4000 miles and cold weather has me unsure 😅 Appalachian Trail 2023 Gear video, give me a shakedown!
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- Опубліковано 30 січ 2023
- This is one long gear chat video! I go into my likes and dislikes on most items but I need a shakedown so give me your thoughts in the comments! I’m starting in February and I don’t want to freeze! Also I forgot to mention a few items so let me know if you can guess what Im still missing! 💗 i hope you enjoye it!
I’m so excited to start the Appalachian Trail!
4000 miles and cold weather has me unsure 😅 Appalachian Trail 2023 Gear video, give me a shakedown!
Just looking back on some initial AT prep vlogs. Looking forward to more after AT postings.
Thanks for sharing. I’m a new sub, and follower. Watching from ATL. I’m a few months late, but I will catch up to your recent vid. Keep up the magnificent, triumphs work.
We are SO looking forward to your AT trek. No matter what you start with, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to shake down and recalibrate your gear. Also, there are many trail angels to help you along the way. The heart of American kindness and outreach. Happy travels on a journey of a lifetime!
Wonderful that so much of your gear has lasted so long - and that you found so many lightweight things in purple! 💜
You asked for it 🙂.
The tunning version of the Sawyer water filter is the Platypus Quickdraw. Faster, more robust, you will not lose the rubber ring. Even GearSkeptic says that because you can not backflush the BeFree, it is basically a disposable filter. Everybody in my range last year just replaced it every three weeks.
Make sure you have the VectoX from CNOC, since it’s a little beefed up compared to the ordinary Vecto. I think it came out last fall.
At the beginning of the AT the umbrella is a real chore. If you want to go with one, try to get your hands on a smaller one. The reason is really that the trees are extremely near to the trail and bushes overhang it.
I have no experience with Zpacks tents but if I had to choose between the Duplex and the Plex Solo I would see which one is more windproof, especially in February. Because it is extremely windy. Everywhere.
Your jackets are top notch - I use an Atom for years now every day here in Switzerland. I used Patagonia on the AT in the beginning and I wasn’t particularly thrilled. For the PCT I visited Arc’teryx in Boston and I returned happily to Norvan. The secret of Arc’teryx is the way their apparel is cut. Be prepared to wash your Goretex jacket on the trail to renew the DWR treatment and keep the Goretex functional. Depending on your speed you will only see other hikers in the beginning which means that you are alone in hostels so you can wash your jackets without blocking the washing machine for other hikers.
Forget the rain cover. If you plan to hike more than half an hour in the rain, it is completely pointless. Water just soaks your pack coming from your neck and along the straps. Use a Nylofume bag as liner. It is extremely crinkling and loud in a shelter but it is way more robust than a trash compactor bag or a Dyneema dry bag.
Your sleep system leaves me worried. You are in for potentially cold nights in the Smokies. Even in the shelters it is always extremely drafty. Quilts and drafts are the perfect recipe for getting ill. Get yourself a 0 F bag if you can, maybe from Gryphon Gear and a separated hood. Just don’t get the version with Dyneema because this is way too warm, you can use this only starting from - 15 F. Whatever hood you get, it is important that you can cinch it over your eyes so that you will only have your mouth and the tip of your nose exposed.
If you can, go with the XTherm instead of the Xlite. There is a new version coming out, the XTherm NXT. Some shelters have holes in the floor and you don’t want to get the cold creeping at you from the floor. Generally I am a big fan of having like 5 F reserve between my sleep system and the measured temperature. This accounts for my general exhaustion. The Z-Lite I would save for the summer and cut it down to six or even five elements. That even made me look cool.
Yes for being stoveless. You can probably get a hot beverage every time you want, I can imagine that some individuals would have a fight under each other to boil water for you.
Get a Nitecore NB20000 CARBO or two NB10000 Gen 2 partially carbon (not the full Carbon ones with the Name CARBO because they are heavier). Huge weight savings. You could also get 2 faster Anker Wall chargers (Anker series 7, model Name 711) but together with USB-C cables and Nitecore Powerbanks this would take away the excuse to stay in towns.
Forget sleeping in rain clothes or your puffy. It will never be comfy and you don’t want to be emotional first thing in the morning. Other than on the PCT or the CDT you will face rain for days if not for weeks. Your skin needs to be dry and have the possibility to air out. I always slept in Patagonia Capilene Air long base layers so there was no mold forming on my body. There are days where it only rains once. A lot of people claim to camp in stealth spots but somehow when you were in the rain the entire day, a stay in the shelter is not a bad idea. Yes there are mice but they don't bother you. Only once a mouse tried to climb on my head, just leave them some space between you and the walls, so they can pass.
Regarding your hiking clothes I would suggest the Norvan pants from Arc’teryx because they have this Goretex Infinium built in, which is just unbelievably breathable but really windproof. They will never stick to your skin when going uphill but they create a little buffer zone with comfy climate around your legs.
Also I would carry a fleece, ideally a Polartec Alpha but not a Senchi (because it's like collector gear). Polartec Alpha is really breathable, way better than everything from Arc’teryx. Wear it under your rain jacket and it traps your body heat when standing still. Mine was from Hightail designs but there are also others.
Have fun on the trail and pack a pepper spray. Unfortunately some idiots may think it is necessary to comment on your skin color. Just kick them somewhere where it hurts them and then kick them again for me, thanks.
Oh my goodness I love all this info! Thank you!! I will definitely look into many of the things you mentioned and probably make one more gear vid with my changes!
I thought I was the only one that the BRS stove squirted fuel on! Thanks for sharing that info. All 3 of mine have done it even with o ring changes. I dont use them anymore. 🙄
thanks for sharing your gear, good luck and enjoy
Great video! I thought I had a lot of clothes for my 2024 thru hike lol but you are packing a lot more clothing items than even I am. It makes me feel better about my choices! My biggest fear is being cold and wet at night, so I think having the extra items is worth it. Good luck!
Starting AT in February too. Hope to see you on the trail.
Oh awesome! Find me on Instagram if you want to connect!
starting Feb 14, see you on trail.
Great video Stella. Very helpful.
UA-cam finally recommended your site today, and I'm glad it did. I watched your latest video, AT day 66, I think, and am now catching up. Have a great hike...
Great video Stella. Hope your food fits in there too (lol). All the best for a great hike. Stay safe and enjoy. Don from Oregon....
Thanks!
I'd swap in an EE Torrid jacket, and Montbell Versalite rain jacket which saves you over 250 grams. For free stuff, ditch the liner; saves another 400 grams (you've got a puffy, hoodie, sun hoodie and wind shirt to sleep in). Ditch one of the power banks, or if you really want a ton of power get a Nitecore NB20,000 (saves at least 200 grams) and be ruthless with those clothes. One change of dry clothes (to sleep in, if your main outfit gets wet) is all you need. That will save you another 200 grams at least.
That's over a kilo off your back :)
Loved your Wonderland videos! You’re a joy to watch! My daughters (10 & 11) and I are planning a thru of the AT next year. Thank you for inspiring us and taking us along your journey! Can’t wait to follow you. We’re cheering you along!
Thank you! Perfectly described! 🙏🏼
Pretty sure you can remove the hip belt and frame on the Arc Scout. Doesn’t appear you’re gonna have enough room in that pack for food. Also, I much prefer a pack liner to a pack cover. Great setup!
Hi, Stella! I’ll be following along from Marion, VA. Be sure to stop in the Outfitter Marion Outdoors (we support cottage brands) and our Hostel The Merry Inn. Hiker trash welcome! -Coach
God bless you cold weather walkers.
I hike in glasses and I use one of those old lady glasses cords that go around your neck but I added a toggle to it so I can tighten it to the back of my head when I need to keep them on tighter. I think you can also get special sports glasses cords but I didn't like the elastic style personally.
You don't attempt a thruhike! You must decide that you will hike the entire trail! Nothing is going to stop you baring not being able to walk! Make that determination before you step foot on trail.
I successful thru-hiked it last year!!! (AT Class of 2022!) Every day I would visualize hiking up Mount Katahdin and touching the sign! Enjoy your journey! It will change your life!
I hiked 2000 miles last year on the AT with the same pack and unfortunately i had to send it in because it basically fell apart. The frame likes to poke out the top after a month or two depending on how much weight you carry. I was always sewing it up with floss. My base weight is usually 13.
I’m hiking the trail again this year with the same pack,
I plan on bringing lots of floss😅
Have a good hike!
I love the small/lighter pack!! But where are you going to fit your food??!
My BRS stove does the same leaky thing when I thread it on or off the canister.
I have a BRS. Same issue.
I referenced Arc Zip but later learned you used an Arc Haul when you referred to your other pack. I was interested in your experience with your larger pack when food and water carries were greater. Thanks for your time.
Hey Stella, here's my shakedown thoughts.
1. As someone whose used polycryo and tvek, I would wholeheartedly choose the tyvek. It's worth it. I think weight can be cut in others areas that, in my opinion, are less valuable.
2. I don't think you'll have enough space for food in your frameless/hipbeltless pack. If you decide not to make significant cuts in your winter gear, which would free up room for food, I'd recommend using your larger pack until you feel confident with a warmer kit. I would encourage you to get to a place where you can use a hipbeltless pack, whether immediately or later on in trail. The freedom of movement without a hip belt is really wonderful, and could be especially valuable on a trail requiring technical foot placement. My Palante V2 (2018) doesn't wear comfortably over 20 pounds. Under that it's a dream.
3. I thought I remembered you wanting to use a UrSak in a CDT video.
Thank you! Definitely still figuring things out with my pack but I’ll probably end up going with the hip belt one and then switching! And thanks for the other thoughts!
Hi Stella! You really have things dialed in! I have this same pack so I thought I would share some things I've learned to make it work for me. I can usually fit 2 days of food in the winter. When I have a longer food carry, I will use a Y strap on the bottom and carry my tent on the outside. This, also, makes it nice to carry a wet tent. This frees up enough space inside for a full food bag. Also, I turn my fanny pack around for my pack to rest on when it's heavy. This hack eliminates the need for a hipbelt. I had to order the Y strap from Zpacks but you may have one on your other pack. I'm not brave enough to use my torso sleeping bag in February, but if I was, I would use my pack with the sit pad under my feet. Maybe to eliminate the zlite. I say that, but I use a 1/8 inch pad under my xtherm so I completely understand. You are going to have an amazing adventure and I am looking forward to following along. Happy trails!
Ok, I just want you to know that I'm cheering you on and can't wait for you to start. I feel better about your sleep system seeing that other hikers have survived using the torso thermarest in February on the AT. (Jay wanders out) I can see why you would want to take the sub nero, its a comfortable pack. However, its super small. Its the perfect pack for big mile days. My best friends daughter hiked the the AT in 2021 in just 4 months and I asked her how she managed, she said 20 mi days, 2 mi per hour. This shocked me because she is an avid trail runner. She didn't take alot of zeros or get sucked into the vortex. I hope (I pray) you get to experience beautiful people as well as the views along the way.
I ditched my hipbelt and go light as possible on my back. I put some of that weight (snacks, suntan lotion, bug spray, headlamp, etc) into a fanny pack. You can resupply every 2 to 3 days on the AT, even in the 100 mile wilderness, so I try to keep my food weight down. And I normally just carry a liter of water, and camel up, cause water is plentiful on the AT. Lots of clothes in your pack - I get it, but you pack your fears. Hopefully you'll be able to send some of that stuff home soon.
I forgot about an umbrella comment. I carry one. Necessary? Maybe not, but it is nice to keep the rain off your head and upper body. Nice too in the summer sun in the mid-atlantic states. The only time I couldn't use it was rock scrambling in New England.
Thank you! I keep thinking about the “you pack your fears” comment- I’ve gotten a few and it’s helped me lighted up a bit and ditch some most likely unnecessary clothes and gear!
Your tent will be your refuge and home for 5-6 Months. I think you might feel cramped in that one person tent. I would bring your two person tent stella. I am excited for you and so looking forward to your adventure.
Your pack looks good when it gets warmer out, but it can get really cold and wet in Feb and March and will probably need a little more room. Also, don't need to carry very much food or water for a lot of the AT as towns come up often. You are the expert but I like transferring a lot of weight to my hips and get it off my shoulders. Will be following, have fun.
Loved this video. Could you do a video on your food too? I'm a plant based eater and have dehydrated food for hikes in the past. So many hikers talk about how unhealthy their diets are on trail.
Yes!
Ikr. I ear fruits and veggies. Fresh. I wonder if a long hike like AT is possible. I bet someone has done this ? Maybe I'll just eat fruit. Less. Lol
OR still makes the Astroman hoodie, four or five different colors. It’s on my wish list to get one.
I love my Kula cloth- And I haven't found it to be smelly. It air dries so quickly
How have I not found your channel until now? Are you not on the fb group? Anyways, I'm starting on Feb 28th so maybe I'll see you out there! Thanks for sharing!
you 100% need to start with a zero degree bag. can change out when it warms up. probably most likely don't need the umbrella. def take a bigger backpack. looking forward to following along on your adventures!
I sleep really cold, but agree. Especially for the Smokies and Roan Mountain.
I took my 20 degree quilt which was fine everywhere except in N Carolina, right after Franklin, when it dropped to 26 degrees in April. With your puffy and leggings, you'll get by.
Hi Stella. Want to wish you the very best of luck on your AT hike. Loved loved loved your Wonderland hike videos. So pretty. Looking forward to your AT videos. If you need a hand when you get to MA let me know. Would be glad to help. Stay safe and happy and head north. Happy hiking 🥾🏕⛰
You might need a bigger backpack at least a 40 55 liter to carry winter clothing and food Appalachian side of the country is a different world
You should look into the neoair xlite nxt. Its 80% quieter, thicker, and a higher R value. HUGE difference
As long as you don't eat, you're all set!
😂
Gear job.
Why did you move away from the Arc Zip? Was it more resupply points on the AT? Did you enjoy the Arc Zip on the CDT? Thanks for your content.
Be careful up north with the ticks. I am not a fan of spray but after getting Lyme disease (thankfully caught it quick) it is no joke.
Favor follows you!
You could try something like the "GSI Essential Long Handle Spoon" if titanium is that bad. Weighs a bit more, but is longer, so cut it down.
I put some silicone tubing on my titan pots handles.
Get a baffle, for whatever mic you take, or a dedicated micro mic thats baffled. Ive lost count of AT, PCT, wherever hikers are that give up taking vids, cause its too windy.
Probably shouldve just gone with the olympus, if your wacking a insert in anyway.
Didnt look look there was any room for food in that pack.
How are you planning on filming your hike?
Check out Appalachian Gear Co. I love my Alpaca hoodie. Warm and sheds water much better than Marino wool. I’m sold anyways.
Many starting in Feb and you won’t be alone specially at the shelters. You might needed micro spikes in sections of the Smoky Mts and Roan Mts.
I live close to GSMNP part time and don’t hesitate to contact me if you have questions or a ride to a outfitter. If I’m in NC, glad to help out the thru hikers as I am a hiker.
Also umbrella is wider than most of AT
You should check the Nitecore 10000 carbon fiber charger it’s only 5.2 ounces
My BRS stove does the same thing. I think that this is characteristic of canister stoves as you spin them on. My Optimus Crux does the same thing.
Some stoves need to be absolutely turned off in order not to leak fuel when you connect them, YMMV. Best wishes!
@@williamhecht984 That is true, but it this case the leak occurs at the base of the stove as it is being threaded on to the canister. No gas is passing through the stove. It is just a very short release of fuel.
Maybe check your O-ring. I replaced mine and it actually made a huge difference.
I found the gg thinlite pad was great for added r value along with my inflatable pad (same one you have). Ticks are bad news up north. How tall are you? You move fast on your past videos.
Thanks! I’m 5’8”
Stella, I have a question for you you definitely don’t like bugs and you enjoy your solitude and aching so the tea has a lot of bugs and a lot of people. How do you think you’ll manage? I’ve been watching you for a long time. I definitely want to see you succeed, but I also want you to have fun and enjoy your adventure.
Good question haha I’ll have to answer in a video at some point soon! Thanks!
What brands was green/yellow light windbreaker?
Maybe bit of a personal question, what do you do for health insurance? Trying to figure that out right now
Right now I still have health insurance through Washington State though I might need to figure something else out soon 🤔
Do you bring your boots and your shoes with you?
I'd suggest the Platypus Quickdraw. It's capped at both ends so it's really easy to sleep with when it's cold. Also I'd skip on the Sub Nero. If you want something without a hip belt, I'd go with a running vest like the Zerk 40, Nashville Cutaway, or the Volpi Fastpack 30.
Do you have a lighterpack put together? It would be cool to see if if you have and be easier to give you a shakedown, too. Great video!
I’ll make one soon and put it out there :)
Hi Stella, big fan that's why I'm sending this. Before you video any of your trip make sure you know the new laws they passed on doing so. If your channel is monetized you will need permits and such. just don't want to see you get in any trouble as I have heard of another channel that has been fined for this. Have fun and be safe.
What I have been saying, is that any national park or national forest type places you have to have permits to film or video so if your channel is monetized and you are making money from the video of doing that trail then you have to have these permits as long as you are not posting the video and making any money off of it you’re OK. Each park says its own pricing on this for the permit so each park is different and some parks has very little areas that you were even allowed to video in.
ua-cam.com/video/cysJIkr-tL4/v-deo.html
This is just one of the videos I have seen about this. Several others have posted about this also.
Hope this info helps. Maybe you could do your own video letting us know what you find out about this.
Federal law requires a permit for all commercial filming, no matter the size of the crew or the type of equipment. This includes individuals or small groups that don’t use much equipment, but generate revenue by posting footage on websites, such as UA-cam and TikTok. The primary focus of the NPS, however, is on commercial filming that has the potential to impact park resources and visitors beyond what occurs from normal visitor use of park areas. Examples of this type of filming are productions that use substantial equipment such as sets and lighting, productions with crews that exceed 5 people, and filming in closed areas, wilderness areas, or in locations that would create conflicts with other visitors or harm sensitive resources.
You mentioned you are not planning to use a bear hang unless regulations require it. While some shelters provide a food locker, most do not. What are you going to do with your food when a locker is not available?
On the pct I kept it in my tent with me on the at I’ll hang it on the bear poles or use the boxes if necessary
Nice couch.
No thanks. I’ll just sit on the floor.
Looking forward to following the hike. Do you have a lighter pack list?
Thanks! I will soon!
I'm such a Rocky Mtn. guy I can't do the flatland trail....he he....your video moxy is off the scale compared to the others....the image you project to inform and the way you speak to the youtube viewers.....yeah....but your on screen moxy is better than anyone
I'd give ya 50 likes if I could
Great gear video. Can't to follow you on UA-cam
What r the chances of a bear comin.where do u put your food
Hopefully low most of the time! And I keep it with me or hang it or put it in a bear box. Depends on the situation and the wilderness regulations :)
Do you have an about video out that we can learn about you? Something basic w/o jeopardizing your privacy.
Awe that’s a good idea! Maybe I’ll make one of those soon :)
How about underwear/bra?
Don't forget your InReach and some fingernail clippers or tweezers. 🙂