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The Route To Happiness
Приєднався 12 вер 2019
Hey, I'm Dedra an aspiring world travelling backpacker, hiker, outdoor adventurer, and content creator. I am part of the Pacific Crest Trail class of 2024! I live on the road full time in our self converted Ford Transit campervan with my partner Garron and three dogs Hayzel, Mya, and Aspen. I love hiking and backpacking and all things outdoors! Follow along as I attempt a north bound (NOBO) thru hike of the Pacific Crest Trail!
Looking forward to sharing my journey in the most authentic way possible as my first ever thru hike attempt with the hopes to inspire women to get outside and experience nature as much as possible even if you have fears and anxiety of doing it solo!
Connect with me in the comments and on Instagram @route_tohappiness and Tik Tok @theroutetohappiness.
Looking forward to sharing my journey in the most authentic way possible as my first ever thru hike attempt with the hopes to inspire women to get outside and experience nature as much as possible even if you have fears and anxiety of doing it solo!
Connect with me in the comments and on Instagram @route_tohappiness and Tik Tok @theroutetohappiness.
Backpacking Meals & Trail Snacks For Thru Hiking | Pacific Crest Trail
I am spending 5 months hiking the Pacific Crest Trail so I spent some time putting together the best list of hiking snacks and backpacking meals for my adventure! I definitely did not go the inexpensive route as I am prioritizing protein and nutrition since I am lucky to have some sponsors and be making income while out there. A quick list of some things I am bringing!
1) Good-to-Go Dehydrated Meals
2) Peanut butter pretzels
3) Trail mix
4) Dehydrated fruits and fruit bars
5) Gomacro bars
6) Chomps sticks & beef jerky
7) Protein coffee & Instant coffee
8) Liquid IV for electrolytes
9) Supplements, Vitamins, and minerals
These items will evolve as the trial begins and I need to adjust my calorie intake based on the availability of certain for items.
_________________________________________________________________________
If you haven't already, make sure to hit that FOLLOW button, or you can also follow the journey on these social channels:
Instagram - route_tohappiness
Tik Tok - www.tiktok.com/ @theroutetohappiness
I will be vlogging my journey and sharing the ups and downs of doing your first thru hike as a solo female! I will be honest and open about my battles with anxiety and learning to be independent again as I head into my 30's this year!
#PCT #thruhike #thruhiking #pacificcresttrail #hikingvlog #outdoors #adventurevlog #healthyhikingsnacks #pct2024 #backpacking #hikingmeals #hikingfood
1) Good-to-Go Dehydrated Meals
2) Peanut butter pretzels
3) Trail mix
4) Dehydrated fruits and fruit bars
5) Gomacro bars
6) Chomps sticks & beef jerky
7) Protein coffee & Instant coffee
8) Liquid IV for electrolytes
9) Supplements, Vitamins, and minerals
These items will evolve as the trial begins and I need to adjust my calorie intake based on the availability of certain for items.
_________________________________________________________________________
If you haven't already, make sure to hit that FOLLOW button, or you can also follow the journey on these social channels:
Instagram - route_tohappiness
Tik Tok - www.tiktok.com/ @theroutetohappiness
I will be vlogging my journey and sharing the ups and downs of doing your first thru hike as a solo female! I will be honest and open about my battles with anxiety and learning to be independent again as I head into my 30's this year!
#PCT #thruhike #thruhiking #pacificcresttrail #hikingvlog #outdoors #adventurevlog #healthyhikingsnacks #pct2024 #backpacking #hikingmeals #hikingfood
Переглядів: 769
Відео
My Gear List For My Thru Hike | Pacific Crest Trail 2024
Переглядів 10 тис.3 місяці тому
In 2024, I am hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and wanted to share everything I am starting the trail with! I am the first to admit that I do not fall into the ultra-light category and prioritized comfort overweight in many categories. So in this video I am showing everything I decided to include in my backpack for my first-ever thru-hike! My Gear List: 0:00 Introduction 1:03 Zenbivy Sleepi...
Q&A Before Hiking The Pacific Crest Trail PCT in 2024
Переглядів 1 тис.3 місяці тому
I am hiking the PCT this summer! I couldn't be more excited as this has been a lifelong dream of mine. So as I prepare to head out on this adventure, I wanted to answer some common questions and answers I keep getting asked. What is the Pacific Crest Trail - www.pcta.org/ Video Questions 0:00 Intro 1:10 Why am I hiking the PCT? 4:20 What are your biggest fears about the PCT? 6:35 What are you m...
Kayaking with Alligators in Florida at Kings Landing - Wekiva River
Переглядів 4,7 тис.5 місяців тому
We went kayaking in Florida with Alligators for the first time! And we were not disappointed. We visited Kings Landing Resort and rented their kayaks to explore the Wakiva River System where we saw all kinds of wildlife. The Spot - www.kingslandingfl.com The Wekiva River - www.wekivawildandscenicriversystem.com/ You can find us on other social channels at: Instagram - route_tohapp...
Camping & Hiking Trip To Springer Mountain In Georgia! #vanlifers #vanlife
Переглядів 6507 місяців тому
Camping & Hiking Trip To Springer Mountain In Georgia! #vanlifers #vanlife
Buying Our First Van for Conversion - 2020 Ford Transit 148 Extended
Переглядів 1 тис.3 роки тому
Buying Our First Van for Conversion - 2020 Ford Transit 148 Extended
Good for you!
Did you decide not to hike?
Hello! Did I miss something? I found you, subscribed, and was looking forward to following you on your through hike. I haven't seen any more youtube videos. Are you OK?
At 6:33 where did the dog go? It was running down the trail behind you and went behind a tree and disappeared. Wth?
You are so lucky it's winter when you filmed this. People have lost limbs there to those gators. Watching from fl
Awesome video! I just upgraded my sleep system. So excited to give it a try this fall. Got the new zenbivy light and big agnes rapide sl. So excited to finally get good sleep, haha. Also, I use those exact compressed portawipes. I like them way more then TP and only bring those on hikes now. 😎
Have a good hike. I hope you don't have to stab anything but glad you have it in case.
Good luck on your journey! I love your hoody! Can you please share brand or where you purchased it?
Realy good choice. I'm dreaming about PCT, but I couldn't understand "extreme ultralite hikers" who sleep on the ground and eat cold-soaked rice each day... I'm only interested how you're going to pack 6-7 days of food, 1-2 days of water (5-6 litres) and all your gear in your pack... It's not a sarсasm, I'm really interested in it (at least because I want to go with my girlfriend).
You won’t see bears for a couple months! But be sure you have practiced with it a lot. I wear a neck knife even when I take walks near my home, been stalked a couple times by coyotes I know they won’t come after me, but it is unnerving to know that a wild animal is tracking you! Good luck on your journey!!
Oh wow! That’s scary about the Coyotes 😟 yes I want to be safe and I always would rather have it and not need it than the other way around.
Where did you film the Q&A? This place looks amazing!
It was at Lake Powell in Arizona/Utah. It was beautiful!
What is your base weight.
It came out to about 32 pounds with a few days food and 2L of water!
I think you could easy drop a couple pounds of gear that are not necessary. You will learn as you go. I am curoous about the zenbivy system. Looks comfy but heavy. I wish you a great adventure and looking forward to following your journey
So far a couple days in and I have ditched a few smaller items but already so thankful for the Zenbivy system. I wake up so well rested while I hear everyone else complaining about bad sleeps and cold nights.
Nice one! Looking forward to see what adjustments you make throughout the trail!
Thanks! Already made a few so I’ll have to do a video on that after a month or so on trail
Helpful tip if using a sac to inflate your pad is you can do it in one blow. Need to have your mouth 10-12 in away and blow into the opening.
2:18 you definitely said this 💩 🤣
I plead the 5th 😂
Great gear list but not using a pack liner might be a mistake... Pack covers helps but water DO get inside from the back side etc... So, Pack liner makes a big difference but that's my opinion. Good luck on the PCT
That is a great point. Perhaps I’ll switch that around. I do have everything in dry bags which will help that.
@@theroutetohappiness yes...dry bags will help for sure. It's just a point of view and my own experience with the weather. Take care
I’m looking forward to following your journey. I love that you’re prioritizing your comfort and yeah for the sun protection. 😊 Happy trails.
Thank you! I appreciate the follow and hope to share the journey well 🙂
I think it's disingenuous to say you are doing a solo thru-hike when you have a support vehicle full of sponsored supplies and free rides. Good luck, but I don't think you get to say you did a solo thru-hike of the PCT if you make it to Canada.
Hey, first, I would like to say thanks for watching my video! I can understand where you’re coming from however, I’d like to point out that life is more of an art than a science. There’s no right or wrong way to do something as long as you’re happy. I think that goes for thru hiking as well as there’s many different ways to do it, and it still counts the same. Also, I will be hiking, all of the same miles as every other hiker. My support vehicle will be helping me feel safe and making this journey a more enjoyable one for me. Also, I hope to be hiking with lots of friends I want to meet on the trail which I think most people do which means is anyone really hiking solo by that logic? I understand that my version of a solo thru hike may not look how your version of a solo thru hike looks, and that’s OK. I also think because I’m working while on trail and my zero days will consist of working and editing, that it could in fact be harder in some aspects. I’m being very open and transparent about my journey, I’m not hiding anything, and I believe that in getting creative and finding some sponsors to make this journey affordable for me, I actually think it’s beneficial to share this as other people may be in my shoes and want to find more creative ways to make the trail a possibility for them. I think had I not shared these details I could see how it would be potentially disingenuous, however, because I do share the details I tend to disagree. I hope you enjoy the PCT. If you ever get to do it, or have done it, and I hope to make it to Canada on my solo thru hike 😊
Um, the vehicle won't be on the trail with her. There are lots of places to get off the trail and reload for the next leg. It really doesn't matter that she will have support at those places.
Did you find the Core Sheet more comfortable than the UL one? What was your primary reason? Wondering whether I mix and match a Zenbivy quilt and sheet.
Great question, yes I did find it much more comfortable and it stays on better. The half sheet (UL) seemed to be a little more tricky to keep on the mattress. For the weight, it was more comfy to have a sheet underneath you also. Because it’s a quilt, you don’t get fabric beneath you like a traditional mummy bag. Hope this helps!
Excellent vlog! Give you a heads up: you are going to create enemies when your partner picks you up. Other hikers are going to want to be given a ride as well. There was another couple who did basically the same setup and it was a mess. Best of luck! You definitely have your head on straight.
I appreciate the heads up and hope we can avoid making any enemies on trail. It’s hard enough as is haha
Sweet gear list! Have fun on the PCT!!! About the sleep system, its true Zenbivy are geniuses, I also have the Zenbivy UL sleeping bag (I also got the white and love it!), but I ended up using the full sheet instead of the half sheet, because the half sheet doesn't have tension like the full sheet does. Which means that the half sheet goes up on you in the middle of the night and in general is less comfortable than the full sheet. I hope Zenbivy comes out with a 10d full sheet to reduce the weight of the full sheet, i'll be on that lickety split!
Great points, I found the same thing and love my full sheet! I’d be interested to see what a 10D sheet feels like. I love the comfort of the current one and it’s fairly light too. But I’ll definitely try it if they drop a new one!
Gotta add some chocolate!
Have fun in your journey
Thank you so much!
I enjoyed watching your gear video. As I purchase my gear, I do look for as lightweight gear as I can. I also am looking for comfort. I'm 62 and looking at section hiking the PCT. I am wondering about some of the weight on the gear you have chosen. Especial your sleep water and rain gear. Good luck. Keep trekking. 😀
Thats great! I definitely think weight is important and for yourself go as light as possible. My sleep system is not the lightest but its SOOOO comfortable and I sleep so well. For weight on the items, you can see my gear weights here: lighterpack.com/r/73gqvi. My total with water and 2 days of food came to 33lbs. Its heavier than some but comfy for me as a 29 year old, stronger female :)
@@theroutetohappiness Your sleep system definitely looks comfy and cozy. Love the girly pillow case. 😊 But seriously a good night’s sleep is going to make your experience so much better. 33 lbs isn’t that bad if you’re counting over 8 pounds of water. Hopefully you won’t always have to carry 4 liters for long distances.
Very cool sunhoodie !!!!
Thank you! I purchased one before this but when this came our at REI I knew it was the one I needed.
Your partner seems so supportive which is really great. So good that you can share the journey with him in this way and that you are going about it carefully. You will enjoy it very much. Also, I admire how you have put it out there to everyone that you will be hiking the PCT ahead of time which would have taken courage.
Thank you! Yes he is very supportive and it will be a fun journey together
Where’s the portal? Disappearing dog @6:32.
Haha good eye!
Its a secret. But its near Sedona haha
Bear spray is not legal in the national parks of the Sierra Nevadas including Yosemite.
Yeah I’ve got my partner following in the van so I’ll just leave it there through the sections.
Illegal? Are there dangerous bears there? If so, how do they want you to protect yourself? If bear spray is illegal, I suppose a handgun is out of the question. 😂
@@asmith7876 it does say so on their site but I do agree it’s a bit silly as there are no other options for protection.
@@asmith7876 Firearms are allowed in all national parks, just not inside the buildings. So, you can carry as you hike, you just can't go inside the visitor center with it. Guns and ammo are pretty darn heavy, though. Not sure I'd want to hike with one.
will the bears report you?
Love all the details..... and you have a fun personality!!
Thank you! That might be the nicest comment I’ve received online ever 😊
Nice looking fleece
Thanks!
Great gear list! Enjoy your adventure Safe and happy trails from the Netherlands 🐾
Thank you so much! I’ll be honest I never thought I would have someone from the Netherlands watching my videos especially at this small scale! Much appreciated and thanks for the comment! 🥹
@@theroutetohappiness you're welcome 😊
I was wondering if Zenbivy was gonna convince anyone to carry their "ultralight" sleep system. I'll be curious to see how it works out for you. I'm starting in a week, so maybe I'll see you on the trail.
Yeah I was just chatting with my partner about which gear to take and what I’ll shed. I’m definitely not considered to be apart of the ultralight category. So I’m carrying extra weight in general for comfort but things will change and adjust throughout the journey I imagine! 😊
@@theroutetohappiness You'll have a much better idea by Mt. Laguna.
What is the weight of your pack?
Hey my base weight which excludes water and food is probably somewhere between 22-25lbs. The electronics add quite a bit so that would be a quick way to cut some weight if you’re looking to. I anticipate my final weight with food and water will vary from 25lbs to 35lbs depending on the stretch and how much I’m carrying. I’m 175lbs and fairly strong so this weight for me feels comfortable! But we will find out won’t we 😅
Thanks for the review! 😀
Useful review
I appreciate that! 😊
Great video!
Thank you so much! 😊
Welcome to CALIFORNIA and the PCT. Great gear video.
Thank you so much and super stoked to be here!
You might want to look into if bear spray is legal, I could be wrong but I think a lot of the Sierra section its banned.
This is a great point! In the sections I can’t bring bear spray I will leave in the van and grab afterwards!
Carpe Diem 😎
So proud of you !! Can’t wait to follow along!!!! Cheering you on !
Ahhhhhhh thank you so much! I appreciate the support! 🥹
You got this! Excited for you
Thanks so much!!!!
Love your energy, content on your channel is always impressive!
I really appreciate this so much! I always do my best to be as authentic as possible and put out something I’m proud of!
Woooow Dedra 🥹☺️ so exciting!! Great answers to all the questions. Cannot wait to follow along!!!
Thanks so much! Can’t wait to share the crazy journey!
Love this! Cannot wait for PCT content!
There will be a lot of it! 🥹
Absolutely gorgeous short my friend 👏👏
Haha thank you so much! 😅
Those are ALWAYS the most rewarding hikes though!
I can agree with this! 👍
Soo cute love!!!❤ pls pin
id rather how are you than where are you
We did the Wah-Kai-va last year with mymso, it was so nice. We are from Hudson, NH. Happy trails!