Gear Updates: Why I Switched Tents, What I'm Sending Home & Gear That's Falling Apart | AT 2023

Follow along as I hike all 2,198 miles of the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine starting March 9, 2023. This is my second thru-hike attempt and I am excited to document and share my journey with you as I post daily vlogs from the trail!
⬇️ GEAR FOR THE THRU-HIKE ⬇️
BIG THREE + extras
Backpack -
Fanny Pack - bit.ly/3w2i16c
Water Bottle Pocket - bit.ly/3fnRcF2
Phone Pocket -
Tent - bit.ly/3MWwnhP
Tent Stakes - bit.ly/41qLJjQ
Sleeping Bag - bit.ly/3Sz52Dm
Sleeping Pad - bit.ly/43ROQm7
Pillow - bit.ly/3Df44Fr
CLOTHING
Rain Jacket - bit.ly/3Cr4oB3
Rain Pants - bit.ly/3L2VSd7
Sun Hoodie - bit.ly/43gX6f0
Hoodie -
Puffy Jacket - bit.ly/3U0q1hz
Hiking Shorts - bit.ly/3KKUHTj
Hiking Pants - amzn.to/3EBUk9K
Socks -
Sock Liners - bit.ly/3dy1eCx
Trail Runners - bit.ly/3il0jI2
Gaiters - bit.ly/3WQl7WF
Sleep Shirt - bit.ly/3Z4UH4O
Sleep Pants - bit.ly/3m80xDZ
Down Booties - bit.ly/36jXMF3
Camp Socks - amzn.to/3SwPK22
Rain Mitts - bit.ly/3XYy5CJ
Gloves - bit.ly/3gk0dPK
Sunglasses - bit.ly/3Lohq7z
FOOD & WATER
Water Bottle w/ Straw - amzn.to/3Qxw6SR
Food Bag - bit.ly/3wbmWPS
Stove - bit.ly/3cSZUJw
Mini Bic Lighter - amzn.to/3Y4RbGh
Kitchen Rag - amzn.to/3w9CIuv
Rock Sack - bit.ly/2Z0EakX
Water Filter - bit.ly/3cTh7T7
ELECTRONICS & MISCELLANEOUS
Garmin inReach - bit.ly/3P2Cdxz
Headphones - bit.ly/3UnvXTM
Bluetooth Thermometer - amzn.to/41ocghS
Tripod - amzn.to/3lXzBGH
Trekking Poles -
Dry Bag - bit.ly/3wbmWPS
Knife - amzn.to/364TKQb
Battery Pack - amzn.to/3IBWzuE
Charging Block - amzn.to/3Z5TiuP
Watch - bit.ly/3CLj3r7
Compression Sack - amzn.to/3ZmwbM3
Headlamp - amzn.to/41sVn5u
Phone/ camera - amzn.to/3p43PcJ
TIKTOK: / nahamsha.hiker
INSTA: nahamsha.hiker
WATCH NEXT:
2023 Appalachian Trail Daily Vlog Playlist - • 2023 Appalachian Trail...
My 2021 AT thru-hike daily vlogs - • 2021 Appalachian Trail
2021 Appalachian Trail Documentary - • Thru Hiking Entire App...
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description may be affiliate links. If you purchase a product with the links that I provide, I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you. Thank you for supporting my channel!
#appalachiantrail #thruhike #nahamsha

[@jackcakeblack]

The gear review is helpful, If no one mentions the gear breaking they won't try to build better.I like things that last.🙂

[@petergrant9259]

Things that last have substance and weight.... unfortunately going lightweight is never going to last.

[@hikethat401]

Try altitude sun hoodie from Outdoor Vitals. I have 3 of them. Love them.

[@owl2368a]

Tie the Altra with the heel lock method, they won't budge.

[@ffstopP]

Thanks for the run-down on your gear. Helpful to me to learn how others assess their gear. Walk on.

[@jeffb.23]

talking about the stuff that has failed you is more interesting than the successes! pretty sure you can take darn toughs to any outfitter that sells them and they will replace them on the spot! Highly recommend Sawyer Picaridin lotion instead of Deet. It doesn’t melt plastic (who wants that on their skin?), it’s easy to make sure you get full coverage, lasts a full day, and seems just as effective. Was also going to suggest the hydrapak flux (has a bail handle, stands up on it’s own, far more durable) for your Befree, but looks like you have that covered! Happy hiking!

[@lauraevelynashley]

Lol your thumbnail is wasn’t lying! Everything is falling apart hahaha

[@jantefft2442]

I totally enjoy following you and vicariously live with you on your thru hike. You are such an awesome young woman. Bless You - MGBWY 🙏❤🕉

[@leedanielson7452]

Greetings everybody from Sunny, hot, and extra humid Florida…😊

[@wildflowersadventures]

I’m down here with ya! Wow!!! It’s extra hot and humid this summer! 🥵

[@leedanielson7452]

@@wildflowersadventures Yes! Extra!!!! I need to go up north for the summer. Lol.

[@leedanielson7452]

@@whocares9672 I’m down! 1 hour south of Orlando..😎🐊

[@rocky107304]

Thanks for taking me along for this great hike you're on! And for all your insight on all your gear.

[@denisebrown2940]

Great video on all the gear. I am glad you did this one. Thank you.

[@lisamiller2038]

Thank you for the tent info....

[@TXMEDRGR]

That was interesting, thanks for sharing.

[@qsbroom]

Thanks for all this info..

[@debsmith7050]

Very interesting; glad you shared

[@marilynm5024]

Thanks for talking about your gear. Very informative.

[@vickifg13]

Thanks for the gear update. Stay safe and Happy Hiking ⛺️🥾💞

[@Cindyscrossstitch]

Love the gear reviews 👣🌻

[@williamrandall1415]

Thank you

[@michaelbroyer3918]

Very nice video. I love your gear reviews. Can't wait till your next video, Happy trails.

[@Danielle-rb2jk]

Very informative video! Thank you for your gear update. Incredibly helpful. 👏👏👏

[@hdbinnc8583]

It’s a good change of pace video. Thanks for sharing this with us. I’m sure your gear takes quite a beating over time. You’re doing great and I’m glad to see this side of the journey. Keep charging!

[@laurenhagan9819]

Thanks for your honest reflections about the the tents. Makes sense. Love watching your videos. Tadpole

[@KimMarie1981]

Sent my first gift 💝 enjoy your vlogs, bless you for the positive energy!

[@johnsandell4501]

Enjoyed your thoughts on gear durability. You are a good gear head. Love your enthusiasm. Have more family fun heading to K.

[@bettyjorodgers8552]

I like the larger tent. Thank you

[@KimMarie1981]

Thanks!

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

Thank you!!!

[@susietopspin]

Love gear videos as well, especially Taylor’s. Having said that am I the only one who can’t be too disappointed when gear/clothes wear out or breakdown. It’s so different because they are being used in extraordinary conditions day in and day out. TBH I would have been surprised if the sun hoodie could be worn after the thru-hike. Just saying as not necessarily gear fails, IMO. Great video though. Have purchased gear because of your recommendations. Keep em coming. Happy trails.🤟🏻🥾🏔

[@dannythecamper4186]

Nice video, so let's keep on hiking 😊

[@lorenshoneybees686]

I love your videos and watch them during breakfast every morning. I was wondering about your watch.

[@TheTrailDancer]

Freestanding tents are just so nice!!! I’ve had a lot of both.. ⛺️

[@steventaylor3296]

I bought that tent at the beginning of the season, right before AT Kickoff. Love the tent, super easy to put up.

[@kathyt7344]

So happy you got to reunite with Callie and of course Chet! 🥰. Thank you for the gear review 👍🏻 I’ve loved that blue shirt on you and was seriously contemplating buying it 🧐 it looks great and seems to do the job! Perhaps i just need to know it will fade due to sweat! 🥵. For sure you must be in The Whites now so hopefully some more visits! 🤩🙏🏻

[@derekhughes4028]

Great info about your gear. I was thinking about a trekking pole tent. I already have the Naturehike Monger, Cloud up 2, The Vik 2 and the MSR Elixir 1. All freestanding, I know bit much but you know what it’s like. I was thinking about the Durston xmid 2 but maybe wait a wee bit. lol Loving your journey Taylor. Great uploads and phenomenal insight into the AT and thru hiking and as a bonus your Mum and Dad have been such fun on your live feeds. Enjoy your day.

[@karenfarrell3961]

Thanks for the info….I personally like the effectiveness of DEET but didn’t know it melts gear! Also good to know about the platforms…there are special “anchors” you can get to make sure a free standing tent doesn’t blow away in high winds on platforms.

[@billcompton6050]

Taylor Loved your gear video. I agree on the tent. I have a zpacks duplex that I have to fiddle with to setup. I do like the space and having a pack explosion in my tent. I am looking at the tarp tent double rainbow LI-dyneema version which is semi free-standing. your gear feedback is very valuable for me since you are actually out there for a long period. thx Da Breeze

[@geraldwald3473]

Glad you got the right sock and shoe combo that works for you. I pathetically have 12 pairs that work for me. I worry when the new model comes out it won't fit as well !

[@frolege1]

12:50 I changed this famous Godfather line "Leave the gun. Take the cannoli." TO “Chet, leave the TENT, Take the tripod, earbuds, thermometer and Altras”

[@A.TAYLOR]

It’s nice to see what’s changed as far as gear goes. 🩵

[@pk6400]

A small piece cut from your air pad repair tape and placed on that BeFree bag pin hole will save you the cost of a new BeFree. Tenacious Tape or Gorilla Patch & Seal Tape or similiar tapes will also work.

[@mtadams2009]

I am happy now I went with the Duplex. Zpacks makes anchors for tent platform camping. If your pack is Zpacks they will send you new tape or they will fix your pack for free if it’s not super old. Enjoy your hike.

[@Rudy1150]

Cool. I have a dan durston 2-person tent that is superlight, but the amount of stakes and space it takes can be a pain. Might switch to a freestanding when I hike in the future. The 1lb is extra weight might be worth it. Thank you

[@theoutdoordogandhikinggirl]

You can get your darn tough sock replaced at any outfitter along the trail who sells them 😉

[@jenniferriley954]

My husband and I was hoping to meet you on trail at dunncon PA but we were to late. But wow no shit you weren’t kidding a lot of rocks. Lol

[@joannesoltesz3026]

Good morning from Lexington ky.

[@Swimdeep]

Get some Gear Aid Tape. Works great for small repairs and stays put even after washing. Almost all of your gear breakdowns can be repaired. Cheaper and keeps stuff out of the landfill. Repair, repurpose, upcycle, instead of retail replacements. 🌿

[@dougw63]

yes, the altras let your foot "swim around" a bit. even the olympuss are the same...a shoe that i prefer...best shoe...topo ultraventure pros...those were the bomb. good luck and to each his or her own. enjoy the vids! sailor jack

[@drytool]

I learned my lesson back in 1989 when my girlfriend and I both had our H2no pullovers melted to our bodies by DEET.

[@jasonmillwood2893]

Nemo tents are the best IMO, I love mine

[@dangaspar1707]

You should call Darn Tough, explain the situation, and have them ship to a town 2 days ahead.

[@wanttogo1958]

Your sleeping bag is made with 7D fabric inside and out. That lighter weight fabric obviously saves weight and and will allow water vapor from your body to pass through it more easily but it’s going to be more delicate (hole from getting caught in your zipper) and it’s going to not contain the down as well (your leakage issue). Those are the trade offs and you’ve experienced both of them, unfortunately. I prefer 10D fabrics for clothing and sleeping bags for the same reasons, durability and less down leakage. I’ll take the weight penalty and water vapor transfer differential. You’re doing great. This gear recap was very helpful. A good vinegar soak will likely bring your filter back to life, by the way. I would contact their customer service and ask them for the time and dilution level for the vinegar soak. Sawyer has their recommendations for the same posted to their website under resources near the bottom of the water filter page. Good luck in New Hampshire.

[@brianc1651]

Have you ever tried the Zpacks free standing tent kit? I think I will add that to my Duplex. The lack of room and having to cram myself down on the ground every night is why I think I would probably use my hammock setup for the AT. Just being able to stand or sit elevated during a long rain storm, I think would be a huge advantage.

[@geoff4705]

What kind of tarp do you use, and how does it handle wind?

[@brianc1651]

@@geoff4705 I use a hammock gear dyneema. Definitely loud in wind, but it's good and lightweight.

[@joshrandall8473]

send them back, darn tough'

[@PedroNord]

🦋

[@iblamesummers]

7:34 God Bless Taylor da Nahamsha Hiker & God Bless America.

[@frolege1]

Wow, your gear is taking a beating … especially your socks 🧦

[@georgedoolittle9015]

Socks and footwear are number one on any gear list. 2nd to that is a quality wool poncho with a hood. The bottom line is yeah it's hot in the summer, right up until it rains. A wool poncho will keep you warm even when wet. Plus you can put the hoodie over a high quality hat and that keeps the rain off the face. All good year around i might add and then "packable" meaning you don't need a sleeping bag if you have the wool poncho. For USA hiking a simple shelter beats a tent any day. If you want something off the ground though there are portable hammocks. If you want to get really wild though you bring a pack animal usually a goat but even a small horse can be used now. A goat is pretty self sufficient but a horse does require care and feeding of course..

[@neo57611]

Thanks Taylor great information could you specify the pack? The deet information was great. I will use a can... I use hammocks and have the nemo newer model. Purchased Topo and the Ultra hiking shoes. Wish you the best, Jim. PS if ever the day would love to hike with you....❤

[@robertwidger6888]

Try a gorilla tripod. It has flexible legs that you can wrap around a tree limb or other object or set up on the ground normally.

[@DryBonesOutdoors]

That is my only complaint about the Lone Peaks..,they feel amazing when you first get them but it doesn't take long before they are slipping around on my feel.

[@ronaldgauche4334]

Get some Natrapel picaridin repellent. Made in N.H.!

[@wildflowersadventures]

Great info! Thank you! You gave me something to think about. I think I’ll start our hike with the XMid, then maybe once the trail gets rockier and has platforms, switch to my freestanding (BA). Where do you suggest to make that switch? Thank you! 🙏🏼💙

[@wanttogo1958]

Second thought. If you prefer a DEET based product over one with picaridin, consider getting a repellent in lotion form and don’t exceed a 40% concentration. There have been a number of studies done and about 33% is the sweet spot for effectiveness while minimizing the likelihood of damaging plastic or nylon items. The lotion form is less likely to leak and mess things up and it’s easier to apply where you want it. One example is 3M Ultrathon Insect Repellent lotion. Cabelas sells it as well as Amazon. For what it’s worth, the military uses a DEET based lotion product with nearly 33% active ingredients. Good luck.

[@frolege1]

That blue jacket needs to be thrown out Taylor.. you need to be styling when you get up to Mount Katahdin

[@direwolf_adventure]

That looks like an EE jacket to me. Stylin like a thru hiker😊

[@cathymitchell7369]

This was interesting!

[@GarethHampton]

I've always known that DEET melts some plastics, but I've never seen it do that bad of damage!!! I hate using DEET and bug repellents in general. I try to only use stuff like Picaridin or lemon/eucalyptus (which does work to some extent), and permethrin on my clothes, mostly for dealing with ticks. You know that the mosquitos are bad if I resort to spaying myself with DEET!

[@owl2368a]

Pizza YAY!!

[@RickINFJ]

The ultimate gear test..a thru hike. That's crazy what the DEET did to your tripod. I love your tent. Did your dog finally acknowledge you? 😂 Take care Taylor ✌️

[@YankeeWoodcraft]

DEET is known to have adverse effects on gear (especially nylon). I only use natural bug repellents.

[@stevenpeterson659]

I had deet dissolve the plastic handle on a swiss army knife!!

[@margaretdabrush3032]

LOL- Where is Nahamsha? Look for the cloud of feathers😁

[@bobmccall4462]

DEET the world's most expensive paint remover.

[@petersherman2552]

CNOC make a good water bag for the katadyne

[@cbhelo]

When you order new gear how do you get it on trail? Great video on gear. I noticed when you swapped tents and wondered why. Do you think darn tuff socks wore out because of miles or getting dirt in your socks/shoes wearing them? They are great socks. To last 1600 miles of walking is a testament!!

[@michaelsorrentino3346]

Thanks for the review on the Zip Around ZPacks bag. It loosing feathers is a big problem so doubt I’ll get one now- I was waiting for your review. Do you sleep in it at hostels and hotels? because it seems like you stay in towns a lot

[@narrator___]

hi! you might already know this and may have already replaced it, but Hydrapak has a lifetime warranty on their products, and will send you a new water bottle flask for the befree, completely free. you just have to submit a request online and send a pic of the leak. I recently did it for mine :) edit: lol i got to the end of the video....but you should still get the free replacement haha

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

Didn't know that, thanks!

[@marciachabot6455]

Q: GEAR WEIGHT How about your best guess on total gear weight winter vs. spring/summer? (Including in boots/shoes)

[@Karen-dq8nw]

Your link to the tent isn't working. Maybe REI isn't carrying it any more? Thanks for the update. I actually love it when my gear has that nice well-used look, that reminds me of my adventures! But eventually, things don't last forever.

[@kc8hyg]

Everything wears out. You got your 💰 worth

[@BillMcDonald-jc3is]

Tell us about your watch please. I've enjoyed sharing this trek with you.

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

Coros apex pro

[@debsmith7050]

Thanks for the update. I suely didn't know that about Deet! Glad you took a Zero :) with Chet?

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

Thanks, although I didn't take a zero

[@debsmith7050]

...sorry for my confusion 💙 Great Hike

[@beingaware8542]

Remove the tiny screen on tge samsung earbuds and clean the other side once you get them removed. They will sound like new again

[@PeacefulExposures]

you have such a naturally pretty face I love your videos!

[@mathfan0918]

I don't know if the staining on the sun hoodie is so much a factor of the hoodie as the white pack. I saw another KZbinr who had the same pack and got a gray-white stain just like that on her red blouse (of a different manufacturer).

[@thomaskalamas4282]

Taylor. What Watch do you wear and how do you charge it.

[@Doc_Watson]

What do you use for bone conduction headset/earbuds and do you like them? I've been consider picking up a pair to replace my earbuds.

[@yemrot1]

DEET doesn't work well for ticks. Picaridin is a better option and it doesn't melt things.

[@petergrant9259]

I always see Taylor trying to figure out.... HOW can I pack a hotel room into my pack... ???🤔

[@dgmc3650]

Deet ate my Anker battery!……..and we spray it on our skin!

[@stephendrossel]

Gorilla Tape(w/thin strip turned over as not to access sticky to water) wound around bottle(maybe in the future)! Put that Gorilla to work!

[@KatieValleyBourdeau]

What tripod do you recommend?

[@aurtisanminer2827]

Who makes that Bluetooth thermometer?

[@williamhenry893]

Taylor. Have you considered carrying a little duct tape just for small repairs. Billy G. WV

[@williamlepse7077]

A question for you or anyone for that matter...you mentioned your sleeping bag is down and that you keep it in a compression sack. I do the same with mine when I backpack but 95% of the time it is in a bag to allow it to lift and they suggest not leaving it compressed. Since yours is basically compressed more than lifted do you find it loses its loft and warmth quickly or are they more durable than what they say?

[@michaelsorrentino3346]

I’m more concerned with the bag losing feathers on a regular basis than compressing. Yikes, I think ZPacks wouldn’t have a bag like this for over $300+. I wonder if it’s the bags light weight lining materials that makes this an issue and the feathers poke through it. But I’m also curious about the longevity of the loft as well like you have mentioned. There are not a lot of reviews about this bag on KZbin

[@juskojj]

are you recording your videos with your headphones?

[@Chadginski]

Taylor your trending second to Taylor Swift! ❤

[@frolege1]

Can we expect a LIVE with Chet and Callie ?

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

Nope! That was probably as much chet as your gonna see haha

[@frolege1]

@@TaylortheNahamshaHiker Bummer …but yeah, we understand, some folks just don’t like being on video.

[@thebadhombre9917]

Buy it nice or buy it twice

[@Victory1981]

They don’t make them like they used to. It’s more about quantity than quality now.

[@dougw63]

additionally...i dont wash my electronics....hahahaha...

[@sdc4405]

How many nights have you actually slept in your tent, versus in a hostel? I'm sure a hostel is preferable no doubt.

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

It's probably 50/50

[@ghostofreality1222]

Your also not supposed to put deet directly on your skin, its to be used to treat things that are not going to be in direct contact with your skin.

[@EfficientRVer]

According to the Centers for Disease Control, you are wrong. DEET can be used on skin or clothing, no problem. My own personal experience is that if you pre-treat all external clothing, tent, pack, etc with permethrin, you won't need DEET on your skin very often. But when I need something on my skin, DEET is definitely the thing I use. Permethrin is safe on skin, also, but skin oils and sweat break it down much more quickly than DEET (think 15 minutes, but it varies) so is just not a great choice. The clothing I treated (sprayed almost to the point of soaking) with permethrin in 2001 for a safari in Africa, at a strength supposedly good for a year or 50 washings, is still effective in 2023. It supposedly has little repellent effect, and works by killing insects quickly upon contact. But my own experience is that it also repels very well. Driving through a swarm of tsetse flies (essentially bees with the stinger on their nose, that they fly straight into you with at high speed) my kids and I were the only 3 out of about 20 people in the two Land Cruisers using permethrin, and also the only 3 who didn't get stung at all. The tsetse flies all did a high-G U-turn maneuver just inches before hitting us. Everyone else, they just kept going. It was pandemonium and screaming like you wouldn't believe, with each other person getting several apparently very painful stings.

[@ghostofreality1222]

@@EfficientRVer according to the CDC the vaccines were safe and effective too.... you really believe them? LOL yeah ok, believe everything you hear from them. I suggest you read about the side effects other sites list from using deet directly on your skin.

[@IPANoah]

wow in case we needed a lesson in how toxic and dangerous deet really is- no other countries make manufactures limit the amount of deet.

[@frolege1]

Water filter bag looks a bit nasty 🤢