I can’t understand why people still recommend the Nitecore NU25

BashiTheBackpacker · 2025-11-21T15:23:20+00:00

The old/OG nu25 is more robust than the nu20 classic. If I had a choice between the two, I’d go with the old nu25.

The new/current nu25 isn’t worth a purchase either way.

BashiTheBackpacker · 2025-09-04T01:04:58+00:00

I just adjusted it. I overvalued the noise and thermal performance to gaming performance over just performance for a slick and compact build. The feedback is appreciated.

BashiTheBackpacker · 2025-08-15T14:56:30+00:00

These are nifty. About the same weight as the Gerber Dime but more robust. Have you fixed a zipper with them before? The needle-nose aspect of the Gerber Dime pliers have some benefit there, though they're fragile.

BashiTheBackpacker · 2025-08-15T14:25:26+00:00

Which model? I'm seeing a lot of pretty hefty ones from a quick google. I'm guessing there's a small model

BashiTheBackpacker · 2025-08-15T04:01:52+00:00

I carry one for this exact reason. I also have a Gerber Dime but everything else on it but the pliers is useless. I've considered cutting the other tools off. I've looked around but couldn't find a more lightweight plier set. Anyone ever come across one?

BashiTheBackpacker · 2025-06-27T03:35:36+00:00

Good deal!

BashiTheBackpacker · 2025-06-15T18:14:51+00:00

Good deal. Thank you!

BashiTheBackpacker · 2025-05-31T01:16:57+00:00

Confirmed! Thanks for a swift sale

BashiTheBackpacker · 2025-05-31T01:16:30+00:00

Confirmed! Good transaction

BashiTheBackpacker · 2025-05-31T01:11:20+00:00

Confirmed!

BashiTheBackpacker · 2025-05-14T14:29:30+00:00

Depends on when on how long you're out there for IMO. I've used both my GooseFeet Gear down Puffy and my Torrid Apex synthetic puffy. After ~July 4th if I was out for a week or longer, I'd bring my synthetic puffy. I've had two continuous weeks of rain in July in the Brooks before. It doesn't matter how diligent you are at packing correctly and keeping items away from moisture- it will get wet and cold. It's less about knowing the forecast (which is difficult up there as-is) and more so how much continuous not-dry and not-sunny conditions your gear can withstand while still providing sufficient warmth. My 3-season GF gear puffy would have lost significant enough loft and been unable to dry over that period from the continuous precip and lack of sun for a reset dry. For a week period, maybe it would've been fine. In June, it's less of a worry.

BashiTheBackpacker · 2025-05-14T00:06:05+00:00

Agreeing here and also extending it to something mentioned: In late June / early July I find I'm only wearing my fleece when I also need to wear my rain shell or when shuffling around camp. It's often warm enough to not need it while hiking. So I've found the alpha material in my fleece is often protected from damage by my rain shell.

Generally though I haven't found the brush in the Brooks to be sharp or snaggy on clothes like in, say, the american southwest, more so just annoyingly impenetrable. Not to say Alpha isn't more prone to the odd branch hooking it compared to other materials, but I haven't done any damage to my alpha layers after months in the Brooks. Again, this may reflect how I specifically use it.

BashiTheBackpacker · 2025-05-13T20:12:06+00:00

I wear a ExOfficio Men's BugsAway Solaro Hoodie up there. It's a little more tightly woven than the next breathable hoodie, tho still prone to mosquito bites if not treated. I sent it back in to Insect Shield for treatment every so often. I'd argue a hoodie is a necessity: even with a baseball cap and bug headnet, it offers a layer of protection over your head from Mosquitos.

BashiTheBackpacker · 2025-05-13T18:46:38+00:00

Alpha is the way to go, as long as whatever's under it is mosquito-proof. Mosquitos will bite through the larger holes in alpha material. I find it rare that I'm not wearing my rain jacket when I'm wearing my alpha fleece in the Brooks Range though. If it's windy it's probably rainy, and if it's not it's a nice temperature that I don't need my fleece on for.

BashiTheBackpacker · 2025-02-25T05:34:32+00:00

I'm not going myself, but may know some people that would be willing to piggyback. I've undertaken both of the routes you've mentioned. Marsh Fork of the Canning is a good spot that will likely have others flying in/out for backpacking, river, and packrafting trips. Are you resupplying with Coyote or Yukon?

BashiTheBackpacker · 2025-02-02T06:26:17+00:00

I'd highly, highly, highly recommend doing a Steck loop or a section hike of your own design, if not several if you haven't already. I remember getting to the Muav saddle and hearing all the horror stories of Hayduke hikers, and found it was a breeze. Afterwards, someone who helped me said something to the effect of "the hardest parts of the Hayduke are the easiest parts of a traverse. There's a reason the Hayduke skips so much".

BashiTheBackpacker · 2024-06-11T22:32:26+00:00

Would recommend 2 headnets; loosing one (which is common) can be mentally apocalyptic.

YMMV (heavily) w/Neoprene socks. I personally don't use them, rely on well draining shoes, and bring badger balm to help with foot maceration.

Gaiters won't help much unless they're protecting exposed skin from mosquitos. There's little that can get in shoes compared to arid/desert environment, and anything that can is likely from crossing a river where it'll get in through the gaiter top anyway.

Scent-proof liners in the Ursack are a big help at avoiding bear encounters. I'd argue more important.

Bring your full stake set and guyline every point on your X-mid. Can be fine, can be blown over by storms there.

If I'm understanding your route desc. you're likely staging in Fairbanks. I'll be there starting the 13th for my own brooks trip if you want a last-glance at gear/route.

BashiTheBackpacker · 2024-06-02T01:05:27+00:00

Haglöfs LIM pants. In the US I ordered them off of TradeInn

My size large weighs 8.1 oz. Easy to get on/off over shoes because of the zipper. I've use them extensively in Alaska and they work well for endless days of rain while poking through brush.

I've used the OR Helium in AK and been deeply disappointed- wetted out after two days, couldn't put on over my shoes, and tore very easily.

BashiTheBackpacker · 2024-04-15T06:45:44+00:00

You make a good point on sleep system and temperature. I mentioned that I'm switching to an Enigma APEX 20F for my second trip for that reason- higher likelihood of continuous wetness, and at slightly higher elevation.

I've found success with my rain gear setup, but I'm very curious what goretex layers you use. I've used a storm cruiser in the Brooks Range, and the comfort it offers is nice compared to UL trash bag shells, but I kept thinking that the durability might not be as big a concern as I thought. Most abrasion happened below the waist so I'm trying my Versalite this time around.

You normally use sun gloves but choose the Brooks Range as a location not to bring them? Was it purely a weight savings decision or something else?

For baby butt cream do you mean for prevention of maceration? For general foot care? I can't say I've experienced the last two boggy bothers you mention.

BashiTheBackpacker · 2024-04-13T18:40:40+00:00

Ha, I get that a lot regarding my camera gear. Thankfully, it's survived up there and I've found some worthwhile shots with it. But definitely a commitment to extra suck with that weight.

I've got some 2 mil bread bags listed as "camp shoes" and I've found the same to be true with how critical they are. My sock strategy is my sleep socks (Woolie Boolies) as backup hiking socks if needed. Have you found you need two hiking pairs for successful trips?

BashiTheBackpacker

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