Everything I Will Wear & Carry |March 2024 Appalachian Trail Gear/Clothes

[@TiggerTreks]

Sorry I accidentally cut out the ditty bag contents and didn’t notice 😢😂🤦‍♀️💁🏼‍♀️

[@GarryCollins-ec8yo]

Nice video. If I might make a suggestion, carry more stakes for the Durstan. For the wind gusts that you’ll see I suggest 8 (4 corners, 2 flies and 2 pole guys), I’ve run up to 12 to make the tent bomb proof in major blows. I use a mix of Ground Hogs and Mini Ground Hogs.

[@TiggerTreks]

Sounds like a great idea! Thanks I’ll follow your advice. I’ve kind of lucked out with calm winds lately but live in an excessively windy area close to shore so I know how bad storms can be. Thanks 🙏!

[@pleok08]

Friday, February 09th: Nice clothing selection. Thanks for sharing. Happy Trails! Ross08

[@TiggerTreks]

Thank you!! 🙏

[@KrizAkoni]

This was a fun way to do this! Outstanding setup. 🤓

[@TiggerTreks]

Thank you!!! 😊🙏

[@vibelife5133]

Awesome explanation! I would ditch the chair for a lightweight hammock but I love my hammock and can't even come close to being comfortable in those small chairs.

[@TiggerTreks]

Thank you! I have never been in a hammock that I thought was comfortable. Solid tent Gal here. My chair is very comfortable for me but I can see how you might not like them.🙏😊

[@vibelife5133]

@@TiggerTreks It's definitely a personal preference, I tent but bring a lightweight hammock that packs small instead of a chair, to relax/take breaks in so I don't have to get in the tent until time to sleep.

[@amerphoto1]

Thanks for sharing your gear choices. A water bottle holder mounted to a shoulder strap is a godsent. The ease of getting to your water will help with keeping better hydrated instead of putting it off because it is difficult to get to. Also, I am glad to see someone else take a chair with them. After a long day of hiking or an extended lunch break, it is far more comfortable than a rock or log or the ground to sit on. So much easier to stretch out your legs. Love your introduction location! What a great place for environmental photography for a client with those concentric lines!

[@TiggerTreks]

So glad you noticed the location. It’s a favorite of mine!! Yes, I definitely notice that I drink much less if it’s difficult to get to my bottle. I couldn’t agree more. I do ❤️my chair. Thank you 🙏

[@1024Pete]

May your equipment provide you safety and comfort. May you achieve the success you desire. Wishing you good health, peace and good fortune. Happy Trails!

[@TiggerTreks]

Such beautiful words…Thank you 🙏

[@stanthemanhikes2965]

Was your clothes bag a dry bag I couldn’t see. If not change it out for a dry bag just to make sure nothing gets wet. The Ridge Runners on the trail will love you for carrying out others trash. It will make their job a lot easier 😊!!

[@TiggerTreks]

Hi, yes it will be a dry bag. The current bags I showed will not be the ones I will carry. Right now everything is just organized for ease of use until I go out on the trail. Also the waterproof-ish backpack will be lined with a contractor bag for a 3rd level of protection. Thanks for the tips!🙏

[@d.wilbur5164]

You're so cute and funny and smart! You're going to do great!!! Was also good to see that the water has receded from your beautiful gardens :) Cheering you on, Nicole!

[@TiggerTreks]

Thank you so much!! Yes I was shocked at how fast the water receded (and grateful!!)

[@DaveCollierCamping]

Great share

[@TiggerTreks]

Thanks!!🙏

[@wildflowersadventures]

Great video! I loved it! Very funny intro and loved your pup’s appearance. 🐾💙 Looks like you’re ready! We’ll see ya out there! 😊

[@TiggerTreks]

Thank you so much! Miley was being naughty eating my plants back there 😂. It’s always fun seeing the video afterwards and finding out what she was up to. These last weeks of waiting are going to be hard for all of us…looking forward to meeting you two!

[@sheilahenry7279]

Cute intro! Looks like you’re set to go. I’m anxious to see if the chair works for you. I have one but for a thru hike just think I’ll be too tired & ready for bed at night. You’re not bringing an umbrella & wonder if you’ll be wanting one.

[@TiggerTreks]

I haven’t given an umbrella much thought as of yet. I’m a gardener and often work and walk in the rain but you are right, the trail may feel different. I did think about making an umbrella for my phone though 😂 I actually see myself using the chair mostly at lunchtime for a nice relaxing break and on zero days. Maybe not so much at night? Everything will be so different living 24/7 in the woods…I can only guess at this point but can’t wait to find out!! Thanks so much Sheila, you are always so thoughtful 🙏

[@sheilahenry7279]

I hadn’t thought of zero days. I don’t plan to use hostels much & will ake zeros on trail. Also, have thought of cooking at lunch & relax so at the end I can have a snack & no meal food smells close to my sleeping area. If you like the chair I might bring mine.

[@joeheritage]

I just came across your channel and subscribed. Great choices. A chair too! I wish i could bring mine, I just can't justify the weight penalty. I'm starting on Feb. 17th! What a great adventure, See you out there.

[@TiggerTreks]

So soon!! Enjoy your journey. I don’t look at the weight as a penalty but as a challenge to embrace…it’s what I love most about backpacking, carrying everything I need to be comfortable and survive. I do realize I’m different that way 😂. Thanks so much for subscribing!! Safe travels

[@don.hinton]

Great choice on sleeping pad. I upgraded to it after years of trying to stay on top of the regular one. I love it. Also, you may want to consider getting dirty girl gaters. I ran through several of the kind you have with the strap under your foot - with all the rocks on the AT, the straps hardly lasted several hundred miles. I still have my original dirty girl gaters, and they look brand new - over 1,000 miles later. Also, your shoes have the velcro patch on the heel built-in.

[@TiggerTreks]

Thanks for your suggestions! 🙏The gaiters i have aren’t reliant on the plastic strap. I’m not even sure why it exists. They stay in place without it. I might even cut it off. I’ll be starting out with them but then sending them back after mid May. I’ll probably just make a pair for summer if I wear them at all. I’m a gardener so used to rocks/sand in my shoes 😂

[@somedavechannel]

Have a Great & Epic Journey!

[@TiggerTreks]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@randybeeson3424]

You can make a bottle holder for your strap easily. Just gorilla tape a bungee on your water bottle and install a carabineer. I'd like to make a suggestion on your poop kit. Get a bidet that goes on your water bottle. Add an orange survey flag to use as a signpost when leaving the trail and always keep it in site. And hand sanitizer that is only handled with your clean left hand if your right handed. Wet wipes for final cleanup is also nice to have. Looks well thought out we love our Durstan tents. Oh one other thing, try out the silicone spoon at home for all your eating needs if your like me you won't like it. A long handle is nice but prefer a smooth finish in titanium.

[@TiggerTreks]

Thanks for sharing all of your tips! Unfortunately I accidentally cut out my ditty bag contents but hand sanitizer /dehydrated wet naps are in there. Not a bidet girl and can’t imagine using my water bottle near my rear for any reason. I have my own methods for using less toilet paper though. I’ve been using my silicone spoon for months now on the trail and like that it doesn’t scrape the metal off my mess kit. I’m also thinking of making a water bottle holder as you suggested. Great tips, many people like the bidets but it’s definitely a personal choice 😂

[@randybeeson3424]

@@TiggerTreks yep we all have the same needs but different methods.

[@romererunamerika9437]

Just saw your yt I don't know why I watch these after all these years other than I get jazzed. Father of three grown girls. 61 years old. I stopped at Harpersferry last year so much rain and flooding. I will be resuming at Roanoke (yep going over parts already completed)on April 20 with a couple of buds (ones 71, one 67: both in excellent shape) I met last year on the trail. .WE had So much fun I had to go back to finish. I completed the PCT, Colorado trail, Arizona trail 3x lol fool, and the Tahoe rim trail. Attempting completion of AT and maybe flying and starting CDT sobo this year? My hiking buddy on the Azt said I should triple crown. LOL I don't care. However, we will see? Trail name Hummingbird Guru Stay safe out there! take your time and enjoy. Hope to see you out there? Advice Never quit on a bad day. slow down and regroup. oh and dont sleep in the mouse shelters? LOL

[@TiggerTreks]

You’ve accomplished so much, congrats 🎉🙌 I hope this year is drier for all of us. I’m addicted to thru hiker videos myself, so I understand 😂 Safe travels to you 🙏

[@romererunamerika9437]

@@TiggerTreks you too make sure to have fun and when it sucks and it will see the silver lining you are breathing and you can do this epic walk. You’ll smile and say thanks hummingbird! You’ll owe me a beer! lol I seldom drink but occasionally I’ll drink a half of beer? But if you Mountain Dew or Gatorade then I am in? Take care!

[@panhandlejake6200]

Good gear list - have a GREAT hike! Definitely consider a small (600 mL?) water bottle on your shoulder strap -- BUT use an electrolyte mix. This has helped maintain energy, particularly on long days. Consider carrying the tent stakes in their own small bag - they will be dirty and it reduces the chance of poking a hole in your footprint.

[@TiggerTreks]

Thank you! So ready to get going. Yes the tent stakes have a bag but I use them so much it gets misplaced. Not worried about that on the trail because I won’t be separating things all over the place like I do now 😂. Electrolyte mix will be in my food bag so that’s already part of my intended kit. Thanks for the suggestions!!🙏

[@DJMoore-001]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 Strip teasing us, Then getting serious. That was funny.

[@TiggerTreks]

😂 I almost put in the title “hiker style strip tease included”…click bait 🤪🤣 but it would have been hilarious.

[@DJMoore-001]

@@TiggerTreks LMAO, I am betting you would have pulled in a ton of views for that one. 🤣🤣🤣

[@TiggerTreks]

@@DJMoore-001🤣🤣🤣

[@davidlooney3018]

Good video thanks for sharing

[@TiggerTreks]

Thank you for watching!

[@Tatsuri1]

I'm so glad I just stumbled across your channel. Every year I pick a different thru-hikers to follow, and this year that will be you. After marathoning all of your videos, I know you know how to make the best of a situation, so I'm looking forward to seeing how you overcome challenges on the trail. And if you're worried about getting bored on those long nights and if you're okay adding a few oz to your pack, maybe bring a dedicated MP3 player and download audiobooks. That could help on the long nights when the silence becomes too loud. At least until you find your trail family. -Shout out from Maryland

[@TiggerTreks]

Thank you so much! So glad you’ll be coming along for the journey🙏. I’m so ready to get out there. Yes, I’m definitely going to struggle with boredom as I’m a creative and used to building gardens or making things all summer. I really wish I could pay attention to audiobooks but my mind wanders so bad while listening but I think you just convinced me to bring my kindle because I am an avid reader. I’m a better reader, than listener 😂🙏

[@Tatsuri1]

I pack my kindle every time I go camping. Sitting by a fire and reading is the best thing ever. It's worth the weight.

[@TiggerTreks]

@@Tatsuri1Definitely ❤

[@wesleykremer3916]

Love your gear! Unless you have the ultimate magic touch, I bent the Durston stakes putting them in the ground in my yard. My vote is the MSR Groundhogs. I can’t wait to hear how the chair works. If you use it and if it is worth the weight. Great video and insight!

[@TiggerTreks]

Thanks for reminding me of the msr’s, I wrote it down but then hid it from myself 😂. I’m really surprised I haven’t bent them, do you think they improved them for 2024? I’m not exactly gentle. The chair is an interesting luxury item. So far I have used it on every backpack but a thru hike is different. I will send it home if I don’t use it or into the hike when I’m soooo tired and I just want to shed weight 🤪 Thank you!!

[@wesleykremer3916]

@@TiggerTreks Durston may have improved them because on many of the videos in 2023 and earlier, many of the stakes bent. We received our tents in the spring of 2023. Weigh the Durston stakes and compare with the MSR specs. Mini Groundhog is 0.35 oz. The Groundhog is 0.46 oz. If they are close, you may want to consider MSR. If there is a significant difference in weight, maybe you have the updated 2024 model and they are stronger versus previous stakes.

[@TiggerTreks]

@@wesleykremer3916 Thanks for your advice! I definitely have the upgraded tent because I waited for a better magnet for the vestibule. The stakes I’m not sure of but it ticks me off if they are cheap and selling them for a tent that has Pro in the name and a price tag to match. I can’t stand when i waste hard earned money 💁‍♀️🙏

[@wesleykremer3916]

@@TiggerTreks Agreed and that is why I hope they upgraded the stakes. For an extra $5.00 in wholesale cost, make the tent perfect or as perfect as possible as we are paying for the best and lightest construction along with the design of the tent. With your training, food prep, and gear decisions, you are going to be amazing out there!!! You will be in the top 20% and make it to the summit of Momma K!!!!

[@TiggerTreks]

@@wesleykremer3916aww thanks for vote of confidence!! I just can’t wait to get out there 🙏🙌

[@Flora-Interior]

Only one month more to go 😊

[@TiggerTreks]

Yesss 🎉so excited 🙏

[@cherokeefit4248]

I hear staying in the shelters/cabins are full of bed bugs and shack hack (cough) and it’s best to stay outside.

[@TiggerTreks]

Where there are humans there are germs, rodents, and bugs so you are correct but that also goes for restaurants, hotels, malls, schools, etc. where we all hangout. 🙏

[@flowerpower1980]

Do you have dedicated sleep clothes?

[@TiggerTreks]

Not at this time. Clothes are heavy unfortunately.

[@ebshangraw]

What is your total pack weight?

[@TiggerTreks]

Hmmm I did mention this in the video. I believe it’s 16.8 base weight including butane fuel. 6 lbs food + 4.4 lbs h2O will bring it to 27 lbs maximum on restock day but more than likely I will average a total of 24 lbs total as it’s usually unnecessary to carry 2 full liters of water on a trail where water is easy to find.