ER's AT Thru Hike Gear Review

[@PacemakerandButtons]

Okay, here we are a year out now. Always a valuable watch here as I look at what you brought stepping off. I watched you from the beginning of this hike and loved and returned to watch these. Thank you for taking the time to create these. Hope you're doing well

[@saularchila1519]

The velcro pillow to sleeping pad to prevent it from moving is genius, thanks for the Tip!

[@karenmergner3117]

Thank you for showing your gear. Helpful to make wise choices, keep weight down, and not overlook vital equipment to keep you warm and dry. The massage tool is amazing.

[@carsonwest744]

Liked the video, from the Winder/Athens area so GO FALCONS! I'll be starting late (April 24th) so I'm sure I won't catch you but good luck!

[@EarlyRiser71]

I used to spray termites in both Winder and Athens back in 1993-94. I am a HUGE DAWGS fan and am.thrilled Kirby did so well recruiting. Good times coming to Athens!!!

[@sweetpickles695]

I am so excited i have to share with you!!..... i was shopping at our local outlet store where i find many random little items i use for backpacking. On the shelf all alone was a random long skinny box. I flif it around and saw that it was a muscle roller!!!! I have been wanting/needing one!! The best part.....the price..... $1!!!!! It feels amazing on my calves and feet!! Taking the weight penalty when i head out with my dad again this spring! Picking up in the smokys! Stay warm!

[@EarlyRiser71]

+sweetpickles awesome pick up for $1.

[@vagabond4621]

Thanks for the video and good luck on the trip! Hope all goes well.

[@EarlyRiser71]

Thanks David.

[@bluejeans8001]

Good review & thanks for sharing. Will be very interested in your post cold weather clothing review. Currently your at day 23 report $ it's still cold so looking forward to an update. Thanks for serving & protecting our country.

[@bluejeans8001]

Base wgt of 20lbs for cold weather hiking doesn't seem excessive.

[@wegosselin]

Happy 4th of July ER. Great videos and congratulations on finishing your goal. I wanted to check on a video of your gear and a review of what worked and what did not work. You started out with gear and I would like to see what you got rid of on the hike and what you added. A video detailing this would be a great help to us who are looking to thru hike in the future. Thanks Wayne

[@dianeyannich5305]

Great video! Thanks for all your words of wisdom.

[@jacjonmatthews1378]

Great video looking forward to following you in the coming months all the best from the uk

[@EarlyRiser71]

Appreciate it JM. Glad you will be following along

[@johnlansford2178]

good luck on the trail, i cant wait til i can get out there. i am starting to section hike it this fall.

[@EarlyRiser71]

Thanks John

[@kcdan1]

it just takes on to know one huh lol i Thank God for his Angeles that keep me from death many times in just the past 10 years . i have the AT on my bucket list I'm retired now but have a few sugerys to get done and some other things to ge in place before i can go . thank you for your service .

[@beamerkk]

great presentation and good luck on the trail.

[@EarlyRiser71]

Thanks Ken. Appreciate the support.

[@Riverman2012]

looking forward to following your trip. Im planning for the pct next year and we share a few items in common, the main one being the Atmos 65 backpack. I used mine for a 70 mile hike a few months ago and love it. Good luck

[@EarlyRiser71]

REMusic appreciate the words. I love the AG 65 as well. The features and comfort are worth an extra 1.5 lbs to me.

[@TheBlackalachian]

Wow, the feeling of nostalgia I get watching this again...

[@listerjosephbhl]

good luck brother. enjoyed your videos. will keep track of you on your thru. be safe.

[@EarlyRiser71]

Joe Lister thanks bro.

[@swatsullivan]

Great video! You and I are close in age. I'd be early riser 70. I wish I could do what you are getting ready to do. I'm really going to enjoy watching your hike! We have a lot of the same gear. I'm looking forward to the arrival of my EE Revelation which I recently ordered. Best of luck to you! And since Atlanta won, I know you've got to be happy!

[@EarlyRiser71]

Appreciate the comment. It is only 3 weeks until the start date and I am excited. I look forward to hearing from you during the journey. And you are right, I was thrilled for the Dirty Birds. The super bowl will be epic. Later bro.

[@SmackNC]

I've never seen that bag before. What a nifty new piece of gear. I'd pay it as well since you're going to be blowing it up probably 180 times! The micro spikes are a good add. I like that you are going with what works for you as well as what you think you'll encounter. Great gear list and review!

[@EarlyRiser71]

The bag is really badass. I blew my pad up with my mouth when I first got it and I damn near went hypoxic. About 10 full bags worth with this system and the mat is ready to go. Appreciate the comment.

[@kcdan1]

wow i would say you have had the pleasure of the U.S military way lol . wile i was not getting ready to do a hike like you i went round and round in my mind about the tent thing of zpacks and still thinking of it but i ended up going with Terra nova solar competition 1p tent 2 pounds 3 oz but it can be used freestanding if needed . that's a big deal to me . thank you for the video and have a wonderful time .

[@EarlyRiser71]

Dan Leasure definitely some comfort in being able to set up your tent without poles or stakes. I weighed the option as well but a few thru hike videos swayed me to ZPack. Appreciate the words.

[@MACLEISHPRODUCTIONS]

My 18 year old son, Scott, is taking a gap year before college to Norbo thru-hike the AT, Scott, mid-feb of 2018. We watched all your AT-thru hike videos learning the most from you, and your Director Critique videos are awesome!!! (Vloggers Bigfoot, Dixie, and Appalachian Trail Tales have been also super informative.) We've learned so much from all of you successful thru-hikers of the AT with invaluable insights! We have a billion questions but alot of them are being answered in your more in-depth Director Cuts!!! Two questions with your initial gear kit regarding Arc'teryx which makes lots of versions of rain jackets and puffy coats. What is the name of the Pro Shell rain jacket (alpha, beta, LEAF Alpha LT... we can't tell in the video)??? Also what is your Arc'teryx puffy coat, is it hooded? What is its model name, alpha, beta, LEAF.... ??? What is the down fill in it, 800, 850, ??? Lastly who makes the gore-tex socks that you would consider wearing in trail runners? Scott has done a gear dial-in hike from Pinkham Notch to Mount Washington Summit and back in his Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX hiking boots . Two weeks from now he is going from Pinkham Notch->Mount Washington summit->Mount Madison Hut->Pinham Notch in trail runners.

[@jimanderson5071]

Great gear set up, good luck!

[@EarlyRiser71]

Thanks Jim...cheers.

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

Hey Riser I just took the time to look at your gear list as I prepare for my 100 mile section in PA. I picked my start date April 17, 2017. I look forward to hearing your thoughts for your spring and summer setup. Thanks

[@williemoody8898]

new subscriber enjoy your video's. i hav diabetes myself not sure how i'm going to handle it.

[@EarlyRiser71]

Thanks for joining us Willie!!!

[@_LostAndFound_]

I'm a hot sleeper.. thanks for showing the coolmax

[@chrismcelroy5193]

Good luck man! Great info. Staying a week in Ellijay next month. Love it up there.

[@EarlyRiser71]

Thanks Chris. If you have never stopped to eat at Big Un's BBQ, trust me...it is life changing. It is about 5-7 miles past Jasper heading north on 515. Not sure if you go that way but don't pass it up if that is your route.

[@chrismcelroy5193]

Early_Riser_71 thanks will have to check it out !

[@kcdan1]

i was asked to go to scouts sniper school but my wife kinda talked me into leaving the corps always kinda wished i could have gone being i always loved playing on my belly lol

[@wales10x]

alright good sir, I've subscribed and am about to start binge-watching up to your current video. I hope all goes well!!!

[@PacemakerandButtons]

the pain is real!!! always keeping down the OZ's in the pack. Sorry bout the Falcons bud. I'm a Pats fan. from Mass. myself. Load looks great my base is at 19lbs still. got 4 items that I will buy before going on the trail that will reduce 4-5 lbs. I always like seeing others pack items. it gives me ideas. I'll be watching you on the trial rooting you on!! Stay strong!!

[@TarynExplores]

1:10 did you do a final gear review? I couldn’t find it.

[@ebrown7]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aV6ymYiDgtiJeq8

[@joemikeska2657]

Nice overview. I like your description of how in your previous job you rucked a lot with heavy weights, I have a feeling we were in the same line of work. Yours is the most realistic layout compared to what I think I would take. Good luck on your thru.

[@stickerman272]

Perfect gear list. At least I won't be the only one on the trail with 45 pounds plus! I mean that in a good way!!! I refuse to give up my comfort items. In case you didn't know, Cascade designs makes a very small air pump for your thermarest. takes two Triple-A batteries, the batteries lasted more than 19 days. $40 and worth every penny. LOVED IT. "Ruck on"

[@EarlyRiser71]

RR...I think guys that have had to jump, dive, and hump with rucksacks weighing 70-80 pounds feel like 35-40 is like carrying a day pack. Hope all is well.

[@stickerman272]

Early_Riser_71 Ditto!!! 45 makes me feel like I'm cheating.

[@MiloTsukroff]

Early Riser 71 - Great review, you have it all planned out, I think you won't have much trouble on the trail at all! I am not that brave. I've only section-hiked the local portions of the AT here in NY and Conn. and camped out at the shelters occasionally, plus camping with Boy Scouts and Royal Rangers. Two comments, based on my experience: First of all, I've used a couple of Sawyer Mini's the last 2 years. After about 3-4 gallons they began to clog. Now, each time I use them, I have to first back-flush them, one quick back-blast to clear the filter. I don't see a back-flush system in your pack, however I don't have that exact model, so I don't know what they need. Please be aware of the clogging issue. Also - I carry and use "solar blankets" because they are ultra-light, and very useful. I find that when one is placed under the ground pad, it adds at least 10 degrees to a sleeping bag's rating. You may want to throw one or two in your pack, I think that you will find them very handy with a lot of uses. Otherwise, your setup is perfect. Right down to the lighter ... why screw around with anything else to light a fire, that's all you'll need! Hope to see you up in New York late in the summer!

[@EarlyRiser71]

Milo, appreciate the words. Adding a solar blanket to my kit because of you. Funny, I have been debating it for awhile, but always carried one in my ruck in the military. Like you said, great for many uses. As for my filter, I have the regular Sawyer Squeeze. Still clogs but not as often. The sports nozzle on the Smart Water bottle fits perfectly to allow you to back flush. Look forward to hearing from you as I push northward. Please keep in touch!

[@MiloTsukroff]

Good luck, hope that you get use out of the solar blanket. Great to hear that you can back-flush your Sawyer filter. I looked up some of the other Sawyer kits and they do come with the back-flush syringes. The instructions say that the first back-flush has to be the strongest. That does work. (Only one thing, and I'm kicking myself figuratively - I didn't take my Sawyer filters out of the back of the car, and they have been frozen. So now I have to replace both of them. That's my fault for not reading the instructions. Looks like you won't have that problem on the AT.)

[@thatlarryguy6841]

I just now noticed the clock at 0400. Attention to detail, attention to detail, attention to detail, like they tell you in bootcamp. Since I work nights and weekends, when I see 0400 it's from the other direction.

[@gboltonatrail1099]

Great Gear Review. Very similar to what I carry, except I hammock instead of tenting. It's not as heavy as you would think. Not a bad list at all. Would love to hear the overall weight carried sometime. Good Luck.

[@EarlyRiser71]

I also have a couple of hammocks and went all last summer planning on using one of them. As for weight, I am guessing 32-35 lbs once ready to step. I like to eat so I need to use some discipline and keep my food weight reasonable.

[@Z28WTW]

Hey man just one small idea that might help ya. You can turn your pack liner (contractor bag) into a pad inflator that will work great and save you the weight of the pad inflator. Do a youtube search for diy pad inflators. I made mine with the top of a smart water bottle and a seal from the end of your hose pipe.

[@EarlyRiser71]

Z28WTW Thanks for that tip.

[@kcdan1]

if i had the money and was doing your trip i think i would try the Terra Nova laser ultra 1 on sale at backcountry gear 799 is actually a good price for that tent.

[@outdoorswithmagnum]

hey man!! so glad I found your channel...you're only the 2nd 2017er i've found thus far..will definitely be keeping up with your thru hike.....i'm 44 myself....and hopeful for a thru hike one day in the future.....but got a lot of the same gear already as you do...and watched some of the same thru's you did apparently last year.....also..my dad had UC real bad for many years as well..so i know what you go thru somewhat....and i'm pretty sure i got some kinda IBS as well..haha..so will be looking forward to hearing about any of those issues (hopefully you will have none) but if you choose to share..i'll be listenin...good luck man...think I saw you might be starting tomorrow? or at least in Feb. sometime...gotta go watch a few more of your videos.....one step at at time.....oh...loved the tip about velcro on pillow and pad...had not heard about that before!! Good luck!

[@swatsullivan]

It would be cool to see a post hike gear review!! Maybe you can sometime when you get back from your Father's Day weekend. Have a good Father's Day!! WOTP

[@johnhenderson8360]

This is my first view of your channel and after seeing it I've decided to subscribe. I liked your gear review, I think you have a good balance between comfort and lightweight. Gold bond was an item I carried on my thru hike in 2004. If you notice a chafing problem, after you clean up and get into your sleeping bag, apply some Gold Bond. Apply a little more in the morning. For me this worked better than the astroglide. As for the microspikes, you are likely use those in the Smokys, particularly right after leaving the summit of Clingmans Dome. You probably can send them home after the Smokys. One recommendation would be to line the inside of your sleeping bag stuff sack with a lightweight garbage bag, protect that sleeping bag from getting wet. One thing I learned on my hikes is when you finish your day and your socks are still damp, wear them over night and they will be dry by morning. This works with damp socks, not soaking wet socks. Good luck!!

[@EarlyRiser71]

John Henderson Great advice all around John. Look forward to having you follow along. Feel free to offer more advice as we start heading NOBO next week!

[@thatlarryguy6841]

Great looking gear list. The only thing I can think of that will cut a few grams is to let your wet wipes dry out, and re-hydrate them as you use them. Good luck. I've got 10 years on you, so I can relate about the getting up to pee during the night. When it's cold I use a jug to keep from going outside.

[@EarlyRiser71]

Hey Larry...funny you mention drying out the wet-wipes. I tried it on one of my over-nighters and was not crazy about it. I will admit though, it does save some weight so I will probably suck it up and do it. I will be taking a collapsible nalgene or a Gatorade bottle for this nightly bathroom breaks. Hell, i would insert a catheter if it meant not climbing out of my quilt :)

[@thatlarryguy6841]

The wet wipes don't have the same feel to them once they have been dried out and re-wet. But they weigh almost nothing. I'm with you on getting out of the sleeping bag when it's cold. And so far all my hiking has been in Florida. Not sure how I would do if I got up to the AT. I have an Army duffel {what we called a Sea Bag in the Navy} that is only 2 pounds 2 ounces. I would have to use it to hold all my cold weather gear.

[@robinkemperman6403]

56 sheet Huggies bag 7.7" x 6.6" - Wet wgt. 1 lb . Dry wgt 4.4 oz ..- 1 ounce of water to rehydrate 6 of them . Kudos to "Seven" for the idea .

[@EarlyRiser71]

Alright, alright...Wet wipes currently laid out and drying right now. The first time I hate using them in the rehydrated form, I am coming back here to bitch ;-). Seriously though, I can no longer avoid the obvious weight reduction...but I am still refusing to be an ounce-weenie! :-)

[@thatlarryguy6841]

I just field tested a few, {sitting here at my keyboard}. The less water used when rehydrated, the better they seem to do.

[@mcraig5774]

Hey ER! Did you keep the coolmax liner on your hike and if so, was it worth carrying? Thanks

[@EarlyRiser71]

I did. I still carry it on every hike. Just like the feel of it on my skin more than the quilt...especially when I'm sticky and dirty. It's definitely a weight penalty. Just have to figure out if it's worth it to you. 🤘🕓

[@mcraig5774]

Thanks for the quick response. We are around same height. Did you go with mummy version?

[@EarlyRiser71]

@@mcraig5774this is the one I have. www.amazon.com/dp/B000NSZ3X8/ref=cm_sw_r_apanp_QeuYNhKUihLNM

[@Jonathan-tr9tx]

you can dry out the baby whipes, and rehydrate as needed.

[@EarlyRiser71]

Birch Bark yeah, I have already dried them out...just not a big fan of it. But I just can't ignore the savings in weight.

[@ncthoops]

Bill Dauterive, reveling in his newfound popularity among the hippies and now covered from head to toe in mud tells Hank that his trail-name is "Energy Turtle."

[@nathansharp3193]

I'm curious to know if you'd still go with the open footbox on the quilt, or would you go sewn closed? I'm not sure if E.E. does the baffled on the foot closure or not - I bought a sewn Hammock Gear recently (wide of course and 20°F also), and I don't think I have any reason to regret it. I may eventually get a 30° or 40° quilt to save some weight and wonder what your thought on footbox construction are. I think for a warm(er) weather quilt that an open foot might be nice, but I wonder if you ever even undid it out on trail?

[@EarlyRiser71]

No real reason to limit your options by buying it sewed. Once you zip, cinch, and snap the footbox, it is the same.

[@ronandy8681]

Fyi they have cork balls online , just as light as your plastic ball but stronger.

[@martymarquette9920]

Living my dream through you - thanks

[@EarlyRiser71]

Thanks Marty, keep in touch while I am hiking...I will probably need some motivation at times.

[@amooseish]

Using the inflating bag minimizes mold that can grow inside Neo ... it’s a problem if you look into it...

[@testbed5290]

I use earplugs everyday. Youll get an infection eventually. I now use wax earplugs. As you insert and pull them out they leave a residual deposit as opposed to friction. They also block sound much better.

[@EarlyRiser71]

Never got an ear infection from ear plugs over my 21 years in the military, or at least that I remember. This is a great point though, kinda like wearing gortex shoes/boots...just traps the bacteria in. I will try the wax plugs out for sure!

[@TaylorCarter]

Great video. I'm glad I found your channel and I'll be following. I hope to see you out there!

[@EarlyRiser71]

Appreciate it Taylor, I am glad you will be following.

[@nathansharp3193]

Did the spoon/fork make it through the trip? That's a change to my system I might make if you still think it's good. I like having the best of both worlds, and yours actually has the third world long spoon too! Right now I have a short titanium spork but it's not the best of anything. Does yours hold up to stirring boiling stuff, or does it get soft? The only advantage to a short titanium spork is it can be a lightweight emergency tent stake 😆

[@EarlyRiser71]

The spoon/fork holds up well, but too hard to clean. Food collects where the two pieces join and is a pain to clean on the trail. I now have a long titanium spoon and like it much better.

[@nathansharp3193]

Early_Riser_71 : Good to know, I've been eyeballing the long handled spoon or spork and thinking it has some great benefits. Thanks for pointing out the cleaning issue of the attachment points on the two-piece device. That definitely makes it a no-go option. Sickness avoidance is very important to me - that's just begging for a bad week on trail (to get a bug of some sort).

[@coltonkyleable]

I feel ya on the ruck part 😂 lot of weight and just walking with it

[@fglarossa]

Awesome video and really well thought out gear! Just a word of caution - I used a windscreen with that same stove set up for several years, until one day I was boiling water in a super windy spot and had a decent little explosion. Apparently the MSR / GSI isopro fuel canisters have an O ring right below the threads that isn't technically meant to take radiant heat that builds up from using a windscreen (or so MSR customer service told me). Good luck from a fellow GA hiker!

[@EarlyRiser71]

Francis LaRossa thanks for the caution. I am tracking the threat of canister overheating, but did not know it was the o-ring that was the weak point. I try not to place the screen too close to the system, but will now be even more cautious. Appreciate it.

[@rogerhhowe]

I had the same explosion! MSR customer service asked me "Did your read the instructions" I of course had to confess, no, I had not.

[@leapintothewild]

At some point I read that you should always leave the down-wind side open like a half-moon so heat doesn't build up inside the shield when using a canister. Anyway, that's what I've done and no explosion yet! :-) This is the first vid I've watched of yours and really appreciate it. At 53, I definitely needed the massage info. Subscribed.

[@gregsparks]

What type of work issues camping gear? Maybe I need a career change.

[@leapintothewild]

Military I'd bet.

[@brentacusg7191]

I'm in the military. We do get some nice stuff but nothing like this. I don't know what he does but I'm jealous too haha

[@gregsparks]

No thanks, I'll buy my own gear.....USN never again.

[@swatsullivan]

ER71said down below: I did my first 4 years (89-93) as a Reconnaissance Marine 0321 at Onslow Beach at Lejeune. Last 17 were as a Special Tactics Combat Controller in the Air Force.

[@adambomb3836]

Greg Sparks military is the best place to get gear and training.

[@kcdan1]

subscribed and following will enjoy seeing your trip .

[@ihaveadream7658]

Very nice gear

[@kcdan1]

i still have one and sold my MARPACK that things like 10 lbs empty lol

[@luckyhiker3434]

Just found your channel and like it! Watched a few episodes so far. You mention your previous life or at least what you previously worked at. What was that job?

[@kathya7397]

Congrats on your successful thru hike. I'm going 2021. Interested in your recover stick videobut cannot find it. Help?? 🙂

[@EarlyRiser71]

I need to do another one. This video is terrible. Good info, terrible quality. ☹ kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3bUfJqMrddobJI

[@masonnorman1043]

What size Stickpic do you use on the Hiker Hunger poles? Thx for the videos.

[@teril.behrens8320]

Thanks for the video. I'm NOBO 3/27. Where did you get the whiffle ball that won't collapse under body weight? Good luck on your hike!

[@EarlyRiser71]

Hmm, I have no clue where we got the ball, bought it so long ago. Got it when my son was learning how to hit a baseball. Came in a pack of three. Good luck on your journey. I am excited for you.

[@jeansanders911]

My husband and I watched all of your videos. He has always dreamed of hiking the AT with me but he retired and I am NOT ready to. lol What maps did you use? I know we saw reference to it in one of your videos but now I can't find! He is about to head out in a few weeks! Thanks so much!

[@EarlyRiser71]

Thanks for watching Jean! I used both Guthooks and AWOLS, which both come in handy at different times. I hope your hikes go well and you have fun.

[@philipthompson5796]

Love your video! What are the sock liners you're using?

[@EarlyRiser71]

Injinji is the brand name. I have a history of getting blisters between my toes...these sock liners have prevented this problem. Worth their weight in gold.

[@philipthompson5796]

Thanks, man. I'm a big believer in liners. I'll give these a try. Good luck on your hike!

[@kcdan1]

yes i agree with you . the Alice pack is what it is and will work but needs updating . it isn't my choice at all for doing that kinda of hike where you have it right every ounce you take counts good god your humping it 2200 miles all it takes is a few 20 mil hikes with a Alice pack to decide there's got to be something lighter . they made them JOE PROOF

[@kflynn87]

That's my Favorite Suunto!

[@erikao2876]

Great review!

[@EarlyRiser71]

E Oaks Thanks. Appreciate you checking out.

[@robinkemperman6403]

Water system - If you hang your Evernew ( with filter and silicon tube ) about 4 to 6 feet high you will achieve a very fast water flow . I've played around with many ways to filter via gravity . Bladder to a bottle ( as you showed on this video ) will not work well with your setup unless you get a tornado tube to screw on outlet of sawyer. Why? Air displacement issues) Check hacks that others have listed . But, a better way . At 4-6 feet hang hgt. you should be able to fill your Smart water bottle from the evernew in about 1 minute, without using the screw cap you showed at all , nor the need for the tornado tube. I have used a full 3 L Platypus Zip , hung at five feet , and it emptied in 2 minutes . Sweet! If you need longer silicon tubing you can get it on Amazon" Food and water grade silicon 10 ft , really cheap... it was listed under brewing supplies ! Silicon stays pliable in cold weather too . My wife and I switched to the Enlightened gear Revelation quilts this year as well . We love em too! Thanks and shout out to a Joe Brewer video. Your gear set-up looks sweet . You got it man ! We are doing a 3rd section hike on the AT , early Apr. -Davenport Gap to Marion, Va . You'll be miles ahead of us at 20/ day pace . Georgia is a killer . Good hiking to you, and we will be watching your videos in Feb and March . Happy hiking - Hydro

[@EarlyRiser71]

I do have a tornado tube, just forgot to show it. I won't be using it much and have tested the methods you describe several times now with great success. I think my tornado tube may come in handy on extremely cold days when the water may freeze if trying to use the tubing. Thanks for the reply. Look forward to hearing from you.

[@bikerob1231]

What kind of wiffle ball is that? Anything special? I have been using a La Cross ball for some time and it works wonders.

[@ericfehr8632]

How much room do you have extra in the duplex lengthwise? I am 6'6" and wondering if I could fit in the duplex.

[@ItsWhoWeAre]

I watched your post gear review and saw the recovery stick in there. Did you hold on to the ball and floss too? I have a stick from when I was marathon training so I'm familiar with it but never tried the floss. Curious to hear which one you liked the most. Thanks!!

[@EarlyRiser71]

The stick made more sense on the trail. Just easier to use when your tired, or its freezing outside, etc. I would use the stick every night and every morning. Cant tell you what a difference it makes in keeping your legs primed for success. Floss is awesome, but I use it for warm up and recovery in the gym or at home. I think I would not have had the energy to use it on the trail. Beyond exhausted every day.

[@ItsWhoWeAre]

got it. i have a stick at home but i have a feeling it’s heavy. the one you use is inexpensive on amazon so i might look into it. no one ever talks about nutrition or recovery on the trail, which is so crazy considering what you’re putting yourself through!

[@michaelconner5732]

ER- were you AFSOF? I have similar issue gear, but in green....

[@kbbgood]

In the center of your spread was a knife you past over. What kind is it and did you keep it on the whole trail?

[@titaniumquarrion9838]

That is a shit shovel - a trowel

[@Cisco8484]

Do you know what model Exofficio pants those are? I'm having trouble finding them. What kind of job do you have that you get so much free stuff?

[@EarlyRiser71]

ExOfficio Men's Amphi Convertible Pants, Walnut, 34 www.amazon.com/dp/B00LF1WQIW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_z9XLyb3X45G2P Many years in the military.

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

Hi ER did you stay with the Neo Air Treker your whole hike? I am looking to change to a new pad maybe even a shorter version as I am 5'11" , 225# also may go to a quilt. Thanks

[@stephenhiker9807]

Warren Davidson he explains his sleeping system in the big 3 post hike review

[@michaelotto9886]

Some ideas: fill thermarest with compactor bag kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKulk2ild6eXaac ditch rain gear just use poncho which ventilates and get polycro 10cc size for dr bronners etc sent to resupplies www.dutchwaregear.com/eye-dropper-bottles.html Thanks... will look into a massage stick for home use... Mike

[@farmermike9262]

Hey man look into ayurvedic clinics for your ulcerative colitis condition. It will completely reverse it but then it's up to your diet to keep it from ever coming back

[@EarlyRiser71]

Thanks for the info Mike. I have been symptom free for about a year now. Reduced stress had been working natural wonders.

[@TheAndysim66]

What's the part number on the hose and fittings for the filtration system?

[@EarlyRiser71]

TheAndysim66 Sawyer Products SP110 Inline Hydration Pack Adapters for Screw On Filter www.amazon.com/dp/B008JX0QP4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_88d74WE7WJSt3 Hoses I pulled off a camelback I think

[@kcdan1]

us JAR HEADS kinda had no choice in what pack to use .

[@EarlyRiser71]

Dan Leasure hell, I felt lucky to have a ruck, and a wooly pully with less than 2 holes in it.

[@nathansharp3193]

One more comment (I'm only 2/3 of the way through, so no promises that this is the last!): On the tripod, which I didn't see you mention on the 'If I were to pack again knowing what I know now for winter' video. An 18-24 inch Nite-ize twist tie is worth its weight in gold for me. I use it mainly to hold my phone up on my hammock ridgeline as I go to sleep at night, but it's also a great way to hold a phone or camera on a tree branch or just sitting on the ground. If your tent has an internal ridgeline then it will give you a hands-free entertainment center when you suspend your phone from it at night. In my hammock it works great, my ridge line is only a little over one foot from my face. And since it only has one major purpose at night it can be used for a bunch of little stuff during the day that doesn't give it a huge weight penalty. I do have a solar charger and battery pack that give me a decent amount of consumable power and a fairly easy refill charge for a weight penalty that is acceptable for me. Whether it's offline video games, or watching KZbin, or editing videos, I like having power that I can use without thought, and know that I can charge my phone to full power with half a day of sunshine. My phone and case, two spare AAA batteries, headlamp (with same batteries) headphones, wall charger, mini USB & iPhone cord, battery pack, solar panels, and a ziplock bag to put everything in weigh in right at 1.5 lbs. I haven't weighed it with the Nite-ize twist tie, I guess I should include that in my 'electronics weight' since it is the primary use. But like I said above, it also has secondary daytime uses, primarily extending my pack volume and accessibility to items I may need throughout the day. Edit: I pressed Play on the video and you have the same cheap Amazon poles I have! I know you upgraded to Lekis and I bet I do eventually, but bang for the buck, those are some decent poles! Okay! back to watching...if I could just stop commenting for one darned minute! I do appreciate the thought you've obviously put into your gear selection.

[@Matt-to1bi]

Love it worth its weight in gold I got it from work

[@anonpers0n]

i thru-hiked the AT last year, there are a few people carrying that much stuff but very few and not for long, I bet 1/3rd of it or close to it gets tossed into a hiker box or sent back home. most people bring way to much and drop most of it early.

[@EarlyRiser71]

Yep, I have no doubt that is true. I look forward to the process of figuring out what I can let go.

[@kcdan1]

lightest double wall tent in the world 1 lb 1 oz but that's kinda fake because the stakes are so small i would switch them to a little heaver ones i know because they are the same that came in my tent .

[@jarret45]

Which anker is that?

[@pm5574]

Can I ask what "duces" mean at the end?

[@brianwatson3705]

P M just another way of say "peace".. ✌

[@rjonline5018]

Who do you work for where you are able to receive free equipment?

[@EarlyRiser71]

Many years in the military Rj.

[@cigarsnscotch6719]

That is awesome, you have received lots of really nice gear and it sure helps keep the cost of this trip down which is fantastic. Thank you for your service! Subbed and looking forward to watching your adventure.

[@EarlyRiser71]

Cigarsnscotch thanks brother. Love the name!

[@thomasmatthews80]

really good vid

[@EarlyRiser71]

Appreciate it Tom. Cheers.

[@thomasmatthews80]

Early_Riser_71 comprehensive and really useful. I will follow your hike with interest and wishing you best of luck

[@mornfos6350]

You are lacking a spear for BIG foot and BEARS and a dagger for cougars!

[@kcdan1]

all our gear was WW2 Army stuff they didn't want any more but we will be gladly use it duck tape it spray paint it cobble it to make it work because they didn't name us JAR HEADS for no reason lol

[@brucekoivu4810]

How about a gear video half-way thru your hike: "Tips on how to lighten your load". Maybe try going stove-less for 4 weeks? Silence is good. Helps you find yourself. But you need compassion for other people too. Perhaps, compassion is even more important than silence. Because we all are one.

[@jimanderson5071]

You on the trail now??

[@EarlyRiser71]

Nope, 2 weeks...

[@billmanns3303]

Got to be close to starting?

[@EarlyRiser71]

Thursday morning. Weather is a go for launching

[@billmanns3303]

Early_Riser_71 Tomorrow's the big day...get after it! I will be following you. Embrace each day God grants you on the trail! I am jealous.

[@EarlyRiser71]

Lake 13 thanks bro, heading up to Springer in a few minutes.

[@calicojack1664]

You'll never need crampons or micro spikes in the pack with insect repellent. I'd suggest pre-treating your gear with permethrin and leaving micro spikes AND permethrin at home. Camera tripod, leave home. Leave leatherman at home, you won't use it. Replace body glide, chapstick, and gold bond with petroleum jelly. Petroleum jelly does everything those products do, plus much much more- including blister prevention and fire starting. Take either neck knife or pocket knife, you won't need both. Your buff, pants, boots, puffy, and clothes are very cold weather oriented. I doubt you'll need them with your start date. You'll be hiking in light shirt and light shorts the vast majority of the time. Quite possibly commando too.

[@cjt4935]

Boy did you ever get your advice wrong this year!

[@420BLUNTLEY]

16:25 are you seriously bringing sex toys? Damn bro

[@timlois]

Hey, is your employer hiring by chance? LOL

[@mornfos6350]

LOL your gears looks like they all cost you 10 000