His posts are my favorite! Absolutely NO BS! All presented by a long time hiker with many years of experience on the AT-all gathered while balancing work and other obligations that are part of a normal life. Well done sir!
I think I rewatch too many of your videos. I’ve finally had my own trail to river experiences and backpacked through straight downpours while having no issue other than wet feet. A 1.4 oz plastic poncho over my ultralight set up turned out perfect for warm weather. Made a convert out of me time and time again.
Walmart used to sell those cheap thin socks and now they don't. I can still find them online. Glad you liked the video and thanks a million for being a viewer.
Even though these old legs won't carry me up and down hills anymore, still enjoy watching your videos. So much plain ol' common sense, wisdom from experience, along with beautiful scenery are good to both hear and see. Much of your advice is practical for many different types of outdoor activities. Thank you for sharing.
Another outstanding video with priceless information. Thank you! I have a frog togs poncho that quadruples as a ground sheet, blanket, sit pad, pack cover! Its my favorite piece of gear! I once made the mistake of letting my ground sheet extend beyond the edges of my tent in a storm. I woke up to soaking wet gear and sleeping bag. I never made that mistake again!
This is some of best advice I have heard on back packing and a lot of it is on stuff other people don't talk about and your solution is simple not spending a lot of money,up till now spending money is always the answer on a lot of web sites, I'm surprised you use a tent with no floor as a child I camp with my family in a canvas tent from the 60's and that had a floor but I'll give it a try
Keep in mind I use a big sheet of plastic as a ground sheet under my sleeping pad. This helps keep things clean. For this job I have used a piece cut from a plastic tarp, or plastic sheeting I got at a farm supply store, or a SOL emergency blanket. I've been around a while and my very first bona fide backpacking overnighter was when I was 11 years old. Back then, we used a tarp or a floorless tent, or we stayed home. There was no other option for a tent light enough for backpacking. Nobody thought a thing about it at the time, of course. With all gear choices, I always recommend trying something out very close to home, like car camping in a state park. Glad you liked the video and thanks again for being a viewer!
Fantastic video. When I was hiking the AT in 2018 I didn't think the rain would ever stop. NC and VA in April/May was hell. The trail was nothing but 6" of muck. Gave up worrying about creek crossings and just walked straight through, it helped clean out the crap in my shoes and socks. Growing up in the PNW I'm use to rain in the mountains but I was not prepared for what the east coast threw at me in weather. My only real gear change was switching to a hammock which eliminated worrying about ground water. Set up the tarp first and take down last gave me a somewhat dryer sleeping quarters but then when staying in a Hostel I had no sleeping pad. You talked about a lot of important points, I hope the up and coming hikers pay attention to your experience. Hike on and have fun.
Other than for Florida bugs, I never use a tent. A big poncho that covers my pack is all I ever used. The same poncho is my shelter. I have stayed dry, from the knees up, during a steady 2 day rain. I carry a few small nails to attach it to fallen logs to make a shelter. For a big storm, i make side walls out of brush. A kit to add small brass grommets is inexpensive, and has slots of uses. The extra grommets on the poncho make it easy to pitch it in a variety of ways. I have often tried to figure out a way to make a little folded up and fixed gutter on the bottom of the poncho to guide the running water into a small trailing tube. This would keep the rain off my calves and out of my shoes. No successes yet. I have found that 2 large pine trees, about 6 feet apart, often have a raised mound of needles between them. With a tree to tree line for a roof peak, I can stake out the ends of the poncho for a great shelter. Having sailed a boat with a 35 toot metal mast through thunderstorms, across a flat expanse of water, I consider the fear of lightning on land a relatively small risk. However, I do avoid the tallest tree in the forest
Thanks for sharing your experience. That's an interesting detail about the mound of needles between two pine trees - I'll check that out next time I'm in pine country. And - as always - thanks a million for being a great viewer!
Excellent video on the subject. You’ve got a good technique with the tie cord on the poncho. With tents I always say, put the ground sheet inside your tent even if it has a floor. That’s the best way to stay dry.
I have worked in construction all my life. Currently 57. I have worked in the rain and snow soaked for up to 12 hours a day. Being wet never bothered me , being wet and cold did. You are right about your feet , that will be your biggest battle. Never done a long thru hike , but I love to camp and short hike . 90 % of it is mental , so you have to be prepared and keep a good attitude. A tent can be cozy but I see how a tarp is much more practical in a thru hike scenario. You have some good info, I hope to do the AT one day and am looking for tips . Thanks for your video.
Thanks again for your great video, I too use a poncho as a groundsheet, and over myself and pack. I am trying to figure out something light to put over my dogs pack when it is pouring down. Going to play around with one of the gossamer gears pack liners!! AT here I come this year!
So cool that you make some of your own gear - and modify other pieces to fit your needs. All great info, especially with the amount of rainy days on the AT.
I only use wool blend socks. They stay warm even if wet, and dry out relatively fast. I can wear them for days and no smell so I need only two pair... in rain, I couple them with a liner in wet conditions to minimize blisters, and sleep only in a dry pair of socks so my feet have a chance to recover.
Excellent! I just bit the bullet and purchased a pricey OR rain jacket for it’s waterproofness and weight last year, but no pit zips. I felt like it was blasphemy to think about cutting into it to add them myself. Thanks for reminding me that function trumps form. Thanks also for sharing your poncho system, much appreciated!
Installing a pair of zippers also is an option. On the fleece hoodie I showed, I cut it open in front and installed a zipper. I bought a long sleeping bag zipper, cut it to fit and rigged up new stops. And thanks for watching!
32 Degree makes a great packable rain jacket. 13.5 oz in the XL size with the included stuff sack. I got mine at Costco for about $20. I got the XL to make sure there was enough room to layer insulation underneath. It's got 2 outside zip closure pockets and 2 really deep interior pockets. It repels water really well and is surprisingly breathable. I plan to rip the arm pit seams and add snaps to create put vents. Admittedly, I haven't used it on a trail yet, but I'm a walking tour guide in the French Quarter of New Orleans. I spend 4-10 hours of my day outside in ALL weather conditions. This jacket is definitely going in my AT gear list. Thanks for the videos, sir. 😀
Forgot to mention that the UST Rain Poncho fits over the average hiker and his or her pack, thus eliminating the need for a pack cover. BTW, your videos are really informative and detailed. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us.
Excellent video. Practical and informative as usual. Appreciate your waiting until having useful info to share rather than trying to produce anything just to keep your presence out there. I regularly look to your channel for new videos and, when available, immediately watch it. Thanks
Great video. I agree about learning how to fast pitch tents, tarps, and hammocks when bad conditions rear their ugly heads. When I take a tent, I tie bags on each corner. That way, I can set up the tent fast, and throw rocks in the bags before I stake it out. This helps the tent from blowing away. In addition to the UST rain poncho (which is amazingly durable), I use women's hair-coloring gloves for waterproof mitts for my hands and a lightweight shower cap to hold the hood of the UST rain poncho down in heavy winds. 2 large garbage bags are amazing for an emergency bivy. As to the weight of a wet tent, I carry a small sponge to soak up the water. Also, you can carry a 1 mil painter's dropcloth to throw over the tent and under it to help keep the tent dry.
flatbrokeoutside You’re welcome. I really love your videos. You are very informative and inspirational. In 2011, I was run over by a car and didn’t start hiking again on the Pacific Crest Trail until 2016. Like you, It is a necessity to lighten my load to take the strain off my bad back. Keep hiking and keep making awesome videos.
It's hard to avoid rain on the AT... Durng my hike 2 out of 3 days on the trail were rainy and I spent only 9 nights in my tent. The AT shelters were a blessing and I wanted to make use of as many as possible. Nothing can beat a rainy night spent under a roof :-) Thanks for another good video!
Frogg Toggs aren't particularly breathable either, just cheap. Mine is, however, pretty roomy inside which might help a little. They also would tear easier than more expensive jackets, I assume. Like I said, if I can avoid tearing mine off me in a mad rage, it stays intact. I have duct tape if it don't. And thanks for watching!
No rain, no Maine. I thru hiked the AT in 2016 and hiked in the rain many times. I found no matter what I got wet. You either wear a complete rain suit in an attempt to stay dry while you hike and you sweat so much it's like wearing a garbage bag. You get wet under the rain gear from lots of perspiration. I found a poncho worked best because it could breathe a little underneath. Embrace the suck and keep on hiking.
Great examination of rain issues for all backpackers, not just AT hikers. I found ponchos to be great items for the same reasons you state, and never really get why some folks don't feel the same. Your idea to harness the back with some cord is a good one. Best wishes for the upcoming trail season.
Hiked the Benton-MacKaye after years of hiking the AT in the GSM for a break from my usual week away from civilization. From bed-down the night before through the truck drop off near the Smokemont Oconaluftee Church and our drop off at the road/tunnel to nowhere and the 5 day hike back we had nothing short of heavy driving rain, severe lightning storms and cold in late May, 2018. College aged trail workers at Smokemont were astonished at our feat considering the bad weather the past week had seen. I would have given my eye teeth for a lean-to shelter like they have in the AT! Every camp strike, hike, camp set and meal was done in pouring rain. I thank God for Frogg Toggs, Jetboil, Coleman Aeris1 tub floored tent, and pasta salad meals for making the memories of the hike great even though it was hell on earth thru that week for the four of us. All I can add is waterproof, waterproof, waterproof...mainly thru plastic bags. Contractor grade bags are the best! Always prepare for rain in the GSM.
Dear Sir,I really DO like your simple,no bells & whistles,approach.Since you started hiking at the age of 11-and that was a long time ago😂-you know that older people can withstand hardships much easier that most 21st century hikers. Same thing with Green Berets,for instance.Probably contemporary Special Forces guys may look like Olympic athlets having these ultra fit bodies,however some Vietnam guys were a LOT tougher. Times are changing,people are changing. With all due respect to old timers and newbies! A middle-aged hiker.
Excellent video packed with great info and practical solutions. Like you said ... dry is a condition that does not exist on the AT. Better to be prepared for that fact ahead of time. Thanks again!
Wow. Do you think you could pack a little more info in that video? I'm going to have to listen to this one a few times and I'm no where near ready to consider the AT. You Sir are a wealth of knowlege. If anyone tries to school you on those slick new UA-cam video techniques just tell them to take a hike!!
Well done and interesting. Gave me some ideas. Ought to have included February though. Been unseasonably warm and has rained a ton in North Georgia. See that even the Smokey Mountains had weather in the 70s.
Very practical information in this video. Regarding cell reception on the AT, in October I hiked from Atkins to Catawba and hikers seemed to have difficulty between Dismal Falls and Pearisburg. And almost nothing between Pearisburg and Dragon's Tooth. I wish I had known you were in the area in September with your return to the trail. I live about 6 miles from that Shell station where you ended the video. I could have shuttled you to Catawba and you could have hiked to Jennings Creek with no backtrack. Good luck in future hikes.
flatbrokeoutside. My provider is Straight Talk but even people with the all powerful Verizon were having similar issues. There is a radio tower south of Pearisburg which I suspected of causing interference.
There is a third choice when setting up camp and it's raining. No worries about level ground , Dry Ground , rocky ground , roots , pine cones , acorns , or creepy crawlers. Just but up the tarp and then while you are nice and dry under it hang your hammock. If it's raining in the morning , stay in the hammock or if you have to get up. Reverse the process by packing all your dry items in your pack. Now take the tarp down put it in the LARGE mesh pocket of your pack and take out. You talked about raincoats. On a 12 day canoe trip in the Everglades National Park ( 10,000 islands area ) it rained 11 1/2 days. The 1st hour I wore a rain coat then took it off and never put it back on. Camping was on ground sites a couple of day's and on roofed chickees ( great place to hang a hammock ) the rest of the days. This was in latter part of May and 1st part of June which let the rain be a welcome relief from the heat. That half day when it did not rain felt like paddling in a oven.
I looked up wolf spiders (I'd send you the link but it has lots of closeups of their scary faces) and it agreed they are hard to find in the wild. Seems they spent most of their time in burrows, and often close up the openings. I dunno why they like houses so much. Maybe they think they are big burrows.
Très bonne vidéo mon cher ! Merci pour cest renseignement fort utile ! Je crois aussi au poncho pour les plus forte et persistance pluie mais cest pas génial pour la respiration !
Floorless tents? I started in the late 1940s with a pair of US Army surplus shelter halves, that formed a pup tent....floorless, and one end open. Now, when I am in the North or West I use a large poncho that also pitches as a tarp....still floorless, still open on at least one end. If you pick your site well, no problem. However now that I live in Florida, I use a complete tent with floor, door, and windows, mainly to keep out the bugs and to keep pythons from eating my dog.
You can't get to maine if you don't walk in the rain . Rain gear is useless on the AT if you spend all day hiking in the rain you will be wet and really sweaty if you are wearing rain gear . The AT was fun if you do thru hike take the time to enjoy the trail so many people are like zombies and don't enjoy the trip . If you don't like rain do the pct .I had no rain until Mt hood but snow in Washington .
Best AT/Hiking related channel on YT so far. Keep it going Sir! Your voice sounds unique too. You can work as voice actor. What model is that bacpack lady in blue jacket wears?
In the photo that backpack is covered by a black plastic garbage bag, as a rain cover. That's probably what you noticed. It was an experiment - I don't think it worked too well. Water pooled on the top in rain, and then ran onto her neck! Not good! The pack underneath is an old Lowe Alpine 40 liter, no longer sold. Thanks for your kind endorsement of the channel, and thanks a million for watching!
Question: It is important to keep the gear dry to make it last longer, and regardless of how you put stuff up, there will always be one thing you put back into your backpack that will be wet. Is there a way to reduce the moisture from the last item? I know that backpackers keep stuff like wettex to soak up perspiration and other fluids while on the trail, would that suffice to dry up, say a tarp or is there some other more efficient and fast way ? (Not talking about obvious things like shaking it) Last year i was out walking and it started to rain, in my non-hiking backpack i have a common umbrella, popped that up and kept walking. A common umbrella can also keep you away from direct sunlight, i know that several hikers do this. I have practiced with my tarp and from being packet in my backpack, i can get that up in around 3 minutes, but as you say, a few drops of rain isn't gonna kill anyone. Saw another video advised to add a black trashbag as a liner in the backpack, said that am external backpack rain cover is not enough. They weigh nothing and cost nothing, so i had nothing to lose by adding a second layer of protection. I keep my sleeping bag inside it as well to keep it free from humidity. I haven't been out on a multi-day hike, i'm more of a day hiker and this year i've decided to take a longer trail in 2018 with a few nights spent in nature, so naturally i'm very curious of this whole subject.
My practice for the one wet thing in the backpack is put it in a plastic bag. I always have a couple of spare small ones. I think the main point in preventing gear damage caused by water is hang everything up to dry a couple of days when we get home. I have found my tent, which I thought was dry, still smelled musty when I got home. I've dried a wet tent off pretty good with just a bandanna - but pitching it on a dry night following rain also works. And thanks for watching!
NaturalViolence2 Sea to Summit makes a 3 ounce hanging bug net. I have one but haven't used it with a tarp, yet. I also have a Solong 6 tent from LightHeartGear with integrated netting. Works great for about 2 lbs.
NaturalViolence2 You check yourself at night to make sure you don't carry any hitchhiking ticks into the tent? If my experience is any indication, they hang out on me a long time before biting, cause I've never had a tick bite but I'll removed enough of them. Either way, I've never read anything that suggests ticks can chew through fabric and if they can't do that I'd bet money they cannot get through a net, either. And thanks for watching!
An unrelated question. I am planning on doing a section hike of Shenandoah in late September 2018. I plan on hiking South and then turning around and hike north back to my car. My question is have you ever section hiked Shenandoah? Were you able to resupply at the camp stores? Also, what did you do about battery power for your electronics? I don't plan on staying anywhere where there are outlets very long to recharge my battery packs. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
How many miles do you plan to do? I have section hiked all the AT in the SNP twice. Off the top of my head, there was a decent store at Loft Mt., a so-so store at Lewis Mt., a big store at Big Meadows but it was a decent side walk to get to it, and a decent one at Elk Wallow. Since it's been a while, don't trust my memory - get a copy of David Miller's guide -- www.amazon.com/T-Guide-Northbound-2018/dp/B079LBNV2N/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1522902745&sr=8-2&keywords=david+miller+appalachian+trail -- It will be up to date. I was out for 10 or 11 days last fall much further south and only charged my iphone6 twice. BUT I had it turned off a lot. Maybe do an advance test on how many days a battery pack will last? I didn't do a lot of research on battery packs, I just got one at Target. I had a battery powered camera and had a spare battery. If I didn't have a signal I'd put the phone on airplane mode and check again later after I had moved on a ways. I would guess signals are reliable in SNP. Have fun on the hike; it's great place. And thanks for watching.
Thanks for the info. I plan on hiking over 200 miles, 100 South and then another 100 north. I have the 2018 AT Guide by AWOL, but it doesn't go into any detail about the resupplies in SNP. It only says they are short term resupplies. Your info gives me something to go on. I'll try calling them once they open to see what they have. I do plan on testing my battery packs to see how many charges I get out of them. I'm also looking at getting a larger battery pack if need be. I really enjoy your videos. I'm from Ohio as well, Toledo. I'm concerned that I can't find any good hills to practice on in my neck of the woods. I think I'll be fine though, I have hiked in Shawnee State Forest as well as a little in the Smokies. Again, thanks for the info and good luck with your hikes.
I have a military style poncho that weighs about a pound and has snaps. I see a couple of similar models on Amazon. And thanks for being a great viewer!
I have a few, they weigh roughly the same as a down jacket (or at least mine does) it apparently doesn't insulate quite as well but I struggle to find a significant difference, it is much more efficient than a fleece or sweater, well worth the buy even if it's just for a test. And thank you for producing the content! You are much more in depth and knowledgeable than anyone else I can find online, keep up the good work!
I am coming from Alaska to hike on the AT, I’m wondering what phone company you use to get the best coverage on the trail? Thank you for your detailed videos, I appreciate your knowledgeable advice. (BTW: I’ll be thru hiking southbound in 2019 , mid June start).
I had good signals last fall in Virginia with Net10, but I don't know how I'd fare on the rest of the trail. This site recommends Verizon or StraightTalk -- sectionhiker.com/appalachian-trail-cell-phone-guide/ -- Good luck and thanks for watching!
Like the video says, hikers can use whatever tent they want. Usually, it works out. Or, we could make that bug net. Consider this: When I have started down the AT in the mornings, unless another hiker preceded me, I often walked through spider webs built (apparently overnight) right across the trail. Did a spider ever latch onto me? I never bothered to look. I recall seeing a daddy longlegs on the AT once, but I don't recall if he was in the tent or I saw him when making coffee or something. Score: Spiders on trail: 100+. Spiders in floorless tent: Maybe 1. Been to that sledding hill yet? And thanks for watching!
I have used 40F as a rough guide because I know if I am moving at that temp I don't have to be bundled up that much; anything lower than that and the odds increase greatly that I would want the Frogg Toggs jacket as an outer layer. Even so, I would still be tempted to carry a poncho at lower than 40 in anything except dead of winter cause all-day rain might still happen. My cold weather pack will be heavier than normal, anyway. I don't consider it an exact science. And thanks for watching!
If we have a decent sized tarp and get it up fairly quick, the rest of the hammock installation might not be so bad, I am guessing. Thanks for watching!
I think I would rather hike out west instead of the AT if given the choice. In Utah, Co, Ca, Az there is usually less humidity There is less rain except for the Pacific Northwest. They have overall better and more spectacular views and you don't have to worry about ticks out there. If I am climbing 2000 to 3000 feet I want a view at the top. There are also views on the way up in places like Zion. I am sure there are good views on the AT too but it seems there is a lot of walking through trees. I live in the midwest so I would always choose to go west over east to go hiking since I have to travel a good distance to get to both. If I lived close to the AT, then, of course, it would be easier to hike there. There really aren't any really good hiking areas with 6-7 hours drive from where I live.
I love the west, but there is the sun, poodle dog bush, big distances between water, sudden weather changes, the wind and blowing dirt. Check out my East vs. West video -- ua-cam.com/video/Hx_nM1c89t8/v-deo.html -- Also, you'll want to read up on valley fever if you haven't heard about it -- www.pcta.org/2016/know-valley-fever-44994/ -- On the plus side, if we don't hike on the AT, we don't have to deal with its millions and millions of rocks. This video talks about that -- ua-cam.com/video/pJQHlBxPtyM/v-deo.html -- I admit, I section hike on the AT cause it's a close drive. Wherever you go, have a great hike and thanks for watching!
I have never heard of Valley Fever. Now I have something else to worry about. Looks like I'll have to go back to Switzerland to hike. I wonder what diseases they have that I haven't heard about. I've never been overnight backpacking. I've only done day hiking in Zion Nat Park and in the Bernese Oberland in Switzerland. These have to be 2 of the best day hiking spots, especially for a novice hiker. I highly recommend the Lauterbrunnen Valley in Switzerland. I did this hike in Switzerland. Schynge Platte to First ua-cam.com/video/4z2hBo00NZA/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/video/YayDhFgB7w0/v-deo.html I have watched the vast majority of your videos.They are very interesting. Maybe I'll get some backpacking gear one day.
Hi, I'm Luck a Polish man currently based in London UK and I have a question which is not directly related to this vide. Sorry ;). For many years now I've dreamt to do the throughike on the AT. Yet, I'm afraid that with my slow pace the whole thing may take me more than 6 months and this is a maximum length of US visa. Hence the question, Does anyone here knows a non American who did the entire AT ? If so, how did they do it ? I will be grateful for any answers. Thank you ; ).
This probably qualifies as 'any' answer. A Polish woman, Agnieszka "Zebra" Dziadek, hiked the AT in 122 days in 2017. Her channel is ua-cam.com/users/pierwotna85videos?disable_polymer=1 -- She is experienced and obviously in excellent physical shape. One question is: how slow is slow? Hiking the entire AT in 170 days requires a daily average of 12 miles with no days off. If we cannot reach that average, one option is to walk as far as possible in the allotted time, and hope to return when we can finish the rest of the trail. Even if we walk only 500 miles, it will be an adventure not to be forgotten. Good luck and thanks for watching!
Got any topics you'd like to see covered? I do these whenever I think of something (hopefully) intelligent to say and get the time to do it. (I do know what the next one will be.) As I write, this one hasn't been out two weeks yet (it was published Feb. 20). And thanks for watching!
Like the image shows at 10:57, the ground sheet under my sleeping pad is big enough that everything fits handily on top. I got that sheet at a farm implement store. A clear sheet I bought from Six Moon Designs (they sell two to a pack) is essentially the same size. And thanks for watching.
Ah that would be right, I watched all the way up to 10:30 when I asked that question lol. Another 30 seconds and I would have had the answer. I think some tru-hikers use a top quilt and a warmer sleeping pad instead of a sleeping bag and pad, as the extra down on the bottom side of the sleeping bag can be superfluous considering it compresses. That superfluous down might translate to more weight when using a sleeping bag. I don't know, just guessing.
Be cautious of rain gear that has no ventilation. You'll wind up wetter and colder from the perspiration that can't escape through it! A light down jacket with a poncho on top of it is your best bet.
Gonna watch more of this guy. A crisp clear voice that speaks directly and no You Tube BS.
Welcome aboard and thanks for the endorsement!!!
His posts are my favorite! Absolutely NO BS! All presented by a long time hiker with many years of experience on the AT-all gathered while balancing work and other obligations that are part of a normal life. Well done sir!
Thanks for the endorsement and thanks for being a great viewer!
I think I rewatch too many of your videos. I’ve finally had my own trail to river experiences and backpacked through straight downpours while having no issue other than wet feet. A 1.4 oz plastic poncho over my ultralight set up turned out perfect for warm weather. Made a convert out of me time and time again.
I love this story! Thanks for sharing and great job! PS - It's impossible to rewatch too many of my videos :)
Love the 2 nylon socks advice! My hiking experience has been simular. Keep on with your great advice please and enjoying!
Walmart used to sell those cheap thin socks and now they don't. I can still find them online. Glad you liked the video and thanks a million for being a viewer.
Even though these old legs won't carry me up and down hills anymore, still enjoy watching your videos. So much plain ol' common sense, wisdom from experience, along with beautiful scenery are good to both hear and see. Much of your advice is practical for many different types of outdoor activities. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks again for being a great viewer!
Another outstanding video with priceless information. Thank you! I have a frog togs poncho that quadruples as a ground sheet, blanket, sit pad, pack cover! Its my favorite piece of gear! I once made the mistake of letting my ground sheet extend beyond the edges of my tent in a storm. I woke up to soaking wet gear and sleeping bag. I never made that mistake again!
Thanks for sharing your experience and thanks again for watching!
you have been there! way cool! me too! good to hear from you! happy trails!
Thanks! You too! Stay dry and thanks for watching!
This is some of best advice I have heard on back packing and a lot of it is on stuff other people don't talk about and your solution is simple not spending a lot of money,up till now spending money is always the answer on a lot of web sites, I'm surprised you use a tent with no floor as a child I camp with my family in a canvas tent from the 60's and that had a floor but I'll give it a try
Keep in mind I use a big sheet of plastic as a ground sheet under my sleeping pad. This helps keep things clean. For this job I have used a piece cut from a plastic tarp, or plastic sheeting I got at a farm supply store, or a SOL emergency blanket. I've been around a while and my very first bona fide backpacking overnighter was when I was 11 years old. Back then, we used a tarp or a floorless tent, or we stayed home. There was no other option for a tent light enough for backpacking. Nobody thought a thing about it at the time, of course. With all gear choices, I always recommend trying something out very close to home, like car camping in a state park. Glad you liked the video and thanks again for being a viewer!
Fantastic video. When I was hiking the AT in 2018 I didn't think the rain would ever stop. NC and VA in April/May was hell. The trail was nothing but 6" of muck. Gave up worrying about creek crossings and just walked straight through, it helped clean out the crap in my shoes and socks. Growing up in the PNW I'm use to rain in the mountains but I was not prepared for what the east coast threw at me in weather. My only real gear change was switching to a hammock which eliminated worrying about ground water. Set up the tarp first and take down last gave me a somewhat dryer sleeping quarters but then when staying in a Hostel I had no sleeping pad. You talked about a lot of important points, I hope the up and coming hikers pay attention to your experience. Hike on and have fun.
Thanks for sharing those experiences! Keep hikin' and thanks a million for being a viewer!
These videos are very informative; thank you
Glad you like them! And thanks for being a great viewer!
love this channel
rain scares me..
no , suffering being yucky cold & wet
that scares me...
that's what i know i must overcome
to hike the AT
Shorter hikes close to home can build our confidence. And thanks for watching!
Other than for Florida bugs, I never use a tent. A big poncho that covers my pack is all I ever used. The same poncho is my shelter. I have stayed dry, from the knees up, during a steady 2 day rain. I carry a few small nails to attach it to fallen logs to make a shelter. For a big storm, i make side walls out of brush. A kit to add small brass grommets is inexpensive, and has slots of uses. The extra grommets on the poncho make it easy to pitch it in a variety of ways.
I have often tried to figure out a way to make a little folded up and fixed gutter on the bottom of the poncho to guide the running water into a small trailing tube. This would keep the rain off my calves and out of my shoes. No successes yet.
I have found that 2 large pine trees, about 6 feet apart, often have a raised mound of needles between them. With a tree to tree line for a roof peak, I can stake out the ends of the poncho for a great shelter. Having sailed a boat with a 35 toot metal mast through thunderstorms, across a flat expanse of water, I consider the fear of lightning on land a relatively small risk. However, I do avoid the tallest tree in the forest
Thanks for sharing your experience. That's an interesting detail about the mound of needles between two pine trees - I'll check that out next time I'm in pine country. And - as always - thanks a million for being a great viewer!
Excellent video on the subject. You’ve got a good technique with the tie cord on the poncho. With tents I always say, put the ground sheet inside your tent even if it has a floor. That’s the best way to stay dry.
Good tip on the ground sheet. And thanks for watching!
I have worked in construction all my life. Currently 57. I have worked in the rain and snow soaked for up to 12 hours a day. Being wet never bothered me , being wet and cold did. You are right about your feet , that will be your biggest battle. Never done a long thru hike , but I love to camp and short hike . 90 % of it is mental , so you have to be prepared and keep a good attitude. A tent can be cozy but I see how a tarp is much more practical in a thru hike scenario. You have some good info, I hope to do the AT one day and am looking for tips . Thanks for your video.
Thanks for sharing your experience and thanks a million for watching!
Thanks again for your great video, I too use a poncho as a groundsheet, and over myself and pack. I am trying to figure out something light to put over my dogs pack when it is pouring down. Going to play around with one of the gossamer gears pack liners!! AT here I come this year!
Thanks for watching and hope you had a great time on the AT!
@@flatbrokeoutside6921 I sure did thanks!
So cool that you make some of your own gear - and modify other pieces to fit your needs. All great info, especially with the amount of rainy days on the AT.
Loner! Great to see you again and thanks for watching!
I only use wool blend socks. They stay warm even if wet, and dry out relatively fast. I can wear them for days and no smell so I need only two pair... in rain, I couple them with a liner in wet conditions to minimize blisters, and sleep only in a dry pair of socks so my feet have a chance to recover.
yet another fantastic video. Thank you for all your hard work in educating us.
Glad you liked the video and thanks a million for being a viewer!
Excellent! I just bit the bullet and purchased a pricey OR rain jacket for it’s waterproofness and weight last year, but no pit zips. I felt like it was blasphemy to think about cutting into it to add them myself. Thanks for reminding me that function trumps form. Thanks also for sharing your poncho system, much appreciated!
Installing a pair of zippers also is an option. On the fleece hoodie I showed, I cut it open in front and installed a zipper. I bought a long sleeping bag zipper, cut it to fit and rigged up new stops. And thanks for watching!
32 Degree makes a great packable rain jacket. 13.5 oz in the XL size with the included stuff sack. I got mine at Costco for about $20. I got the XL to make sure there was enough room to layer insulation underneath. It's got 2 outside zip closure pockets and 2 really deep interior pockets. It repels water really well and is surprisingly breathable. I plan to rip the arm pit seams and add snaps to create put vents. Admittedly, I haven't used it on a trail yet, but I'm a walking tour guide in the French Quarter of New Orleans. I spend 4-10 hours of my day outside in ALL weather conditions. This jacket is definitely going in my AT gear list. Thanks for the videos, sir. 😀
Thanks for the tip and thanks for watching!
I really dig your vids, FBO. You're real and not overblown. Slyly funny at times, too. Thanks.
Thanks for that endorsement and thanks for being a great viewer!
Great info! Thanks!🙂🙏
Glad it was helpful and thanks for watching!
Forgot to mention that the UST Rain Poncho fits over the average hiker and his or her pack, thus eliminating the need for a pack cover. BTW, your videos are really informative and detailed. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us.
Excellent video. Practical and informative as usual. Appreciate your waiting until having useful info to share rather than trying to produce anything just to keep your presence out there. I regularly look to your channel for new videos and, when available, immediately watch it. Thanks
Thanks for being a great (and speedy) viewer - much appreciated!
Great video. I agree about learning how to fast pitch tents, tarps, and hammocks when bad conditions rear their ugly heads. When I take a tent, I tie bags on each corner. That way, I can set up the tent fast, and throw rocks in the bags before I stake it out. This helps the tent from blowing away. In addition to the UST rain poncho (which is amazingly durable), I use women's hair-coloring gloves for waterproof mitts for my hands and a lightweight shower cap to hold the hood of the UST rain poncho down in heavy winds. 2 large garbage bags are amazing for an emergency bivy. As to the weight of a wet tent, I carry a small sponge to soak up the water. Also, you can carry a 1 mil painter's dropcloth to throw over the tent and under it to help keep the tent dry.
Thanks for sharing your experience and thanks again for watching!
flatbrokeoutside You’re welcome. I really love your videos. You are very informative and inspirational. In 2011, I was run over by a car and didn’t start hiking again on the Pacific Crest Trail until 2016. Like you, It is a necessity to lighten my load to take the strain off my bad back. Keep hiking and keep making awesome videos.
Well stated sir! I love the way your narrative flows like a story.
Thanks a million for watching!
Another excellent video. I also have rain pants but only wear them in camp.
You remind me that for the $20 I spent, I also got a pair of rain pants with the Frogg Toggs jacket. And thanks again for watching!
It's hard to avoid rain on the AT... Durng my hike 2 out of 3 days on the trail were rainy and I spent only 9 nights in my tent. The AT shelters were a blessing and I wanted to make use of as many as possible. Nothing can beat a rainy night spent under a roof :-) Thanks for another good video!
Thanks for sharing and thanks again for being a great viewer!
pierwotna85 nothing nicer than hiking all day wet and then end the day at a dry shelter
I need to get a frog toggs and ditch my ‘waterproof breathable’ jacket. Excellent- keep the videos coming!!
Frogg Toggs aren't particularly breathable either, just cheap. Mine is, however, pretty roomy inside which might help a little. They also would tear easier than more expensive jackets, I assume. Like I said, if I can avoid tearing mine off me in a mad rage, it stays intact. I have duct tape if it don't. And thanks for watching!
Excellent and useful video.
No rain, no Maine. I thru hiked the AT in 2016 and hiked in the rain many times. I found no matter what I got wet. You either wear a complete rain suit in an attempt to stay dry while you hike and you sweat so much it's like wearing a garbage bag. You get wet under the rain gear from lots of perspiration. I found a poncho worked best because it could breathe a little underneath. Embrace the suck and keep on hiking.
Congrats on that thru hike and thanks for watching!
This man lays it down. Listen up kids!
Thanks for the endorsement and thanks for watching!
Great examination of rain issues for all backpackers, not just AT hikers. I found ponchos to be great items for the same reasons you state, and never really get why some folks don't feel the same. Your idea to harness the back with some cord is a good one. Best wishes for the upcoming trail season.
Yeah, in anything but near freezing weather I'd carry a poncho, and then maybe. Thanks again for stopping by and being a great viewer!
Hiked the Benton-MacKaye after years of hiking the AT in the GSM for a break from my usual week away from civilization. From bed-down the night before through the truck drop off near the Smokemont Oconaluftee Church and our drop off at the road/tunnel to nowhere and the 5 day hike back we had nothing short of heavy driving rain, severe lightning storms and cold in late May, 2018. College aged trail workers at Smokemont were astonished at our feat considering the bad weather the past week had seen. I would have given my eye teeth for a lean-to shelter like they have in the AT! Every camp strike, hike, camp set and meal was done in pouring rain. I thank God for Frogg Toggs, Jetboil, Coleman Aeris1 tub floored tent, and pasta salad meals for making the memories of the hike great even though it was hell on earth thru that week for the four of us. All I can add is waterproof, waterproof, waterproof...mainly thru plastic bags. Contractor grade bags are the best! Always prepare for rain in the GSM.
Thanks for sharing your experience and thanks for watching!
Does that trail go by or near benton falls or lake mckamey?
Dear Sir,I really DO like your simple,no bells & whistles,approach.Since you started hiking at the age of 11-and that was a long time ago😂-you know that older people can withstand hardships much easier that most 21st century hikers.
Same thing with Green Berets,for instance.Probably contemporary Special Forces guys may look like Olympic athlets having these ultra fit bodies,however some Vietnam guys were a LOT tougher.
Times are changing,people are changing.
With all due respect to old timers and newbies!
A middle-aged hiker.
Thanks a million for watching!
Excellent video packed with great info and practical solutions. Like you said ... dry is a condition that does not exist on the AT. Better to be prepared for that fact ahead of time. Thanks again!
Glad you like the video and thanks again for being a great viewer!
Wow. Do you think you could pack a little more info in that video? I'm going to have to listen to this one a few times and I'm no where near ready to consider the AT. You Sir are a wealth of knowlege. If anyone tries to school you on those slick new UA-cam video techniques just tell them to take a hike!!
Thanks for your kind endorsement, and thanks a million for being a great viewer!
Excellent video ! Rain is AT life. Lots of great tips. Thanks for sharing !
Thanks for watching!
very good info once again glad to see you back thanks for all you do.
And thank you for being a great viewer!
Really enjoying your channel sir. I subbed today. I also am an avid hiker. Looking at the AT next year. Wonderful work, much respect!
Joe
Welcome aboard! Thanks for subbing! I have a new video coming this week. Check it out! And thanks a million for being a viewer!!!
I love your kickass attitude towards rooting out the META (most effective technique available)
Hell yeah! And thanks for being a viewer!
Well done and interesting. Gave me some ideas. Ought to have included February though. Been unseasonably warm and has rained a ton in North Georgia. See that even the Smokey Mountains had weather in the 70s.
Thanks again for watching!
Very practical information in this video. Regarding cell reception on the AT, in October I hiked from Atkins to Catawba and hikers seemed to have difficulty between Dismal Falls and Pearisburg. And almost nothing between Pearisburg and Dragon's Tooth.
I wish I had known you were in the area in September with your return to the trail. I live about 6 miles from that Shell station where you ended the video. I could have shuttled you to Catawba and you could have hiked to Jennings Creek with no backtrack. Good luck in future hikes.
Thanks for the cell coverage heads up. Who's your provider? Wish I lived that close to the trail! And thanks again for watching!
flatbrokeoutside. My provider is Straight Talk but even people with the all powerful Verizon were having similar issues. There is a radio tower south of Pearisburg which I suspected of causing interference.
Guys voice reminds me of Earl Nightingale. Love the videos.
Thanks for great advice.
And "NEVER challenge 'WORSE' ... 'cause it can ALWAYS get 'WORSE' ! "
Agreed. And thanks again for watching!
Lots of good information! Thank you so much!
You're welcome and thanks for watching!
Hello from Pickerington! I love your videos, keep them coming.
How's the traffic over there on 256? Still bad? And thanks again for watching!
That's a good idea! I'll also carry a "disposable" poncho
Great info once again!!!!!
Thank you
And thanks to you for being a viewer!
There is a third choice when setting up camp and it's raining. No worries about level ground , Dry Ground , rocky ground , roots , pine cones , acorns ,
or creepy crawlers. Just but up the tarp and then while you are nice and dry under it hang your hammock. If it's raining in the morning , stay in the hammock or if you have to get up. Reverse the process by packing all your dry items in your pack. Now take the tarp down put it in the LARGE mesh pocket of your pack and take out.
You talked about raincoats. On a 12 day canoe trip in the Everglades National Park ( 10,000 islands area ) it rained 11 1/2 days. The 1st hour I wore a rain coat then took it off and never put it back on. Camping was on ground sites a couple of day's and on roofed chickees ( great place to hang a hammock ) the rest of the days. This was in latter part of May and 1st part of June which let the rain be a welcome relief from the heat. That half day when it did not rain felt like paddling in a oven.
When hammocking, where do you stow your pack during a bad rain?
Went to Delaware once, thanks for the tip. I’m really frightened by wolf spiders . . . Lived in rural Ohio and couldn’t keep them out of my house
I looked up wolf spiders (I'd send you the link but it has lots of closeups of their scary faces) and it agreed they are hard to find in the wild. Seems they spent most of their time in burrows, and often close up the openings. I dunno why they like houses so much. Maybe they think they are big burrows.
Thanks...standing Indian loop section hike coming at Easter, any advice ?...ideas ??..your advice was invaluable on our last....
If you did fine on that last hike, you should be good on this one. Be ready if it's a cold snap, or raining. And thanks again for watching!
Nice vid. Thanks.
Glad you liked it and thanks again for watching!
Très bonne vidéo mon cher ! Merci pour cest renseignement fort utile ! Je crois aussi au poncho pour les plus forte et persistance pluie mais cest pas génial pour la respiration !
La plupart des ponchos américains sont très bien ventilés. Quel modèle utilisez-vous? (Using Google Translator. Hope it makes sense.)
I can deal with rain, even cold (sometimes) . what makes me cry, is hail ! and a couple other things that fall out the sky.
Yeah. Hail is bad. And thanks for watching!
Floorless tents? I started in the late 1940s with a pair of US Army surplus shelter halves, that formed a pup tent....floorless, and one end open. Now, when I am in the North or West I use a large poncho that also pitches as a tarp....still floorless, still open on at least one end. If you pick your site well, no problem.
However now that I live in Florida, I use a complete tent with floor, door, and windows, mainly to keep out the bugs and to keep pythons from eating my dog.
Those sound like big pythons. Thanks again for being a viewer!
You can't get to maine if you don't walk in the rain . Rain gear is useless on the AT if you spend all day hiking in the rain you will be wet and really sweaty if you are wearing rain gear . The AT was fun if you do thru hike take the time to enjoy the trail so many people are like zombies and don't enjoy the trip . If you don't like rain do the pct .I had no rain until Mt hood but snow in Washington .
I love rain. I’d be disappointed if I hiked the AT and it DIDN’T pour!
Best AT/Hiking related channel on YT so far. Keep it going Sir! Your voice sounds unique too. You can work as voice actor.
What model is that bacpack lady in blue jacket wears?
In the photo that backpack is covered by a black plastic garbage bag, as a rain cover. That's probably what you noticed. It was an experiment - I don't think it worked too well. Water pooled on the top in rain, and then ran onto her neck! Not good! The pack underneath is an old Lowe Alpine 40 liter, no longer sold. Thanks for your kind endorsement of the channel, and thanks a million for watching!
Question: It is important to keep the gear dry to make it last longer, and regardless of how you put stuff up, there will always be one thing you put back into your backpack that will be wet. Is there a way to reduce the moisture from the last item? I know that backpackers keep stuff like wettex to soak up perspiration and other fluids while on the trail, would that suffice to dry up, say a tarp or is there some other more efficient and fast way ? (Not talking about obvious things like shaking it)
Last year i was out walking and it started to rain, in my non-hiking backpack i have a common umbrella, popped that up and kept walking. A common umbrella can also keep you away from direct sunlight, i know that several hikers do this.
I have practiced with my tarp and from being packet in my backpack, i can get that up in around 3 minutes, but as you say, a few drops of rain isn't gonna kill anyone.
Saw another video advised to add a black trashbag as a liner in the backpack, said that am external backpack rain cover is not enough. They weigh nothing and cost nothing, so i had nothing to lose by adding a second layer of protection. I keep my sleeping bag inside it as well to keep it free from humidity.
I haven't been out on a multi-day hike, i'm more of a day hiker and this year i've decided to take a longer trail in 2018 with a few nights spent in nature, so naturally i'm very curious of this whole subject.
My practice for the one wet thing in the backpack is put it in a plastic bag. I always have a couple of spare small ones. I think the main point in preventing gear damage caused by water is hang everything up to dry a couple of days when we get home. I have found my tent, which I thought was dry, still smelled musty when I got home. I've dried a wet tent off pretty good with just a bandanna - but pitching it on a dry night following rain also works. And thanks for watching!
My problem with floorless tarp tents is that ticks crawl in at night and bite me while I'm sleeping. Not sure if a bug net would prevent that or not.
NaturalViolence2 Sea to Summit makes a 3 ounce hanging bug net. I have one but haven't used it with a tarp, yet. I also have a Solong 6 tent from LightHeartGear with integrated netting. Works great for about 2 lbs.
NaturalViolence2 You check yourself at night to make sure you don't carry any hitchhiking ticks into the tent? If my experience is any indication, they hang out on me a long time before biting, cause I've never had a tick bite but I'll removed enough of them. Either way, I've never read anything that suggests ticks can chew through fabric and if they can't do that I'd bet money they cannot get through a net, either. And thanks for watching!
Does lots of rain make it easier to find drinking water? I was thinking a glass half full options.
In my experience on the AT, absolutely. That's one of the things I tell myself when it rains, at least there'll be lots of water!
Any thoughts of trying a rain kilt?
A number of hikers who show them on youtube think they are great. And thanks for watching!
An unrelated question. I am planning on doing a section hike of Shenandoah in late September 2018. I plan on hiking South and then turning around and hike north back to my car. My question is have you ever section hiked Shenandoah? Were you able to resupply at the camp stores? Also, what did you do about battery power for your electronics? I don't plan on staying anywhere where there are outlets very long to recharge my battery packs. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
How many miles do you plan to do? I have section hiked all the AT in the SNP twice. Off the top of my head, there was a decent store at Loft Mt., a so-so store at Lewis Mt., a big store at Big Meadows but it was a decent side walk to get to it, and a decent one at Elk Wallow. Since it's been a while, don't trust my memory - get a copy of David Miller's guide -- www.amazon.com/T-Guide-Northbound-2018/dp/B079LBNV2N/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1522902745&sr=8-2&keywords=david+miller+appalachian+trail -- It will be up to date. I was out for 10 or 11 days last fall much further south and only charged my iphone6 twice. BUT I had it turned off a lot. Maybe do an advance test on how many days a battery pack will last? I didn't do a lot of research on battery packs, I just got one at Target. I had a battery powered camera and had a spare battery. If I didn't have a signal I'd put the phone on airplane mode and check again later after I had moved on a ways. I would guess signals are reliable in SNP. Have fun on the hike; it's great place. And thanks for watching.
Thanks for the info. I plan on hiking over 200 miles, 100 South and then another 100 north. I have the 2018 AT Guide by AWOL, but it doesn't go into any detail about the resupplies in SNP. It only says they are short term resupplies. Your info gives me something to go on. I'll try calling them once they open to see what they have. I do plan on testing my battery packs to see how many charges I get out of them. I'm also looking at getting a larger battery pack if need be. I really enjoy your videos. I'm from Ohio as well, Toledo. I'm concerned that I can't find any good hills to practice on in my neck of the woods. I think I'll be fine though, I have hiked in Shawnee State Forest as well as a little in the Smokies. Again, thanks for the info and good luck with your hikes.
Rain, it blows, it stings , it seems like it's never going to stop, Because of time constraints I'm a section Hiker, Signed Preacher Man.
Keep hikin' and thanks for watching!
Always great videos and information provided. Is there a name/ brand you suggest for a heavy duty poncho with snap sides?
I have a military style poncho that weighs about a pound and has snaps. I see a couple of similar models on Amazon. And thanks for being a great viewer!
Have you tried using a synthetic coat? Most of the benefits of a down coat and it doesn’t lose insulation when wet
I have not tried a synthetic puffy. Do you have one? Any idea what it weighs? And thanks for watching!
I have a few, they weigh roughly the same as a down jacket (or at least mine does) it apparently doesn't insulate quite as well but I struggle to find a significant difference, it is much more efficient than a fleece or sweater, well worth the buy even if it's just for a test. And thank you for producing the content! You are much more in depth and knowledgeable than anyone else I can find online, keep up the good work!
I am coming from Alaska to hike on the AT, I’m wondering what phone company you use to get the best coverage on the trail?
Thank you for your detailed videos, I appreciate your knowledgeable advice. (BTW: I’ll be thru hiking southbound in 2019 , mid June start).
I had good signals last fall in Virginia with Net10, but I don't know how I'd fare on the rest of the trail. This site recommends Verizon or StraightTalk -- sectionhiker.com/appalachian-trail-cell-phone-guide/ -- Good luck and thanks for watching!
Where you been hiding? Your video is awesome as usual! thanks
Just stayin' busy - and thanks again for watching!
I’m finding it difficult to believe that I won’t be visited by spiders when using a floorless tent
Like the video says, hikers can use whatever tent they want. Usually, it works out. Or, we could make that bug net. Consider this: When I have started down the AT in the mornings, unless another hiker preceded me, I often walked through spider webs built (apparently overnight) right across the trail. Did a spider ever latch onto me? I never bothered to look. I recall seeing a daddy longlegs on the AT once, but I don't recall if he was in the tent or I saw him when making coffee or something. Score: Spiders on trail: 100+. Spiders in floorless tent: Maybe 1. Been to that sledding hill yet? And thanks for watching!
When you say you use a poncho in warm weather, what is warm- 40 and above?
I have used 40F as a rough guide because I know if I am moving at that temp I don't have to be bundled up that much; anything lower than that and the odds increase greatly that I would want the Frogg Toggs jacket as an outer layer. Even so, I would still be tempted to carry a poncho at lower than 40 in anything except dead of winter cause all-day rain might still happen. My cold weather pack will be heavier than normal, anyway. I don't consider it an exact science. And thanks for watching!
This is when I consider
hammocks...
Puzzling
If we have a decent sized tarp and get it up fairly quick, the rest of the hammock installation might not be so bad, I am guessing. Thanks for watching!
I think I would rather hike out west instead of the AT if given the choice. In Utah, Co, Ca, Az there is usually less humidity There is less rain except for the Pacific Northwest. They have overall better and more spectacular views and you don't have to worry about ticks out there.
If I am climbing 2000 to 3000 feet I want a view at the top. There are also views on the way up in places like Zion. I am sure there are good views on the AT too but it seems there is a lot of walking through trees.
I live in the midwest so I would always choose to go west over east to go hiking since I have to travel a good distance to get to both. If I lived close to the AT, then, of course, it would be easier to hike there.
There really aren't any really good hiking areas with 6-7 hours drive from where I live.
I love the west, but there is the sun, poodle dog bush, big distances between water, sudden weather changes, the wind and blowing dirt. Check out my East vs. West video -- ua-cam.com/video/Hx_nM1c89t8/v-deo.html -- Also, you'll want to read up on valley fever if you haven't heard about it -- www.pcta.org/2016/know-valley-fever-44994/ -- On the plus side, if we don't hike on the AT, we don't have to deal with its millions and millions of rocks. This video talks about that -- ua-cam.com/video/pJQHlBxPtyM/v-deo.html -- I admit, I section hike on the AT cause it's a close drive. Wherever you go, have a great hike and thanks for watching!
I have never heard of Valley Fever. Now I have something else to worry about. Looks like I'll have to go back to Switzerland to hike. I wonder what diseases they have that I haven't heard about.
I've never been overnight backpacking. I've only done day hiking in Zion Nat Park and in the Bernese Oberland in Switzerland. These have to be 2 of the best day hiking spots, especially for a novice hiker. I highly recommend the Lauterbrunnen Valley in Switzerland.
I did this hike in Switzerland.
Schynge Platte to First
ua-cam.com/video/4z2hBo00NZA/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/YayDhFgB7w0/v-deo.html
I have watched the vast majority of your videos.They are very interesting. Maybe I'll get some backpacking gear one day.
I live in the Pacific Northwest, and we do indeed have ticks.
Canyon Overlook - One option to check for ticks is do it by flashlight in a privy. A small plastic mirror might help.
Excellent information my friend
Glad you liked it. Like your channel! And thanks for watching!
I like your voice
Glad you like it and thanks for watching!
Merci pour la réponse ! Je magasine les ponchos américains !
Désolé d'entendre qu'ils ne fonctionnent pas mieux pour vous.
Hi, I'm Luck a Polish man currently based in London UK and I have a question which is not directly related to this vide. Sorry ;).
For many years now I've dreamt to do the throughike on the AT. Yet, I'm afraid that with my slow pace the whole thing may take me more than 6 months and this is a maximum length of US visa. Hence the question, Does anyone here knows a non American who did the entire AT ? If so, how did they do it ?
I will be grateful for any answers. Thank you ; ).
This probably qualifies as 'any' answer. A Polish woman, Agnieszka "Zebra" Dziadek, hiked the AT in 122 days in 2017. Her channel is ua-cam.com/users/pierwotna85videos?disable_polymer=1 -- She is experienced and obviously in excellent physical shape. One question is: how slow is slow? Hiking the entire AT in 170 days requires a daily average of 12 miles with no days off. If we cannot reach that average, one option is to walk as far as possible in the allotted time, and hope to return when we can finish the rest of the trail. Even if we walk only 500 miles, it will be an adventure not to be forgotten. Good luck and thanks for watching!
Thanks for a swift replay. I will certenely chack out her chanel and get in touch with her. And thank you for a great vids ; ))).
I grew up I the Pacafic Northwest, you do not know what rain is........ lol.
Yeah, I hear it gets wet. And thanks again for watching!
Patrick Ryan yes
Are you putting out any new videos ?
Got any topics you'd like to see covered? I do these whenever I think of something (hopefully) intelligent to say and get the time to do it. (I do know what the next one will be.) As I write, this one hasn't been out two weeks yet (it was published Feb. 20). And thanks for watching!
Hammocks
Can I ask, if you're using a floorless tent, does that mean your sleeping bag and pillow are going directly on the dirt?
Like the image shows at 10:57, the ground sheet under my sleeping pad is big enough that everything fits handily on top. I got that sheet at a farm implement store. A clear sheet I bought from Six Moon Designs (they sell two to a pack) is essentially the same size. And thanks for watching.
Ah that would be right, I watched all the way up to 10:30 when I asked that question lol. Another 30 seconds and I would have had the answer.
I think some tru-hikers use a top quilt and a warmer sleeping pad instead of a sleeping bag and pad, as the extra down on the bottom side of the sleeping bag can be superfluous considering it compresses. That superfluous down might translate to more weight when using a sleeping bag. I don't know, just guessing.
"Appalachian Trail is a myth and never exist."
That's why Darwin doesn't want to go again.
XDDDDDDDDDDD
Be cautious of rain gear that has no ventilation. You'll wind up wetter and colder from the perspiration that can't escape through it! A light down jacket with a poncho on top of it is your best bet.
What temps would you wear a light down jacket with a poncho and what down jacket do you use?