Expert-Level Hacks for Thru-Hikers

[@debgittins7426]

I really appreciated your practical check list to address, if/when the desire to quit is strong.

[@waynerhodes5456]

Evan....I'm only going to say this one time.....please hike the PCT so I can watch your videos. I've watched your AT thru hike twice. Time for some new material. 🙏🤙🤷‍♂️😜

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Watch it a third time!

[@LizKidder]

Haha I agree with Wayne

[@waynerhodes5456]

@@LizKidder "Handstand"!! 🤙

[@christyjohnson4563]

You and Liz do the PCT together!!

[@mtadams2009]

Lots of great advice. I still can’t let go of my stove. The thought of cold coffee makes me ill. I completely agree with training. I have retired twice and this summer I will retire for good. I could really feel a difference this year while hiking on the AT. When I was retired I trained all the time and it really makes a difference. It was while I was on the AT that I made the decision to dedicate the rest of my life to taking care of my body, mainly because I love to long distance hike. Next up, the Colorado Trail, yes I am a bit nervous. Take care

[@rossberson4725]

Great to see you! Sandals were the best improvement to my happiness on trail. My feet were begging for mercy and that was making me miserable. Thank you!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Wonderful! Sounds pretty much like my story …

[@goodwaterhikes]

As always it was a pleasure to watch one of your videos. Happy Trails

[@Hootyhoo-jq9vq]

Excellent video. Glad to watch another video from you. Hope you are planning another thru hike.

[@ShoesOnTheTrail]

Great tips, Evan! Totally agree on doing your laundry in the sink. Saves so much hassle. Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge. Happy Hiking!

[@averagecampers]

Great information! Nothing better than hearing another hikers experiences to improve our future hikes. Have an amazing 2023

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks, you too!

[@vickywatkins1245]

Great tips. Can't wait for your Colorado Trail videos.

[@jhonyermo]

Hot dam. Glad you are back. Always great, interesting videos. I have enjoyed each and every one--lots more than once, I must say.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thank you very much - as always!

[@js4513]

It is always a great day to see you post a new video. I hope all is well.

[@wio2189]

Thanks for the video! A bounce box can be extremely useful as an international hiker without any domestic support. I used my bear can as a bounce box on the PCT to switch gear around when needed. Congrats on giving the CT a short. Don't forget the lightning rod! ;-)

[@thegoodwaymatador]

I have seen your AT thruhike vids like 3 times. So good! Thnx for all the content. I’m thru hiking the AT for a second time coming this April. -Matador

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

That’s great! Good luck on the trail!

[@thegoodwaymatador]

@@EvansBackpackingVideos Thanks Evan!! Let’s see if I can get it done in around 100-105 days 👍🏾

[@chuckoffcampus9738]

Another great video. I've found the tarp and video-making videos the most helpful of all.

[@TheDoddsworth]

CT is awesome. Enjoy.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks!

[@KrizAkoni]

Enjoyed watching this as I get closer to mine in 2024.

[@UnboundCrow]

You're going to do a thru?!?!?!?! I'm so excited for you!

[@KrizAkoni]

@@UnboundCrow Shhhh, lol, indeed! It’s going to be a strange late SOBO start that turns into a traditional NOBO. Eventually I’ll do a video explaining when it gets closer. 🤓

[@UnboundCrow]

@@KrizAkoni Hehe! Awesome.. I can't wait to hear about it!

[@jacobforester4233]

Wow, Evan posted! I'll be attempting an AT thru-hike in April and you were definitely one of my biggest inspirations -- thanks!

[@ISuckatHiking]

Thanks for the tips

[@CarlMonin]

Great tips, Evan. Looking forward to your upcoming Colorado Trail adventure!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks very much Carl!

[@bethc229]

EVANNNNN!!! Just here to say I got so happy this morning to see you put out a new video. I really enjoy your content and the way you explain things.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks, that's nice!

[@WayOffTheTrail]

Great to see you are still into thru-hiking...looking forward to your CT hike!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Can't wait!

[@dorispursell48]

Great video! Please keep posting.

[@Bibs123]

That's the most unique and useful information I've ever seen in a hiking video. Awesome!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dean_ov_az]

Thanks Evan! Great information as always. Good luck on the CT!

[@SalineScott]

Can’t wait to see you on the Colorado trail. I bet that one will be fun.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks Scott!!

[@backpackbible5766]

Thank you for a great video. I am also planning on a stoveless AT hike. Love the info on water weight in foods. Always pre-rinse socks... got it! Thanks for inspiring me to hike the AT... I blame YOU🤣🤣🤣.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Sorry about that! Good luck on the trail!

[@UnboundCrow]

I'll be on the CT in July as well! Hope to run into you and Liz out there.

[@GerroLachman]

Thx!

[@bobarel7486]

Fantastic! With even better timing! February 10 I start!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Good luck!

[@marklitz2438]

Good stuff Evan , you have a nack for giving good advice !! I followed you and Liz on your thru hike !! I think about my 2021 thru hike every day !! SkidMark

[@keithstewart2639]

Thanks

[@earnieburfitt7791]

Hey Evan! Appreciate your videos and the great info. Any opinion on the “Permit” needed for videoing hikes in the Nat. Parks?

[@LizKidder]

You immediately inspired me when you said you could balance on one foot while watching tv. I got off the couch and watched the rest of your video while balancing on each foot. That was hard! Good tips Evan!!!!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

If you can balance on your hands, doesn’t that mean your feet are already good to go? 😅

[@LizKidder]

@@EvansBackpackingVideos one would think but I do things backwards

[@alexcraze4231]

Very useful suggestions! Thank you!

[@stevelittle6356]

It still amazes me that you completed the AT in sandals. Great videos! Look forward to any CT videos you will hopefully make for us!!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thank you!

[@kdavis4910]

Good luck on the CT Evan! I start on the AT on April 2nd. So much gear is still coming in and I'm pretty excited and nervous. I know you left later in April, but as you say, I wanted to build in some extra time for zeros or if I need to step off trail for a few days. I'll likely have to so it just makes sense.

[@toejamr1]

The earlier you leave the better. The trail gets PACKED with warmer weather and it’s just annoying and disgusting when the crowds of thru hikers show up. Imagine camp sites totally full, privy’s totally full, hostels totally full. Not fun.

[@richardross7219]

Good video. I watched you and Handstand since Springer. I liked your explanations about tarp set ups. Reminded of what we did in the Army with our ponchos. Audrey Adventures(AT2018) did the CT last year and posted some good videos about it. Good Luck, Rick

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I’ve been watching those videos, thanks!

[@dougw63]

e wolf...kinda agree but also disagree. flatlander....did some training....but not enough. i found the trail easy. people geek out on stuff too much. i could carry a 75 pound pack the entire way without problem . injury is the greatest obstacle...but even with injury...the trail is still doable. sailor jack

[@jmash41]

Hi Evan! I enjoy your videos. I'm particularly thankful you mentioned you will be backpacking the Colorado Trail in July! I'm new to backpacking and am probably very close to your age. I live in Alabama and hope to backpack sections the CT in July. I don't have enough time to do the entire CT. So I'm trying to prepare for about two weeks on the trail. Would be cool to meet you there. Thanks!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I’m starting in mid-July. Shoot me an email when we’re closer to the start!

[@charlesblankenship539]

Great video! I am delighted you are back! Looking forward to your CT adventure this summer

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thank you!

[@mhe8545]

Nice to have something hot to drink and eat. Tradeoffs.

[@GoneFeralWithSquidly]

I’d be interested in a detailed video on the bounce box (I doubt many others would though) because I would like to thru hike the AT in 4-5 years but I am diabetic and have daily medical needs. There’s no way I can carry a full supply of meds, insulin and needles and would rather use a bounce box to only carry what I need plus a little extra.

[@rolandpinette9946]

Good, common sense tips, as always, Evan. Enjoy your CT prep! July will be here right after June. ;)

[@markburrell2778]

Watch out for velcro or hook and loop when washing everything together because it will destroy delicate things like base layers and socks. The delicates will find the velcro in the washer and dryer.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I can’t believe I did a video about laundry!

[@markburrell2778]

@@EvansBackpackingVideos Its always good to see you. Hope I see you at Trail Days.

[@Jaimelapoesie]

I just started watching your videos, and have one question that may have already been answered: did you struggle to find suitable spots to pitch a large-ish tarp on the AT? I'm trying to decide between the 6x9 Borah tarp, and a large one that would provide better protection from rain.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Mine was 8.5 foot square and there was no problem. I prefer square tarps because there are more ways to pitch them. Another point: with a larger tarp, or any tarp, you aren’t required to use all the material in a set-up. Some can be tucked underneath if not used in a pitch, etc.

[@DFDramaman]

In your food comparisons, you are converting grams to ounces, and then comparing those to the container's fluid ounces. The problem is that the former (ounces) are units of dry weight, while the latter (fluid ounces) are units of liquid volume. A fluid ounce does not weigh the same as an ounce of weight.

[@madratter]

" Let's just say I'm glad the trail ended in Maine because eventually I would have died " 😎🤣🤪🤣😀😂❤️👣 Too funny . I know exactly how that feels. I also finished in 4 1/2 months. Still laughing at your comment😂🤣 Have fun on the CT it's a great trail. I did that and 100 mile wilderness+ Katahdin in 2020~ Best always Evan ~Mad Rat

[@mars_hikes967]

Had to quit my AT hike because of snow somewhere in Maine, however I managed to walk from Mexiko to Canada as a holiday from the AT on the PCT (2600 miles) and from Canada down to the windriver range on the CDT (all in 2022, 5500 miles in total). My two cent towards this video: Don't eat Spam and Tuna, when claiming to have thought about your nutrition. If in doubt, go to GearSkeptic here on YT.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Haha, I don’t disagree! In this video, I used the word “nutrition” only to mean food as opposed to water-as in, “a feeding tube gives her both nutrition and water.” I did another video specifically about diet, which you may or may not agree with, but I filled it from top to bottom with caveats because I don’t like to preach about food. Now, let’s talk about you, as a hiker I mean. I’m obviously not half the hiker you are-not that I’m competitive like that. I always say I’m just a backpacker who thru-hikes now and then and got lucky enough to finish the AT. You on the other hand have done tons of stuff: I’d be interested in hearing YOUR tips and tricks. If you’ve posted them on Instagram please let me know. Thanks.

[@bill8384]

Anyone going with you? (Handstand🙂)

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Yes, Liz Kidder of KZbin fame! And her husband Luke too for at least some of it.

[@stevelittle6356]

@@EvansBackpackingVideos Can't wait!!

[@bill8384]

Liz hinted she was going to do more handstands this year🙂

[@justasksally]

Did you struggle with ticks wearing sandals each day?

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

There weren't many ticks the year I hiked the AT. As for sandals, I'd say the ticks don't care whether you're wearing sandals, shoes, or boots. In all cases, they're looking to climb up your leg.

[@WillowWalksTheAT]

What about hiking in Lunas!! I hike (AT sections) and run exclusively in Lunas...except when it's below 35 and raining or snow. Begrudgingly had to come up with a shoe solution for that. Trying the Xero Mesa's with wool socks and WP socks over that. Found this the closest thing to the Lunas....no arch support, little cushion, and still can feel the ground. 2 questions: 1. How many Lunas did you go through on the AT? Guessing fewer than the standard Altras 2. Do you have a "shoe solution" for snow or close to freezing wet conditions? ...I get all the same questions I think you got..."are you hiking in flip flops?" and "don't you stub your toes?"

[@terrypaschal348]

where ya been bra

[@washingtonmike8296]

Do you have some of your art for sale?

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

No, sorry -- but thanks for asking!

[@BetterWayLiving]

a caloric gram is NOT the same as a gram of weight!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Sorry if my explanation was confusing, but I didn’t mention “calories” in this video. I talked about the gram weight of macronutrients (fat, protein, carbohydrate) but not of calories. Another example of the method I explained for estimating the water contents of foods is in this article at Scientific American, with emphasis on the last section, “Observations and Results.” www.scientificamerican.com/article/food-sleuthing-find-the-missing-ingredient/ Thanks

[@hikingpainter]

How can you hike the whole Appalachian trail if you are very poor?