Rethinking Gear at Neels Gap & Visiting Hiawasee, GA Appalachian Trail 2024 Thru-Hike Day: 4

Hello! My name is Stick the Eagle (“Stick” for short) and I am currently attempting a thru hike of the Appalachian Trail. I am traveling NOBO from Georgia to Maine. If you want to follow along on my A.T. journey, don't forget to subscribe! Also, I will do my absolute best to respond to all your questions and comments, so please do engage with me in the comments and by leaving a like on the video!! Both of these help the video to be seen by more viewers!
Useful Appalachian Trail Links:
A.T. Incident Report Form | appalachiantrail.org/explore/plan-and-prepare/report-an-incident
A.T. Weather Reports | atweather.org
A.T. Trail Updates | appalachiantrail.org/trail-updates
#ATClassof2024 #appalachiantrail #thetrek #goingfarout #backpacking #thruhike #sticktheeagle
If you would like to donate to help fund my thru hike, here is my venmo handle: @eagle-26 (www.venmo.com/u/eagle-26)
Day 1: 0.2 miles (8.7 with Approach Trail)
Day 2: 15.5 miles (15.7 total miles)
Day 3: 13.2 miles (28.9 total miles)
Day 4: 2.4 miles (31.3 total miles)
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[@suemoore1965]

🌅🌄 BEAUTIFUL SUNRISE

[@wildflowersadventures]

So glad you’re lightening your load. Please take care of your feet. Praying for healing. 🙏🏼

[@sticktheeagle]

I appreciate that!!

[@EarlyRiser71]

Great job on adapting quickly. Every decision becomes "Do I really need it?" Weight is everything over the course of 2200 miles. The body and mind keep the score.

[@sticktheeagle]

Thank you so much for your comments! I am glad someone with the experience that you have can affirm some of the decisions I am making along the way!

[@darcyshikingdiaries]

I agree 100% with how worth it was to push through and be able to see that Sunrise! BUT.... Try not to rush and push too hard. Enjoy the trail and listen to your body.

[@sticktheeagle]

Sounds good. So far it’s been a push day and a recover day with less miles the next.

[@kristalann1973]

Stick your beautiful positive attitude will get you anywhere you wanna go in this life❤I love that you said Hello to the orange cat (your 1st wildlife lol) I recently read the book Just Passin’ Thru the story of historic Mountain Crossings trading post! Glad you are getting some weight off your back the miles will be more enjoyable for you!!

[@sticktheeagle]

Positivity takes you a long way wherever you go!

[@single-handed3673]

Way to go stick. New shoes and less weight 👍

[@sticktheeagle]

You got that right!

[@darcyshikingdiaries]

Taking care of your feet is SO important!! They are what is going to get you to Maine! I'm glad you are sharing the ups and downs you are having with us!

[@sticktheeagle]

Definitely!!

[@SpinelessCougar]

In case no one has mentioned it... sock liners are good for preventing blisters. I hope to see you in Vermont for trail magic!

[@sticktheeagle]

Thank you! Yes, I use sock liners.

[@FendrickFam]

That sunrise was amazing! Thanks for sharing it with us

[@sticktheeagle]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@brianmd3196]

Did I miss what kind of tent you got? Show us those blisters. We want to see it all. Lol enjoying you vlog. I think I’m gonna start watching it at lunchtime with my employees and put it on the big screen in our conference room. Happy Trails.

[@sticktheeagle]

Wow, will the employees be interested? I try not to show anything that might gross someone out like blisters lol

[@robertm9119]

Enjoying you hike along the AT. One suggestion on your feet is to wear 2 socks, a real light pair and a good heavier sock, that way they will rub against each other instead directly on your skin. I used to do that hiking and at work because i worked long hours and a lot on my feet. Less blisters and sore feet. Good luck Blackritz

[@sticktheeagle]

Thanks for the tip

[@dannyhighfill8560]

The sound is a lot better. You are doing great Bryan and I am really enjoying your videos.

[@sticktheeagle]

Awesome, thank you!

[@joankline343]

Extra nice video! It's good to hear that you were able to lighten your load. That's a lot of weight to be carrying around. I figured you must be in excellent shape or Superman 😅 The blisters from the shoe's would be painful. I'm glad you were able to find some new shoes. Hopefully the weather continues to stay warm or doable. It's not spring yet and we could still have some nasty weather. You produce an excellent video and content. Thanks for sharing! Happy hiking to you. Be careful stay safe and enjoy your Hike. 🙏 🚶 🏕 🔥 🍳 👟

[@sticktheeagle]

Thank you so much. Less weight and new shoes have definitely helped a lot.

[@sheridelaney1415]

Beautiful sunrise! Thank you for sharing.

[@UntakenTrails]

Thank you for sharing the sunrise. That was beautiful. It does look like it would be a good plan to change up some of the gear and lose some of that weight. Hopefully your blisters will heal up quick. We've hiked trails where there are no blazes so I know how you felt when not knowing there the trail went. Hiawasee seems like a great town.

[@sticktheeagle]

It sure is. And I was definitely glad to shed some of that weight.

[@StatOnTheAT]

I never seen anyone stay at Blood Mountain shelter! Or the signs about the shake down. And more stuff you’ve shown that I haven’t seen in other videos! Very cool!

[@seanwilson6521]

I see you're keeping up with the learning curve, excellent!

[@sticktheeagle]

Yes I am!

[@spartancat]

Keep up the grind 👍

[@sticktheeagle]

Thanks

[@amynapier3551]

You did your research and shake down hikes before starting your journey. You went to REI to lighten your load before your journey. It's all about making minor adjustments along the way to get you to Katahdin. You've got this. Keep shining bright. #ATStrong

[@sticktheeagle]

Yes! Thank you!

[@Maya-vs7mv]

Awesome sunrise, so glad you captured it, and thank you for sharing❤!!

[@sticktheeagle]

Thanks for watching!

[@pleok08]

Saturday, March 02nd: In 2020, at Mountain Crossing, I dropped weight from 44 to 32 lbs with 5 days of food and water. Good luck. Happy Trails! Ross08

[@sticktheeagle]

That’s a lot of weight

[@mathfan0918]

Glad you're getting some of your gear issues fixed early. The sunrise was beautiful!

[@sticktheeagle]

Yes it was!

[@matthewberry3055]

I have literally no idea how you stay so happy, with over 20 kilos on your back, a sleep system akin to a form of medieval torture, and Gore-Tex hiking boots on your feet. Without being mean, I subbed mainly to watch a train wreck, but I'm actually starting to truly believe you're going to make it all the way because your attitude is second to none. Keep it up mate, you're gonna do this thing.

[@sticktheeagle]

Matthew I just love this comment. I think attitude means more than all the rest. And I was able to figure out how to adjust some of the things you mention here.

[@matthewberry3055]

@@sticktheeagle spot on brother. Attitude is everything. Soldiers fight on morale as much as gear, equipment, training or anything else. It's a mental game thru hiking and I reckon you're in the right headspace to make it all the way. I'm cheering you on mate. Lighten that load, keep smiling and ill be watching you summit Pappa K in a few months time

[@Mimisbrain]

Goodness gracious Sticks 😮 that sunrise gave me goosebumps 🥰

[@sticktheeagle]

I think that’s a good thing haha!

[@Volsman5150]

Hey Stick! Hope those TOPO’s workout for you bud. I can’t stand Trail Runners. Too darn soft for me. I used three pairs of Merrell Hiking Boots on my AT Journey. Trail Runners didn’t seem to last on the AT. People seem to go through at least 4-5 pairs on the AT. Praying for you they do!! Glad to see you got your pack weight under some control. I used to work those mountains in GA to death training for the U.S. Army back in the day. We would carry anywhere between 50-60 pounds in our Ruck Sacks! I carried between 30-35 pounds on my AT thru-hike and it seemed to work. I know sometimes you might have to wrong boots that don’t fit your feet correctly that can cause blisters and the same with your pack as if you not wearing it correctly or it doesn’t fit correctly it can cause all kinda problems. If I could give you any advice, I’d tell you to make sure you take care of your feet each and every night! Make sure you have some extra socks and towels with lotion or foot cream. I promise your feet will love you!! Taking care of your feet everyday will cut out the blisters and make your feet feel so much better. Doesn’t matter if your feet or wet or not. Taking off your socks everyday your on trail will help you more than you know!! Just a little FYI. Praying you got what you needed at Neel Gap!! Happy Trails!!

[@sticktheeagle]

Foot cream at night? I think that might be the little container someone gave me at trail magic. I shall have to try it.

[@jeffstone28]

BEST VIDEO YET!! In this one, you are really Embracing the Journey, both the joys and the serious challenges. Great to see you taking care of yourself and moving forward. I do think you overdid the miles during the first 3 days but I guess you didn't do irreparable damage to your feet and it accelerated your finding out you needed different gear 😊. Onward!!

[@sticktheeagle]

Thanks so much!! It is a journey!

[@impulsivewanderer]

thank you for this video. Always wanted to know if the sunrise on blood mnt was worth the push. What you experienced on blood mnt is why I hate white blazes on the east coast.

[@suemoore1965]

COOL TRAIL MAGIC

[@Elizabeth-pt4bv]

You were smart to lighten your load. You'll be better off long term. What fun you had on your rest day.

[@sticktheeagle]

Yes it was a great day!!

[@marilynjohnson1782]

I am enjoying your videos. Is there anywhere we can send contributions to your hike? Trail magic from my couch?

[@sticktheeagle]

Yes, I put a venmo link in the descriptions of all videos. Thank you!!

[@Bibs123]

Awesome sunrise. You are doing a great job; the videos are awesome. Remind people of your Venmo link. Just let people know it's there if they feel like what you are doing provides them entertainment, but that their positive comments are also great and appreciated. I don't mean to be overbearing with advice, you are obviously a smart guy. I'm just old, hiked a lot, and want to see you succeed in this awesome journey! I love to cheer on genuine people that aren't trying to be something other than themselves. You are figuring it out dude; the shoes will help a lot. You can survive this in the 30-40pound range but being around 30 is optimal in my opinion. Great choices on the gear!

[@sticktheeagle]

Thanks so much for your support! I don’t want to put the link in everyone’s faces like I am looking for money. I do this because I enjoy it. But I did mention it briefly in a video that will air soon just to thank all the lovely people who have already sent donations. The positive comments are huge too. I appreciate all your comments.

[@wingmanhoy3999]

WOW, what a sunrise 🌄, truly magnificent outstanding vlogging hiking and scenery all the very best health and happiness. Congratulations on new gear choices.

[@sticktheeagle]

Thanks!

[@chriskelly6559]

When you stop and watch the sun rise that long your face starts to hurt from your big ass smile. I'm tagging along, tc, Crackerjack.

[@sticktheeagle]

Thanks Crackerjack!

[@leo_714]

i hope this new gear will give you tons of comfort, blessings

[@sticktheeagle]

I hope so too!

[@zenkathikes]

That boulder section of Blood is tricky. I've gotten turned around there, and I've hiked it a lot. Just found your channel. I hope your gear changes help you keep keeping on. Learning to pivot is important. That's the store kitty at Walesi-Yi. Hike on.

[@sticktheeagle]

Thanks! Glad you’re here!

[@Lovesracing19]

Safe travels. Glad you got new shoes.

[@sticktheeagle]

Thanks 👍

[@LonniePryor-rf2nb]

Omg stick you went through the same thoughts on my system of stuff. My pack was heavy too and that was the result that made my knee go on me. I found out too I’m a tent guy. When I got to Hawk it was dark and setting up the hammock and gear was an hour of setting up. When I got in it my legs would cramp up. And I kept sliding and zero sleep. I feel you, get a tent. Those first two days made me rethink of a lot of new gear. I put all my hammock gear for sale. Spent way too much money on being uncomfortable. I’ll never get to 20lbs but I’ll get it down below 50lb. Keep going Lonsolo

[@sticktheeagle]

Thanks Lonsolo! When this hike is done I will definitely have some lightly used equipment to sell.

[@atartt123]

Your feet will thank you for the shoe change. Did you let the guys at Mtn Crossings shakedown your pack? You’re obviously starting to figure things out as the trail speaks to you . I saw your gear video and noticed you have a lot of backup items. Example: you might consider dumping extra headlamps, flashlights, plug-in chargers, etc. If you have one headlamp and one flashlight you should be good. Plus you have your phone’s flashlight if needed as well. It’s crazy how those little things add up, but you’ll keep figuring it out. Anyway, you’re doing great! Keep on trucking’ brother and good luck. Really enjoy your videos and your upbeat attitude! ✌🏻💚😎

[@sticktheeagle]

Thank you!! I did shed a couple of the extras but my headlamps are cheap and do die quickly. One of these days I will invest in a proper headlamp.

[@markviers998]

Hope you find a good pair of shoes that works better for your feet. You're the first KZbinr I've seen that spent the night in the shelter there on blood mtn. I'm sure plenty of people do but you were the first I've seen. Awesome sunrise!

[@sticktheeagle]

Yes camping on top of mountains make for amazing sunrises.

[@scottrainey4907]

Love your videos. I hope you lighten your pack more. But definitely a great start. How do i donate to your channel?

[@sticktheeagle]

I have a venmo link in the description and supers should be coming soon. Thank you!!

[@Andy-Mesa]

Topos are excellent shoes. I believe those are the Traverse which are specifically made for thru hiking. Excellent choice. Glad you finally got your (first) shakedown. I'm concerned that sleeping pad might not be warm enough but we'll see.

[@sticktheeagle]

It’s something, but yes eventually I think there will be room for improvement there.

[@MyCatIsSmarter]

Hi Stick. I just hiked up blood mountain this weekend and went into the shelter. I even had 1 of those fig bars you like for lunch

[@tomkirkwood2629]

0230 here in the UK and i’ve beenwatching from the start. Good luck mate. I look forward to finally catching up with you.

[@sticktheeagle]

Thanks!!

[@kozmiczian]

. . . for the long haul, definitely a tent, lightweight air matressgood trail shoes, Oboz, Keens, lightweight, crocs for camp shoes. Campmore catalogue.

[@takingawalkadventures]

on of my favorite places on the Appalachian trail the local outfitter was.a cool place. hope you are having a great journey

[@sticktheeagle]

I love it!

[@1024Pete]

Seems like you are not a Lord Of the Rings Fan. For “Speak Friend and Enter” , the password is Friend. In Elvish it is Mel-lon. Thanks for the share. Wishing you peace, good fortune and more comfort on trail. Happy Trails!

[@sticktheeagle]

Yup, I haven’t watched it.

[@davidseverance9245]

Too many fig bars is why you're enjoying the privy view so much😀

[@sticktheeagle]

Haha!!

[@gwendolynmacaluso775]

Beautiful sunrise 🌄

[@sticktheeagle]

It really is!

[@lastone8896]

Stick you took a lot of time and effort too pick your equipment plus you made changes of equipment before you left. Would suggest you give yourself two weeks to get trail hardened probly new boots and some mole skin will help. Be safe brother

[@sticktheeagle]

Moleskin has been helpful for sure!!

[@kevinwynn6582]

Most Awesome day on the trail so far 😁👍

[@sticktheeagle]

It was a fun day!

[@ItJustDawnOnMe]

Beautiful sunrise! Glad you took a nero to make some changes to gear. I'm hoping 7lbs less will make a difference (plus the shoes weigh less than the boots! And definitely, no book for you 😂). I'm beginning to think the food you have is going to last until Maine with all the trail magic you're getting... 🤣. Happy trails to you! And as always, stay safe! 🥾😎🦊🐻🦌🌲🗻🥾🤎

[@sticktheeagle]

Less weight is definitely making a difference, both on the back and on the feet.

[@robinbrown7953]

I would guess that as you get farther down the trail you will find even more things to send home…like some of the redundancies, like multiple lights…too many batteries…maybe? once you find out that you can get by on less

[@sticktheeagle]

Yes I think all new thruhikers do this at multiple points on trail.

[@robinbrown7953]

Dont be discouraged…you are young and can easily make up the miles if you take a day or two off trail to get your equipment in order….at least you are learning early what is and isn’t working for you so you can fix it now and really get moving…and remember…for the love of your feet, make sure you change your shoes out about 500 miles…its like car tires…not good to travel on worn out treads

[@sticktheeagle]

Ok thanks for the reminder and encouragement

[@bonniepugh1991]

Take care of your feet.

[@sticktheeagle]

Thanks, definitely important

[@devildog7602]

It's called the tree of soles (souls)

[@sticktheeagle]

Ah, cool name! Thanks.

[@SasSaga]

Ouch! 46lbs….so glad you got some new shoes! Check your clothing for weight. Clothing adds up quickly!

[@sticktheeagle]

I know!! I’ve eliminated some of it.

[@patcole-home3152]

Maybe you said, but how did you get your trail name?

[@sticktheeagle]

In scouts on the Appalachian Trail, they called me Stick because I was skinny and I carried a stick.

[@wanttogo1958]

Looks like you have wider feet judging by how those Topos laced up. They should work well for you. Remember that you will need to replace those in about 500 miles so plan for that need. The insoles in Topos are just ok so you might think about getting some new ones in about 250 miles or less. The Dr. Scholl’s brand work well enough. The pad, with a 3.1 R value, should hold you well enough, if you’re not a cold sleeper, for the rest of your hike. Which tent did you get? Making the decision early to make some adjustments in your gear to reduce weight was wise. My guess is along most sections of the trail for about the next 6 weeks water should not be an issue so carrying just one liter will be enough. A liter and 1/2 would certainly be more than enough. Good luck.

[@sticktheeagle]

Thank you! I picked up a Tiger Wall.

[@kmichaelp4508]

I don’t think you’re making the wrong choices for food! These are exactly what I would be making. High calorie happy hiker. Anything less would not keep you going.

[@sticktheeagle]

I appreciate that, I do like the food I have been having!

[@franksheridan9322]

Heal them feet cuz then hike your own hike fast or slow your call keep swinging good luck.

[@sticktheeagle]

Thanks

[@heidif482]

Stick, did you get a tent? Take care of yourself!

[@sticktheeagle]

Yes, I did.

[@kierano5496]

‘Friend!’

[@sticktheeagle]

🙂

[@excession3076]

I read the sign "Welcome to Hiawassee. Remind me never to go there...

[@sticktheeagle]

Why not?

[@MaryanneN_]

@@sticktheeagle Maybe because the sign says it's a tobacco-free town? It looks like a great place, to me.

[@kmichaelp4508]

@@MaryanneN_, I’ll bet you that’s not because all of the locals of old wanted it that way! All the new transplants started that crap. They come in and try to change everything that made the area what is “WAS”!!! And they’re doing a darn good job of it.