Backpacking with someone new can be an eye opening experience. They come from different backgrounds and learned skills and techniques that may vary wildly from your own.

Such was the case when I went backpacking in the Black Hills of South Dakota with Dan Becker. For anyone who enjoys backpacking and hiking, check out his YouTube channel and give him a follow. While backpacking together, I noticed that Dan has a very different process than I do. He uses different gear and prefers different systems than I do. I was fascinated by his techniques, his gear, and his approach. Dan and I ran through each other’s gear to see what we were surprised by. Here are the main take-aways as seen in the video above:

Backpack Gear Review

Dan is accustomed to packs with minimal design. So having buckles and straps and zippers was all new to him. This was especially the case for the design of the Bridger 55L Pack from Mystery Ranch. It’s got not one, but TWO sternum straps. Inspired by running vests, the Bridger decided to try a similar approach to the shoulder straps. The results are the most comfortable pack I’ve ever used. It’s got all sorts of features that make it a truly amazing pack. I can’t wait for it to be readily available on the market.

What surprises me about Dan’s backpacking system

Dan often backpacks with HyperLite backpacks. HyperLite makes great backpacks that are geared more towards the ounce-counters and ultra-lighters. The packs are very lightweight. But they are often minimal on organization, zippers, support structure, pockets, buckles, things that add any weight to a pack. That means HyperLite backpacks are ofter more like a single tube that you strap to your back. Lightweight, efficient, but with very little to help support or distribute the weight and no organization.

Therefore Dan backpacks with waterproof pack liners and bags. He often uses bags from HillTop Packs that he fills with clothes, gear, and food to insert inside the backpack and help keep things organized (and dry in case of inclement weather).

I prefer backpacks with solid support and structure that distribute the weight of my gear throughout my hips, back, and shoulders. I also prefer packs with thoughtful organization, pockets, zippers, and different ways to store and access my gear. I’ve been really excited by Mystery Ranch’s new Bridger 55 liter pack because of the organization and how I can access my gear with two large zippers that flay open my whole bag, allowing me to get at anything inside easily and quickly.

(Note: The Bridger from Mystery Ranch is not available yet. I got to review the pack early, lucky me!)

Water Filtration Review

My system has evolved over the years. But one thing has remained constant. I filter multiple liters of water from a dirty source and then carry it. I really like water pumps, especially the MSR Guardian. It’s robust and can handle the dirtiest water on the planet. But it’s expensive and bulky. So my new favorite is Grayl GeoPress. The GeoPress is simple and inexpensive, and it’s not a pump at all. Within the water bottle is a plunger, as you push the plunger down through dirty water, like a french press for coffee, clean water emerges inside the bottle. The GeoPress is a purifier, as it removes bacteria from water. This makes it awesome for international travel as I can easily and quickly have clean water from hotels, bathrooms, or mountain lakes. At less than $100 bucks, this thing is a great deal.

I also purify water and then store it in a water bladder. That way I can sip on the go. This was perhaps the most surprising element to Dan’s setup, as his water technique never crossed my mind. Dan prefers to gather dirty water as he hikes, storing the dirty water in lightweight plastic bottles like reused SmartWater bottles. He then filters the dirty water as he hikes by drinking out of a bottle with the Katadyn BeFree filter. I have used the BeFree system before and like it. However, I never thought to carry dirty water and filter is as I drink. I had always used the filter to fill up other water bottles or a water bladder and only carry clean drinking water. Dan’s technique is popular with thru-hikers and ultra-lighters who don’t like to carry “heavy” Nalgene bottles. I can see the logic though, since the plastic water bottles are super light and can collapse when empty, unlike rigid Nalgene bottles.

I may have to try the technique, but I’m not sold on if I’d enjoy it.

Portable Air Pump Review

Dan likes gear and gadgets. But this one blew my mind. Dan carries a 3 oz air pump that inflates his sleeping mattress in less than a minute. It certainly takes the labor out of inflating a mattress, which is often tedious and slow. It also has a simple light that can be used as a lantern around camp. It’s a small gadget that brings a lot of convenience. I’m sold.

Air Mattress Review

This one is a bit of a joke. As I am embarrassed to say, I forgot my sleeping mattress altogether. So I used a smattering of clothes, as well as a thin pad Dan uses to protect his mattress from abrasion. It was not my best night of sleep. But it does give people a glimpse as to what to do in case they forget their mattress or have an air mattress failure. Just pile all your clothes under your sleeping bag to get you a little bit of padding! When you can remember to bring one, I like to use the SeatoSummit Comfort Plus. If you want to know more about that air mattress, check out the video for my top 5 hiking gear picks.

The location of the Hiking Gear Review

We were on location filming a new episode for Epic Trails TV Series in the Black Hills of South Dakota. We hiked along the Centennial Trail through Custer State Park and visited the Badlands.

Got a thought or a comment about Dan or my setup? Hit me up in the comments below!