My Favorite Gear for the Appalachian Trail

[@bearcho3874]

I love how diplomatic you are about gear that didn't work for you. Also love your narrative. So many vloggers think they have to be over the top and you are real.

[@jasoncbrooks74]

You have a great point of view for new hikers and thruhikers. You do a great job of explaining why gear works for you and aren’t afraid to go against the grain when something isn’t working. Great job on your openness about bathroom and feminine specific issues. Even though those things are not things people like to talk about, straight honest talk is what people need. Talking about your fair skin and sun issues is awesome. Sun, blisters, joint issues could really ruining someone’s hike and you overcame all of them! Keep up the great work!

[@queenanne94101]

I love that you are not a “gear person” because in most situations it’s much more beneficial to hear from a layperson. Plus, you are young and healthy and still have knee and back issues - that gives you even more credibility to an older person like me. You are so very relatable and articulate. BTW, I just bought an Arc Blast so I was thrilled to hear you give it such a glowing review. Thanks for taking the time to do these videos...super helpful. 🏕🌻😊

[@MikeJones-yr3tq]

probably 90% of her gear choices are shared by most through-hikers. Arc blast, Darn Tough's, KT tape, Sawyer filter etc. Most long-distance hikers eventually converge on a surprisingly small selection of the same gear. Because those items work so well. Eventually she will come around to trail runners. Probably after realizing those boots don't dry out as well as she'd like.

[@littlethislittlethat456]

I use a base layer of injinji socks. Over those I wear Darn Tough Compression hiking socks. Over those I wear ankle braces because my ankles aren't the strongest. Then over all those I wear Dirty Girl Gaiters. So, we agree on a lot. I'm also using a Duplex and have the free standing kit so I can go either way with my tent depending on the terrain. OH, yes, I have a collapsible Nalgene bottle that I pee in. I HATE getting out of my tent in the night. John from MI

[@davidfrenette6277]

Keep everything simple, I learn something new every time I go out on a trip.

[@Nini51963]

Thank you for sharing personal topics , and the way you explained was so kind . I wish I could find your channel

[@John_Ridley]

There are some cheap bug nets on Amazon with a courser weave. I think they wouldn't keep out sand midges or no-see-ums but if your problem is black flies and mosquitoes, they're fine and are really cheap and you can see pretty well through them.

[@mountaineer5596]

It’s nice to watch a video that does not waste my time. Great video. Thanks.

[@aprole87]

Injinji toe socks for sure. I also used to get bad blisters when hiking, but virtually never do anymore. I tried the lighter running version, but the mid-weight hiking ones are much more comfortable and seem more durable. Trail runners, though... HYOH

[@zacharymulford4270]

I love pretty much everything you spoke about. KT tape, my Altaplex, dirty girls, and my injinjis. They make my long hikes awesome.

[@mtadams2009]

Thanks for sharing. I am a big fan of Zpacks and much of my gear is Zpacks. I too love Vaseline on my feet. It’s worth the effort for sure. Great to hear your Arc Blast has held up so well. That is the same pack I use. Take care

[@RS-pk4mp]

Injinjin toe socks and gear ties! Great little items. The toe socks have prevented 90% of my blisters (heaven!) and the gear ties, as Saoirse says, are multi-use. Light and flexible and so very useful. Tortoise

[@DamionJR4923]

My friend who runs 5 + marathons a year swears by the vasoline on the feet. He says he never gets blisters.

[@ChristopherMarshburn]

Instead of Vaseline I use Gold Bond Friction Defense on my feet (similar to Bodyglide) and it works pretty well too.

[@MikeJones-yr3tq]

Better still, "Trail Toes" ointment. Expensive but goes a long way. Rubs in beautifully. Not greasy. Smells good. Massage in every night before bed and it will condition the foot's (and hand's) skin and really help prevent blisters. Also the tape you want is "Luekotape". German made, best conformity and adhesion. Better (for feet) than moleskin, KT tape, athletic tape, etc. It breathes. Don't even think about putting duck tape on your feet.

[@justonemori]

I'm with you. Vaseline feels gross on your feet. At least you can get Gold Bond anywhere, unlike this mythical body glide I can't seem to find anywhere offline.

[@demaresta]

Great videos! Hope to see more. What are your favorite places to hike in Florida? FYI: darker bugnet is easier to see through

[@ritadecastro2344]

OMG thank you for sharing about the knee brace and KT tape, it's always been a fear of mine that I would injure my knees (I've dislocated my kneecaps twice playing sports), and this seems like a godsend solution! Thank you so so so much!

[@JohnDoe-mz1nk]

Gearing up mentally for an AT through-hike and have been hoping to find a solution for foot health. What worked for you sounds amazing, aside from not kicking off your shoes during breaks. Your suggestion resonates. I'm into it.

[@kmat7163]

i had never had knee issues until the 100 Mile Wilderness and my IT ban was so pain, KT taped, Stretching and a IT ban brace helped.

[@gregblankenship7584]

You have really nice nails and your voice is very soothing thank you for the gear recommendations

[@MysokStarobyly]

Ou thank you very much for the tip of knee brace. That's what I really need just now.🎉You are so great 👌

[@sharingtheadventure]

Great job young lady! Your videos come across very sincere and your joy shines through. Thanks for sharing your experience! :-)

[@geraldwald3473]

It's amazing that you kept backpacking after your first experience but glad you did. Keep going and providing information and perspective for us. Thanks.

[@freedompanda4055]

Great list, and I appreciate how you convey the reasons why you liked them. So diplomatic with the “awesome if it works for you, but wasn’t my thing” aspect! ~ Rawhide (PCT ‘11, UK 3 Peaks ‘14, Ireland Way ‘19)

[@Anon282828]

I really enjoyed your video - you are so open and honest about your challenges and clearly enjoy your hikes so much :-)

[@vthike]

Thank you for the helpful information.

[@johnalden5821]

I am also a boot person -- also because I need beaucoup ankle support. I once literally broke my ankle (hairline, but still) backpacking when I rolled it stepping off a rock on the AT. On a separate subject, I have considered doing the West Highland Way, or some other trail, in Scotland, but the thought of constant, unceasing rain (and that's what it looks like in all the videos) is a real deterrent. I can handle some rain, but having it be the centerpiece of the trip seems a real downer.

[@orangew3988]

Come to Scotland! Like, yes you can get constant rain, but also, I did the west Highland way over 8 days and it only rained for longer than an hour on one day. Honestly, it's the most incredible trail, not particularly challenging walking but amazing scenary, and you can tag on Ben Lomond or Ben Nevis if you want to get high. You can also do the Great Glen Way (Fort William to Inverness) as a continuation if you want a longer walk.

[@Victoria-pt4io]

Don’t let the rain scare you! I went in May 2019 and it was hot and sunny with no midges apart from maybe 3-4hrs on the last day. Yes, you may be more likely to get rain then other places around the world but they have plenty of sunny days as well.

[@chrishennemeyer7276]

I totally endorse those knees braces you used. As I recall, Amazon sells them for $15.00 or so and if you get one of those awful painful twinges under your kneecap, these things do the trick!

[@amywert8088]

This is an old video so who knows if you will ever read this BUT weak knees and back pain is likely to mean you need to support your adrenals. I use young living's endoflex and endogize. :)

[@Wondering_Fireball]

Totally agree about peeing in a bottle in the middle night. I also use the injinji sock liners with the darn tough stocks. I love my Altaplex tents. As for my pack I love my Lite AF pack.

[@mtadams2009]

I have a Arc Blast and have great things about Lite AF. I have yet to see one in person. I think the curve 40 would be a great pack for me. I need to wait a year or so because to be honest I have just replaced pretty much everything and my Blast is working very well. I will admit I like trying different gear. Enjoy that beautiful pack. Take care

[@Wondering_Fireball]

@@mtadams2009, I have changed my tent out for the Durston Xmid Pro 2 and have used it on 4 trips this year including a 10 day trip on the AT. It’s awesome.

[@alexwbanks70]

Thanks for sharing and great stuff you did share. All but one. Snow peak stove light and tiny? Look at the BRS. I know yours isn't the Jet Boil but you can get smaller.

[@bradfortner8921]

As a walking golfer I found Darn Tough, and I won't wear anything else now. They are absolute the best socks I've ever worn, and I can't even put a lifespan on them, because they last until you lose them.

[@tree_riot]

Nice video and informative! Love the idea of a backpack that doesn’t sit on your back.

[@douglasfry6112]

I hiked 2018! . I wear the the same pair of darn tough socks that I hiked in. Can't wear em out.

[@Riname-K]

Copper fit knee compression sleeves helped my knees and don’t feel as cumbersome, at least in my experience with knee pain .

[@MikeJones-yr3tq]

Knee braces are OK for knee pain. Squats are much better. Of course, you have to start doing those well in advance of hiking, and preferably before your knees start to hurt. A small tube of Diclofenac topical gel (Cataflam, Voltaren) is helpful too, much better than swallowing handfuls of ibuprofen or naproxen like many hikers do.

[@Corcioch]

@@MikeJones-yr3tq Squats may also be of absolutely no use depending on the mechanism, issue that is causing a persons knee pain, IT Band Pain, Patellofemoral Pain etc to begin with.

[@aleewoolley]

The PA section of the AT... "Where old boots go to die." 😂

[@WeStrikeBack1]

Do you ever hear about "hirschtalg" for your feet? I didn't know the Englisch name. In my military time everybody loves it for though weeks. And I think it's perfect for an thru hike.

[@BearTrekAdventures]

Nice video. Those socks are a lifesaver...love them.

[@carlfreeland5077]

It would be great if you added some pictures or video of the tent, stove etc. in use or of you wearing the pack, socks water proof trousers etc.

[@cammy484]

13:26 How is your zpacks brown? Is that an older colour they're not offering anymore?

[@KupoKaachan]

Might be the lightning. It looks to me like it'd be the green model

[@kayakinggrandmakelly7105]

I just went 11.5 miles and I think I have a toe blister.....I might try the toe liners, and Vaseline. I already use Darn Tough socks and I LOVE them!

[@CanHike]

Great info Saoirse! I too use injinji liner socks under darn tough socks and my blisters are a thing of the past! Pee bottle is a great idea that I’ll likely use in the future. Take care!

[@KB-re4ku]

Never have had blisters on my toes, fortunately. But injinji socks don’t fit my toes, they cause more problems for me. Custom orthotics have helped me the most overall (besides switching shoes out every 400-500 miles). Airing shoes/socks/feet out when opportune is also good.

[@johnvelas70]

For to solve blisters, soak your socks in vinegar, put them on & wear them till dry, next day do the same with rubbing alcohol. Then 1 more day of vinegar, it's an old loggers trick. For chilblains rub a HOT pepper on them.

[@victorgan347]

That's interesting...rub the hot pepper on the socks or feet?

[@janetpattison8474]

If you ever hike in the Adirondack mountains in New York state mosquitoes and especially blackflies can be a huge huge issue. Go prepared.

[@SanaurRehmanShahmir]

Your bug net really impressed me although I am a solo mountain hiker.

[@anamerrill1868]

Did you put Vaseline on under the tape everyday? How often did you need to apply it? Looking for good pointers on foot care for my thru hike

[@KB-re4ku]

At your 30 minute plus stops, take your shoes and socks off to breathe and dry out a bit.

[@MikeJones-yr3tq]

Try Trail Toes ointment. It stops blisters, conditions the skin of the foot, and absorbs well into the skin so tape will stick. Makes feet smell better too. Apply it every night before sleeping so it can soak in well.

[@benjaminbjrklund743]

Informative video! Ever thought about hiking Norway?

[@Backpacksandtrails]

Are your Injinji liners the wool ones of the regular?

[@johnhart5876]

Awesome... Thank you 👍👍

[@billy3c3]

How long did it take you to do the long path? I'm thinking about taking some time off work to do it

[@TomSwango]

What was in your cookset other than the stove?

[@anonymouscommenter2278]

My knee problems went away after I did the slow transition to zero drop shoes.

[@MikeJones-yr3tq]

Yes agreed but...for the trail those zero-drops need cushioning and a rock plate. I messed up my one of my metatarsals for a year after I hiked for a couple of weeks in Topos trail shoes, which felt great because my normal everyday shoes are mostly zero drop (Vivobarefoot, Lem's, Invisible Shoe). I was FLYIN' down the trail. So much so that I didn't realize until too late that a lug on the outsole was pushing right through that flexible midsole and insole and pounding the ball of my foot into hamburger.

[@RC-qf3mp]

My knee problems went away after transitioning from from keto to paleovegan, then from heel drop to zero drop shoes, then from white to black, and then from man to woman. Lastly, I transitioned from human to dolphin and no longer have knees. I just swim.

[@MrDangerUXO]

Great video, thanks for sharing. I just watched Chase Mountains KZbin video "Don't Let KNEE PAIN Stop you Hiking [IT Band Syndrome Fixed ON TRAIL!]" He has some smart solutions to helping with knee pain, also a routine you can try out.

[@justensidles6882]

Socks... So underated

[@wambatticus]

I’m trying to decide which zpacks tent I should buy. I’m pretty small (5’1 and 115 lbs) but I also have a medium sized dog who will be with me for most if not all hikes. He cuddles right up next to me, wondering if the plexamid would be an okay size, will only be used for sleeping. Or if I should go bigger?

[@SoloSummitDiaries]

I have bad knees as well. Did you wear IT Band and Mueller Knee Strap at the same time on the same knee, or did you rotate?

[@quicknarco8567]

Her new trail name is Pretty Feet !

[@robertclark8044]

Using Vaseline on your feet and never taking your shoes and socks off at breaks, did you have any troubles with athletes foot? I assume you removed the Vaseline each night with a baby wipe.

[@janetpattison8474]

The Vaseline barrier probably protects the feet from any fungal infection. She mentioned that she had no problems with her feet using the Vaseline and that they were in perfect condition.

[@rifflegear4378]

Thank you so much. This was very helpful. I’m wondering what type of sleeping bag and pad you used or ended up with as your favorites? Much appreciated.

[@RC-qf3mp]

Did you take teeth whitening on the AT? What’s your secret!?

[@Jamiescottsmith]

Great advice, thanks for sharing. I'd imagine you had to clean your feet pretty good every night to get the Vaseline off.

[@GuadalupePicasso]

You’d be surprised by how much of it the foot absorbs throughout the day, though, as a long-distance hiker, I do recommend washing the feet each night (I just use wipes).

[@pygmygiant]

I’m so prone to blisters around my toes but most of my toes are webbed (I think my mother was a duck) so I can’t wear toe socks and I’m so jealous of you lot who can

[@jasonhines4669]

Great review! Could you share a link to those knee braces?

[@lindsayslifecafe7569]

What was your AT trail name? Something to do with your perfect feet?! That would've been perfect. Haha

[@twocross]

How easily did the Vaseline wash out of your liners and socks?

[@labellaescrima1996]

just watch your video about gear you regretted, you have learned your lessons, good on you. You sound much more experienced and knowledgeable although you are still a beginners you still need to watch KZbin videos and learn from their experience it will save you a lot of pain and heartaches! You should not need to carry petroleum either you are not wearing proper boots or trail shoes or you seriously are not made to go hiking. Keep doing it soon enough you will be the one we will learn from. Cheers

[@edkokosko1759]

Outstanding video. Love your insights. I will make sure I check out the rest of your videos. Smart move on your knees. Believe me 6'4" and way too fat. Hell when I was skinny still had bad knees. The military should take notes from you on foot care. Great job.

[@MrTmax74]

Thanks for sharing her share :-)

[@Rose-co3cp]

Great information I can use. I am seriously looking at the ARC Blast because how light it is and the addons. Thanks

[@lafrips2253]

I’m distracted by your books! Can’t read the titles! 😆

[@MikeJones-yr3tq]

Steven Pinker? James Bond? Richard Dawkins? Fight Club? Not her books, that's her dad's bookshelf. But then again...Daphne Du Maurier...

[@mlk08012]

I see “Hiking Through”.

[@Edward2092009]

Darwin won't hike without sock liners and gaiters.

[@MikeJones-yr3tq]

Darwin ditched the gaiters.

[@savlewis]

Please make a KZbin channel!!!

[@Ice-Fall]

How gear has changed since Grandma Gatewood. lol

[@lightwalker4558]

Very nice gear update. Thanks. Those Mueller Jumper's Knee Straps are the bomb. I tried a half dozen other/larger braces before discovering these. BTW, shouldn't you be in H.S.?

[@RC-qf3mp]

I use the same bug net to rob banks when I can’t find my grandma’s pantyhose.

[@redllpallme9342]

everyone things I was crazy for peeing n bottle n my tent ....glad to see someone else dose it

[@xPumaFangx]

WEll I things u super. Because to thing u crazy is stupid. Those who thing is better than those who think.

[@redllpallme9342]

what

[@janetpattison8474]

Guys pee in bottles all the time, so ????

[@xPumaFangx]

@@janetpattison8474 Nothing wrong with that at all. Everyone has peed into a bottle at least once in their lives.

[@xPumaFangx]

@@redllpallme9342 whooosh!

[@jasejjohnson5386]

Maybe this is not cool to say,but u are one of (if not thee)hotest red head I've ever seen.you are mesmerizing!!!.love the keltic name too.just stubbled across your channel.which is weird cuz I watch backpacking KZbin channels all the time.cool stuff so far.

[@tombrown6628]

Darwin actually got rid of his gators 🐊! I hate even the tiniest Little Rock in my 👞!

[@AggyGoesOutdoors]

Bad blisters and bad knees, sounds like the root of your problem is your shoes maybe?

[@KB-re4ku]

That or maybe she needs custom orthotics.

[@aikirunner]

I heard boots. That’s the problem. Ditch the boots.

[@janetpattison8474]

She resolved all her foot issues & stated she loves her boots.

[@AggyGoesOutdoors]

@@janetpattison8474 I'm not exactly sure slathering your feet in vaseline and having to wear knee support braces is so much addressing the underlying issue so much as applying a plaster afterwards, but thanks for the comment.

[@MikeJones-yr3tq]

Actually the root of the problem was...inexperience. We all go through it. Feet toughen and muscles strengthen if you stick with it long enough.

[@markcummings6856]

👍

[@zanthornton]

Yes I like that pee in tent in a bottle !

[@justonemori]

I've never used a go girl. As a guy I think it may be akward and unnecessary, just like a dirty pee rag.

[@victorgan347]

That jingling in the background...I think it's a cat...

[@nathansharp3193]

Ahhh... I don't want to make a comment about how beautiful she is. I prefer to make a decent contribution to the conversation. ...Gear Ties!... if you're a hammock camper and want a dual purpose item that pretty much rocks, consider a 32-inch Gear-Tie! It'll hold your odds&ends during the day and also function as a phone holder at night (like HangTime Hook). Even without cell-service you can watch and edit some awesome pics you took throughout the day without having to hold your phone the whole time. And I suppose it works in a similar fashion for tenters with an internal ridgeline. ...And she's super-cute too! 😊 🤦‍♂️

[@RandyDePasquale]

I’m a hammock camper and that gear tie does sound pretty damn helpful because I’m always hanging things from my riding. But it might be time to work on your impulse control, Nathan. I don’t want to do this thing that I’m already doing. Oh and I’ll do it again one more time.

[@victorgan347]

I think people are getting too uptight about the commenting on looks thing. You see something pretty, you wanna express it. What's the harm? Long as the actual topic doesn't get lost...

[@RandyDePasquale]

@@victorgan347 “Something pretty?” This is a person who made this video to help inform, not be called a “something” and be visually assessed by strangers. In this comment I was replying to I was particularly puzzled by the feigned resistance to saying something and then just doing it anyway.

[@victorgan347]

@@RandyDePasquale Ha, I knew when I was wording that someone would take offense to it, and here you are!

[@RandyDePasquale]

@@victorgan347 Sorry to break it to you Nostradamus, but I’d already expressed criticism here so that’s not exactly prescience.

[@GromtKromkakejern]

I HEAR A KITTY

[@fradee2830]

I swear I'm not one of those weird people into feet...but at 5:17 I wanted to see your feet.

[@lettingthebearout7528]

“Perfect little baby feet”…so cute. I have the ugliest feet.

[@Andy-Mesa]

People love Frogg Toggs jackets, everyone agrees the pants are worthless.

[@Epitome63]

I despise Frog Toggs. Overpriced Tyvek.

[@pursuitoftruth7938]

You are adorable!! I don't know if you are single, but if you are, I would love for you to meet my grandson.