Backpacking New Hampshire #9: The Wrap-Up, Gear Talk, Advice on Section Hiking the AT

If you follow my Instagram account @Backpacker_Comics and watch the stories there, you already know about my successful hike across New Hampshire on the Appalachian Trail.
This video is the final video in my New Hampshire series. Some of the topics covered: my gear (including my Palante Joey Pack and my square tarp from Hyperlite Mountain Gear), my favorite parts of the trail, my friendship with Liz and Luke, why I love tarp camping, and the best way to section hike the Appalachian Trail--or, rather, the best section, in my opinion.
Liz Kidder's KZbin Channel is here: / @lizkidder
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[@thriftyendurance]

Wow! People griped about your personal choice to section hike the AT? 🤔 Well, I will go back to your original excellent argument that section hiking is a terrific way to see the trail. I also totally concur that the New Hampshire portion, The White Mountains and southern Maine will challenge hikers and give them a taste of the AT at its most rugged portion. It's kind of strange people would negate your experience hiking a section you have already done. Isn't that what hiking is all about? Some past thru-hikers are section hiking the trail they did previously...it's not a new phenomena. Personally for me, I am just happy people are out on trail...don't matter to me if they have done the same trek 100x...as long as they are enjoying the experience and journey. BAM! Can I just say you are a very talented person!!!! Love your art work!!! Happy trails! 🌺

[@kimwhitney3453]

Right?? We grew up living at a trailhead of Mt Monadnock. I think our dad made us hike that and other trails up it at least 50 times. Nothing wrong with a healthy habit! 🙂

[@kimwhitney3453]

@Striker Thunderlick It's a fun challenge, no matter which trail you pick! Dublin trail is my fave:)

[@guyhays3432]

Hiking a trail multiple times is never a waste. To see a trail at different times is a joy.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Agreed!

[@washingtonmike8296]

Evan, I love the intellectual and well thought out narratives you offer in your videos. Your sketches are always a highlight. Thank you for producing such high quality videos - keep it up.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I appreciate that!

[@thruthebiblewithmicey]

I totally get why you did NH again because 1. last year you weren’t feeling well and 2. Last year you did a really long section of the whites in the dark to catch up to your tramily. This year you were feeling great and got to see those mountains in the daylight! And you got to hike with your friends! I loved seeing the joy on your faces and I loved watching this series so much! Thanks for sharing your story with me. 😊 ❤️ 🐭

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

All true, but that night hiking was pretty unforgettable too! A sky full of stars, although I couldn’t get them in the video.

[@berniebroering7438]

Great commentary Evan. I enjoyed your NH series that you put up and see nothing wrong with it. Keep up the great work! Hike on! Cheers!

[@jennifersimpson6385]

Thanks for putting this section hike video series out. So enjoyed watching them. 👍 I like the section hike approach and support of them. Also, the use of the gear was particularly helpful.

[@DrewBoswell]

Wow, if hiking something you've already hiked is wasting time, count me in that club as a dedicated time waster, hiking parts of the AT in my home state here multiple times, different seasons, different directions, alone and with others. Same trail, different hike every time. Glad you're making videos again and looking forward to the Joey review.

[@rachescakes]

I personally think there is a lot of value to hiking the same trail many times. I hiked a short local trail almost every week for a year with my kids. During that year we saw how the trail changed through the seasons and really got to know that trail. We learned about insects and small wildlife that we may never have noticed otherwise. We learned a lot about how conditions affect what gear you may want or need even on relatively easy trails.

[@berryblueswirl]

I so agree. I live next to a trail that I section hike with my dog every day. There are a lot of treasures in doing that, especially observing the seasons and all of the creatures that live there, and coming to feel a part of the place.

[@scoutingfreegermany]

You still are my favourite UL backpacker Evan. Very down to earth, very reasonable and common sense based. Even I won't choose your type of hiking, I always learn a lot. Thanks for your insights! Cheers, Marc

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks Marc!

[@angelab.1996]

Thank you for sharing ALL your videos!!

[@stephenfleming7918]

Got to hand it to you Evan. I followed you Liz and Luke forever. Unfortunately I’m 69 and my idea of hiking is driving my wrangler up in the mountains of Vermont with my cousin and parking it. Close enough where we can Cary our equipment, Food, and a couple cases of beer, and a gallon of vodka. We always have a great time! Wish I was younger.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

That’s still a great way to hike!

[@GARYMANDIEVAN]

Your gear works for you, Great video and I love the paintings

[@donmatulevich9411]

Didn’t realize that you were an artist too! Thanks for sharing all your videos. The Whites are on my list for sure

[@bobarel7486]

Fantastic! Thank you Evan!

[@philslates1495]

Excellent as usual and very educational. Still debating trying a tarp. Being able to camp about anywhere is very tempting. Thanks for continuing the great videos.

[@douglasdoucette7352]

To the question of "Why are you wasting your time hiking the same trail over again?" Runners & golfers pass over the same course countless times. As you said, the experience can be very different based on your physical or mental state, weather, season, etc. I love seeing the same trail in different seasons or showing features of the trail to my family & friends who are seeing it for the first time.

[@markpowers5907]

I have yet to meet anybody who stopped wanting to have sex because they had already done it once before... tbh...

[@davidpylant3643]

Thanks Evan! Glad to see some more videos again. Section hiked Georgia at the end of July and took a tarp to save on weight with the intention not to use it and stay in shelters only... got run off by a bear trying to get my food a couple of times at standing Indian shelter and ended up having to back track to deep gap that night to camp, had to throw up the tarp. Tarp use may be in my future... never thought I’d say that! Strictly a result of your videos!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Good luck with the tarp if you pursue it!

[@michaelthorpe1911]

Hi Evan! Love your videos. Just a quick comment... I don't think you should have bothered answering people who gripe about your choice to section hike somewhere you have already been. Hiking is about enjoyment and getting back to nature. If you like hiking that part of nature... it shouldn't matter if you do it twice or a 1000 times. If it's what you enjoy then it is the right choice! Thanks for sharing all your videos with us. Great motivational and entertaining videos.

[@lordmarshall5239]

I’ve looked and considered your choice of shelter combination. I would not use it but it is interesting and I understand your view. Your happiness is paramount. As far as people’s negative comments on that and your section hike, I’m tired of people’s lack of understanding and decency toward others on several subject matters involving multiple activities of my interest. Advice is nice but hike your own hike. If people are truly happy with their situation, they need not be negative toward your style. I applaud your unique and efficient system.

[@ihikefar]

I enjoy the videos and learned a lot from them. Heck, I’m sewing up a 9x9 sil-poly tarp right now and excited to try the new shelter system. I’m from the AT class of ‘09 and find my gear list is constantly evolving. Thanks for spurring on new ideas. Cheers!

[@CoachBill315]

Great info... btw I'm heading to Nashville this weekend. 🎵🎵🤠

[@kenntrch9259]

Thank you for describing Liz and Luke as your hiking partners and not your 'Tramily'. For some reason, the term Tramily makes my skin crawl. Great documentation of your hike!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Hah, I agree!

[@Jenny-ob3go]

I was so excited when you announced your section hike and that you were going to post a video series of it. I have to say I enjoyed the videos so much and was not at all disappointed. I'm sorry to hear people were so negative about you doing something you want to do. I'm not sure why they care. More people should do what makes them happy as you are. that being said I would love to see you do other trails because you seem to enjoy it so much. I would also watch you do this section a 3rd 4th or probably even a 5th time lol

[@bjclark4936]

Great video. Injury turned my thru into a series of lashes. Hopefully Mooselauke to Kahtadin next year will complete the trail for me, so your take on this area as a great section hike really hits home. Hiked the Whites 50 years ago, looking forward to it again. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@petermentes63]

Nicely done summary. Ppl who say “why hike a trail you’ve already hiked” are missing the point of just enjoying special places on the trail and nature in general. To me every repeat hike feels and looks different in the details, and that’s what they miss, the fine point.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Yes, I agree!

[@samducharme4863]

Great insight to your series. Beautiful paintings.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks Sam!

[@jeffs6229]

I don’t know why you got haters. Why redo NH?! It’s freaking amazing that’s why! People need to encourage others and get on with their own adventures. Thanks for sharing Evan, looking forward to more!

[@KrizAkoni]

Just got back from our section from Franconia to Crawford. Wow, was it beautiful! I can definitely see the high value of a tarp in those thick mossy sections.

[@frankynodots]

I am amazed at your prodigious artistic efforts given your profession and other hobbies. I don't get how you have time for it all.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I’m old, lol. I’ve had time to do some stuff.

[@craigsmith6446]

Great video, thanks for this info.This is the trip I want to do, a full AT hike is out of the question due to work requirements but a NH hike and then possibly a ME hike is doable. Thanks for the good advice, and keeping it real per say.

[@michaelbutler4961]

Awesome series of videos through NH. NH is so beautiful in the whites I can easily understand why you wanted to go back. Some people do a lifetime of hiking in the whites.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I think I’d do a lifetime there if I lived up north!

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

I have a similar tarp to yours. Sometime I prefer it, and sometimes I prefer my Lightheart Gear Solong 6. There is no right or wrong. You hike in sandles, I do not. There is no right or wrong. You hike great distances...I do not. There is no right or wrong. To each her or his own. Thanks for all the videos Evan!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Yeah, I hope I’ve emphasized that in my videos-no right or wrong. Watch the one I did with my sister, Sarah, the ultra-heavy backpacker.

[@volvoguyV70R]

Really enjoyed your perspective on re-hiking NH. I don't have a tarp set-up, but you really have me thinking about trying one out. As you point out, the small footprint, and the flexible setup options really allow you to squeeze into a tight space. I recently did a multi-day section hike in the Whites, and I had difficulty finding a stealth site where I could set up my BA Tiger Wall UL2. I've always enjoyed the "luxury" of having a small two person tent, like the BA Tiger Wall, but I'm rethinking the need for that much space. Thanks again for your great videos!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

You're welcome--thanks for commenting!

[@frolege1]

I’m impressed with your hiking skills but may be more impressed with your art work. Looks damn good Evan.

[@CavemanOutdoorsMissouri]

The fact that anyone would ask why you would hike a section more than once only proves that they dont get why we hike to begin with. I have a 15 mile trail in Arkansas that I've done 6 times just because.

[@rentrofmij]

No hate on the sandals? Haters are really slipping. Always enjoy your videos. I can't believe people would question why you would hike some of the best parts of the AT again. Haters gonna hate. Loved seeing those parts of the AT again.

[@patstreet6690]

👍👍 Another great video.

[@drewlucero3916]

Awesome Thanks 🙏📸👍👍👍👍📸🙏

[@joehikes5855]

So glad you're making backpacking videos again Evan! I really enjoyed your AT New Hampshire series.

[@inarichards7554]

Welcome back home to Tennessee! Thanks for sharing this section Hike! NH and Maine are beautiful!

[@livinglike_lisa7954]

Enjoyed your NH hike and I am looking forward to your upcoming videos. Really glad you are making You Tube videos again.

[@BackpackingWithJason]

I love the Art in the background. The views in the Whites are incredible!! Almost as beautiful as the Smokies. Really cool you and Liz got to do some backpacking together again. Love the video Evan.

[@lukasmakarios4998]

You don't need anyone's permission to hike any trail you want, even if you've already done it. And your tarp is no harder than the next person's tent. I've tried both & I had no more trouble on either -- the first time! Actually, the tent is more complicated. I know it's just a cliche trope, but really, hike your own hike. It's your time, not theirs. Keep on hiking, any trail you want, bro! Peace, Love, Harmony & Tranquility.

[@chuckoffcampus9738]

Another fantastic video by Evan. Thank you.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks!

[@strickysbackpackingadventures]

This is my dream section hike Evan. Glad you did it again and thanks for sharing as always.

[@JohnnyontheTrail]

Great stuff, nice pack..

[@YesterdayMeetsToday]

Excellent series Evan! Glad you are back!

[@ThomasGapinski]

I really enjoy your videos. Your tarp setup is minimal, but as long as it keeps you dry and you like it, then that’s all that matters. Nice artwork too!

[@kimwhitney3453]

Aren't our White Mountains amazing?? I've lived here and hiked here all my life. They're no joke! - some of the climbs around here! It looks like you know what you're doing here, thanks for sharing!:)

[@mondoenterprises6710]

Excellent series. Nice artwork too. Do I detect a little Edward Hopper there? RE. Hike. Yes the Whites are always different and challenging each time and there is south to north and north to south experience. I am amazed by your minimalist approach. That sandal company should sponser your hikes! ; ) And I look forward to your full VT Long Trail Hike experience one day! Thanks, Evan!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

The sandal company should learn from you!

[@ernestancrum7373]

I really feel like the true reasons that most of us backpack for, are totally lost on anyone who has to ask " why do the same trail twice?" If you are asking that question, you may just be a trophy hiker. That's no sin, but it does tend to lend itself towards missing a lot of the great in the "great outdoors."

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Yes great point.

[@tammystringer4044]

Enjoyed the NH video series. Glad you are back to vlogging. Looking forward to seeing what comes next. Artwork in the background was pretty awesome too! Be well!

[@bretthikez6567]

WHAT YOU SAID ABOUT THE GEAR WAS THE BEST THING I'VE HEARD ON KZbin ABOUT GEAR EVER!!gear pics and dumb JERKY memes on the gram aren't REAL expierence...hike all the trails as many times as you want...seasons change and so do styles ...i hike the same sections on the AT and other trails all the time....the things you attempt with the gear is pretty GNARLY even for the WHITES.....thanks for this video..u habe many good points...the INTERWEBS is polluted with negativity...nothing beats actually getting out there and doing it..good stuff for sure

[@toddjemery1]

I don't get why people would question that you hiked the same section twice. I mean, I run and hike the same trails all the time, and I'm sure they do too. I'm glad you had a good experience with it!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I think people want me to show them something different. They want me to be their hiking marionette.

[@toddjemery1]

Evan's Backpacking Videos Maybe they should turn off KZbin and, you know, hike some of their own trails? Anyhow, I digress; great job on the hike and vlogging!

[@debsmith7050]

Glad you had a delightful time; I did too :) TY

[@DetraDearmas]

Awesome artwork! I have really enjoyed your videos. Does anyone remember the tents with no floor or zippers made of canvas? Give me a good ole tarp any day and I'll call it home for the night. They're just as safe and secure, if done right, as any $400.00 tent.

[@markpowers5907]

Great NH/Whites/ME series. The keepers at Lake of the Clouds didn't threaten to throw you out this time... so f-ck the haters !! 👍

[@hikehunter9572]

Good video sir. I have hiked some of the same trails more than once at different times and I see or feel something new everytime. I like late fall and winter best as it can really test you.

[@surfandstreamfisher5749]

thanks for the videos Evan. I watched every one of your NH section hike vids! I've watched your tarp video more times than I could remember! would you consider doing another tarp video? even more detailed. I've just started using the tarp as my primary shelter.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Maybe I’ll do more tarp videos. Most of my videos include my set-ups!

[@markhess329]

loved your explanation for why gear videos can be a waste. It's about the how not the what! The skills not the hype! The use not the price!

[@drewskihikes5981]

Awesome 🤘

[@jaybirdc3240]

Awesome art

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks.

[@aikirunner]

The New Hampshire section is a great section to do again and again. You certainly wouldn’t want to do Pennsylvania again.

[@charliejg]

Loved the NH series of vids. Amazing scenery from those peaks. Completely unrelated question: Has anyone ever told you that your voice and speaking style sound quite a lot like George W. Bush? You could become the GW in the Presidentials! :-) Anyway, thanks for another great series of vids....

[@wendyk.6987]

At the risk of sounding cliche...Haters gonna hate. 🙄 I enjoyed seeing your hiking videos again and that's a beautiful area! Thanks.

[@troubadouroutdoors2126]

Gears haters blow. :-) Luckily I haven't experienced meeting many of them on trail yet. I was afraid I would, particularly because my gear right now is a bit budget and nowhere near ultralight, it was all just basically to get me started, but I plan to use it for another year at least:-) I just purchased a tarp and bug net to use with my hammock for the first time on my next hike coming up, rather than the tent... Your bug bivy with tarp seems much like this setup, only you don't need to find two trees perfectly spaced apart to pull it off, I like it. Perhaps I'll try it someday. :-)

[@bezdroznik]

Evan, I cannot walk through on what you said on "tarp vs tent" thing. Let me say it in these words: every place you can set up your tarp and lay down underneath it I can setup my tent also (and it will give me better wind/bug/rain protection while weights significantly less)

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

What’s your tent? And if you camp off trail in wild spots in the leaves etc where no one has ever camped before, then we think exactly alike.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Well anyone can be a critic, of course! If you two would make some videos or blog posts or whatever I’d be the first to line up to learn from you. Which is really the point of my channel-I’ve always learned from others and given credit to the people who’ve taught me about backpacking styles, beginning with Horace Kephart and continuing through Mike Clellan.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Mark Cummings No, I’m asking to be educated, lol. Obviously. (Well, I thought obviously.)

[@bezdroznik]

Hi, Evan. My tent is Zpacks Duplex. I camp both "off the trail" and at known campsites with no issues (little rocky ground is not a big deal - if rocks are serious there are also no trees being able to hold a hammock + tarp). My experience on space needed to set up hammock+tarp vs Duplex is that the tent takes it less (not mentioning the tarp/hammock hanging kit)

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Hike Mike Thanks, appreciate the insight.

[@bretthikez6567]

digging the ART dude...your missing the sunglasses ?that sea of clouds view was soooooo GOOD..do a painting of that for sure..

[@janedeskis6516]

So glad you did the New Hampshire trail again. I’m trying to glean all the info I can get. Hubby says I can do the trail in 2022 when he retires and can support me through it. I’ll have to start at Katahdin in mid to late June. Which video gives your sandal info? I saw it, and switched to sandals. But I need to find a men’s sandal that will have more length at front to protect toes better. Thanks.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZTVg2qtrK-Dpqs

[@existenceisfutile661]

Hey love your videos. Was wondering if you had a video or blog where you noted down the gear, cost, weight, time, water gathering points and other crucial information etc of your AT through hike. Thanks :)

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

No, not specifically, but others have made videos like that.

[@existenceisfutile661]

@@EvansBackpackingVideos ok no worries then.

[@darrengarlough5121]

good info. would you choose a different time of year if you could? also what section would you choose in the southern states for a fall hike?

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I like all the seasons to hike. In the Southern states, I like the sections from Max Patch through Damascus.

[@iam_whittle]

😲🤘awesome man

[@jimcrosby8524]

Didn’t you have to hike part of the White Mountains at night on your thru hike? It must have been awesome to go back and set your own pace and have wonderful weather to see everything.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Yes, all true! Thanks for the comment(s).

[@richardbartley3089]

Keep up the great videos. Where did you get the bug bivy?

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Mountain Laurel Designs (MLD).

[@naomi2043]

Just when you thought your backpack couldn't get any lighter.

[@Visitclemson]

Been watching some of your videos and they are amazing. We would love to have you come and hike the foothills trail in SC. Great 76 mile trip and Clemson is nearby. Check out some of our videos we are starting to post with shots of the area.

[@Nwalerko]

Think you'll ever get to some trails in Montana or Wyoming?

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I’ve hiked in Colorado and Wyoming. I’ll get back. As for Montana, I’ve skied there many times if that counts!

[@SalineScott]

I like your tarp set up. I’d do it too, but I like my hammock too much. Lol. I can’t believe you got a lot of hate for that video.

[@mary.peacefulhikesn.j.3350]

Hi Evan, when I backpack with my husband we use a 3lb, 3 person tent that he carries. I am looking for an ultra light set up like yours that I can carry when I backpack without him. What is the name/brand of the bug bivy and tarp you use in your latest videos? Greatly appreciated ~mary

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

The tarp is an 8.5 foot square tarp from Hyperlite Mountain Gear. Expensive but I’ve used the same one for 3,000+ miles. The bug bivy is from Mountain Laurel Designs.

[@jasonhikesunedited6699]

What month did you do this in? I'm planning on going from Franconia Notch to Pinkham Notch mid May. GO TEAM JOEY!!!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I think I did it in August.

[@jasonhikesunedited6699]

@@EvansBackpackingVideos Yeah you ended up mentioning early August later on. Seemed pretty warm so I figured it was probably mid to late summer. Our styles are pretty similar... Joey, sandals, tarp... I'm guessing in mid-May it's going to be a bit cooler. I'll have to see if I can get away with the Joey. Super videos all around.

[@jimpflugrath6220]

You aren't through hiking, but you aren't thru hiking either.