How To Gradually Build Up Your Backpacking Gear And Skills To Go Backpacking And Feel Good

[@tinamcclure7984]

Thank you. I did my first overnight in a tent last night. I set it up, and stayed all night. I was really sceptical when I saw the sleeping pad. But it was surprisingly comfy. And I am a big girl just over 250lbs. Will do a few day and over night hikes with my girls. Been walking on mixed terrain since November. The farthest I went was 10.6 miles. Next year I am going to do the PCT. Thanks to you, second chance hiker and Darwin on the trail I have the confidence to do this.

[@grinch5x04]

Second Chance and Dixie 100% changed my whole life around. Im 70 lbs lighter and excited for more adventures. Thats so awesome that you are doing the PCT next year.

[@tinamcclure7984]

@@grinch5x04 thanks I will be 55 time to do it and quit dreaming about it

[@judithshorey2137]

Wow, I think you and I could be twins! I am near the same weight and age as you and I follow the same three hikers here on KZbin. I keep putting it off, but I need to get my butt in gear and do it. Maybe I’ll see you on the PCT next year. That is the first big hike that I want to do.

[@tinamcclure7984]

@@judithshorey2137 no time like the present. Maybe I will see you on the trail next year

[@jamiemartin274]

Come back and tell us how you did it when you're done!

[@RubenDSanmiguel]

Hello Dixie, I am sending you a heartfelt thanks for helping me prep, execute and complete my first solo thru hike last week: Isle Royale NP (42 miles: Rock Harbor to Windigo). This is was a great accomplishment for me: an almost fit, 60 year old, whose hiking experience is limited to walking around the local REI. Your recommendations on equipment, food and survival strategies were spot-on and pushed me forward on the trail. Please know that you project confidence to us newbies and we appreciate your videos! I am not alone in thinking this way. Well done!

[@mysterylovescompany2657]

I can't believe no-one commented on this; congratulations, sir! That's amazing.

[@weka6533]

Perfect timing. After 11 years of chronic fatigue where I could barely leave the couch, I’m now walking around the block and planning my first overnight hike in a month.

[@AlikVolkov]

Hell yeah! You got this!!!

[@weka6533]

It was an amazing short hike to a cabin. A few too many stairs ~900, but I made it, even though friends took the heavier items out of my pack. I’m now planning the next trip and working on building my strength back up again. I’ve realised that I have to go down the ultra light path initially. Thanks for your support.

[@ChrisSunHwa]

@@weka6533 That's awesome!

[@weka6533]

Thanks. Funny timing. Today was the second walk. Absolutely loved it. This time 2470 stairs. Will take me a week to recover, but I did it and got further than I expected.

[@ChrisSunHwa]

@@weka6533 Wow! That's a lot of stairs for anybody!

[@stalesunday]

i love that you push people to get out there! nothing bums me out more than videos that say "you have to be this way and buy this or you'll fail". cavemen hiked and they had nothing. you're great.

I totally agree! I am a reenactor, portraying a Colonial longhunter, and I've thinned out my camp gear to the point where I can carry it all (minus tent poles) on my back. The most expensive part of my gear is my rifle and pistol. The rest I've acquired from others, or made myself. Not counting my aforementioned guns, and period clothes, the rest of my gear cost less than around $200 for materials and small items. I've made my haversack, shooting bag, moccasins, tumpline, powderhorn straps, leggings, and patched or repaired most everything else. All in my gear weighs around 30 pounds, and cost about $150-200 plus elbow grease.

[@ola_bandola]

Well, cavemen had knowledge but I agree with your point 😊

[@petereastwood7868]

Ola Andersson And a life expectancy of, what? 25 maybe!

[@despicableyou12]

Peter Eastwood Life expectancy is often a misleading statistic. In the last 400 years alone, our life expectancies have increased around 30 years, but this is mostly due to the infant mortality rate significantly decreasing, especially in the last century. In 1900, the US infant mortality rate was around 15%, which dropped to less than 1% by 2000. Now think of the rate before 1900! This means that a lot of the early-age deaths have skewed the life expectancy value for those who live past the “average” age of death. In fact, two anthropologists by the names of Gurven and Kaplan have estimated that, if a caveman/hunger-gatherer lived to be the age of 15 (surviving high mortality rate of early childhood), their average age of death was around 72. It’s a U-shaped curve where the death rates are super high the first few years and start climbing around 60+ years of life. They just had a crazy high level of infant mortality where the average (mean) was around 25, but the average age caveman did not die around 25 and often lived to their 50s, 60s, etc. Thought I’d share because it’s interesting stuff!

[@ola_bandola]

Peter Eastwood Interesting how that has nothing to do with what was previously said. Care to elaborate ?

[@BeckyMarshallDesign]

lol @ 19:15: "It's helped me become more grounded" paired with an image of your hair sticking up from static energy on a mountaintop

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

😂

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Aaron is clever like that

[@khakicampbell6640]

Good catch! lol Never woulda noticed that ;)

[@dwrash]

Best comment ever

[@scottfinkbeiner3905]

Hi Dixie, I really appreciate your videos. I am a 60 yr old day hiker in Northeast Pa. looking to transition to overnight trips. Hiking helps me to clear my mind and when I finish a hike I get a great feeling of contentment. I especially like getting out in cold, snowy conditions and am working up the courage to start doing overnights in that type of conditions. Keep the videos coming, please! Thanks again!

[@georgewishart3308]

Hey, Is that Northeast, Pa in Erie county? That is were I grew up.

[@aldenpark6224]

Bradford County here!

[@fromflabtofourteener9596]

Already snowy in the Rockies!

[@scottfinkbeiner3905]

I love the Rockies, in July 2018 I hiked to the top of Medicine Bow Peak (12,000 feet elevation) and want to come back to conquer a 14er

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

Hey Scott check out Kurt Zitzelman Outdoors he does a lot of hiking in NE PA. I am looking forward to checking out the Pinchot Trail. Kurt also owns Hemlock Mountain Outdoors, I just purchased a hammock setup from him.

[@williamchee2935]

You are one of the ten essentials. I mean it respectfully!

[@DrewBoswell]

What a terrific video. Newbies should watch it several times to soak up all the good advice, especially the backyard camping to test out gear. Your suggested progression from day hiking to camping is sage counsel. But the absolute best part of the video begins at 18:45 when you delve into the Why question. I'd encourage you to do more of that sort of thinking and (hopefully) writing because that's one area where you truly shine. Frankly your gear advice over the years has made little impact on me, but the times in your videos when you speak to the more philosophical questions around backpacking and life choices - those video moments have heavily influenced what I think and how I choose to spend my time. When you talk about being sure to "walk your mummy" and also when you point out that we must design our own lives, else there's no shortage of people who will design them for us - those bits are your best work and I hope you explore and expand on them. I think there's a book in you somewhere about the whys and I hope you write it.

[@justincruz8352]

The tarantulas in texas prevent me from sleeping in my backyard lol

[@kaylahohn3998]

You're just the flipping best Dixie!

[@davidbuben3262]

Yup.

[@sarahferguson0]

Another tip is search for local trails that are loops. Near my town we have a great trail system with several 1 mile, 2.5 mile and even 5 mile loops. I think beginners would benefit from loops because you never have to turn around and knowing the actual mileage of the loop will help you with endurance and gives you that "thru-hike" feel.

[@brianwatts5482]

Hi Dixie. I recently found your channel quite by accident while KZbin surfing. I’m 69 years young and have been an outdoor enthusiast since I was a teen. After my wife passed away 8 years ago, I started backpacking. I even did a short section hike from Cascade Pass to Stehekin in Washington. After watching your videos of your thru hikes, you have inspired me to start again. I stopped a few years ago because my pack was too uncomfortable, no matter how I adjusted it. I continued to hike with a day pack, but no overnights unless I was car camping. I’m now doing a total gear evaluation. I need to be much lighter, even if it means buying new equipment. Thanks so much for all your gear tips and keep up the great work. Btw, I’m Canadian, from the Vancouver area in BC, so I especially enjoyed your PCT trek to my country. (I go to Manning Park all the time).

[@williamk1452]

You're awesome! I moved out of a house and into a tent years ago! Currently sporting a Marmot tungsten ul 2p. When I was a kid I was a boy scout, read " the complete walker" and wanted to sleep outside forever! The toys we carried then, no one even talks about now. Fishing rods, dive gear! Once carried a claming shovel though Kachimack in Ak,

[@amydelpiere9315]

I just have to tell you I enjoy how you 'hide' your logo randomly at the beginning of each video. Seeing it in the license plate made me chuckle. Love all your nature shots and information. You have created soo much valuable content, Dixie. Thank you!

[@DavidSmith-fz8ju]

I got my self lost in a 10 archer lot looking prop.spent half an hour going around in a big circle right back to where id gone in at .but it was on the edge of a realy,realy bigger ,really big aera.always carry a compass n lighter no matter what or where.

[@gregkotoch2765]

Her truck is awesome.

[@moxiemckeldrey5486]

After I found your Channel and binge watched bk in 2017 I took my tax refund and bought it ALL in one go at REI. I haven't looked back!😊 I love Altra trail runners. I would like to transition to the lighter weight items so it's one item at a time. I even use my back pack system on every vacation. I feel good having the whole system w me in my car at all times bc you never know what, when and where something might happen and to hv everything to survive with you is always a good thing.

[@theverch1]

I just got mine in. They make my arches turn in if that makes sense. I don’t think we have an REI in my state. Starting to look at shoes to train for the Camino after a long medical journey. Love that I found Dixie.

[@RS-pk4mp]

Yessir, beat those bushes so you don't get "snakebit on your booty"! Excellent advice, and well put. It's this type of casual, humorous aside that makes these videos entertaining as well as instructive. It is really an art form and helps keep the attention of both experienced hikers, newbies, and those of us in-between always learning type of hikers. Great as always Dixie! Hike on. Tortoise

[@Maydoggie]

I went out for two nights last week. First time backpacking in a few years and I am definitely not in shape. However I decided that I would just hike until I needed a break then get going again when I felt like it. I only hiked a few miles into the woods but I got to experience the wonderful feeling of peace and quiet and solitude. Just me, my dog, my backpack, and the trail. Loved it.

[@soylentg6270]

What I have found talking in local groups here in my area is an attitude that isn't inviting to a beginner and somewhat "snobby" if you will. I have had to come to KZbin to find some of the information I needed. Thanks for the great videos.

[@badasshiker9637]

One suggestion to help someone decide if they want to hit the trails backpacking without investing a lot of coin is places like REI (some locations) do rent the big 3- backpack, sleeping bag & tent. Just an idea you might want to include in a future video.

[@nightcrawlergirl]

I've been following you for a while and I'm the person you described who is happy with day hikes but not a fan of camping. I bought a day pack this summer and when it doesn't feel tropical outside, I'm hitting the trails. Love your videos and I can't thank the hiking community enough for allowing me along on their journeys this year, it's kept me (relatively) sane. My local mountain bike trail has been overrun by people due to my state's pandemic response, I haven't gotten in 1 ride this year. My husband is high risk so a crowded trail is a gamble I'm not willing to take. And given the way folks around here drive, there is no way I'm going out on the road on my bike. Mountain biking was my stress relief. But you've made a hiking convert out of me. Thanks! And I agree with the other commenters, you need to write a book!!

[@obscuredbythecloud1175]

I love what you did there at the end when you said backpacking has made you more grounded while showing the footage of you on that ridgeline with your hair going up to meet the lightning that you thankfully avoided. Another great video! Thanks for being the most down to Earth and helpful backpacking KZbin person!

[@StepsbyKaatje]

Don't run before you can walk and don't walk before you can crawl! Building up your activity slowly and trying new stuff gradually sounds like a good idea! Thanks 😁 ATB

[@gpk7683]

You’ve discovered real life and you’re spreading the word. Well Done!

[@Heather-vi7gy]

Wow, perfect timing!! I just this weekend got a nice daypack and a sawyer squeeze as a first step in getting together a kit and wasn't super sure where to go from here, so this is great! Glad my first thoughts weren't off the mark. This'll be super helpful in getting me to focus in on a specific item to think about and get next and go through my checklist... been working up to more intense walks/jogs after work in the neighborhood with what littler free time I have and heading on my first longer day hike since like, february, when I was going to start working on getting kit together before everything went completely sideways. Hoping to ramp up my day hikes and get all my kit together in the next months, luckily I live far enough south that I can day hike most all the year. I'm hoping to definitely go on my first camp in feb/march next year, if not my first backpacking trip.

[@doingitwelldotbiz]

Thank you so much for this! I didn't even realize I needed this video. From a training standpoint, most advice focuses on cardio v strength and don't cover the real world transition from lump on a log to fully fledged backpacker. This has given me so much confidence that I can do what it takes to get started and achieve my goals.

[@jsweevil]

I do love that you are teaching people how to ease into it even though you went straight out and thru hiked the AT without any experience! So many dont feel comfortable doing that, and you dont think just because you did it everyone should. One of the reasons I love watching your videos.

[@dallasbryan9959]

The change in surrounding awareness from riding in a car, to hiking, is all I needed to be hooked. 50 years later I still have the bug! Good vid.

[@mysterylovescompany2657]

I actually watch hiking videos, & also just videos from hiking channels (like ones about gear, those are my favourite), on the treadmill. It helps keep me motivated to stay disciplined & keep my eyes on the prize to keep working every day to improve my stamina, so that my spinally-injured ass can walk ever farther, out in nature, & get a little more out of each trip. I'll never be a thru-hiker, but even my short-distance day hikes & hikes to camp, with a lot of breaks, are a very long way from my wheelchair. Putting more miles between, all the time.

[@lousvdg327]

Yes! We are planning to do our first hike next year, so this video is great. Thanks Dixie! 🙏

[@spunkymavrick]

Me too 🙏🏾

[@JavierFernandez01]

Me 3!

[@RalphReagan]

One of your best videos! Blessings! (My favorite video is when Fancy is sliding in the snow. You can see her joy)

[@yogalandawellnessyolandati7654]

This is your most important video that I think will actually get people out there tryin to do their dream!

[@theskyehiker]

FYI, if you’ve got a Costco near by they have a very serviceable trekking pole set up for $30. Usually in spring and summer. They are carbon fiber, not too heavy and plenty sturdy for most situations. A cheap way to get started.

[@takingbackangie5]

Dixie!! Thank you thank you thank you!! Between this video and the awesome group of people on the homemade wanderlust backpacking forum, I feel like I now have such a great starting point!

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Woohoo! So happy to hear that 😄

[@redmageviewer]

I use to walk to work all the time. One year one of my coworkers was talking about doing a backpacking trip and when he explained it to me I was super interested so I went and had a great time. I don't think I would have gone on my own but now I can do solo trips and am planning my first thru hike next year. So it helps to have friends that are into hiking or backpacking because you can borrow stuff from them.

[@Oldcoinsandstuff1]

I’m definitely still in the couch stage.

[@jedikaren8112]

Ive been day hiking all pandemic long. I went from 5miles slowly to 11.5 miles. Ive done a 2000ft elevation climb. Ive learned a lot about what to bring, slowly increasing my weight. I loved myhiking poles fromday one because Utah is one very rocky place. I wear cheap clothing, Jansport backpack, a bright pink hat, 2 litters of water, lots of food, mini first kit, a whistle/compass thing, a battery pack, sunblock, and my phone. Ive been rained on once during my three years of hiking. I love Alltrails and I suggest getting the pro version.

[@richardross7219]

Excellent video and info. After your evaluation of the River Country tent, I have kept an eye on their site. They have expanded their product line. I recently purchased several of their products and they seem good. A complete outfit was under $200. I learned camping in Boy Scouts 50+ years ago. It seems like a lot of people need a camping club to take them out in the woods and teach them. I hope that you continue to have fun. Good Luck, Rick

[@grinch5x04]

I want to try some of their gear too. Let us know how it does on trail. 😃

[@richardross7219]

@@grinch5x04 They just had a -10% sale. I was satisfied with the tarp and the poncho. The new order will have a backpack, sleep system, tarp tent and several ponchos. I want to modify two ponchos so that they will join together like the ones that we had in the Army(very useful). I'm not going out this year just bought while they were available. Like the bicycle shortage, I think that there will be all kinds of scarcity next year. Too many businesses going out of business. Happy Trails, Rick

[@BoCaine]

Best backpacking channel ever. Great information! Thank you!

[@Jotipalo]

I’ve been training for 16 months for a section hike of the PCT in 2021. At first it was hard to walk for an hour, right now I love to walk about 3 hours every day and I love hiking in my area, I love it so much I don’t even care if the hike on the PCT happens, because I’ve fallen in love with hiking - period. Thank you Dixie for all your videos, you have been a deep inspiration to me !

[@AA-mh4kv]

You inspired me to do a thru hike of the SHT, I’m so lucky to live in Minnesota with all of our beautiful forests.

[@dolphincliffs8864]

Are you still going to through hike the SHT?

[@icegypsy99]

This was really helpful Dixi. I'm working my way up now. With so many medical issues, I've always thought it was something I'd never be able to do. I was so bad at one point the doctors were telling me I may never be able to walk again. That lit a fire under my ass. I went through months of agonizing pain to get myself walking. It started with a walk to the corner and back a few times a day. not far, maybe 2000 steps if that. It killed me but I knew if I put in the work, that I could prove those doctors wrong. Eventually was able to walk pretty well with the help of a cane. Fast forward a couple of years, I still need a cane to step up / down steps or hills, but on a flat sidewalk I can walk without it now. The other day, I did a day hike. A little over 10km. The next few days I had to rest, but I did it! (I even went to the bathroom in the woods...that's a whole nother thing for me...I'm such a girly girl lol) But I'm living proof that you can do it if you put in the work. I'm still a long way off from doing multi day hikes. I have invested in a good day pack. It fits so well and no longer have an issue with packs hurting my shoulders / neck. Next will prob be shoes, and my try trekking poles vs my cane to see if they work better for me.

[@Nikkibee716]

Love this! My fiancé and I started getting serious into hiking in 2020 and we’ve gradually worked up to being able to do 6-8miles at a time. We’re planning a 12 mile day hike in the Adirondacks in October for my birthday and hopefully will conquer a full overnight backpacking trip in 2021!

[@LinariaFreeze]

I live in Scotland and I've gotten really into backpacking lately. Maybe it's because I'm homesick to Norway, where I'm from. I grew up spending a lot of time in nature and spent a lot of time in tents as a child, but it's been a long time now. My boyfriend and I have started munro bagging, which is a fun way to get fit, go hiking and cross something off a list. There are so many different options, and we usually go on 5-6 hour hikes each time. The trekking poles are amazing. My knees hurt so bad after our first munro, so I decided to get some, and now my knees are completely fine and my muscles don't need days to relax. We're planning on starting camping when spring comes. It's already quite windy and chilly in the hills, and I'd like to start in some decent weather. There's also a lot of expensive equipment to get, and we're in the middle of buying a house! Thanks for all your videos. It's very exciting seeing how you do hiking in the US, and I'm very happy we don't have to deal with dangerous animals to the same degree at all. No bears in Scotland.

[@clayschuetz899]

Lol I went out first time with cheap Walmart crap gear lol. 100 percent chance of rain, yes I got soaked, it was sooo much fun. I was pretty much unprepared aside from you and outdoor adventures videos, but I was determined to just go, no matter what, I had my reasons. Now backpacking is my greatest love and the desire for it is beyond anything else, I can hardly wait for Shawnee forest in Ohio this October, and my calenders at home and work have countdown numbers on them every day till I tackle the Appalachian trail in January 2022. Point being, do what you can to get out the first time, learn from mistakes, but most importantly get out there and find out if it's for you, if you do find out it's for you, it'll be the most natural and wonderful addiction you'll ever get hooked on👍👍😁😁😁😁😁

[@steamboatadrift]

Thanks for the great advice. I love the encouragement and the flow of this discussion. Definitely a logical way to work ones way up to backpacking!

[@stephaniewallace5785]

You're amazing! I did my first backpacking trip 2 years ago because of you. Ever since then I've been addicted and done several trips alone. Thanka so much.

[@bruceb1837]

Dixie, thanks for your video, inspiring, informative and entertaining. I started my camping experience with my parents in the 50’s in Northern California along the Trinity River, car camping. After that I didn’t do much camping or hiking until the late 60’s while working for the USFS in the Southern Oregon Cascades. Spent about 2 months building trail to a remote lake in Seven Lakes Basin. Not much backpacking, pack mules brought our gear in. It doesn’t matter how you get there, the exposure to the outdoors and all it has to offer is lasting. This is where I learned about the PCT. We were called off our trail to repair a portion of the PCT. Big rock slide. We dynamited our way through it and then put the trail back together with pieces of blasted rock. Over forty years later I put on a backpack and returned to the trail we built, Lake Ivern Trail, then I hiked up to the PCT near Devil’s Peak. I’m 72 now and still get out in the woods, usually in the Sierra City, CA area. The PCT passes that way and I always make a point to hike part of it. Helps to keep me sane. So, listen to Dixie and get started.

[@lovelyrainflowerfarm]

So glad to see this. I’m a big girl too. And many products are not adapted to plus size folks. But it’s good to know that you did it. And with some creativity, I will too.

[@TheMoke1976]

I put some small bike lights on my trekking poles too. They weigh very little and come in handy sometimes and they fit nicely being made for handlebars.

[@catlady8324]

5:16 Awesome clip of food rehydrating in fast motion! Bravo! 👏👏👏

[@JASmith-oy8db]

Love your accent. Reminds me of the locals around Blacksburg VA, where I spent a few years at VT. I sure enjoyed talking to the locals. Wish I could have made more time for the outdoors wile I was there. Good to be back home in the mountain west.

[@himbeersorbet87]

Yay, a new video. Found your channel last weekend- can't stop watching. So inspired to go on my first overnight hike with my dog. Waiting for a sunny weekend here in Germany. Thanks a lot for all the good advice. ❤️🍀

[@petermarshall582]

All good information on this video, thanks

[@kristymoore7052]

Though always outdoors, I first started backpacking 4 years ago. I’m 57. I learned to use the All Trails app or other apps that would say, “great for taking your kids 1st time backpacking.” That would be my trail. :)

[@berniearchambault4792]

I’m 53 and just started backpacking. Did 200 miles on the AT this spring and have been hooked ever since

[@chebbyshev2204]

To anyone that doesn't have hiking poles, I highly recommend them. It makes a huge difference in the amount of energy your legs use throughout the hike. Plus they can be good stabilizers on uneven or unsteady ground.

[@mysterylovescompany2657]

As someone with a debilitating chronic spinal injury, I invest so much faith in my poles I'm honestly a little _scared_ to try to hike without them. I think they might actually be the make-or-break factor that allows me to do it.

[@202cardline]

@@mysterylovescompany2657 I just did my first hike in the Superstition mountains, I have POTS so heat, inclines and balance are my biggest foes just in day to day life. It's ironic I have the itch to backpack at all, and that I have the southwest as my only option right now! Those 20 dollar poles though...I think they did half the work up that mountain. I'm not even exaggerating. I can't wait to get more expensive ones that lock a little tighter lmao

[@kelkel3883]

I am so glad I found your channel. I haven't been hiking/backpacking/camping since the 90's and I miss doing all those things. I'm trying to see if I can save up some money to do some camping possibly in the warmer months. You channel does give out a ton of good information on what you need and such to do hiking and all that fun stuff.

[@jameshenry1285]

Great tips. I started out by watching bushcraft videos and wanting to spend a weeked in the woods with about 40 lbs of gear. It took me three excruciating hours to make it up a mountain and when I finally got there, I was too exhausted to do any wood chopping or shelter building. My sleep system was uncomfortable and the night was freezing cold, that I didn't sleep a wink. I ended up just hiking back to my car in the morning (only 45 minutes downhill) and driving home. Coincidentally enough, I watched a thru-hiking video of the PCT the night before my trip and it was on the back of my mind the entire time. This is when I realized that a lightweight, minimalist approach was more for me. After about of year of collecting ultralight suitable gear and crushing miles with my sub 10 lb base weight, I came back to the same mountain and climbed it in 45 minutes. Ultralight gear isn't cheap, but if you look out for budget friendly companies or gently cared for used gear, and upgrade your gear as you go (as you have mentioned), this can be done on practically any budget. I was planning my first 100+ miles section hike on the PCT this fall, but due to the wildfires in Cali, it might just have to wait. Thanks for the content Ms. Dixie!

[@Legionnaire7777]

Hiking and backpacking is good for the soul, keep up the good work Dixie.

[@40WattFilmsINC]

Sending Trail Love to you and your family. From Ellijay GA.

[@shilohbell1573]

What 4 people in the world could possibly dislike this sweet angel??? 😩😩

[@Craigeek]

Lots a great advice! As an avid backpacker and recent completionist of the Colorado Trail I 100% agree with what Dixie has said. Happy Trails!

[@haileydumais6174]

This video could not have come at a better time for me! I was looking at articles yesterday about beginner backpacking and was getting overwhelmed. Thanks Dixie!

[@robertdesrosiers4743]

spend summers near lincoln n woodstock nh back packing set up . always come out with more serenity

[@takingawalkadventures]

I love that you are sharing your knowledge and experience helping others that are getting into backpacking. I know that I said this before but watching your videos have truly inspired me to get outside and hike.

[@dhession64]

Dang, Dixie! This is probably the best and most comprehensive video you've ever done, and on a subject in which you have oodles of experience! You've really put some thought and work into how you've structured this, and how incremental it is. You've covered a lot of basic ground, and the groundwork is so important and underemphasized. Well done, young lady; well done.

[@raunnorby5129]

I love your videos! I am a camper who is going to transition into hiking. I am going to do the river to river trail in 2021. I am hoping to be able to do the at in 2025. I haven't been asking for gear money this year, maybe next. Thanks for all your input!

[@BackpackDad]

Loved it! Thank you Dixie it was your videos that inspired me to start my journey! Much appreciated!

[@randygonzalez5758]

That thumbnail is hilarious!!! Love it

[@RalphReagan]

I was thinking the same!

[@lesliem.534]

Thanks for this, I have been tent camping since I was little, but with the lock down I have found that the campgrounds are getting louder and more obnoxious than ever. I have joked that we need to take headphones and play nature sounds while camping. I think backpacking and overnights will be the next step for us and these tips really help! 😊

[@ev4742]

This is the video I wish I’d seen when I first started backpacking 6 years ago - so excellent! 💙 Thank you girl!!! 🙏💙 My only point of difference is re: boots/ shoes. I can day-hike all day in any athletic shoe, but (for me) adding a 40 lb pack TOTALLY changes my center of balance. I spent about $300-$400 on high-end Solomon hiking boots with strong ankle support and it changed EVERYTHING! No more blisters, foot pain, rolled ankles...for me, it was #1 of my big 4: 1. Good boots 2. Good backpack 3. Good tent 4. Good sleeping bag (in that order.)

[@vaultfox]

I don't really intend to ever thru-hike, maybe do a section hike of the PCT or ATC eventually, but your channel really inspired me to just get outdoors in general. Pre-pandemic, I would walk the four miles to work and back, and I felt more accomplished with that than at my actual job! My husband and I have also gone camping so much this summer and it's so invigorating. I love your content and channel and hope you can head out on the trails soon!

[@Cruzinsusan5101]

Glad you put this together. No doubt I'm going to do this but yes, I've been apprehensive about it. Not knowing where to start. I just ordered my backpack and it's ready to be picked up tomorrow, I have my hammock and nylon tarp and a sleeping bag, stove and pot. So I just need to do it! It has been your encouragement that has helped me so much! I've been watching you from the beginning. I love your no nonsense approach to your trips and backpacking! Thanks for this video!

[@annak3688]

I’m One! Just what I needed to hear. Thanks Dixie!

[@janetrobison2765]

Good teaching. Being in nature is so rejuvenating.

[@teakberrypapercrafts3035]

Excited to watch this. I'm going to be 47 years old in a couple weeks. The last time I've been camping or hiking I was around 14 or 15. I suddenly got the urge to start going and doing this, even solo. My first camping trip will be August 25th and I'm planning a hike as soon as it's cool enough to tolerate here in Vegas.

[@ero83vol]

This is really a great video. As someone who has been gradually building up over time, I've experienced nearly all of this along the way, and I've been asked numerous times about the process. This pulls it all together beautifully 👏🏼👏🏼

[@markdelgado9995]

Thanks Dixie...I’m getting into this because of your knowledge and encouragement

[@donaldguertin3968]

I like your down to earth approach to this activity.

[@jameshiggins-thomas9617]

Like the transitional plan. I didn't set out with such a plan, but essentially did progress that way. Started car camping, then "pioneer" camping (.25 mi from car), then more remote. (Walking, with a day pack with my dogs predated any notion of going wild.) And I definitely transitioned through gear as those transitions took place. In the end, I guess that made it extra expensive, but it was spread over time, so not unlike any other hobby. Very well presented (as usual)!

[@katrinkatakeshita2077]

Thank you for addressing this topic! I’ve been day hiking for years. But I’m wanting to figure out backpacking. Your videos are very informational!!

[@stephenfarley54]

It took me two years to go from day hiking to attempting my first multi-day trip. Truly amazing the difference and I wish had listened to Dixie!! Great video.

[@lawrenceheath7482]

Great advice on using day trips to get started!

[@johneason6540]

Nice video again. Very informative for everyone 👏

[@stevemyers8065]

Thank you for your videos. You've given me the information that I needed for my first solo two nighter on the AT in Maryland.

[@firefighter2699]

Great video. Finally got all my gear situated and I am headed out this weekend for my first trial run haha.

[@katieroseb100]

Thanks for this! Would love if you did a video for people who are already comfortable hiking/camping ready to take the leap into backpacking too. (major differences, picking trails/sites, safety prep, when the specific "backpacking/lightweight" gear is worth it, things you wish you knew when, etc)

[@cielrobinson]

yesterday, in new shoes, for the first time i carried my new pack and the 15lbs of stuff i've managed to get so far plus 6lbs of food and water. went on what might have been my longest hike ever, at least 8 miles. my hips are bruised and sore and i got a blister but i'm proud of myself 😊 can't wait to actually get an overnight in.

[@SoleSistersPH]

Very informative👌. Thanks😊. I am into backpacking because of you and Kraig. 😊😊.

[@cryptowealthonyt]

This exactly what I was looking for. Very timely Dixie! Thanks!

[@Qmedjoe]

I started watching Dixie a couple years ago as I started researching long distance hiking. After moving to Asheville and getting super excited about the outdoors, I spent about$1500 worth of camping/ hiking gear. a couple hikes in and nights in the tent I realized I’m not a long distant hiker. I did however find a passion in overlanding. I threw about $15k into my ‘03 Tacoma and when my truck takes me where I want to be I always have my fully loaded Osprey backpack which Is always in the truck just in case I need to hike out and I’m always up for some pretty awesome day hikes ☺️👍🏻

[@barthill9118]

Very good explanation about slow and step by step transitions. Thank you

[@kimgrannygoodhag5102]

I love my trekking poles.

[@kirkha100]

Awesome video. I’m gathering equipment now. Done several overnighters in the back yard. Got a “Spot” transmitter in case I get lost. I can still see the back door, but you never know....although honestly I got the Spot for sea kayaking. Anyway- always good information. Much respect to you.

[@sipzter]

Hello Dixie. Been watching your videos and really enjoy them You present the information in a very detailed yet understandable and concise manner. I thoroughly enjoy your videos. I know when my wife starts watching, she will become hooked!. Take care, stay safe and happy trails! Paul

[@chrisz.9974]

In my case, I started out car camping. I started out with a full truck bed full of stuff. Every trip I'll upgrade something more backpacking related and leave stuff at home. I started with a sleeping pad, and recently just got my cook kit consisting of titanium cup and canister stove. I'm now in the market for some colder weather gear since I've been uncomfortably cold during my last few trips. Even in florida it will get high 30s! For my next camp trip, I plan to try some dehydrated meals and see how my camp group of friends like them to then fully transition to trail meals for our car camp trips. If I would suggest something for you video is to do a shakedown trip. Something short, or even a car camp trip with JUST backpacking gear.

[@markoda2120]

Great video! Lots of valuable advice and common sense.

[@fgallogallo7]

Awesome video Dixie you are inspiration to many..!

[@rjhikes6248]

Really well thought out. Excellent advice! 🤗

[@OldPackMule]

Always excellent advice. Love the order that you picked for gear collecting. Five star video.