Backpacking Basics: Everything You Need To Know To Start Backpacking

Hey y'all, I tried to pack this video with all the information I think you need to know if you want to start backpacking. The number 1 goal of this video is to make it as easy as possible for ANYONE to out on trail, especially if you don't even know what to search for!
If you already watched my beginner backpacking playlist ( • Everything You Need To... ), the new info is summarized below the table of contents.
00:00 Intro
00:45 10 Essentials of Hiking
05:15 SHELTERS
05:17 Tents
17:18 Stakes
18:28 Tarps
21:31 Bivy
23:14 Hammocks
27:00 SLEEP SYSTEMS
27:02 Sleeping Bags
29:31 Down vs Synthetic
36:55 Quilts
39:27 Sleeping Pads
39:42 Foam
41:25 Self Inflating
42:10 Inflatable
45:02 FOOTWEAR
45:10 Hiking Boots
50:21 Trail Runners
52:44 Sandals
55:08 How To Properly Fit
59:27 Camp Shoes
01:01:21 Socks
01:08:10 CLOTHING LAYERS
01:10:10 Underwear
01:12:09 Base Layers
01:13:32 Shirts
01:14:48 Pants/Shorts/Skirts
01:18:09 Mid Layers
01:21:10 Rain Gear
01:28:05 BUGS!
01:29:50 Ticks and General Repellants
01:33:03 Mosquitoes
01:35:33 Bees/Wasps
01:40:45 WATER TREATMENT
01:41:43 Boiling
01:43:43 Chemical Treatments
01:45:19 Filters
01:51:39 FOOD
01:56:54 Food Storage
02:01:35 Stoves
02:05:54 Cookware
02:10:33 ELECTRONICS
02:12:09 Backup Battery Packs
02:16:51 Solar Panel Chargers
02:22:39 FIRST AID
02:22:46 Take Care of Your Feet/Blisters
02:26:02 Plantar Fasciitis
02:27:32 Chafing
02:28:51 Sprains
02:30:17 Cuts and Scrapes
02:31:38 Poisonous Plants
02:32:34: Hypothermia
02:33:58 Hyperthermia
02:36:02 Snake Bites
02:38:49 First Aid Kit
02:40:50 HYGIENE
02:47:17 Going to the Bathroom
02:55:22 Menstruation
02:59:26 BAD WEATHER
03:00:14 Heavy Rain
03:08:25 Hail
03:09:12 Lightning
03:11:22 BACKPACKS
03:11:26 Picking a Pack
03:25:09 Fitting a Pack
03:30:14 Packing a Pack
03:32:13 CAMPING BASICS/LNT
03:32:20 Plan Ahead
03:32:49 Travel/Camp on Durable Surfaces
03:35:01 Respect Wildlife
03:36:53 Camp Fire Basics
03:38:18 Dispose of Waste
03:40:47 Be Considerate of Other Visitors
03:41:37 Leave What You Find
ADDED INFO NOT PRESENT IN ORIGINAL SERIES
*Permethrin is toxic to cats
*When removing a tick, make sure the tick’s head isn’t still attached to your skin
*Water filter can be damaged if frozen. To prevent filter from freezing overnight, keep the filter in a ziplock bag with you in your sleeping bag.
*Difference between Water Filter and Purifier: Water filter removes bacteria, but the pore size is too big to remove viruses. A mechanical purifier has small enough pores to filter out viruses.
*Section Added to First Aid: Hyperthermia aka heat exhaustion. Summary: avoid hiking in prime heat of day, take breaks, be mindful of the level of humidity. High humidity compromises your body’s ability to sweat and your sweat’s ability to evaporate and cool your body down. Carry an umbrella in exposed areas.
Signs of hyperthermia: rapid pulse, signs of exhaustion, losing consciousness, rapid shallow breathing, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness.
CDT Gear List: lighterpack.com/r/fsmeqf
PCT Gear Lists: Desert - lighterpack.com/r/f84ma7
Sierra Nevada - lighterpack.com/r/b8a8ic
Cascade Range - lighterpack.com/r/40d5gd
AT Gear List: homemadewanderlust.com/whats-i...
Links: Bear Bagging Video: • 3 Easy Ways to Hang a ...
Dehydrated Ground Beef Video: • How To Dehydrate Groun...
Army Institute Study on Footwear: apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltex...
Outdoor GearLab Top Solar Panels: www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics...
Leave No Trace 7 Principles: lnt.org/learn/7-principles
Merch: shop.spreadshirt.com/homemade...
* I do NOT accept anything from gear companies. I do not do paid reviews. I do not have any sponsors. All opinions are my own, based on my experiences. I do not plan to ever incorporate sponsorships on this channel in an effort to remain 100% impartial.
*There are Amazon Affiliate links in my gear lists and possibly in product links in this video description. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Amazon Affiliate Page: www.DixieAZ.com
WAYS TO SUPPORT THIS CHANNEL & MY 2020 Adventures:
*Patreon: / homemadewanderlust
(You can pledge as low as a $1/month to support my upcoming hikes.)
*My Book
Take A Thru-Hike: Dixie's How-To Guide for Hiking the Appalachian Trail (ebook): amzn.to/2e7GK0l
*ONE-TIME CONTRIBUTION:
-PayPal: [e-mail]
-Bitcoin (BTC) Wallet: 1PLcRstR4bamTYKpwd9Nzus75WjfjMY6gG
Contact information:
Blog: www.homemadewanderlust.com
twitter: @homemadeWL
Instagram: homemadewanderlust
facebook: www.facebook.com
PO Box 4192 Opelika, AL 36803
For business/interview inquiries only: [e-mail]

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Time Stamps! 00:45 10 Essentials of Hiking 05:15 SHELTERS 05:17 Tents 17:18 Stakes 18:28 Tarps 21:31 Bivy 23:14 Hammocks 27:00 SLEEP SYSTEMS 27:02 Sleeping Bags 29:31 Down vs Synthetic 36:55 Quilts 39:27 Sleeping Pads 39:42 Foam 41:25 Self Inflating 42:10 Inflatable 45:02 FOOTWEAR 45:10 Hiking Boots 50:21 Trail Runners 52:44 Sandals 55:08 How To Properly Fit 59:27 Camp Shoes 01:01:21 Socks 01:08:10 CLOTHING LAYERS 01:10:10 Underwear 01:12:09 Base Layers 01:13:32 Shirts 01:14:48 Pants/Shorts/Skirts 01:18:09 Mid Layers 01:21:10 Rain Gear 01:28:05 BUGS! 01:29:50 Ticks and General Repellants 01:33:03 Mosquitoes 01:35:33 Bees/Wasps 01:40:45 WATER TREATMENT 01:41:43 Boiling 01:43:43 Chemical Treatments 01:45:19 Filters 01:51:39 FOOD 01:56:54 Food Storage 02:01:35 Stoves 02:05:54 Cookware 02:10:33 ELECTRONICS 02:12:09 Backup Battery Packs 02:16:51 Solar Panel Chargers 02:22:39 FIRST AID 02:22:46 Take Care of Your Feet/Blisters 02:26:02 Plantar Fasciitis 02:27:32 Chafing 02:28:51 Sprains 02:30:17 Cuts and Scrapes 02:31:38 Poisonous Plants 02:32:34: Hypothermia 02:33:58 Hyperthermia 02:36:02 Snake Bites 02:38:49 First Aid Kit 02:40:50 HYGIENE 02:47:17 Going to the Bathroom 02:55:22 Menstruation 02:59:26 BAD WEATHER 03:00:14 Heavy Rain 03:08:25 Hail 03:09:12 Lightning 03:11:22 BACKPACKS 03:11:26 Picking a Pack 03:25:09 Fitting a Pack 03:30:14 Packing a Pack 03:32:13 CAMPING BASICS/LNT 03:32:20 Plan Ahead 03:32:49 Travel/Camp on Durable Surfaces 03:35:01 Respect Wildlife 03:36:53 Camp Fire Basics 03:38:18 Dispose of Waste 03:40:47 Be Considerate of Other Visitors 03:41:37 Leave What You Find

[@mechasartre3694]

The snake part has made me less keen on hiking in America XD

[@hikingthemountains7062]

Excellent vid Dixie!

[@memefeed2147]

If you aren't eating exclusively pemmican on the trail, you are missing out the ability to roam like our ancestors did with no issues, aches or pains. needing to sleep for only a single rem cycle (3-4 hours) and wake well rested is amazing. Your bodies ability to produce heat is also increased, more resilient to the weather.

[@bfg1836]

Kids and work resulted in a 25 year hiatus from backpacking. 2 years ago I stumbled on one of your videos and the bug bit me again. So, at 57 I got back into it. Things have changed a lot in 25 years, especially equipment, and your videos have helped a lot. Keep em coming. I’ve worked in Spain for months at a time and your Camino videos have the wheels turning. Thanks a bunch, Dixie.

[@gigiguzman2747]

I want to start backing but that is a big list. It all seems so intimidating to me.

[@KimberlyGreen]

The "end-to-end" view count on this video may never be high because of the length, but this is probably the most wonderful video you've ever done. What a thoughtful service, to put it all in one video.

[@xPumaFangx]

Give it time and love. Than maybe the view count will go up.

[@KimberlyGreen]

@@xPumaFangx Oh certainly. But some metrics the creator section of KZbin gives are audience retention, average view duration & average % viewed. I think that a 3+ hour video is going to be a challenge for most people to view in one sitting, so those metrics won't be high. Basic view count will, of course, grow over time.

[@jasonhohman7702]

Great advice! I'm on KZbin mostly for personal entertainment and longer videos fail to hold my attention. If someone is a true "KZbinr" where personal statistics mean the difference between gaining endorsements or not and front page placement, consideration of video length and statistics are critical! I love that she was considerate by listing time stamps for key points, but that helps us and not her. Breaking this video into digestible bites would help her a lot! Still, I'm with you on the showing of love for her efforts and watched the entire video...even if partially multi-tasking to do so! But honestly... I found myself to be very interested in her advice!

[@thedude0000]

@@jasonhohman7702 _Breaking this video into digestible bites would help her a lot!_ Just watch the first 10 seconds of the video. She explains this is a collection of videos she had done, but wanted to put them all into one video. I'm sure if you go to her channel, you'd find the individual videos. *Additionally,* she provides time stamps in the description section. Not exactly sure how she could make it easier.... 🙄

[@kevinbungles]

An absolute essential video - loved it

[@minzhi6995]

After watching this again and again, I finally gathered all my gears and went to my first ever backpacking trip to Joshua Tree! Met another first timer backpacker who follows this channel, too! Thank you for all the education and tips!

[@DARKDEATHKILLER]

Wow just the sheer amount of time researching, filming and editing the content of this video is a huge undertaking, so thank you very much for putting in all that work for us!

[@seekhimwithallyourheartand3358]

Repent to Jesus Christ “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭53:5‬ ‭NIV‬‬ J

[@svtabula-rasa7753]

This could have been a Udemy course and I would have gladly paid for it! Amazing information def a master class thank you soooo much.

[@wvhikingadventures714]

Wow, what an undertaking the editing process for this project must have been! Great job, most impressive!

[@emmy1122]

You know what? Ich glaub ich bestell nichst hahaha

[@ranger569h7]

O

[@zexnynex777]

where are you in WV?

[@wvhikingadventures714]

Fayetteville WV

[@robertrendleman557]

F

[@hannahstepanek1092]

She made a feature film for all of us and I am so grateful! 💕

[@AmanYadavS]

This is a master course for a beginner, the best video for travelers.

[@seekhimwithallyourheartand3358]

Repent to Jesus Christ “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭53:5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

[@raymondcava4669]

@@seekhimwithallyourheartand3358You are a nut bar😂

[@johnd7564]

Most youtubers can't get 5 minutes of content into a 10 minute video. This was amazing! All well thought out, all hard-earned knowledge shared freely, this is 3:43:40 of content in 3:43:40 of video. Either she's an amazing extemporaneous speaker, or she's taken the time to script all of this. No wasted words, no missed points. And she takes the trouble to point out where she doesn't have definitive knowledge. This is SO useful and well done. Wow.

[@lucylovitt9583]

Nice, but it would have been even nicer if the lady had a name ........she

[@johnd7564]

@@lucylovitt9583 Her name's Dixie.

[@oldschooljeremy8124]

In the olden days before inflatable sleeping pads ( or closed cell foam pads even ) there was a trick for that problem of the hip grinding into the ground when sleeping on your side. You dug a shallow little trench, maybe an inch or two deep, 3 or 4 across and 6 or so wide. Your hip went down into that trench. This left your weight more evenly spread along your whole body rather than focused at your hip and shoulder. ( Sometimes you'd do a trench for your shoulder as well. ) Even directly on the ground this was a much more comfortable lie. Add a layer of grass or leaves for padding and Bob's your uncle. And the weight of this system? Zero pounds zero ounces. : )

[@MomWentBackpacking]

Bob’s your uncle 😆 I haven’t heard that in a long time

[@hannaheller5290]

That is SO smart

[@davidbutler1825]

Ahhh! The ol' "hip hole."

[@michaeldriggers7681]

That's an ingenious solution. If I ever find myself out camping or backpacking with either no sleeping pad or a nonfunctional pad, I will remember that. Barring that situation however, I am never again intentionally going camping without a thick inflatable sleeping pad.

[@vincentalessi1307]

Hip and shoulder holes work great unless it rains, then ensolite pad is advised. And Leave No Trace principles often forbid this practice

[@PaulMaloney]

Thanks for the video Dixie. I train youngsters in the UK on outdoors backpacking and the girls in the groups sometimes have questions they don’t feel comfortable asking me. I now have a video to send them to where they have a role model who covers those things for them.

[@KubrickFR]

I had no idea when launching this video that I would be watching it to the end. I just thought 'Who would make/watch a 3+ hour video on backpacking?'

[@robertoouellet1188]

Same here but so instructional!

[@maddi3787]

100%. I started off by thinking that I'd just watch a few minutes or skim through, but I'm an hour in and still very entertained. 😂

[@Fire91ful]

I cant take 6months off from work without going homeless but a week hike sounds like a real vacation. Watching the while thing. You motivated me to do my dream!

[@findingagain]

I hope that you've been able to take your hike, even if just for a day or few!

[@Fernwanderer]

So, if this one is "basics" I´m really looking forward for your "Advanced Backpacking: Everything You could Know and beyond" 😉 Seriously, you should name this one "Backpacking 101" - very much enjoyed watching.

[@DB-xo6xh]

101 Comprehensive Seminar.

[@theaestheticgaming3530]

L

[@rebahkascaccia8555]

Agreed 👍

[@Havoc_Unlimited]

‘Rejoice in the death of all the mosquitos in the mosquito massacre’ ahhh made me chuckle

[@jcoop4298]

I am from England (it’s wet here). I’ve lived outdoors, full time, for the last 8 years. Wish that I’d seen a video this good when I started! (I wouldn’t have had so many adventures if I had though 🤣) Excellent work lady. New campers take notes and listen to this woman. The only input that I feel is really important to make is this; A wet nights sleep will ruin your moral and your adventures! Buy a tent that is a minimum of 4000HH and make sure that the poles go through the flysheet on the outside of it. This way, if you get caught in a rainstorm you can put your home up very quickly and without getting your bedroom wet. This is really important. Make sure that you have a dry, windproof home to go to every day and your outdoor adventures will be everlastingly good memories. (The downside to this is that stargazing is more difficult...)

[@camilleb292]

Excelent point. I fell in love with sleeping outside in winter, so I decided to buy winter sleeping bag and also a tent suitable for all seasons. I would recommend to all of you Trimm Apolo-D - it has 10000HH and two entrances as she explained in the video. Very light tent of great quality for low price.

[@garnettbrown]

The first rule of hiking before any of this stuff is: Tell someone where and when your going and approximately what time you should be back.

[@ElJulioso]

Exactly! That way, people can find and shoot the bear that ate you while it's still sleepy and slow after its meal!

[@allanpatterson7653]

@@ElJulioso If you are walking with your dog who knows no fear and you come across a bear the dog will likely enrage it with it's barking. Do not try and save the dog , the little ARF is going to buy you about a minute or 2 lead time on a run out of there.

[@youtubecensorspeace1874]

That is the first rule? Lol so before you consider actually surviving you should make sure people know where you died?

[@rudolphschmidt313]

@@allanpatterson7653 Only a coward wouldn't fight with the dog

[@allanpatterson7653]

@@rudolphschmidt313 O really. Have you ever come close to an enraged Bear without a fence between you? Your little canine friend knows no fear and is going to go straight for the Bear if it's anything like a few Terriers I can think of,if you you can't scoop him up and run the Bear gonna make very short work of him. Save yourself. I never take a dog on a walk in the north woods unless I know the trail well ,I find Rattle snakes as well and they do not sound like on TV the rattle is more like the whistle grasshoppers sometime make and they are warning you stay away.Do not get in their space and you have no problem.

[@alicianarava6371]

This video is freakin AWESOME! You are so knowledgeable and enthusiastic and you share you knowledge in such a humble way that allows room for others and their personal opinions and experiences. Your respect and love for nature is beautiful and I learned SO much from this video. I am so excited to be planning my AT thru-hike with your guidance and expertise! Thank you so much!

[@paullessard4549]

Exceptionally well done and useful. Wish I would of found this before I fragmentated all these bits together watching tons of YT videos. I watched the whole thing since it provided a nice summary and answered nearly every remaining question I had. Thanks Dixie!

[@sarahoneill4930]

As someone just starting to research how to do even a day hike (that might grow into thru hiking), this was exceptional. I found the entire video to be educational and it helped me realize what I haven't considered yet and might need to do more research on. In terms of length, I appreciate how much work you did! I'm sure putting this video together was a project in itself. I was able to watch it on twice the speed so I could maximize my time best. Thank you!

[@katkit2544]

This had absolutely everything I wanted to know to go backpacking. You thought of everything!! Best video I have seen, watched the whole thing!! Thankyou for sharing your wisdom and saying the things that most people wouldn’t want to talk about on a video. After watching this I had to subscribe.

[@28105wsking]

Make sure you count your tent stakes and in the morning when you take down, count them again before you pack them, so you don't leave any behind and get caught short the following night. It's always a good idea to have a coupla extras, just in case. Have a designated gear rock and only put your stuff on that rock. That's why its a good idea to have red and orange gear. You'll see it in the grass. Double check your camping area and clean it up before you leave, and double check your check list before you leave in the morning to make sure you don't forget anything important. Try to set up before dark. I once set up after dark and the next morning discovered I'd missed a HUMONGOUS pile of human poop by inches! Truly, angels must have guided my feet and placement in the dark. How I could have gotten that off my tent out in the boonies, I don't know! Whew! Close call! For Pete's sake, bury your poops. Thanks!

[@secondchance6603]

"You have to do what works for you." Best advice ever!

[@jennydoe9255]

I feel like there should be a quiz at the end of this and a certificate for completing this course. thanks for the great video, ive learnt a lot!

[@anthonyw688]

Wow, such a wealth of knowledge. You definitely have been doing this a while and know your stuff. Long videos too, almost like a podcast. As a trucker I definitely can appreciate the long forum.

[@notsoswift629]

This is literally the most comprehensive video I’ve ever watched

[@MalcolmSalmond]

This is truly an incredible video. I can't even begin to imagine how many hours this took to put together. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[@lindasmal5051]

Hiking here in South Africa is slightly different than hiking in USA, as we don't have any bears here and most of the wildlife leave us alone. It's just baboons we need to look out for and that's mainly just scaring them away. Thanks for this complete guide to hiking beginners! I learned so much.

[@josephfolken9873]

Can’t believe how long and comprehensive this video is. It’s everything I need to know to about getting into backpacking. Thank you so much

[@luacreskid]

You have worked hard to make these videos watch-able and listen-able. Perhaps you don't know how successful you are. On the other hand you have 231k subscribers which is indicative of your success. Good for you.

[@Besalu]

Wow!! A very, VERY comprehensive introduction to Backpacking 101!!

[@terryowen7032]

Every time I hear, Hey Y'all, Dixie here, somehow my day gets brighter.

[@oneandonlyval]

same!

[@loisfrey9315]

Such a helpful video! Bless your heart for taking the time to create an all-encompassing video that covers everything!

[@jamiecanham9991]

Thanks for all of the great information! I learn so much from you, I’m so grateful ♥️

[@alexanderweaver4838]

Hi Dixie! I just want to say that I admire you for all of your accomplishments. The documentation of your respective hikes have brought much entertainment to many of us during this Covid-19 crisis. My through hikes were all done on trails throughout Europe and the Middle East while stationed 16 of my 23 years in the military. I accomplished a few hikes throughout Hawaii and Australia as well. Now that I'm nearly 73 with some health issues the thought of hiking the AT, CDT, and PCT has become a pipe dream. I did a sectional on the Virginia AT and it convinced me that I should leave it to the younger and healthier crowd. Now I enjoy overland camping with short exploration hikes. Anyway, well done!

[@danielholman7225]

Thanks again for the video. Three helpful things: I like to carry a little scrubby sponge 4”X3 1/2” . The scrubby part of the sponge is good for scrubbing off dirt from skin & uses very little water. For poison ivy the best thing is Calamine lotion. Really cuts down on itching. Reading comments a hiker said getting an early start in hot weather is the thing. Take a break mid day, then.

[@juanvelarde9839]

Hey Dixie! I have been watching your videos for a few years, and just got home (a few hours ago) from my FIRST backpacking trip. I thought of you for the last two quiet miles and how much you helped me to prepare. I can't thank you enough! I not only survived, but had a great time. I will be back out, Lord willing. I could go on for too long, but I just wanted to thank you and encourage you. I am sure I am not the only person you helped. We love you. Keep going.

[@007janerussell]

The way you look up past posts to explain what you are talking about is soooo cool. Thank you Arron (Erin) and Dixie ❤️❤️

[@martinkingston1498]

Thank you so much for this video Dixie. New to all of this with so much to learn and finding your channel is like hitting a goldmine!

[@MeKnotChu6651]

As a former infantryman, and from my experiences as a landscaper. I cannot stress the benefits of Carmex when it comes to chafing. There are plenty of other uses but I have found that after cleaning and drying applying some carmex to your affected areas is an almost instant cure.

[@lenagoodwin8223]

This is amazing. Thank you for taking the time to compile all this information in one place

[@yoy58913]

It is so well organized, Jessica Mills you and the team behind have done an outstanding job.

[@juanaluma8321]

This is BY FAR the best and most thorough camping gear video I have ever seen. You're amazing and I subscribed in a heartbeat. Great job!!

[@steveringler6622]

WOW what a thorough and comprehensive project you have completed! Thank you so much for this video! Excellent information advise and thoughts. You really went over all of the most important issues.

[@mattie_cakes]

I did not expect to watch this entire video, but it was sooooo informative. Thank you for all the effort that went into this! ❤️❤️❤️

[@007janerussell]

Yet again, another awesome video 🇨🇦✌🏼

[@juliagodwin763]

Thanks for the video! I can't tell you how helpful this was!

[@carolethorn3211]

This is so thorough and well done and comprehensive- i dont hike or climb nor do i plan to start - YET - I still watched 3/4 the way through.

[@wallpaper122]

The most impressive video ever! I am a first time camper, and I got basically everything I needed to know and more! Loved this video!

[@Woodenarrows]

This will be a very helpful video for a lot of people. Thank you too for time stamping... As always, great videos and info...

[@patrickvanovermeeren4513]

Awsome video full of great tips . Nice to have it all in one video ! Thanks for sharing !

[@gabirusama3072]

The length of this video intimidated me at first but I’ve been listening while driving to work or while cleaning and it’s amazing. One stop shop! I appreciate you for the time you put into this.

[@Knubinator]

Hey Dixie, I think it would be nice to see a video on how to find where to hike and camp, how to get information, some of the differences between state park/forests and the federal system (NPS vs USDA/FS, etc), organizing transportation (I know you touched on this in your AT series) on and offtrails and to and from trailheads, etc. There's lots of information on what to do on trail, and I think there's a lack of information on how to find and get to the trail in the first place.

[@tinamcclure7984]

This is long, but very informative. I am not a hiker, but plan to do the PCT in 2021. I am doing walking and will work up to day and overnight hikes. But I will be 55, so it's time to do it and stop talking about it. Watch you, Darwin and second chance hiker. Thank you

[@jayceewedmak9524]

How did it go?

[@dianevillemaire8286]

Great video. Thanks for all the hard work making this video. The info is great

[@journeysbegun]

This is about the best and most comprehensive video for beginner backpackers to watch! Thank you so much for putting it together!

[@domoandfriends]

This is a FANTASTIC FANTASTIC VIDEO!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH! I'm doing some backpacking/kayaking and camping in a month and I need to get ready. Your video was a one stop shop and told me everything I needed to know. Thank you so much!

[@nick1635]

WOW, this is brilliant, it should be essential viewing for anyone wanting to go camping. It must have taken a huge effort to compile... well done and congratulations! :)

[@kengauhl6636]

Great video and very informative. I listened to you for nearly 4 hours without stopping even to make a cup of coffee. Yepp! You have a new fan Dixie and thanks for sharing

[@sayntfuu]

This is an amazing resource. Thank you so much for the time this all took.

[@serafinahikes3467]

This is a great video Dixie! So comprehensive, on everything. Helpful for future backpackers and thru hikers for sure.

[@gpmedia1]

Let me say....you are a rock star and I am impressed with your production and teaching skill improvements over the last 18 months that I have been tuned in!

[@robertrockwell7581]

wow watched the whole thing. thank you. covered everything.

[@neil2809]

Can we be related ?

[@timobrien2738]

This is an insane comprehensive amount of knowledge for backpacking. Thank you so much.

[@RS-chino]

Very Very appreciative of you putting all the work into creating this. I will be coming back again and again to watch specific parts. Cheers!

[@28105wsking]

Yay! Braces! Pretty new smile! So nice to see Fancy again! She looks very happy and healthy! She must have missed you while you were away.

[@chemistryflavored]

Oh wow, you are amazing. I won’t be watching all this today, but next year my hubby and I are gearing up to start doing actual backpacking and not just day hikes and I will definitely be using this video a lot as a reference. Thanks for putting all this together for FREE you are amazing.

[@cwguy8960]

Dixie - I'm halfway through and I feel like I'm taking a college level class on backpacking. Sharing your experience on all of these topics is a gift to us - thank you! You're an expert in your field. And - I share your exact same feelings about mosquitos!!! Well done!

[@nebulouz1]

I’ve seen some great presentations, but this one is on another level I didn’t think was possible. So much detailed information in such a concise manner. Thank you 😊

[@danmensing8251]

Thanks for the great information. And the organization is amazing!

[@Kallepeng]

Almost four hours of joy to me🤗

[@Josh-uk5ns]

Just wanted to say how helpful this video was for me! I've been away from the outdoors for a while and backpacking is something I have decided I wanted to do. Watching your video has helped tremendously in getting me aimed in a better direction and probably saved me a few unnecessary purchases! Hats off

[@SeanGarner]

This was so incredible thank you! I am getting ready to go on my first five day backpacking trip to the mountains and this was a great resource. I literally watched every second of the video. Thanks for all your great content!

[@kimbasciano_]

Thank you for such an informative video!!

[@donnienewman9141]

This is great!!! Thank you Dixie!!

[@annaumstead4737]

This is a great video and 100% worth watching all the way through. Thank you! So helpful for a beginner to hear all of this info.

[@michaelwirtz5420]

I think it was the longest and most informative video I’ve ever seen on KZbin. Thank you.

[@sierrarider]

Who are the jackasses that disliked your video is what I want to know! You're fantastic and well appreciated. Greetings from Tahoe.

[@lollyframes1166]

Jace Christensen There will always be haters, we just have to ignore them. Don’t give them any of our time. Love Dixie!!!!

[@bobk2966]

I have been a backpacker all my life and this was an excellent production. A lot of fun to watch also, makes me want to hit the trail at Ranier.

[@bob-ny6kn]

Four hours... I'm going to press pause now and restart on Saturday, all day. Sorry for not watching it in full, Dixie... yet, but thank you for your work!

[@bdm1000]

Great job! I haven't finished the video yet, but I like the list/time-coded format in lieu of having to sift through dozens of videos (or more). No one does it better, and I am proud of you. I've been watching your videos for years now starting while you were on your AT and you have progressed so much and have so much great advice and insight to share.

[@malibusean9312]

A veritable encyclopedia for backpacking. Thank you, for all you have done and continue to do for this community. Great job! (And thank you Aaron as well. )

[@Decentralized_Maze]

Wanderlust: This was THE BEST (most thorough and considerate) summary of expert tips on a topic I've EVER came across!!!! From all of us around the world, thank you!!

[@kingal89]

I totally agree. I hate quick 101's that don't say much. This was extremely thorough and easy to understand!

[@Decentralized_Maze]

@@kingal89 I literally bragged about this video to others. I was mind-blown on the 'waste no time' all-in-one video (with detailed timestamps to boot). She's always produced quality, but this one I saved to my channel for others to find. Happy exploring! 🏕

[@CellarDoorWhispers]

Holy cow. This was thorough. Thank you for all the effort and time you had to have put into this. I appreciate the information all in one place and laid out in an accessible way and actually explained rather than quickly run through.

[@WebreDesigns]

Excellent guidance. As a non-backpacker, your video has offered an invaluable, thorough preview of the backpacking experience & has peeked my interest in venturing out on a day or weekend hike. Thanks for your candor in providing an informative & useful video which is easy to share & to refer back to as needed. Well done.

[@alanstordal5621]

Your So Very Well Spoken...Great information and advice. Welcome back to the USA..Home✨

[@davidgaines8607]

This is the most thorough video of any one topic that I've ever seen. Ever . Period. I just stumbled here due to my interest in camping/bushcraft with a small emphasis on hiking a short bit to get there.

[@rayhill8283]

The work involved in making this is amazing! Backpacking text book. Great job Dixie!

[@notyouraveragevegan2677]

Thank you so much for putting this together!! I was wondering if you had any recommendations for places/pages to purchase used gear? I’m thinking Facebook groups or something like that maybe? Thank you!

[@lindagrant3232]

I think a whistle should be an essential, especially for kids. If you are lost, your voice will give out quickly when trying to let searchers find you.

[@ricklundgren797]

This is what scouts teach, because if you are lost you can only yell for a short period of time.

[@gamernick1533]

Most hiking/trail packs come with one built into the chest strap, or at least all of the ones I've had do... maybe I'm subconsciously buying them on that basis :P

[@trishaspencer9956]

I had a pack for years before I realized there was a whistle in the chest strap 😅

[@Nonotkidding]

Well done Backpacking Basics. I enjoy and gain from your organized, well edited, kind and fun video, thank you, Jon.

[@vicariousjourneys]

Amazing "Dixie"! This is like the definitive guide to hiking! I've done enough to know how much you put into doing this and it's quite the gift to the world, thanks :)

[@tonyr484]

Im new to hiking & thankyou so much for the best in depth explanation for a newbie, A+++++

[@007janerussell]

When I go packing on a 2,3 day backpacking with my son we love the extra work to cook food. We often make teas with the natural flowers and foods that are around us. Pine needle tea is sooo good.

[@eagle8505]

How do you do that

[@HikinginColorado]

This video is amazing, thank you for putting this together!

[@monicadevilbiss6438]

This is the absolute best, most informative video I've ever seen! Thank you for helping us newbies with such a detailed vid!!

[@elvicronin]

I would love to hear a piece about how you obtained your permits for camping and hiking. We live near Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado and are planning on Backpacking the PCT in Washington and I've heard you need to enter a lottery in some areas to be able to backpack certain areas. How did you plan your thru hikes from the perspective of Permits? Your videos have inspired me, my husband, and two young daughters to get out there more! Thank you!

[@guinevereholsey2154]

In the olden days before inflatable sleeping pads ( or closed cell foam pads even ) there was a trick for that problem of the hip grinding into the ground when sleeping on your side. You dug a shallow little trench, maybe an inch or two deep, 3 or 4 across and 6 or so wide. Your hip went down into that trench. This left your weight more evenly spread along your whole body rather than focused at your hip and shoulder. ( Sometimes you'd do a trench for your shoulder as well. ) Even directly on the ground this was a much more comfortable lie. Add a layer of grass or leaves for padding and Bob's your uncle. And the weight of this system? Zero pounds zero ounces. : )

[@Swimdeep]

Coincidentally, I just recommended and linked your channel on Reddit to a beginner backpacker who’s planning on doing the PCT 2020. Nice compilation.

[@btezell]

A moment of silence for this beginner backpacker's plan to hike the PCT in 2020. RIP.

[@brianholder1627]

The "end-to-end" view count on this video may never be high because of the length, but this is probably the most wonderful video you've ever done. What a thoughtful service, to put it all in one video.

[@Swimdeep]

@@brianholder1627 I concur.

[@jfrosty42]

Great video. Watched the whole thing over a couple days. Thank you!

[@rayhill8283]

Another information packed video. The editing is great. Awesome job Dixie! So much info, fast pace too!

[@karlamoreira3280]

The Pawnee Goddess troop leader I've been searching for. Thanks, Dixie!

[@johnroos5807]

Yes!:), I do agree! Semper Fidelis