One Night, Two Flat UberLites

[@ThermaRest]

Hi Dixie, We’re so sorry to hear about the poor experience you had with your UberLites and we appreciate you bringing it to our attention. We want to assure you and our thru-hike community that we stand behind the quality of every product we make and support them with a limited lifetime warranty. In order to keep as much gear as possible on the trail and out of the landfill, we attempt to repair any warrantied Therm-a-Rest gear at our repair shop in Seattle, WA. Our repairs team works their hardest to repair all damaged gear in a timely fashion so it can get back on the trail as soon as possible. Unfortunately, at the height of backpacking season this can take a few weeks. Please note that sleep pads tend to take longer to repair than most products because we leave them inflated for 48 hours after the repair is complete to double check the integrity of our repair. Since we know our gear is relied upon every single day while on the trail and a few weeks turnaround is not quick enough, especially for thru-hikers, we offer to send out loaner pads while yours is being repaired (this is usually a Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite). We truly apologize if this wasn’t mentioned when you spoke to our customer service team initially. Please reach back out to us as soon as you’re able so that you and your mother can rest better.

[@chuckborghoff8443]

I wonder if Thermarest realizes that over 200,000 potential customers will learn that the Uberlite may not be a great choice. Not a good decision to treat a thru hiker this way.

[@rkf2746]

Not a good decision to treat anybody that way, regardless of their status.

[@backpackingrannie5088]

Even more glad that I bought an Outdoor Vitals pad. If that happened to one of theirs I bet they would walk it out to the PCT.

[@quailypoes]

Agreed ahahah. If they end up watching this video, there's going to be so much cringing in the office. Hopefully they'll reevaluate their customer service standards XD

[@kyle103]

Uberlites are also a new product that are super popular at the moment. They were sold out for months when they first hit the market. Odds are there just weren't any available. I've heard nothing but great things about their customer service from a few dozen hikers.

[@ginginami]

That's what I was thinking. Bet they would have reacted differently if they knew who she was

[@CaminoDreams]

Very disappointing to hear about the Thermarest response...makes me think twice about purchasing one.

[@rgmALC]

Aussie HikerTrash The regular on their site is out of stock. Maybe her Moms is a regular size and thus the long wait. Only reason I can think of. Otherwise Therm-a-Rest is usually very good with warranties.

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Andrew C Nope. They said mail it in with a form and they would be back with me in 4-6 weeks. Even after explaining the situation of not having 4-6 weeks to wait. No mention of certain things not being in stock at all. I wish that was the explanation :/

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

My xlite has been wonderful! I went back to it. I would just be sure to purchase from REI so you can return up to a year if you need to with no questions asked.

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Andrew C Even if they would have offered to look at it and see if it could be repaired, I would have been satisfied. If they determined it was covered under warranty, cool. If not, I would have been willing to pay. No offers of loaner pads, refunds, pay for repair, etc. No options were given other than return with a form and give them 4-6 weeks.

[@Jimbo-pm1dp]

DIXIE....this deal with yur uberlites is BS....I dont think you talked to the right person....I for one wont be buying from them after this...if they dont stand behind their products any better than that....they might otta take notice of how many subscribers you have....if yu know what I mean.....they should have overnited two new pads to your next town or pickup point....take care of your mom and faithful dog...stay safe....Kansas City here !!!

[@armadillerff]

I want to thank you a million times for your coverage of various sleeping pads. I bought a Klymit Static V Recon and it has changed my life in the field. I took it to a JRTC rotation with the Army and everyone made fun of me for my fancy princess pad. Three weeks later when we came out of the field eight guys from my unit bought one on Amazon before we even left Ft. Polk. Literally the best $49 I have ever spent in my life.

[@BrianEllefritz]

Having run social listening programs for a couple major brands, shame on Thermarest if they haven’t spotted this video and these comments. Dixie, you are the epitome of a social influencer and all outdoor brands should be hanging on your every word. Kudos to you for not playing the “do you know who I am?” card when you called them. And yes to REI... champs in the returns department.

[@lisaray6493]

Brian Ellefritz I agree about REI. They have real integrity!

[@rosm6621]

Wow,....... Therm A Rest missed out on a great PR opportunity for the nearly 200,000 subscribers who not only watch your videos, but often make their purchases based on your success. Sad

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Ros M Their Xlite has been my favorite pad so far-never had issues! But yeah, I wasn’t aware of their delay in customer service. I’ll just make sure that anything I buy from them in the future will be through REI, so I know I’m protected one way or another.

[@peaksandpaws]

It's so good to see you back on trail. I had the same issue with my Klymit pad on the JMT, but I contacted them and they immediately sent me a new pad to my next resupply location, which was Vermillion. They didn't even want the old pad back until I got back home. That was pretty cool of them!

[@lb6038]

Yes, Klymit has hands-down the best customer service of any outdoor gear company I've worked with. The problem is, you're going to have to use it. Every time, for every product. I've never had a Klymit product that didn't fail within the first 3 uses. They always send me a new one though! I don't purchase their products anymore, however.

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Wow! That’s awesome. Great customer service for sure.

[@helok9]

I copied and tagged the video on thermarests Facebook page for all to see.

[@OrangeCrusader]

I don't see it anywhere on their page, but I like the effort.

[@helok9]

Hmmmm, wonder if they took it down?

[@Jump2218]

Excellent! I might do it again!

[@darylfleischer]

Woohoo! Been waiting on these. Safe travels!

[@tabliechty9318]

Akward Turtle ..lol !! So glad to have you back. Your mom must be an amazing women. She raised a most grace filled daughter.

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Tab Liechty Thank you! I think she’s pretty great :) It’s good to be back on trail ❤️

[@AlvinTRoberts]

They missed an opportunity to have you tell thousands of people how phenomenal their customer service is...now we all know their customer service stinks. Way to go Thermarest! Way to make the best of a golden opportunity.

[@cameronpratt7686]

You are the reason I got my family out hiking so a big thank you to you and you are a huge inspiration

[@melissapoor7734]

Dixie on the trail!!! This made my day. RE: Fancy: I took my dog on a hiking/camping trip and she got very tired with very sore feet the first day after about 6 or 7 miles of hiking (piney woods of East Texas, 95 + degrees), but she rallied the next day, and by the third day she was raring to go. I'm not sure if she would have done as well with constant sun exposure at elevation, but they do tend to adjust more quickly than we do, and I think the water and shade breaks were exactly what she would need to in order to adjust. Thanks for sharing all this with us!

[@YaYaLee]

Shame on therma rest. I’ll definitely keep that in mind as I’m buying gear for my AT hike in 2020

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Lee I do love my neoair Xlite! I’d just buy from someone like REI that has a good return policy just in case :)

[@bzzb8]

I had no problem with them in '16 on the AT. they called the outfitter in town but they where out of them asked me what town I was hitting next so they could mail there. just told me to cut it with a knife, take a pic of it and email it to them. they did run me around til I told em was a thru hiker

[@jeriatrix4526]

Thermarest responded three hours ago (8:30 PM 6/27 here in Denver right now.) If I were you Dix the only response I'd accept is "where can we send two new pads". No further discussion!

[@hervezaragoza5321]

It's not the first time I hear about Thermarest "expensive" mats issues. This company should react better against the great disappointment of a lot of customers. Dixie it's always a pleasure to follow you and friends / mom / dog on the tracks you share with us. Keep going !

[@raymondcrain3668]

Great stuff! I am an old GA boy and have been following your adventures since the AT. Wow! Just a note - dogs control their body temperature primarily by panting but they also sweat to cool off but only through their paw pads. If you are in the dessert with your dog, it might be a good idea to take the shoes off when resting and chillin in the shade to help them in cooling down. She is doing great! (Note: I am a veterinarian. When we cool dogs down that are at or near heat stress, we primarily wet their feet and provide cool moving air. With heat stroke, we treat much more aggressively and it will involve careful but short ice baths as well.)

[@johnrogers5825]

Thermarest should have top customer service with how expensive their gear is. Not impressed Thermarest. Hey Dixie, many followers here in Australia will be worried about Thermarest now. A good nights sleep is so important.

[@gaj5701]

Have a look at the sea to summit ultralight pads in Oz, more comfortable than the equivalent Thermarest for a side sleeper/wriggler & the insulated version is warmer in colder environments too 👍

[@johnrogers5825]

@@gaj5701 Will do, thanks mate.

[@gaj5701]

@@johnrogers5825 No worries, one thing I will say is don't bother with the inflation sack as people seem to struggle with the connection to the valve & then say the whole pad is rubbish. It only takes me 7 breaths to inflate it so it's hardly the most difficult thing on earth to do & mine stayed fully inflated in the spare room at my house for over a month (friend slept on it after a party then pushed it under the bed when he left).

[@mattb4796]

Another light option is klymit v (recon model i think) . Pros- tough material, good for side sleepers, packs down well, good price point. Con-low r value unless you get the insulated model which is twice the weight. Thermo always a bit exy for me. Cheers

[@nancyb.7541]

Wonderful to see how you made your dog's comfort a priority and not an afterthought. Thanks Dixie, for showing what responsible pet ownership looks like.

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Nancy B. Thank you! She’s my baby :)

[@reed.k.h]

I heard about your channel through some friends who hiked the PCT in 2018, and I’ve been loving following you on your hikes. Thanks for inspiring me to start my own adventure channel! Thumbs up for Dixie & Fancy!

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

KobraHamson Thank you so much!! I appreciate that. Congrats on your channel 😃😃

[@margeryk000]

So excited to see you on the trail again! That star time lapse was awesome. Thanks for sharing. Keep up the great work. ATB : )

[@suzannehedderly1331]

Ohhh How I’ve missed these videos! The breathtaking scenery, the critters, the laughing. And Fancy’s EYES! I was lololing!!! I think Fancy is dreaming of her nice cool, comfortable dog bed at home. 😄 Your Moms doing great. I want to try hiking so bad. I was in REI today looking at a pack.

[@HikingwithGus]

Hey Dixie, I wear compression socks as well. I find they work better as the first layer and then wear Darn Toughs over them. The compression socks are to slick to stay up over any other base other than skin. At least that's what I have found.

[@speygeek]

That underwater shot of the slowly moving algae 👌🏻❤️ thank you Dixie for the views and being a super doggy mommy! I hope you sort out that sleeping pad problem 😕

[@quailypoes]

other than thermarest shooting themselves in the foot with their customer service (or lack thereof) regarding the pad... this video was so happy and sweet and good! thank you for sharing your continued adventures, and Awkward Turtle is the most precious little pupper

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

captain237 I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thank you so much for watching.

[@lalabrooke2250]

Great to see you back on trail! I've been super happy with my Sea to Summit Etherlight Insulated pad. It's a bit heavier than Thermarest, but sturdy, and it's the first time my hip hasn't touched the ground when sleeping on my side. And my pillow stays on it!

[@funbluerider]

Love to see you back on the trail. How stupid can Thermarest be? Pretty stupid apparently.

[@kyle103]

Uberlites are also a new product that are super popular at the moment. They were sold out for months when they first hit the market. Odds are there just weren't any available. I've heard nothing but great things about their customer service from a few dozen hikers.

[@betsyb1374]

@@kyle103 Do you work for thermarest? Lol

[@kyle103]

@@betsyb1374 Nope. Just trying to be level headed about a company that has had nothing but good press for 30 years about their customer service.

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Kyle Maybe it could be repaired and doesn’t need replaced? Or even the offer of a refund if they find the defect is covered under warranty? I would’ve been good with some options. You can’t just leave someone hanging for 4-6 weeks, though. I love my xlite and I have never had issues that weren’t my fault (I repaired easily in the field), but I’d suggest folks buy from someone like REI that has a good return policy so you’re not left stranded in the middle of a trip if there’s an issue.

[@petekeener8943]

@@HomemadeWanderlust and even if they were out of stock, it wouldn't take 4 to 6 weeks to make one or two and you'd think they'd want to get those first ones to a good customer having a problem before worrying about getting more sold.

[@getouttheretoursandtravel]

Love the edits of you and your Mom and Fancy on the trail. And the time lapses..wow!! Great footage! Glad to have you back on the trail!

[@mikeholmes5824]

Sorry about the sleeping accommodations but very happy to see you back on the trail. Didn't realize how much I missed your soft spot for nature at work until I watched this episode today. You can't be too far from 200,000 subscribers now. Hang in there, Mom, you're doing great. And you can tell your class all about "how you spent your summer vacation".

[@bettyjorodgers8552]

Thanks for sharing with you mom. My son and I hike together. Much, much shorter trails. Betty from TN...but born in AL. Praying for you all. Blessings

[@vivoutdoors]

Hi Dixie! Just wanted to share a little dog knowledge is all. Dogs regulate their body temperature thru their paw pads and by panting. During your rest times consider removing her shoes and letting her lick her pads or walk in a stream to bring her core temp down. You guys are doing great! Much respect.

[@nathandolenc554]

Awkward Turtle is a great trail name!

[@Mtnsunshine]

How wonderful to get to share the trail with your mom and pup. ❤️. Some great, great memories being created together. 👍. And you are the best mom/caretaker to Fancy Mae. You took such good care of her! Well done 👍.

[@AndrewParkOutdoors]

Good to see you back out doing what you do best Jess, I had a similar problem with two well used and years old neo airs in the UK. Sent to Ireland for repair and lo and behold they sent me two brand new ones within a week, i was impressed I have to say, shame your local US support isn't up to the same standard !

[@jake79heiser]

I have a neo air and it came with a slow leak. Their customer response was "it'll take a month for you to get a new one" this is the second mat I've had from that had defects.

[@kanamichelle7404]

SO GREAT to see you back on trail and watch your amazing videos! GO MOM! And Fancy is going to be a whole new dog by the end of this. She is being very brave. Missed you and good to see you back.

[@PerfDayToday]

Welcome to Cascade Designs (parent company of Thermarest MSR and Platypus brands) customer service. Last winter I had a Platypus hydration bag with a faulty weld at two seams and was leaking. I went onto their website, filled out an online warranty form and waited for a reply. Nothing. I filled out a second online warranty form, msg stated my email was received, but like you Dixie, 6-8 weeks before a reply would be sent. (Do they not know Amazon is across town in Seattle and once Amazon sees your return merchandise label scanned in UPS, etc, they credit your credit card right then and there) Anyway, many weeks went by, I finally called, oh we never got any of your emails was the reply. Looks like I’m done buying Cascade Designs gear in this two-day Amazon Prime world we all live in. Buh bye CD!

[@amysthe-wise-one8493]

I had the same problems with Gregory. I submitted two forms asking some specific questions regarding a product (because I wanted to spare myself some headaches on the front end) and never heard back from them. I waited weeks and nada. I heard from a survey firm asking how the service was - and never back from Gregory products themselves. Really? I am most glad to leave glowing reviews for amazing service - but will, on occasion, speak up and out on enormous C/S failures. If their items didn't fit me brilliantly I'd have sold my stuff at a loss and gone somewhere else. Ignoring questions and problems from customers is a sure-fire way to lose business to competitors in this rattlesnake eat rattlesnake world.

[@PerfDayToday]

Amys The-Wise-One agreed, so simple to reach out!

[@Nixdorf]

David G Perfectdaycalendar exactly same thing happed on me. Submitted the online form, waited for 4 to 6 weeks, nothing came back. Submitted another one directly by using email to email, no reply as well. One of the reason I buy their product simply because they claimed they will stand behind their product, but apparently not. I’m not rushing to get it repair or replaced, but at least give me a respond, I’m just like talking to the air.

[@PerfDayToday]

Nix Leong wow, exact problem I had.

[@todd.mitchell]

Your mom is a cutie! You two look like twins. One time I even asked my wife, "Which one is that? I can't tell them apart." This might be our favorite video of yours so far, and we've watched pretty much all of them. So great to see you hiking together. Oh, and after reading this to my wife before posting it, she said to add, "Cute dog!"

[@yanapetiet4581]

The boots for the dog are definitely helping with the stoney paths, but when resting you could take them off to help with sweating.

[@annizhan3171]

Fancy seems to like this life. 😊 I wanted to mention that you never know what will inspire you. I accidentally found your vid from the AT this past spring and I was hooked. I've always loved hiking but being a single mom there is no way I can make a longer hike at the moment. The irony of the situation is that there is a 360 km trail only 10 min walk from my house! It loops around so you can start and finish where ever you want! I have gone on day hikes only but a few weeks ago I became a "trail host" and I am now responsible for the up keep and maintenance of about 10 km of Gästrikeleden as it's called. 😊 And all this from watching an hour long self documentary from the AT-trail. 😊

[@chelseadanielle1464]

I traded in my ThermaRest NeoAir Xlite for an Exped Synmat HL and have never looked back! I have the Med/Wide version bc I'm a side sleeper and it weighs 15 oz, just 3oz more than a regular width thermarest. It's crazy comfortable and doesn't make the awful potato chip bag noise! I've used it multiple times camping in the prickly Nevada desert with no ground sheet under my tent and it's holding strong, no leaks. Also, your mom and dog are the sweetest! Hopefully someday my mom will come backpacking with me!

[@johndavidson6867]

I can't believe that anybody would be skipping any part of your journey, but it is nice of you to put the time stamps in for who ever that might be. Me, I just love watching you on your current, past and hopefully future hiking endeavors, take care and stay safe.

[@KimberlyGreen]

Awww yasss, the mother-daughter adventure commences. This is gonna be grand!

[@ChiefinGuam]

Definitely looked like an awesome overnight trip. I'm disappointed about the Thermarest, I was just about the pull the trigger on one, but I think I'll go a different path. Thanks for sharing!

[@kylejones2318]

I use a klymit static V Luxe it's not light, but it is definitely durable. Only saying this if someone is looking for a pad. I shared a hotel room with two other people, and I opted to sleep on the floor, just because of how comfortable it is. I've also had a tree root underneath me, and it still held up. I used it for 270 miles on the AT, only left due to stress fracture on my foot, but I am returning this year.

[@RMEADE]

Wet her ear flaps and her paw pads. Most of a dog's sweat glands are in her paws, and cooling these down may help lower her temperature. Love your videos. Happy tales.......

[@kevinrose3096]

Happy to see you back on the trail. I had been considering a Thermarest for my next sleeping pad but not now.

[@walkingwriter4325]

Those are super beautiful sky shots starting at the 5:29 mark! Glad you're all enjoying the hike. When you had first mentioned many videos ago that you were going back to the PCT to fill in fire closures, I thought you were volunteering for some type of trail maintenance (ha ha). Safe travels to all! : )

[@nlivers421]

It makes me incredibly happy that get to share this with your mom. And it is so, so good to see you back on the trail!

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Nicholas Livers It’s SO good to be back!!

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Thank you :)

[@athiker7209]

I recently threw away two Thermarests, probably their originals. They had the the metal valve. They lasted almost 25 years. The full length one had developed a weak spot around the valve, but was always repairable, even out on the trail. I would deflate, tighten valve, make the repair and do some camp chores. That night I was back in business. They were pretty heavy duty for a self inflating pad. But I think I'll stay away from these ultra light models. I have a Z-Lite pad, that I use now for a seat pad too. Don't have to worry about leaks. Plus, I alternate between tent and hammock camping. Thanks for sharing your trip with us.

[@steveo4436]

Hi Dixie, I got through the rock slide mile 172.4 July 16. I shimmed through the crack while a fellow hiker took my pack over the top. I’m 71 and couldn’t climb over. Glad when that was over. Love your videos!

[@johnc7532]

I was literally thinking of picking up one of those pads. I will be avoiding theses and possibly Therm-a-Rest.

[@hibrie]

Wow I'm surprised by that response from TheraRest and won't be buying any of their products because of your experience. Customer support is the single most effective way to create a positive experience and they missed the chance with you! What a shame! I hope they see these comments and change their priorities. So glad you're back on the PCT and vlogging! What an adventure to have your mom and pup along with you. Can't wait to see more. Good luck!

[@HikeMoab]

Really love your editing style. Its very dynamic and organic. Awesome videos.

[@nellers31]

I had forgotten how beautiful the PCT is. My boys are going to be so happy to get to watch your hiking videos again! Thanks for sharing your adventure.

[@MmmmmmmmmmmMm15]

I’m on the PCT right now... I HAVE an Uberlite & I got the slow leak within a day of using it. I use a foam pad underneath. I have to re-inflate it every 2-3 hours. THE UBERLITE IS COMPLETE JUNK

[@SJ-ki1ts]

Seriously? I have the same setup and I'm starting the PCT next week. Might have to rethink my pad now

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Oh nooo 😢 Have you tried reaching out to them? Seems some people are having great luck and others not so much.

[@Jimbo-pm1dp]

@@HomemadeWanderlust Dixie....I would call again and talk to someone with some authority....they should ship you two new pads of your choice with an appoligy !@!

[@thomaswhitten2537]

I guess it's best to test the new equipment at the house first. Everyone's gotten caught by defective equipment so don't worry about. Looks like the PCT makes DeSoto National Forrest look tame! :)

[@gegx313]

Hah! Not a great boon for thermarest. Surprised by their bad customer service! Wont be buying anything from them again:) Sorry that happened to you two!! Sleeping at night without a deflated pad is hard stuff. I had to do that a few nights on the AT when my pad gave up on me

[@blueeyeswhitedragon9839]

I subscribed because I enjoyed the Mom/daughter dynamics, the scenery, the lack of the constant gear displays, but mostly because I have grown children and can relate to your Mom on the trail. Also, I have two dogs, so I love when dogs are included in the video. Too bad about the sleeping mats!

[@pawncow]

Your cinematography is becoming much more professional and even more enjoyable to watch--kudos for the camera work and the post processing. Obviously you guys keep learning as you go!

[@frank-to7lu]

Best commentary of any hiking blogger. Nice to have Dixie back on the trail.

[@spiveh]

So happy to see you back out on the trail! Glad to see that you still have your wit and charm while chronicling this part of your journey! Looking forward to the next one!

[@hearsthewater]

When I heard that bit about Thermarest all I could think of was that line that Bill Murry says in Ghostbusters 2: "Oh Johnny, did you back the wrong horse!" I can't help but wonder if they had any idea who they were talking to. You are honest with us, and not mean or vengeful, so I feel like I can trust your word. If I were in the market for a sleeping mat, I surely would NOT buy that one.

[@toniagrantham160]

I was so happy to see your video today! Happy Hiking! ❤️

[@nowakezoneforever6021]

Ahhhhh.... jonesing ceases with a fresh video. Fortunately my top four ‘tubers all tend to post on different days of the week. Nice job, Jessica. Looking forward to the trek. Bravo to your mom, too!

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Nowakezone Forever Thank you so much!

[@fyisense9312]

Welcome back to California. I heard your mom say something about her hip. I went hiking in the Joshua Tree monument about a month ago and of all the things that hurt the most it was my hips. I'm 68 years old and several people I know have either broken their hips and or had replacement surgery.

[@sx5r]

I had a similar problem with my XLite - it ended up being the glued seam. Even using the „pump it up, put it underwater“ method it took me 15 mins to find it, its very subtle. So i taped it and sent it in after the trip. ThermARest did not replace it but in the span of like 4 weeks did repair it. It did not feel like super customer support either, but since I am otherwise happy with the mat, it‘s still in use ^^

[@AkkaVoskuil]

Time flies! I had no idea you were out there already. Love to see your mom and Fancy too! Fancy seems to get more confident with hopping over things as the video goes along haha.

[@nowakezoneforever6021]

Look who has over 200K subscribers!!!! Way to go Jessica!! Congratulations to you, your success is well-deserved. Thank you for all the work that goes into making Homemade Wanderlust successful.

[@gavinquearns3968]

I purchased a Big Agnes air core from a used gear store in Seattle. I’m from the UK and when it developed a slow leak Big Agnes sent me their new updated pad as a replacement to my house. I hope thermarest take some notes from other companies offering much better service

[@bud11729]

Nice video, thanks for letting us experience that amazing scenery with you.

[@rkatrails]

You're the best! So glad to see you out there again, especially the PCT.

[@johneason6540]

Great to see you on trail again. Hooray to mom and fancy also. I'm sure this will be fun!!!

[@Clifford_C]

I live in So.cal and i hike in warm weather with my long hair 40lb Wheaton terrier at times. The Ruffwear cooling vest was a game changer for us. That vest works. It’s worth the carry weight, my dog is noticeably more happier in warm weather with that on.

[@HikingwithGus]

Wow, Thermarest might want to reconsider their customer service....

[@dougpetty67]

It is so good to see you back in your element. Your happiness is contagious. More Mom. I love her! All things, are right in the world again.

[@peteprevenas4323]

This is awesome!!! Love love love the family hike... making memories.... so happy for the two of you!!!

[@SectionHikingTheAT]

Wow- therm-a-rest blew it on this one. Are they aware that 200,000 viewers now understand they cannot effectively exchange their gear while on trail?

[@trailheart1863]

Awesome video ! happy 😃 glad to see you on trail again . Sorry to hear about your sleep mats 🙁 I’ve never owned any Therm-a-Rest so I can’t comment, but I can say I like all 3 of my Exped mats and the schnozzel pump sack fill system. Hopefully Therm-a-Rest will eventually come thru for you.

[@MTknives]

So glad to see videos from the trail again! And you Mom is very entertaining as well! :D

[@amysthe-wise-one8493]

Thermarest told you that on their pads? Wow. Talk about a C/S fail. Good thing they are too narrow for my axe handle width shoulders. Looks like I'm sticking with the other brand I've been looking at that actually stands behind their gear. Darn shame. And FancyMae.... she's so adorable. Seriously adorable. And bless her sweet heart when she was asleep and soaked to rest under y'all's umbrellas to get out of the immediate heat. Finally... Good going Mom! Look at her powering up there and hiking those hills. Rock on, Mom!

[@Woods_Hiker]

very good video. Glad to see you were proactive brought Fancy some booties. :) Not only can the ground be hot but there can be sharp rock formations. Also nice you got fam to accompany you. Now they see 1st hand what you do throughout the day on a thru hike 👍

[@mikehamilton3833]

Great to see you and Mom on the trail. Hello from Gordon, Texas. Good luck and safe hiking. Rattlesnake haven there. Also, Thermorest totally blew the customer service you needed. Check them off the list.

[@txhypnotist]

Thanks Dixie for taking me along on your video. Really enjoy seeing & hearing you ventures. Wishing you well.

[@bearanoia673]

I've used mine twice, so far so good ~ knock on wood 😉 I'm getting ready for another trip and checked it today just to make sure, since seeing your video. 🤞🤞 Hope they make it right!! Have fun with your mom & Fancy!

[@Alanguz1]

Thermarest may want to rethink their customer service. So glad that you and your mom are experiencing this 😀

[@Kittycat822]

I have the same problem with those shoes and ankle socks. Can’t wear them I’m fishing my socks out all time and end up taking them off. So crew socks only

[@ericwiitala5407]

Great video! Fancy did great!! What a pretty girl! There should be no such thing as a "delicate pad". Going to get another pad, I'm going to check that one off the list. That's right!!! Don't knock it till ya try it!! Gotta do what ya gotta do! 👍

[@christianracine5530]

Straight up as always! Just getting Murdoch my 9 month old bernadoodle used to his gear and good to see some pooch reality. @Thermarest I've taken an Xtherm through thick and thin for 5 years. Wanted to buy an Uberlite for summer UL trips, but the out of the box failures are starting to stack up. If you're going to gamble with the UL, at least give us the quick trade in at any store, or better yet individual pad QA. Call the investment advertising money and it's worth its weight in gold.

[@cgriggsiv]

Thermarest is starting to decline very rapidly and their customer service from what I've been reading lately on the web and on KZbin

[@tittiger]

Thanks for the heads up Dixie/Jessica. I WAS considering buying one. I hope people are putting this info on the review at places like REI.

[@DaniRichii]

I’m so inspired by your videos and it’s so great that you brought your dog along

[@open-road]

I guess I’ll be dumping my thermarest gear for a better brand that is willing to help when their product fails. Good to know how a company really operates!

[@buddymandery2896]

Nemo tensor ! Lol thermarest should know that you are the queen of hiking. Bad publicity on that one.

[@buddymandery2896]

I mean realistically it would be interesting to know how many sleeping pads your videos have sold for them. I garantee it is more than any one of their salespeople.

[@matthewk3228]

L B I wonder if it matters at this point...this video tipped the scales against me buying the UberLite and them offering to replace her pad won’t change the pad’s durability. I can’t imagine I’m alone in this.

[@lb6038]

@@matthewk3228 I get what you mean; I feel the same way. I wasn't going to buy an uberlite anyway, but I think the more damaging thing here is not that the product was faulty, but that the service was sub-par. I have other products from thermarest that I like, but I won't continue to purchase their products if the customer service is going to be bad when I need it. I think they can still save some face here but making it right with Dixie.

[@gregparrott]

L B .Even if they respond for Dixie, that their 'standard' policy is for customers to wait SIX WEEKS for them to determine whether or not to cover it under warranty earns a an "F" for customer service. I have 4 Thermarests, including a NeoAir Xlite. I've never tested their warranty, but I now know it is dismal. My Xlite already seems thin. The Uberlite shaves another 25% (3 ounces). That shave may be too close to the edge.

[@CloverHikes]

I love my Tensor. And it isnt so noisy.

[@latebloomhiker3128]

That plant at the beginning is a Wooly Blue Curls... Trichostema lanatum! I grow it in my front yard!🌷🌷I had the same experience with my Uberlite. Fortunately I bought at REI.

[@jimwilliams2753]

So nice to see you back on trail. That is a ridiculous turn around time on your Thermarest pad. Good luck and will be watching

[@seekernotlost3815]

I love, Love, LOVE the scenery. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

seekernot lost Thank you for watching!

[@janehubbard434]

Hi Dixie...you might want to loosely put a white lightweight cover on AT (Awkward Turtle) to reflect the heat absorbed by her black hair. Might keep her cooler. Just a thought. Have yourself the best time out there.. Happy trails..Ouzel

[@piste-olero]

Thanks Dixie, another great video. Hey Thermarest! Big mistake... HUGE!!! Everybody, spread the word...

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Time Stamps! Therm-A-Rest NeoAir Uberlite Updates: - First Night - 04:51 06:54 - Therm-A-Rest Response - 10:21 Chronological Time Stamps: 00:00 Getting to The Trail 02:02 The Plan/Location 02:48 Rattlesnake 03:25 Footsteps Connected 03:54 Setting up Camp 04:51 Flat Sleeping Pad 06:00 Managing My Dog Fancy's Pack Weight 06:54 Sleeping Pad Update 07:39 Rattlesnake 08:00 Fancy's Shoes 08:40 Would I Thru-hike Through a Desert With A Dog? 10:21 Therm-A-Rest Response 12:35 Road Walk Around Rock Slide 14:25 Connecting Footsteps/The End

[@cgriggsiv]

And your fur baby is doing really good on a trail I'm very proud of her or him I forget You have done a fantastic job on training

[@JoMoClimber]

I am taking my Uberlite out this weekend for its first trip. Hopefully I have better luck with mine than you did with yours! But thanks for the heads up!

[@pablobulldog]

I NEVER set my alerts to all...cept for this trip!

[@edwinharvie6174]

Dixie - looks like you may have found the limit of ultra-light inflatable pads. Time to go back to the heavier duty version. Your mom is awesome!