If I Hiked the Appalachian Trail Again

[@astronaut4291]

Hey, we have the same Katahdin summit date! My big things I would change were: 1: Save more money. I thought I wouldn’t need $1000 a month. I was wrong, and my parents are very generous people. 2: EARPLUGS. Keep the snorers and creepy twig snaps at bay. 3: Don’t stress too much about weight. The 45 lbs I lost over the course of the trail made way more of a difference than cutting my toothbrush in half. 4: DON’T COMPARE YOUR PACE TO OTHERS. I spent way too much time worrying about always being the last one at camp. It doesn’t matter. It’s not a race. Your tramily’s not going anywhere. Just enjoy everything.

[@Mtnsunshine]

tofu farmer Excellent points!

[@soaringeagleoutdoors]

Well said. I agree

[@professorsogol5824]

So true about the tooth brush. They say the easiest way to get a bike that weights 1 kg less is to lose 1 kg off your gut.

[@tenfourproductionsllc]

$1,000 a month?? How many days did you take off the trail and/or did you eat the highly overpriced hiker food like those Mountain choice meals that cost $5 a piece for just 500 calories a shot. I bicycle toured but was able to do it for $10 a day including 2 days at a hotel over a month period.

[@alexpearson7693]

I’m attempting the grail with 2500 on April 21

[@marktomasko7863]

you SHOULD consider doing another AT thruhike!!! With your acquired experience since your first thruhike on the AT you have learned SO MUCH that doing the AT a second time would be so much more pleasurable than the first time...and I know what Im talking about...You are now a celebrity with a LOT of followers who would love to see you do a second thruhike of the AT which, in all honesty, propelled you to the status that you now hold. The second time around is SO MUCH more fun and fulfilling even if the climbing of Katahdin is somewhat anti-climatic as it was for you the first time you succeeded. If there are followers of Diuxie who would love to see her do the AT again then please hit the like button here!!!!!!!!

[@larrydonna369]

If I hiked the AT again I would go much slower, swim whenever I could, and linger at every mountain top.

[@mverick160]

First time was a race. Missed a lot. Next time will be a walk in the woods to enjoy.

[@kriseikenbery112]

Looking to do a section hike on the AT this summer. Thanks for the good info.

[@TheMidnightModder]

I'm taking this information with me on my '23 thru hike of the AT. Thank you!

[@adamproject9034]

Agreed

[@ellenarchambault8526]

We pack our fears. Wow. So true.

[@OneEyeHikes]

This is an awesome statement! I’ve never heard it put that way! Leave it to Dixie! Southern wisdom!!!

[@ellenarchambault8526]

Timothy Mason yes sir. Have to appreciate the wisdom. I pack coffee.

[@ellenarchambault8526]

Coffee keeps me managed through long overnight shifts as a nurse. Tried to quit but my coworkers didn't deserve the grouchy snit behaviour.

[@Ice-Fall]

Watching this vid, I referenced the time mark of that statement, and guess what, it is the first comment I see! Ellen, your comment should be pinned!

[@dpalombo983]

Yes. It is a very profound statement. Mine must be cold and darkness bc I overpack for heat and light - multiple lights, more replacement batteries, matches, lighters & fire-starters! lol

[@michaelsagehorn8873]

Try the "John Muir" menu on a long hike- french bread, oatmeal, dried fruit, dried vegetable soups, salami, cheese, and tea with a bit of sugar. Light and sustaining.

[@mikehamilton3833]

The trail gear review was very interesting. I have followed you, Dixie, frow day one on the AT thru the CDT and the PCT. Your knowledge is invaluable to future hikers. Thanks for sharing. P.S. As the video progresses the sun position gradually changed and you looked absolutely radiant at the end. An angelic glow. You are such a truly nice person.

[@montyollie]

Very much interested in future videos about healthier eating on trail. I look forward to those videos!

[@dx5018]

I second that

[@herranton]

@@dx5018 What is healthy really depends on what you are doing. You need to take in enough calories to cover all of the exertion that you are doing while hiking. Things like the mountain house meals or knorrs stuff is pretty health considering the activity. Even the excess salt is probably a good thing consitering all the sweating people do. I think you would want to consult a nutritionist that specializes in active lifestyles before you would try taking a "healthy" diet on a trail. It could get dangerous.

[@ssijon]

@@herranton exactly. calories calories!

[@dx5018]

@@herranton thanks ☺ I sm interested what Dixie was eating once she couldn't stand this instant food anymore. If she was carrying berries, apples, avocadoes and so forth. You are right, calories are important 🌽🍌🥑

[@ShellyBnINDY]

Me, too! Subscribed today!

[@loriwalsh4355]

I love how much you loved your dog. It speaks to your beautiful soul!

[@MrAussieJules]

Lots of good tips here, thanks. Neoprene booties ? sounds good for cold conditions. umbrella avoids humidity, noise, ect due to hood. beef jerky, black choc gives good energy. I have a small PLB (personal locator beacon) by ResQlink which floats . I also used the garmin GPSmap 64 which has preloaded topo maps (down to 40m contours) while backcountry nordic skiing in Aus. Very useful in fog, or when you are tired and not sure where you are on the map. I like space in a tent, so I have the Big agnes Copper spur UL2 (1.3 kg without footprint) which is very roomy and self-standing. I like ease of cooking and being able to cook at altitude/wind so I got a MSR windburner. Pricey but you save on fuel because of its efficiency and I often use it in the tent, with an MSR plate as a base to stabilise it .

[@RickStoneTravels]

Can't wait for my 1st AT hike 2020!

[@ariw9405]

Hope to meet you there! Have to wait until 2020 because my son graduates high school in 2019. Best of luck wish I could find a blog of 2020 hikers

[@RickStoneTravels]

I'm thinking of starting early March, Northbound

[@johndenver8345]

good luck you can do it

[@kelseyshelton1197]

If I can save the money by then I'll be NOBO in 2020 too!

[@madratter]

NOBO late March 2020 with my oldest daughter. One of my daughters is Thru hiking AT as we speak

[@northernbound6709]

I'm the exact opposite about tents. All of the poles and whatnot make me anxious but the single trekking pole for my Luna Solo feels perfect.

[@kylesmorgabord5592]

Got confused for a bit when you were talking about snowy and "assy" conditions. I figured that must be trail talk lol.

[@marclefaucheur9178]

Kyle - LOL! No, that’s not trail talk, it’s how we talk in the south. Assy = icy.

[@kylesmorgabord5592]

Lol no I know! I caught on

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

😂😂 Sorry

[@shadowcastre]

@@marclefaucheur9178 Lol....

[@djg5950]

I pause on a few of her words. Love the accent just takes a few minutes sometimes to know what she is talking about. Nye-at, ah-cee !

[@karlgraf2447]

Hi Dixie. I section hike the AT in 1976 . We were in shanandoa National Park. We left from the Dundo group site and did 22 miles. It was one of the best times of my life. But you can imagine the difference in gear back then. I love your channel. Stay safe, Karl.

[@RiverWulfOntheRoad]

Hey Dixie! Merry Christmas! I'd love to see you do a series on dehydrating food/making your own backpacking meal packs. I'm thinking of trying that for the PCT.

[@dirtytimmy]

We pack our fears. How very true. Dixie, I started watching your vids over a year ago. You were part of the inspiration for me to do a 2019 thru hike of the AT. Thanks so much for the work you put into your vids. I will carry the knowledge you've shared, hopefully, from Amicalola falls to Katahdin. I'm going to go through my gear again and see if I can leave my fears behind. Smiles and much Love from northern Ohio

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

The ol' lookin' back game,eh??..... As you had done , being new to the game,from first trail until the finish of the last, it's the experience of learning, all the while being challenged by the elements of the trail.. The how to's,,and why and what for's, are what makes me want to "go where I have never gone before"....from the outside ,watching you approach obstacles unknown,was what makes these videos fun and exciting to watch..........Knowing what to expect would be like reading a book from the end to the beginning,, kinda takes the thrill out of doing it at all......going on the same trails,doing the same things, for me,just takes some of the fire out of the experience of being on an adventure............So many new trails and places to explore and see ..........and so little time......do it while you can because life tends to get in the way......How many of your own lines can you cross before it becomes a circle??.............Unless ,maybe you can become a gear tester with pay.................Stay Safe and God Bless..........

[@jasonsmith6408]

8:47 I got chills and a little choked up when I saw. ..it. ❤someday. Avid section hiker now due to work but SOMEDAY! --Hardrock

[@OakleyOriginals]

Your videos are SO HELPFUL and informative. Thank you, Dixie!!

[@bobmcglynn1579]

DIXIE, i have so enjoyed all your videos. i am no longer able to do the great outdoors as many health problems have over taken me but at 73 i have done my share mostly in the West. you make me smile is what i want to say. thanks for sharing Keep on the great stuff you do, and LOVE of the great outdoors, Rob in the NW USA,

[@brocklastname6682]

Hey Dixie, will you have similar retrospectives on your PCT and CDT hikes? I want to add that I recently binge-watched your CDT vlog. Great stuff and it inspired me to get outside more. Aaron's production is fantastic. What's next for you in 2019? As a side note, far more people have summited Everest than hiked the Triple Crown.

[@galenbaker7924]

Thank you for another great and informative video. Galen

[@petronelaberbecaru5613]

That's inspiring! And that golden light at the end of the video added some magical vibes! Beautiful!

[@JayWandersOut]

I so agree about the umbrella. I learned to love it last year so had one with me the entire PCT. In Washington I had an ultralight version and was so glad since it basically rained more than half of the time and a lot of it when it was 30-50F. Keeping that moisture off the shoulders really prevented heat getting sucked away.

[@lisaphikes]

Jay Wanders Out what ultralight umbrella did you use?

[@JayWandersOut]

@@lisaphikes I had the Snow Peak one www.backcountrygear.com/snow-peak-ultralight-umbrella.html at 5.1oz. Montbell also has several options which are a tiny bit lighter as well. www.montbell.us

[@mikecrawford9514]

Jay, did you find a way tie your umbrella to your pack, or did you have to hold onto it? I was thinking about getting one to do a SoCal PCT section in April, but I do like using both my poles when I hike.

[@JayWandersOut]

Yep, in the desert I had a shock cord water bottle holder loop on my shoulder strap so I put the handle in there then slid the handle under my multipack strap. In Washington I just put the umbrella handles through both of the water bottle shock cord loops in the ULA pack. I've found it works fine since the umbrella rests on the top of your backpack so it won't slide down although it could tilt forward unless you can support the bottom from sliding down. The chrome umbrella handles have that foam though so a tightened shock cord holds on pretty well. ZPacks sells drink holder shock cords but they are way too thin and weak. Best to buy thicker shock cord and make it yourself.

[@jongrall]

So much good information in this video, Dixie. Really helpful. I was thinking 2L of water was overkill for the Smokies... and those neoprene socks are a *must* in slushy snow IMHO.

[@MissTrixie29]

If you go in the cold again and if your budget allows it, look into this www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TLIH0NW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and this www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076LQ837P/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 as a base layer. My husband rides his bike in the winter in Chicago and uses them both as a base layer, depending on the temperature he rode his bike every day this past winter except when the company closed because of the extreme cold. Merino wool is incredibly soft, wicks away the moisture and dries well. Wool is also naturally antimicrobial. It does occasionally go on sale.

[@ldg2655]

Good info! I'd love to see some videos about food prep and pre-prep.. i plan to (eventually) get a freeze dryer... you can freeze dry anything your little heart desires to take on a hike..

[@theresedignard7445]

Great tips and your gear review was enlightening. When hiking, I tend to add a fleece liner to my sleeping bag. Keeps you toasty even when wet, though best not to, as fleece gets very heavy. I make my own summer fleece sheet liner for summer, and use polar fleece as the temps drop. Well worth the added ounces.

[@GlaucusBlue]

so want to upgrade to one of those bottle straws whatever they are called, always carry 3 litres as hate taking the bladder out to refill and you can't see what's left. Bottle in side pocket of bag with one of those straw attachments looks amazing. and far easier to clean and doesn't ruin it putting electrolytes or flavourings in. for the cost of emergency devices these days, I'm surprised how many people are against them or don't bother, even on a popular trail, if you are in a no signal area, there's going to be a massive wait for help. Had a findmespot for years but will be changing to inreach due to the cheaper more flexible contracts.

[@kimbasciano_]

I’ve been watching your channel since right after you finished the AT and it’s been amazing seeing how much you’ve learned and grown as a hiker.

[@stuartbrakeautorepair3361]

Did a 100-mile section hike from springer north, it was during the hot summer and it was drought conditions, water was an issue at all times and sometimes I had to haul 4 to 6 liters and ran out a couple of time. It was very hot and dry. Even the water sources marked reliably was dry.

[@28105wsking]

Want to know: how do you pack up your tent and ground cloth when they are wet, muddy, and sopping wet in the morning and it's still pouring??? This was a problem this summer when I was car camping in the desert. Everything was covered with red mud and I really didn't know what to do. Thanks!

[@brib9716]

Just like how you pick them up when it's not pouring. Hopefully later in the day it'll not be pouring and you can spread those things out to dry while you have lunch, snack or nap.

[@m_soko]

Wendy She has another video of how she packed/upacked her pack and reasons why. It's in the description on the video. I wish I remembered the name of it.

[@brianwickstrom8759]

Wet and dirty things, such as a tent or damp towel, get stashed in the net pouch on the outside of the pack or strapped to the outside of the pack. I have outside straps for my tent. It never goes inside the pack with the stuff I want to keep clean.

[@m_soko]

@@brianwickstrom8759 This is great during dry climates. This is the AT and wet I'd still recommend the wet day/dry day cycle Dixie has on other video(s) on the AT. Especially for a beginner.

[@m_soko]

Wendy S. Smith kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIq7l5eBm66FkKc Here is one, later in video, and there is another/older she did that was "hands on" in video

[@jamesking4308]

Food ideas are always helpful! MERRY CHRISTMAS Dixie, Aaron, Perk and all your hiker friends :)

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello Dixie, you are a wealth of knowledge. Thank you for sharing. You presented the information extremely well. Always be be safe out there on the trail and always have too much fun. 🤗

[@lindaselover2536]

Nice to hear about this. I am hoping to do some sections of the AT in the coming year. I still need to switch out my pack for a lighter one, but I so love my BA Copper Spur UL2 that I will probably keep it. Being from CA and the JMT, I have not done much wet weather hiking and camping. In the Sierra, the sun came out most mornings to dry things out - so I am spoiled and a bit worried about having to pack up a wet tent in the rain, and then have to sleep in the same wet tent the next evening. Thanks for the videos, and Merry Christmas.

[@MrsBee-uo2lc]

YES!!! Would love to see how to eat healthier on the trail!!!!! Also could you do a video on the whole mailing yourself stuff in towns? No idea how to go about that! Lol and maybe include how to plan as far as knowing when/where you can go into a town?👍😁😉😁😉

[@capnjack4341]

I too would like some guidance on mailing stuff to myself.

[@ericlutz9558]

Absolutely do a 'food on the trail' video. I'm lookin' to do a PCT hike in 2020 so I have another year to get my knee squared away from the AT. If you know anything about stoveless cooking I'd like to hear/see your thoughts on that. Applejack

[@ssijon]

Ive seen some vids on youtube about it but most only do it for a few weeks then crave something warm

[@BMad-we6qf]

Really appreciate this video. Thank you. In looking at your AT gear list to find out the size of your Osprey pack, I scrolled through the rest and found your undergarment section. I LOVE the exofficio underwear. In fact, for this summer's bike packing trip I bought a pair of men's Give-N-Go boxers and used them as my sleep shorts. If the fabric is good enough to sweat in all day, rinse and dry by morning then I figured they would serve well for sleeping too, with the boxers being loose enough to allow for natural air flow. They worked like a champ and I highly recommend them for the ladies. We also found a clothes line worked well for our bike trip. It stuffed into a sack about the size of an egg. Any use for that on the AT??? Thanks Dixie.

[@chelseadanielle1464]

Hey Dixie! I would love to see a video about healthier food options on trail. Although I still eat some sugar I'm pretty intolerant of it, and I'm mostly gluten free for the same reason. PLUS, I only eat fish, no chicken or red meat! Since I'm planning on hiking the PCT in 2020 I'm actually kind of nervous about my food options, especially since I really don't want to be a slave to every single post office on trail and want to keep the number of boxes I send myself to a minimum. Thanks and looking forward to your future videos!

[@donnienewman9141]

Yes. I would love to see videos about healthy eating and dehydrating foods.

[@mverick160]

The first time I was on the AT, used a Canvas tent that probably weighed more then my whole pack with food now. Especially after a rain. LOL Now, Zpacks Duplex. I like hiking with someone as a team to spread some weight. One GF was a close sleeper with me. So we used a Zpacks dual quilt. Same tent. Same cookstove. If she was cold, she always was, she got a base layer I didn't need and sleeping together kept us warmer. Used same firstaid kit. One phone. Overall it really saved a lot of weight. I still carried big things like tent and quilt. But she carried little things like cook kit and inflatable mats. Easier on us both and got our speeds of hiking more even.

[@Dogastrophe]

Left the trail to go home due to a sick dog ... you are my kind of people!

[@johneason6540]

Another great video with valuable information. Thank you for your continued work to post!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS

[@reverenddavidwalker4206]

Thanks for the info. Merry Christmas

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Thank you for watching-Merry Christmas!

[@sharongeidel1623]

Thank you as always for your generous sharing of information! Regarding healthy food....we purchased several books and combined ideas. We pre-cooked all our meals and dehydrated. It took just ten days and we created 315 breakfasts, lunches and dinners for two for six months....we gave boxes to friends and family and they will be sent to us. The good weighed in at one pound per person per day and approximately two thousand calories. We figure that we have the basics covered, clean, healthy food and when we pick up we can always grab special foods we're craving. We leave May 30th for Maine, SOBO. Will keep you posted.

[@shoot2hunt669]

I hike to hunt, but even though it is a different sort of hiking I am learning lots from you. Very cool. Inspires me to just hike more coz I see cool places while hunting but I would not think of hunting for that long and that far and I would love to see more and take in more of that scenery and feeling of being on the road.

[@sekeizer]

Dixie, so glad that you have made all the videos that you have done for those of us that are thinking or like me planning a thru hike of the AT next spring it’s nice to know as a solo woman how to plan and other advice ...

[@HikerNine]

Kinda miss Hank peein' on stuff in the background.

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Jim Cook Okayyy, I’ll let him back out when I record 😊😉

[@harolddenton6031]

Feel like I am back visiting in east tennessee with my family listening to you speak.

[@6bluestrings]

Thank you Dixie and Merry Christmas!

[@samanthacarter7314]

I plan on doing the AT in 2023. These videos give me SO MUCH info and really help me feel like I'm not going in blind

[@jessekane808]

I'll see ya out there sam :)

[@danielledoesshit]

Me too, however I’m not starting until May 😬

[@Liberty_Tree]

The light peaking through at the end, was very flattering on you.

[@PhoenixGenesis]

Campsite placement and fluffing up the down makes a huge difference. Also putting it in a 5 oz Sol bivy will trap the heat. NeoAir short pad with a 1 oz Mylar car window shade is my go-to sleep system. A pack weighing a pound or less is perfect for a thru-hike. Wal-Mart makes great UL packs for cheap. You can makes your own UL tent for cheap or UL tarp. I just use women’s hair coloring gloves to waterproof my hands - surprisingly durable - never ripped in the Sierras. Hikers carry way too much food and water - the more you carry, the more food and water you will consume. Yes, people pack their fears!!! I love carrying avocados and oranges on trail - made me feel really good. On the PCT, I just use bleach. Makes for quick refills - grab and go. You don’t need ankle support if you don’t carry a ton of stuff on your back. I find that the Nike Pegasus shoes have great stability and traction. Used them 3 years on the PCT. Just use Guthook. No longer bring paper maps. Going light can be done inexpensively. We all learn by doing. This is my 4th year on the PCT in 2019 and my gear is radically different, but I have a better wilderness skill set. Learning survival skills is the best advice I could give along with testing ALL your gear multiple times prior to a thru hike of the AT, PCT or CDT.

[@miken7629]

Great idea on the neoprene booties. I just ordered a couple pair. Last year on the AT, my wool socks kept my foot wet in my trail runners, stank, and my skin started to fall off.

[@danieloxnard7993]

You mentioned carrying used handwarmers. The hand warmer composition is typically iron powder, salt, water, an absorbent material, and activated carbon. if the absorbent material is pulverized wood, or vermiculite, you can cut open bags and sprinkle out the contents without feeling bad about contaminating anything. If the absorbent material is polyacrylate, you can probably still feel fine dumping it, because it can be used as a food additive.

[@kayleighm1461]

A video on eating healthier would be awesome. I’m planning a PCT thru hike for 2019 and am concerned about getting sick from eating junk.

[@ciannacoleman5125]

In my Scouting experience the foam pads are good for minor cushioning or if you are in warmer weather, but if the temp begins to drop they are basically useless. My family decided on one inflatable pad each, including one that is small enough for when one of us goes on a short (1 week) backpacking trip

[@jimpflugrath6220]

Wonderful words of wisdom coming from experience and maturity. Thanks! What about personal hygiene? I've taken to carrying some blue nitrile gloves ( 3.5 grams each or ~8 in an ounce) and dog poop bags (2.3 g each, ~12 in an ounce) in my poop kit. Used toilet paper / baby wipe goes in the glove (turned inside out, hand stays very clean), then the glove-enclosed TP goes in the doggie bag, which then goes in a used freezer bag (that I cooked my oatmeal in that morning). Another thing is that I spit out toothpaste into the used freezer bag, too, so I don't have to find a special place away from tent to spit it out in bear country. Plus gloves could keep hands dry as an inner glove and doggie bags could keep feet dry in a pinch. Is all this TMI?

[@kellyjohnson3617]

I have reusable hand warmers. They weigh one pound each. They reset by boiling them in water. Which means you are packing more fuel and potentially water but they are a huge morale booster. Got them years ago at a demo at a grocery store. And they rock. But it’s one more camp chord to do at night (or in a break) to reset them but growing up in the Pacific Northwest in the biting cold they are so lovely

[@MrFightagoodfight]

Just noticed... War Eagle Dixie! Great videos and thank you for sharing!

[@ryankinghikeandfish]

Earlier the better, 2008 I started March 8th at springer. Other than our first night on hawk mountain (15 degrees) we only had a few days of cold and snow. needing to carry the cold weather gear definitely adds weight, but it’s worth it, swapped a bunch of my gear in hot spring (via mail drop) and got slammed heading into Damascus with a foot of snow (April 8/9 if I remember correctly). So if you start early hold the cold gear until you get to va. The other thing I would stress from my experiences (over 15 years of section and thru hiking) is to slow down! Even through northern VA - CT , the constant long days beat up the body. And take care of the feet. It’s been three years since my last long section (WV - VT) and about six months ago my turf toe finally stopped hurting. Just in time for another 500 miles this upcoming year

[@Toniebradley]

Hi Dixie, I want to tell you about dry deer meat or jerky. I have been making and eating that stuff for years. It’s a great source of organic energy. Seems like the meat is really dense and stays with you for a long time. It’s a great trail food. Merry Christmas to you and to all the hikers out there !! 🚶🏼‍♂️🚶‍♀️🎄

[@0TedDBear0]

Looks like you had a great year, Dixie. Merry Christmas!

[@nathansharp3193]

adhesive toe warmers are a game-changer too. They'll keep your toes warm when you push the limits of your sleep system. They can also be okay to hike in, but beware: warmer boots means wetter boots in the snow. Odds are your feet will be sweating in an insulated Gore-Tex boot even if it's below 20°F, so toe warmers can still be a good option if your socks are already wet. I was a snowmaker in Colorado and had boots that were so warm that my feet were soaked from sweat at the end of every night (worked 9pm-7am). They proved to be miserable cold boots. For hiking, less insulation would be better in the snow - and of course I still recommend Gore-Tex.

[@stephanielegarda5443]

Thanks for taking the time to reflect back on the AT! I would love to see more healthy eating and possible foraging, but in the case of survival whatever you can find in the towns that also looks appetizing/affordable/healthy is a probably a challenge. Don't deny yourself your snickers though ; )

[@suzannehedderly1331]

I really hope you do go back and hike the AT again. Since it was your first through hike and everything was so new, and you were just learning, it would be interesting to see your perspective from seasoned hiker eyes. And I think that’s still my favorite because I live in VA and I just love the greenery and woods. 🌳🌲🌳🌲

[@GrinsInc]

Thanks for posting, Jessica. Yay! Anyone ever hear of The Hiking Hilton (The 1st edition of a NorthFace full dome) vs Chinese Hiking Hilton? Yeah, quality was the difference when one gets soaked in the winter rains on trail without proper seam sealing/ siliconing overall. Of course, process engineering evolves that bug... Hope to see more before the year ends... Merry Christmas and happy holidays!!!

[@shofarox4037]

And it would be a great idea of you to do it again. If I would have the chance to hike a trial a year it would be the AT every time... Anyways... It would be a great video to do describing which gear you would cast and pick according with what you are mentioning to the last (16:19) of packing gear somewhere in between UL and HW to make the hike more comfortable. "Comfortable hike priority instead of UL" Thanks

[@michaelb1761]

One point of clarification. A higher fill power down doesn't have more loft, it hass more loft for the same weight. A 900 fill power down bag doesn't have more loft than a 700 fill power down bag if they both have the same temp rating; the 900 fill power will just weigh less (probaby about 3 oz on a 20 degree bag).

[@JeremiahStringer]

I would love to see how you would change your diet on trail to be healthier. I eat a lot of junk food while backpacking. Let’s change that!! Excellent perspective on what you would change and great advice that you don’t have to be “fancy” to complete a thru hike. Great video Dixie! Enjoyed 🙌🏻

[@ssijon]

eat what you want, you will burn it anyway.....

[@JeremiahStringer]

J M very true! I always cut weight when on trail. Can’t take in enough calories, but I would love to hear some alternatives to the junk I’m putting into my body

[@shadowcastre]

@@ssijon High quality nutritional food will get you way further than junk any day!

[@ssijon]

so eat what you want... calorie, salt, sugar, and carb dense. In hiking you are trying to keep your body going, you will crave different things than someone else. 7-12hrs hiking all day months on end is much different than a little weekend hike trip. For me the concentration on staying healthy would be on the down time not hiking after a trail.

[@shadowcastre]

@@ssijon For me.. my concentration on eating healthy is All the time and especially if hiking all day for months on end. Yes.. everyone is different, but the bottom line between good, clean, healthy, nutritional food, and junk is huge! Ask any athlete who is serious about their training. You can't exercise a bad diet away. It is a calorie game.. it's easy to make the smart choice.

[@JChurchua]

DEFINITELY interested in a video about a diet on the trail. Self dehydrating, stuff like that, yep.

[@HikerJohn316]

Hey Country's BBQ! Love it! Thanks for the great video. You are a great Southern lady and an example to all.

[@frank-to7lu]

Advice on types and amounts of food to pack , most helpful. Equipment concerns addressed in this video are shared by many. I've been using a one person tent and a 25 degree bag, inadequate in both cases. Good recommendations. Thanks

[@TragoudistrosMPH]

Ubbrellas in the desert are amazing! I didn't even think of a reflective one!!!

[@bdickinson6751]

No dry stretches on the AT in PA this year! Enjoyed your video as usual. MERRY CHRISTMAS

[@hannahdeise297]

Thank you for this video and I really do hope to see you again on the Appalachian Trail for a second thru-hike

[@BhamDanS]

My advice is to buy the best sleeping bag you can afford. If you buy a "good" synthetic one, you will end up buying a down one later. Buy the down bag right away. I usually recommend something like the Marmot Helium.

[@BhamDanS]

And I totally agree on the air mattress. I suffered with a z-rest for years. After not sleeping a wink while laying on roots, I finally spent the money and never looked back. I use the Exped Synmat UL yellow. Fill it with the Exped Schnozzel. Super combo

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Good, solid advice!

[@marktomasko7863]

You absolutely should!!!!..it is sooooo much better the second time around!!!! Trust me, I know!..Its so much better that I am going to see if the third time is better than the first two starting 32 days from now...when the weather has, more or less, "broken"..the "race" for shelters and campsites is not a concern and there are still enuff beginning thru-hikers to enjoy the trail with while not feeling that I'm walking among the crowd on the streets of NYC at lunchtime!!!...

[@wayneboyd2682]

Excellent video. Thanks for taking a look at this. I look forward to the time when you do the AT again.

[@johntaylor346]

In 2009 I went to an army surplus store to shop for my gear for the A.T. I grabbed an A.L.I.C.E. pack(designed in 1969) medium, no belt or sternum strap, a wool blanket, an issue machete, canteen with metal cup and a tarp. I wore mostly cotton clothes and Georgia "mud dog" boots. I made it as far as Harpers Ferry simply because as a southern man I wouldn't go further north than the Mason Dixon. I learned alot but found out that Earl Shaffer( the first to hike the A.T.) was similarly outfitted. It rained a month straight the year I hiked. I suffered. I made adjustments.

[@jeffmiller1159]

Yep... Umbrella on the AT is the way to go. Used to hike the Smokies and the weather can change within a span of a few minutes in those mountains

[@offroadracer99]

Thanks for the great info...your through hike videos helped me prep for my section hike from Springer to newfound gap...thanks again.

[@64maxpower]

I love love love your drawl.

[@64maxpower]

And not to make you self conscious , it's just enough. I only notice it because I am from New Jersey. I enjoy your channel. I have a desire to do big hikes and your experience helps others. I never thought about it being dangerous until I watched your videos. It's important to be prepared

[@timmulrooney8981]

jeez, didn't realize ive been watching your videos for that long now...thanks for the insight and info!

[@theresedignard7445]

Love the sharing of healthier meals. Do share. I also find that adding electrolytes to the final cup of water for the day, helps to balance out any muscle soreness or possible dehydration, even if ever so slight.

[@serenityrahn5656]

you just saved me from quite a few mistakes, thank you! any thoughts on bivy bags?

[@NewSkiwi]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and yes, would love to hear your ideas re healthier food.

[@biggiefrye45]

Let's go for round 2!

[@hankthemtnman6683]

Hi Dixie, I have learned so much from your experience, I do a lot of long range kayaking, I started out heavy, but following your gear picks has really lightened the load. I am very interested in the food area, so healthy eating video would be great. I want to start videoing my trips. Thanks for the entertainment and knowledge!

[@sealanderadventures]

Dixie, So, when are you going to hike the AT south bound? Think about it. It's a hike that few document. It would a different perspective for you, and it's a great next logical step for your channel. Thanks for all the videos, which I have warched since you started.

[@johncuervo3019]

I disagree. She needs to go to Mexico and hike through Sinaloa

[@John-of5sh]

@@johncuervo3019 Or Australia. G'Day...

[@mpatrick1482]

How about ADT or HAYDUKE

[@jasonsmith6408]

1:58 snow and a. ..oh you said ice. Yea plantar fasciitis is tough. I used deep blue oil on mine and as. ..umm ice also. Next day the red, swelling and pain were gone. So cool you are a Trifecta-ist

[@emilie098]

hey dixie! i hope all is well. is there any way youd be able to do a video about laundry on the trails?? like what you wear while doing it, how you find quarters, sharing machines etc.?? Have an awesome christmas!

[@DrewBoswell]

Another video that's going to be viewed and reviewed. I really enjoy your analytical side. Watching your evolution has been fun, and hearing your thoughts about that same evolution is valuable, even when I may differ with your gear choices. I'd love to see you retry a hammock setup, this time with good gear from reputable vendors. That would be a ball to watch.

[@bw17940]

My first long-distance hike was a 100-mile section of the AT just south of Clingmans Dome. It was with the BSA and it was terrible. We were told to have 5 extra pairs of cotton socks, 2 extra pairs of blue jeans, 4 extra cotton shirts, and lord knows how many pounds extra food and "necessities" that never left our packs. I am happy to say that since then I've continued hicking and streamlining my gear.

[@brianmacadam4793]

I have learned so much from your experiences. How about the "Camino"

[@cherylcampbell9369]

That would be SO interesting. For Dixie and us, vicariously.

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Aim to do it potentially in the fall ❤️

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@heikoballing4489]

on the camino you barely Need anything.i was the only one with a tent and a stove

[@TrekkingPals2]

What did you end up doing for battery power? Did you use a solar charger to sneak some free wattage or did you just use a typical power bank and efficient modes and usage of your phone? My GF and I started recording stuff when we hike and constantly find battery power to be something we run out of earlier than we desire, especially when you shoot with twice as much battery every time since it's still on when you have to run back for the camera, etc. Loved your through-hiking videos, they're better than a lot of movies I've seen!

[@christopherjarrett6672]

Country BBQ (the giant rocking chair)! Eat mighty fine for 4.99! Best sweet tea in the world! I will be starting my AT trip in Oct of 21 and will be breaking the trail into 30-day sections to be done once a year (this will allow me to complete it budget-wise and job-wise would love to do through but not an option currently). I would love to hear any suggestions on how to break it up. Thank you for all the videos You, Darwin and Outdoor adventures have helped me over the last mental hurdle from "wouldnt that be cool" to I start on Oct 1st.

[@GruntProof]

Good stuff! Many of the ultra-light nerds only care about weight, only to freeze when they get out there. It's usually entertaining

[@jasoncollins976]

Hey Dixie, love your videos. It would be really great to see you thru the AT again because I feel like it was not as well documented. Also, I wonder what your perspective would be compared to your first go around. I watched your rant on one thing leading to another if you were to do it again and your interest on other hikes so I understand if you are looking forward to the next new adventure. I just dont see much content on second thru hikes from triple crowners the way you present your content. Hike on, love your vids.

[@coughingowloutdoors8579]

Eating better foods is always a good idea and ANY discussion/video abbout that would be great just to broaden the many options. I like how you state that everyone's gear choices are up to their own preference. (To each their own). Another thing i've always admired about your ever evolving kit is that you have kept using that old aluminum grease pot...it's your sentimental link to the past I suppose. I think it's great that you carried it on all three trails! Wishing you the best Dixie! Happy Holidays to you and your family and to anyone else that might read this!

[@SkinnyGPanda]

These are great tips and information on how you would do things different. My boyfriend is getting ready to do the AT in 2020 and has been ensuring he has the gear he feels comfortable with to ensure no issues. He is a fan and supporter or your channel too. I am sure he will like the backpack info as he just purchased a Osprey himself. Good to know about the rain soaking the bag.

[@felipecastellon4740]

I'm a day hiker and multiple day backpacker. I've done trail angel things and seen what thru hikers have. I've also met a pcta member that opened up the spitler creek trail as an alternative to the fire closure going to taquitz peak from the paradise valley restaurant area. Mile 152. A couple of thru hikers have posted that trail runners are the way to go because of the comfort. I've used the keene targhee mid boot and surprisingly so does he, the pcta member. I have the 3d solomon trail shoes but use them for work. I tried the altra timps. They hurt my ankles. Use what works for you.