Solo Backpacking in Shenandoah & Testing New Gear! || Appalachian Trail Backpacking

[@derrickwalker538]

What I really like about you and your channel is us showcase budget quality gear that works great and can withstand normal hiking abuse for the plain ole hiker junkies like myself that a lot of folks poke fun at

[@justjonoutdoors]

I hiked the length of the Shenandoah last year in April - it was an awesome time. That is a beautiful place. Yeah - this is bringing back memories! Gravel Springs Hut is where I stayed on night # 8 before finishing the park the next day.

[@DoseofDirt]

Hey Jon! That is awesome! That is a trip I definitely want to do--length of the AT through Shenandoah. So may trails and never enough time! What time of year did you do your trip! Can't decide whether spring or fall would be better. The green and the flowers and spring would be awesome, but the colors in the fall in SNP are banging!

[@justjonoutdoors]

I did it in early April. A couple nights it got a bit chilly, but overall it was perfect hiking weather. You can watch my trip video over on my channel.

[@DoseofDirt]

@@justjonoutdoors Nice man! It's always fun sharing adventures on here!

[@BackpackingWithJason]

I have a Teton backpack too. That vista was beautiful out there. Nice sunrise in the morning time. My favorite time to hike is in the morning time. I really liked the loop you did and cool video 👍🏻👍🏻

[@DoseofDirt]

Thanks, Jason! Love me some Shenandoah!

[@BackpackingWithJason]

@@DoseofDirt beautiful area for sure

[@roamingrick8736]

Did the same loop Easter weekend back half was pretty easy! Good overnighter loop for sure. Hut area was perfect

[@DoseofDirt]

Yessir! Like you said, the back half was smooth and easy! Loved all the water on the back half as well! Thanks so much for watching!

[@Chris-ov4zc]

Glad you're enjoying backpacking in VA! I know it's not like out west, but it's got its own charm!

[@DoseofDirt]

Hey Chris! Ya, I am loving it! Especially when I get a view like this one where you pop out of the trees and the brush for just a minute. I'm stoked for spring since it's really starting to green up and the flowers are coming out! Like you said, it's not the same as the mountains in the West, but I'm loving it! Thanks for watching!

[@garrycollins3415]

Had to laugh at the end. For me it's OJ and a pizza on the way home. Great video. I use SNP for my no notice, last minute trips because the planning is so easy.

[@DoseofDirt]

Hey Garry! Pizza is definitely a go to on the way home. If I'm stopping it's either pizza or a big ol' burger and fries. This trip I was in a bit of a rush to get back, so didn't have time to stop. I haven't thought about OJ, but I bet a cold OJ tests delicious after a long day of backpacking! And you're right that SNP is a perfect 'spur of the moment' destination. Lots of well maintained trails, plenty of camping spots, and some really great trails! Thanks so much for watching!

[@benjaminmunk9466]

Looking forward to doing these treks with you soon!

[@DoseofDirt]

Heck ya, dude!!

[@sueb860]

Wow! My hiking partner and I drove to VA April 18th to spend a week backpacking in SNP, had to wait for Skyline Drive to open, it looks like our first day was the same exact hike you did to Gravel Sleings Hut, we were there on 4/20 ( and hiked just over 6 miles too). We did stay on the A.T. for another 30 miles or so till we had to head back home though. We didn't get near as far as we had hoped (thanks, freak April snowstorm) but it is cool to see your journey and go back there from your point of view. Great video.

[@DoseofDirt]

Hey Sue! It's always fun to see/hear about other people's adventures on the same trails you use. We have been getting some crazy weather! Hopefully spring is here to stay! 😆 Thanks so much for watching!

[@Nicole-wj7yq]

Mr. Jeff, I have a Teton sports Leef +20 degree mummy bag and am looking to get a Paria Recharge XL insulated pad. Knowing you have some experience with both, here is a question. Would the Paria pad fit inside the Leef for those of us who tend to move around a lot in our sleep? Strange question, I know, and it is definitely not a deal breaker, but was just curious. Thanks so much.

[@DoseofDirt]

Hey Nicole! I have not tried this before, but I've heard a few others bring it up. I'm going to try the Recharge XL in my Leef 0 Degree bag later today when I have some time so I can give you a for sure answer, but my guess is that it would not fit. It's just too wide at the foot end, and with the mummy style shape of the sleeping bag I don't think it would fit. HOWEVER, Paria also makes a very similar pad called 'Recharge UL' that is shaped more like a mummy bag. Unfortunately it isn't as thick (only 2.5 inches thick) and doesn't have quite as high of an R value (estimated at 3.5) but Paria does still say it is 'insulated'. But I'm guessing it would fit a lot better in a mummy style sleeping bag. Here's a link to that pad: amzn.to/3vEMGqR

[@derrickwalker538]

Not to bad of a weight! The base weight of my ruck in Afghanistan was 69lbs not counting ammo and all that good stuff!! I was looked at backpacking is if you can pack it and be comfortable do it! I just don’t understand this ultra ultralight packers even to the point where I saw a dude peeling the sticky tags off stuff to save .000005mg of weight!!! 🤣🤣🤣! Not knocking any backpackers at all, we all bat for the same team!!! Love you videos

[@MinuteontheMountain]

Looks like a great trip.

[@DoseofDirt]

Thanks, man! Had a fantastic time out there!

[@mattiullahbarekzaie6942]

I noticed you were wearing the lems primal pursuit. How are you finding them to be so far? Do you plan on making a video on them soon?

[@DoseofDirt]

Hey Mattiullah! I actually really liked them. They have a different feel than other trail runners I've hiked and backpacked in. I am definitely planning a video sometime in the near future. But, so far my impressions are that they are comfortable (toe box is truly wide), They have a great fit around the ankle collar. The grip seems good, but I haven't tried them in a lot of adverse conditions. They also seem super durable (not as lightweight as other trail runners, but I like that for a lot of backpacking/hiking conditions). The sole is a bit stiffer than other trail runners, but it's more flexible than hiking boots/shoes. Still testing them, but so far I'm liking them!

[@AC-kk3vo]

I live in VA , I need go to this trail and try it

[@DoseofDirt]

Love me some Shenandoah National Park! Tons of great trails there! Would love to know what some of your favorites in the area are. Thanks for your comment!

[@DaveOffGrid]

Cool overnighter Jeff! Really diggin those sneaks! Looking forward to the long term review on the tent. Seemed a bit tight. Did the Paria do alright in the 30 deg temp?

[@DoseofDirt]

I loved the shoes! They don't look like a typical trail runner, and seem more durable, which I am definitely a fan of. The quilts were great at the temps we had. I was definitely glad I had 2 quilts since I ended up sleeping with the vestibule open all night. The tent was tight. You have some room around the shoulders, but it really narrows down at the foot end. It may need to be a summer only tent, but we'll see. Thanks for watching, man!

[@DaveOffGrid]

@@DoseofDirt keul! Are the sneaks as flexible as trail runners or more like a hiking shoe?

[@DoseofDirt]

@@DaveOffGrid I would put them in between most trail runners and hiking shoes. The sole is a bit stiffer and the materials a bit heavier than most of the trail runners I've used. Most importantly it's got that wide toe box and zero drop that I need.

[@mead5095]

What would be a good sleeping pad and quiet where you don’t have to bring two?

[@DoseofDirt]

Hey Mea! Short answer, my two favorite pads are the Trekology UL 80 for 3 season and the Paria Recharge XL for winter (yellow pad in this video). Both are quiet and comfortable, good sized, and light. Long answer 🤣🤣 There are SOOO many factors for a good sleeping pad. I'll tell you my two all time faves and a few things I think about when picking one. I'll put some links at the bottom too, to hopefully save you some time. I tend to be a side or stomach sleeper, so I like a thicker pad (my two favorites are both 4 inches thick). The other really important thing is the warmth. Sleeping pad warmth is graded with an R value number. You want a pad that has a higher R value if you are going in colder temps (higher R value = better insulating from the cold ground). Also, I'm cheap. So I'm sure I could get a "better" pad for $200. But I just don't want to spend that much. 🤷🏻‍♂ Fave #1: For late spring, summer, and early fall, I LOVE the Trekology UL80. It's 4 inches thick, 75 inches long, and 23 inches wide. the material doesn't feel plasticky and the sides are raised just a little to sort of keep you on the pad. It is my absolute favorite pad! But it isn't insulated so it isn't great for winter. And it only costs $40! Fave #2: For Winter, I like the yellow pad I used in this video. It is the Paria Recharge XL and has an estimated R value of 4.7. it's roughly the same size as the Trekology, but has some insulating properties as well so it's better for winter. I would have been ok with just the Paria on this trip, but I hadn't used my quilts down to the forecasted temps (22F) so I took an extra pad just to be safe. I have used this pad by it self down to 15F, but don't recommend it. If the forecast is 25F or higher, I would only take this pad. This one is more expensive at about $85. Both of these are quiet and around the same weight as well (about 26oz). So good for backpacking. Here's some links if you want to check them out on Amazon: Trekology: amzn.to/3kB6FAy Paria Recharge XL: amzn.to/3OZqNu8 Video where I compare the trekology to 3 other budget pads: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWeYiquimN92hqs Video where I compare the Paria to another budget winter pad: kzbin.info/www/bejne/in6uiWaiiq58jsk

[@movemorenowjames]

Dude, loved this. Picking up some great tips .. thanks for bringing us along. Did your tent ropes have reflective stuff on them? Getting my gear sorted for my first solo trip out… just need a cooking system, looking the the jet boil stash

[@DoseofDirt]

Hey James! Thanks for watching! I'm stoked to see how your first solo trip goes. I'm planning a 'fast and light' trip for June where the goal will be to go as light as possible rather than super heavy like I did on this one to test the pack. 🤣 The guylines on this tent didn't have any reflective coating on them, I don't think. I had to be pretty careful coming back to the tent at 6am... 🤣 For my cook system, right now I like small, light, and simple. It's a little stove called the BRS 3000. It was about $17 on Amazon and only weighs about 25 grams. Then I pair it with a 500-700ml titanium pot. I like the BRS because I can fit a fuel canister, stove, lighter, and a bandana all in the pot. I know there are some die hard jet boil fans out there, but so far I haven't used one.

[@DoseofDirt]

I just went back to check some of the footage. Looks like at least the one line in front of the door was reflective, which is nice!

[@dudlydjarbum2045]

Recommend against jet boil at least initially. High price and super designed for boiling and that's it. I recommend a remote canister stove they are a little heavier but cheap versions are available they are much more stable and that's usually my highest priority with a stove. I don't want to loose water or food I hiked in. Either way good luck on your journey.

[@movemorenowjames]

@@dudlydjarbum2045 thanks Dudley

[@movemorenowjames]

@@DoseofDirt great - will check out the BRS 3000

[@DarrenYee]

Nice adventure Jeff, Looks like you had a good time and met some nice people. I was looking at that tent you have for a while, but eventually purchased the Lanshan 1 Pro which I have no regrets about. How did the quilts perform? Do you think you could have been comfortable with just one?

[@DoseofDirt]

Hey Darren! Definitely had a fantastic time. Ya, I have a Lanshan 1 Pro as well (LOVE that tent!). I picked this one up to test as a budget option. I need to try a few more things with it before I can do a good review video. Quilts worked really well. I think I would have been ok with just the Paria quilt (estimated rating of 15F) but since I had the vestibule open all night to avoid condensation, I was glad that I had both. Thanks so much for watching!

[@Jonnyvids14]

New subscriber here. Great video. Curious how you are liking those Lems Primal Pursuits, and how you would compare them to some of your favorites. How is the grip on rock with those? And what made you choose them vs. the Lems Trailhead?

[@DoseofDirt]

Hey Jonathan! Thanks so much for subscribing! I am actually REALLY like the Lems Primal Pursuits for hiking and backpacking. I picked them up instead of the Trailhead because the PP are zero drop from heel to toe. And that's something I always look for in a shoe. I have hiked an backpacked in a lot of trail running shoes (I also enjoy trail running). I really like trail runners for hiking and backpacking. But I think these Lems PP might be my all around favorites because they just feel a little bit more durable and substantial. A lot of trail runners are made of super light materials. I like that in certain circumstances, but I think you make big sacrifices on the durability front with those super light materials. The Lems PP don't feel heavy, but they feel more durable and a more substantial, if that makes sense. The sole is also just a tad stiffer than most trail runners, which I think can also be a good thing. I haven't had any issues with grip yet, but still trying to test them in various conditions. The rubber outsole seems to do really well. And, I also just really like the style of them. 🤷🏻‍♂ Taking them out for another backpacking trip next weekend!

[@Jonnyvids14]

@@DoseofDirt Thanks a bunch for the quick response. I own the Lems Primal 2 and LOVE them for walking and short easy hikes. Like being barefoot, but with some protection. But I would never even attempt to wear them for any serious hikes over sticks, roots, and sharp rocks. I never even knew Lems was making trail shoes until I started searching again this year. Years ago I loved Merrells, but any more I hate them. Every new model I try on feels like there is a huge hump under my arch, putting way too much pressure there. I don't get it. We aren't supposed to be walking with pressure on our arches. So I moved on to other brands over the years - Vasque, Timberland, Hanwag, Asolo, Oboz, etc.. Oboz fit me perfectly, but I was looking for a lighter weight hiking shoe, and now I am contemplating a "trail runner" even though I don't run. I had great luck with the Adidas AX2 but the newer AX4 is nothing like it. Much bulkier. The rubber on the Adidas is excellent, as it sticks well to steep rock. E.g. I recently bought the La Sportiva TX2 and compared them to my old Adidas AX2 down in Shenandoah National Park, and the Adidas were every bit as good on the rock. So good, in fact, that I regret paying for the La Sportivas. I recently bought the Altra Lone Peak 6, and as comfortable as they are, there is way too much slop in the toes for me. Fine for straight line hiking, but not good for any lateral movements. I like a shoe that fits a bit more snug so I have more control when jumping around on rocks (e.g. Old Rag Mountain). So now I am back to considering the Lems. I appreciate your insight.

[@DoseofDirt]

@@Jonnyvids14 Makes me feel good that I'm no the only one on the quest for a good 'barefoot' feeling hiking shoe that doesn't leave you totally unprotected! I have used Lone Peaks a lot. The Lems PP is definitely not as sloppy in the toe (I know exactly what you mean by this). I would take the Lems up Old Rag (fantastic hike, by the way!). Last time I went I used my Topo Runventures, but the Lems would do just fine on that hike (and probably hold better durability wise). Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the other shoes you've tried!

[@shawnr6117]

That looked like fun 😁 What tent is that?

[@DoseofDirt]

Hey Shawn! It was definitely a good time! It's always good in the woods! The tent is from a company called Underwood Aggregator. If you search that on Amazon you get some weird results, so here's a link: amzn.to/3LIRm4P I'm still putting together a review video for it. Honestly, for $50 I think it is a steal. It's light, durable, and has some other good things about it. But it was a little cramped and I had to waterproof it myself (description on Amazon brags about how great the waterproofing is, but it failed my rain test). Waterproofing only took 45 minutes and I paid about $12 for the materials, so all-in-all I think it's a good buy with some caveats.

[@shawnr6117]

@@DoseofDirt I've seen those, they are way more expensive in Canada. Much more than the exchange rate would account for, the cheapest is $115 for the same orange one you have. Shouldn't be more than $65-75 at the most, we're getting freaking ripped off 😠😡🤬

[@DoseofDirt]

@@shawnr6117 WHOA! That's crazy! I will say that this tent is not worth $115. At that price I'd pay a little more for a Lanshan 1 Pro or something similar.

[@christianb8228]

You flew all the way out here? I’m commenting before watching so if you said it in the video I apologize

[@DoseofDirt]

Hey Christian! No worries! I actually live fairly close to this area now, so just drove to the park. Love having SNP so close to me!

[@Doc_Watson]

That's a tiny tent.

[@DoseofDirt]

You are right about that! I need to work on staking it out. It's one of the harder trekking pole tents to get right that I've tried. But even getting it perfect I don't think I'll be able to use it in winter. Just not enough room for a thick pad and lofty quilt! Working on a review video for it, but have to try a few more things with it first. It was only $50, so it has that going for it!