The First Thing Thru-Hikers Ditch!

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

*Check Out Garage Grown Gear:* geni.us/m2tzeVo Appalachian Trail Days Video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZrcZmOkftaUd5Isi=e9lAZCH_YpdPvzz_ *Gear in the Video:* *Ghosttown's Gear:* Hyperlight Junction: geni.us/KTtzr5 Copper Spur: geni.us/e11zS Pocket Rocket Deluxe: geni.us/3MrUHA Vargo BOT: geni.us/N46h92n *Merica's Gear:* Zerk 40: geni.us/OT0Ck TT Protrail: geni.us/JHmov7a Nemo Tensor: geni.us/4zxrOsO *Laura's Gear:* Osprey EJA: geni.us/8rCS X-mid Pro 1: geni.us/AHiFfF Neo-Air: geni.us/LZXyE Hartford Gear Stake Bag: geni.us/ozPiOL *Huckleberry's Pack:* Gossamer Gear Mariposa: geni.us/xubzokG *Hambergler's Gear:* Sleeping Bag Liner: geni.us/qjSy

[@12345NoNamesLeft]

Ghosttown is lovely, and maybe a little high.

[@Exduper808]

Was thinking the exact same thing! 😂😂😂

[@notquiteultralight1701]

High as F. Aaaand good for her!

[@charde9739]

On life!😁

[@keithmoorechannel]

A little?

[@billlottman7339]

Some people are just joyful, even without substance enhancements

[@iceman857]

The highlight for me is you walking through the camp area fixing people's setups. That's the thru hiker spirit!

[@romererunamerika9437]

You are welcome. Hummingbird guru Hi Steve V!

[@bryantdarris]

😃much respect.

[@shadeiland]

I remember I was hiking a section of the A.T. several years ago. Came across a guy that was obviously very frustrated, arms flailing around walking back and forth. I asked if he was okay and if need any help. He went off on how he didn’t know if he could do it or how so many people do. His shoulders just couldn’t handle the weight of what he was carrying. So I asked him to show me how he wears his pack. New hiker issue of loose belt and everything on the shoulders. Walked him through how to wear his pack. Ran into him just next to mountain crossings at neel gap a few days later. He couldn’t help but tell everyone how I saved his hike. I’ve never like praise or the spotlight like that, so I didn’t stay too long, but I was happy to know he was able to keep going and got something from my advice. Though my dog wasn’t happy about not getting all the attention after we left.

[@jayztoob]

I can't tell you how many people I've helped the same way. Tighten the belt so it sits on the hips, move the weight high and forward, tighten the straps so the gear doesn't shift, etc. Trail Newts are easy to spot, and if they've been out for a couple of days, usually really great full for useful tips. Also, it's nice to see someone spell Neel Gap correctly. Been through a few times, usually picked up something I needed, but never spent the night. Still looking for Beacon Point.

[@alsever7732]

Ever hike in the Andes? The guides carrying tents and food don't use the hip belts and advise others to not use them on steep grades.

[@petemillis4666]

​​@@alsever7732I expect they have a lot more strength and better technique than the average hiker. And I can see how using the hip belt on steeps will really limit freedom of movement.

[@vincentvega5686]

Very generous of you to gift those items to your interviewees, especially the Canadian who got a new pack!

[@bryantdarris]

Seriously that was super cool.

[@oskargustafsson500]

Actually helping people like this is so nice, kudos. If it's sustainable then I'd love to see more of those kind of things

[@Calidastas]

For us anti-social people who hike to escape people this scene is terrifying.

[@splashpit]

I watch these for the gear reviews as I don’t hike I cycletour and it Erik’s me when I stealth camp and all of a sudden someone sets up next to you

[@Oldguy-k3t]

Yeah, the movie has killed backpacking. People are very annoying! Slob hikers etc.

[@iliketurtles4463]

​@@splashpityou can't be stealth enough if you got others pulling up on you bro! Get further off the track!

[@BeardMan01]

I'm with you. I have a hidden gem of a camping spot that's on the Palmetto Trail. I absolutely hate people around when I'm disappearing into the woods.

[@ericwilliams1659]

Yeah, I am learning trails to never hike.

[@keithmeyers1720]

Loved it. No long boring chat, quick and fun, real people. Gonna check out more of your stuff.....

[@yegekimyeungma]

Ghosttown is rolling 😂

[@wishdarkstalkaz4050]

Rolling...? She’s straight up doing cartwheels...! 😂😂

[@Bombdawgy]

Cool Chick

[@johneroyale]

Big time.

[@phasmata3813]

Came to the comments looking for a remark about Ghosttown and wasn't disappointed

[@johneroyale]

@phasmata3813 she held it together pretty decently tho lol.

[@chrismoore600]

The fact you do this kind of stuff is why I love you channel. Cheers

[@chrismoore600]

@@DPM-dp9on I agree it's like jello fun to watch but you wouldn't want to eat it. Lol

[@iac4357]

3:45 "Just walking through ? Keep your money !". That was pretty cool of that lady !

[@rkatrails]

I agree with the guy who said a 2L fanny pack is too small. The biggest one I've found is the same one that was gifted to him, the 3L Hyperlite. It's not only spacious and very light, but it has a mesh organizer pocket inside the main compartment and a key leash, a very essential feature, and an outer zip pocket. Comes in white or black. I love mine.

[@Calidastas]

I can find the 2.5L versa but not a 3 L - where do you find it?

[@voberle]

May I ask how heavy your fanny pack is typically? And doesn't it "conflict" with the backbag hip belt?

[@robertphillips93]

​@@voberle just get a small vest harness pack for the top floor. First floor -- Savotta Askare 7L. Small heavy first floor, bulky light 2nd floor -- and properly adjusted, nearly all the upper weight can be transferred to the lower "shelf" when needed.

[@Phearsum]

Eberlestock makes a really nice one I like. Called the Bando Bag (XL version specifically) Multiple pockets, ridiculously durable.. It fits my Leatherman multitool, 10mm Glock, additional magazine, ferro rod, tinder, torniquet, bleedstop gauze, 3 protein bars, GearAid repair kit, and mini fishing kit.. Obviously if you're only using it for snacks, it will store much more than 3 bars. But I like having the versatility. I can stop a bear, control massive bleeds, repair any of my gear, catch food if I run out, and cook it. All within a fanny pack. Good stuff if you ask me.

[@expatadventureturkey9324]

Your are truly amazing, and a true gift to the hiking community thanks for all you do. 🤙🏽 Really enjoyed your trail magic for those in need…

[@themodularmodular]

Ooh I can almost smell this whole thing through my computer screen

[@Anonymous0.019]

😂

[@kevo598]

What's the saying? how do you know a thru-hiker is coming? You'll smell them before you see them! 🤣

[@kirtflesher1603]

Pure BO

[@themodularmodular]

@@kevo598 miles away, like you can smell fire over the mountain through the wind 💨 😆

[@ericwilliams1659]

It is weird. They are out touching grass, but still no daily shower.

[@benoitbourque344]

As a person with collector and compulsive buying tendencies, I am starting to notice a patern of my consumption of thru-hike influencer videos which leads into purchases of ultra light gears. Seeing this gear oriented event on the PCT is really opening my eyes on my behavior. It is even more troubling to admit that I own a lot of gears that I have yet to use since I have a family and a 9 to 5.

[@alexsingbeil1468]

Rented a JUCY minivan RV with RTT. We loved ease of leaving bedding inside, mattress built-in. No blowing up, and all that space freed up inside the vehicle. It was so much faster, even with time leveling vehicle. Loved camping dispersed in nat. forests. Fast and easy set-up even in dark. Made 3 week road trip in outdoors with 9 month old infant enjoyable.

[@mtadams2009]

I really enjoyed this video and your kindness. I am sure all of those hikers are really going to appreciate their new gear. Take care

[@1972hermanoben]

Cold soakers have my admiration. For me, there’s something magical about that hot coffee or tea first thing in the morning or last thing at night

[@memathews]

Nice view of PCT Days! You're so kind with the thru-hikers. And I was very pleased to meet you at the food truck area. You're very approachable, I just walked up and said hi, thanks for taking s moment for a fan to say how much i enjoy your videos. atb Mike

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Thanks for saying so! It was very nice to meet you!

[@destinypirate]

When is less gear more? '92 to '93 Oregon to Oaxaca with no tent, no pad, no stove, no phone, no boots, no GPS. Go Light. Then you can move swiftly, gracefully - both enjoying the journey and being safer. My pack list: Durable daypack, Canteen (metal - for boiling too), strong rubber sandals w/my own velcro strap system (Tevas/Chacos weren't big yet), 2x shorts (surfer/dryable/durable), 2x tshirts, 1 long shirt. Ultra-light sleeping bag. A sarang/light wrap (for hot weather. Tarp 8 x 6. Cord (100ftish, losing some along the way). Small Mosquito net (about 2.5ft2 to cover my head when sleeping. Trowel. Dive Knife. Hook and Line kit. Trident spearhead (doubles as a spit). 6-8ft of surgical tubing (learn to make a slingshot and Hawaiian sling (you have time). Small goggles. Started with a visor, then found a cloth frisbee with a hole in the middle to fit my large head - also sunblocked my ears & neck. Fanny pack: Passport, Swiss Army knife, mini stone, cash (I did the whole trip on about $400 cash + barter). First Aid kit w/sailmakers needle, floss, toothbrush/paste, lighter/matches, 4 band aids, 2 oz. tea trea oil. 2oz. clove oil. Map (a good local topographical for each new region). Small scissors - trim beard & hair a bit neat. Keep a clean shirt. Make more friends. Food: Oats were primary, jar soaked in the sun. Raisins. Nuts. Seeds. Dried fruit. Seaweed. - Spirulina algae as a supplement (usually 1 months worth) Ginseng & Rosehips to suck on. Then A LOT of foraging for plants/fruits, fishing, occasional snare catches (rabbit-squirrel). Local plants will up your immunity and lower your 'outside' odor to animals and bugs. KNOW your water sources. Luxury: Mini flashlight (rarely used). 1 Novel at a time. Small journal/pen. Walkman w/about 5 mix tapes. Plastic bags - Garbage bag as a poncho, another as pack cover. Ziplocks for most items. I learned that Light is Freedom. On long treks I limited gear to 30 pounds. Considering the clothes/sandles on me I would pack under 25lbs (depending on extra water). Staying very light, it's much more natural to go 30-50 miles in a day. For mileage days it would usually be pre-dawn to noon, cover 12 to 30 miles. Siesta. Up about 4pm and hike until midnight. Two 3 - 4 hour sleep shifts beats the solar heat and decreases heavy camping down time. DO NOT FIGHT THE SUN - this is key to water retention/heat safety. Learn to ''see'' at night. Learn what a trail FEELS like, so if you hit pitch dark (cloudy/under trees), you know if you go off trail. This is also why being light on your feet it key. People ask, ''How did you do it?" Well this video kind of explains it. First, stay light, learn to survive on less and then on what the environment is providing, which is a lot... First, people are throwing away/deserting WAY more than anyone could need - whether amongst journiers or locals. Frequented camp sites offer endless goods. There are always people ready to learn more camping/fire-cooking/outdoor craft. They discard everything, but most all of it is a burdern. By far the #1 useful thing was replenishing cord. I would often stay days by a creek or river. Being able to swim and fish is replenishing. On the ocean I would stay by a beach for weeks, constructing a palapa & sometimes using a discarded tent. Learn to fish/crab and also seaweeds. Rest. Repair. Replace. I accustomed myself to sleeping on hard ground, yet it is easy to find grass/moss/needles/leaves in the north and sand/fronds on the coast. It's often safer to weather a storm with a tarp (more mobile than a tent) as the key is to find some leeward protection. But you MUST be smart not to place yourself in a flashflood/rockslide/falling branch location. Hiking with the seasons helps for weather/safety/ease and food- The northern fruit ripening makes for great repasts. OF course staying warm, but not too hot increases your efficiency. Learn storm/flood patterns. Know that banks and beaches disappear. Most streams have prawn, forests have small game. - I almost never traveled with (dried) meat though (too much health risk and animal attraction). On the coast are crabs and small fish. Fisherman often discard nets. I repaired one and for 3 months in Mexico caught sardines by the bushel - they dry well too. (I would trade/gift extra to other travelers and locals at the market). Then there are coconut trees. People always want coconuts and their trees cleaned. Climbing for cocos, other fruit, and tree pruning is a quick way to barter or make cash. - You may have another way to engage value from the environment. Keep it simple. When entering a new ecosystem and especially when establishing a base camp - find a book on local flora and fauna (for food & safety). Find a library. Find a local market. Pick up a pot - beans/rice. You can live for weeks for just dollars. If you are short on cash - walk up to a construction sight, offer to clean/clear. Usually an easy 50 bucks or more back then. Learn a few skills and cash is no problem: mechanical, landscaping, animal care, marine repair/opertation, construction, cleaning. I would often stay on farms/communes/at homes - doing so much that people wouldn't want me to go. But I couldn't stay. Be fit. Get the most fit you can, before the journey. Be serious. Really. This means building serious uphill run + mile swim cardio and being tone and limber all over (not by another's standards, but you need to know yourself.) Start your spartan diet at home. Learn to eat 1 thing as a meal, like oats, or a bag of almonds. Your taste buds will become focused. Your body will clean up. Also - fruit is your best friend. The original electrolytes and slow release hydration. North to South I'd load up on blackberries, peaches, apples, plums, oranges, grapefruits, mangos, lychees. If hiking I would start with about 10 pounds, going through 3 lbs a day. Dried fruit is great - in moderation to water volume, chewed thoroughly. Get as light as possible, really. I generally hiked and journeyed at my fighting weight. Practice your walk - how to step long, efficient, gentle on your joints and in balance. Years later, even letting myself gain 10 pounds I noticed a BIG difference in my lightness, agility, and endurance. Being light and building your cardio you will be more efficient, lowering heartrate, sweat less, able to go further with ease. But it won't all be easy... Discomfort tolerance should become an enjoyable meditation. I would generally move faster than mosquitos, but insects, heat, cold, hunger, hardship are all a part of it. Embrace them all. There will be a hornets nest at the top of some coconut trees. Be cool. If they need to sting you, let 'em. It's worth it. People skills are your most vital ones. Relate with people. Learn the jokes, local music, heroes, stars...so as to compliment local culture (do this for every state and region). You need people- no matter how light you are. If you are journeying right, you won't avoid all missteps, mistakes, foul weather, foul people, or even calamities. But you have the adaptive mindset, you will know what to do. Go slow enough (in new environments) to allow for good decision making, yet train yourself to make quick decisions. Part of this training should be physical (the fitness, martial arts, swimming, knowledge of environment, water skills), part should be learning from others - mistakes. Talk with other journiers, learn the local pitfalls and clear paths. Read accounts. KZbin stories are available. You will end up in trouble. On my journeys I've faced big northern thunderstorms & bigger tropical storms, sandstorms, falling in a bog, machete extortion, gun threats, mean police, avoiding abduction by jumping from a moving vehicle, major concussion (car accident), marine injury (200 sea urchin quills), lacerations (hidden glass in sand), an angry bee hive (solution- Run, far, find a river, jump under, or decrease scent with dirt), fire - cocampers blowing up a hot pit with wet wood - embers catching my tarp, fanny pack w/passport and sleeping bag on fire, being broke (ended up hopping trains & being saved from the conductor by my new Mexican friends who then took me to hop the border), hunger and sunburn. It was all fine. I also helped sick & (leg) injured hikers on the trails, down from a volcanic mountaintop & up from the Grand Canyon. (Since I traveled light, I was able to carry their pack and shoulder them to safety), a kid & his drunk uncle in the VW he rolled in the ditch, more than a few sad people, sang songs, introduced kids to hiking/foraging craft, fishing, coconuts, and met a few women. - But not too many. The most memorable times are the alone times, in the raw beauty of nature. Having Wandering an endless grove of mangos. Sleeping in the arms of the giant redwoods. Freediving northern rivers and discovering the crawdads playground. Having orange sword fights. Being caught in a sandstorm on Oaxaca coastline - Wrapping the tarp around, just trying to breathe. The wind stops, I shake off to find myself surrounded by a new planet of perfect sand drifts leading to a beach of grapefruit sized stones. I'm all alone, the dolphins jump, herding the sardines my way. Take a basic First Aid/CPR course, then learn a bit more. Practice first aid applications, tourniquet and stitching. Really, get your kit out, look at some example emergy videos, then practice on yourself and your friends too. You are not only your own doctor, yet possibly for others as well. Learn about local poison sources. Urban travel through survival is a whole other skill set, but mostly it's advisable to find/take a ride around dense urban centers. There are few places for you there. If you are going urban, look urban. Clean up, clean shirt, direct your attitude. When you find a special place - stay. Recharge. Embrace what the local environment and culture is. Take your time.

[@iac4357]

Nice Info & Knowledge you imparted here Thanks !

[@destinypirate]

@@iac4357 I recalled a few more notes and added them. Stay light, get to know Your Way with the environment- that is the journey.

[@maxwellerickson7066]

This is the best comment I have ever read. Hell yeah

[@drbonzonew]

Legit microphone holder, I love it :)

[@whiskeythree1622]

What is it? A spoon or a scoop?

[@BnORailFan]

@@whiskeythree1622 It looked like a spade for digging cat holes.

[@WildernessMapper]

​@@BnORailFan😂

[@architennis]

@@BnORailFan Definitely.

[@Trackpad_User]

@@whiskeythree1622 It's a Bogler Co trowel

[@whiskeythree1622]

All those pitched tents in one place AND windy, for review ... that was gold!

[@gman963]

I would never hike without TP. Some people have embraced the bidet, but there are some situations that require more firepower.

[@splashpit]

There’s no situation where paper triumphs water !

[@joospis]

Folks who use bidets scrub their asses with the hands. Can’t beat the power of fingers

[@kevo598]

@@splashpit Exactly! If a good spray of a bidet isn't doing the job, then you've got other major issues to worry about. 🤣

[@trains2057]

Just spit on the toilet paper.

[@catblue6393]

I saw a tip for using a bidet. A quick squirt of water to the bum pre-poop helps with poop removal from skin with a bidet post-poop. I haven't tried this yet, so I can't confirm it works better.

[@sanjeevchauhan3613]

what a nice video... talk politely to people, respect their opinion and really help people who need help with gear without making a huge issue about it. Awesome..

[@BlazingShackles]

Ive hiked the PCT Mexico to Canada 5 times. The first time was an accident cuz I lost my bus pass. Then I realized I lost my mothers wedding ring on the trail and hiked it 2 more times looking for it. Never found it. But then I was in a Dutch Bros coffee in Visalia and saw this chic wearing my mom's ring. We hit it off real well and so I let her keep it. Turns out she was a hiker too, so we hiked the PCT together. That was my 4th time. We got married and guess what we did on our honeymoon? Yep, number 5.

[@michaelblaes9847]

That can't be for real. Thats some Hallmark channel level of destiny.

[@BlazingShackles]

@@michaelblaes9847 People love a good story, fact or fiction.

[@johnlong1100]

Picked a few mushrooms on at least one of those hikes didn’t you.

[@BlazingShackles]

@@johnlong1100 hell yeah

[@plopsplipspladoodle]

this is the most epic trail magic ever. buying people new gear is an absolute godsend! your a legend.

[@giro994]

Nice! We were doing a 4 day backpacking trail work camp in Desolation Wilderness by Heather Lake in July with the Tahoe Rim Trail, and I talked to about 30 of the 50+ PCTers hiking by each day. I wanted to ask what was most essential and least, but already had 3 question of if they were going for the whole thing (nearly all on those days were), how many miles they were averaging not including zero days (most in the 20-22, a few at 25, and 2 guys claiming 28-30...but I never talked to people flying by before 8am or after 4pm, so there were probably some high mileage ones there too), and since we had just met a PCTer on the top of Half Dome a week earlier, I was asking how many had taken the side route there. Maybe 20% had, but it's an extra chunk of mileage, and CA had just had a heat wave. It was fun talking for a couple minutes with these people doing an amazing hike.

[@j.b.9581]

I am not a thru-hiker. Have a (very) bad ankle now. Used to hike the Cascades every weekend for three & a half years. This video is useful for ideas!! Lots of dedicated hikers here. Hikers have a very cool mindset. I like it!!!!

[@aaronandlexitravels]

Absolutely love these videos you do at these events. I had to ditch the pillow. Stuff sack with clothes is enough for me. Here’s a weird one. I carry a sleeping back liner but put my sleeping pad in the liner instead of using in the bag. It cuts way down on the noise of the pad when you role around and is nice when you sleep with your back open on top of yourself.

[@Andy-Mesa]

It was nice to meet you! You didn’t ask me but the first thing I ditched was my polycro groundsheet. It tore like 2 days in. I know how much you love groundsheets though so I made sure to grab some Tyvek. The thing I wouldn’t hike without is my umbrella. It’s literally the one thing I would keep if I could only keep one thing.

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Did we meet at trail days? If I knew you were thru-hiking I would’ve asked.

[@Andy-Mesa]

@@MyLifeOutdoors no worries, I met you at the Farpointe booth and proceeded to gush about how much I appreciate what you do.

[@bigwave_dave8468]

Great video - glad to see folks enjoying the mountains. Good on you for helping some folks out. We used to make our own gear 'cause we didn't have any money (fanny bags, backpacks for frame packs, mountain parkas, ski pants etc.) A fanny pack, is a good beginner sewing project.

[@OutdoorActionPhoto]

I love the pioneer women that backpack and tru hike. Very down to earth and real.

[@chipkk7868]

So neat to you at PCT Days this year. I was the tall fellow who mentioned the Sawyer Foundation. What a great way both support the hikers and learn about their gear. Hope to see you there again next year

[@JstJacko]

Flexibility at the table for industry relevant media! Hoo! Dude you crack me up so much and I love how genuine and authentic you always are on camera. AND you're full on trail buddyin' fixing people's stuff as you go... (full Dad mode too)

[@JasonHikes1]

I like sneaking rocks into the thru-hikers packs as they ditch gear;)

[@uncleschuck]

It's okay all my rocks are Dcf

[@tornagawn]

Never get that one past me…..I know every corner of my pack.

[@RC-qf3mp]

All my rocks are from Z packs

[@JasonHikes1]

@@uncleschuck😂

[@JasonHikes1]

@@tornagawn 👍🪨

[@jorisev]

Am I the only one who loses all interest in a hike when SO many other people are doing it? A mass event like this is the antithesis of why I like hiking.

[@juliasheff2065]

I agree fully. I like the idea of the Appalachian trail, but when I think of the thousands of people who leave every single month during hiking season, and how inconsiderate people are to nature, it sickens me enough to lose interest, unfortunately. There's always the FT for us loners, though!

[@Swansniff2]

PCT-days is more like a festival, where people go from all over trail. I did avoid on my hike though. Yes, early on the PCT is crowded in the beginning, but it quickly thins out. You'd still meet a few hikers every day that you will get to know which is the fun part. If that's still not your cup of tea then there is CDT or other trails which are much less crowded. For me PCT was the perfect mix between community and going at it alone.

[@megalep7025]

No you are definitely not alone! As a Norwegian I really didn't understand what this video is about, is it a competition or what? Or is it like this in the US, they all just walk together the same trail?

[@arkansasalex7288]

Awesome video, this is the first video of yours I have watched (while I'm waiting on this storm to pass so I can start my hike of the North Sylamore Creek Trail) and I absolutely loved how you helped those thru-hikers by getting them the exact item or piece of gear they needed. Baller Trail magic brother!

[@smilingdog2219]

I carry a heavy pack with an iron skillet w 1 Lb. butter so you could say I'm not practical. I carry extra socks and shoes. I never hike without my gear inside a trash bag. This bag is converted from pack poncho into a trash bag to carry out all of other people trash we always find on our hikes, it's usually full.

[@urgamecshk]

How far is your hike

[@smilingdog2219]

@@urgamecshk Usually prep at 6000 ft, set base camp at about 10-11000 ft. in the Sequoias & Kings Canyon. I sometimes do deserts.

[@plants4thewin]

That was fun. Fixing peoples tents was the best part. 💚

[@markford2606]

Great job! Thanks for Your kindness to the hikers.

[@prjndigo]

In scouts we used loops of wire into a slot in the ground then put a peg through that from a different angle. It would add at most about 2 ounces to a pack plus wear on a knife but you could shove the loop in with a stick. 1984.

[@BUZZKILLJRJR]

You are amazing for being so generous to people, the backpacking gear is always so expensive to get the really lightweight durable stuff specially the bags you can go anywhere from $100 all the way up to $600 or more for backpacks not including the Ultra Lite cook systems starting at around 100 or more. Very cool. One thing I would take on Long backpacking trips like I'm talking one week or two weeks Adventures or whatever to spend some time out in the woods there's always brought a tiny little bottle of Dawn dish soap it's not bad on the environment you can wash your clothes and everything if you need to and it doesn't take much.

[@RyanSchell]

Awesome to Merica on here! Especially with Frozen and Bigfoot just hitting Canada!

[@GregPople]

Great video Steven. I love the spirited nature of those you interviewed and of course your generosity. Well done!

[@mtsurov]

Nice of you to take care of people. I really dig it.

[@EnufIsTooMuch]

That was interesting and a really nice way to go about doing some fellow hikers a few good deeds! Never did do a thru-hike, my longest backpack was five days off-trail in southwestern mountains, or 3 and 4 day Grand Canyon treks. I'd say that minimizing stove and shelter weights were the main thing I cut back on from starting out in the Boy Scouts and learning a great deal over the subsequent decades. On the other hand I NEVER set foot on any trail or wilderness cross country with less than my standard water load of 3 gallons. Of course I was doing mostly Mountain Search & Rescue in those years. Carrying extra gear and provision weight is kind of mandatory when you are seeking to rescue folks in difficulty. Ultra-lite backpacking is a very different pursuit compared to SAR in the wilder places.

[@bikeme5200]

I crossed paths with Huckleberry while out in a weekend trip in Desolation Wilderness. He said he is loving his new pack. 👍

[@davidcooper8390]

Loved the video and the content you were able to get. Also incredible to see you and your sponsors helping hikers out on trail.

[@christimartin8512]

The poop spade microphone is awesome!

[@ROE1300]

👍 Interesting video. It looked like you had a good time, very nice of you to reward several hikers with some really nice gifts, 👍 to that as well.

[@ciscokid1999]

Wow, what an amazing Vlog, super nice of you to take care of hikers!

[@jackpumkinhead9583]

Really cool of you to give that lady a pot and stove

[@mmmbass6068]

Yeah she burned through her other pot 😂

[@kimberlypenney7216]

Didn’t think I would watch this video but it was enjoyable. Thanks for being so generous.

[@antonyjharper31]

About 15 years ago I found a cracking little solo tent! It’s still going! It only cost £10 from Tesco

[@lordfarquaad5358]

You're such a kind person, you have no obligation to get gifts for any of these people yet you do. The world could use more you's

[@vitanksi]

This was such a great episode. I loved these interviews. Everyone had such great and positive energy

[@mitchlewis535]

Super cool of you buying people stuff. Very classy!

[@iwasapirateonce1639]

10L fanny pack for life. So handy having easy access, those time savings actually do add up. Would be nice to see some more made with more ultralight materials.

[@Mario-cr1ik]

10 liter?? What fanny pack are you using?

[@stitch3163]

‘MURICA ! Well that was a fortunate meet up. Great to see him.

[@vincehowell6442]

Havnt done a thru hike but camping my whole life taught me to only bring one spare of clothes. Ill rinse my clothes in a river on a long trip every two or 3 days if I feel the need. Just need something to wear while they dry.

[@annconley9520]

Love your festival videos. Wish video was 3x longer! Would love to meet you at the Florida Trail FEST in February.

[@jonathananonymouse7685]

Man, you're awesome. Keep up the amazing work, you beautiful human being!

[@MillerFourFingers]

After Colorado Outward Bound in summer 1982 I have zero desire to hike, but that's not why I came. Just wanted to say that I thought it was really cool of you to give stuff to the people you talked to and help fix stranger's tents.

[@tictachikes6156]

I ditched my umbrella within first 100 miles. Couldn’t find a way to attach it to my pack and got really frustrated with it. Somewhere around mile 600 someone gifted me a sun umbrella and I just carried it in hand 😂 Agree with one of your interviewees - could not hike without my stove! Coffee in hot granola, tea/coffee with lunch and a hot dinner!

[@Pshady]

Such a neat and tidy video, informative and felt quick paced but was also calming.

[@tauceti8341]

8:00 LOL you can tell thats an authentic candian, Bears down here are cool. Ain't that right! Too bad people take that for granted and well..

[@Swamp_Lad]

😂 northern Canadians are used to polars stalking around the trash containers and probably don’t even pack bear spray in grizzly country

[@gareth449]

Ghost Town was stoned , cool woman

[@TieWolf]

Ahhh the Slingfin gear at the 4:50 mark in back

[@AdamDrew]

Like Huckleberry, I bring bear spray in grizzly country, but I can't usually be bothered to pack it for black bears. Local bear reports are like "a black bear ripped a tent, ate too many raspberries, rolled down a hill and took a nap," and then "grizzly bear unalived two people and a dog because it had a toothache." That said if you're around here in the frontcountry, half the time you pack spray for people's aggressive off-leash dogs 90% more often than you even see a bear.

[@thismachine7089]

In front country, I pack heat cause bear spray doesn't do jack against Washington's more dangerous native fauna (tweakers).

[@ryanestes7331]

Which is why in Black Bear country I'll just bring a can of human pepper spray, more likely to be useful and fits in a pocket

[@Swamp_Lad]

@@ryanestes7331 yup spray is mostly for people 😂

[@liam_hurlburt]

that microphone setup is PERFECT

[@bryantdarris]

Dig the vid and the Q&A. Awesome that you are hooking up the hiker. Just subscribed and will check out the affilates. cheers.

[@davidcrossroad8181]

Love these interviews man. Good Job! Nice how you haggled yourself into the campsite (smooth) LOL

[@TheJimprez]

I've done SO MANY long hikes on the worst terrains you can think of when I was a kid, that I just DON'T feel like it anymore (Bush pilot parents, and Light Infantry in Canada). But I hear ya! However, sometimes it's just moving your load around that fixes things.

[@paulkramer4176]

Good to ask the questions about gear. Everyone is different, and can have different ideas, and the important thing is to be out there. But it is good to have one think about what really is necessary. Sure, light weight is great when hiking, but you should have enough gear for emergencies. But in truth, MUCH of the gear sold is really not necessary. I speak from about 45 years experience, using the gear, selling gear (salesman for 10 years at backpacking shops), designing and manufacturing gear for 30 years, (SD, TNF, MHW, and a bit at SF). I would say that those tents, were not staked correctly. Stakes should NOT be staked from the fly directly to the ground. Always use a guy line, even if only a foot or so long. (yeah, I know, in crowded areas, folks trip over them and perhaps people tripped over those tents in the first place and it is what loosened the fly in the first place. But a stake with a cord will more likely stay in than without.

[@samanthadolat4463]

Ghost Town is my friend… she’s just a super fucking happy person 😂😂😂

[@coffeehunter8742]

Nice of her to be friends with foul-mouthed people

[@NFor-s8q]

Chode

[@markswishereatsstuff2500]

Met a brand new thru hiker two weeks ago while I was section hiking the AT at Blackburn Trail Center. 11 miles in, he put his huge bear can in the donation box. I looked at the stuff in his pack, think all the the clothes will be next.

[@jeffreycarman2185]

I think it’s cool that totally inexperienced backpackers do through hikes, but they really should read up a bit before going. It would save them a lot of weight on the trail and money.

[@nem.dc33]

Duuudeee, I was there two years ago, hiking the PCT. This brings back memories! ❤ Peace and happy trails, Zookeeper ✌🏻

[@piggy8435]

Your video are so inspiring, I wish I could backpack. I live in Washington and love hiking and just have 0 clue where to even begin with backpacking or where to go.

[@crmasek39]

Love the episode man hope you had fun and enjoyed trail days!

[@frankblangeard8865]

Instead of a fanny pack to keep small items handy I use a Nikon camera carrier which is semi stiff but light, I put the shouder strap around my neck and positon the bag on my front left side.

[@lesskinner8588]

Great video, interesting to hear and see what people are using there for through walking. Here in Australia, we destination walk more, generally people use tough (heavy) gear, heck my old pack was a Lowe Alpine Alpamayo 90lt, weighed 2.8kg alone !! Very glad to have found Gossamer gear in 2008, using a Mariposa pack (still, after 16 years !), Henry Squires tent (also 2008), Macpac Neve bag (no down underneath, just a mat sleeve, 20+ years), Thermarest Neolite mat (new), gotta say as you get older you appreciate lightweight gear so much.

[@mandokingston]

love the "dual use" on that poop trowel

[@GoneFeralWithSquidly]

This was really well put together.

[@Sheltowee1775]

I will probably never thru hike. I’m 58 and did my first backpacking trip last week. Only 3 nights. But this is a great vid. And a cool event. I’d like to attend something like that.

[@15halerobert]

I always had a thing about under drawers. I learned early in my camping life (back in the early 70s) that keeping my junk clean and dry saved me from freezing my butt off. But now I have two pair of Exofficio drawers plus 2 pair of darned tough socks. 1 pair keeping me dry and happy and the other pairs drying after a quick rinse if I'm able. Also, what with a pillow. Thats what a stuff sack is for you babies

[@tc2156]

I finished thru-hiking the Colorado Trail on 8/1. I’ve done a bunch of shakedown trips to get my gear really dialed in, so I didn’t ditch any gear. But what I did ditch on day 2 was coconut flakes. They have high fat and a good calorie-to-weight ratio, but they took forever to chew! A little later, I ditched coconut oil because I kept forgetting to add it to my food. One thing I won’t want to hike without would be my Gossamer Gear ⅛” foam pad. I used that thing so much! It was my front porch, my stretching mat, a sit pad, and a sleeping pad wedge for uneven ground. I used it multiple times a day.

[@Idiosynchris]

Good stuff, man - I watch your reviews sometimes, but you've really got a knack for documenting people and interviews.

[@Douglas-Fir]

The first guy that you asked if he knew of garage grown gear. Pretty sure that’s a crew boss I had doing wild fire

[@TheTrailDancer]

Durston is killing it. The X-Dome is coming soon!! Can’t wait! Ghost-town ❤️

[@ethanheyne]

I hope those with no stove stay to the drier, or at least warmer, areas. A hot drink or meal can save your life when you're cold.

[@Alex-od7nl]

these guys are spot on. However as someone who has done the tarp-tent thing, I like normal tents.

[@Juanlu.]

Mola! Me encantaría encontrar ese ambientazo en España!

[@Meme-qd2oj]

This was great-thoroughly enjoyed!!

[@durstongear]

Love these vids. Hope to make it to PCT days next year.

[@Sheltowee1775]

Dude. You rocked this vid.

[@jacobhandyside5863]

im not a thruhiker but now that we've met Ghosttown and Hamburglar ive realised that these are my people

[@snyper069]

Uber generous to help the trail folk. Great vid!

[@JordanAshby-k6r]

MURICA!!!! Glad to see him make it there

[@pasjeihobby]

That's a smashing video. Dude you are born to make interviews. GREAT JOB !

[@steveglennan]

We had a great time at PCT Days, and we also saw you there working your way through the crowd.

[@BriflexHikes]

Merica at 3:00 lets gooo!