Gear I DON'T Recommend Anymore From My Appalachian Trail List + My Alternatives and What Still Works

00:00 Hey Y'all
01:51 Shelter
04:13 Pack
07:56 Sleeping Bag/Quilt
12:00 Sleeping Pad
13:34 Kitchen
16:45 Water
19:08 Clothing
27:35 Footwear
29:56 Rain Gear
32:09 Electronics
35:13 Knife And Pepper Spray
36:37 Trekking Poles
38:08 MicroSpikes
New Gear List With Similar Budget: lighterpack.com/r/15jins
New Gear List With Unlimited Budget: lighterpack.com/r/habnbs
PERTINENT VIDEOS:
- AT Gear Picks: • My Gear Picks! (Appala...
- Gossamer Gear The Two Review: • Post-Hike Tent Review:...
- ULA Ohm 2.0 review: • My 1300+ Mile ULA Ohm ...
- Why I Switched From Hammock To Tent: • Why I Switched from a ...
- Synthetic Jacket and Quilt Review: • Why I'm Choosing SYNTH...
- Backpacking Basics: • Backpacking Basics: Ev...
Old AT Gear List: AT Gear List: homemadewanderlust.com/whats-i...
Budget Gear List: lighterpack.com/r/9fvp69
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
Camino de Santiago Gear List: lighterpack.com/r/4uttxn
Homemade Wanderlust Merch: homemadewanderlust.com/shop/
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Disclosure: 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 (doesn't only have to be backpacking gear).
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[@garytobin5120]

I can listen to her for hours. Common sense driven by experience…her advice is good for all levels of hikers. We can argue with some of her choices but she considers most angles and is researches topics very well. Well worth the watch.

[@flaskehrlenmeyer4349]

dixie, i love you so much. so many hiking videos are about SOLO TRIP IN HARD WEATHER! or GEAR I HATE NOW or WHAT YOU'RE DOING WRONG and you are so much about gracious friendly advice and i love that you revisit concepts to reevaluate. you just talk straight to us and you're not clickbaity. thank you. and may your new year be full of blessings.

[@goldenbadger8247]

Bear spray vs hornet best. On my thru hikes, I’ve😅 encountered some sketchy humans yet never in so much pain as to when we crossed and offended a yellow jacket nest.

[@psychedelicspirituality]

"Negative" titles get more clicks. While her videos are informational, that's just smart marketing lol.

[@jeffreyjones1721]

Thanks, great video. I would suggest Costco's Cascade Mountain Tech trecking poles. Best deal out there. They are $30 for a pair of carbon fiber 8oz poles. They are rated for the PCT as 4th best and that at $60 instead of 30. I even got mine on sale for $23 at costco and bought multiple pairs for self and family. Now Coscto needs a deal w/ ULA and Big Agnes!

[@stephenwilliams9058]

Hi Dixie.. I was watching how you kept your feet warm in the shoes you wore, as opposed to heavy duty hiking boots, and were your feet dry? And apart from the issue of weight, why did you choose shoes over boots? Thanks, Steve.

[@johnschmalbach8243]

Great video. Two suggestions for the "food" section. The Humangear Gobites Duo spoon and fork combo is bomb proof and light. Also I am in agreement with Andrew Skurka and don't do a traditional bear hang any more. Unless I am required to use a bear canister I use an Ursack in bear country. For gloves I have a pair of windproof and insulated mittens from Decathlon. You can flip back the "mitt" and you then have fingerless gloves. A thin pair of Merino liners make this a very warm combination. For rain gear I prefer a poncho. Because it can act as a pack cover as well as keep me dry. Keeping your stuff dry inside of the pack is great but the pack itself, unless it's made out of a waterproof material, The pack itself will absorb water and can easily gain well over a pound in water weight, especially if you have well padded hip belt and shoulder straps. Those completely act like sponges.

[@Swimdeep]

Umbrella ☂ is a must for me. Unshaded ☀️ trail, desert 🌵 as well as rain 🌧 make the UV umbrella I carry an absolute must. The difference between being able to hike or not under these circumstances.

[@sherrierifenberg2199]

Hey Dixie...on the subject of trekking poles, I bought mine (Outdoor Products) at Walmart about 5 years ago for $14.95. They have locking mechanisms for length, cork hand grips with adjustable straps, rubber "booties" on the bottom of the poles for hard surfaces which can be removed for non rocky areas, lightweight (compared them to my girlfriends "high end" poles and they weighed the same) AND they come with a little "basket" near the bottom of the poles for trekking in the snow! I have used them with no problems and I would definitely recommend them! Great video!

[@survivalcomms]

Love it ! Solid advice from experience for anyone who is considering a long distance hike. Thanks for sharing !

[@2laughandlaugh]

3 years ago I was rocking a 3.75 lb pack....now I use the Zpacks Nero 38 and it makes hiking so much more fun. No need to have 1/5th of your base weight in your pack alone.

[@backpacker3421]

Yup! After simply choosing what to leave behind, I usually tell people who are trying to shave weight that the first place to look is for a new pack, but don't bother with REI or any big store. Look to Z or HMG, or ULA, etc etc. Most people can shed 2-3 pounds right there. When I was a kid, I used my 70L mountaineering pack for ALL my backpacking because I couldn't afford multiple packs - of course, back then the lightest packs available were still 3.5 lbs or more. I think my mountaineering pack was about 5.5 lbs empty...

[@2laughandlaugh]

@@backpacker3421 if I remember correctly Dixie had a trail family member on the AT that was toting a 75 to 100 lb pack. She joked that you couldn't see him if you were hiking behind him....just a pair of legs...lol.

[@meinthewild]

Yup - my beginners pack was Deuter (sp?) but I’ve switched to a 2 lb. Mariposa medium

[@2laughandlaugh]

@@meinthewild my Zpacks Nero comes in at a whopping 10.2 oz.

[@kobold90]

I'm looking for a backpack which fits my needs. My current one is 2.2kg but so comfy, I can carry a 20kg load with ease. I'd love to have a lighter one since my normal load is about 10kg with food and water. But I won't replace the comfort. Even though I'm searching, I think I'll have to hike the CDT next year with a 2.2kg model.

[@backpacker3421]

FYI, polycryo (or polycro) comes in different varieties. The really light stuff (usually 0.7 mil) is used for window insulation, and will protect against water and provide some insulation (not much - it mainly insulates windows by preventing drafts), but it's VERY fragile stuff and will tear easily. Painter's drop cloth polycro sheeting is usually 1.5 or 2 mil, and will stand up to a lot more abuse and insulate more, but will also be about as heavy as Tyvek, maybe heavier. Tyvek is great against water, but provides only slight insulation benefits. It is however, pretty darn durable, and after being broken in, folds just like any lightweight cloth. Plus, it has the added benefit of being white, meaning you can use a sharpie and make your groundsheet do double duty as multiple signs ("hiker to town" "hiker to trail", etc etc - just fold it so the sign you want is visible). Bottom line, poly and Tyvek are both already very lightweight and do the footprint job well, but the only way to really save more weight (you're not saving much) is to trade in on durability. I'd go with 1.5 mil poly if you don't like Tyvek. Personally, I have a roll of Tyvek in my DIY box, and until I use that up I'm not using anything else. It does a great job and one sheet lasts multiple seasons.

[@oldgettingolderhopefully6997]

I agree. I go with Tyvek for the simple reason that the first piece I used is still going. I'm not a thru-hiker, so maybe this is not so crucial, but for general backpacking, a bit more substantial protection often comes in handy, especially with an inflatable mattress.

[@backpacker3421]

@@oldgettingolderhopefully6997 Personally, I think the durability plays an even bigger factor in long hikes, especially when resupplies are fewer and further between. As with most gear, it's a balancing act between weight and durability (and cost). As the old adage goes, cheap, durable, light - pick 2 cuz you can't have all three. In this case, their all pretty cheap and light and Tyvek is also durable. I just think the durability trade off is nowhere near the weight benefit with this one.

[@gmonkey33MC]

@@backpacker3421 so are you saying youd' rather go with polycro?

[@THEUPSTAIRS100]

Thanks man. You just saved me hours of you tubing.

[@Mtnsunshine]

Thank you, Dixie. This info is wonderful. I’ve followed you since that first AT hike and it is fascinating to not only see your evolution, but how equipment has evolved, too. 👍⛺️. 🥾. Can’t wait to get back on those trails. 🥰

[@featherfoothiker]

Thank you for suffering through watching tour old self for us! This is helping me prep for the PCT this year!

[@gabosambarlande5535]

Perfect timing! I’m prepping to do my first thru hike this coming season

[@ranias7064]

Thank you for this video Dixie! It's nice to see how your experience and available gear have evolved over the years. Would love to see an update on your gear picks for the PCT as well!

[@rachelberglund]

Great video, thanks for the rundown! One of the unspoken lessons here is also to recognize that sometimes a fresh hiker just needs to get out there and hike in order to work out what works for them.

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

100%

[@chelseamoberg4620]

Thank you so much for sharing this all. Your channel has been a huge inspiration to get out & on trail. Did my first backpacking trip last year & am planning multiple ones this year. Your videos made me feel much safer going out & knowledgeable even as a beginner.

[@chrisshelton3504]

I really appreciate your reviews. I think you are saving many of us money in the long run by sharing gear which works for you and pointing out improvements in what you carry over your earlier choices. I too have an EE Revelation and an EE Torrid. Kept me toasty at Thanksgiving camping in the high Sierras in Northern California! Thanks to input through your videos. I do a lot of boat and canoe camping too, and feel more secure in synthetic rather than down (but still want to keep everything dry).

[@RS-pk4mp]

Sensible advice as always. Gear is a journey, not a destination and all of us who hike learn something every time we go out. Otherwise it would just be walking! Thanks Dixie.

[@machbaby]

Dixie is going to empty my wallet. At least I take good care of my gear.

[@KaraKirtley]

This is awesome! Thanks for sharing and for returning to the beginning for us. Your vlog inspired me to hike the AT this year! 💛

[@turkeywalker7046]

Always glad to see another video. I’ll be hiking the AT 2022 and your videos were a big part of my research. I’m only using a few pieces of this gear/your current gear, but your experience was super helpful in every decision I’ve made.

[@mosquitoeslovejohn]

Thank you for sharing your hiking expertise.

[@elstennapel]

Wow, that’s a lot of very useful information. Have been following you for years now and this kind of reflection on gear is very nice. Thank you!

[@sagehiker]

Thank you for this update. The AT is unique. I am amazed at how much I can still learn from your experience and I have been hiking for five decades plus. What you have to share on base layers and sleep wear and the difference is especially important. And still have few differences on choices on water filtering and carries because of the environment and climate I hike in. I have all the zones of the CDT except Chihuahua desert of Southern New Mexico within 100 miles of me.

[@krawie77]

Thanks Dixie! Your videos definitely helped get us through the last two pandemic years! Love your approach!

[@inviso1111]

I've also had very good experiences with Anker power banks. I have 10k one (Astro E3) from ~2012 and have since retired that one to urban usage, but I've picked up two more Powercore 10k banks and prefer carrying two banks rather than one for a couple reasons. Last I checked, the Powercore 20100 weighs 356g and two Powercore 10000s weigh 354g. Add in the little carrying bag and the 20k might win by a couple of grams, but it's really close. Note that the Powercore PD banks are a trap unless you need the higher output. They are significantly heavier for the same capacity. The same thing applies to the Powercore Lite, Slim, Redux and + models. Two power banks also allow me to have a much better feel for how much power I have left and makes it easier to make sure I'm reserving enough power for the more critical needs. Finally, if I were to have a power bank fail, it's nice that I likely only lose part of my power. You might take another look at the 20k+10k setup that you ran for awhile. On a related note, we got a stark reminder this last fall that electronics can and will fail on the trail. Carrying redundancy and/or alternatives when reasonable is a good idea. I thankfully haven't had a power bank fail yet, but we had the lamp burn out on a Steripen (UV light water purification) midway through our last trip. I'm estimating it was about 20% through its expected life so it was a surprise to have it fail. As a group of 5 on that trip, we had planned redundancy built in so we all fell back on a MSR pump filter that a friend was using. Two or three liters later, the handle on the pump snapped off. We had a fuel reserve for boiling water and most of us had a small emergency supply of chemical treatment as well so we were not at risk, but it was a sobering reminder that a cascade of failures can change the complexion of a trip in a hurry.

[@carolynbiester8349]

Thank you so much for this! It will make my future hikes much more comfortable!

[@ericice1751]

Great update... I appreciate your candor and honesty.

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

... Dixie's your video's are always a great watch ... Started watching from the beginning of the AT and enjoy them all ... watching you put in the work to not only hike crazy long trails but video them as well .You create inspiration for SO many and good sense information for those starting out on a thru hike for the first time ... Gear choices first come from a personal budget until experience comes into play ,, sometimes the cheap and basic get the job done ,but the trail and time will dictate that ... Your written works as well are impressive and the personal touches to some to reach into themselves ,,Remembering a young lady so inspired by one of your slogans of inner strength ,, she had it tattooed on her arm .... and that was early in your hiking program .. In trail talks,, I don't know anyone that doesn't know of Dixie ,,Homemade Wanderlust ,, and not have anything but positive things to bring up ... .. I can't imagine what a thru hiker learns about themself but after all you have done ,,I would guess the self talk would be an Oscar winner .. To reflect back on what gear choices might be swapped can be a fun afternoon but you did it with what you had ,, and did it well .. All along the way has been a blast to watch this southern girl tame the trails ,even swamps,, and some very rugged mountains and always finish with a smile ... .... Looking forward for what's to come ......Stay Safe and God Bless .....

[@rachelmcnulty9975]

Thank you so much for your recommendations and sharing your experiences! I really appreciate your knowledge.

[@thatsamazinggrace9512]

Thanks Jessica! great vid, as always! as one who suffers from analysis paralysis when it comes to gear, your opinion really helps!

[@AnxiousGary]

This is great! I had just been re-watching that old video and was curious about what would be different today with all the experience.

[@ronandy8681]

Thanks so much Dixie, you’ve inspired me to do the a.t. and bought 90% of the items you suggested

[@schadowolf]

What a great after post trek review of your gear! Well done Dixie!!

[@AUMINER1]

this is great info dixie! love it!

[@BnORailFan]

This is a perfect video to watch as I am aspiring to thru-hike the AT within the next 5 years and just started buying gear.

[@MJG70]

Brilliant as always!

[@MikeNeri1]

Still love watching your videos and am amazed how most hikers suffer the same pitfalls. Looking forward to some new adventures! Be well Dixie!

[@amaliademopoulos9729]

As always you motivate me to hike. You also were the very first person and video I watched to learn how to section hike. I’ve been section hiking for 2-3 years now and am still using my original hiking poles from Amazon. They are cascade mountain trekking poles and run around $45. Carbon fiber. Cork handles ( of which the AT took a hunk out of on my last day, just a simple slip and a chunk came off but still working great without issues) they are adjustable, never slip on adjusting. The have adjusting locks, not twist locks. I’ve used them on an 8 day section of the AT, two different Ozark Trail hikes, smaller day hikes and nearly every day in the winter on my property walking about my yard of snow or mud. Love the stability. Love Dixie and Love hiking. Waiting to recover from surgery to get back out there. Sincerely, (Slow but Steady) aka Steady

[@calebheddy1447]

You are awesome! Thank you for being an inspiration to so many. I commented once about the contractor bag and didn't realize that you were using trash compacter bags. I feel bad for ever saying anything... I was wrong also. Keep doin what you do! Thank you so much for your valuable content!

[@randysmith6493]

Something you might add to your cold trips, and I started using this year is a Buff. They are great around the neck and like base layers, help a lot at personal temperature regulation, and t add protection from teens and single digits of wind, you can pull it up on the chin also.

[@neemancallender9092]

Get the longer ones and you can wear it as a balaclava

[@John_Ridley]

I think she might just not have remembered to mention it because they're so ubiquitous. I bought my first Buff several years ago after Dixie was raving about how they're basically indispensable.

[@randysmith6493]

@@neemancallender9092 I where one on my head sometimes.

[@AriKolbeinsson]

Get a proper one made of wool (e.g. merino wool). Unbelievably nice!

[@suzannehedderly1331]

I have my merino buff on my lap right now. Heat went out in the house just when the snow storm hit so it was chilly in here. Had on my buff and down vest. Thankfully heating company came and fixed it today.

[@billbryan8943]

Great job! Thorough, methodical, excellent. Thanks!

[@timl.b.2095]

I don't know when I've seen a more informative video with simple delivery. No dang music or special effects, which aren't needed on informative videos but too often get them. Thank you for this excellent video.

[@rogberube6422]

Excellent wrap-up. Thanks Dixie.

[@bms9144]

Dixie, one of the BEST features of the Flycreek UL2 was the ability to pitch it using just the footprint & rainfly. Spead out footprint, install poles in grommets, drape rainfly over poles and secure to footprint with the plastic snap buckles. You can the pitch your tent under the erected fly & poles. Great in a sudden mountain rainstorm, or if bugs aren't a concern and you don't want to bother with the tent body. But you have to pony up for the footprint to realize the benefits.

[@a.w.thompson4001]

To avoid the expense and weight of the footprint, there's another option for bad weather if you are willing to crawl on your Fly Creek. Leave the fly attached except for one of the front corners. To pitch, lay the tent flat, assemble and slide the pole under the fly, insert its ends into the grommets, GENTLY crawl under the fly to attach the clips, attach the last corner of the fly, and stake down as needed.

[@TS-xj5mt]

Great update. Thanks for posting. Happy new year 2022!

[@johnafagerquist8235]

Really nice to go down memory lane, so to speak, with you. As far as the "quality" of the video(s) back then, it was just fine. In fact, although lacking the better equipment and the expertise of Aaron, the videos of your AT thru hike are some really good screen time. I've watched the movie(your whole hike in one video) a bunch of times, and it warms my heart and gets me excited about hiking each time. Today's video is a really good one. Thank you for it.

[@michaelsakowich7026]

Dixie’s old videos are a hoot!

[@mikekilburn3552]

I watch a lot of these type videos and I have to say hands down you have the best break down. I watched all your videos. Keep it up. Bravo

[@neemancallender9092]

Jessica, Congrats An excellent presentation And you present yourself wonderfully Been following you a long time now Amazing to see how you have grown Keep up the good work Best of luck to you

[@KNAOutdoors2022]

Great video! Watched you the first time and continue to watch. Thank you for educating us through the backpacking world!!👊🏻👍🏼✌🏼

[@richardspurlock3300]

A couple of years ago we watched one of your videos in which you mentioned Lone Peak 4.5 trail runners. Since I have had foot problems as in my feet hurt a lot from to much standing or walking. I checked out a pair at rei and wore them out of the store. I guess my feet needed the wide toe box and the 0 drop. Thank you so much for helping my hiking and just general life. After 3 years I just about have wore out that first pair. I have two more in reserve. Other than dress shoes its all I wear. Thanks for your videos.

[@brianbarrows6087]

Love your gear reviews. Keep up the great work!

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

I love your gear reviews. Thank you!

[@peterblay3066]

Thank you very much! You are so helpful and kind!

[@charleswaters455]

I really appreciate your comment about 2 liters of water being too much. I also carried 2 liters in a platypus type bladder and after my section hike realized that at least on the south part of the trail, there is literally water everywhere.

[@fritz4345]

This was excellent. Thanks!

[@heidih2887]

Excellent advice re: hiking poles- cork handles to prevent blisters/hot spots, adjustable/collapsible, etc. And with some cheap off-brand/box store sporting goods department poles, it's very difficult if not impossible to get the adjusters to hold tightly enough to prevent dangerous collapse under pressure, especially for larger folks and/or the added weight of a pack. TEST the darn things before buying something too cheap and not being able to return them! :D Since they are safety gear as well as comfort, and perhaps part of a tent/shelter system, definitely best to assure quality vs. "cheapest possible"! :D LOVE your well-organized and detailed product reviews and other videos! :D Thanks for keeping it REAL! :D

[@mtlobasz]

Thanks Dixie for a great video. The glove idea sounds great and I'll have to try it. I do use the Platypus Gravity Works 2L and I like it. I tend to drink a lot of water on trail, and like the large capacity bladder. Also getting into camp. I can get my dirty water bag filled and set up my tent, etc., while the water is filtered. The extra weight doesn't bother me, but than I don't carry a whole bunch of camera equipment either.

[@raallmendinger]

This was a great video.. very informative!! Definitely going to reconsider some of my gear.

[@backpacker3421]

+1 for ULA packs. I have the Catalyst (slightly larger than the Ohm but otherwise very similar). I lovelovelove that pack. It's the only pack I use anymore. Nearly as light as the HMG or Zpacks, but MUCH more durable and more comfortable, IMO. I also agree that limiting your pack capacity is a VERY good idea. TBH, if you can't fit it in 40 liters, you probably don't need it unless you're going into some seriously sketchy terrain and need extra gear - though for winter camping, an extra 10L or so is good for the extra room your sleeping bag will take up (that's why I have the Catalyst instead of the Ohm - one pack for year round fun).

[@amdelorey]

Great review update and wayback-machine! Thanks and Happy New Year Jessica (and Fancy-Mae).

[@DoseofDirt]

This is such a great video! Everyone's gear choices will change over time. It's a good reminder to never be 'married' to the gear you have as you progress in your experience or encounter different conditions. And also that we shouldn't hold others (or ourselves) accountable for bad choices they may have made previously. Thanks for sharing!

[@kmusic191]

I'm so happy you went back to update your review. This is great! For clothing, I'm finding an alternate to shorts and long sleeves is short sleeves and long pants. Long pants for ticks (with permetheren)... Met many people with Lyme's last year 2021 :/

[@davebrown3117]

I have some long sleeved T-shirt fishing shirts that are made of polyester and are stretchy. They have a dark woodland camo pattern and I picked it because dark colours have more UV absorbancy than light and white colours. Unlike cotton, they don't absorb moisture so they dry much faster than cotton and are less stinky in hot conditions from BO. I also have some buffs that are also stretchy thin synthetic material and long enough so you can pull them up in a balaclava type setup that also covers your nose and head and still keeps your neck covered. The buffs, with a brimmed hat and sunglasses, keeps almost all of your face covered so you don't need to use much, if any, sunscreen. The shirts are also available in a polo neck design. Oh, yeah, I used the buffs without incident during mask mandates. The shirts and buffs are summer weight but I have ridden with the buffs during winter when the temps were less that 5℃ without freezing my throat and neck.

[@christyj2281]

You are my go to for info! Thanks Dixie!!

[@jackvoss5841]

I camp with a canoe or a motorcycle, so backpackers may not like this approach. Foot prints for a tent benefit the tent company much more than the camper. Tent floors will develop leaks, inevitably. A foot print (1) delays the first hole in the tent floor, but (2) does not stop water from entering your tent.. Tent floors will leak (let in water directly) through ground water entering through holes, or from outside flooding or puddles entering directly. Also, tent floors are not water proof - they are only highly water resistant. Water can seep right on through, particularly at pressure points where weight is applied to the floor. I think that it is more important to protect the camper than it is to try to protect a tent floor. To do that, I buy an inexpensive piece of visqueen plastic, and make a “bathtub” for the tent. An example would be a tent floor 2’X8’. I get one, single integral piece at least 1’ longer and 1’ wider than the tent floor. In this example the plastic is 9’X3’. I fold up a 6” wide cuff on all four sides, fold the corners in and secure them with duct tape. This bathtub, inside the tent, is waterproof. Even when water leeks or seeps in through the floor, the camper and gear dies not get wet from that. If a bathtub gets punctured (so far, none of mine have, but there’s always a first time) a couple of pieces of duct tape (inside and outside) fixes that. In my experience, this has always kept water out of my tents, always. It folds and rolls and fits inside my tent bags. Probably won’t fit into every tent bag along with a tent. But size and weight are generally only a bit more than a footprint. And, way less expensive and way more water proof. Courtesy of Half Vast Flying

[@williamtownsend3279]

Excellent as always!

[@bluejeans8001]

Really very informative video. Thanks so very much for sharing. Wishing you a wonderful Happy New Year

[@naresrit]

This video is very helpful, thanks, Dixie.

[@backpacker3421]

I like the REI goretex mittens for rain/wind protection. Almost as light as the Zpacks/EE versions, but Goretex still beats those for water and wind protection.

[@dml5053]

I use to use that thermarest BUT I now use the Sea-to-summit Ether-light and it is LIFE CHANGING!! I am a side sleeper and this is amazing! It has a built in bag to blow it up for connivence ..added the pillow and boyyy.I had no idea how comfortable you could be.I just would never go back....also I find a quilt is a much better option..saves weight and space... great info video as always ...

[@keeperoftheflame4209]

Happy New Year, thank you for your videos, be safe take care God bless

[@bass779]

Lighter pack links are awesome; thanks so much

[@robertrockwell7581]

Dixie thank you for all the videos and info this past year. Happy New Year too and all the Family. may it be safe and Prosperous .say hello too Mom Dad Montana Fancy and everybody. safe safe and warm.

[@altaris2000]

I always like using large ziplock bags for my sleeping clothes(top/bottom/socks). Keeps them separate so I can find them easily, and they will for sure be dry in there.

[@trevorfireball]

Great video. Super helpful.

[@austinburns4213]

I love to have a cup too! However, after burning myself a few times from grabbing the flexible collapsible cup too aggressively, I personally recommend a hard plastic cup. Thank you for the tip on a backpack. I’ve been afraid to switch to a UL backpack because my back is old and hunched, but I swear the Ospreys are getting even heavier these days. Yea, Farm to Feet is one of my favorite socks too. Great video as always.

[@nienkevanderpeet7632]

Nice! Love the gear videos. Just a note regarding the wall chargers, make sure you get one with a high output. It will make the difference between you 20.000 powerbank charging in 20h or 4h 😉.

[@chicksgrowtoo]

Great video!! I love ur honesty. 🥰

[@clarkansas6590]

Good job. Great information

[@salvadordiezcansecojr.2600]

The "Sawyer squeeze" sounds like a good idea. Thank you for the gear review.

[@memomorph5375]

I hope it gets everything

[@frstesiste7670]

Lots of excellent recommendations here IMO, but note that what rating you need on the quilt/sleeping bag varies a lot from person to person. I was perfectly happy with a 30 degree bag on the AT, but that's obviously not for everyone and it really depends on personal preferences. For me a foam pad can work in a tent, but not at all on a wooden shelter floor. I've friends though that was happy (I assume) with a foam pad in shelters so again it's very different from person to person. I started with a metal spoon, but switched to a plastic one when I found a really light one. IMO a long (metal) spoon is super useful if you prepare meals in the packaging (like the freeze dried ones), but I used mostly cheaper stuff like Raman noodles and cooked them in the pot and then a small plastic spoon was all I needed.

[@stihlpoon5821]

AMC AT ridge runner here. Heading to 100 mile wilderness this June. Thanks for the video. Cheers to all.🍻

[@billcampbell1627]

"It's not the Arrow, It's the Indian." Dixie, you are made of the right stuff. Thanks.

[@1z1zmike]

Thanks…helpful review🙂🙏

[@chriscon8463]

I love my Sea to Summit collapsible cup & my Sawyer Squeeze used with Smart Water bottles!

[@Rose-co3cp]

Speaking of Trekking Poles - I started out with Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles in Carbon Fiber and Aluminum I ordered off Amazon. They have the cork handles and quick adjustable locks. I first had the Carbon Fiber (44.99) and they lasted 3 years, I broke one of the poles. Then I went with the Aluminum which now cost 29.99 but are on sale for 22.99. I never had them collapsed on me so I would highly recommend them. I kept my aluminum for walking around town or at the public track. Last year I bought a pair of the Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Women's which are aluminum. These are my preferred trekking poles because they have a 15 degree corrective angle which provides better grip and easier on the wrists. They are 139.00 but I had store credit and also had a dividend check which really knocked down the price. I am glad you are still doing your hikes. As always I like the gear reviews.

[@planner722]

I like using a sawyer with a CNOC bag w/coupler so I can use it either to squeeze out water or as a gravity feed. However, I almost always have one of my kids hiking with me so I would filter for all of us. If I were to go by myself I think I would consider doing the smart water bottle w/ sawyer. Since I have 1 or more kids with me I would also bring two extra platypus type bags just so when I get water at camp I could get up to 5 L at once so I wouldn’t have to hike back uphill to get water in the morning! If I have all 3 kids, I take a fold up 2 gal jug.

[@mctaguer]

Thank you Dixie. I think your frankness about decisions, good and bad, (I've watched about 10 of your vids now) gives your videos a lot of value (and humanity). I hear you went to the UP recently (but didn't bump into Dan Becker...or his weather)--I'll look for that one. I'm intrigued by how many adverse weather shots I've seen in your videos, and how you dealt with all of that. Anyway, thanks--very useful. Incidentally, was planning on doing EXACTLY the same thing with the XLite small pad (got the idea from watching Matt Shafter cut his pads in half)--appreciate seeing that in practice.

[@CampfireJubilee]

Haven't ever had use for a base layer... I need to remember that for whenever I hike in colder temps again somewhere!!

[@scottmcmullen6782]

I used inexpensive Mountainsmith trekking poles that came as a bonus for free with another pack that I got. They worked fine on the CT for me in 2018. I think the model is called Pinnacle.

[@rooksfoot1184]

cheers dixie... ATB for 22... ur vids with fancie|M thru hiking are some of my favourite ever vids

[@williamwirick886]

Really great video! 👍

[@stewartellis353]

Happy New Year Dixie

[@anthonyvizzo1456]

4 pairs of socks. Love it. I started with 3 pairs and added another. Such as difference starting with dry feet. After months of rain I wound up with a poncho over my pack. However I could see the liner being useful around places the pack might be totally submerged such as fords.

[@backpacker3421]

I have the Enigma and it's awesome, but if you're concerned about transitioning to a quilt (it's an easy switch, but I get it), you can get the Convert from Enlightened Equipment. It's very similar to the Enigma, but zips fully out to a full quilt (no foot box) and all the way up to a full sleeping bag. That's what I use for winter (the -10 degree version) so I can zip all the way in when it's really drafty.

[@backpacker3421]

Correction: Just went through my gear. My 3-season quilt is the Revelation, not the Enigma. Fairly similar quilts though. You can't really go wrong with EE gear.

[@free2trvl]

I used the $20 Sierra designs trekking poles from target and they worked fine for my hike. Broke once but was able to gerry rig them to work the rest of the way.

[@RatelLaw]

Thank you for sharing

[@mountaineer5596]

Good info. Thanks.

[@inquisitivewanderer2536]

Invaluable! Thank you.

[@davidriley1034]

I use a hammock. But, for warmer months I use a top quilt made from a 6 1/2 ft piece of polar fleece from Jo Ann fabrics. Trimmed it to width and sewed a foot box in it. I believe I have $7 in it. Not the most compressible, but I love it. As far as the food bag is concerned, I wood highly recommend spending a Cuban fiber bag. They are worth the money. I don't know if mice cannot chew a hole in it or if it is tough enough that they go to an easier target. I have said more than once, "I have a $50 food bag. You have a $20 food bag with a hole chewed in it. Spork = bad spoon / terrible fork. The Torrid jacket is awesome, but delicate. Dixie is a Gem.

[@EatCarbs]

Thanks for the video