All The Gear Changes I Made During My Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike in 2021 | Tent, Backpack, Stove...

I thought I had the perfect backpacking gear list going into my AT thru-hike in 2021. But while I was out there, I kept swapping out gear to lower my base weight and find gear that worked the best for me. I made major gear changes to my tent, backpack, stove, clothing and so much more. I explain all the changes for you in this video!
LINKS to the gear:
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Backpack - bit.ly/3jBWMDs
Big Ages Tigerwall UL2 Tent - bit.ly/3xlKLVU
Zpacks Duplex Tent - bit.ly/3KsDLgl
Thermarest Neoair Xlite - bit.ly/3fpmxUv
Foam Sleeping Pad - bit.ly/3fI5CwL
Jetboil Stash - amzn.to/3fozTR4
Jetboil Flash - bit.ly/3fq8Y7k
Sleep Pants - bit.ly/3hu1EI7
Sleep Shirt - bit.ly/3rNe1DQ
Columbia Hiking Tank - bit.ly/3hqIWRA
Backpack Liner - bit.ly/2Vv9Cck
Zpacks Rain Pants - bit.ly/3xdUvCb
Sun Hoodie - amzn.to/3ylim3F
Jaybird Earbuds - amzn.to/3xk2SLY
Fanny Pack - bit.ly/3ykKwLT
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#appalachiantrail #gearlist

[@danielkutcher5704]

Thanks, Taylor! You're quite an inspiration to many hikers, including this 68 year old. I've done sections of the AT since the 1980s, and only have 270 more miles left, but figure, "Hey! I could use a real adventure to celebrate my escape from the working world, so, what the heck! I completed a 274 mile section this spring, maybe I could actually do a thru!" Thanks again for your upbeat, "Can do!" attitude. I hope that it's contagious!☺👍

[@gibrigg]

Dan - as a fellow nearing-retirement hiker who is doing AT sections as time allows, I can say get out there and follow your muse!

[@pauldonathan5316]

One quick question Taylor, what sleeping bag did you use and was it a quilt?? Love your gear review!

[@jjwdesign]

That's a really helpful video Taylor! It's interesting to know why you ditched certain gear. So many video creators talk about pros and cons, but you're actually talking about real thru-hike experiences.

[@1024Pete]

I love your quote, “You pack your fears”. Very insightful!

[@jimmyjohnstone5878]

Gear is such a personal thing. It's good to hear the reasons why each pack worked/didn't at different times on trail.

[@vahikertrash543]

Rocks are why I swear by 6" titanium Shepard's hook stakes. They slip in-between the rocks far easier than other stakes. Generally I only have to poke around a few times before I find a spot where they will fit. And when they bend they go right back to straight. People hate on them all the time but personally my experience with them in the VA mountains is all positive. Ironically I use alcohol in part due to my irrational fear of a canister exploding.

[@chrissaunders8284]

Happy birthday! BTW, a dirt nap is something one takes when one is dead.

[@PedroNord]

Happy Birthday !! So nice to see Kali. It’s always fun to see what does and doesn’t work. Keep enjoying the summer without too much stressing out over your next BIG day. 🦋

[@Feribrat99]

As an update to the baby powder, since they have had lawsuits about the powders, you can use simple cornstarch as a powder and it is the same and no chemicals - a better choice. An lot cheaper as well, have used it for years...

[@torimakesmusic]

I like that you called the blue tooth ear buds, air buds XD like the basketball dog

[@Ride_on54]

That’s why I’m a Nemo Dragonfly fan

[@christinereber1861]

Great info Taylor! It's always fun to experiment with gear. I think backpacking is a great hobby for those who like to shop, LOL! I had the same fear about camp stoves; I was afraid of the flame. But I knew I needed to overcome that. I went with Frozen's recommendation of the BRS-3000T (which is the littlest thing) and an inexpensive titanium pot. After a few tries, I'm now comfortable with it. I also got a lighter with a longer nose, the Bic EZ Reach, which I love because it keeps my fingers away from the flame. This set up saved alot of money, weight, and space in my pack.

[@Karen-dq8nw]

Love the dog saying play with me and quit talking to a stinkin camera! Or maybe it's saying, take me with you.

[@maryowens1970]

Happy Happy Birthday from Damascus, VA!!!! Enjoyed your video, as always.

[@adventuringbuckeye8881]

We all have to dial down our gear and be honest with what works for us! Great to see. Everyone’s system should be tailored to them personally

[@straypacket]

Happy Birthday, and thanks for the gear update. I'm also one who packs my fears. BTW - I think "dirt nap" means being dead :)

[@devildog7602]

Happy Birthday Taylor!!

[@jasperplace]

Congratulations! Watched your documentary yesterday, fascinating!

[@paulslagle1800]

Happy Birthday! My wife and I are hoping to swing by your store in a few weeks while we are up for a Spartan race!

[@lizstrailsandtravels4624]

Happy birthday and thanks for sharing

[@deannilvalli6579]

Thanks for this. I always enjoy these videos, even if I am not going to do the Appalachian trail. Especially the explanations as to why you/she switched was helpful to learn what works where. Most of this gear would be hopeless in the Alps, for example, but is better suited to other trails and places. so it is good to know what works there.

[@deadeyesteampiper685]

Congratulations on finishing your thru hike...Great to see you finally seen the light and made the change to the Hyperlight.

[@Oriole21]

Hi Taylor, check out the HMG Pods and stuff sacks. They provide the secondary waterproof protection for your gear and are much easier to deal with than a pack liner.

[@GaerHampton]

I bought the Hyperlight Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest last year. The pack fits me far better than any pack that I've carried in the past.......including adjustable packs. Had it been offered at the time, I think that I might have bought the Junction. I like how it has the fabric side pockets, but keeps the mesh back pocket. I'm always a bit worried about trees and bushes (especially thick willows in the mountains!) catching on side pockets as I hike down the trail.

[@rachelleinweber4592]

Excellent review of gear . Super helpful to see the changes . If you want , love to see more details about the backpack change to your 3rd and final Hyoerlite and how you actually packed everything up.

[@wesleykremer3916]

Thank you for the re-cap for why you made the changes.

[@A.TAYLOR]

I love seeing this what you started with and what you ended with. I’ve been binging your videos the past few days. Thanks so much for sharing these videos’ 💕

[@frostriver4547]

Just finished a 10 day 90+ mile trek in NM. Used body glide instead of powder. Only needed a couple of times, but found the form easier to use. Osprey makes great dry bags, but prefer nylofume liners and use the osprey for bear bags.

[@sablerubycocoa]

Happy birthday, Taylor!!!

[@gboltonatrail1099]

Congrats on your hike! Love when Thru Hikers do a post trail gear video, so thanks!

[@joshgolo]

Attach paracord with sliding loops to all peg out point on your tent and use rocks to put up your tent on rocky ground

[@fishingtheforecast]

You are the best literally I've enjoyed your through hike from start to finish and even go back and watch some of the older videos I just wanted to tell you what I thought and give you my opinion it's your birthday and being nice to give you a nice compliment you're very well spoken I don't think I ever heard you misspeak you have a very interesting way of talking you would talk the same speed throughout you don't make your videos too long I have a problem watching other videos of other through hikers all the way through and I always finish your videos wishing there was a little bit more so it gets you ready to watch the next one so and you were very punctual very dialed in and you know you could count on your video being there tomorrow and something to watch in the morning with my coffee and that took a lot and so it really speaks a lot to your organization and I said earlier I in one of your videos I called you a cool chic and got reprimanded for it and said I really thought your were dialed in and at this point I think that should be your trail name dialed in that's all I can say and I really consider you an authority and take your opinion and use it to buy my gear and and base my decisions on but anyway happy birthday.

[@user-vy4xu5ei3k]

Happy Blessed Birthday 🎆🎂🎉

[@jt52193]

Did you reach out to zpacks about that first backpack? Did they replace it for you with the other pack? So expensive to get so little use out of it 😱

[@Hobomountainwander]

Happy birthday and I really enjoyed your reasons why certain gear worked or didn't.

[@byronpyles996]

You are incredible !! Thank You for all you do Nahamsha !

[@leroygee2902]

Thanks for all the great info! And hope you had a fantastic birthday!!!

[@trailheart1863]

Thanks for sharing, 😊 Congratulations on your hike and happy birthday ! Hope it was great ! 🎂

[@MegaMastiffman]

Hyperlite and ULA are my go to packs and I have the BigAgnes copper spur HV UL olive green 2P tent and I gotta say it’s probably the best tent iv ever had, my sleep system is a bit ridiculous because I have a lot of titanium in my body so I get cold and uncomfortable easy, a lot of people had problems with those back packs I think they just need to redesign them because they do make great stuff, really enjoyed your thru hike thank you.

[@toddschmutz9860]

Do the CDT. I’ll watch it!!!

[@markholleran4481]

Great info! I just ordered the HMG 2400 Junction and will be ordering the same BA Tiger Wall tent

[@melizabeth908]

Happy Birthday! Love gear videos

[@suecox8355]

Thanks 🦋❤ Happy Birthday late💐

[@WALKITOFFDavidSmith]

Good info. I'm struggling with my own backpack choices. I have the Arc Blast but also just picked up the HMG 2400. I want UL but I want simplicity and reliability more than anything when I attempt my thru next year. Thank you for sharing and congratulations again!

[@RicardoTorres-en3zn]

I’m between the two myself! Which did you end up going with?

[@WALKITOFFDavidSmith]

@@RicardoTorres-en3zn for my attempt last year I actually used LiteAF 35L. If I had it to do over again I would choose the HMG 2400 bc of the larger carrying capacity. I needed a lot more food after 200 miles or so. My hunger was legit.

[@Gingererer]

Happy birthday! Thanks for another great video.

[@duncandomey8199]

I know you said you wanted to try your other tent anyway. But rocks make great ankers for your tent. You just have to learn a few basic knots (you probably know them already). Slip knots and temporary knots help with quick disassembly. Bungees can also work. Thank you for your thoughts.

[@PM-zu3cz]

Congrats on the finish! This was by far the bougie-est hike I've watched.

[@juliefrechette7562]

Happy birthday and thank you for all the informations 🙂

[@aprildntn]

Happy Birthday!

[@ledbyscouts9197]

Very Informative, Taylor. Thank you.

[@jtact5487]

Happy Birthday!!! 🎂🎈🎁

[@somedavechannel]

Happy bday!!

[@isgrimner]

Did Springer to Hogpen Pass back in March or April when a lot of the NoBo thru hikers were setting out. About to do another 40 - 50 miles starting on Labor Day. I'm old and can only fit section hiking the AT into my schedule as I don't want to quit my job. I have the Arc Haul pack, think its between 60 and 70 liters, it may not have thru-hike milage on it but I've used it for about 2 years and a lot of hikes so far. I also use a duplex as well for backpacking, I did accidentally damage the stuff sack for that, when I accidentally punched some tent stakes through it.

[@515aleon]

Always find you interesting somehow doesn't matter that I'm not all that interesting in minutae of gear changes--you do it so well. :) Though the shoe thing is always interesting to me--everyone assumes everyone can do zero drop. Everyone can't. I don't have Salconey but would be much happier wearing them.

[@exploringwithdan7876]

I went with the zpacks plexamid for my Thru-hike next year. Hoping for the best! Nice Video keep it up!

[@chefcocoasadventures8794]

Thank you for the info. And Happy Birthday.♥♥

[@willbarton4508]

Happy Birthday 🎂 Hope you have a fantastic birthday. God bless.

[@f.d.5952]

Your have a wonderful style of explaining and your effortlessly gorgeous person :).

[@johnhutchinson7444]

Happy birthday. Have a great day.

[@SoloGetHykt]

I used duct tape on the hole on my pack liner until I got a new one. I’ll Always keep a nylofume pack liner because I use it to blow up my sleeping pad. 🙂 So if you ever decide to go back to an inflatable sleeping pad and don’t want to blow it up yourself, use your pack liner. 😉😁 Enjoy the vids.

[@brettmichaelweber4495]

I call a dirt nap when someone pisses you off and gets knocked out by you in public! Ahhahaha a dirt nap!!! Lmao!

[@brettmichaelweber4495]

What a hikers term.

[@jeremyjs8863]

this is great. very interesting feedback on the gear. thanks

[@alyishiking]

Zpacks actually makes a set of poles that make the Duplex freestanding. I think they weigh about 10 oz, so not bad considering it would save a hiker from buying a whole new tent.

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

Yeah I've seen those. But I already had the big agnes at home, I didn't have to buy it

[@alyishiking]

@@TaylortheNahamshaHiker For sure! Figured someone watching this might find it useful to know. Big Agnes is my #2 pick for backpacking tents as well.

[@pepawg2281]

Very informative! Good perspective on what this accomplishment involves!!

[@theresalibby3787]

Happy Birthday!!

[@dougzilla6246]

Happy birthday 🤘

[@ljhenley6216]

Hope you had a Happy Birthday!

[@joshuabrooks555]

Nice video. Love gear videos. See you out there. ❤️🏔

[@harryhayen6092]

Happy Birthday from Germany

[@brianc1651]

Hi Callie!

[@OntheWrightPath]

Happy Birthday! Great video. What happened to the thermometer you started the trail with?

[@misscandy84]

Hi Taylor. Hope you do more hiking videos

[@nedsled2994]

a lot of people have issues with the zpacks frame packs. I have the nero also, great little pack

[@fortissimolaud]

I like your red mickey mouse crocs!

[@PInk77W1]

I want to do the AT next spring. I have so many questions. How do u get from Atlanta to the start ? Uber ? How often does it rain ? How far are cities from the trail ? How many permits do u need ? How do u get new shoes when they wear out? How much weight did u carry ? Did u say 13lbs ? That sounds light Anyone with answers Thx

[@Craigeek]

Congrats on your thru! Come play on the CDT!

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

The cdt sounds nice!

[@71cromag]

Thank you Taylor for the straightforward, honest, and well spoken approach to your videos. Thank you for not over using words such as: like and super. I can hardly finish certain videos on here because of it. Strong work and congratulations on your marriage. My Pard and I are heading out to Springer Mtn. this March for the first time so we are finalizing our gear. Do you believe there is such a thing as a final version of gear selection?

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

Thanks! I never have a final gear. Things are always changing and new gear is always coming out. Have fun on the AT this year!

[@jayv.8298]

Excellent 👍🏾

[@-3-D-]

I absolutely love your attitude ♥

[@-3-D-]

Thank you

[@-3-D-]

Happy birthday 🎂 🥳 🎉

[@kellymaxxrepinski4480]

Nice...Way too Go..Km

[@burtwonderstone5315]

Those foam pads seem like they'd be brutal to sleep on. I don't think my hips could take the pressure points.

[@utef.1180]

Thanks for the video. Do you recommend the form pad for a start in February?

[@brandonm4664]

You need some additional Polartec garments next time :)

[@tippersteffi1]

Great video….thanks

[@regblann2700]

Agree with Judi Tanner. Can't believe you haven't sent the Arc Air back to Z Packs and demanded a replacement - that's a lot of money for so little use. Do they not have a warranty?

[@ghostedyoutuber263]

Mom's are awesome.

[@kevdaigle]

This channel is amazing, you are too

[@annajo1963]

Thanks for the video and links and putting the time and effort out on all your videos. I have enjoyed them and I am a first time backpacker and this really helps getting my gear together. I want to try and do some of the Shenandoahs in the fall.😇😎

[@bryanhikes]

Hey Taylor, I’m also using the Arc Air and the stays do come out. I emailed Z-Packs and they said the sewing at the top where the stays slip out is defective. I then spoke with ZPacks at Trail Days and they sent a replacement pack which works better. The stays still slip out, just not as much. I even recommended they reach out to you because you mentioned the stay/rod problem in your videos. maybe they can help you out. Thanks for the videos and have a blessed birthday!

[@chriseidam7319]

I have an Arc Haul that sometimes pops the stays. (And it squeaks like crazy, too.) I bought a Seek Outside Divide pack that I have not yet used backpacking. I hope it performs better for the extra weight and cost.

[@dalejayne2461]

What rain jacket did u use and what are your thoughts?

[@ingoor]

Hi. When did you buy your Arc Air and when did you get your replacement bag? Mine is coming this week and now you got me worried.... 😬

[@bryanhikes]

@@ingoor I bought the Arc Air the first week it was released, Replaced it in May. Took 5 days for the replacement to ship. Zpacks customer service has been great. Happy trails.

[@NickEDowning]

Happy Birthday, Taylor! 27? 28? 29? How would you get your gear on trail? I know your Mom visited pretty frequently so I know she could get you stuff, but is it easy to ship it somewhere north of you and pick it up when you get there?

[@dwaynefradd778]

Do you feel that the Hyperlite bp could endure the entire trail?

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

Yes, Cody's did!

[@drasticbread249]

How much total weight were you usually carrying in that Zpacks Arc?

[@j.sargent9172]

Is that a suunto watch? i want the 7 but dont know if its really worth it...

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

I used a garmin vivoactive on the trail and now I have a coros apex pro

[@ToddSloanIAAN]

Does this mean you shift gears a lot?

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

Yes, I showed all the gear switches I made

[@ricktimmons458]

how much fuel?

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

Maybe like 6 different fuel cans. I replaced them way before they ran out tho

[@michaelrobb9708]

Have any food content?

[@ErnestormExplores]

How did you like the new tent? I have the same one and I think it rules! :)

[@christianb8228]

I opted for the copper spur hv UL2 do you think I made a bad choice kind of thinking I should of went for the tigerwall

[@ErnestormExplores]

@@christianb8228 I worked at REI and the copper spur was more popular o don’t think you made a bad choice !

[@christianb8228]

@@ErnestormExplores ok thanks 😊

[@huntertrapperdipper]

I've been curious about those foam sleeping pads? I see most people carry them on the outside, don't they soak up water when it rains?

[@doilysimpkin6972]

No. They're waterproof. Water pretty much runs off them because they're like a plastic based foam. No soaking up of liquid.

[@RhodyFoody]

Love it Tay Tay! #rhodyfoody

[@timwallace6379]

What is that small pouch you carry your cellphone in?

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

It's from the Gossamer Gear website

[@TXMEDRGR]

Did you keep the same dog throughout the hike?