Hey, we have the same Katahdin summit date! My big things I would change were: 1: Save more money. I thought I wouldn’t need $1000 a month. I was wrong, and my parents are very generous people. 2: EARPLUGS. Keep the snorers and creepy twig snaps at bay. 3: Don’t stress too much about weight. The 45 lbs I lost over the course of the trail made way more of a difference than cutting my toothbrush in half. 4: DON’T COMPARE YOUR PACE TO OTHERS. I spent way too much time worrying about always being the last one at camp. It doesn’t matter. It’s not a race. Your tramily’s not going anywhere. Just enjoy everything.
$1,000 a month?? How many days did you take off the trail and/or did you eat the highly overpriced hiker food like those Mountain choice meals that cost $5 a piece for just 500 calories a shot. I bicycle toured but was able to do it for $10 a day including 2 days at a hotel over a month period.
Yes. It is a very profound statement. Mine must be cold and darkness bc I overpack for heat and light - multiple lights, more replacement batteries, matches, lighters & fire-starters! lol
you SHOULD consider doing another AT thruhike!!! With your acquired experience since your first thruhike on the AT you have learned SO MUCH that doing the AT a second time would be so much more pleasurable than the first time...and I know what Im talking about...You are now a celebrity with a LOT of followers who would love to see you do a second thruhike of the AT which, in all honesty, propelled you to the status that you now hold. The second time around is SO MUCH more fun and fulfilling even if the climbing of Katahdin is somewhat anti-climatic as it was for you the first time you succeeded. If there are followers of Diuxie who would love to see her do the AT again then please hit the like button here!!!!!!!!
Try the "John Muir" menu on a long hike- french bread, oatmeal, dried fruit, dried vegetable soups, salami, cheese, and tea with a bit of sugar. Light and sustaining.
@@dx5018 What is healthy really depends on what you are doing. You need to take in enough calories to cover all of the exertion that you are doing while hiking. Things like the mountain house meals or knorrs stuff is pretty health considering the activity. Even the excess salt is probably a good thing consitering all the sweating people do. I think you would want to consult a nutritionist that specializes in active lifestyles before you would try taking a "healthy" diet on a trail. It could get dangerous.
@@herranton thanks ☺ I sm interested what Dixie was eating once she couldn't stand this instant food anymore. If she was carrying berries, apples, avocadoes and so forth. You are right, calories are important 🌽🍌🥑
The trail gear review was very interesting. I have followed you, Dixie, frow day one on the AT thru the CDT and the PCT. Your knowledge is invaluable to future hikers. Thanks for sharing. P.S. As the video progresses the sun position gradually changed and you looked absolutely radiant at the end. An angelic glow. You are such a truly nice person.
Hey Dixie, will you have similar retrospectives on your PCT and CDT hikes? I want to add that I recently binge-watched your CDT vlog. Great stuff and it inspired me to get outside more. Aaron's production is fantastic. What's next for you in 2019? As a side note, far more people have summited Everest than hiked the Triple Crown.
I would love to see how you would change your diet on trail to be healthier. I eat a lot of junk food while backpacking. Let’s change that!! Excellent perspective on what you would change and great advice that you don’t have to be “fancy” to complete a thru hike. Great video Dixie! Enjoyed 🙌🏻
J M very true! I always cut weight when on trail. Can’t take in enough calories, but I would love to hear some alternatives to the junk I’m putting into my body
so eat what you want... calorie, salt, sugar, and carb dense. In hiking you are trying to keep your body going, you will crave different things than someone else. 7-12hrs hiking all day months on end is much different than a little weekend hike trip. For me the concentration on staying healthy would be on the down time not hiking after a trail.
@@ssijon For me.. my concentration on eating healthy is All the time and especially if hiking all day for months on end. Yes.. everyone is different, but the bottom line between good, clean, healthy, nutritional food, and junk is huge! Ask any athlete who is serious about their training. You can't exercise a bad diet away. It is a calorie game.. it's easy to make the smart choice.
YES!!! Would love to see how to eat healthier on the trail!!!!! Also could you do a video on the whole mailing yourself stuff in towns? No idea how to go about that! Lol and maybe include how to plan as far as knowing when/where you can go into a town?👍😁😉😁😉
Hi Dixie. I section hike the AT in 1976 . We were in shanandoa National Park. We left from the Dundo group site and did 22 miles. It was one of the best times of my life. But you can imagine the difference in gear back then. I love your channel. Stay safe, Karl.
Want to know: how do you pack up your tent and ground cloth when they are wet, muddy, and sopping wet in the morning and it's still pouring??? This was a problem this summer when I was car camping in the desert. Everything was covered with red mud and I really didn't know what to do. Thanks!
Just like how you pick them up when it's not pouring. Hopefully later in the day it'll not be pouring and you can spread those things out to dry while you have lunch, snack or nap.
Wendy She has another video of how she packed/upacked her pack and reasons why. It's in the description on the video. I wish I remembered the name of it.
Wet and dirty things, such as a tent or damp towel, get stashed in the net pouch on the outside of the pack or strapped to the outside of the pack. I have outside straps for my tent. It never goes inside the pack with the stuff I want to keep clean.
@@brianwickstrom8759 This is great during dry climates. This is the AT and wet I'd still recommend the wet day/dry day cycle Dixie has on other video(s) on the AT. Especially for a beginner.
Hey Dixie! Merry Christmas! I'd love to see you do a series on dehydrating food/making your own backpacking meal packs. I'm thinking of trying that for the PCT.
If you go in the cold again and if your budget allows it, look into this www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TLIH0NW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and this www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076LQ837P/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 as a base layer. My husband rides his bike in the winter in Chicago and uses them both as a base layer, depending on the temperature he rode his bike every day this past winter except when the company closed because of the extreme cold. Merino wool is incredibly soft, wicks away the moisture and dries well. Wool is also naturally antimicrobial. It does occasionally go on sale.
Dixie - When and where are you going to speak in South Carolina- I live in Columbia and will definitely attend. I often use you as an example to my children as how to over come their fears and "Just do it". Thanks in advance for your response.
My advice is to buy the best sleeping bag you can afford. If you buy a "good" synthetic one, you will end up buying a down one later. Buy the down bag right away. I usually recommend something like the Marmot Helium.
And I totally agree on the air mattress. I suffered with a z-rest for years. After not sleeping a wink while laying on roots, I finally spent the money and never looked back. I use the Exped Synmat UL yellow. Fill it with the Exped Schnozzel. Super combo
Dixie, So, when are you going to hike the AT south bound? Think about it. It's a hike that few document. It would a different perspective for you, and it's a great next logical step for your channel. Thanks for all the videos, which I have warched since you started.
I so agree about the umbrella. I learned to love it last year so had one with me the entire PCT. In Washington I had an ultralight version and was so glad since it basically rained more than half of the time and a lot of it when it was 30-50F. Keeping that moisture off the shoulders really prevented heat getting sucked away.
@@lisaphikes I had the Snow Peak one www.backcountrygear.com/snow-peak-ultralight-umbrella.html at 5.1oz. Montbell also has several options which are a tiny bit lighter as well. www.montbell.us
Jay, did you find a way tie your umbrella to your pack, or did you have to hold onto it? I was thinking about getting one to do a SoCal PCT section in April, but I do like using both my poles when I hike.
Yep, in the desert I had a shock cord water bottle holder loop on my shoulder strap so I put the handle in there then slid the handle under my multipack strap. In Washington I just put the umbrella handles through both of the water bottle shock cord loops in the ULA pack. I've found it works fine since the umbrella rests on the top of your backpack so it won't slide down although it could tilt forward unless you can support the bottom from sliding down. The chrome umbrella handles have that foam though so a tightened shock cord holds on pretty well. ZPacks sells drink holder shock cords but they are way too thin and weak. Best to buy thicker shock cord and make it yourself.
Love the sharing of healthier meals. Do share. I also find that adding electrolytes to the final cup of water for the day, helps to balance out any muscle soreness or possible dehydration, even if ever so slight.
I hike to hunt, but even though it is a different sort of hiking I am learning lots from you. Very cool. Inspires me to just hike more coz I see cool places while hunting but I would not think of hunting for that long and that far and I would love to see more and take in more of that scenery and feeling of being on the road.
I had my first bout with plantar fasciitis when I was 35. The first 2 foot doctors that I went to weren't the best. I got a cortisone shot and custom made orthotic inserts that didn't help long-term. After two years of pain, I finally went to a 3rd doctor who showed me a couple of stretching exercises that had my feet in great shape in about a month. You could probably find those same stretches using Google. No real problems since. I just use the stretches whenever I feel a twinge now instead of multiple times per day that first month.
Insoles for life! I purchased "Walk Fits" when it got to the point that had to crawl when getting out of bed. I never go anywhere without insoles and I am perfectly comfortable hiking big miles or walking the golf course. Happy feet, happy life.
Hey !!! You are wearing my shirt. Earlier date,, smart. Neo mattress,, love mine,, I have the larger Osprey pack ,, hated stuff being crushed . warmer rated bag is always a plus,, I hate being cold trying to sleep. It would be my creature comfort extra weight.
I would love to have videos on healthy backpacking food. I also wish that there were better resources for people with dietary restrictions due to medical needs, ie, for myself low FODMAP which is challenging in ordinary life never mind backpacking.
Check out Cotezi Hikes - she did the PCT and ate a vegan diet, so there will hopefully be some relevant tips on how to avoid junk food and eat healthier. Lots of avocados, as I recall.
@@shadowcastre of course there is, like sending tons and tons of resupply boxes to towns that dont have his needs. $$! Its simple, if you cannot get your needs at a gas station, you will need a resupply box sent nearby. Or possibly hitch a ride to a town further away. I was being sarcastic with the calories thing, because that is all I hear hikers talk about :) Trying to eat 5,000 calories a day is hard enough on its own without dietary restrictions. Olive oil on just about everything you eat would help, plus there are plenty vegan style high calorie foods you could send dehydrated. livinglike_lisa you dont have to hike the whole trail straight through. Hike a month or couple weeks at a time each year. Just have fun! PCT 2019!
Hello Dixie, you are a wealth of knowledge. Thank you for sharing. You presented the information extremely well. Always be be safe out there on the trail and always have too much fun. 🤗
Money. Starting gear purchases aside, how much money would you say the typical through hiker spends once they set foot on the AT? Food, lodging, shipping packages, replacing worn out gear, shoes, etc.
This sounds like me when I got pregnant with our second child. You know what is actually needed, what you probably won't use at all, and what you want to splurge on. You don't know until you know though!
Hey Dixie, here's a question... you frequently mention your friend Perk in your videos... did you two meet on the trail? It's really nice that you have a close hiking friend to share adventures with... history is everything with friendships. One comment on this video regarding total-carry weight... as you grow older, your joints inflame with less stress... I'm now 63, and light weight is critical for my knees, hips, back, ankles, shoulders, neck.... if you're over 40, save more $$ and buy the lightest and most waterproof gear available (DCF)... if you are in pain, your enjoyment will be less (or zero).
Absolutely do a 'food on the trail' video. I'm lookin' to do a PCT hike in 2020 so I have another year to get my knee squared away from the AT. If you know anything about stoveless cooking I'd like to hear/see your thoughts on that. Applejack
So much good information in this video, Dixie. Really helpful. I was thinking 2L of water was overkill for the Smokies... and those neoprene socks are a *must* in slushy snow IMHO.
We pack our fears. How very true. Dixie, I started watching your vids over a year ago. You were part of the inspiration for me to do a 2019 thru hike of the AT. Thanks so much for the work you put into your vids. I will carry the knowledge you've shared, hopefully, from Amicalola falls to Katahdin. I'm going to go through my gear again and see if I can leave my fears behind. Smiles and much Love from northern Ohio
Good info! I'd love to see some videos about food prep and pre-prep.. i plan to (eventually) get a freeze dryer... you can freeze dry anything your little heart desires to take on a hike..
I’m giving it a go in 2019 if you would like to follow along! I’ll be vlogging here on UA-cam and you were the first thru hiker I followed. Heading out 9 March! Have a blessed Christmas!
Great tips and your gear review was enlightening. When hiking, I tend to add a fleece liner to my sleeping bag. Keeps you toasty even when wet, though best not to, as fleece gets very heavy. I make my own summer fleece sheet liner for summer, and use polar fleece as the temps drop. Well worth the added ounces.
so want to upgrade to one of those bottle straws whatever they are called, always carry 3 litres as hate taking the bladder out to refill and you can't see what's left. Bottle in side pocket of bag with one of those straw attachments looks amazing. and far easier to clean and doesn't ruin it putting electrolytes or flavourings in. for the cost of emergency devices these days, I'm surprised how many people are against them or don't bother, even on a popular trail, if you are in a no signal area, there's going to be a massive wait for help. Had a findmespot for years but will be changing to inreach due to the cheaper more flexible contracts.
DIXIE, i have so enjoyed all your videos. i am no longer able to do the great outdoors as many health problems have over taken me but at 73 i have done my share mostly in the West. you make me smile is what i want to say. thanks for sharing Keep on the great stuff you do, and LOVE of the great outdoors, Rob in the NW USA,
Hey Dixie! I would love to see a video about healthier food options on trail. Although I still eat some sugar I'm pretty intolerant of it, and I'm mostly gluten free for the same reason. PLUS, I only eat fish, no chicken or red meat! Since I'm planning on hiking the PCT in 2020 I'm actually kind of nervous about my food options, especially since I really don't want to be a slave to every single post office on trail and want to keep the number of boxes I send myself to a minimum. Thanks and looking forward to your future videos!
Hey Dixie, I absolutley LOVE how you say "y'all" 😍 By the way, I have a question, what's your take, as thru hikers, on the gear the so called "preppers" use/buy and the "survival knowledge/mode" as a hole? I'm very courious about that, it's funny how youtube and google send me to some prepper's reviews on gear and tutorials on backpacking when I searched for that info.
And not to make you self conscious , it's just enough. I only notice it because I am from New Jersey. I enjoy your channel. I have a desire to do big hikes and your experience helps others. I never thought about it being dangerous until I watched your videos. It's important to be prepared
I know that you have life..."real life"; but....I miss ' "Dixie" on the trail'. :( Everyday was an adventure; high's, low's, new people, animals et al. I know from my cycling trips what you are going through doing these videos and I really appreciate that!! We didn't have anything like this back in '77 to '86; so thanks for this! :) But yah...I miss being 'on the road' like you miss being 'on the trail'. Maybe a live-in-camper for your next adventure? Take yer man, dog and see where the wind blows? :) Thanks for all that you do Dixie! Hugz!!
I second the camper idea... My uncle has an old beat up Volkswagen wondervan type thing from the early 80's with two beds that fit 4-5 people comfortably in total, a stove, a table and rotating seats that turn it into a "dining room"... Any time I do a 100+ mile backpack he offers to drive out to pick me up, even if it means he's driving from Maryland to Utah, then we spend a few days showing each other highlights of the area and car camping... There arent many things better than having that van (or any other decent camper for that matter) waiting for you at the end of a long-ish backpack...
@@19biglou Yep, we grew up camping in Volkswagen camper-vans. Today tho, I have 'Hotel-Toyota' which is very stealth for an urban environment, but more than capable for the road-trips everywhere. Sounds like you have some really great memories and stories! :) Wonderful stuff!!!
i went car camping once with my hiking buddies and they had me on a quilt...needless to say i slept in the car that night. the very next day i bought an inflatable pad. you can't sleep if the ground is cold
By the way, the fix for Plantar Fasciitis is to do deep tissue massage of your calf muscles. Though the pain is in the bottom of the heel, it is a referred pain caused by adhesions in the calves. Suffered greatly for 5 years until I found that out. Check out, Clair Davies' book: "The Trigger Point Therapy Woodbook".
1:58 snow and a. ..oh you said ice. Yea plantar fasciitis is tough. I used deep blue oil on mine and as. ..umm ice also. Next day the red, swelling and pain were gone. So cool you are a Trifecta-ist
Boodieman72 I would do the AT first as you don’t have the high altitude of the Sierras or the heat and long stretches without water in the desert. I have started with the PCT first only because I live here and it is the least expensive for me and I’ve been training for 3 years on it. I will do the PCT in 2019, AT next in 2020, then CDT in 2021 hopefully.
i started with the PCT.i never thought i become a triple crowner someday.i just liked the westcoast better.if i had started with the AT i dont know that i made a nother thruhike again. i hiked the PCT with some AT veterans so they told me i have to hike it.back than beeing from Germany and having no Internet at all i really had no idea what i was doing.
Wonderful words of wisdom coming from experience and maturity. Thanks! What about personal hygiene? I've taken to carrying some blue nitrile gloves ( 3.5 grams each or ~8 in an ounce) and dog poop bags (2.3 g each, ~12 in an ounce) in my poop kit. Used toilet paper / baby wipe goes in the glove (turned inside out, hand stays very clean), then the glove-enclosed TP goes in the doggie bag, which then goes in a used freezer bag (that I cooked my oatmeal in that morning). Another thing is that I spit out toothpaste into the used freezer bag, too, so I don't have to find a special place away from tent to spit it out in bear country. Plus gloves could keep hands dry as an inner glove and doggie bags could keep feet dry in a pinch. Is all this TMI?
I liked you comment about the neoprene socks. I used waterproof socks (over absorbing socks) on the AT and they were terrific in rain/wet trails, stream crossing, ...no wet feet (=cold, blisters). for example, Amazon ASIN: B019Y6YHTU
This Blonde is an absolute, total doll! Where can I, my OWN SELF, find a copy? That'd sure make getting out in the woods, 'doing' instead of 'watching', much easier/more enjoyable. All I can find here are either (A):Ugly chicks, (B):Fat chicks, (C): Fat, Ugly chicks, or (D):the typical, miserable, slutty, Feminist millennial "I'm, like, totally bored. There isn't even any reception out here. Why did you bring me here, When are we leaving ".....and, no, I'm neither joking nor exaggerating. Oh well, guess my best days are behind me now. I've outlived my usefulness anyhow. BTW, "liked" AND Subscribed.
I hiked the leg of the AT from the top of Peter's Mountain (Rt 225) to Clarks Ferry (Rt 322, Susquehanna River), about 15 years ago, one way (6 miles) in sneakers. Just recently I hiked it back and forth (12 miles), and I'm so glad I had on boots, because erosion and trail deterioration has made navigation so difficult because of all the rocks. You can probably get by with Trail Runners if you have a Trekking Poles, which I don't use. The boots protected my ankles.
Really appreciate this video. Thank you. In looking at your AT gear list to find out the size of your Osprey pack, I scrolled through the rest and found your undergarment section. I LOVE the exofficio underwear. In fact, for this summer's bike packing trip I bought a pair of men's Give-N-Go boxers and used them as my sleep shorts. If the fabric is good enough to sweat in all day, rinse and dry by morning then I figured they would serve well for sleeping too, with the boxers being loose enough to allow for natural air flow. They worked like a champ and I highly recommend them for the ladies. We also found a clothes line worked well for our bike trip. It stuffed into a sack about the size of an egg. Any use for that on the AT??? Thanks Dixie.
Keb Mo, “We are victims of comfort…”. In the Army Infantry we went through years of discomfort, tired beyond healthy, cold, wet, hungry, sleep deprived, injured, in pain, afraid, lonely, all at the same time without interruption…for months. The point was to train to succeed, to think, plan, proceed…beyond comfort, to prevent complications due to comfort, to continue the missions without comfort being an issue. Did we all eventually reach this goal…no.
Now for me. Lite is rite. No better way to go lite then in warmer weather. I would say start in late April may. Carry as little as possible. You'll lose your pack weight in body weight in 2 weeks and then it's just walking the trail. And 20 miles at 2 mph is 10 hrs. U have 13 to 15 hours of day light. That's the day. 1 zero 1 Nero a week. Is 100 miles a week. That's 5 .5 months puts u in Baxter in September. In summer u can carry as little as 15 lbs. When your conditioned. 30 mile days are not out of question including the whites. 20 s r achievable. That lite especially and it lands u there in August best time. I did 35 and over 30000 elevation in a 24 he period. U know your in that kind of shape being a vet. News have no clue of there potential.
Expensive gear is non sense. I had Wal Mart tent scotch gaurd. 30 dollar zero synthetic, 20 dollar titanium cook set.. blow up pad was a pool float. 2 dollars. My bag was heaviest. Put money there. I would carry exactly the same stuff. I was never wanting for anything except one night that was zero. But then it went back to 40. Layers helped me survive.
I've seen countless people hiking AT/PCT on UA-cam that didn't prepare whatsoever. No exercises, no cardio, no hiking experience, no gear tests, nothing. Doomed to fail. Not to mention it's going to guarantee suffering.
I bought a 200$ dehydrator after my first hike. Loosing 15Lb in a week isn't fun. I can now hike 2 or 3 weeks without refills comfortably. Loved to see a food video.
Hey Dixie, I'm a Type 2 diabetic, have high blood pressure and an enlarged prostrate. I take a total of 5 medications for these conditions. Any idea as to how hard it is to work out prescription refills. I could take several months of medicine with me but that will be a load. Leslie Gus Blackwell Carthage, Mississippi
No better woman than Jessica. Smart, sweet, pretty. Okay.... it would be wrong if I didn’t say she has a gorgeous smile and fantastic legs. I look forward to every Wednesday.
Do you think it would be a great idea to holler "Hey Darling" when you meet a bear on the AT? Might they be nice, and stop running away so fast? Maybe pose for a quick photo ...
Country BBQ (the giant rocking chair)! Eat mighty fine for 4.99! Best sweet tea in the world! I will be starting my AT trip in Oct of 21 and will be breaking the trail into 30-day sections to be done once a year (this will allow me to complete it budget-wise and job-wise would love to do through but not an option currently). I would love to hear any suggestions on how to break it up. Thank you for all the videos You, Darwin and Outdoor adventures have helped me over the last mental hurdle from "wouldnt that be cool" to I start on Oct 1st.
Im going to hike in asheville next week as my first hike EVER! Idk if thats considered the app. Mt. ( idk much lol ) but i just want to pack my shit and just go. Any pointers?? Im going solo. Where do i park? Lol thats the only thing im worried about
Nice to hear about this. I am hoping to do some sections of the AT in the coming year. I still need to switch out my pack for a lighter one, but I so love my BA Copper Spur UL2 that I will probably keep it. Being from CA and the JMT, I have not done much wet weather hiking and camping. In the Sierra, the sun came out most mornings to dry things out - so I am spoiled and a bit worried about having to pack up a wet tent in the rain, and then have to sleep in the same wet tent the next evening. Thanks for the videos, and Merry Christmas.
My first trip I brought 8 beers with me, in glass bottles. Then the first night people were asking me for some. I said no way. They were heavy. They were gone fast though
Military rating of sleeping bags: 20F bag will keep you warm enough to sleep 4 hours before you are so cold you wake up. So double the rating if you want a full night's sleep ( 20F for 40F weather). Or use the military's system: I have a bag that fits inside another bag, plus there is breathable covering for the times when you don't have a tent.
Just was wondering if you have ever considered hiking any of the European long paths: Either the GR (north south) or ER (east west) footways? GR2 comes to mind? en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GR_footpath en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_long-distance_paths
Hindsight is 20/20! I believe in some other video you said that your AT trip was your first ever backpacking trip/experience. So you didn’t have the chance to experience your gear before heading out. And sorry if that’s incorrect. But what I’m taking from your video is having experience under your belt goes a long way. But you had a great attitude and that helps get one through too!
Those hand warmers can be re-used. The chemical that creates the heat works with oxygen. If you use it for a bit, seal it in a ziplock bag. One hand warmer works for 4-6hours so you could use and re-use it without wasting money/weight etc. ua-cam.com/video/iJxnc8znIAY/v-deo.html (not my video)
If I hiked the AT again I would go much slower, swim whenever I could, and linger at every mountain top.
First time was a race. Missed a lot. Next time will be a walk in the woods to enjoy.
Looking to do a section hike on the AT this summer. Thanks for the good info.
I'm taking this information with me on my '23 thru hike of the AT. Thank you!
Agreed
Hey, we have the same Katahdin summit date!
My big things I would change were:
1: Save more money. I thought I wouldn’t need $1000 a month. I was wrong, and my parents are very generous people.
2: EARPLUGS. Keep the snorers and creepy twig snaps at bay.
3: Don’t stress too much about weight. The 45 lbs I lost over the course of the trail made way more of a difference than cutting my toothbrush in half.
4: DON’T COMPARE YOUR PACE TO OTHERS. I spent way too much time worrying about always being the last one at camp. It doesn’t matter. It’s not a race. Your tramily’s not going anywhere. Just enjoy everything.
tofu farmer Excellent points!
Well said. I agree
So true about the tooth brush. They say the easiest way to get a bike that weights 1 kg less is to lose 1 kg off your gut.
$1,000 a month?? How many days did you take off the trail and/or did you eat the highly overpriced hiker food like those Mountain choice meals that cost $5 a piece for just 500 calories a shot. I bicycle toured but was able to do it for $10 a day including 2 days at a hotel over a month period.
I’m attempting the grail with 2500 on April 21
We pack our fears. Wow. So true.
This is an awesome statement! I’ve never heard it put that way! Leave it to Dixie! Southern wisdom!!!
Timothy Mason yes sir. Have to appreciate the wisdom. I pack coffee.
Coffee keeps me managed through long overnight shifts as a nurse. Tried to quit but my coworkers didn't deserve the grouchy snit behaviour.
Watching this vid, I referenced the time mark of that statement, and guess what, it is the first comment I see!
Ellen, your comment should be pinned!
Yes. It is a very profound statement. Mine must be cold and darkness bc I overpack for heat and light - multiple lights, more replacement batteries, matches, lighters & fire-starters! lol
Kinda miss Hank peein' on stuff in the background.
Jim Cook Okayyy, I’ll let him back out when I record 😊😉
you SHOULD consider doing another AT thruhike!!! With your acquired experience since your first thruhike on the AT you have learned SO MUCH that doing the AT a second time would be so much more pleasurable than the first time...and I know what Im talking about...You are now a celebrity with a LOT of followers who would love to see you do a second thruhike of the AT which, in all honesty, propelled you to the status that you now hold. The second time around is SO MUCH more fun and fulfilling even if the climbing of Katahdin is somewhat anti-climatic as it was for you the first time you succeeded. If there are followers of Diuxie who would love to see her do the AT again then please hit the like button here!!!!!!!!
Try the "John Muir" menu on a long hike- french bread, oatmeal, dried fruit, dried vegetable soups, salami, cheese, and tea with a bit of sugar. Light and sustaining.
Left the trail to go home due to a sick dog ... you are my kind of people!
Very much interested in future videos about healthier eating on trail. I look forward to those videos!
I second that
@@dx5018 What is healthy really depends on what you are doing. You need to take in enough calories to cover all of the exertion that you are doing while hiking. Things like the mountain house meals or knorrs stuff is pretty health considering the activity. Even the excess salt is probably a good thing consitering all the sweating people do. I think you would want to consult a nutritionist that specializes in active lifestyles before you would try taking a "healthy" diet on a trail. It could get dangerous.
@@herranton exactly. calories calories!
@@herranton thanks ☺ I sm interested what Dixie was eating once she couldn't stand this instant food anymore. If she was carrying berries, apples, avocadoes and so forth. You are right, calories are important 🌽🍌🥑
Me, too! Subscribed today!
The trail gear review was very interesting. I have followed you, Dixie, frow day one on the AT thru the CDT and the PCT. Your knowledge is invaluable to future hikers. Thanks for sharing. P.S. As the video progresses the sun position gradually changed and you looked absolutely radiant at the end. An angelic glow. You are such a truly nice person.
Hey Dixie, will you have similar retrospectives on your PCT and CDT hikes? I want to add that I recently binge-watched your CDT vlog. Great stuff and it inspired me to get outside more. Aaron's production is fantastic. What's next for you in 2019?
As a side note, far more people have summited Everest than hiked the Triple Crown.
Good stuff! Many of the ultra-light nerds only care about weight, only to freeze when they get out there. It's usually entertaining
Got confused for a bit when you were talking about snowy and "assy" conditions. I figured that must be trail talk lol.
Kyle - LOL! No, that’s not trail talk, it’s how we talk in the south. Assy = icy.
Lol no I know! I caught on
😂😂 Sorry
@@marclefaucheur9178
Lol....
I pause on a few of her words. Love the accent just takes a few minutes sometimes to know what she is talking about. Nye-at, ah-cee !
Can't wait for my 1st AT hike 2020!
Hope to meet you there! Have to wait until 2020 because my son graduates high school in 2019. Best of luck wish I could find a blog of 2020 hikers
I'm thinking of starting early March, Northbound
good luck you can do it
If I can save the money by then I'll be NOBO in 2020 too!
NOBO late March 2020 with my oldest daughter. One of my daughters is Thru hiking AT as we speak
I would love to see how you would change your diet on trail to be healthier. I eat a lot of junk food while backpacking. Let’s change that!! Excellent perspective on what you would change and great advice that you don’t have to be “fancy” to complete a thru hike. Great video Dixie! Enjoyed 🙌🏻
eat what you want, you will burn it anyway.....
J M very true! I always cut weight when on trail. Can’t take in enough calories, but I would love to hear some alternatives to the junk I’m putting into my body
@@ssijon
High quality nutritional food will get you way further than junk any day!
so eat what you want... calorie, salt, sugar, and carb dense. In hiking you are trying to keep your body going, you will crave different things than someone else. 7-12hrs hiking all day months on end is much different than a little weekend hike trip. For me the concentration on staying healthy would be on the down time not hiking after a trail.
@@ssijon
For me.. my concentration on eating healthy is All the time and especially if hiking all day for months on end. Yes.. everyone is different, but the bottom line between good, clean, healthy, nutritional food, and junk is huge!
Ask any athlete who is serious about their training. You can't exercise a bad diet away. It is a calorie game.. it's easy to make the smart choice.
YES!!! Would love to see how to eat healthier on the trail!!!!! Also could you do a video on the whole mailing yourself stuff in towns? No idea how to go about that! Lol and maybe include how to plan as far as knowing when/where you can go into a town?👍😁😉😁😉
I too would like some guidance on mailing stuff to myself.
Hi Dixie. I section hike the AT in 1976 . We were in shanandoa National Park. We left from the Dundo group site and did 22 miles. It was one of the best times of my life. But you can imagine the difference in gear back then. I love your channel. Stay safe, Karl.
Want to know: how do you pack up your tent and ground cloth when they are wet, muddy, and sopping wet in the morning and it's still pouring??? This was a problem this summer when I was car camping in the desert. Everything was covered with red mud and I really didn't know what to do. Thanks!
Just like how you pick them up when it's not pouring. Hopefully later in the day it'll not be pouring and you can spread those things out to dry while you have lunch, snack or nap.
Wendy She has another video of how she packed/upacked her pack and reasons why. It's in the description on the video. I wish I remembered the name of it.
Wet and dirty things, such as a tent or damp towel, get stashed in the net pouch on the outside of the pack or strapped to the outside of the pack. I have outside straps for my tent. It never goes inside the pack with the stuff I want to keep clean.
@@brianwickstrom8759 This is great during dry climates. This is the AT and wet I'd still recommend the wet day/dry day cycle Dixie has on other video(s) on the AT. Especially for a beginner.
Wendy S. Smith
ua-cam.com/video/NYXfdKfIRZE/v-deo.html
Here is one, later in video, and there is another/older she did that was "hands on" in video
8:47 I got chills and a little choked up when I saw. ..it. ❤someday. Avid section hiker now due to work but SOMEDAY! --Hardrock
I love how much you loved your dog. It speaks to your beautiful soul!
Hey Dixie! Merry Christmas! I'd love to see you do a series on dehydrating food/making your own backpacking meal packs. I'm thinking of trying that for the PCT.
Another great video with valuable information.
Thank you for your continued work to post!!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Thanks for the info. Merry Christmas
Thank you for watching-Merry Christmas!
What is the maximum pack weight that you would carry on the AT?
If you go in the cold again and if your budget allows it, look into this www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TLIH0NW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and this www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076LQ837P/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 as a base layer. My husband rides his bike in the winter in Chicago and uses them both as a base layer, depending on the temperature he rode his bike every day this past winter except when the company closed because of the extreme cold. Merino wool is incredibly soft, wicks away the moisture and dries well. Wool is also naturally antimicrobial. It does occasionally go on sale.
Dixie - When and where are you going to speak in South Carolina- I live in Columbia and will definitely attend. I often use you as an example to my children as how to over come their fears and "Just do it". Thanks in advance for your response.
I'm also from SC. Yes, please let us know
My advice is to buy the best sleeping bag you can afford. If you buy a "good" synthetic one, you will end up buying a down one later. Buy the down bag right away. I usually recommend something like the Marmot Helium.
And I totally agree on the air mattress. I suffered with a z-rest for years. After not sleeping a wink while laying on roots, I finally spent the money and never looked back. I use the Exped Synmat UL yellow. Fill it with the Exped Schnozzel. Super combo
Good, solid advice!
Dixie,
So, when are you going to hike the AT south bound? Think about it. It's a hike that few document. It would a different perspective for you, and it's a great next logical step for your channel.
Thanks for all the videos, which I have warched since you started.
I disagree. She needs to go to Mexico and hike through Sinaloa
@@johncuervo3019 Or Australia. G'Day...
How about ADT or HAYDUKE
Thank you for another great and informative video. Galen
I so agree about the umbrella. I learned to love it last year so had one with me the entire PCT. In Washington I had an ultralight version and was so glad since it basically rained more than half of the time and a lot of it when it was 30-50F. Keeping that moisture off the shoulders really prevented heat getting sucked away.
Jay Wanders Out what ultralight umbrella did you use?
@@lisaphikes I had the Snow Peak one www.backcountrygear.com/snow-peak-ultralight-umbrella.html at 5.1oz. Montbell also has several options which are a tiny bit lighter as well. www.montbell.us
Jay, did you find a way tie your umbrella to your pack, or did you have to hold onto it? I was thinking about getting one to do a SoCal PCT section in April, but I do like using both my poles when I hike.
Yep, in the desert I had a shock cord water bottle holder loop on my shoulder strap so I put the handle in there then slid the handle under my multipack strap. In Washington I just put the umbrella handles through both of the water bottle shock cord loops in the ULA pack. I've found it works fine since the umbrella rests on the top of your backpack so it won't slide down although it could tilt forward unless you can support the bottom from sliding down. The chrome umbrella handles have that foam though so a tightened shock cord holds on pretty well. ZPacks sells drink holder shock cords but they are way too thin and weak. Best to buy thicker shock cord and make it yourself.
I'm the exact opposite about tents. All of the poles and whatnot make me anxious but the single trekking pole for my Luna Solo feels perfect.
Love the sharing of healthier meals. Do share.
I also find that adding electrolytes to the final cup of water for the day, helps to balance out any muscle soreness or possible dehydration, even if ever so slight.
I hike to hunt, but even though it is a different sort of hiking I am learning lots from you. Very cool. Inspires me to just hike more coz I see cool places while hunting but I would not think of hunting for that long and that far and I would love to see more and take in more of that scenery and feeling of being on the road.
My plantar fasciitis took two years to fully heal. How did you recover from it? I know i am older. Did you just tough it out?
I had my first bout with plantar fasciitis when I was 35. The first 2 foot doctors that I went to weren't the best. I got a cortisone shot and custom made orthotic inserts that didn't help long-term. After two years of pain, I finally went to a 3rd doctor who showed me a couple of stretching exercises that had my feet in great shape in about a month. You could probably find those same stretches using Google. No real problems since. I just use the stretches whenever I feel a twinge now instead of multiple times per day that first month.
Insoles for life! I purchased "Walk Fits" when it got to the point that had to crawl when getting out of bed. I never go anywhere without insoles and I am perfectly comfortable hiking big miles or walking the golf course. Happy feet, happy life.
Hey !!! You are wearing my shirt. Earlier date,, smart. Neo mattress,, love mine,, I have the larger Osprey pack ,, hated stuff being crushed . warmer rated bag is always a plus,, I hate being cold trying to sleep. It would be my creature comfort extra weight.
I would love to have videos on healthy backpacking food. I also wish that there were better resources for people with dietary restrictions due to medical needs, ie, for myself low FODMAP which is challenging in ordinary life never mind backpacking.
calories, calories, calories.....
@@ssijon
There's more to it than that..
Check out Cotezi Hikes - she did the PCT and ate a vegan diet, so there will hopefully be some relevant tips on how to avoid junk food and eat healthier. Lots of avocados, as I recall.
@@shadowcastre of course there is, like sending tons and tons of resupply boxes to towns that dont have his needs. $$! Its simple, if you cannot get your needs at a gas station, you will need a resupply box sent nearby. Or possibly hitch a ride to a town further away. I was being sarcastic with the calories thing, because that is all I hear hikers talk about :) Trying to eat 5,000 calories a day is hard enough on its own without dietary restrictions. Olive oil on just about everything you eat would help, plus there are plenty vegan style high calorie foods you could send dehydrated. livinglike_lisa you dont have to hike the whole trail straight through. Hike a month or couple weeks at a time each year. Just have fun! PCT 2019!
@@ssijon
Lol..
I like to froze my first time out so I bought a zero degree bag. Never gonna freeze at night ever again!
Dixie, did you know that Siri has a special affection to your voice. Every time i‘m watching one of your videos Siri starts babbling in between. 🤠
Oh that's so funny
Hello Dixie, you are a wealth of knowledge. Thank you for sharing. You presented the information extremely well. Always be be safe out there on the trail and always have too much fun. 🤗
I have learned so much from your experiences. How about the "Camino"
That would be SO interesting. For Dixie and us, vicariously.
Aim to do it potentially in the fall ❤️
Thank you so much for watching!
on the camino you barely Need anything.i was the only one with a tent and a stove
Money. Starting gear purchases aside, how much money would you say the typical through hiker spends once they set foot on the AT? Food, lodging, shipping packages, replacing worn out gear, shoes, etc.
She said in a different video was about a 1000 per month
This sounds like me when I got pregnant with our second child. You know what is actually needed, what you probably won't use at all, and what you want to splurge on. You don't know until you know though!
Hey Dixie, here's a question... you frequently mention your friend Perk in your videos... did you two meet on the trail? It's really nice that you have a close hiking friend to share adventures with... history is everything with friendships. One comment on this video regarding total-carry weight... as you grow older, your joints inflame with less stress... I'm now 63, and light weight is critical for my knees, hips, back, ankles, shoulders, neck.... if you're over 40, save more $$ and buy the lightest and most waterproof gear available (DCF)... if you are in pain, your enjoyment will be less (or zero).
Absolutely do a 'food on the trail' video. I'm lookin' to do a PCT hike in 2020 so I have another year to get my knee squared away from the AT. If you know anything about stoveless cooking I'd like to hear/see your thoughts on that.
Applejack
Ive seen some vids on youtube about it but most only do it for a few weeks then crave something warm
So much good information in this video, Dixie. Really helpful. I was thinking 2L of water was overkill for the Smokies... and those neoprene socks are a *must* in slushy snow IMHO.
Your videos are SO HELPFUL and informative. Thank you, Dixie!!
We pack our beers!
Great video.
A video on eating healthier would be awesome. I’m planning a PCT thru hike for 2019 and am concerned about getting sick from eating junk.
you just saved me from quite a few mistakes, thank you! any thoughts on bivy bags?
We pack our fears. How very true.
Dixie, I started watching your vids over a year ago. You were part of the inspiration for me to do a 2019 thru hike of the AT. Thanks so much for the work you put into your vids. I will carry the knowledge you've shared, hopefully, from Amicalola falls to Katahdin.
I'm going to go through my gear again and see if I can leave my fears behind. Smiles and much Love from northern Ohio
More about healthy foods would be great!
Good info! I'd love to see some videos about food prep and pre-prep.. i plan to (eventually) get a freeze dryer... you can freeze dry anything your little heart desires to take on a hike..
I’m giving it a go in 2019 if you would like to follow along! I’ll be vlogging here on UA-cam and you were the first thru hiker I followed. Heading out 9 March! Have a blessed Christmas!
That's inspiring! And that golden light at the end of the video added some magical vibes! Beautiful!
Great tips and your gear review was enlightening.
When hiking, I tend to add a fleece liner to my sleeping bag. Keeps you toasty even when wet, though best not to, as fleece gets very heavy. I make my own summer fleece sheet liner for summer, and use polar fleece as the temps drop. Well worth the added ounces.
so want to upgrade to one of those bottle straws whatever they are called, always carry 3 litres as hate taking the bladder out to refill and you can't see what's left. Bottle in side pocket of bag with one of those straw attachments looks amazing. and far easier to clean and doesn't ruin it putting electrolytes or flavourings in.
for the cost of emergency devices these days, I'm surprised how many people are against them or don't bother, even on a popular trail, if you are in a no signal area, there's going to be a massive wait for help. Had a findmespot for years but will be changing to inreach due to the cheaper more flexible contracts.
DIXIE, i have so enjoyed all your videos. i am no longer able to do the great outdoors as many health problems have over taken me but at 73 i have done my share mostly in the West. you make me smile is what i want to say. thanks for sharing Keep on the great stuff you do, and LOVE of the great outdoors, Rob in the NW USA,
Hey Dixie! I would love to see a video about healthier food options on trail. Although I still eat some sugar I'm pretty intolerant of it, and I'm mostly gluten free for the same reason. PLUS, I only eat fish, no chicken or red meat! Since I'm planning on hiking the PCT in 2020 I'm actually kind of nervous about my food options, especially since I really don't want to be a slave to every single post office on trail and want to keep the number of boxes I send myself to a minimum. Thanks and looking forward to your future videos!
Food ideas are always helpful!
MERRY CHRISTMAS Dixie, Aaron, Perk and all your hiker friends :)
I’ve been watching your channel since right after you finished the AT and it’s been amazing seeing how much you’ve learned and grown as a hiker.
Hey Dixie, I absolutley LOVE how you say "y'all" 😍
By the way, I have a question, what's your take, as thru hikers, on the gear the so called "preppers" use/buy and the "survival knowledge/mode" as a hole? I'm very courious about that, it's funny how youtube and google send me to some prepper's reviews on gear and tutorials on backpacking when I searched for that info.
Just noticed... War Eagle Dixie! Great videos and thank you for sharing!
I love love love your drawl.
And not to make you self conscious , it's just enough. I only notice it because I am from New Jersey. I enjoy your channel. I have a desire to do big hikes and your experience helps others. I never thought about it being dangerous until I watched your videos. It's important to be prepared
I know that you have life..."real life"; but....I miss ' "Dixie" on the trail'. :( Everyday was an adventure; high's, low's, new people, animals et al. I know from my cycling trips what you are going through doing these videos and I really appreciate that!! We didn't have anything like this back in '77 to '86; so thanks for this! :) But yah...I miss being 'on the road' like you miss being 'on the trail'. Maybe a live-in-camper for your next adventure? Take yer man, dog and see where the wind blows? :) Thanks for all that you do Dixie! Hugz!!
I second the camper idea... My uncle has an old beat up Volkswagen wondervan type thing from the early 80's with two beds that fit 4-5 people comfortably in total, a stove, a table and rotating seats that turn it into a "dining room"... Any time I do a 100+ mile backpack he offers to drive out to pick me up, even if it means he's driving from Maryland to Utah, then we spend a few days showing each other highlights of the area and car camping... There arent many things better than having that van (or any other decent camper for that matter) waiting for you at the end of a long-ish backpack...
@@19biglou Yep, we grew up camping in Volkswagen camper-vans. Today tho, I have 'Hotel-Toyota' which is very stealth for an urban environment, but more than capable for the road-trips everywhere.
Sounds like you have some really great memories and stories! :) Wonderful stuff!!!
i went car camping once with my hiking buddies and they had me on a quilt...needless to say i slept in the car that night. the very next day i bought an inflatable pad. you can't sleep if the ground is cold
We pack our fears. Totally Zen. If we keep giving our best effort at whatever level we are, we will continue to learn and improve. Thank you.
By the way, the fix for Plantar Fasciitis is to do deep tissue massage of your calf muscles.
Though the pain is in the bottom of the heel, it is a referred pain caused by adhesions in the calves.
Suffered greatly for 5 years until I found that out.
Check out, Clair Davies' book: "The Trigger Point Therapy Woodbook".
Experience talks
1:58 snow and a. ..oh you said ice. Yea plantar fasciitis is tough. I used deep blue oil on mine and as. ..umm ice also. Next day the red, swelling and pain were gone. So cool you are a Trifecta-ist
Dixie, knowing what you know now about the three trails, would you have still started with the AT ?
she has a video on this...
Yep!! I don’t think it’s necessary to do them in the order I did, but I am happy with the order I chose.
Boodieman72 I would do the AT first as you don’t have the high altitude of the Sierras or the heat and long stretches without water in the desert. I have started with the PCT first only because I live here and it is the least expensive for me and I’ve been training for 3 years on it. I will do the PCT in 2019, AT next in 2020, then CDT in 2021 hopefully.
i started with the PCT.i never thought i become a triple crowner someday.i just liked the westcoast better.if i had started with the AT i dont know that i made a nother thruhike again. i hiked the PCT with some AT veterans so they told me i have to hike it.back than beeing from Germany and having no Internet at all i really had no idea what i was doing.
heiko balling Congrats on your Triple 👑 Crown! Amazing accomplishment!
That crinkle sound that the cubin fiber makes, does it drive you batty?
Yes. I would love to see videos about healthy eating and dehydrating foods.
I plan on doing the AT in 2023. These videos give me SO MUCH info and really help me feel like I'm not going in blind
I'll see ya out there sam :)
Me too, however I’m not starting until May 😬
Wonderful words of wisdom coming from experience and maturity. Thanks! What about personal hygiene? I've taken to carrying some blue nitrile gloves ( 3.5 grams each or ~8 in an ounce) and dog poop bags (2.3 g each, ~12 in an ounce) in my poop kit. Used toilet paper / baby wipe goes in the glove (turned inside out, hand stays very clean), then the glove-enclosed TP goes in the doggie bag, which then goes in a used freezer bag (that I cooked my oatmeal in that morning). Another thing is that I spit out toothpaste into the used freezer bag, too, so I don't have to find a special place away from tent to spit it out in bear country. Plus gloves could keep hands dry as an inner glove and doggie bags could keep feet dry in a pinch. Is all this TMI?
Why don't you go for a double Triple Crown!
I liked you comment about the neoprene socks. I used waterproof socks (over absorbing socks) on the AT and they were terrific in rain/wet trails, stream crossing, ...no wet feet (=cold, blisters).
for example, Amazon ASIN: B019Y6YHTU
This Blonde is an absolute, total doll! Where can I, my OWN SELF, find a copy? That'd sure make getting out in the woods, 'doing' instead of 'watching', much easier/more enjoyable.
All I can find here are either (A):Ugly chicks, (B):Fat chicks, (C): Fat, Ugly chicks, or (D):the typical, miserable, slutty, Feminist millennial "I'm, like, totally bored. There isn't even any reception out here. Why did you bring me here, When are we leaving ".....and, no, I'm neither joking nor exaggerating.
Oh well, guess my best days are behind me now. I've outlived my usefulness anyhow.
BTW, "liked" AND Subscribed.
I hiked the leg of the AT from the top of Peter's Mountain (Rt 225) to Clarks Ferry (Rt 322, Susquehanna River), about 15 years ago, one way (6 miles) in sneakers. Just recently I hiked it back and forth (12 miles), and I'm so glad I had on boots, because erosion and trail deterioration has made navigation so difficult because of all the rocks. You can probably get by with Trail Runners if you have a Trekking Poles, which I don't use. The boots protected my ankles.
Really appreciate this video. Thank you. In looking at your AT gear list to find out the size of your Osprey pack, I scrolled through the rest and found your undergarment section. I LOVE the exofficio underwear. In fact, for this summer's bike packing trip I bought a pair of men's Give-N-Go boxers and used them as my sleep shorts. If the fabric is good enough to sweat in all day, rinse and dry by morning then I figured they would serve well for sleeping too, with the boxers being loose enough to allow for natural air flow. They worked like a champ and I highly recommend them for the ladies. We also found a clothes line worked well for our bike trip. It stuffed into a sack about the size of an egg. Any use for that on the AT??? Thanks Dixie.
Keb Mo, “We are victims of comfort…”. In the Army Infantry we went through years of discomfort, tired beyond healthy, cold, wet, hungry, sleep deprived, injured, in pain, afraid, lonely, all at the same time without interruption…for months. The point was to train to succeed, to think, plan, proceed…beyond comfort, to prevent complications due to comfort, to continue the missions without comfort being an issue. Did we all eventually reach this goal…no.
Now for me. Lite is rite. No better way to go lite then in warmer weather. I would say start in late April may. Carry as little as possible. You'll lose your pack weight in body weight in 2 weeks and then it's just walking the trail. And 20 miles at 2 mph is 10 hrs. U have 13 to 15 hours of day light. That's the day. 1 zero 1 Nero a week. Is 100 miles a week. That's 5 .5 months puts u in Baxter in September. In summer u can carry as little as 15 lbs. When your conditioned. 30 mile days are not out of question including the whites. 20 s r achievable. That lite especially and it lands u there in August best time. I did 35 and over 30000 elevation in a 24 he period. U know your in that kind of shape being a vet. News have no clue of there potential.
Expensive gear is non sense. I had Wal Mart tent scotch gaurd. 30 dollar zero synthetic, 20 dollar titanium cook set.. blow up pad was a pool float. 2 dollars. My bag was heaviest. Put money there. I would carry exactly the same stuff. I was never wanting for anything except one night that was zero. But then it went back to 40. Layers helped me survive.
I've seen countless people hiking AT/PCT on UA-cam that didn't prepare whatsoever. No exercises, no cardio, no hiking experience, no gear tests, nothing. Doomed to fail. Not to mention it's going to guarantee suffering.
I bought a 200$ dehydrator after my first hike. Loosing 15Lb in a week isn't fun. I can now hike 2 or 3 weeks without refills comfortably. Loved to see a food video.
Thank you Dixie and Merry Christmas!
Hey Dixie, I'm a Type 2 diabetic, have high blood pressure and an enlarged prostrate. I take a total of 5 medications for these conditions. Any idea as to how hard it is to work out prescription refills. I could take several months of medicine with me but that will be a load.
Leslie Gus Blackwell
Carthage, Mississippi
No better woman than Jessica. Smart, sweet, pretty. Okay.... it would be wrong if I didn’t say she has a gorgeous smile and fantastic legs. I look forward to every Wednesday.
Do you think it would be a great idea to holler "Hey Darling" when you meet a bear on the AT? Might they be nice, and stop running away so fast? Maybe pose for a quick photo ...
Country BBQ (the giant rocking chair)! Eat mighty fine for 4.99! Best sweet tea in the world! I will be starting my AT trip in Oct of 21 and will be breaking the trail into 30-day sections to be done once a year (this will allow me to complete it budget-wise and job-wise would love to do through but not an option currently). I would love to hear any suggestions on how to break it up. Thank you for all the videos You, Darwin and Outdoor adventures have helped me over the last mental hurdle from "wouldnt that be cool" to I start on Oct 1st.
Im going to hike in asheville next week as my first hike EVER! Idk if thats considered the app. Mt. ( idk much lol ) but i just want to pack my shit and just go. Any pointers?? Im going solo. Where do i park? Lol thats the only thing im worried about
Nice to hear about this. I am hoping to do some sections of the AT in the coming year. I still need to switch out my pack for a lighter one, but I so love my BA Copper Spur UL2 that I will probably keep it. Being from CA and the JMT, I have not done much wet weather hiking and camping. In the Sierra, the sun came out most mornings to dry things out - so I am spoiled and a bit worried about having to pack up a wet tent in the rain, and then have to sleep in the same wet tent the next evening. Thanks for the videos, and Merry Christmas.
My first trip I brought 8 beers with me, in glass bottles. Then the first night people were asking me for some. I said no way. They were heavy. They were gone fast though
you can always find a swankier, lighter, warmer thing but do you need that? It's like having a massive rucksack do you need that space
Military rating of sleeping bags: 20F bag will keep you warm enough to sleep 4 hours before you are so cold you wake up. So double the rating if you want a full night's sleep ( 20F for 40F weather). Or use the military's system: I have a bag that fits inside another bag, plus there is breathable covering for the times when you don't have a tent.
Just was wondering if you have ever considered hiking any of the European long paths: Either the GR (north south) or ER (east west) footways? GR2 comes to mind?
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GR_footpath
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_long-distance_paths
Hindsight is 20/20! I believe in some other video you said that your AT trip was your first ever backpacking trip/experience. So you didn’t have the chance to experience your gear before heading out. And sorry if that’s incorrect. But what I’m taking from your video is having experience under your belt goes a long way. But you had a great attitude and that helps get one through too!
Those hand warmers can be re-used. The chemical that creates the heat works with oxygen. If you use it for a bit, seal it in a ziplock bag. One hand warmer works for 4-6hours so you could use and re-use it without wasting money/weight etc.
ua-cam.com/video/iJxnc8znIAY/v-deo.html (not my video)
Would love more feedback on healthier eating while on trail. Also, cooking hot meals versus ready to eat, like Tuna or jerky.
You said swim? There's a lake you could swim in AT? I have inflatable kayak😊
Won't the wind quickly destroy an umbrella, especially a cheap one?
I suffer from plantar fasciitis from time-to-time. Getting out of bed is hell. Amazed you managed to hike with it.
Hello Dixie, Would you please upload your videos to Rumble. We really need to get away from UA-cam. The censorship has been beyond belief.