Admitting you have a gear problem is the first step. Buying more gear is the second😜
@RalphReagan9 ай бұрын
You called it!
@Burner629849 ай бұрын
😂 I’m a gear fanatic
@mirjahmlinen26989 ай бұрын
Isn’t it possible to sell or give away excessive gear?
@GorgoScrobo9 ай бұрын
Just wanted to say thanks for all your videos and advice. I’m 41 and did my first solo overnight. Only got down to 30 degrees and had a relaxing time listening to the coyotes. I was the only one in the entire area camping.
@johnkendra11879 ай бұрын
I love it when the engineer in you comes out.
@pennyrhoads92419 ай бұрын
I had a disagreement with my husband over tent poles. He wanted all of our multiple tent poles together, not with the tent they came with. It only took one trip (without the correct poles) to convince him. Excellent ideas, thanks.
@JohannSwart_JWS9 ай бұрын
Some sachets of silica gel here and there in a drawer or bag might be helpful for keeping things dry and mold free. Where I live, we can buy huge bags of it in the form of kitty litter crystals for cheap. Same thing.
@goodandgreen9 ай бұрын
😂 I love organizing my gear. It gives me a sense of security lol 😂❤❤❤
@catalhuyuk79 ай бұрын
It’s like going down memory lane.
@JPspinFPV9 ай бұрын
Feels so satisfying to get the house in order.
@stpetie76869 ай бұрын
I'm glad to see the beginnings of a new hike starting to happen. Even if it's just in the thought/prep stage at this point. As an old Arizona boy I'm hoping the AZ trail is on the list. But whatever the next hike is, I'm looking forward to seeing it. Thanks for the video.
@tracyazhikes9 ай бұрын
I got a label maker, and labeled all of my bins because I can’t remember where everything is.
@mendyviola9 ай бұрын
I’m with you on this one. Home base organization leaves a lot to be desired.
@backpacker34219 ай бұрын
For me, the backpack stays hung up with all the stuff that rides on the outside of the pack clipped to it (InReach, phone pouch, etc). Then I have some larger gear hanging on other hooks (ice axe, trekking poles). Then I have two small wire shelving units with 8 small bins (bins: shelter and sleeping pads - water storage/treatment - kitchen - regular clothes - foul weather clothes - electronics and optics - lighting and other miscellaneous gadgets - repair equipment and first aid). All the insulated gear is hung in loose linen bags (down and synth puffies, 3 season quilt, winter quilt) Food and fuel lives in the garage. I have a few pieces of trail clothing that live with all my other clothes because they are daily wear favorites for the "real world". The only other gear I hang on to is a small bin with my hammocking rig and a footlocker full of DIY stuff - shock cord, barrel locks, various cordage and fabric, etc etc). Those live in the garage. At this point, the storage is pretty full up, so I make a point of finding something to ditch or donate if I want to add new gear, which is rare these days as I'm pretty happy with my load and can adapt it to any conditions other than mountaineering, which I haven't done in years and probably won't go back to, partly because it's so gear intensive my interest is outweighed by the cost and inconvenience.
@Allan_aka_RocKITEman9 ай бұрын
Jessica: I have ADHD {which was not diagnosed until around age 38}. I _TOTALLY UNDERSTAND_ your _CONUNDRUM._ As I like to say, my _"ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS"_ lack only TWO things: (1) _ORGANIZATION_ (2) _SKILLS_ 😉
@StevenVeldt9 ай бұрын
haha love it. paraphrase, I was so disorganized that it was less stressful to buy a whole new kit from Walmart than dig through all my current gear.
@johnsullivan65609 ай бұрын
As a Scoutmaster, trying to organize the chaos of camps, either backpacking, summer camps, canoeing, or just weekend camping and the aftermath of these was always a challenge. Gear lists, patrol boxes, expendables, and personal gear lists helped minimize the where’s the …….? Problems.
@montyollie9 ай бұрын
Loved this. I had minimal space, so used big rubbermaids and just made sure that as I put anything in the bin, I added it to the list that was affixed in a sheet protector. So every bin has a list of what's in it. I really should alphabetize the list, but at least I know what's in each bin without having to root through it.
@judithpearson39689 ай бұрын
Great organizing. In case your mind is like mine, uou might want to label your bins. That's particularly true if time passes between now and when you pack for a trip. Saw a T shirt slogan that might apply: I can forget what I'm doing, even when I'm in the middle of doing it.
@littlethislittlethat4569 ай бұрын
To organize my backpacking gear, I purchased a shelving unit with 4 shelves that you see in restaurants. Then I gathered various sized boxes, stuck an orange duck tape label on the front and used a marker to label the category of items in the box. Lighter pack helped with the categories. Then I put all my gear and extra gear in those. It works well. I hang up my backpacking clothes like puffy, sun hoodie, fleece, etc. Quilts are in the large cotton sacks that allows them to relax. John
@wanttogo19589 ай бұрын
The only consideration I can add for those who chose to use transparent or translucent containers, is to be sure and protect them from direct sunlight and UV. My recommendation is if you use that type of container in an open room with a window consider covering your bins with something to block the UV. This was certainly a good review of one way to organize your gear. Having a nice sized walk-in closet makes it a little easier too. Happy New Year 🎉!
@robopecha9 ай бұрын
i love organizing my gear. it gives me a sense of what more i am allowed to buy. and it makes me look forward to using it!
@NotYou93119 ай бұрын
Looks a great job ! I know you will feel less stress when preparing for a journey - which is worth it's weight in gold. I have my gear organized similarly, though I don't have quite that much space...or that much gear, for that matter. One thing that I have done is create a complete inventory of all of my gear, in a notebook (which stays with my gear). The list includes brand, description, quantity on hand and weight...of each item. As well, I have specific gear lists in the same notebook, covering various trip scenarios. Finally, for certain gear items that are always the same for each trip, I keep these things pre-packed in ziploc bags. I refer to things like my "Poop kit", "Eats kit", "Filter kit", etc. When I return from a trip, I always restock these "kits", before storing them away. So, when packing up, grabbing those bits and bobs is easy and quick.
@terryc15389 ай бұрын
I export my Lighterpack list to an Excel spreadsheet. Just add a couple of columns to use as check boxes and you're ready to go.
@MomWentBackpacking9 ай бұрын
I didn’t even know this was possible! Thanks!
@annesmith50009 ай бұрын
I do the exact same thing!!!
@brainp4719 ай бұрын
the other great thing about staying organized in our personal life is that it makes getting up and moving easier. Same lesson learned on a thru hike.
@geraldwald34739 ай бұрын
Thanks for another great video. You've motivated me to get my gear better organized. I'm also breaking mine down into 3 distinct sections, backpacking, day hike and trail work.
@sarasands59 ай бұрын
I just did mine on Monday! It helped remind me winter doesn't last forever. I love looking at my closet now.
@sherrierifenberg21999 ай бұрын
Being organized is very beneficial!
@reinhard80536 ай бұрын
My To-Do list is in electronic form at some cloud based service. So I can add and look from everywhere and any device. I use it mostly for camping and RV or other hobbies where you need to repair something after each meeting. The checklists for meetings and trips are there, too. This way it is easier to look at it if you are at a shop and don't remember exactly what was on that list again. I also add gear codes or links sometimes to find it faster in the shop or show it to the employees to look up in the computer.
@jimbrown83139 ай бұрын
I sort of do the "leave you pack packed," by putting the ofds and ends into a box. Bags and down is in storage bags. A bin for food. Like freeze dried food. One for all my water stuff. A big bin of stuff bags. And so forth.
@amysthe-wise-one84939 ай бұрын
*makes note to clean out both packs from last trip* I adore that you kept your house and have family living there as needed. My space is the smallest bedroom in the house - and it doubles as my office. That might be a good idea next time the power is out and I have nothing else better to do (and thinning out my non-used gear items!)
@paulcontursi59829 ай бұрын
Having just renovated the basement, it made for a great opportunity to reorganize all my gear. I have a similar arrangement to your gear closet except that I actually label all the boxes (i.e., First Aid, Hygiene, Stoves, etc.).
@coriaaquila64889 ай бұрын
Congratulations! Marriage will be the longest most beautiful hike! There will be mountains and valleys but you two will navigate! Keep strong communication and commitment to each other! With much love from Canada❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
@Bob-vb8lc9 ай бұрын
Hey Dixie, it took me a couple of years to realize that I needed to organize my backpacking stuff. I don't have as much as you do but I basically did the same thing with plastic bins and a "closet organizer" from Walmart. I put the organizer on plywood and added wheels so I can move it around in the basement as needed. Your closet looks amazing and it will definitely help you prep for your trips. Happy holidays to you and your family.
@mooreoutdoor98419 ай бұрын
I was just about to start going through my gear and doing something about it.... Perfect timing on putting out this video! I like that you used see-through totes, so you don't have to wonder what is in them.
@iceman8579 ай бұрын
In case it’s helpful for anyone, considering using the 5S method for your gear organization backbone. 1. Sort 2. Set in order 3. Shine 4. Standardize 5. Sustain This comes from the Toyota Production System, but also works for backpacking gear storage, it turns out!
@MomWentBackpacking9 ай бұрын
Brilliant! Thanks!
@traveller96259 ай бұрын
Hi Dixie, How about taking those retired back pacts and making a plaque for each one with the trail and miles hiked on it? You could hang them separately sort of like a trophy, not so much trophy but accomplishment.
@sagehiker9 ай бұрын
I had to do much the same except I did a reality based purge. "Was I going to use the item in the next 18 months?". Disclaimer is I am a full four season packer, so that still is a big spectrum of gear. I like your grouping. Mine was based more on the 60-70s model I came up with, sleeping, kitchen, shelter, health and beauty (grins), toilet and wash, and water handling. One whole tub is stuff sacks. Another is containers and zip locks. Spares and repair stuff takes up a tool box. Since I am in a high wildlife area and recent move by public land agencies to extend food storage rules everywhere (WY &MT) , fleet of canisters and sacks take up a big space. My bike touring and hiking gear is mashed in together in storage because the two activities' for me share much the same swag. I have short checklists just for day packs. Backpacking checklists have evolved as I shamelessly have stolen from everybody from Andrew Skurka to Colin Fletcher and watched Dixie since the AT.
@gnmatsu9 ай бұрын
I too acquired a bunch of stuff for my "bikepacking" set up. Before each of my trips, I had to scramble with putting the stuff on to one of my mountain bikes to get it ready for a trip. So after getting back from a trip, I clean and dry all the gear and then organize and store them in labeled storage containers. Now when I need to get ready for an outing, I have everything organized and ready to be loaded up on the bike minus the food and water. Also saw where you can create a QR code that can be taped to a bin so that you can have "pictures" associated to what's in the bin. That way you can just scan the QR code to see what's in there instead of having to move bins around just to access and open a bin. Great video as always. Your husband as usual must be so amazing and supportive when moving in to a new place from your old place.
@helvettefaensatan9 ай бұрын
Hey, post-it have a lined notepad-post-it-thing with glue strong enough to pin the whole stack to a flat surface. I use it for shopping (keeping it on my inbuilt fridge). It's dead practical - just peal off the outer note: take it with you, or stick it to the side. Just remember that ballpoint pens do not work at vertical surfaces, my solution is using a pencil. Look for their 'Super Sticky' tag/label. I got mine at Staples' Norwegian franchise.
@autumnwishes83649 ай бұрын
What can be helpful is to get a label maker and label the bins with the contents. That way you know exactly what is inside each bin
@StephsHealthMatters9 ай бұрын
That or a piece of masking tape
@MomWentBackpacking9 ай бұрын
I got lazy and used stickers from gear companies: Packit Gourmet for food/snacks, Western Mountaineering for sleeping bags/pads, etc 😅
@robopecha9 ай бұрын
this looks super awesome! i wish i had a whole room for this! when you first said you go through your lighter pack list when packing, i already had the same thought of laminating it! i would give it its own spot on top of the shelf. and i wanted to add "get whiteboard" to the to do list! :D
@ShhhhhNow9 ай бұрын
That must feel great to have it all organized! Congrats!
@EmpArtLiv9 ай бұрын
1st Congratulations again on finding your life partner! Have stored some things in bins with blue construction tape for labels- found over time that aging plastics imbued scent(food fresh/ silica packs help)sleeping bags in storage sacks adding scent satchel for freshness - thank you for your continued encouragement as once again the engineer in you shows forth in the simplified methods - great content!
@RICHat229 ай бұрын
I have a small whiteboard on my fridge for groceries. I take a pic of it on my phone as my shopping list and edit the pic and mark through as I buy them. I use an index card I keep in my pocket for notes and daily chores. I have a spare room I call my play room. My coats, toys, camp gear, etc all stay in there. One day my second spare room will house my fishing gear. EVERY coat hanger left in the house are the white HD wal mart hangers like you have. Hundreds but they are great. I finally found my titanium tent stakes after 3 years of looking, so back to organizing I went.
@Henning_Rech9 ай бұрын
I have put all devices which contain a rechargeable battery in one box, similar to your's at 16:25, but also with my power banks. And try not forget to check their state of charge every few months!
@bjf109 ай бұрын
Trekking pole tips are super useful on the Oregon Coast Trail due to going through many towns and a fair bit of road walking; I wore through a pair on my hike this summer, and they were surprisingly hard to find (I had to hit like four pharmacies before I found the right size).
@catalhuyuk79 ай бұрын
Great timing. I’ve got all my gear in my living room and have to pack it up. Two packs- one for short and one for long term is how I was thinking. Your idea is better.
@antoniom.andersen67049 ай бұрын
My appt. is organized but my camping gear is not. I get all embarrassed looking around my storage room/clutter room but I know myself well enough to know I won't be going through it tonight, it's 23:28 here. I will have forgotten all about it in the morning. Great organizing.
@Steven-js8yk9 ай бұрын
Fancy Mae was looking at you all confused and concerned, like, "Mamma, you're actually organizing stuff, this isn't like you, are you ok???" 😂
@hoozurmama8839 ай бұрын
For each trip I decide what I'm taking from my Lighterpack and download that to Excel. I add a column for checking it off when I pack it and print it out. Just an idea.
@kevinhikes31329 ай бұрын
Great topic, you're not alone, Organization skills are key, Order supplies Before you need them, no wasted time going to the store
@1200airhead9 ай бұрын
Nice job in organizing your gear I particularly like the test run idea. Thank you for all the great videos you have done and I would like to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas.
@TKevinBlanc9 ай бұрын
Hope you're feeling better these days, and back on the trail soon. (It's very possible I missed a status video. I'm not a very good sub.)
@gridirontrenches50109 ай бұрын
I keep everything in one location. backpack has everything I'll bring during a hike. a duffle bag has the tent and everything for trips and a drybag has the rest. would be difficult for me to forget the main hiking and camping stuff
@elynnm30169 ай бұрын
Im a backpacker and my boyfriend is into overlanding, car camping and hunting. I tell him our "outdoor room" looks like an outfitters 😂
@Bill16089 ай бұрын
I enjoy watching your channel and learned a lot. My hiking and camping days are over. I stopped camping about 30 years ago and hiking about 6 years ago. I have hiked and camped many places. I would start again if it wasn't for my health. I though Sleep Apnia took me out of the game, but you showed me it didn't. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your husband. Can’t wait for your next adventure. Bill
@angiemeadows81169 ай бұрын
Laminated list is great BUT I use a plastic page protector and wipe-off marker. Works great!
@Kai77-249 ай бұрын
Woo hoo! Ahead of the New Year's resolution. Inspiring me to take action.
@lisajones87309 ай бұрын
How do you manage a belly band along with a backpack ? The only solution I could come up with was a fanny pack designed specifically for CC. It's not very pretty ☹️ I wish someone would design something for women backpackers.
@jackiel.12419 ай бұрын
I hope you got a label maker for Christmas, that would come in very handy I think!
@blackhorsecdr9 ай бұрын
I love EDC belly band!
@markswishereatsstuff25009 ай бұрын
I ordered a 6' high 3' wide by 1.5' deep chrome plated metal shelving unit, the kind you see in restaurants from Amazon that holds most of my gear. Keep my down what nots all loosely shelved, not compressed. Rest fits inside translucent tubs with lids.
@texashikeaholicsadventures56519 ай бұрын
I’m kind of weird but I love organizing closets and cabinets… but I especially love organizing my backpacking and camping gear.
@leeprice85659 ай бұрын
I use a hammock hung up high in my room in one corner with apples to store my lofty stuff so there's no hanger creases
@ulibredulli9 ай бұрын
I live on 600ft² so I have a very small closet that I named "the place where the equipment lives" Luckily we don't have built in closets, so I was able do find the perfect cabinet. On the other hand, a walk in equipment closet would be sweet. I could even put my kayaks in there 😅
@savonneriedecouverte9 ай бұрын
Thank you for sharing !
@kevocal9 ай бұрын
I use Notepad on my phone with notes from each trip. Lists. Missing items. Things I can leave home next trip. Etc...
@mattsailor49669 ай бұрын
I've always liked your videos but the belly-band for CCW earned you a couple extra points! Keep up the good work.
@mattsailor49669 ай бұрын
@@lindahikes2760 Is this sarcasm?
@takingawalkadventures9 ай бұрын
I really like how you Organized your gear. definitely something that I need to do.
@patrickkelley34089 ай бұрын
Thanks for the update.
@janefreeman9959 ай бұрын
Outdoor Vitals sent an essentials list with a purchase and i held onto it for reference.
@robertrockwell75819 ай бұрын
good to see you again. stay safe.
@bjf109 ай бұрын
I recently organized my gear with a big closet organizer in our basement; it works pretty well, though I could use more storage bins for sure.
@Vladimiradventurephotography9 ай бұрын
My problem is that from time to time I will take gargantuan task to put all my hiking stuff in order, but then I go hiking again... I will select new setup and mess up all my system again. Sisyphean labor 🙂
@billevans92319 ай бұрын
Thanks Dixie, another great video.
@rungavagairun9 ай бұрын
11:00 I had an Osprey pack that I sent to them for repair. One of the questions on the form asked whether the pack had sentimental value for me. When I read it I thought it was an odd question, but clearly people do get sentimental attachments to their packs. At the time, I just thought, "no, it's not sentimental ...because it's a backpack." Haha. But I guess I can see how that might happen, especially for people who have done monumental trips over the course of months.
@jasoncbrooks749 ай бұрын
Most synthetic tents and clothing have a shelf life, I have tents and jackets from the late 90s and have not held up the best. Tents get sticky, waterproofing fails and elastic falls apart in the poles. If you have gear you don’t use or have replaced, get rid of it. Gear does not get better with age! Keep your most used gear together as much as possible. Everything else I sort by categories for when I may need to search for something. Dixie you have a nice gear closet and puts a reasonable limit on your gear. If it starts overflowing the space you have too much stuff!
@Driz7ziahs9 ай бұрын
well, you mentioned your concealed carry belt... would tour us threw the armory? 😊
@stewartellis3539 ай бұрын
Merry Christmas to you and Family!
@alaskabornheathen89029 ай бұрын
Having an organized house means a less stressful life too! You’ll definitely still be stressed but at least the house won’t be a contributing factor haha
@michaelmcphee29309 ай бұрын
I maintain a spread sheet of all my hiking gear with data columns including item, description(colour),date of purchase, vendor, cost, weight, where stored et cetera. When I'm getting ready for a hike i make a copy as a check list and on that i delete items i wont be needing. Then i print and pack. Im able to keep everything in a six foot lock up metal cabinet in my garage. The only variable is food, which just got easier as I'm experimenting with carnivore diet on the track fir a week and will only eat jerky i make. Boring but so easy.
@johneason65409 ай бұрын
Hi I have an abundance of sun hoodies. Some not warm enough, some that did not ventilate at all. BUT, the rei brand sun hoodies has worked perfect. Only 40 bucks❤
@MoosebearAdventures9 ай бұрын
Thank you for good vid. and have a happy Xmas 😊
@bushwhackingfool37069 ай бұрын
Only 8 years?!? I've been putting off organizing my gear since 1995!
@barbshubert96679 ай бұрын
This is great. I wasn't aware I need to hang my tents. Thanks !! I use a auto clothes rod to hang all my hats on. They slip on the rod and several can fit while not getting mashed. Amazon has some nice ones for under $20.
@ArcaneSpells9 ай бұрын
I love organizing my gear
@MrOffTrail9 ай бұрын
I did this too. I made this rack (link below) for floating bin storage, but used clear versions of the same 27 gallon bins from Home Depot. Instead of screwing to the wall for lateral stability, I just screwed a couple large 3 foot galvanized steel straps across the back at 45°, which you can find in the lumber section with the other galvanized framing ties. Works great and is rock solid, and it holds a ton more bins than those premade (and expensive) garage shelving units. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYq7ZmNji9xsd7M
@eric554069 ай бұрын
If I had a whole walk-in closet for my camping gear storage that would be great.
@Alex-and-Joker-Hikes9 ай бұрын
I'm sure the second watch will have some awesome organizational tips but the "gun show"💪was distracting on the first run thru😁. Miss Dixie doesn't skip arm day!
@yousweetpotato19 ай бұрын
Super awesome as always!
@lehcimst9 ай бұрын
I love that i came across this video to watch while digging through piles of gear, LOL
@Jimster7799 ай бұрын
Definitely need to organize/ get rid of gear, I have too much at this point!
@28105wsking5 ай бұрын
What a beautiful job of organization and closet love! Wow! Im am motivated! WWDD? Now I know!
@darylfleischer9 ай бұрын
One of my favorite things is to learn to make do with what I discovered that I forgot!
@wakeandblakevideo9 ай бұрын
Would love to hear more about the concealed carry. Thanks for so much great content over the years!
@PatrickVenner-kl4vx9 ай бұрын
Question regarding your cpap… how do you manage to do long trip ? The biggest reasonably light weigh battery I found last only 3 days…
@ann-mariejensen26239 ай бұрын
I saved myself a lot of grief by making a list of everything needed for a trip and keep it on my phone. No more expensive buys because I forgot something. I have two lists: one for camping and one for vacations not in a tent.
@pixelpoppyproductions9 ай бұрын
Mostly I just leave my bag packed. But I learned it’s better to leave my sleeping bag lofted when it’s stored. And I’ve had stuff like my headlamp ruined because the batteries corroded in my pack. I did forget last time that my mattress no longer held air. Having it already packed wasn’t helpful. I scrounged up a backup from the basement, which also ended up not holding air.. Otherwise I keep my gear in storage bins in my side of the closet. I don’t have to search the whole house because everything is in one place. Also I don’t have that much stuff, which probably helps. I try to make my kids understand it’s easier to find your backpacking stuff if you put it away, but they’re teenagers. What are you gonna do? 😂
@paulahavens27649 ай бұрын
loved the video, It is great to see how to organize all the stuff. One thing i did not see is if you had oranized a bug out bag in case of an emergency.do you do that?
@ThirstyBacon9 ай бұрын
Please appreciate ALL of your gear. I feel the best description is my soul being torn to hike the AT. I cant afford gear to do so. So please cherish what you have. Its devastating to be stuck because of gear. Even second hand I cant afford. I know I sound like a crybaby but when this pull grabs you it grabs on hard. I'm about to just get a sleeping bag and go. All i have been able to get so far is dehydrated food and a walmart sleeping bag. Only because i made it in my oven. It was a steep learning curve! So take care of what you have because alot of people would just be elated to have any of your gear. Good or not.
@Fizzyfuzzybignbuzzy9 ай бұрын
Conceal carrying. Just earned more respect for you!!! 2a for the win
@ronaldrose75939 ай бұрын
Hello 👋 Dixie, greetings from Northern California. It's good to see you again. Congratulations on your Marriage. Your ring is dazzling. You've got me motivated to organize my gear. You have an excellent assortment of camping 🏕️ gear. All the best to you. Stay safe and healthy out there.