Due to my own experience and research, I believe there is a strong correlation between altitude sickness/edema (headache and nausea) and peripheral edema (swelling, particularly the hands). Both result from water build up in the tissues. I have had a history of both when trying to ascend to higher altitudes without acclimating. I once foolishly left Los Angeles at sea level early in the morning, drove to the Whitney portal at 8300 ft, and backpacked to Trail camp at 12,000 ft by late afternoon. I had all the symptoms! Ugh! Since then I’ve learned to acclimate over 2 to 3 days.
Thanks for the metric conversions, makes a ton of difference for us folk in the rest of the world! Keep up the good work Dixie and I hope this new gear works out for you!
Dust mites can be controlled by freezing your pillows and sleeping bags. If you have the freezer space, freeze your bag/quilt for a day or two. A hot dryer will do as well. Good luck Dixie.
I break out in hives after being in the cold and then warming up as well. It’s no joke!! I love that you shared your story. Hopefully you still can get out there. If so…I would love to see more of your clean eating trail meals. I’ve picked up a ton of ideas for my upcoming trip as my dietary needs have changed as well. You are so inspiring. Thanks for your videos!!
Oh my! That’s a heck of an allergy! And I had a good chuckle when you showed your down puffy in the “accused of stealing allergy meds” footage. Hoping the synthetic works out!!!!
I'm sorry to hear you've been going through this, Jess! But lots to learn from your breakdown and backstory- great info! Also I DIED when you included the vest cam footage from the DG on the PT 😂😂😂😂😂 #neverforget
When you're allergic to something it gets worse over time. The reaction gets worse and worse the more you are exposed to whatever it is that causes it. Body finally says "I've had enough !"
Have you tried using down gear around your home? Controlling for the altitude could yield useful information. I hope all the new gear works out- happy trails!
Glad you found out! Oh my gosh some of those pics it looked like you were stung by a bee! Your the best Dixie thank you for your hard work and great videos!
I found out that I was allergic to dust mites when I was a kid. I just say I’m allergic to the planet since dust mites are everywhere. Lol. I have found that I have to rotate my allergy meds because they stop working. I rotate between Zyrtec, Claritin, and Allegra with the addition of Benadryl when desperate. Don’t know about you but I’ve been known to scratch my ears with a pair of tweezers and a friend of mine dubbed the itch relief “earganisms.” I must admit that it’s one of best feelings ever. Lol. I hope this solution works for you!
that reminds me of the time a guy who was nervous about a date he was going on asked on a forum "how do i give a woman a good organism?" and the replies he got were such as "well you could start off by giving her a pet goldfish, or a cat or a dog, or even a lizard. those are all good organisms."
I can totally relate to the bottle brush in the ear thing! Also my son used to break out in hives when he played outside in the cold. It’s absolutely a real thing!
Glad you found out about your allergic reaction to down, hopefully the synthetic insulation will do the trick. Synthetics have come a long way over the years and they are much more lighter and compressible that they used to be. Love your videos, keep em coming !
I have both the EE jacket and 20’ quilt my quilt is 20D and 10D . I haven’t had them in really cold weather yet. But the jacket is comfortable and the quilt was plenty warm in the 40s . It is a little bulky compared to Down. But you know that.👍 Always enjoy your videos.
I'm not allergic to backpacking, but I break out in hives whenever I mow the lawns, so I take 2 Benadryl (diphenhydramine) tablets about 45 minutes before I start mowing and it really keeps the hives to a minimum. Without the B, I look like I've broken out with smallpox, what with all the spots (hives). Still allergic to grass pollen, grass clippings, pine pollen, and maybe a few other pollens. When those things are in the air, just call me "Sneezy". Stay safe out there. Cheers.
@@kaygee9516 Benadryl only makes me sleepy if I'm not doing anything - like just sitting, watching TV or something. If I'm active on my feet, I don't notice any sleepiness.
Great breakdown and explanation of the issue and of your solutions. ❤️ 👐🏿 😊 I enjoyed this, and will refer it to any friends who have similar allergies. All the best as you continue your adventures! Much love and respect from New Zealand 😊 🏕️🏞️
I'm relieved that the issue is probably allergy related because I was seeing the swelling especially in that Tetons video and was a little worried about it. Wondering if your immune system is in a weird state in the wake of your Covid illness and hoping you get it toned down and more manageable for your life.
I discovered that dust mite allergies from a feather pillow made me more sensitive to other allergens, such as tree pollen. When I got rid of my feather pillow, my seasonal tree pollen allergies stopped, too--no more runny nose and itchy eyes.
Sorry about your allergies Dixie… I also have the Enlightened Equipment Torrid jacket with synthetic insulation and a hood, it’s incredibly comfortable, warm, well designed, practical and really tough.
A few thoughts: You'd probably also do well with new down stuff (for a while), since it will also be dust mite free. Your synthetic stuff is not dust-mite proof, either, and it will also accumulate dust mites over time. But I do think down is worse in that way. Allergy stores sell dust mite-proof pillow cases, duvet covers, mattress covers, etc. that keep the dust mites out of your bedding. It might be a good idea to store your new stuff in something like that, when you aren't using it. Dust mites thrive on the dead skin cells we shed. With that in mind, washing your new stuff as soon as you return from a long trip could be an effective way of keeping dust mites from proliferating in you new stuff.
I found out I was allergic to feathers when I was 11. We looked after the next door neighbours Parrot while they went away for the week. I spent the week in hospital in an oxygen tent, having been in contact with the parrot for only 10 minuets. As an adult I found I have the same reaction to house rabbits? never new there was such a thing, a friend had one in a cage in the kitchen, no seen her since.
Yeah, worked as an agronomist for years inspecting grain crops when they were flowering and the pollen was blowing like a fog. It has gotten worse over the years with multiple exposures. If I go out these days it’s rhinocort a cortisone spray up the snoz and maybe claratine for evenings. Mowing the lawn is not good at times. I think they call it acute rhinitis, hay fever. Starts off small and increases with more exposures. Now retired but still allergic to ryegrass and pine pollen. Sometimes we just have to knock ourselves out. Keep safe as you head into autumn and winter. We were nearing spring. I could imagine that the down with constant folding probably breaks down into small light fibres that squeeze out the fabric and coat the outside of the quilts and jackets. You might have an allergy to the poultry.
So incredibly interesting. Thanks for sharing the knowledge you've gained! You just never know who else is experiencing something similar who can benefit. Good luck with the modifications. I look forward to hearing how it goes!
My mom woke up looking like that every morning. It was her feather mattress and pillow. She hasn’t had an issue ever since. I think it’s the dust mites too. All my feather pillows are in dust mite encasings. I never heard anyone allergic to cold but my mom and me would get hives in the winter so we have to go sit in the sun, even I below freezing temps and the hives would go away. Not the same as you but I hear ya about cold weather. I love the color of your new bag and new coat! I went with hot pink and construction sign orange for mine. I think you will love your new coat as far as warmth. It will be larger to pack but you will likely wear it much of the time. Don’t get rid of your down coat. If you don’t wear it as much your allergies may improve. Washing the down pillows and comforters and storing them where the dust mites can’t get to them does help. Once you wash your down quilt and coat, make sure to store so no dust mites can worm their way back in. In dust mites proof bags or encasings.
Dust mites are a possibility of course (actually, my understanding is that it's enzymes in dust mite feces). But my first thought would be an allergy to common mould (fungal) spores, since when backpacking it's difficult to avoid the insulation getting warm and moist repeatedly. When they get warm and moist every night they will produce spores. The advantage of synthetic is that you will be able to wash it better (boiling if necessary). A long tumble dry that's as hot as the material will stand will probably kill living things (mites and moulds), but wind and sun would be better than merely a warm tumble dry. (Again - moulds like warm, damp conditions). Good luck. I hope you can avoid the allergens rather than have to resort to drugs.
It also helps that synthetics don't easily break down into stuff that mites and molds eat so it's only what gets caught in there, and that synthetics are often a continuous material so anything caught is on the surface just under the fabric, where your cleaning methods can get to it better
I have mold allergy, as well as penicillin one, and I agree with you. I haven't had any real problems since I was young, until one day I decided to was my down pillow and didn't completely dry it. In about a week I woke up wheezing and gasping for breath. I relived a few "painful" memories from my childhood that morning, but a quick spray of Primatene cured all that. Needless to say I threw away that pillow and now stay away from down filled things.
I am so glad this is the issue. After the Tetons video I was really worried about you. Glad you were able to put your finger on it so you can fix it and keep on hiking. We heart you. (Nice logo placement, Aaron)
I got the torrid apex jacket originally because the ghost whisperer was so expensive and I’m really happy with it. I bought a MLD 48 degree quilt for the summer and I’ve been thinking of switching out for synthetic for the winter too but right now I’m really happy with the budget burrow from HG which is down. Thankfully I’m not allergic but only wanted to make the switch mainly so that I wouldn’t have to worry so much about how to wash it and synthetic retains its insulation after being wet.
I've watched so many of your videos and have often contemplated writing a comment on this topic, but I just didn't know how to approach it in the more affective way. And I'm not sure this is either. I don't want to preach to somebody that doesn't want to hear it. That isn't productive. So skip this if that's you. But I have seen you be so kind and concerned about living creatures/animals and I think maybe you're open to hearing this. I don't know anybody who has gone so far as to not wear bug spray because they didn't want to handle insects and possibly harm them, so I know you care! So to see that you eat meat is so very surprising. I know there is an ability to compartmentalize what's happening (I did as well at one time). But you seem to have such a kind heart and I just always hope that one day I'll see you declaring you've given up meat. Likewise, I hope that you find that synthetic works for you and decide to not purchase anymore down filled products. No matter what is said, there is NO cruelty free way of creating these products. I won't go into the details here, but I urge you to really look into it. And wool as well. There honestly is no painfree way to collect it and no guarantee where companies are getting it from. I think you might find the extra weight is worth not supporting something so truly horrific.
You can get an allergy test to see what you’re more specifically allergic to. For example, you could be allergic to all feather down, or maybe only goose, but not duck, etc.
There is no limit to the allergy testing that can be done. It often never ends. Myself…I would rather buy new gear rather go in for more testing that may well be inconclusive. It is a worthy effort.
Synthetics have come such a long way in the last few years; particularly when it comes to warmth to weight ratio. I love my EE Torrid Apex puffy and my Blue Bolt Gear 25 degree quilt (also a custom Apex) which covers me for almost all conditions I hike in here in Australia. I’d also highly recommend Cedar Ridge Outdoors for super cosy quilts; they make a 0 degree synthetic top quilt with a proprietary UP insulation that compresses down beautifully. I’m sorry you have been beset with allergies as a sufferer myself, but I just gotta say, it’s a happy day for the ducks and geese!
@@mattsheringham3947 it actually took several months for our quilts to arrive but I wouldn’t consider our experience to be typical for a couple of reasons. Firstly, we bought them during the startup of the business and we were aware from the outset they had a large backlog of orders to fill, so the lead time was long. Secondly, it was the height of the pandemic and they had massive delays with supply of materials and shipping. They were really good at communicating issues and at no point did I feel like the delays were a business fail. I would absolutely buy from them again. The product is exceptional for the price. I’ll be excited to know what you think when your quilt arrives!
Welcome to the feather allergy club! Yep, synthetic products are the only thing I can use. Found that out in 5th grade when I got my first down coat. Got stuffed up and swollen quite quickly. My mom ended up with said coat...
I used to have those allergy tests years ago - don't miss them either. They didn't use a board that made mall pricks either - they manually scratched your skin with a pointer which was awful and sometimes painful depending on how they did it). It was brutal because of the scratch marks, itching and then trying to explain to everyone at school why I had 100 mosquito bites on my arms.
Sorry to hear about the troubles you had to go through! And thank you for your honewt and detailed description of the journey. I am soo looking forward to reviews of synthetic gear!
Hey Dixie, I go on multiday backpacking trips in Colorado to climb peaks. I use the EE Revelation Apex 20 degree (like you’re getting) and for me it is often too warm, but since you’re a cold sleeper I hope it works perfectly. I also have the EE Apex jacket, pants, mittens and booties to keep me warm when I don’t want to be immobile in the quilt-so far so good with all their equipment.
I was today years old when I found out that there is such a thing as cold allergies... And that I need to get tested for it, because I suspect that I have it... And I'm 35 years old. Thank you for sharing your story. This might have a fairly big impact on my life... I live in a fairly cold country.
Don't overthink it, the simplest explanation is usually the best. It's your night routine! At home you may use baby wipes, but you use lots of water to wash off the residue. Try doing a camp night routine while at home with the same camping soaps you would use on trail. Use as little water as you would on trail too. It may be that you are sleeping with soap or cleaning residues all night in the tent. I had this happen to me too and it wasn't until I recreated the reaction at home with soap that I could eliminate it from my pack and 'boom' problem solved!!!! Try out the sunscreen overnight too, or anything that you put on which might not get fully washed off while on trail.
I've been using a Torrid Apex jacket for about 3 years now. I love it; it weighs about 8 oz. and I find it warmer than my Patatonia Down parka. I wear it for everything all winter long. I also have an EE 10 degree revolution quilt. It's down, but since I don't seem to have any allergy issues, I probably won't switch to synthetic on that any time soon. I think you will really like your Torrid jacket. Love your videos!
I would go back to using tents because they work better at keeping wind-born particles from bombarding you all night long. Perhaps the little towllet-packets can come in handy when wiping down fabric most likely to come in contact with your face. Best of luck chasing down the villains.
I have the enlightened equipment apex 20 degree enigma as well as the Patagonia nano puff jacket and I absolutely love them both!!!! I think they are exceptional pieces of gear and luckily synthetics provide you much better protection in rain :) I hope you love your new gear!
Hey Dixie, love your content. I remember watching something on dust mites and you can freeze your quilts and puffy to kill them. Saves washing them if they’re not dirty. Best of luck.
I’ve had severe allergies all my life. I also was allergic to the cold but I was always told it was because I went into a to warm of room. I have had allergy tests done I’m severely allergic to all tree weeds and grasses. But I still get out in the woods I love it.
Same here, I am allergic to virtually everything outside. My local doc has a shot for me in the spring when the cottonwood seeds fly & one a week before my hunting trip in the fall.
Cold Allergy Diagnosed: Hi Dixie, I just wanted to say you are not crazy. Cold allergies are real. In 1994 I received a diagnosis of cold-water immersion induced asthma by an allergist at Portsmouth Naval Hospital while serving on active duty in the US Navy. Keep up the great content and don't let anything stop you from hiking! Cheers Chris
I had to trade great down pillows for foam because the down broke “down” (sorry about that) and down dust leached thru the case. Had puffiness and dreadful morning sinus issues. I discovered the link between the down and my reaction when I noticed what appeared as a stain on the pillow case was actually very, very fine down dust.
toast your down sleeping bag/pillows/quilts/coats in the dryer for 30 minutes to kill dust mites. also increased vitamin C (doses spaced out thru day) can help reduce general allergic reactivity. Also garlic and curry (spices including turmeric cooked in a fat) and ginger help alot... easiest might be one cup of ginger tea every evening (1/2 tsp organic ginger powder in boiled water)
Sorry to hear about your allergies. We mostly do canoe trips which means we are on, in, or beside water continually. And our Ontario climate frequently gets severe thunder and rain in the summer. We've tried using down sleeping bags but they get wet and become mostly useless. We've relied on synthetic sleeping bags for the last 40 years and we've always been happy with them. Yes they are a bit heavier but they still compress very well. I considered getting the EE Enigma when I replaced my bag a few years ago but I opted for an off-the-shelf Nemo Forte bag instead - I don't recall that I've ever zipped it up. I think you'll be very happy with your choice. I'd like to see a followup video after you've used the new gear.
D: As a life long allergy and asthama sufferer I’d strongly suggest taking another look at what your eating. In 2001 I moved to a new city (with I nsane pollen counts) and received my first down pillows and comforter as a wedding gift, and started a new v sedentary job. I was a snotty, sneezy, puffy mess for more than a year. The best allergist I ever met later explained that allergies are an inflammatory response and inflammation can accumulate and even compound. I got “better” when I eliminated the down and ran the AC 24/7. But every time I went out camping, hunting, etc I was a mess within a day or two. Years later I eliminated a handful of foods grains legumes and seed oils) as part of a 21 day challenge. My allergies disappeared and didn’t return until I went back to eating begles. You might be sensitive to pollen down and dust (I am) but by eliminating something more fundamental in your diet you may never have to ditch the down.
Sorry to hear dixie! Don't feel too bad cause your not alone! I went through the same thing! Hard to even except after paying hundreds for a good down bag. But my eyes would be swelled when i woke up with even the best downs. I went back to using my mountain hardwear lamina z-flame 22 degree bag. I couldn't be happier. Yes it added weight but way more moisture resistant and even more comfortable in my opinion. Lastly it turns out i am also allergic to wool!! Ughh...Was sad after buying 5 pairs of darn toughs that i can no longer wear!! I had to start wearing their coolmax versions. The wool versions were making my feet break out in rashes after the first day and yes they were new and clean. So no more down for me and no more wool. Stinks but i make it work. Thanks for this video! Wish you the best! Stay safe! Hike on!
I don't really have allergies per se but a couple days ago I did a bunch of weed wacking and that night I was MISERABLE. Throat scratchy, eyes felt like something was in them and runny nose. Thinking back, I have the same issues after I cut the grass. So now I wear a bandana over my nose and mouth to help catch whatever it is that's causing the issue. I have the Torrid jacket and absolutely LOVE it!!! I actually went to Enlightened Equipment's headquarters in MN and they gave me a tour. It was pretty cool. John from MI
What a bummer. Sorry to hear that you have to deal with this. With regards to synthetic outerwear, Patagonia and Arc’teryx make a couple of great ones.
I am glad you figured this one out, I think I suggested checking for down allergies back in January. I am sure you will enjoy backpacking a lot more :) Happy Trails
Dust Mite and mold allergy sufferer hear. Tried allergy shots many years ago, but I was so allergic they could not bring the duct mite dosage up enough to make a difference. The shots however cured my tree allergies and reduced grass allergies by half. So shots are really worth a try. I also believe that dridown seems to significantly reduce the allergy situation - however as you surmised, mites feed off of our shed skin cells, so washing seems like a must once the bag has been worn for a while - OR always use a liner. Mold can grow on down if it gets wet. Synthetic insulation varies in warmth to a huge degree, there are many brand names, but some really work and some not as much. It is more trial and error to find what filling works best for you. The North Face makes jackets with something called thermoball which as the name indicates, is balled up synthetic fibers into pea-sized balls that is incredibly warm for the weight (comparable to down or better than down) but a bit pricey. They should make quilts! I also have a Mountain Hardwear bag that seems to be much warmer than other bags with 2X the stuffing of the MH... so trial and error. Best of luck. Being allergic to dust, mold (think wet leaves), grass makes it tough. I agree with my allergist that the regular OTC nasal steroid sprays (several options in the pharmacy store) are pretty effective and more effective than the pills, so worth a try if OK with your doctor and maybe once Covid presence is way down. Best of luck.
I really employ you to check your food. I had several allergies including pine trees. Guess what I changed my diet and they all went away. It only comes back when I eat the wrong foods. What foods you might ask? Processed foods, processed seed oils. What you are probably experiencing is really inflammation from the processed foods you eat on the trail. Do an experiment eat real food for 3 weeks. Eat backpacking food at home. Wrong food takes 3-4 days to get out of my symptoms out of my body. All allergies go away when I eat correctly. Makes food and backpacking harder.
Really glad you seem to have figured it out! Good luck! I've enjoyed your videos ever since you hiked the PCT. This is a WONDERFUL video!! Thanks!! :-)
I Hear the EE Torrid Apex jacket is really warm, particularly because there are none of the sewn-thru baffles that thin puffy jackets/sweaters use that are made of either down or Primaloft that requires quilting/baffles. I'd love to get one. Would be super interested in seeing a follow-up video with your thoughts. Looking forward to a follow-up video talking about your experience both with your synthetic jacket and quilt.
My allergy chart looks really similar to yours. Ain't gonna stop backpacking, though. I'm blessed that I found out two years ago that I can almost entirely eliminate my sensitivities by avoiding sugar.
Oh my that SUUUUUUUUUcks. I knew the glasses were hiding something. Ive always attributed that to altitude. I'm so hopeful you can get it worked out. Cheers
No known allergies, but I love my Torrid. Warmer than my down puffy, and much more flexible. Don’t have to take it off much when sweating and raining. Added bonus, repairing burns and tears optional!
Hi Dixie. My wife and I just watched this video. She had a down pillow that she loved, but being down, and covered with a pillowcase, it wasn't cleaned very often. Just the pillowcase was cleaned. At one point her face got swollen like yours. She had had allergy tests on her back and was allergic to the same items you were tested with, plus a whole lot more. She carefully cleaned the pillow, not just the cover, the pillow--and BINGO the reaction stopped within three days. Now, this swelling up ALSO occurred when she was caring for my mom who was terminal with cancer. So my wife was under a TON of stress. Just thought I'd comment on 'thoroughly clean the down gear' and 'address the stress'. If there's something deeply bugging you, you better face it and not bury it. As to gear, If I were you I would 'superclean' your down quilt, puffy, etc. Take them to a dry cleaner, wash them yourself, hit them with UV in direct sun, or whatever. THOROUGHLY clean your down items. You are snuggling them around your face at night, and if they are really filthy--well figure it out. We enjoy all your vids. Thanks for that. And good luck.
I used my 40° EE APEX quilt in the Sierras this summer (late July). It feels like it weighs nothing, but is SO warm. On a few nights it got fairly cool and I put on my EE Torrid jacket also. On those nights I was almost too warm. The APEX bags can be layered (according to their website's data) and that gives you some flexibility. For example a 40° for cool nights, a 20° for sub-freezing nights, and combined together for the equivalent of a -10° rating if needed.
Hello Dixie 👋, I hope that the switch to the new, non down equipment, will be beneficial to you. I'm addicted to your timely and informative videos, so I need to see 👀 you in the best of health when you are out there on the trail. Stay healthy, safe and young. 🤗
After many years of thinking I was invincible . polar dips, -20 over night trips. I had a case of cold hives. it was the strangest experience, and I was super panicked. My first cold hives experience wasnt until my mid 30s.
I have a lot of health challenges, but thankfully my allergies are drug, mold and food related, and of course some humans. I can't handle extreme heat or cold anymore either. I put blankets, pillows, jackets and quilts in the dryer to kill the mites and it does help. I feel better outdoors and wish I could live out there. I/we did live in the remote wilderness of BC for 17 years and backpacked supplies often.
I'm not a Doctor either, but as a person who takes allergy medicine from April to September, this is something I've learned. Different allergy meds have different main "ingredients". I've found I have to switch it up through those months to get the best protection. My body, for lack of a better medical term, seems to build a resistance to their effectiveness. You can find lists on line of the common OTC allergy meds and the main drug contained in those brands. Again, not medical but experiential evidence. I ain't sayin', I'm just sayin'. I love your videos Dixie, and I'm confident you'll find your way through this. Safe journeys.
I can’t WAIT to hear your reviews on the EE synthetic products. My sister and I did our AT Thru Hike (we were SOBO) this past fall/winter, and I’m allergic to down/dust mites. I carried a Nemo Viola 20º (synthetic) bag and got the synthetic Forclaz Trek 100 from Decathlon as my puffy. I also used a Sea to Summit Reactor liner. I was FREEZING in the 30’s, and my sleeping pad even has a 4.24 (i think) R value. I had to add a pair of hot socks and use a set of hot hands every night it dropped below freezing. I even ended up adding a closed cell foam pad under my sleeping pad AND a Rumpl nano loft blanket. It was so much extra weight, but it’s what I had to do to not lay away shivering so hard my teeth clattered all night long. I still didn’t escape the effects of down (puffy face, ears and eyes, hives, and congestion in the morning), however, because all of my sister’s stuff is down and we shared a tent for warmth. I hope the EE stuff proves effective for you, and would hopefully work for me as well ‘cause I want to do the PCT, but absolutely will not do another thru hike with the base weight I had on the AT and me sleep system is really where a lot of the weight could be lost. I hate you’ve had to suffer, but I have to admit that I already so appreciate the coming gear review.
You could also consider a dust-mite-proof cover for whatever you are using for a pillow. In and of itself, it's not perfect, but it would offer another layer of protection and is easier to wash than your sleeping bag. I bit the bullet year ago and got allergy shots (immunotherapy) and it helped me immensely, and was definitely worth the effort. Good luck!
I love your new T-Shirt designs. Well some kind of bad news, but at least you have your options and try some things out. Hope your allergie does not get in way of your passion for hiking.
One thing to try is after washing and drying , sprinkle a quarter of a cup of Diatoms over the inner surface of your bag , zip it up and shake it like hell! It doesn’t look great but it works well 👍. Also , diatoms are great for treating worms . A small teaspoon in your morning coffee will take care of anything you may have inadvertently taken orally. After all , there’s a lot of poop on them trails . Hope you’ve found the solution 🤞👍
Thank you for sharing this. I know it's not the same, but my allergies have been getting worse and I now have asthma became of them. It honestly feels very isolating, like I'm the only one with these problems. Being outdoors is my passion and I'm very allergic to tree pollen, it's stupid. I hope you love your new gear!
Great discussion about your choice of the Mont Bell Thermawrap v. the EE Torrid APEX. I have a Thermawrap and really like it, but you, as usual, make some good and thoughtful points to your choice reasoning. Hope going featherless works. Wander on!
My face puffs up at high altitude. My face looks much like yours did when I wake up. The longer I'm out, I eventually get acclimated. But the first few days are awful!
If it's cold while sleeping, instead of wearing a hooded down parka I use a synthetic fleece balaclava to cover the head and face. This is easier to wash than a coat or anything with down. It would also put distance between the face and the down within a quilt and help keep the quilt cleaner.
As someone who is new to backpacking and is also allergic to dust mites, many weeds and trees, this gives me hope. Hopefully going all synthetics and having allergy medicine will help! Thanks for the gear advice
I’m allergic to every kind of weed, tree, grass, & flower that grows in Southern California! I went through allergy shots many years ago and that was the best thing I did. My allergies are not half of what they used to be.
I always use synthetic due to allergies. I like to keep an eye out for certain military surplus sleeping bags and coats/jackets as they tend to have the best synthetic fills and protection available now since most backpacking companies focus so heavily on down gear these days.
Suggestion: Sleep with your down equipment at home and see if you puff up. Then you can control your variables. Good luck with the new gear regardless!
So Daisy you went from beautiful to looking Japanese-Swedish and still beautiful. Wow that puffiness was off the hook. Looking forward to the review of the new gear.
I feel your pain - I too had to go get allergy testing after years of being "sick" all the time.. turns out I'm allergic to Feathers too! (and cats, and dogs, roaches, mites, most growing plants, mold, grass.. you know, literally everything). I take prescription allergy meds now that help a lot, but also just being more conscious of what I'm around and how it affects me, helps me to make good choices in what I'm exposing myself to. Also - my allergy test was way way different than yours. I had 144 shots injected in my back and arms (140 came back allergic, 7 came back deadly allergic) I carry epi pens now. lol. Some people get scratch tests, others get injections, there's also some blood tests.. it just depends where you get it done.
I live up in Canada and yep, I have seen children break out in hives from the cold so I believe you. I am glad you’re finding ways around the allergies.
I found I wasn't allergic to the feathers but the stuff put on the down pillow I was using during the manufacture of it. I moved to synethetic and never looked back. Dust mites have a hard life unless in organic materials. I tested this pillow because I wasn't sure about getting a down bag. I'm a synethetic bagger too. Wiggys +20 and the slumber bag +50. They may be heavy but they insulate even when soaked. I've slept in the slumber bag for six months inside during the winter. (Heat pumps don't work except above 32 degrees.) Good luck on your great choices. Few move back to down after having synethetic. (For allergic reactions and allergies Pseudoephedrine is the best if you can get it and then I take Allerga with it.)
Synthetics today are far superior to what they used to be. Getting better every year. EE is great stuff. I am extremely allergic to the city. 😆 🤣
I’m allergic to the city too!!! 😂😂😂
We did notice that you looked fluffy in your Teton video but we didn't want to be rude by saying something. So glad you figured it out
It wasn’t the hiker hunger lol
Due to my own experience and research, I believe there is a strong correlation between altitude sickness/edema (headache and nausea) and peripheral edema (swelling, particularly the hands). Both result from water build up in the tissues. I have had a history of both when trying to ascend to higher altitudes without acclimating. I once foolishly left Los Angeles at sea level early in the morning, drove to the Whitney portal at 8300 ft, and backpacked to Trail camp at 12,000 ft by late afternoon. I had all the symptoms! Ugh! Since then I’ve learned to acclimate over 2 to 3 days.
Thanks for the metric conversions, makes a ton of difference for us folk in the rest of the world! Keep up the good work Dixie and I hope this new gear works out for you!
Dust mites can be controlled by freezing your pillows and sleeping bags. If you have the freezer space, freeze your bag/quilt for a day or two. A hot dryer will do as well. Good luck Dixie.
In my case I just have leave my gear in my car during October. Lol
@@aurtisanminer2827 So does that give it the freeze or the bake treatment?? All depends on what part of the USA you live in.
@@penultimateh766 lol. I guess that’s an important factor. In my case it’s the freeze technique. In january it’ll be the hard freeze technique.
I think it's the dust mite poop that's actually the problem
Great tip!
I break out in hives after being in the cold and then warming up as well. It’s no joke!! I love that you shared your story. Hopefully you still can get out there. If so…I would love to see more of your clean eating trail meals. I’ve picked up a ton of ideas for my upcoming trip as my dietary needs have changed as well. You are so inspiring. Thanks for your videos!!
Oh my! That’s a heck of an allergy! And I had a good chuckle when you showed your down puffy in the “accused of stealing allergy meds” footage. Hoping the synthetic works out!!!!
I'm sorry to hear you've been going through this, Jess! But lots to learn from your breakdown and backstory- great info!
Also I DIED when you included the vest cam footage from the DG on the PT 😂😂😂😂😂 #neverforget
Same here! I had actually thought of it when she mentioned Claritin.
It’s amazing that you’ve just discovered this after all this time. It’s good you figured it out!
When you're allergic to something it gets worse over time. The reaction gets worse and worse the more you are exposed to whatever it is that causes it. Body finally says "I've had enough !"
The sea to summit reactor bag liner is fantastic liner that adds warmth! Super snuggly
Have you tried using down gear around your home? Controlling for the altitude could yield useful information.
I hope all the new gear works out- happy trails!
No elevation on the Florida Trail.
@@dustyc324 Got a point there !
Glad you found out! Oh my gosh some of those pics it looked like you were stung by a bee! Your the best Dixie thank you for your hard work and great videos!
I found out that I was allergic to dust mites when I was a kid. I just say I’m allergic to the planet since dust mites are everywhere. Lol. I have found that I have to rotate my allergy meds because they stop working. I rotate between Zyrtec, Claritin, and Allegra with the addition of Benadryl when desperate. Don’t know about you but I’ve been known to scratch my ears with a pair of tweezers and a friend of mine dubbed the itch relief “earganisms.” I must admit that it’s one of best feelings ever. Lol. I hope this solution works for you!
that reminds me of the time a guy who was nervous about a date he was going on asked on a forum "how do i give a woman a good organism?" and the replies he got were such as "well you could start off by giving her a pet goldfish, or a cat or a dog, or even a lizard. those are all good organisms."
I can totally relate to the bottle brush in the ear thing! Also my son used to break out in hives when he played outside in the cold. It’s absolutely a real thing!
Glad you found out about your allergic reaction to down, hopefully the synthetic insulation will do the trick. Synthetics have come a long way over the years and they are much more lighter and compressible that they used to be. Love your videos, keep em coming !
I have both the EE jacket and 20’ quilt my quilt is 20D and 10D . I haven’t had them in really cold weather yet. But the jacket is comfortable and the quilt was plenty warm in the 40s . It is a little bulky compared to Down. But you know that.👍 Always enjoy your videos.
I'm not allergic to backpacking, but I break out in hives whenever I mow the lawns, so I take 2 Benadryl (diphenhydramine) tablets about 45 minutes before I start mowing and it really keeps the hives to a minimum. Without the B, I look like I've broken out with smallpox, what with all the spots (hives). Still allergic to grass pollen, grass clippings, pine pollen, and maybe a few other pollens. When those things are in the air, just call me "Sneezy". Stay safe out there. Cheers.
How do you stay awake? When I take Benadryl it knocks me out for at least 8 hours 🤣
I have hay fever, eating local honey helps a lot.
@@kaygee9516 Benadryl only makes me sleepy if I'm not doing anything - like just sitting, watching TV or something. If I'm active on my feet, I don't notice any sleepiness.
Great breakdown and explanation of the issue and of your solutions.
❤️ 👐🏿 😊
I enjoyed this, and will refer it to any friends who have similar allergies.
All the best as you continue your adventures! Much love and respect from New Zealand 😊 🏕️🏞️
I'm relieved that the issue is probably allergy related because I was seeing the swelling especially in that Tetons video and was a little worried about it. Wondering if your immune system is in a weird state in the wake of your Covid illness and hoping you get it toned down and more manageable for your life.
Good point. Covid does seem to ramp up allergies.
I discovered that dust mite allergies from a feather pillow made me more sensitive to other allergens, such as tree pollen. When I got rid of my feather pillow, my seasonal tree pollen allergies stopped, too--no more runny nose and itchy eyes.
Sorry about your allergies Dixie… I also have the Enlightened Equipment Torrid jacket with synthetic insulation and a hood, it’s incredibly comfortable, warm, well designed, practical and really tough.
Yay! I’m so happy to hear you like it 😃
I also have the EE Torrid Jacket and its easily my favorite piece of gear!
Seconded! I got my last winter and it's awesome! It (almost) makes me look forward to the cold weather is so friggin comfy!
Me too! I'm absolutely obsessed with it :)
Your one tough chick. You keep pushing on no matter what. Hope you new gear helps out. Good info, learned a lot. Thanks Dixie.
A few thoughts:
You'd probably also do well with new down stuff (for a while), since it will also be dust mite free.
Your synthetic stuff is not dust-mite proof, either, and it will also accumulate dust mites over time. But I do think down is worse in that way.
Allergy stores sell dust mite-proof pillow cases, duvet covers, mattress covers, etc. that keep the dust mites out of your bedding. It might be a good idea to store your new stuff in something like that, when you aren't using it.
Dust mites thrive on the dead skin cells we shed. With that in mind, washing your new stuff as soon as you return from a long trip could be an effective way of keeping dust mites from proliferating in you new stuff.
I found out I was allergic to feathers when I was 11. We looked after the next door neighbours Parrot while they went away for the week. I spent the week in hospital in an oxygen tent, having been in contact with the parrot for only 10 minuets. As an adult I found I have the same reaction to house rabbits? never new there was such a thing, a friend had one in a cage in the kitchen, no seen her since.
OMG! Love the shirt. Get feeling better. You guys are my only path to adventure ATM.
Yeah, worked as an agronomist for years inspecting grain crops when they were flowering and the pollen was blowing like a fog. It has gotten worse over the years with multiple exposures. If I go out these days it’s rhinocort a cortisone spray up the snoz and maybe claratine for evenings. Mowing the lawn is not good at times. I think they call it acute rhinitis, hay fever. Starts off small and increases with more exposures. Now retired but still allergic to ryegrass and pine pollen. Sometimes we just have to knock ourselves out. Keep safe as you head into autumn and winter. We were nearing spring. I could imagine that the down with constant folding probably breaks down into small light fibres that squeeze out the fabric and coat the outside of the quilts and jackets. You might have an allergy to the poultry.
So incredibly interesting. Thanks for sharing the knowledge you've gained! You just never know who else is experiencing something similar who can benefit. Good luck with the modifications. I look forward to hearing how it goes!
My mom woke up looking like that every morning. It was her feather mattress and pillow. She hasn’t had an issue ever since. I think it’s the dust mites too. All my feather pillows are in dust mite encasings. I never heard anyone allergic to cold but my mom and me would get hives in the winter so we have to go sit in the sun, even I below freezing temps and the hives would go away. Not the same as you but I hear ya about cold weather. I love the color of your new bag and new coat! I went with hot pink and construction sign orange for mine. I think you will love your new coat as far as warmth. It will be larger to pack but you will likely wear it much of the time. Don’t get rid of your down coat. If you don’t wear it as much your allergies may improve. Washing the down pillows and comforters and storing them where the dust mites can’t get to them does help. Once you wash your down quilt and coat, make sure to store so no dust mites can worm their way back in. In dust mites proof bags or encasings.
Dust mites are a possibility of course (actually, my understanding is that it's enzymes in dust mite feces). But my first thought would be an allergy to common mould (fungal) spores, since when backpacking it's difficult to avoid the insulation getting warm and moist repeatedly. When they get warm and moist every night they will produce spores. The advantage of synthetic is that you will be able to wash it better (boiling if necessary). A long tumble dry that's as hot as the material will stand will probably kill living things (mites and moulds), but wind and sun would be better than merely a warm tumble dry. (Again - moulds like warm, damp conditions). Good luck. I hope you can avoid the allergens rather than have to resort to drugs.
It also helps that synthetics don't easily break down into stuff that mites and molds eat so it's only what gets caught in there, and that synthetics are often a continuous material so anything caught is on the surface just under the fabric, where your cleaning methods can get to it better
I have mold allergy, as well as penicillin one, and I agree with you. I haven't had any real problems since I was young, until one day I decided to was my down pillow and didn't completely dry it. In about a week I woke up wheezing and gasping for breath. I relived a few "painful" memories from my childhood that morning, but a quick spray of Primatene cured all that. Needless to say I threw away that pillow and now stay away from down filled things.
I am so glad this is the issue. After the Tetons video I was really worried about you. Glad you were able to put your finger on it so you can fix it and keep on hiking. We heart you. (Nice logo placement, Aaron)
That shirt is brilliant!
I got the torrid apex jacket originally because the ghost whisperer was so expensive and I’m really happy with it. I bought a MLD 48 degree quilt for the summer and I’ve been thinking of switching out for synthetic for the winter too but right now I’m really happy with the budget burrow from HG which is down. Thankfully I’m not allergic but only wanted to make the switch mainly so that I wouldn’t have to worry so much about how to wash it and synthetic retains its insulation after being wet.
I've watched so many of your videos and have often contemplated writing a comment on this topic, but I just didn't know how to approach it in the more affective way. And I'm not sure this is either. I don't want to preach to somebody that doesn't want to hear it. That isn't productive. So skip this if that's you. But I have seen you be so kind and concerned about living creatures/animals and I think maybe you're open to hearing this. I don't know anybody who has gone so far as to not wear bug spray because they didn't want to handle insects and possibly harm them, so I know you care! So to see that you eat meat is so very surprising. I know there is an ability to compartmentalize what's happening (I did as well at one time). But you seem to have such a kind heart and I just always hope that one day I'll see you declaring you've given up meat. Likewise, I hope that you find that synthetic works for you and decide to not purchase anymore down filled products. No matter what is said, there is NO cruelty free way of creating these products. I won't go into the details here, but I urge you to really look into it. And wool as well. There honestly is no painfree way to collect it and no guarantee where companies are getting it from. I think you might find the extra weight is worth not supporting something so truly horrific.
You can get an allergy test to see what you’re more specifically allergic to. For example, you could be allergic to all feather down, or maybe only goose, but not duck, etc.
There is no limit to the allergy testing that can be done. It often never ends. Myself…I would rather buy new gear rather go in for more testing that may well be inconclusive. It is a worthy effort.
Synthetics have come such a long way in the last few years; particularly when it comes to warmth to weight ratio. I love my EE Torrid Apex puffy and my Blue Bolt Gear 25 degree quilt (also a custom Apex) which covers me for almost all conditions I hike in here in Australia. I’d also highly recommend Cedar Ridge Outdoors for super cosy quilts; they make a 0 degree synthetic top quilt with a proprietary UP insulation that compresses down beautifully.
I’m sorry you have been beset with allergies as a sufferer myself, but I just gotta say, it’s a happy day for the ducks and geese!
Good to hear, I've ordered a blue bolt 25f solo quilt a few days ago and I'm in Australia. Curious how long did it take for you to receive your quilt?
@@mattsheringham3947 it actually took several months for our quilts to arrive but I wouldn’t consider our experience to be typical for a couple of reasons. Firstly, we bought them during the startup of the business and we were aware from the outset they had a large backlog of orders to fill, so the lead time was long. Secondly, it was the height of the pandemic and they had massive delays with supply of materials and shipping. They were really good at communicating issues and at no point did I feel like the delays were a business fail. I would absolutely buy from them again. The product is exceptional for the price. I’ll be excited to know what you think when your quilt arrives!
Welcome to the feather allergy club! Yep, synthetic products are the only thing I can use. Found that out in 5th grade when I got my first down coat. Got stuffed up and swollen quite quickly. My mom ended up with said coat...
I used to have those allergy tests years ago - don't miss them either. They didn't use a board that made mall pricks either - they manually scratched your skin with a pointer which was awful and sometimes painful depending on how they did it). It was brutal because of the scratch marks, itching and then trying to explain to everyone at school why I had 100 mosquito bites on my arms.
Sorry to hear about the troubles you had to go through! And thank you for your honewt and detailed description of the journey. I am soo looking forward to reviews of synthetic gear!
Hey Dixie, I go on multiday backpacking trips in Colorado to climb peaks. I use the EE Revelation Apex 20 degree (like you’re getting) and for me it is often too warm, but since you’re a cold sleeper I hope it works perfectly. I also have the EE Apex jacket, pants, mittens and booties to keep me warm when I don’t want to be immobile in the quilt-so far so good with all their equipment.
Sorry for your troubles 😢
I hope that Syn's work for you 😀👍🏽.
I can't wait to hear about them 🙂
I was today years old when I found out that there is such a thing as cold allergies... And that I need to get tested for it, because I suspect that I have it... And I'm 35 years old.
Thank you for sharing your story. This might have a fairly big impact on my life... I live in a fairly cold country.
Don't overthink it, the simplest explanation is usually the best. It's your night routine! At home you may use baby wipes, but you use lots of water to wash off the residue. Try doing a camp night routine while at home with the same camping soaps you would use on trail. Use as little water as you would on trail too. It may be that you are sleeping with soap or cleaning residues all night in the tent. I had this happen to me too and it wasn't until I recreated the reaction at home with soap that I could eliminate it from my pack and 'boom' problem solved!!!!
Try out the sunscreen overnight too, or anything that you put on which might not get fully washed off while on trail.
Yee haw Dixie! I’m allergic to grass, dust and trees too.
Keep up the good work!
And you’re so pretty! 🙂
I've been using a Torrid Apex jacket for about 3 years now. I love it; it weighs about 8 oz. and I find it warmer than my Patatonia Down parka. I wear it for everything all winter long. I also have an EE 10 degree revolution quilt. It's down, but since I don't seem to have any allergy issues, I probably won't switch to synthetic on that any time soon. I think you will really like your Torrid jacket. Love your videos!
I would go back to using tents because they work better at keeping wind-born particles from bombarding you all night long. Perhaps the little towllet-packets can come in handy when wiping down fabric most likely to come in contact with your face. Best of luck chasing down the villains.
I have the enlightened equipment apex 20 degree enigma as well as the Patagonia nano puff jacket and I absolutely love them both!!!! I think they are exceptional pieces of gear and luckily synthetics provide you much better protection in rain :) I hope you love your new gear!
Crushing it! Proud of you 💪
Hey Dixie, love your content. I remember watching something on dust mites and you can freeze your quilts and puffy to kill them. Saves washing them if they’re not dirty. Best of luck.
Ahhh, now my ears itch! LOL I hope you feel better and the new gear really makes a difference for you.
I’ve had severe allergies all my life. I also was allergic to the cold but I was always told it was because I went into a to warm of room. I have had allergy tests done I’m severely allergic to all tree weeds and grasses. But I still get out in the woods I love it.
Same here, I am allergic to virtually everything outside. My local doc has a shot for me in the spring when the cottonwood seeds fly & one a week before my hunting trip in the fall.
It is so cool, that you finally found out, what's wrong. :) Happy new trips to you!
Cold Allergy Diagnosed:
Hi Dixie,
I just wanted to say you are not crazy. Cold allergies are real. In 1994 I received a diagnosis of cold-water immersion induced asthma by an allergist at Portsmouth Naval Hospital while serving on active duty in the US Navy.
Keep up the great content and don't let anything stop you from hiking!
Cheers
Chris
I had to trade great down pillows for foam because the down broke “down” (sorry about that) and down dust leached thru the case. Had puffiness and dreadful morning sinus issues. I discovered the link between the down and my reaction when I noticed what appeared as a stain on the pillow case was actually very, very fine down dust.
toast your down sleeping bag/pillows/quilts/coats in the dryer for 30 minutes to kill dust mites. also increased vitamin C (doses spaced out thru day) can help reduce general allergic reactivity. Also garlic and curry (spices including turmeric cooked in a fat) and ginger help alot... easiest might be one cup of ginger tea every evening (1/2 tsp organic ginger powder in boiled water)
Or just avoid down and feathers ?
Sorry to hear about your allergies. We mostly do canoe trips which means we are on, in, or beside water continually. And our Ontario climate frequently gets severe thunder and rain in the summer. We've tried using down sleeping bags but they get wet and become mostly useless. We've relied on synthetic sleeping bags for the last 40 years and we've always been happy with them. Yes they are a bit heavier but they still compress very well. I considered getting the EE Enigma when I replaced my bag a few years ago but I opted for an off-the-shelf Nemo Forte bag instead - I don't recall that I've ever zipped it up. I think you'll be very happy with your choice. I'd like to see a followup video after you've used the new gear.
D:
As a life long allergy and asthama sufferer I’d strongly suggest taking another look at what your eating. In 2001 I moved to a new city (with I nsane pollen counts) and received my first down pillows and comforter as a wedding gift, and started a new v sedentary job. I was a snotty, sneezy, puffy mess for more than a year.
The best allergist I ever met later explained that allergies are an inflammatory response and inflammation can accumulate and even compound.
I got “better” when I eliminated the down and ran the AC 24/7. But every time I went out camping, hunting, etc I was a mess within a day or two.
Years later I eliminated a handful of foods grains legumes and seed oils) as part of a 21 day challenge. My allergies disappeared and didn’t return until I went back to eating begles.
You might be sensitive to pollen down and dust (I am) but by eliminating something more fundamental in your diet you may never have to ditch the down.
Sorry to hear dixie! Don't feel too bad cause your not alone! I went through the same thing! Hard to even except after paying hundreds for a good down bag. But my eyes would be swelled when i woke up with even the best downs. I went back to using my mountain hardwear lamina z-flame 22 degree bag. I couldn't be happier. Yes it added weight but way more moisture resistant and even more comfortable in my opinion. Lastly it turns out i am also allergic to wool!! Ughh...Was sad after buying 5 pairs of darn toughs that i can no longer wear!! I had to start wearing their coolmax versions. The wool versions were making my feet break out in rashes after the first day and yes they were new and clean. So no more down for me and no more wool. Stinks but i make it work. Thanks for this video! Wish you the best! Stay safe! Hike on!
I don't really have allergies per se but a couple days ago I did a bunch of weed wacking and that night I was MISERABLE. Throat scratchy, eyes felt like something was in them and runny nose. Thinking back, I have the same issues after I cut the grass. So now I wear a bandana over my nose and mouth to help catch whatever it is that's causing the issue.
I have the Torrid jacket and absolutely LOVE it!!!
I actually went to Enlightened Equipment's headquarters in MN and they gave me a tour. It was pretty cool. John from MI
What a bummer. Sorry to hear that you have to deal with this. With regards to synthetic outerwear, Patagonia and Arc’teryx make a couple of great ones.
I am glad you figured this one out, I think I suggested checking for down allergies back in January. I am sure you will enjoy backpacking a lot more :) Happy Trails
Dust Mite and mold allergy sufferer hear. Tried allergy shots many years ago, but I was so allergic they could not bring the duct mite dosage up enough to make a difference. The shots however cured my tree allergies and reduced grass allergies by half. So shots are really worth a try. I also believe that dridown seems to significantly reduce the allergy situation - however as you surmised, mites feed off of our shed skin cells, so washing seems like a must once the bag has been worn for a while - OR always use a liner. Mold can grow on down if it gets wet. Synthetic insulation varies in warmth to a huge degree, there are many brand names, but some really work and some not as much. It is more trial and error to find what filling works best for you. The North Face makes jackets with something called thermoball which as the name indicates, is balled up synthetic fibers into pea-sized balls that is incredibly warm for the weight (comparable to down or better than down) but a bit pricey. They should make quilts! I also have a Mountain Hardwear bag that seems to be much warmer than other bags with 2X the stuffing of the MH... so trial and error. Best of luck. Being allergic to dust, mold (think wet leaves), grass makes it tough. I agree with my allergist that the regular OTC nasal steroid sprays (several options in the pharmacy store) are pretty effective and more effective than the pills, so worth a try if OK with your doctor and maybe once Covid presence is way down.
Best of luck.
I really employ you to check your food. I had several allergies including pine trees. Guess what I changed my diet and they all went away. It only comes back when I eat the wrong foods. What foods you might ask? Processed foods, processed seed oils. What you are probably experiencing is really inflammation from the processed foods you eat on the trail. Do an experiment eat real food for 3 weeks. Eat backpacking food at home. Wrong food takes 3-4 days to get out of my symptoms out of my body. All allergies go away when I eat correctly. Makes food and backpacking harder.
Really glad you seem to have figured it out! Good luck! I've enjoyed your videos ever since you hiked the PCT. This is a WONDERFUL video!! Thanks!! :-)
I Hear the EE Torrid Apex jacket is really warm, particularly because there are none of the sewn-thru baffles that thin puffy jackets/sweaters use that are made of either down or Primaloft that requires quilting/baffles. I'd love to get one. Would be super interested in seeing a follow-up video with your thoughts.
Looking forward to a follow-up video talking about your experience both with your synthetic jacket and quilt.
Very happy you figured this out!
My allergy chart looks really similar to yours. Ain't gonna stop backpacking, though. I'm blessed that I found out two years ago that I can almost entirely eliminate my sensitivities by avoiding sugar.
Oh my that SUUUUUUUUUcks. I knew the glasses were hiding something. Ive always attributed that to altitude. I'm so hopeful you can get it worked out. Cheers
No known allergies, but I love my Torrid. Warmer than my down puffy, and much more flexible. Don’t have to take it off much when sweating and raining. Added bonus, repairing burns and tears optional!
Hi Dixie. My wife and I just watched this video. She had a down pillow that she loved, but being down, and covered with a pillowcase, it wasn't cleaned very often. Just the pillowcase was cleaned. At one point her face got swollen like yours. She had had allergy tests on her back and was allergic to the same items you were tested with, plus a whole lot more. She carefully cleaned the pillow, not just the cover, the pillow--and BINGO the reaction stopped within three days. Now, this swelling up ALSO occurred when she was caring for my mom who was terminal with cancer. So my wife was under a TON of stress. Just thought I'd comment on 'thoroughly clean the down gear' and 'address the stress'. If there's something deeply bugging you, you better face it and not bury it. As to gear, If I were you I would 'superclean' your down quilt, puffy, etc. Take them to a dry cleaner, wash them yourself, hit them with UV in direct sun, or whatever. THOROUGHLY clean your down items. You are snuggling them around your face at night, and if they are really filthy--well figure it out. We enjoy all your vids. Thanks for that. And good luck.
Good luck with your allergies. I'm allergic to down as well. Good luck discovering other options for your backpacking!
I used my 40° EE APEX quilt in the Sierras this summer (late July). It feels like it weighs nothing, but is SO warm. On a few nights it got fairly cool and I put on my EE Torrid jacket also. On those nights I was almost too warm. The APEX bags can be layered (according to their website's data) and that gives you some flexibility. For example a 40° for cool nights, a 20° for sub-freezing nights, and combined together for the equivalent of a -10° rating if needed.
Opcon eye drops. Putting the antihistamine directly in your eyes is a huge relief.
Hello Dixie 👋, I hope that the switch to the new, non down equipment, will be beneficial to you. I'm addicted to your timely and informative videos, so I need to see 👀 you in the best of health when you are out there on the trail. Stay healthy, safe and young. 🤗
After many years of thinking I was invincible . polar dips, -20 over night trips. I had a case of cold hives. it was the strangest experience, and I was super panicked. My first cold hives experience wasnt until my mid 30s.
I get cold hives sometimes in January and February...started in high school.
Glad the FL Trail helped you learn what is best for your body - gear wise! Always enjoy your videos!
I have a lot of health challenges, but thankfully my allergies are drug, mold and food related, and of course some humans. I can't handle extreme heat or cold anymore either. I put blankets, pillows, jackets and quilts in the dryer to kill the mites and it does help. I feel better outdoors and wish I could live out there. I/we did live in the remote wilderness of BC for 17 years and backpacked supplies often.
I'm not a Doctor either, but as a person who takes allergy medicine from April to September, this is something I've learned. Different allergy meds have different main "ingredients". I've found I have to switch it up through those months to get the best protection. My body, for lack of a better medical term, seems to build a resistance to their effectiveness. You can find lists on line of the common OTC allergy meds and the main drug contained in those brands. Again, not medical but experiential evidence. I ain't sayin', I'm just sayin'. I love your videos Dixie, and I'm confident you'll find your way through this. Safe journeys.
I can’t WAIT to hear your reviews on the EE synthetic products. My sister and I did our AT Thru Hike (we were SOBO) this past fall/winter, and I’m allergic to down/dust mites. I carried a Nemo Viola 20º (synthetic) bag and got the synthetic Forclaz Trek 100 from Decathlon as my puffy. I also used a Sea to Summit Reactor liner. I was FREEZING in the 30’s, and my sleeping pad even has a 4.24 (i think) R value. I had to add a pair of hot socks and use a set of hot hands every night it dropped below freezing. I even ended up adding a closed cell foam pad under my sleeping pad AND a Rumpl nano loft blanket. It was so much extra weight, but it’s what I had to do to not lay away shivering so hard my teeth clattered all night long. I still didn’t escape the effects of down (puffy face, ears and eyes, hives, and congestion in the morning), however, because all of my sister’s stuff is down and we shared a tent for warmth.
I hope the EE stuff proves effective for you, and would hopefully work for me as well ‘cause I want to do the PCT, but absolutely will not do another thru hike with the base weight I had on the AT and me sleep system is really where a lot of the weight could be lost.
I hate you’ve had to suffer, but I have to admit that I already so appreciate the coming gear review.
You could also consider a dust-mite-proof cover for whatever you are using for a pillow. In and of itself, it's not perfect, but it would offer another layer of protection and is easier to wash than your sleeping bag. I bit the bullet year ago and got allergy shots (immunotherapy) and it helped me immensely, and was definitely worth the effort. Good luck!
My gosh, Missy, I almost wouldn't have recognized you in those morning pics. Glad you found out what was up.
That is crazy; I didn't even think those pictures could be you!!
Love to hear you say the word "night".
Glad you’re okay Dixie! I hope the synthetic work great for you!
I love your new T-Shirt designs. Well some kind of bad news, but at least you have your options and try some things out. Hope your allergie does not get in way of your passion for hiking.
One thing to try is after washing and drying , sprinkle a quarter of a cup of Diatoms over the inner surface of your bag , zip it up and shake it like hell! It doesn’t look great but it works well 👍. Also , diatoms are great for treating worms . A small teaspoon in your morning coffee will take care of anything you may have inadvertently taken orally. After all , there’s a lot of poop on them trails . Hope you’ve found the solution 🤞👍
You are incredibly inspirational, and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Thank you for sharing this. I know it's not the same, but my allergies have been getting worse and I now have asthma became of them. It honestly feels very isolating, like I'm the only one with these problems. Being outdoors is my passion and I'm very allergic to tree pollen, it's stupid. I hope you love your new gear!
Great discussion about your choice of the Mont Bell Thermawrap v. the EE Torrid APEX. I have a Thermawrap and really like it, but you, as usual, make some good and thoughtful points to your choice reasoning. Hope going featherless works. Wander on!
The ear itch description made my ears itch. I'm with you on that one! Singulair (generic) has been a help to me. Thanks! Dave J
Allergic to cold--must admit I have never heard of that. Live and learn even if it takes 75 years to do it.
My face puffs up at high altitude. My face looks much like yours did when I wake up. The longer I'm out, I eventually get acclimated. But the first few days are awful!
If it's cold while sleeping, instead of wearing a hooded down parka I use a synthetic fleece balaclava to cover the head and face.
This is easier to wash than a coat or anything with down. It would also put distance between the face and the down within a quilt and help keep the quilt cleaner.
As someone who is new to backpacking and is also allergic to dust mites, many weeds and trees, this gives me hope. Hopefully going all synthetics and having allergy medicine will help! Thanks for the gear advice
I’m allergic to every kind of weed, tree, grass, & flower that grows in Southern California! I went through allergy shots many years ago and that was the best thing I did. My allergies are not half of what they used to be.
I always use synthetic due to allergies. I like to keep an eye out for certain military surplus sleeping bags and coats/jackets as they tend to have the best synthetic fills and protection available now since most backpacking companies focus so heavily on down gear these days.
Very interesting and informative and well produced videos. Take Care and I hope you new set up works well for you.
Suggestion: Sleep with your down equipment at home and see if you puff up. Then you can control your variables. Good luck with the new gear regardless!
Nice touch using the body cam footage for your old coat.
So Daisy you went from beautiful to looking Japanese-Swedish and still beautiful. Wow that puffiness was off the hook. Looking forward to the review of the new gear.
I feel your pain - I too had to go get allergy testing after years of being "sick" all the time.. turns out I'm allergic to Feathers too! (and cats, and dogs, roaches, mites, most growing plants, mold, grass.. you know, literally everything). I take prescription allergy meds now that help a lot, but also just being more conscious of what I'm around and how it affects me, helps me to make good choices in what I'm exposing myself to. Also - my allergy test was way way different than yours. I had 144 shots injected in my back and arms (140 came back allergic, 7 came back deadly allergic) I carry epi pens now. lol. Some people get scratch tests, others get injections, there's also some blood tests.. it just depends where you get it done.
I live up in Canada and yep, I have seen children break out in hives from the cold so I believe you. I am glad you’re finding ways around the allergies.
I found I wasn't allergic to the feathers but the stuff put on the down pillow I was using during the manufacture of it. I moved to synethetic and never looked back. Dust mites have a hard life unless in organic materials. I tested this pillow because I wasn't sure about getting a down bag. I'm a synethetic bagger too. Wiggys +20 and the slumber bag +50. They may be heavy but they insulate even when soaked. I've slept in the slumber bag for six months inside during the winter. (Heat pumps don't work except above 32 degrees.) Good luck on your great choices. Few move back to down after having synethetic. (For allergic reactions and allergies Pseudoephedrine is the best if you can get it and then I take Allerga with it.)