence, but I do like the cost of the UltraTNT. Haven't had any durability issues with it so far. Since it is still a relatively new fabric, I'm looking forward to seeing the progression with it and others experience using it along with my own as I continue to use it. For now, I still see DCF having the edge with that too since I've been using that fabric for many more years. One note I made in the tarp video was how noisy the fabric was at the time. It has become much quieter with more use and packing it up so that is something I have been happy with, with the fabric too. Thanks for watching!
Id be interested to hear thoughts on durability with the altras going forward. It sounds like you are getting good mileage out of them but I just switched form altras to topo because of durability issues with several models. I wore timps for years but my last pair lasted 107 trail miles and thats it, no other use at all. I was scared to switch but I like the topos so I wont switch back but im curious if my experience would be different if I tried the lone peaks.
@Bigtreeoutdoors I've been very happy with the Lone Peak over the years and have had a good experience with Altras. It can be hit or miss like everything out there of course. Aside from the delam I mentioned on the upper of my 7s, the only other shoe I had minor issues with were a pair of 4s. I had experienced toe cap peeling and midsole pack out around 125 miles in. Every other Lone Peak has been 500+ miles with the Lone Peak 6 being a favorite as mentioned. I don't have any experience with the Timps, but I've also worn the Olympus, Mont Blanc, King MT and Superior. Which Topo did you go with? The Lone Peak could provide a different experience, but it will be less of a stack height and a slightly different fit than the Timp. Just something to consider.
I used timps on the entire AT (2019) and I think I averaged about 500 miles a pair. I had 2 pairs of torin's fall arpart VERY quickly on me and I switched to the escalante's which lasted about what I expected, both street shoes. I did try on a pair of lone peaks when I bought my last pair of timps (and liked them) but just decided to stick with the timps. I went with the topo pursuit and really like them. They seem VERY comfortable but I only have about 30 miles on them right now so time will tell. I loved my timps but unfortunatly they seem to be riddled with quality issues. That being said I would not have switched if it weren't for that and, based on what so many other people have to say about altras these days my experience isnt unique. Im kinda curious if these quality issues stick to certain models or if the whole brand is just getting cheap.@@matjobin
@samsmith8870 They just might not be available currently. I purchased mine back in the spring of last year. I'd keep checking back. They seem to always have new options rolling out.
@marc5984 I find both to be comfortable with slight differences from each other. The NP vest straps dry fast and form around the body better due to the lack of padding. I generally don’t carry much weight, except with long water carries or stretches where I need more food (or a bear canister). So my pack weight isn’t over 20 lbs too often. I’ve found my Cutaway to be comfortable up to that. Same thing goes for most of my Pa’lantes as far as weight carrying goes (with exception of the v2 and Desert Pack - those I’ve been comfortable carrying more). Though with the build and padded straps, I have been able to carry more than 20 on occasion with minor discomfort with the Pa’lante. I’ve found the straps do take a little longer to dry than the NP straps, but that is to be expected. Especially with the packs excluding the Joey. Both the Nashville Pack and Pa’lante have been great.
@@matjobin Thank you very much for the detailed answer! So it's pretty much a matter of choosing between better comfort with Pa'lante packs and better outer pack access with the Nashville packs? It's a hard pick between the Pa'lante v2 and the Nashville Cutaway, although I guess I can't be wrong by picking either of them.
@@marc5984 You’re welcome. It would be more of a decision between how one would want the pack to sit (I find my Pa’lante rides a little higher than Nashville Pack) and how much access you want outside of the pack (NP has access everywhere and Pa’lante is a little more refined). The Pa’lante also have more of a V shape where the NP is a little wider throughout the pack body. I find both to be very comfortable and one isn’t better than the other. They are both great packs. I just find the Pa’lante to work a little more for my hiking style and mindset. What works for me might not be the same for someone else though. The v2 won’t have the vest straps like the Cutaway so something that could be of influence for some too. Can’t go wrong with either in my opinion though. Good luck!
@stevehince8887 The lattice is surprisingly durable so it's been pretty minor for me in those contact areas. Though a few factors could also be of influence with my experiences. My sub-10 base weight (and even sub-5 at times when solo) has reduced my need to take it off during breaks. Pocket access most of the time has reduced that need too. I'm also around 50/50 with wearing it as a stand alone piece or with an outer shell. So it hasn't been exposed to the pack straps 100 percent of the time. It does require a little more care though. If I were wearing it as an outer layer (stand alone) and going off trail, I would go with a heavier fabric for increased durability like a 120 gsm. Most of my hiking with it has been on trail so the 60 and 90 gsm has been fantastic. If I am going off trail, I'll be sure to put a shell over it just in case. The only issue I have had with the 60 gsm so far is the hole I showed in this video with my half zip. I was in the White Mountains of NH and it accidentally caught a branch with some force. I've since sewn it and it isn't noticeable at all now. The fabric has been a game changer for me over the last few years.
@M4ttj0nes I only referenced it because it was part of the video that included the Cutaway. I ended up getting rid of it around the same time as the 16" Cutaway. As I used both more, I found I still preferred something closer to my 19" torso length. I've been happy with the 18" Cutaway. It sits slightly lower than my Pa'lante packs, but is easier to get at the pockets than the 16" pack I had. The Tiempo worked well with a dialed in kit and had minimal bounce. I might take a look at the Bridge at some point, but I'm happy with what I have at the moment.
Do any backpackers consider using actual leather boots that you don’t have to replace multiple times a year? Boots that will last many years? Nobody ever thinks about the environmental impact of throwing all these shoes away? Certainly seems odd for people that are supposed to be in love with the outdoors. Put in personal comfort over what’s good for the environment basically Every year in the US, people throw away over 300 million pairs of shoes, 95% of which wind up in landfills.
One of the best things about alpha direct that I’ve found is how well it dries. Water basically beads to the bottom and drips out. It’s pretty amazing actually
@GeorgeCee-wm7vs Agreed. It dries very fast and has been an insulation game changer for me on my trips and long hikes.
I got the heavier Senchi and like it so far. My 7s seem to have lost their cushion after about 250 miles, otherwise I like them. The 5s were my favorite.
@KrizAkoni That's great to hear about the heavier Senchi. I've been debating picking one up. I've been very happy with the Alpha 60 and Alpha 90. They've been a game changer for me the last couple of years. Sorry to hear that about your 7s. My current 6s are nearing that, grants they have a lot of mileage on them. I liked the 5s. They had some nice updates with the midsole foam and the stitched toe cap.
Hey Matt. An ultra lighter here from the Whites as well. Really enjoy your videos. Was wondering if you’ve ever done stealth above tree line overnights in the shoulder season? If so, what kind of layering and shelter setup do you use when around 45-35F and windy at night above tree line?
@studiopiko Nice! Thanks so much. I haven't spent many nights in exposed areas in the east, but I have out west. Since I'm using a tarp most of the time, exposed areas aren't as friendly. I've had a great experience with pyramid style shelters in windy exposed areas and continue to use them throughout the winter too, or I'll use an old Mountain Hardwear Direkt 2 tent I have. In shoulder season, I'll continue to use my tarp and like to use it in mild winter conditions too if applicable. For layering I've been happy with a lightweight polyester shirt for a base layer, Polartec Alpha for insulation and Goretex Shakedry for a shell. Polartec Alpha has been a game changer for me and I even continue to wear it into the winter though I bump it up from a 60 gsm to a 90 gsm for the season. I'll also have my EE Torrid jacket, a beanie, and some gloves in my pack for breaks and around camp.
Great video. I am also sad about the fact that Altra won't make more Lone peak 6 but I've had durability issues with them. They didn't last as long as yours for some reason. So I now just purchased the Topo Atheltics Pursuit as it seemed like a good alternative. Time will tell.
As for the packs, Have you heard of the Yonder by John Z? It looks really unique and interesting. I hope to be able to grab one next drop.
@tructructructructruc I'm trying to keep my 6s going as long as possible. They've been great! It can be hit or miss like everything though. The Pursuit does seem to be another popular option out there. I haven't tried them though. I'm a big fan of John Z's stuff. I'm actually hoping to purchase the Abode next time he releases some. His packs look really nice too. I love the nod to Ray Jardine and well thought out simple design. Looking forward to your thoughts once you get some mileage in with one.
@@matjobin Nice, I hope you manage to get a abode. I've emailed him a few days ago and he said that next drop should be at the end of this month with both abode and yonder available at the same time. But sssh that's a secret, I want to be able to purchase one. The abode is awesome and I'm sure you'll like it. I don't own one but I purchased a custom shelter from Tipik here in France. He makes a shelter called a Caroux and it's quite similar to the plex solo. So I ordered a modified Caroux and it's basically an abode made of 20d silnylon and it's like 280 grams. might get an abode and compare but I love how small the silnylon abode can pack.
@@mrtru1te This is all great info. Thank you! I’ll keep checking on it.
@@matjobin did you manage to get one abode today? :)
@@mrtru1te Order has been placed and I can’t wait! Hoping to get a trip in with it to try it out before winter sets in 🙂. Thanks for checking!
I’ve used Palante, then Waymark, then Nashville packs, and Zpacks, buty Volpi Fastpack with the best straps is the best, and only thing I ever use anymore. I honestly think it’s a waste to make a frameless pack without vest straps.
@SoldierCloudStrife I still need to check out a Volpi at some point. I've used the others you mention and still prefer the Pa'lante overall. Nothing wrong with any of the others. I've had a good experience with them, but the slight edge goes to packs like my Joey. I love the vest straps on it and have been debating modifying a larger pack like the v2 or Desert Pack with them. Perhaps that will be a project in the future.
Love this vid 😊
@markgreen6437 Appreciate you. Thanks for watching. 👍
@@matjobin I love your vids! Our backpacking styles are super aligned! Thanks for the great content
@@markgreen6437 Thank you! I’m glad you’ve been enjoying my channel. Looking forward to sharing more.
Great video. So I'm considering the Nashville pack as well, but concerned whether I'll be able to fit everything into the pack. I have a 9.5 to 10 lb base weight. Typical ultralight system: Zpack Altaplex, sleep pad, quilt, food bag, small electronics and medical kit, etc. Do you think I'll be able to fit everything into the cutaway? Thanks!
@shoresy6183 Thank you! It sounds like your base weight would work with the Nashville Cutaway pack I have featured in the video. The gear also seems like it would fit, but it would depend on the specifics of each item aside from the Altaplex tent, and also the type of trip as that could influence the bulk of the gear and food. I haven't had much trouble find room for things with my Cutaway. It's a great pack with a lot of pockets, and always seems to have a never-ending amount of space (at least for me). Since this video, I think I saw that Nashville Pack has different Cutaway pack capacities now so the largest one could be an option too if needed. For reference, I believe mine would be closest to the Cutaway 30.
thanks for the video...any final thoughts on the ultra tarp you used
@michaeldumas4907 It's a nice alternative to the other options out there. I still prefer DCF for the lower weight penalty and greater translucence, but I do like the cost of the UltraTNT. Haven't had any durability issues with it so far. Since it is still a relatively new fabric, I'm looking forward to seeing the progression with it and others experience using it along with my own as I continue to use it. For now, I still see DCF having the edge with that too since I've been using that fabric for many more years. One note I made in the tarp video was how noisy the fabric was at the time. It has become much quieter with more use and packing it up so that is something I have been happy with, with the fabric too. Thanks for watching!
your welcome...should be interesting as more people use it...@@matjobin
Id be interested to hear thoughts on durability with the altras going forward. It sounds like you are getting good mileage out of them but I just switched form altras to topo because of durability issues with several models. I wore timps for years but my last pair lasted 107 trail miles and thats it, no other use at all. I was scared to switch but I like the topos so I wont switch back but im curious if my experience would be different if I tried the lone peaks.
@Bigtreeoutdoors I've been very happy with the Lone Peak over the years and have had a good experience with Altras. It can be hit or miss like everything out there of course. Aside from the delam I mentioned on the upper of my 7s, the only other shoe I had minor issues with were a pair of 4s. I had experienced toe cap peeling and midsole pack out around 125 miles in. Every other Lone Peak has been 500+ miles with the Lone Peak 6 being a favorite as mentioned. I don't have any experience with the Timps, but I've also worn the Olympus, Mont Blanc, King MT and Superior. Which Topo did you go with? The Lone Peak could provide a different experience, but it will be less of a stack height and a slightly different fit than the Timp. Just something to consider.
I used timps on the entire AT (2019) and I think I averaged about 500 miles a pair. I had 2 pairs of torin's fall arpart VERY quickly on me and I switched to the escalante's which lasted about what I expected, both street shoes. I did try on a pair of lone peaks when I bought my last pair of timps (and liked them) but just decided to stick with the timps. I went with the topo pursuit and really like them. They seem VERY comfortable but I only have about 30 miles on them right now so time will tell. I loved my timps but unfortunatly they seem to be riddled with quality issues. That being said I would not have switched if it weren't for that and, based on what so many other people have to say about altras these days my experience isnt unique. Im kinda curious if these quality issues stick to certain models or if the whole brand is just getting cheap.@@matjobin
I wanted a half-zip Senchi but they are ALL sold out EVERYWHERE. Wrote to Senchi and it doesn't look like I'll get one this year. Kinda sad about it.
Senchi's didn't show any 60's with half zips on their page. Maybe they sold out.
@samsmith8870 They just might not be available currently. I purchased mine back in the spring of last year. I'd keep checking back. They seem to always have new options rolling out.
What Arcteryx Jacket do you wear there?
@rodrev_hiking6757 It's the Norvan SL Hoody made of Goretex Shakedry.
@matjobin How is comfort of the Nashville backpacks compare to the Pa'lante?
@marc5984 I find both to be comfortable with slight differences from each other. The NP vest straps dry fast and form around the body better due to the lack of padding. I generally don’t carry much weight, except with long water carries or stretches where I need more food (or a bear canister). So my pack weight isn’t over 20 lbs too often. I’ve found my Cutaway to be comfortable up to that. Same thing goes for most of my Pa’lantes as far as weight carrying goes (with exception of the v2 and Desert Pack - those I’ve been comfortable carrying more). Though with the build and padded straps, I have been able to carry more than 20 on occasion with minor discomfort with the Pa’lante. I’ve found the straps do take a little longer to dry than the NP straps, but that is to be expected. Especially with the packs excluding the Joey. Both the Nashville Pack and Pa’lante have been great.
@@matjobin Thank you very much for the detailed answer! So it's pretty much a matter of choosing between better comfort with Pa'lante packs and better outer pack access with the Nashville packs? It's a hard pick between the Pa'lante v2 and the Nashville Cutaway, although I guess I can't be wrong by picking either of them.
@@marc5984 You’re welcome. It would be more of a decision between how one would want the pack to sit (I find my Pa’lante rides a little higher than Nashville Pack) and how much access you want outside of the pack (NP has access everywhere and Pa’lante is a little more refined). The Pa’lante also have more of a V shape where the NP is a little wider throughout the pack body. I find both to be very comfortable and one isn’t better than the other. They are both great packs. I just find the Pa’lante to work a little more for my hiking style and mindset. What works for me might not be the same for someone else though. The v2 won’t have the vest straps like the Cutaway so something that could be of influence for some too. Can’t go wrong with either in my opinion though. Good luck!
What’s the wear like with the alpha and backpack rubbing?
@stevehince8887 The lattice is surprisingly durable so it's been pretty minor for me in those contact areas. Though a few factors could also be of influence with my experiences. My sub-10 base weight (and even sub-5 at times when solo) has reduced my need to take it off during breaks. Pocket access most of the time has reduced that need too. I'm also around 50/50 with wearing it as a stand alone piece or with an outer shell. So it hasn't been exposed to the pack straps 100 percent of the time. It does require a little more care though. If I were wearing it as an outer layer (stand alone) and going off trail, I would go with a heavier fabric for increased durability like a 120 gsm. Most of my hiking with it has been on trail so the 60 and 90 gsm has been fantastic. If I am going off trail, I'll be sure to put a shell over it just in case. The only issue I have had with the 60 gsm so far is the hole I showed in this video with my half zip. I was in the White Mountains of NH and it accidentally caught a branch with some force. I've since sewn it and it isn't noticeable at all now. The fabric has been a game changer for me over the last few years.
Update on the tiempo? You breezed over it
@M4ttj0nes I only referenced it because it was part of the video that included the Cutaway. I ended up getting rid of it around the same time as the 16" Cutaway. As I used both more, I found I still preferred something closer to my 19" torso length. I've been happy with the 18" Cutaway. It sits slightly lower than my Pa'lante packs, but is easier to get at the pockets than the 16" pack I had. The Tiempo worked well with a dialed in kit and had minimal bounce. I might take a look at the Bridge at some point, but I'm happy with what I have at the moment.
Do any backpackers consider using actual leather boots that you don’t have to replace multiple times a year? Boots that will last many years? Nobody ever thinks about the environmental impact of throwing all these shoes away? Certainly seems odd for people that are supposed to be in love with the outdoors. Put in personal comfort over what’s good for the environment basically
Every year in the US, people throw away over 300 million pairs of shoes, 95% of which wind up in landfills.