Preparing for the CDT: Q&A, Gear, Food

Get a free LMNT sample pack with any drink mix purchase: DrinkLMNT.com/KellyHays
Follow my adventures on Instagram: / kellyhays23
Tiktok: vm.tiktok.com/...
Facebook: tinyurl.com/ye...
Amazon storefront: tinyurl.com/37... (I earn a small commission if you purchase through my storefront :))
PCT Gear List: lighterpack.co...
AT Gear List: lighterpack.co...
Florida Trail Gear List: lighterpack.co...
Affiliate Links
Waymark: tinyurl.com/yk...
Zpacks: zpacks.com?aff=154
OM5: www.dpbolvw.ne...
If you would like to sponsor my upcoming thru hikes or the content of this channel, I would greatly appreciate it! All the money you pledge goes directly back into the channel, further content creation and thru hiking efforts. Thank you so much for your support.
cashapp: $kellyhays
venmo: @khays23
paypal.me/kell... (please use friends and family so PayPal doesn’t take a cut!)
Amazon wish list: tinyurl.com/3e...
If you enjoy this content, please consider joining my Patreon! I post behind the scenes updates, blog posts, announcements, giveaways, early access to videos and exclusive live chats. Thank you for your continued support of this channel!
/ kellyhayshikes23
Inquiries: [e-mail]

[@bill8384]

Make your own GORP! Possibilities are almost unlimited. Easy to change. I recommend pecans, walnuts, dried fruits like cranberries.

[@charlenecarnes8139]

I was also wondering if you thought about making your own meals. Dehydrators are pretty cheap.

[@dannyjamison8337]

Gila is pronounced "Hee-lah." But, it was so adorable when you pronounced it your way, that I'm not going to deduct any points.

[@nancysatori4744]

Check out Solely fruit jerky! Food is my biggest worry, I dislike a lot! My favorite is pineapple and pineapple coconut, they are amazing! One piece. Is like half of a pineapple, and the taste is amazing.

[@JasonLumactod23]

Love LMNT…especially the watermelon one as well. Thank you for the link, just restocked my supply as I used almost all mine backpacking through the AZ desert the other month.

[@stuartrollings602]

Howdy Kelly! Looking forward this SOBO hike! I have followed 3 others on NOBO so this is going to be fun! Saddle up!

[@A-K_Rambler]

Consider an additional small Bear spray for your front pocket for quick access and added personal safety while about.

[@charlenecarnes8139]

So awesome very excited to follow along on your CDT adventures. Fairly new to your channel so I should catch up on your AT videos.

[@BaltistaniBoys]

Nice sound. Hey Kelly i recommended you visit the himalayan mountains k2 and Nangaparbat view point from one place moses peak. Add this sound in your bucket list. Moses peak is situated in my home town Barah Valley Gilgit-Baltistan. It is open zone

[@barbarasmith8090]

I am sure you are on the way but if you can get it Wild Zora is wonderful food!

[@rayzergarcia3692]

Please be careful on a trail I hear a lot of negative things about people being hurt I don't want to mention the other thing cuz I don't want to jinx it I do hope you're going with friends and I'm sure you take some kind of protection some kind of weapon anyway Kathy you will be in my prayers and may my Lord Jesus Christ put angels around all you guys and have a safe trip and get home safely in Jesus name😊

[@dannyjamison8337]

@rayzergarcia3692. Her name is Kelly. But, I share your sentiment completely!

[@TammyCleveland-n2l]

This sounds like an amazing adventure! I can't wait to see more videos! Have fun and stay safe😊

[@mmorgida1475]

Great discussion about "Costco Trail Foods". You are probably already on trail by now, so after the hike, would like to hear more about the food ingredients and any meal recipes you are dehydrating yourself. Best wishes 9-Lives -- you go!

[@staxx7753]

Glock 29 10mill , better to have it & not need it than to not have it & need it . For personal protection weirdos , bears , etc.. love LMNT watermelon is my fav also drink alot of skratch on my runs as well , love Hokas also especially mafate speed 4s but being a runner i have a shoe collection problem lol . Hope to meet you someday at a race or hikeing or camping . Take care my friend always love & enjoy your videos ❤️🙏🏼🙌🏻

[@musingwithreba9667]

I used to have a cat named Spaz 😁 she would let my dog named Dawg carry her aound the house in his mouth. By her head 😂 Happy trails!

[@a.ramosakadrumgrl6677]

DogFoot Trailing is NoBo on the CDT, he’s currently in CO. Maybe you’ll cross paths.

[@seanjohnson9401]

Good luck. I wish I could get out and adventure like you.

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

.. Looking forward to following along ,, enjoy your thoughts and opinions on trail life .. .. Rocky Mountain Nat. Park in Colo. will also need permit and bear canister ... be aware that in the past year DOW has relocated Wolves and Grizzly Bears into Colo. ..

[@Goruckyourself68]

Good Luck to you and be safe😄. LMNT Choc and Choc caramel are pretty great cold, just has to be shaken extra long. Found this out by accident

[@DadDaughter-outdoor-Adventures]

Thanks! For all the epic content, get u a sandwich on the way, GOD BLESS Be Safe!!!! 😊(Daddy-Daughter)❤

[@hikerbikerclutz8377]

Can't wait to follow along chick but are we sure it's still 9 lives? Lol JK You're gonna rock this hike 🤘💛

[@HybridHiker556]

Anybody else notice Dixie on the TV in the background ? 😂 Way to go Kelly support the community! Good luck on your SOBO CDT. I will keep you in my prayers and definitely be keeping up with you and your crew. God bless!

[@sapoverde65]

Be sure to check in with rangers for updates,monitor weather and fire 🔥 situation take maps and compass technology can and will fail I hope you know how to do some orienteering best of luck😊

[@paulbugeja5425]

Just printed your list (very organized) and really amazed by the weight of your pack!

[@jackschwind4194]

Don’t discard that bear spray too early. There are grizzlies in Yellowstone and the Tetons. Who knows, you might get a chance to see the famous grizzly bear 399. Stay safe out there and looking forward to your adventure. Also glad you are hiking with a group!

[@christinamartinez804]

I can not wait to see how you navigate Glacier. I am doing that part of the CDT next summer. My Mom lives in Butte MT so that is where I plan to end. Your hike will give me lots of insight into my upcoming hike. I also haunt Arkansas every chance I get- I live in Fort Worth. I have hiked the Ouachita Trail and the first 150 miles of the OHT. I love your videos. ❤

[@bkbland1626]

I think that if you stay flexible and hang in there, then you can do ANYTHING. Have a good time.

[@ericjanssen3335]

You should consider using UPS vs the post office for your reshoot. Delivery is more reliable and you can track it and you only need an actual street address and it will show up fast. Or actually just show up. (Remember when you lost all your gear on the PCT?🤦‍♂️). Good luck.

[@iggyrojano1978]

😍

[@RickINFJ]

Spazzy that lil' scamp! You've got some great new food items. The beef jerky and mayo wrap sounds so good. I've gotta try it. This is gonna be so freaking epic! Take care 9L ✌️

[@nam_hn]

So excited to follow you along on CDT. Hope Permethrin helps keep the nasty bugs away from you.

[@JonathanJonez]

have you thought about smoking some fish/meats and bagging it up for some amazing campfire dinners?

[@tracyazhikes]

Not being rude. The Gila is pronounced with an “H” sound. Hope you have a good trip.

[@a.blbr7732]

Newbie - glad youtube recommended one of your videos to me and subscribed. I love your necklace. Where did you get it?

[@diamondbackking4141]

I spent a summer both in Glacier & Yellowstone. The parks gave warning brochures on do's & don'ts concerning the wild animals...the women's periods & the bears was quite clear...

[@chrisrondeau9912]

Good luck on the hike. How about them Illini!! ILL...

[@phucyouse5316]

Just saw you in one of Peg Leg's pics on "the trek" kind of weird thruhiker matrix hope you guys have a great hike ciao

[@georgecooper5310]

Kelly, keeping you in my prayers for a blessed and wonderful hike. 🙏🏼🙏🏼💜🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@DadDaughter-outdoor-Adventures]

(Daughter)loveeeeeeeeeee spazzy btw.. adorbs!!!!😊❤

[@jessicabrown8088]

Ordered my LMNT. Thanks 😊

[@euphonek]

Definitely want to see a video of your packed resupply boxes! 👍

[@davidkarkov6447]

Costco's out here in the Northwest and Alaska sell two packs of bear spray, the best deal anywhere.

[@adventurebythemile]

I use Sawyer spray on everything but I still got ticks 😡😡😡 also I love Hokas! My back doesn’t hurt when I wear them. I have 3-4 pairs.

[@junglesuperstar9270]

Use something with DEET

[@three-cats-photography]

That food aversion sounds rough! I hope you've been finding enough to eat.

[@nickfaw2840]

you are pretty awesome cant wait for the videos yeah none of that food looks good

[@oldwagon-pens]

Have you lost some weight? I think you got a good variety of food starting out on this trail.

[@suemoore1965]

Do you wear the same trail shoes while training???

[@carriehagstrom9777]

Excited to see another thru-hike of yours!

[@HH-li5xl]

Oh I’m sooooo excited for you!! I can’t wait to watch your adventures !!😊

[@bernielamont825]

Hope you get to see the white bison calf when you go through Yellowstone.

[@IShallNotBeSilent]

Do you happen to know Scott Ward, Trail name, TABA (There and back again)? He has produced and published several books on information of how far from one point to the other, water supply, nearest towns, etc, of most of these trails. He stayed with us several times when we lived in TN, while collecting information for these books. We would pick him up and drop him off, give a good hot shower and hot meal. He was a really cool person to meet and talk with. I am So excited to follow you on this hike. I followed you through the whole AT and loved it. I have family that has through-hiked the AT, and so it holds a special place within me.

[@wanttogo1958]

Has he published any of the books you mention? I searched for his name plus books and nothing came up.

[@JonathanJonez]

chex mix was a big factor for me while on trail.

[@deshawniskeng-mixedmediatv]

No it's July 1st lol one month behind ❤

[@kellispreppingkitchen]

What a great and informative video. I loved your journey on the AT, the PCT, and look forward to the CDT. Costco is the best place for backpacking foods. We have many of those items you got. The dehydrated sweet potatoes are delicious. If you have time, you should check their refrigerated convenience meals like their birria, curry, burnt ends and more to dehydrate if you are getting burned out. They have tons of unique and delicious meals. Do you spray pyrethrin on just the outside of your gear or inside too? I haven't used that yet. I'm so looking forward to this journey. We plan to do some section hiking when my hubby retires in a few years. Until then, just day hikes for us. Blessings.

[@jasonjones5213]

I've lived just down below Glacier for 40 years and I've only seen 4 grizzlies.They were all across the river.I wouldn't worry about it.

[@monsterhog1118]

I saw 3 grizzlies in just 1 week in Yellowstone

[@hkdansk]

OMG…I had a cat named Spaz!😂

[@xaviermcneal656]

I'm so excited for you and your adventures.

[@kimmyhaysstephens5651]

Mom yelling 😂😂😂😂

[@P6009D]

DDT can also be effective. However, it is a bit difficult to get hold of as it was banned in the 70s. One of the reasons for that was that it destroys male fertility, but you're a woman so that's perfectly fine. Chemicals that are allowed in some countries and not allowed in others, do not mean that they are harmless in some countries.

[@cwesley2005]

My new favorite trail food is Solely mango fruit jerky. Its actually like eating candy but its only mango. LMNT is legit, particularly the raspberry salt. Crush it kelly!

[@anneoconnor3614]

Can't wait to see your vlogs !!!

[@user-zl6cl1ql3n]

You should have gloves on

[@jamesbailey9838]

Always well funded!👍🇺🇲

[@denniscall2454]

I just happened to come across you on Kyle hates hiking. Watched your interview and decided to go to your AT vids. Watched day #1-#183. WOW AWESOME!!! Luv the views #136 & Maine fall colors were my favorite. Those views is why you do this. Makes it all worth it. Thank you so very much. You go girl❤

[@Jkpatriot]

Safe Travels!!!

[@bryanford1139]

Grapefruit LMNT!! 👍👍👍 You should try out the Garuka Bars...great stuff, made in Vermont

[@paulinalouise4502]

Wow ! ...You's BRAVE, Girl, to do THIS trail ! ...While I admire your adventurous spirit, you'll be like a Sacagawea charting all that new territory, much much different than the AT. With that being said, I am very much looking forward to seeing how you meet the daily challenges. You'll not only have to face more wild terrain, but like you say, the GRIZZLIES.....and now, all the ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS tucked into every nook n cranny of every state now......Am glad you are traveling in numbers, and hope you stick together the entire way.........I continue to love all the videos you put out. You do excellent coverage, and I'd much rather watch your adventures any day than anything on TV, which i don't own, since i get much more of an education from you, in the areas I most enjoy.....the great outdoors, survival, and all the day to day challenges you'll meet along the way......May God and your angels guide and keep you safe during your long journey. I wish you much success and safety and..... to stay in good health ! We don't want to see you using up ANOTHER one of your Nine Lives ! Take care, and God speed !

[@travissapp4961]

❤❤❤❤

[@p1hikes]

Dude. It is so trippy how similar our experiences were. Have to be similar soul tribe or something. It’s like hearing me talk about my experience and the way I approached my AT thru. What made you choose the sidequest to NYC? I did it in 2018 lol! Roped a few guys into it with me. There may be a comment on guthooks still where we hop on the train. Also left a “last chance for glory” comment on little boardman peak to do a 50 mile day to finish the 100 mile wilderness. Epic human experience. I have similar aversions to food since trail and try to eat as clean as possible. Food is the largest challenge imo. I try to avoid anything with residual glyphosate to reduce inflammation. Even gfree oatmeal started bothering me :/ So I freeze dried my own meals this year and have been very happy with it. Organic local beef & organic rice = “Dawg Food” for dinner. Org eggs and beef with hash brown for breakfast. It’s wild how it transformed my trail dining experience, to KNOW what is in it and that I made it, added a hidden layer of solace and appreciation at the end of the day. Plus steak & egg hash for breakfast is a big morale & brain boost. Top shelf organic olive oil worth the money too. Lol you have the same carpet I installed in my previous house I remodeled. & I still carry my neck knife from Dixie for a little added comfort in sketch situations or at night when sleeping. I got #086 from 2017. So stoked for you to spread your wings and fly! Haha escaaaape

[@OneEyeHikes]

Keep a watch out for a NOBO named Double Dip. Good friend and she’s closing in on WY now. Best wishes and excited to follow ur journey!

[@richardthorne2804]

I’m so looking forward to following your journey on CDT. Wind River Range In Wyoming is going to knock your socks off lol 🎉❤…consider going to the Cirque of the Towers that is off CDT though but I live in Colorado and I will even admit northwest Wyoming and the Wind River Range is my personal favorite 😍.

[@DadDaughter-outdoor-Adventures]

Praying for your safety sistuh, and we look forward to seeing the epic journey, we loveeee lmnt…. We take them on all our adventures!! We have been drinking them for awhile,feel a lot better when we drink them muscles etc… we may have to use Your code now though!😂 every little Bit helps!!(Thank You) may the LORD Wrap His Arms Around You, and You all and keep you safe. God Bless.😊

[@lenoredisman3192]

Informative video, funny Dixie is on the background TV

[@IrishRage42]

I peek Dixie in the background. Love watching both of y'all. 😊

[@charlesjohnson9662]

It’s gonna be great!!!

[@thomasmoore5062]

Looking forward to your CDT adventure Kelly! My daughter lives in Boulder, so we've done a lot of day hikes (it's so beautiful there), but nothing like the full CDT. Very glad that you're being so thoughtful in your planning for the hike! I know it will be wonderful!

[@nathanhollis9298]

I’ve done the dehydrated refried beans on backpacking trips. Highly recommend. Also highly recommend momfuku noodles for the ramen lovers. A little different because it has a sauce pack instead of the powder but still reasonably light.

[@Elizabeth-pt4bv]

Just got caught up on the last 5 videos. So excited for your hike on the CDT. I feel like I've been MIA, but here to support and cheer you on. This is my 3rd or maybe 4th hike with you as well as all the other places you take us to. All the new gear looks great, and I love the FarPointe hoodie. I'm glad to see you're carrying g the Epi-Pen. That reaction in FL was so scary. Good luck, and have a blast. I'm excited to see some of the AT and FT friends with you too. Be safe, have fun, and thanks for taking us along with you again.

[@chemistryflavored]

I am so excited to follow this thru hike! The CDT has always interested me more than any of the big 3 thru hikes in the US due to the "choose your own adventure" style with this trail.

[@rubyclaire8807]

I hope she makes it. It looks harder than the PCT and I don't think she finished that one. I wish her luck and hope she is safe out there.

[@chemistryflavored]

@@rubyclaire8807 she got Covid during the PCT.

[@jodimorrison]

For food try.. dehydrated smoothies!! They are great and quick meals for drinking while hiking. You can find ones that have lots of veggie and protein powders added so they can be a complete meal.

[@pauldonathan5316]

Hey Kelly, im sure you have heard about the bear chase in GNP 3 years ago, but nobody was hurt. Please be prepared and definitely be determined to go thru this Area. Best of luck

[@lindab8774]

I’m excited to see you on trail! Good luck and safe travels (although you’ve probably started)

[@rockercover]

So relatable about reaching one’s limit with certain repeated food items. Seems like we reach our body tolerance max., for the same ol’ items. (Time for something different). Agree: The choices are slim and time-consuming; in-order to locate suitable items for a hike.

[@jrcriner6542]

I got pneumonia right after I subscribed to your channel and spent the down time binge watching all of your through hikes lol

[@laineym2005]

I've hiked the Winds in Wyoming four times - took about ten days each time - you're going to be surprised with the amazing beauty here. Should be on your list of what you're looking forward to! Can't wait to watch the adventure!

[@alanboulee5453]

Will you attempt the hike all11 National scenic Trails? Like "Conetin" sp.

[@kylesueltenfuss7922]

A tip that I learned hiking the CDT in grizzly bear country is to not sleep near the trail. They're big animals, so they prefer to walk the trail. We actually had a cowboy outside of Dubious, Wyoming yelled at us because we camped right on the trail because the water was right there. And he informed us that a grizzly bear had killed one of his cows a few days before on the CDT. And had to recover the body from the trail. Oh! And the cows on this trail are super skidish.

[@courtneysmit38]

Love your videos !! You should make a t shirt for this trail in particular so people can buy to help support you on the CDT 😊

[@martinwelch5774]

When Sunshine hiked the CDT SOBO, her group hit Colorado when the fall colors were absolutely beautiful. I can't wait to follow your journey. When you are in the Scapegoat, please take a moment to thank "a country store owner from Lincoln, Montana, Cecil Garland, who took on influential men and powerful interests to forever protect Montana’s Scapegoat Wilderness." He passed away in 2014 many years after taking his family to Callao, Utah where he was a rancher. I was blessed to meet him, so I like to keep his memory alive.

[@HH-li5xl]

Thank you for going through all the great options for food. My hike starts in August and was wondering what I should bring for food . So thx !!

[@tonyclark6958]

I’ll be watching every single video. Be careful out there.

[@Fogelmiser]

“Here’s the problem…she’s kinda evil” 😆 🐈

[@rustyrelicsfarm2406]

I hope she tries out the Iron Belle Trail in Michigan. Its close to 2k miles.

[@Beeppoop]

I’m too chicken yet would love it

[@dannyjamison8337]

@beeppoop. I love chicken too! 🍗

[@user-David-Alan]

Best of luck and great adventures to look forward to. Stay safe and don't forget the bear spray. Have fun and stay awesome.

[@johndonahue4777]

Kelly is like a modern day Magellan who wears Hokas and takes the land route. With a slingshot there might be a rabbit on the fire out there. I hope this works as planned. At least the togs look stylish.

[@shawnedens9415]

Do you ever hike around Steele Creek in Bexley area that's a pretty good place to hike

[@kleptonaisa7845]

Love your videos Kelly, have you ever tried or thought of wearing Barefoot type shoes?

[@davidevans3175]

If you get hassled by a grizzly drop ALL your food and get out. All of you.

[@Shayleyle]

This’ll be the first thru-hike I get to follow along with. Looking forward to it!

[@ShamimJahuri]

Good to see you. So excited for you. Shamim 🦜🕊💑👬💞🤝🎎🫂

[@ralphmaddox-kk4mj]

OMG Kelly darlin I just so can't wait for real!!! I've been a true fan since your first AT and wowzas!!!! The CDT awaits lady you again lady, I know this is one that you feel you 'need' and you will have it darlin. The anticipation is literally killing me and I just can't wait to share in your journey, witness the fun and of course the rough times,but to be able to see you conquer again is just.....I don't even have the words. YOU GO KELLY DARLIN, YOU GO!!!!❤