Tahoe Rim Trail Q & A Part 1: GEAR AND FOOD

As most of you know I thru-hiked the Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) earlier this month with my friends Krissy! We finished the 170-mile thru-hike in 8.5 days and learned A LOT along the way. As I have shared my journey here and on Instagram, I've gotten a lot of questions about the hike, gear, and prep so I've decided to take the time and answer everything in a video.
In order for this video not to be an hour long, I have broken it up into two chunks- this first part is all about gear and food and the second part (to be released Aug 30, 2020) will cover everything else related to the trail!
In this video, I go through all the major items in my backpack, talk about what I liked and didn't like, and whether I would recommend it/use it for future thru-hikes.
Want to jump forward to a specific gear/food question? Click the time stamps below:
1:59- Which Backpack did I use?
3:48- Which Tent did I use?
4:55- Which Sleeping Pad did I use?
6:26- Sleeping Bag?
8:38- Shoes?
11:41- Gaiters?
12:17- Jacket/Clothes?
13:33- Electronics/ Cameras?
15:35- Gps? Garmin InReach?
16:55- Water bladder/ filter?
21:21- Stove?
22:51- Mug?
23:29- Hiking with Trekking Poles?
24:13- Bug Balm (dealing with bugs)?
25:30- Food Storage/Dealing with Bears during a thru-hike?
27:19- How I changed the way I ate on the trail?
_______________________________________________________
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[@juliegordon6718]

So much fun to watch. The TRT is on my list. By the way, you can add a hose to a smart water bottle. I was a die hard bladder fan bc of the hose but I was able to put my bladder hose onto a smart bottle :-)

[@Thecarcissist12]

So, 2 things to help anyone watching thus, 1st, get a Cnoc bag for your Sawyer, makes it sooo much easier to use. 2 bear bags are great, and bears won't get into them, but if they get ahold of your bag they will turn everything on the inside to mush and basically unedible/unusable

[@theherbivorehiker]

Great review! Part of the experience is trial and error and figuring out what works for you. It's a constant process. Looking forward to part 2!

[@ArielleShipe]

I’m sure it will continue to evolve too! Did you find you kept changing things out even after you got it “dialed”?

[@outdoormuse]

Wow, I just found your channel and watched your entire TRT series. Love it! So inspiring and I love that you did a QandA. I'm considering doing a thru-hike (at some point), so this helps me understand what I would need to do to prepare for it. Super enjoyed watching your whole experience. Thank you so much for the lovely series, I'm so happy I found your channel!

[@ArielleShipe]

Awww thank you so much! ❤️

[@SoundMindADV]

A lot of useful information. I think I have everything I need except for an UL tent, but I will be borrowing one for now. I thought it would easier to get my base weight down, but I guess I need to keep paring it down before my trip next week. Loved your Tahoe series. Thank you!

[@ArielleShipe]

yay! So glad you liked it! I definitely had to take time and build up my set up too so I totally get it! And i'm still trying to shave off some of my base weight!

[@HarborStar_STP]

Super helpful product reviews and recommendations.

[@ArielleShipe]

Aw thank you! Glad it was helpful!

[@Josephhikes]

Great job on your gear review !👍 Awesome energy !

[@ArielleShipe]

Thanks so much! I have so much fun making these youtube videos! :)

[@garrybear6555]

Congratulations on your wedding . 🤗

[@ArielleShipe]

Thank you so much!!

[@TheHungryHiker]

As a fellow thru-hiker, I'm Team Hydration Reservoir/Water Bladder all the way!! I've used the same bladder on two thru-hikes and NEVER had an issue with it. :)

[@ArielleShipe]

I knew I couldn't be the only one! Everyone keeps trying to convert me to the smart water bottle and im not feeling it! lol

[@TheHungryHiker]

@@ArielleShipe When you find what works for you, who cares what everyone else is using. My philosophy: If it aint broke, don't fix it. Water Bladders 4 Life!

[@Willeeum8293]

Most likely you don't have a leak in your sleeping pad. The volume of the warm air you blow into your pad will decrease as it becomes equal with the outside temperature. The tip I've heard is to blow up your pad then let it adjust, and top it off before going to sleep. Or just use a bag to push air into the pad.

[@ArielleShipe]

I use the bag to blow it up so I'm not sure whats going on there- it doesn't seem like a leak but I'm not quite sure what else it could be!

[@torcsracing2646]

I’d love to hear more about the Osmo vs the GoPro, I’m trying to make that decision now. As far as the GoPro battery, I strap a portable battery (I use the FosPower 10500mA) to whatever tripod or selfie stick I’m using and plug it in through a ParaPace replacement side door for the GoPro, which has an opening for the charging cord. The trick is to leave the GoPro battery out completely and it will treat the battery pack as the main battery (otherwise it will just charge the GoPro battery). It’s not waterproof with the replacement side door, but I used it for a full day in the rain with no problems. And there was still plenty of battery charge left. Thanks for your videos, I’m hoping to make the trip next summer.

[@therawstandard]

Hi hi!! Loved watching your TRT experience...thank you so much for sharing such amazing details! Wondering if you’ve had the Altra Lone Peak’s out for more adventures and how you would compare/what you would go with now after wearing them for a little longer vs. the Brooks guys? :)

[@Wondering_Fireball]

I used the Jetboil like you. Now I use the SOTO Windmaster with the micro regulator and triflex pot stand. Using the jet boil fuel, it heats water faster than any other stoves. In the wind and at higher elevations as well.

[@miss.kimpossible]

I’ve looked all over and can’t seem to find GTFO Bug Off Balm. What am I missing? Lol P.S. So glad I found you! Thanks for everything!

[@ArielleShipe]

Aw thank you! And unfortunately she is no longer making it 😭

[@miss.kimpossible]

Ok gotcha! Thanks!

[@btalon6852]

Great videos and vlogs. Thank you for all the great tips and advice. Did you post Krissy's company for the GTFO Bug Off Balm? If so, sorry I missed it. Would love to grab some of that for my next hike. Congrats to you and your hubby on yalls marriage.

[@ArielleShipe]

Thank you so much! And I totally forgot the link! You can find it here: www.gothefuckoutside.com/products/bug-off-balm

[@btalon6852]

@@ArielleShipe You're the best, thank you!

[@flowerchildvee]

I am also team water bladder! It's so much easier to take a sip every once in a while.

[@ArielleShipe]

I knew I couldn't be alone!!!

[@Wondering_Fireball]

I use the Sawyer squeeze with a 3 liter CNOC bag

[@raymondmay7304]

Use smart water bottles and screw on a sawyer squeeze. No moving parts.

[@jessicacliff8632]

I know this was a while ago, but I'm wondering what size trekking poles you got and how tall you are. There are conflicting sizes on different websites for the black diamond poles. I already ordered one pair and they were too small. I don't live near any outdoor stores, so I figured I would ask you, and maybe I can do more guessing for myself haha thank you! This video was awesome, I now have more gear I can look up and try.

[@wanderlustfrost9938]

Wonderful video! Thanks so much for sharing 🥰 I just posted a video of the CRHT in Joshua Tree - the perfect prep trail for an upcoming thru hike this April!! CDT 2021 🙏🏻 happy trails everyone!

[@ArielleShipe]

😊❤️

[@audrascanlan900]

Or instead of changing out sleeping bags during the desert sections you could just bring a a bag liner and use that while sleeping ontop of the sleepingbag

[@ArielleShipe]

😊😊

[@tiffanietayrien13]

Hi love!! I really enjoyed watching your Tahoe rim trail vids! What kind of toiletries do you like to use for going potty? I’ve never done a thru trail before and would like to soon.

[@ArielleShipe]

All I bring personally is "the deuce" trowel, baby wipes, and a small ziplock to pack out the wipes in. I keep all of that in a larger ziplock :)

[@annarussell4620]

Great videos! What is the name of the hyperlite backpack you use?

[@kellyball1901]

Thanks for being so authentic and kind! Which Garmin watch did you take with you and did you have any issues with it?

[@ArielleShipe]

Aw thank you! Its the fenix 6s. I love it and brought it on this trip but didnt use it for tracking because the guthooks app was so comprehensive :)

[@Misstracyd123]

Loving your videos! Just started day hiking @ 51! You are very inspiring, ❤ ur pooch😁 I can not find the link for Krissy Bug Balm. Can you help me please. I live in Wisconsin & feel this would be a great addition to my pack. TY.

[@ArielleShipe]

She no longer makes it unfortunately! I'll keep you posted if I find a good alternative!!

[@SarahSettimo]

Where is your green shirt you're wearing in this video from? I love the color!

[@ianhoughton3349]

Great vlog very useful info, I’m a bit of a gear head. Did you not have bear spray ? Any security items you took ?

[@ArielleShipe]

Glad you liked it! No bear spray- only black bears in this area and they scare super easily! I had a knife for cutting food that could be used for safety if need be but I didn't feel anything was necessary :)

[@gmmgmmgmm100]

Awesome review! :) What color is your Patagonia Micro Puff, is it the Gypsum Green? The one on the Patagonia website looks different than yours for some reason.

[@ArielleShipe]

That’s it!! It’s a light green/blue

[@rkatrails]

I would like to know what snack bars you would pack going forward. And do you plan to use bars for dinner too?

[@ArielleShipe]

I really like the brand GoMacro but it's always nice to keep it interesting when you are eating so many. I actually really liked having a "real" dinner at night. I was CRAVING a hot backpacking meal by the end of the day and was stoked to get some extra calories in that way :)

[@rituka]

Great gear recap video. Would you recommend go pro 7 or go pro 8?

[@ArielleShipe]

Thank you! They both have awesome image stabilization but, of course, the 8 is a bit better. If you can swing it I’d go for the 8 but if not the 7 is still an awsome choice!

[@annarussell4620]

Sorry not well planned out questions. Also the name of the Nemo sleeping bag?

[@quinnmccay488]

Do you need to hang the ursack or just secure it to something?

[@tiffanietayrien13]

Which injinji socks do you like? Is it the trail mid weight mini that covers up to the ankle?

[@ArielleShipe]

I used the thinest, lowest ones for this hike but I have both and like them both! I just wanted my feet to be able to be as dry as possible to prevent blisters :)

[@tiffanietayrien13]

Arielle Shipe perfect thank you so much! Yes, blisters are a no go and I’m notorious for them on longer hikes. Going to check out mount Shasta area in a few weeks so picking stuff up slowly

[@TheEarthycrunchy]

Doesn’t the sawyer attach to a smart water bottle?

[@Luke_0]

Did you have the regular sawyer squeeze or the mini?

[@ArielleShipe]

mini :)

[@Luke_0]

@@ArielleShipe I've read of flow problems with the mini.

[@theforeigner]

Totally had a bear encounter the night of the 13th up at Dick’s Lake

[@ArielleShipe]

Really?! What happened?

[@theforeigner]

@@ArielleShipe I basically kept sleeping through it, wasn't really too worried. We had canisters and bags away from us and thats where they were, but some of my campmates were definitely yelling which was comforting haha. Some other hikers we saw when we were coming up warned us about them from the night before. We heard them via camper screams moving from camp to camp.