Backpacking Questions You Might Be Too Embarrassed To Ask #4

[@4StonesHandcraft]

Do whatever is necessary to check for ticks. I haven’t been able to hike (or work, or drive) for 12 years due to severe chronic fatigue and dizziness related to Lyme+. It’s nothing to take lightly.

[@fyisense9312]

I'm sorry that you got that crap, my niece got that. I never got it but it was common to get ticks on us during hunting and fishing days. We didn't know about Lyme disease but we did wear a strange concoction on our clothes. It was a mix of oil of citronella, kerosine and alcohol.

[@NickFrom1228]

Definitely. Remember, it takes a few hours for the bacteria in ticks to get into its saliva so the sooner you check and remove, the more likely you will be safe. Do what it takes and don't wait.

[@ericvandruten]

@@fyisense9312 sounds like a Russian drink.

[@SB-xt7xn]

3 years in to my lyme disease battle and yes it has completely changed my life and debilitated me and my nerves. Please do tick checks often

[@misham6547]

@@fyisense9312 While it is pretty safe I wouldn't really recommend contacting kerosene all the time, but it looks like it's working for you

[@halohikes]

Hiker etiquette, who has the right of way- another reason for the downhill hiker yielding: the downhill hiker has a full view of the trail and will generally see the hikers coming uphill. An uphill hiker usually only sees the ground in front of them. ❤️

[@janh5199]

I’m almost 70 with all of the wrinkles, sags and bags that come with age. I wish someone sneaking a peek WAS still a problem. 🤣🤣🤣

[@sdr22630]

Amen sister.

[@stevescuba1978]

I hate to laugh, but you have a real gift with words!

[@kimkremer8915]

I always say "they'll only look once..." ;-)

[@SinMore]

I use my "old lady bod" as a weapon while camping. People were walking though my campsite in Joshua Tree and I yanked off my top with a bra on. Oh boy! they stayed away! Ha ha ha..Hey kids? this is your future; wrinkles, saggy skin, bumps and lumps! heh hee

[@mattcolver1]

Also as you age you attain a "give a shit" attitude. There are more important things to worry about than whether someone sees you while you're changing clothes or bathing. I've found that baby wipes are essential. Cold water bathing technique: run in get wet, get out and soap up, run back in and rinse off, get back out, towel off and get into the sun.

[@Squatch_Rider66]

Always had a rain poncho with me that served well as a changing station. Could stand anywhere and totally change clothes without scaring people. Also did laundry wearing nothing but shoes and my poncho, no one was the wiser to my schemes

[@28105wsking]

Brilliant!

[@proehm]

I have known a lot of women that could change under a loose dress.

[@tanstaafl1960]

“… no one was the wiser”? That’s what you think! 😄

[@billwatson3527]

A poncho is my rain gear. I hammock camp and don't have the privacy of a tent. Wrap my pack in it at night to keep it dry, use it under my hammock to step on, use it to change my clothes under, have used it to do number 2 under when there are a lot of people around, keeps my pack and straps dry when hiking in the rain. Most people don't think about how much water the straps soak up in the rain. You don't sweat near as much as you do in a rain suit. Don't have to take your pack off when it starts raining. Can be used as a quick shelter in a sudden rainstorm or if you need shade. Probably one of the most versatile pieces of gear you can carry.

[@GreencampRhodie]

Now i think of a sexoncho 😂😂😂

[@slickwillie3376]

For cleaning up after a privy stop, after the toilet paper, try using 1/2 paper towel dampened with dilute alcohol (squeeze out the excess). The paper towel material is perfect and won't disintegrate like toilet paper. Wipe, fold, wipe, fold, etc. I can't recommend this enough, and use it all the time, and it works great. You can adjust the ratio of alcohol/water to your comfort level. This permanently eliminates the problem of carrying around undesirable nastiness all day.

[@slickwillie3376]

It seems to me that, for sanitary body wipes, a hiker could use the following: Buy a yard (or so) of cloth (whatever texture and color you want) from Walmart and cut it into three foot by six in strips. Fold each strip into six inch by six inch squares and stack them all on top of one another. Next, prepare a (zippered) Ziplock freezer bag with a solution of 50% alcohol and 50% water, say about a cup or so total, just enough to wet the pile of folded cloths. Then stuff the pile of cloths into the Ziplock bag and close it. Just one of these strips is the equivalent of a shower, the three foot length allowing you to clean your back. I used this when cross country trucking, and it gave the equivalent feeling of a shower, which lasted for long enough to get a good night's sleep. Using it again in the morning allows several days of operation without a real bath. Also, they are reusable, so after the trip just wash them. If you carry alcohol fuel, these can be prepared in the field.

[@fukemnukem1525]

I've got a little experience hiking....been doing it for 30 years....and I have asked a 1000 questions to people who've generously helped me.....it has saved me TONS of headache. The golden rule applies all aspects of life. Love the video Dixie....great work as always.

[@cailin5309]

I’ve always found that until your tent endures a decent rain, and the fabrics get a chance to absorb & stretch.. you are at risk for leaks. I’d set up your tent at home first & spray it down with a hose & let it dry. Then spray it again and see if it’s leaking anywhere. Then hit that with a sealant

[@BlackPete...]

Hi Dixie. Love your videos. Here's a technique I learned long ago to have a hot "bath" in a busy New Zealand hiking hut, when it's freezing outside. I heat water to the desired temperature and half fill a large basin or a pot big enough to stand in. I take off my top and put on a long raincoat inside-out without putting my arms in the sleeves and I zip the raincoat closed from the inside. Then I take off the rest of my clothing except for the long raincoat. I step into the basin and get wet, lather up with soap and then rinse off. Next, I take my hiking towel and dry myself off under the raincoat. Then I put on my clean trousers, take off the raincoat and put on a clean top. First time I did this, I got a round of applause from the other hikers. It feels truly great going to sleep after a hot "bath" in a hut.

[@Nynke_K]

I would never want to bring any pot large enough for my sizeable feet on a solo hike, but that IS impressive!

[@ValsLife1]

@@Nynke_K I know the Z-Packs food bags hold water, but I don’t know if they are big enough to stand in. I might try it to see, then it can double as a shower basin.

[@BlackPete...]

@@Nynke_K In New Zealand, there are often large cooking pots and basins left in the hiking huts. I'm embarrassed to admit it but once on a long hike I carried an inflatable basin - and it was great. It's a ridiculous luxury, I know, but it's awesome to soak your feet in a hot "bath" at the end of a long day's hiking.

[@anitasimmons3599]

FUD (Female Urinary Device), a wide mouth plastic jar like peanut butter works great for women to pee in without a FUD. The women pilots back in the day used Mason jars. The easiest FUD to use is a oil funnel., a little bulky though. Thank you for another great video, safe travels.

[@tommckinney1489]

i use my phone in selfie mode (instead of a mirror) to check for ticks. If I can't see clearly, just take a picture, then you can zoom in and see better. Gotta save weight somehow 😁

[@chemistryflavored]

Great tip! Will be using

[@HikingPhalkawn]

Just be sure to delete after checking - wouldn't want those photos accidentally shared to your blog post...

[@altaris2000]

I got stung by a bunch of bees in the Smokies, and used my phone the same way. I checked to make sure I had the stinger out of my back, and to see how many times I got tagged.

[@nessazee]

@@HikingPhalkawn wouldn’t want those “tick pics” leaked on accident 🤣

[@tommckinney1489]

@@HikingPhalkawn 🤣

[@snowstargazer3939]

TICKS! Magnification is sometimes required. I've removed ticks so tiny that I could not see them without strong magnification, they were almost completely dug in because their mouth was so small. A magnifier can also be used to start a fire when it is sunny. I always give my legs a quick check while walking whenever I push through brush or tall grass. Best to find them instantly before they crawl around.

[@HewyHikes]

I finally have the funds to thruhike the AT. Enough for my gear. Enough for the hike. Enough for bills at home. Enough for bills when I get back. This has been my dream for years and I would like to say I appreciate the content you make. It has helped to put myself into a position to pass the time as i worked over several yeats to make this possible next year. Finally. Thanks again.

[@GreencampRhodie]

I hope you carry you're own shelter so you don't evict fellow humans (Section hikers) 😂😂

[@brianwatson3705]

Congrats man ! Go and make that dream a reality

[@pamflowers8364]

Good on you. It's a wonderful experience and I am sure you will enjoy the experience.

[@bv_182]

Congrats! I'm happy and excited with you. Enjoy the journey

[@jamesreid5950]

Keep us updated

[@VincentGroenewold]

These video's are so valuable, thanks for making them! It really helps when you can just talk about the "embarrassing" things because those are exactly the issues people always deal with, because they don't want to ask. :)

[@fredtychoy]

Thanks for sharing all these tips - they (and you) are a great inspiration to my wife and daughter. Regarding bidet vs. paper, let me suggest a combination - which my late mom taught us. Being from/born/raised in SE Asia, washing as opposed to wiping with paper, is quite common. Anyhow, mom's technique was to wipe with some paper the 'excess', then wash (bidet). This makes it less, well, gooey unless you've managed to pack a lot of fiber in your diet... Pat dry with a bit more paper (any of which shall be treated responsibly and thoughtfully!) afterwards. Then wash hands with soap. I'm still trying to convince my ladies about shee-wee and the like, but oh well, one challenge at a time. Thanks for your entertaining and empowering videos. Blessings from Downunder.

[@robinmichel9048]

Regarding the bidet - I just carry a bottle with a sport top and use it to squirt water on my unmentionables at the end of the day. Really helps wash off sweat and salt and, you know, other stuff.

[@pony_bonnyman]

Hard-core bidet: hand and water. Clean hand with sanitizer. No mess, no stress!

[@28105wsking]

Dixie! Your braces are working! You look gorgeous! When you get them off, do NOT forget to wear your retainers at night. I did and lost much of my gains. Don't make my mistake. Great video! So informative! Thanks!

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Thank you! It’s been a long time coming.

[@sharonirons9828]

I too had full on metal braces as an adult, I can count the times in one hand I forgot to put my retainers in before sleeping, and I’ve had them off for over two years now! It is a big sacrifice in time, energy, and a huge financial committee for an adult. I didn’t have the luxury of a family who could afford orthodox as a kid, so it meant a lot to me to be able to do this for myself. Best of luck for a beautiful smile.

[@elm1275]

I agree. I am 25 with my braces on for the second time and it's not worth it to not wear your retainer.

[@jeannieneuser5316]

After almost 10 years of faithfully wearing my retainer, at my last checkup my orthodontist told me, "Oh! You're still wearing that? You don't need to wear it anymore; your teeth should stay fine." He was *wrong*!! Dixie, wear your retainers for the rest of your life! I would have, had I not been told otherwise... Makes me wish I would have skipped that last appointment. 🙄🙄🙄

[@littlethislittlethat456]

Bidets: I use a Bidet on trail. One tip that really helps is to "pre wet" the area with the bidet BEFORE going #2. The clean up is much better and faster. You actually use very little water (maybe 1 to 2 oz) and I have used Smart water bottles and Fiji water bottles with no issues. I have used both the Culo Clean and the Holy Hiker bidets and both work well. In fact, I carry both because 2 is 1 and 1 is none and they are very light. The area dries quickly. Most times I don't dry but carry a bandana in my Sh Kit to wipe dry if I feel the need. I do use filtered water and just take my water bottle and insert the bidet. After using, I sanitize my hands and then take out the bidet and put the cap back on. Practice up at home on the toilet. Put the seat up and squat and go and then clean up using the bidet. Believe me, if you practice at home, you will have no issues on trail. I have used the bidet going in a cat hole and also inside a privy. No issues. Peeing in your tent: I use a collapsible 48 oz. Nalgene bottle. (yes that's a lot but I don't want to have it fill up!). Never had an issue but maybe replace it every two years. When I get to town or home, I rinse it out with soapy water and then spray disinfectant into it (if home). John from MI

[@suzannehedderly1331]

You wipe with a banana????!!!! 😮 The visual!!!! 🙈 Then what do you do with the banana?? 😂

[@littlethislittlethat456]

@@suzannehedderly1331 Well that was quite the typo!!! Thanks for catching that. The banana turned out to be quite slippery so I switched to a bandana. LOL

[@suzannehedderly1331]

@@littlethislittlethat456 😂😂😂🍌

[@suzannehedderly1331]

@NPC 1337 I was commenting on the typo of "wiping with a banana." The typo was corrected. :-)

[@28105wsking]

Yep, I used the Frechette for ladies from REI on my car camping trip. Saved my life in the desert. But, I needed a roll of paper towels for drying off myself and the Frechette after use before I popped it into its ziplock bag. It's a tradeoff. The only problem was that the pipe part was not long enough and I kept peeing on my shoes until I figured how to use it, which made me irate! Hot desert, stinky shoes, no! Size matters! LOL!

[@altitudeiseverything3163]

Wow, thanks! I haven’t used mine yet, now I know to be careful of that! 😂👍

[@bethanieobrien8114]

I use filtered water with bidets because of two things: parasites and if you do have a wound or chafe then it can be a source of infection.

[@gertvanpeet3120]

Just ad a little chlorine or hydroperoxide...cheap and very safe!

[@altitudeiseverything3163]

@Just Shane Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used as a mouth rinse (1 part HP to 1 part water) to lessen bacteria and control gingivitis. Also used to clean superficial wounds to prevent infection. And chlorine only bleaches in high concentrations, which *obviously* you wouldn’t want to use on your body. So not sure why you’re going on about “bleaching.” 🙄

[@misham6547]

@Just Shane it's about the same amount of chlorine as a pool, even less probably

[@altitudeiseverything3163]

@Just Shane As soon as you say something that’s actually funny, then we’ll all laugh. Meanwhile, keep your day job. 😉

[@bethanieobrien8114]

@@gertvanpeet3120 Hydrogen peroxide is actually really bad for wounds it kills off healthy tissue and cells

[@petekeener8943]

Dixie, I'll make a comment about the seam sealing. Might think about it on your rain gear once in awhile too. I recently pulled out an REI rain jacket that I've had for about 40 years and wore it out when we had a very heavy pour down here and found the hood leaking like a sieve!! Used some seam sealer on it and it's like new!! Glad it worked as I've loved that jacket for a long time especially because it's actually hip length which I've not found in a rain jacket since!! Also, because the hood is deep enough to cover any cap brim!

[@AIBota-oc1he]

As a kid, living in the countryside, i used to use leaves when going to the "toilet"

[@beckyumphrey2626]

Dixie, my family has been with you since the beginning of the AT. Love your channel. We binge watched your AT series over the weekend. You were gorgeous back then and you are stunningly beautiful now. Your love of life radiates.

[@OldPackMule]

"Just one person with limited experience". Ha! Like triple crown, 10,000 miles and years trail but "limited". 😉. We'll take your advice over most others any time.

[@tammyschilling5362]

As a trail runner, I keep a Frog Togs poncho in my car so I can change out of my wet running clothes before I drive home. I just put it on top of me and change under it (because it's huge). You could do the same on a hike.

[@oldschooljeremy8124]

Although products that are "unscented" to us are not necessarily unscented to bears...

[@scorchogrey2385]

Exactly. I always make sure the bear is referenced in the products I buy that make such claims.

[@73N5H1]

The best portable bidet I've used is made by Pika Outdoors. It's called the Backwoods Bidet. It screws onto a standard SmartWater bottle, so no messing with O-rings, and is the liggtest weight one.

[@rowansheppard4062]

I really love the time stamps Dixie! Super handy to skip the content I know the answer too.

[@robertgullickson8758]

Good coverage. Thank you Dixie Some delicate subjects for new hikers. You handled the questions well while respecting decency.

[@karenhikesalot]

I just finished the Smokies section of the AT and due to the pandemic folks are not required to sleep in the shelter. Section hikers are still required to tell where they are staying. You must stay around the shelter. I'm plum tickled I could sleep in my tent.

[@karenhikesalot]

@Eastern fence Lizard I'll try that next time I'm in the Smokies. I really do not want to ever sleep in a shelter. i only saw one ridge runner the 4 days it took me to finish.

[@karenhikesalot]

@Eastern fence Lizard I completely agree about not wanting to sleep around strangers or deal with the mice.

[@garegardner6782]

Your vids are always chock full of info. Tick borne disease can be serious, overcoming your shyness about a full body visualization could save you a lot of grief. Good job Ms D

[@gumwap1]

Haha! .Culo is Spanish slang for “asshole” I’ve never met anyone who has used a bidet while backpacking. This is new to me

[@alexis4637]

i used a bidet before anything else

[@kimkremer8915]

I'm a recent convert. It feels so much cleaner.

[@jamiemartin274]

I just got a "Reign Chill" bottle which is a water bottle/splasher, and it would 120% work as a bidet.

[@TheLmack8]

A gallon zip lock bag is SO much easier than a she-wee for me. Just kneel and hold the bag front and back, it gives a lot of space for error. I've been too sleepy to notice how much I had to pee and ..... Backfilled a she-wee before, lots of mess. A gallon bag in my tent has made my camping nights much better, lol. Just seal it up tight!

[@ksturmer5388]

Great video! People need to know the difference between 'glamping' and wild camping. Much love, from the UK.

[@Zerzil1974]

Very happy to hear the others, checking themselves for ticks the way I did ... the front part isn't bad ... back half can be problematic - headlamp being shone on the rear business area, feet in the air, lamp/phone being used in ways I never thought I would. All great info in the video though - thanks!

[@happyhiker2665]

A sidenote to who has the right of way when hiking, yes people going up have the right of way but if the group of people going down is larger, two or three or more people usually give them the right of way. It is less damaging to the trail for one hiker to move aside than 3 to 4 or more people going off to the side to make room. Great way to hike especially in busy areas such as national parks when there are large groups of people on the trails..

[@melaniexoxo]

Can’t they walk in each other’s path though? I just move but I think groups just assume they don’t need to.

[@jchambers1191]

Great vid. I had never heard about right of way on a trail before. Sounds like it follows the right of way with vehicles on a one-lane road. Up hill has the right of way because it is less safe to back up downhill than backing up uphill (you don't rely on your brakes as much going uphill). Thanks for doing this!

[@garrycollins3415]

I had learned that up hill has the right of way because when hikers are looking at the trail the hiker going downhill has a longer line of site and so will be first to see the other hiker and first to be able to avoid a conflict. Of course the size of your group may change that. And old folks with bad knees like me are happy to step aside and rest going up or down hill.

[@SoloGetHykt]

I always let people go first if they’re hiking uphill. Because like Dixie said, they’re carrying the weight and have that momentum.

[@alexis4637]

should i just let everyone have the choice to pass? i feel like with all the controversy that's the best call.

[@garrycollins3415]

@@alexis4637It's 59/50 so you can't go wrong either way.

[@seetomgo]

While we're talking about peeing...if you have relieved yourself into a bottle, you can tuck it down in your sleeping bag to help keep you warm through the night. I have had to do this in a near-survival situation before - it doesn't have to be just for the sake of comfort. Just make sure the lid is on tight! My brother and I have also taken to using a beer bong (from the ol' college days) for peeing when sleeping in a roof top tent, but that's a story for another day. Awesome video as usual girl, been doing this for years and I feel like I always learn something new!

[@brucedavidson5400]

I shit in a zip lock back- works the same. Just as good! Until it busted open.

[@99Stutz]

I bought an old Nalgene at a garage sale for car camping. It's like the Cadillac of piss bottles - tight lid, nice wide mouth...it's great. I might stick with a powerade bottle for backpacking though due to the weight, not sure yet.

[@annadeak1184]

My small hygiene gear contains a sponge, tp + separate 0,5 liter bottle. That is enough to replace all the wet wipes (which I try to avoid as they are practically waste). I damp the sponge and I use it just as I would use a wet wipe (for armpits, neck, back etc). For private parts I use the water and tp. When there is no water source around to get myself clean this half liter of water gets me comfortable enough to go to sleep.

[@mikeaustin3485]

About "ticks in your nethers": In 1986 I was backpacking with my friend Tim in rural Honduras. After two nights we had yet several days to go to reach the Mayan ruins of Copan. While stopping for a water break I took off my boots and socks and was horrified to find my foot and legs covered in seed ticks. Tim was in similar shape. We hiked on---what else could we do?---and were fortunate to find some Christian missionaries living in a cabin in a small village. They let us stay with them, and then Tim and I managed to pull the ticks off our bodies. I had 103---yes, one hundred three---and Tim had almost as many. Tim had to pull ticks from my body, and I from his. Not fun.

[@mikeaustin3485]

@S M So true! But so embarrassing!

[@mikeaustin3485]

@S M Both. Tim and I had a good laugh about this for years!

[@auntlouise]

I use the GoGirl, and I gotta say that thing has never leaked, and I so appreciate that I don't have to hang my bum out, especially in high mosquito zones! I highly recommend it!

[@lyfandeth]

Kudos to you for mentioning the unmentionables!

[@richmackin]

I went for a day hike one Saturday and found a tick on me on Tuesday night. (After it bit me but before it dug in.) Pretty sure it wasn't on me all that time, but shows how you could pick a tick up on gear and transfer it.

[@bassethoundproductions3897]

I once found one in my car two days after a hike, I guess it had been hanging out in the car since the hike.

[@tfrtrouble]

In some parts Scandinavia, the huts are "last come, first served". Everyone should have alternative shelter (tent/tarp) and those who arrive early have to give away to those arriving later if there isn't space, with the idea being that those arriving later are probably more tired and have not had so much time in camp to recover and sort their gear.

[@karlzaunbrecher8241]

22:00 When my daughters ran cross country in high school, the older girls on the team taught them how to do a "cross country change" in which they were able to change their clothes completely in full view (there was often no privacy available on the course) without compromising modesty at all.

[@laurelzitowitz5452]

You can now sleep in your tent in the Smokies. They changed the rules due to Covid

[@jerseyltd]

Thank you!!

[@SoloGetHykt]

Thanks. Now I can hit it up. I simply Refuse to sleep in shelters, so Ive always skipped that part.

[@SIC-SEMPER-TYRANNIS]

WTF? I haven't been down that way in awhile, what is this about?

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

I just checked the website the other day and didn’t see this, so thank you for sharing! I was probably reading old info that hadn’t been updated. Do you have a link that shares more info about it?

[@SoloGetHykt]

@Eastern fence Lizard ikr. That’s what I be saying. Strangers…. Eww. 🤣

[@shawndyer8140]

Dixie you really bright en my day hearing. Your hey y all open ing.

[@andersonberry6261]

Hi Dixie. If you want another Florida adventure, I recommend paddling the wilderness waterway in the everglades. So fun and you don't have to carry a backpack.

[@garymoon2829]

I've heard that water supply is a major issue, no water enroute, and the waterway is salt.

[@andersonberry6261]

@@garymoon2829 yea you have to take your water.

[@28105wsking]

But some gators are bigger than your canoe! And they know it! I'd be too scared to do that! You must have guts of steel!

[@JakkeLehtonen-Jagster]

In Finland that shelter question is quite easy. First in will be first out and that’s it.

[@glennlawrence7251]

Another great post . I so look forward to your posts . I think I've seen all your posts in reruns .... I worry a bit about cross contamination in those two lower parts to say it delicate , for ladies using a bidet. But I'm a guy and have never used a bidet . Happy trails and Lord bless you ....

[@lyfandeth]

Wait a minute. Bear bagging doesn't mean stuffing a bear in a bag? I've been doing it all wrong!

[@nelsonthomas8362]

Good job as always. Thanks for sharing the knowledge you have picked up as you have become more experienced and knowledgeable on what works on the trail. Keep up the good work.

[@Zoomdak]

Thanks for sharing your perspective about these topics, really appreciate your insight!

[@Flycam01]

Gatorade - the official pee bottle of the US Army… Seriously, the wife uses one of the pee funnels and a bottle in the tent kneeling with no problem. She’ll lay a wet wipe on the tent floor just in case, but she’s never had a spill problem. By all means practice at home first both to work out a system and to know how full the bottle is going to get. You really want the right size bottle!

[@2laughandlaugh]

I wonder if they had this in mind when they made the bottle.....

[@SCSlimBoiseID]

Are urine b0mb$ (i.e., discarded, full Gatorade bottles) a problem on busy trails the way they are on interstate highways?

[@Flycam01]

@@SCSlimBoiseID Not that I’ve ever noticed. We dump the bottles out in the morning, give them a quick rinse and pack them to the next camping spot.

[@harmony331000]

That’s what I do…the she wee lol

[@DeltaVTX]

Be careful with the Gatorade bottle- that back pressure builds up fast.

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello Dixie, greetings from dry perched Northern California. You handled all the questions quite well. The best of good things for you. Stay safe and healthy out there. 🤗

[@sagehiker]

Dentures and partials. The Zip-Lock threaded cups are Uber-light and get generic tablets. Winter hiking days are the stankiest but you have to take extra care with hygiene. Years ago, a friend had a large mouth peanut butter screw lid, she used for a pee bucket. Digital cameras are great for video surveys of injury or bug hunts for hard to see regions.

[@davidpyle7333]

I speak under correction, but believe that Smokey Mountain have relaxed the “must use the shelter” rule to meet COVID distancing requirements.

[@4potslite169]

I think new hikers are far more apprehensive about how to change than need be…everybody is in same position and 99% will be respectful and avert their eyes if you let everyone know you’re stripping down. Most hikers I know are only changing their wet/sweaty outer clothes and reserve the underwear changes for an “as needed” basis. All anyone is ever gonna see is a fleeting glance at someone in their underwear in a dark corner….and everyone is usually so tired that someone else quickly changing their outerwear out for camp clothes is the last thing they’re interested in….

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Exactly! It’s easy for us to know that from this side, so thank you for reinforcing it for the new guys and gals.

[@donnacorliss9368]

Love your videos!! I learn so much and it’s so fun watching you!! Thanks for all you do

[@southfloridapaddlefishing7452]

Not lightweight but the very best “bidet” I have found is made by Lunatec. Fits a widemouth nalgene. Use it as a shower on kayak overnights and “special areas” on distance hikes.

[@dezstarr8745]

I really appreciate your warts and all approach in your videos. I'm sectioning the Bibbulmun Track and I've picked up some awesome tips. Thank you

[@aaronjaeger6861]

One way you could change in a crowded shelter is inside your sleeping bag. I've done this many times in crowded 4-6 man tents many times, however there are a few downsides I can think. 1: you'd be getting dirt and possibly bugs inside your sleeping bag. 2: this wouldn't work for women changing shirts and bra's. (I can't think of any other cons, if I do I might add them in later if I remember)

[@stevesdaysoff2759]

Great video Dixie with good information. Really enjoyed watching. Atb Steve 👍🇬🇧

[@anne1605]

As always a helpful video. I really enjoy watching them, especially now that travelling is quite restricted :) I find it funny and confusing that people seem to care if anybody sees them while changing. On my latest week-end hike I slept by a pond and almost everybody who arrived there after a long day in the burning sun just got butt naked and took a dive. That wasn't the first time things like this happened. And nobody was ever bothered by someone who just changed their clothes. I even hardly know any people who use the changing rooms at public swimming pools or beaches (if there are any). Priorities must be different on the other side of the big pond.

[@Henning_Rech]

It is indeed different in the US. In Europe this wouldn't be a big topic, as you describe.

[@altaris2000]

While a bidet sounds like it could be a good idea, I am always hiking in dry/desert type of areas. I need every drop of water that I carry to be for drinking, so I could never use one there.

[@plumbfia5436]

@aminowrimo thank you for this info!

[@AmericanDrainWorks]

Dixie provides top videos and has been responsible for my preparation of my thru hike...as well as Jeremy Springer...

[@raeperonneau4941]

If you bring conditioner for your hair that makes a great shaving cream. ;-)

[@KimberlyGreen]

Yep, I've used conditioner for shaving for years. Why bother buying a special creme when you already have something that works even better.

[@suzannehedderly1331]

Always a fascinating topic. I've always wondered about bathroom "doo-ties" when hiking in rocky scree and also how one hangs a hammock in treeless/rocky areas. I had been practicing lazy Covid shaving ("I never see anybody") when whoooops! I ended up in the hospital (not Covid!) being told to strip down for a gown in the ER. My hairy legs!! I was so embarrassed as the doctor had to do some tests! Had to convince myself drs. have seen everything so my Bush legs weren't anything. 😊

[@kimkremer8915]

I decided to try using a hammock when I saw how a person set up their hammock as a bivy. It'd suck to sleep on the ground because when I'm hammock camping I only carry a 1/8" foam pad, but I can do it.

[@28105wsking]

As long as you wear pretty, sexy, or funny panties, nobody will notice your legs! LOL!

[@t_4178]

First get a bidet for home and learn how to use it.. total game changer then get a backpacking bidet and well get your hands in there . after you wash your hands you are way cleaner

[@kimkremer8915]

Anyone who's changed a loaded diaper should be able to handle cleaning their own butt after using a trail bidet.

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

This was a great and very informative video Dixie. Thank you very much.

[@johnmullholand2044]

"Don't mistake your Pee bottle" reminds me of a scene from "Band of Brothers". Nixon has trouble getting up in the morning, so Winters grabs a jug of "water" to wake him up in a hurry. Turns out it was his pee jug! LOL

[@blooelmo]

Great video! I always enjoy these, thanks!!! Happy day!!

[@highalpine7321]

uphill/downhill right away's are the same in vehicles on one way roads if you were wondering

[@SCSlimBoiseID]

One-lane roads? One-WAY roads ought not have traffic going in two directions.

[@kst357]

I won't sleep in a shelter if there are a bunch of hikers there. There's almost always at least one person who snores too loudly or ate too many beans, and then there's the folks with their extra noisy sleeping pads. So I prefer to set up outside & won't think twice about looking for a nearby spot to stealth camp if a shelter site is too crowded. I don't have an issue with following the rules as long as it doesn't interfere with getting a good night's sleep.

[@Kowzorz]

Gotta consider your impact though. The raindrop never feels responsible for the flood. There are reasons these rules are in place.

[@kst357]

@@Kowzorz Agreed. I'm a strict observer of "leave no trace behind". Typically, I follow a game trail until I can see a relatively flat spot that is 5x7 or the size of my tent footprint. Deer will bed down in an area similar to that size so I'm having very little impact on the natural environment since it's only for 6-8 hours & then I'm gone. And I don't normally hike or camp in protected areas where there is a fragile ecosystem. Mainly, I stick to state parks & federal recreation areas.

[@doghousejim]

@@kst357 But where will the deer sleep if you take their spot???

[@johnvinson968]

Dixie what is a good a travel bag for my pack pack? I’m going to Big Bend in October. Flying into El Paso.

[@ryandvernychuk7033]

I wear socks specifically for sleep in my tent on cold nights … use morning sunshine to help with condensation… if have to break down in rain or no sunshine .. you have to go and hopefully have an opportunity to dry out your s#%] … just usually a rough day on the trail

[@namenotfound8747]

Hopefully you wash your feet at least before you go to sleep and wear clean socks before you do, otherwise you will get trench foot from it, sooner or later. Wearing socks to sleep, hiking day in and out for even a few days can give you trench foot.

[@melizabeth908]

So informative, thanks for sharing. These delicate subjects need to be discussed…

[@donnajean72]

Unless it's required like in the Smokies, why would someone stay in a shelter? Weather is probably one reason. But from everything that I've heard so far, tents sound so much better than shelters. More comfortable and private anyway.

[@kimkremer8915]

I'm a very light sleeper. I'd much rather sleep away from other humans whenever possible.

[@lyfandeth]

"Shaving butter" much less messy, very smooth shave.

[@sensiblejack3294]

hey Dixie! thanks for your videos i find them very informative and enjoyable at the same time. i don’t know if you’ve answered this before but i would appreciate if you could give some info about electronic charging options that are available for thru hikers.

[@syberphish]

I didn't know buttcrack chafe was a thing till I nearly thought it was going to kill me one day. Took me too many miles to realize I had a tube of chapstick on me. Ohhhhhhhhmygoodness I don't think I've ever loved chapstick quite so much. It was amazingly helpful.

[@lynntfuzz]

Thank you so much for your videos. I have learned so much.

[@brandonfoley7519]

Dixie, I used to bidet on the Appalachian trail There are two kinds of people people who use bidets in people who walk around with poopy butts

[@vickhines6302]

Seal sealing: silnylon requires silicony sealants. The better ine is Permatex Flowable Windshield sealant. It is very durable and less expensive. Apply it to a se-up tarp or rainfly and leave it until dry. Ripstop by the Roll sels seam sealing tape for both silnylon and other fabrics.

[@butchbinion1560]

Very informative thanks. ✌️👊

[@harmony331000]

I love the she wee, never looked back…it’s great to be like a guy while hiking with a big load!

[@chadmoser8460]

I did a 12 day Boy Scout trek earlier this month and the rule of thumb for applying smellables like bug spray was to limit use to 5pm or earlier.

[@suecharnock9369]

toileting in the night - Shewee or a Peebella. you can get it into a bottle like the fellas and only takes a little bit of practice. I have both, and am finding the peebella a bit easier and less leaky.

[@wehrmeister]

I laughed when you gave the name Culo Clean, which in Spanish "Culo" is the pejorative term for the, how shall we say, the exit for the bum. Had to check the name, see that it was developed by two engineer students in Madrid. The more you know...

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Niiiice! Another play on words like “Buttler.” I appreciate the info :)

[@nellylebron2798]

When I saw the culo clean in Amazon I sat and laugh out loud for while. Everyone came to see what was so funny. Have to say I bought the culo clean and used it on my first backpacking experience. Did not work that well for #2, but I think that it was because of lack of practice. I did had my period while on the trail 😕 and it did work to keep me clean in that aspect. Will bring with me on future hikes. Have to say, you use less or no TP but you do use a lot more water.

[@alicerenieri329]

Yes in Italian too!!

[@suzannehedderly1331]

@Eastern fence Lizard I'm learning so much Spanish!! 😂

[@20alroco]

I used to hike, camp, bike, and backpack alot when I was younger. We never once put our deet into a bear bag....

[@tfrtrouble]

Lol, it amuses me how so many people think splashing with water is so much cleaner than wiping. I heard someone once say "If there was dog poop on the floor, would you remove it and then just wipe it with toilet paper"? Well if the only two options were 1) wipe with toilet paper and 2) just splash some water over it (without soap and scrubbing and then something to dry away the now filthy water) then heck yes I'd use the paper. Poop isn't really water soluble. Just splashing some water at it isn't going to magically remove all of it. For disclosure, I think hiking bidets are a great ide; they are better for the environment and can be as good as TP if used carefully (with rubbing and soap or TP at the end). But they are not automatically "cleaner".

[@curtispollay9939]

Just love the way you say & do things. keep up the good work & stay in the woodfs ha.

[@2dthoughts]

Good video Answered stuff I wouldn’t even think to ask AND LEARNED STAY 200 FT FROM WATER SOURCES

[@duncang01]

I use 3 Corn Cobbs, 2 brown and 1 white. Use the 1st brown cobb, then use the white cobb to see if you need the other brown cobb. Old timey thinking.

[@randymcadoo8977]

Lol

[@duncang01]

@Eastern fence Lizard Nah, I rode 2 Mules, One for North bound and the other for South Bound.

[@GoingNoWhereFast]

Any experience getting leeches in any of the water crossings or swamps you have hiked through? And are ticks worse than the bed bugs?

[@neemancallender9092]

I’m the middle east on the less european places the standard way to clean after the toilet is poured water A soda bottle with a knife slit in the cap works very well to spray water on a controlled way Personal hygiene A bowl and wash cloth goes a long way to maintain cleanliness

[@annadeak1184]

I found that when it comes to changing clothes, people usually mind their business, and I can get most of the changing unnoticed. If foreign people saw me in swimsuit they can see me in underwear as well, I don't care. Also for to whom it applies: with a little practice you can learn how to change your bra under a t-shirt, and also panties if you wrap a towel around you. I tend to walk in a skirt, so that solves that part as well.

[@RR2bhiking]

Great info Dixie!!