I think hiking with less water was the hardest lesson for me to learn. I finally hiked with someone that challenged me to not be afraid of running out of water and “cameling up” at water spots. Dropping water wait and leaving extra clothes at home have really helped my pack weight go down. Great advice!
Great, great series..! Always amazed at all the changes hikers go thru, after all the research and trial runs. This is a tremendous help to us planning our first thru hikes. AT-‘25…with ultimate “dream” of triple crown. Thank you !
I was actually very happy with all of the gear I started with. The only pieces I switched out were my shorts and my shirt because they got worn out. Great video, Rev!!
I have the Sea to Summit Comfort Plus mummy sleeping mat, Love it. I also have their Aeros down pillow, it's tiny. I could not cope without my stove. Need my tea. I camel up with it in the morning, though you have given me the idea of making enough in the evening, to drink it cold in the morning, just add some milk for a fast start to the day. Oh that maroon shirt, it draws the heat.Every Aussie would know that. Light colours don't do that and will not draw the sun to help overheat you. I have always hiked in gaiters. Again, I have been eyeing off the ZPaks. Good to hear your experience of the Nero.I wondered about the compromise in comfort. That is such a help for my own future purchasing. Ospeys are readily available in Australia, whilst we have to import the Zpac gear.
Thanks Fiona. I loved my Osprey EXOS. Yes big mistake buying a maroon shirt. I was in Australia several years ago. Flew into Brisbane and stayed in Kippa-Ring.
Hi Rev. Nice to see you out walking. Two great videos. I feel backpackers need to be flexible. Do not think I have seen a hiker finish the PCT with (all) the same gear that they started with. Everyone is forced to adjust. Many plan different sets of gear for different sections of the trail. Some equipment/gear I like: Sun Hoodie -more comfort and better protection from the sun. Also feels better when walking in the heat.. Mont-bell Wind jacket and dynamo pants -very light 170g, warm. Replaces rain pants in dry climates or no rain forecast. CON: not durable. Mont-bell Alpine Inner Cap. -goretex beanie keeps your head warm and dry 32g (you will look like a Japanese bobsledder thou) CON: Water can roll off it and down your neck, be warned. Squirrel's Nut Butter -Happie Toes and Salve. Treat your feet right, walking is tough without them. Evernew mug-pot -900ml only 100g can heat water for my meal and coffee at the same time. Helix Coffee Maker -Love my hot cup of coffee. -CONS: Coffee is very expensive in terms of weight. Helix, Coffee, filters, used wet coffee&filters to pack out, cup. So ya gotta want it. ThermoWorks ThermoDrop -zipper thermometer. Nice to have
I’m going to check out your gear suggestions…not that I want to change what I’m using. 😂. That’s why I didn’t do a pre-hike gear video is because most hikers don’t finish with the same gear they start with. It’s not how you start but how you finish. But yes, I think the key is flexibility.
Another GREAT informative video Rev! It’s a been there, done that type video that has a lot of impact in gear selection! Every trip I do, I keep notes on my phone about what is working and what I need to adjust. Like the Sawyer Squeeze. I’m very happy with the filter but the collection bags that cons with it are terrible. Way to hard to collect water. So I switched to the Cnoc water bag with its wide bottom opening and my water collection became way easier! Thanks for sharing you trials and errors!
Hello Sir. Thank U for sharing with us Your knowladge, all best tips and advices ❤ I'm preparing myself to Camino route from Porto to Santiago de Compostela so watching all Your films with wide eyes :) Very interesting info about non-cook system and keto diet. Brgds from Poland
Good luck on your hike. I hiked with a Polish couple who sang “Happy Birthday” to me in Polish. Very sweet couple. Check out the video: ua-cam.com/video/dKg6FClCaw0/v-deo.html
I’m really enjoying these changes videos. I’ve been using the Osprey Exos this year and have enjoyed it. I’ll be carrying it in the backcountry of Big Bend NP in a couple of weeks.
More great tips! I know what you mean about the maroon shirt. I like a long sleeve light reflecting shirt. Bugs just eat me up plus I don't want to burn, so one indulgence myself with a SPF 50 bug spray. Maybe I won't need to with a bug screen and a hat and long sleeves. Is it "Darwin Onthetrail" or "Dan Becker" that suggested using a WIDER sleep pad? I use an inflatable (22" wide) and a folding foam pad, but I feel they're a bit narrow for me. Dixie has always been a favorite and source of good ideas too! I might try that cold soaking idea. I've always liked peanut butter (watch the sugars!) and jerky and even dehydrated my own meats. Cold soaking would lighten my load. I had good success when I was doing keto, so I could do that again. Most prepared trail meals have potatoes and sugars, so dehydrating my own veggies and meats helps control what I consume. I kinda regret "saving money" getting the mini too! I also like gaiters! After a high school basketball practice, I could walk out across the basketball court and STILL get a pebble in my shoe! As I mentioned on previous videos, start listing Amazon links to your cool ideas. Get some credit for your great ideas! Thanks again for the great ideas!
Enjoyed you taking us on the evolution of your hike. I learned a lot. I have been pricing a lot of the items you mentioned on Amazon. First thing I ordered was the seat cushion and have saved the shirts for a later date. The other stuff is a bit out of my price range, but will keep them in mind. Thank you.
A person learns a lot by trial and error! Great info in this video to help others considering what to take/wear/ carry on their Thru Hike! Excellently done as usual! Now that you’re all fixed up and on the mend - hope you do some more thru hikes in the future?
Thanks Rebecca. I’ve got some hikes planned in the near future. I realized that the only things I DIDN’T change on my Thruhike was my shoes and socks! 😂 My back started hurting about a quarter of the way so I started changing things out to lighten my load. With all the changes I made I saved about 6 lbs. on my base weight.
This is a really great two-part series! Over the years I’ve made many of the same changes, back and forth. Experience really does let you know what works for YOU. What I find curious is your change to your diet. I eat very low carb at home but have been stymied on how to keep my diet (mostly) clean while hiking. Not sure why I didn’t think of just eating “lunch food” all day long. Thanks for that. The no-cook food system is for me! If you ever want to do a video on what you eat I’d be interested. Or if you can recommend another source for me to follow up on I’d be grateful. Thanks!
Thanks. There are several UA-cam channels where I got ideas for “No Cook” backpacking meals. There is also a Facebook group called “Keto Backpacking” (I think). But thanks for the idea about a video.
Just a thought . . . I always put a 3/4 length (cut a long one shorter) Z-Lite pad on top of my NeoAir Xlite. Maybe that's also why I can use a 32º bag down to 25 degrees (if it's not windy) but I dont think Ive ever rolled off of it except for two or three times when I just tossed and turned in my sleep and ended up catty corner in my tent with my head going east and my feet going west. I haven't used a stove yet and I'm on the keto diet as well. It makes it a lot easier and you can carry more calories per ounce of weight (carry more fat) and more space to carry Duke's Shorty Sausages :o) Camel up . . .
@@TheHikingRev I've only been backpacking since mid 2019 but I spent 10 years dreaming about it :o) I retired just so I could but I got cancer in 2011 and when I tried to get back to hiking for exercise I could not hike because of a neuroma in my foot. Then in late 2018 I found a solution for the neuroma on UA-cam and found out I could hike again. I pretty much figured out what I needed before I even bought a pack by (like you) watching UA-cam Videos of PCT hikers (Dixie for example)
Usually I would say that but in this case it held my interest all the way. I try to be conscious of how long my videos are but sometimes it just has to be. Keep up the good content Rev. 👌👍
@@SeniorHiker77 Thanks. I also realized that the only things I DIDN’T change on my Thruhike was my shoes and socks! 😂 My back started hurting about a quarter of the way so I started changing things out to lighten my load. With all the changes I made I saved about 6 lbs. on my base weight.
Thanks Rev! I enjoyed hearing how and why you evolved things over time. I wondered how you dealt with sunscreen to avoid sun burn? Especially in the long desert stretches in California. My neck especially gets burned without some kind of coverage. I know some people use umbrellas.
Hi Rev,.. its me again. I got a question.... on your hike adventures, have you encountered Bears, Coyote or woves maybe? Me and my wife are really enjoying your adventures. Its just pop up the question about bear or wolves enconter... Anyyhing yet?😊😊😊
In general, most animals including snakes are more afraid of you than you are of them. I saw one bear on my Pacific Crest Trail hike and he was running in the opposite direction from me as quickly as he could. Heard some coyotes, didn’t see any wolves or mountain lions but I’m sure they probably were watching me even if I did not see them. Most animals are only after humans food so if you protect your food from them they will not bother you.
Foot wear is so personal. The best thing is to go to REI, buy a pair and try them out on local trails. If they don’t work for you, return them and try another pair until you find something that works for you. I found that the Altra Lone Peaks work best for me.
Catherine I have a list of my base weights on every section I did on the PCT on lighterpack.com. PCT Gear List: Desert Section - lighterpack.com/r/mekl3i Sierra Section - lighterpack.com/r/a891cc NorCal Section - lighterpack.com/r/81d3hp Oregon Section - lighterpack.com/r/372u3v Washington Section - lighterpack.com/r/xa2aq0
I think hiking with less water was the hardest lesson for me to learn. I finally hiked with someone that challenged me to not be afraid of running out of water and “cameling up” at water spots. Dropping water wait and leaving extra clothes at home have really helped my pack weight go down. Great advice!
I agree totally. Thanks.
Great, great series..! Always amazed at all the changes hikers go thru, after all the research and trial runs. This is a tremendous help to us planning our first thru hikes. AT-‘25…with ultimate “dream” of triple crown.
Thank you !
Thanks Deerless. Wow, good luck on you Triple Crown pursuit.
I was actually very happy with all of the gear I started with. The only pieces I switched out were my shorts and my shirt because they got worn out. Great video, Rev!!
Thanks my friend. That’s because you’re an awesome, magnificent, proficient hiker. I couldn’t have finished without you. 😁
Lots of great tips Rev. I hope your recovering well and hope to meet you someday out on a trail.
Thanks. If you see me on trail please introduce yourself. I’d love to meet you too.
Thanks HikingRev! wonderful to see you out again.
Thanks. It’s great to be out again.
Thanks Rev
You’re welcome. 😁
Thanks for sharing! Im starting out CDT cold soaking. First week or two.
Great idea.
I have the Sea to Summit Comfort Plus mummy sleeping mat, Love it. I also have their Aeros down pillow, it's tiny. I could not cope without my stove. Need my tea. I camel up with it in the morning, though you have given me the idea of making enough in the evening, to drink it cold in the morning, just add some milk for a fast start to the day. Oh that maroon shirt, it draws the heat.Every Aussie would know that. Light colours don't do that and will not draw the sun to help overheat you. I have always hiked in gaiters. Again, I have been eyeing off the ZPaks. Good to hear your experience of the Nero.I wondered about the compromise in comfort. That is such a help for my own future purchasing. Ospeys are readily available in Australia, whilst we have to import the Zpac gear.
Thanks Fiona. I loved my Osprey EXOS. Yes big mistake buying a maroon shirt. I was in Australia several years ago. Flew into Brisbane and stayed in Kippa-Ring.
Great video Rev. Thank you so much! I'm hoping to hike the PCT one day. At the moment it's a big bucket list dream for a South African like myself.
Good luck Steph. I hope you get to one day.
Hi Rev. Nice to see you out walking. Two great videos. I feel backpackers need to be flexible. Do not think I have seen a hiker finish the PCT with (all) the same gear that they started with. Everyone is forced to adjust. Many plan different sets of gear for different sections of the trail.
Some equipment/gear I like:
Sun Hoodie -more comfort and better protection from the sun. Also feels better when walking in the heat..
Mont-bell Wind jacket and dynamo pants -very light 170g, warm. Replaces rain pants in dry climates or no rain forecast. CON: not durable.
Mont-bell Alpine Inner Cap. -goretex beanie keeps your head warm and dry 32g (you will look like a Japanese bobsledder thou) CON: Water can roll off it and down your neck, be warned.
Squirrel's Nut Butter -Happie Toes and Salve. Treat your feet right, walking is tough without them.
Evernew mug-pot -900ml only 100g can heat water for my meal and coffee at the same time.
Helix Coffee Maker -Love my hot cup of coffee. -CONS: Coffee is very expensive in terms of weight. Helix, Coffee, filters, used wet coffee&filters to pack out, cup. So ya gotta want it.
ThermoWorks ThermoDrop -zipper thermometer. Nice to have
I’m going to check out your gear suggestions…not that I want to change what I’m using. 😂. That’s why I didn’t do a pre-hike gear video is because most hikers don’t finish with the same gear they start with. It’s not how you start but how you finish. But yes, I think the key is flexibility.
@@TheHikingRev Let me know if you want links to anything.
Another GREAT informative video Rev! It’s a been there, done that type video that has a lot of impact in gear selection! Every trip I do, I keep notes on my phone about what is working and what I need to adjust. Like the Sawyer Squeeze. I’m very happy with the filter but the collection bags that cons with it are terrible. Way to hard to collect water. So I switched to the Cnoc water bag with its wide bottom opening and my water collection became way easier! Thanks for sharing you trials and errors!
I’m glad you enjoyed it. I think the biggest takeaway from the video is you have to be flexible cause some things work and some things don’t.
Hello Sir. Thank U for sharing with us Your knowladge, all best tips and advices ❤ I'm preparing myself to Camino route from Porto to Santiago de Compostela so watching all Your films with wide eyes :) Very interesting info about non-cook system and keto diet.
Brgds from Poland
Good luck on your hike. I hiked with a Polish couple who sang “Happy Birthday” to me in Polish. Very sweet couple. Check out the video: ua-cam.com/video/dKg6FClCaw0/v-deo.html
I’m really enjoying these changes videos. I’ve been using the Osprey Exos this year and have enjoyed it. I’ll be carrying it in the backcountry of Big Bend NP in a couple of weeks.
That’s a great pack. I love it.
It’s a great pack!
More great tips!
I know what you mean about the maroon shirt. I like a long sleeve light reflecting shirt. Bugs just eat me up plus I don't want to burn, so one indulgence myself with a SPF 50 bug spray. Maybe I won't need to with a bug screen and a hat and long sleeves.
Is it "Darwin Onthetrail" or "Dan Becker" that suggested using a WIDER sleep pad? I use an inflatable (22" wide) and a folding foam pad, but I feel they're a bit narrow for me.
Dixie has always been a favorite and source of good ideas too!
I might try that cold soaking idea. I've always liked peanut butter (watch the sugars!) and jerky and even dehydrated my own meats. Cold soaking would lighten my load.
I had good success when I was doing keto, so I could do that again. Most prepared trail meals have potatoes and sugars, so dehydrating my own veggies and meats helps control what I consume.
I kinda regret "saving money" getting the mini too!
I also like gaiters! After a high school basketball practice, I could walk out across the basketball court and STILL get a pebble in my shoe!
As I mentioned on previous videos, start listing Amazon links to your cool ideas. Get some credit for your great ideas!
Thanks again for the great ideas!
You’re welcome Gregory.
Enjoyed you taking us on the evolution of your hike. I learned a lot. I have been pricing a lot of the items you mentioned on Amazon. First thing I ordered was the seat cushion and have saved the shirts for a later date. The other stuff is a bit out of my price range, but will keep them in mind. Thank you.
You’re welcome Doug. It’s definitely an evolution.
A person learns a lot by trial and error! Great info in this video to help others considering what to take/wear/ carry on their Thru Hike! Excellently done as usual! Now that you’re all fixed up and on the mend - hope you do some more thru hikes in the future?
Thanks Rebecca. I’ve got some hikes planned in the near future. I realized that the only things I DIDN’T change on my Thruhike was my shoes and socks! 😂 My back started hurting about a quarter of the way so I started changing things out to lighten my load. With all the changes I made I saved about 6 lbs. on my base weight.
This is a really great two-part series! Over the years I’ve made many of the same changes, back and forth. Experience really does let you know what works for YOU. What I find curious is your change to your diet. I eat very low carb at home but have been stymied on how to keep my diet (mostly) clean while hiking. Not sure why I didn’t think of just eating “lunch food” all day long. Thanks for that. The no-cook food system is for me! If you ever want to do a video on what you eat I’d be interested. Or if you can recommend another source for me to follow up on I’d be grateful. Thanks!
Thanks. There are several UA-cam channels where I got ideas for “No Cook” backpacking meals. There is also a Facebook group called “Keto Backpacking” (I think). But thanks for the idea about a video.
Just a thought . . . I always put a 3/4 length (cut a long one shorter) Z-Lite pad on top of my NeoAir Xlite. Maybe that's also why I can use a 32º bag down to 25 degrees (if it's not windy) but I dont think Ive ever rolled off of it except for two or three times when I just tossed and turned in my sleep and ended up catty corner in my tent with my head going east and my feet going west.
I haven't used a stove yet and I'm on the keto diet as well. It makes it a lot easier and you can carry more calories per ounce of weight (carry more fat) and more space to carry Duke's Shorty Sausages :o)
Camel up . . .
John…you always have great suggestions and tips. You seem to have been at this for a while. 👍
@@TheHikingRev I've only been backpacking since mid 2019 but I spent 10 years dreaming about it :o) I retired just so I could but I got cancer in 2011 and when I tried to get back to hiking for exercise I could not hike because of a neuroma in my foot. Then in late 2018 I found a solution for the neuroma on UA-cam and found out I could hike again. I pretty much figured out what I needed before I even bought a pack by (like you) watching UA-cam Videos of PCT hikers (Dixie for example)
Thanks Rev enjoyed all 21:49 minutes of your change out. 👍
Video was way too long!
Usually I would say that but in this case it held my interest all the way. I try to be conscious of how long my videos are but sometimes it just has to be. Keep up the good content Rev. 👌👍
@@SeniorHiker77 Thanks. I also realized that the only things I DIDN’T change on my Thruhike was my shoes and socks! 😂 My back started hurting about a quarter of the way so I started changing things out to lighten my load. With all the changes I made I saved about 6 lbs. on my base weight.
I could relate to all your changes.lol
Is there anything you did not change??? Many times with wisdom comes change. It's great to see you weren't afraid to try new equipment.
😂😂😂 yeah hopefully I’ve got my equipment dialed in now. Well…maybe a new tent for this year.😂
Thanks Rev! I enjoyed hearing how and why you evolved things over time. I wondered how you dealt with sunscreen to avoid sun burn? Especially in the long desert stretches in California. My neck especially gets burned without some kind of coverage. I know some people use umbrellas.
I always would put on sunscreen first thing in the morning to avoid sunburn.
I applied sunscreen everyday, first thing in the morning. I’d pick up a small tube in a trail town while resupplying.
Hi Rev,.. its me again. I got a question.... on your hike adventures, have you encountered Bears, Coyote or woves maybe? Me and my wife are really enjoying your adventures. Its just pop up the question about bear or wolves enconter...
Anyyhing yet?😊😊😊
In general, most animals including snakes are more afraid of you than you are of them. I saw one bear on my Pacific Crest Trail hike and he was running in the opposite direction from me as quickly as he could. Heard some coyotes, didn’t see any wolves or mountain lions but I’m sure they probably were watching me even if I did not see them. Most animals are only after humans food so if you protect your food from them they will not bother you.
Nice summary (both parts 1 and 2). Was there a reason you didn’t switch back to the Arc Blast after the Nero?
My wife was out of town and couldn’t send it to me.
@@TheHikingRev Understood. Thanks for sharing your experiences!
What are your thought on foot wear? I’ve tried all of the altra’s and have gone to the Hoka speed goats. I’m still not sure which one I like best!
Foot wear is so personal. The best thing is to go to REI, buy a pair and try them out on local trails. If they don’t work for you, return them and try another pair until you find something that works for you. I found that the Altra Lone Peaks work best for me.
That's exactly what happened with me on my Thermorest. Now I use my older Nero mat, its wider and heaps more comfortable. 👍
Yes. I love my Nero mat. It is so much more comfortable.
Hey Rev
I’m a new subscriber and would love to hear what you have to say about footwear.
I use Altra Lone Peak trail runners. Love them.
I've noticed that ultralight gear is like bikinis: the lighter and skimpier it is, the more it costs.
That is the truth Rob.👙
What was your base weight? Start and finish?
Catherine I have a list of my base weights on every section I did on the PCT on lighterpack.com.
PCT Gear List:
Desert Section - lighterpack.com/r/mekl3i
Sierra Section - lighterpack.com/r/a891cc
NorCal Section - lighterpack.com/r/81d3hp
Oregon Section - lighterpack.com/r/372u3v
Washington Section - lighterpack.com/r/xa2aq0