Why I couldn’t finish my section hike on the worst trail | Florida Trail

[@arihirschman6884]

Ahhh, the Florida Trail, where experienced triple crowners wet their pants! (In the swamps, of course). I've section hiked a little more than a third of this trail. Summer (1000000 degrees), winter, any time I could go out. I crossed Big Cypress three times and can promise that some parts of the FT are truly magnificent and compare to the most beautiful mountain views in the world. The difference is that there are few places like you find in the FT, and tons of mountain views. From my experience, it takes a special type of hiker to hike this trail. They also have to have a mind that can appreciate a different type of beauty. I've already encountered five different carnivorous plants, tons of snakes (water moccasins, black racers, pygmy rattle snakes, coral ...), more gators than I could count (and you begin to to understand and know how they operate after a while), lots of wild pigs, armadillos, deer, bunnies, scorpions and so many spiders (I used to be a little scared of those, but no more). I love the wildlife on the trail. But, to be honest, this is a trail for tough hikers. Really tough hikers. We have peaks that require supplemental oxygen and acclimatization at two base camps (the highest peak is about 315' or 105m). If you try to hike at your "normal Pace" you may easily end up with repetitive motion injuries, the sun can bake you on a winter day and then you can go from 80's to 20's in one day and back. This trail does require a toughness that most other trails do not. You could do a thru hike and never see another hiker, or you could go in a group and have company the entire trail. Floridians are not used to hikers, so they will think you are homeless, and if you are of the wrong mindset you will complain about the road walks, even though they are quite beautiful. A trail for tough hikers that can appreciate beauty wherever they are.

[@hikingdancer]

Thank you so much for explaining it this way. I think with a hiking partner I would feel way more comfortable attempting this trail. Now that you said it’s for the toughest… I feel a bit like maybe I could do it lol. Honestly I have no idea how to learn gator behavior or snakes. I’m impressed with your knowledge and your great west of explaining the trail. Thanks again.

[@babushka372]

Hm hm some sado- maso is here:-) Cmon now , man , hike is about beauty , walk and many other things , but be a dinner for alligator or gigantic snake - that is a kinky thing , has nothing to do with hiking at all. Hope your parts of the body still with you as well as mental health 😋

[@hikewithmike4673]

I agree I love the Florida Trail

[@arihirschman6884]

@@hikingdancer I have escorted two separate hikers through Big Cypress. If you are in S. FL I could do the same. BC is always different, but beautiful. Just keep on hiking!

[@arihirschman6884]

@@babushka372 As long as you know the 4-D Gator diet you will be fine. Gators eat Deer, Dogs, Ducks and Dummies. As long as you are not in the menu you will be fine. (BTW, we have placed trained gators in parts of the trail to make sure those diet rules are enforced :-P ) - All kidding aside, you have to really work hard to get eaten, bitten, or attacked.

[@mikeinthemountains]

Thanks!

[@hikingdancer]

Thank you

[@Oldsparkey]

The Florida Trail is Wild Florida , not Disney World with manicured jungles and concession stands. I hiked parts that years later became the Florida trail. This was back in the 50's and early 60's. During those times it was possible spot a Panther or a Bob Cat and a Bear was a natural sight. Today I enjoy all the different areas and being out there is great , camp over night and listen to the Owls. Today if you are lucky you might hear a Coyote or actually see one. It's a jungle and that's one reason I use a really good Jungle Hammock , I can hang it anywhere.

[@hikingdancer]

I wish I liked hammock camping

[@naturecoasted]

Chuck, everyone knows this section of the trail sucks.

[@ricklohr5]

Backpacks become obsolete the moment you buy them. I'd suggest waiting until just before your next long thru-hike to get the latest and best innovations. For shorter trails that are game-changers, I'll suggest again Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore combined with a thru-hike across Isle Royale National Park in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Travel logistics are a bit more involved but you'll be like, "Toto, we're not in Florida anymore." And that's a good thing! Thanks for the video! --Pale Rider

[@hikingdancer]

Thank you for the recommendation

[@johncooper7663]

Backpacks become obsolete......? Lol, what salesman got in your head, and wallet

[@ricklohr5]

"Obsolete" was probably a poor choice of words. I meant that gear companies are continually tweaking and improving upon their products and that it might be prudent not to purchase gear too far in advance. For example, Big Agnes made a number of enhancements to the Copper Spur UL-2 tent in the 2020 rendition. Had someone purchased that tent in 2019 for a hike they didn't intend to do until 2021, they would not have benefited from those improvements.

[@bradorndorff7408]

Yes the Florida trail is just not my cup of tea. Born in Ohio, grew up in southern Pa. . The mountains are my love and my home. I'd rather have rocks biting my feet than gators.☺️

[@hikingdancer]

I have come to adore the mountains too

[@annegallagher4005]

Look at you in your natural habitat LOL yeah this trail looks and feels scary, good idea to walk back, safety first but at least you could enjoy practicing using the tripod and doing some amazing "walk-by" shots, I really enjoyed that!! Also the macro pictures of the small bitses in nature were excellent, you really got the eye for it!! Another adventure waits.. let's see what you will do next! Liked the bloopers at the end as well!!

[@hikingdancer]

Thank you so so much for liking my video-ing

[@melchurch3019]

Good to see you back out hiking. I agree with your assessment of the Florida Trail. Too much swamp walking. We have done many day hikes on Florida trails for photography but always avoided what you went through. Keep searching.

[@hikingdancer]

I need to find some non swamp trails

[@cwesi1]

It’s great to see you out and about hiking the FT. Great views of this trail albeit truly primitive and primordial in appearance. As you mentioned, the critters are real and usually don’t show themselves until their prey is close at hand. Perhaps this is a trail you hike with a hiking partner. Thanks for the shout out and you are cool enough for Patreon. Just saying! - Jiffy Pop

[@hikingdancer]

I think you said it exactly right. A hiking partner would make this much better.

[@anthonysmith7280]

Nice vid HD, really well done. I dug your walk-thru sequences, although I know the milage stacks up on ya. That trail looked great ........ if you're a duck, frog, gator or leach. Good call backing off. Good to see ya back at it, keep it up and be well out there. BTW - that was an expended shotgun shell you found out there......as I'm sure other followers will or have pointed out.

[@hikingdancer]

Thank you for noticing my walk through sequences. It took a little extra work but it looks great

[@glenncremeans9067]

I am starting to hike parts of the florida trail , ocala forest and points north are normally dryer. Fall and winter are best months .

[@theladyshines.]

Was great to see another video pop on up :) Thanks for taking us along, hope we were some company cause that didn't look a fun time you were having. I love the palms too but do not like the swamp or the creatures that call it home. I am glad you called it and turned back, you gave the trail a longer chance than I would have. As you probably already guess from the remark you made, yes that was a shotgun shell. Stay safe and fantastic for the new hat, good job guys :)

[@hikingdancer]

So happy for my hat. Will try to find a less swampy trail in Florida

[@gregborneman5523]

Swamp camping is like being in another world. Many years ago, some friends and I spent 2 nights canoe camping in the Okefenokee Swamp. Came within a few feet of dozens of massive gators. It was both fun and scary. Hope you continue to share your adventures.

[@hikingdancer]

It’s scary for sure

[@julietrinchard3699]

“River Crossin” of the swamp cracked me up😅

[@hikingdancer]

Lol

[@MikeWD9JJV]

That was a 12 gauge shotgun hull. Finding them in the woods in Kentucky is as common as finding a mushroom. It can be loaded with one ounce of lead in any form, one piece or multiple pieces depending on what you are hunting. In WWII Germany tried to get the Geneva convention to ban them due to how deadly they are in less than 60 yards.

[@gypsygirlhikes]

So so glad to see you out and about!! The trail, the length etc doesn't matter as much as depression/mental health does!! Can't wait to see your new adventures. Continued blessings 🙌

[@hikingdancer]

You are so so right

[@magicaltrails]

It is GREAT to see you back on trail! That trail freaks me out a bit though--it seems very primeval, as if a dinosaur could just crawl out of the ooze. And he could, I guess, in the form of a gator!

[@hikingdancer]

Indeed. It’s a pretty and scary trail. I don’t mess with gators

[@jasoneskew1115]

@@hikingdancer Gators are lazy and shy. My kids would freak out about them when we kayaked the Little Econ or Wekiva but I'm slowly getting them to realize that their nothing to worry about. As long as you don't swim with them or do stupid things to attract them. Mostly, they hide when you come around a bend in the river. Diamondback rattlers on the other hand are just a-holes. I had one sunning himself in the middle of the trail back in the spring and he just wouldn't move. I had to bushwack around him.

[@backpackbible5766]

Snakes... nope. Gaters.... nope. I did enjoy the extra time you spent with the walk- by shots. Great job and you can always come to Michigan and hike the North Country Trail with me. 😊

[@hikingdancer]

Oh I need to look at that trail

[@backpackbible5766]

@@hikingdancer yes, it's a good Trail. I started solo hiking it in April and there are some very lovely portions... and no alligators! 😁

[@shelliebrassler4430]

Having lived there 50 years I’m with you… no interest at all to hike the FL Trail! You’re a brave person!

[@hikingdancer]

Thank you. It was intense

[@viadharmawheel]

This trail is a dangerous joke.

[@klmcurtis8620]

You are the voice of many! Ha! Good to see you out on the trail.

[@hikingdancer]

Lol 😂 thank you

[@stevetrimborn3739]

Dang! That is pretty crazy. I've hiked the Florida Trail, but a bit farther north.... The areas near Brooksville in the Croom Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and Citrus WMA are really nice and have several connecting trails for hiking some nice loops. Try those areas next...

[@hikingdancer]

Ok want to try out more trails in Florida for sure

[@jimmyjenkins9240]

It’s good to see you out hiking. At least you didn’t encounter wild hogs. I have seen many signs of them while hiking sections of the FL trail, but, have only seen them in the flesh once. I think the FL trail is like Scotch…an acquired taste.

[@hikingdancer]

I would agree on that.

[@benjaminslayton9362]

Sew is pronounced like so, so there you righ der! Lol I enjoy your accent, and your videos, thank you for making them.

[@darrellmarcks6304]

I've been watching you for a year now. Never watched this till now. This is my local FT hiking area! Small world. There are lots of pigs in that area

[@wildflowersadventures]

I’ve been in Florida my whole life, 44 years, and I just can’t love hiking here. It’s kinda creepy and can definitely have an ominous feel, especially in the swamps! I’ve never been nervous on any other trail outside of Florida. I’m desperately trying to love it because driving to the mountains every time I want to get on trail just isn’t feasible. The Black Bear Wilderness Trail is not too bad, and kinda cool….just VERY buggy with gigantic mosquitoes. We saw 2 Pygmy rattlesnakes and a diamondback while we were there. Right on trail and didn’t want to move. 😬 Strangely we never saw a gator even though it ran along the River, but we heard them loudly the whole time. Oh! And a pack of hogs came running out of the brush and my daughter saw a black bear. I have a video up on our page if you wanna see it. Florida is just so mid compared to the mountains!

[@hikingdancer]

Yeah nothing compares to the mountains

[@wesleywade8363]

I agree! I live in South Florida and for me the swamp just can't match the beauty of mountains. The reptiles have never bothered me, the insects however, get extreme.

[@lark518Photo]

I think it's the craziest trail, I watched @Homemadewanderlust Dixie, hiking at night through swamp water up to her thighs with alligators and snakes. Good luck and have fun.

[@hikingdancer]

Can’t imagine doing that. I have watched her FT hike.

[@markrebeor1000]

Good job filming Juliane. When I saw the mud on your calves I thought she needs some gator’s, but not the ones with teeth.:). Hyperlite just came out with the Unbound 40. More attention to the seams, huge stretch pocket instead of the mesh, that ripped on yours. A stretch pocket on the bottom, huge side pockets, one aluminum stay instead of two, a removable hip belt with pockets. Seems like the perfect thru hiking pack.

[@hikingdancer]

I’ll check out the unbound 40

[@jasoneskew1115]

I'm glad you got out a little bit. Don't let that section keep you from doing other parts of the FT. Probably the same weekend you were out on that section, I went up to Ocala and did a short out and back, overnight. I've got some pictures of the trail but can't share them in this youtube comment. The trail up there was high and dry, wide and well marked. Blow downs were cut and the trail wasn't overgrown. Water was available where I parked and with a short blue blaze. I avoided the areas close to Orlando because they are still going to be flooded from Ian. Now, they'll be flooded again this comming weekend.

[@hikingdancer]

Yes I want to check out some other sections

[@richardross7219]

That was a 12 gauge shotgun shell. Nice to see you getting out in the woods. Swamps are to be feared. Watch Dixie's FT hike and First Church of the Masochist's ECT hike. The FT is best done in winter when there is less insects and reptiles. Happy Trails. Good Luck, Rick

[@hikingdancer]

Yes I’ve watched her FT hike. I guess doing it with another person Would alleviate many fears

[@mountaintruth1deeds533]

(16 purple)

[@richardross7219]

@@hikingdancer Life is safer with a buddy. Good Luck, Rick

[@richardross7219]

@@mountaintruth1deeds533 ?

[@edfrhes]

I would wear leg protection/long pants because of giggers (sp) . Those little bugs that burrow under your skin. I got them mushroom foraging in a similar environment. They're awful. Gators don't scare me, you can see them and they're easy to avoid. Snakes do scare me because they blend in . Easy to step on by accident. The bitting bugs, knats, deer flies, ticks and mosquitoes, also can be a huge problem. I'm surprised they didn't eat you up. Nice video. Thanks for taking us along.

[@hikingdancer]

Thank you for following along

[@lewisleake9902]

Good to see you on the trail again.

[@hikingdancer]

Thank you

[@babushka372]

I just loooove the nature ,how beautiful God created this , thanks for showing these heavenly amazing trees and surrounding P.s. somebody looked pretty unhappy ... 😋

[@hikingdancer]

Awe yes some beautiful shots. I was a bit unhappy having gators stare at me…but looking at it without hiking it, yes it’s beautiful.

[@babushka372]

@@hikingdancer any pictures with staring big eyes of alligators?

[@elizabethcoates3916]

I’ve hiked a bit of the FT in the Ocala National Forest, it wasn’t swampy but it was sandy and full of mosquitos. Just not for me. Much prefer the mountains when it comes to hiking. Nice to see you back on trail though. Keep on keepin on.

[@hikingdancer]

I have thought about going Ocala. Thank for the info

[@godslayermobilegaming8059]

😂😂😂 we're just different down here. Gotta be brave to run through our wilderness.

[@hikingdancer]

Indeed

[@sandra4710]

So excited to see you!!!

[@hikingdancer]

Yay.

[@plainsimple442]

Hi Julian, good to see you back hiking!

[@hikingdancer]

Thank you

[@michaelbutler4961]

That was a shotgun shell possibly a 16 gauge, It looked purple in the video. I'm with you, hiking in a swamp is something I would never care to do. I have ridden some very nice bike trails in FL but the critters can have the swamps LOL Hike~~On~~> Ps to better places

[@Ron_C]

Doing the smart thing is always the right thing. Once it stops being fun, it is a good idea to stop, I mean....you do this for fun and enjoyment, no need to ruin your passion. Be safe.

[@hikingdancer]

You are so very right

[@catpatrick3838]

Not sure I would ever hike the Florida Trail. I like elevation changes, overlooks and vistas, but, most of all, that the state bird NOT be a mosquito! 🤣 I also live in a southern state so I gotta head north or west to hike trails that aren't almost entirely flat. 🙄 Hurricane Ian did a number on the Florida Trail. Happy trekking! It was good to see you back on trail even for a short time. ❤️ ETA yes, you are happy you're wearing orange. That was a shotgun shell casing. Not sure about hunting seasons in Florida but it's deer season in my part of the world.

[@hikingdancer]

Yes once I left the trail I saw a sign listing hunting dates. It’s now 😲

[@catpatrick3838]

@@hikingdancer Yikes! Luckily you wore your new orange tee! You might want to get a bright orange cap (or bright orange pack cover) to wear when hiking during hunting season. Your pack obscures a lot of the orange on your back, a cap would make you more visible from behind and the side. Unfortunately, prime hiking weather coincides with hunting season for those of us in the southern states.

[@mickybarrera3264]

I think Florida is the only place I wouldn't hike nope. Cudos too you and anybody else who hikes it.

[@hikingdancer]

There is some pretty stuff but yeah I agree with you

[@hikingdancer]

There is some pretty stuff but yeah I agree with you .

[@alyishiking]

I live in Tallahassee, near the Apalachicola NF where there's a like 8 mile section of the FT that's completely submerged up to your chest sometimes. I believe that section is called Bradwell Bay. FT is literally a masochist hiker's dream.

[@hikingdancer]

lol so right

[@itsjustjoelle6640]

Loved to see you back hiking! BUT, I live in Florida (Ormond Beach) and this video gave me anxiety! LOL. Walking through that water was crazy scary!!! Florida is not meant for hiking. You are so brave for going as far as you did!!!!

[@hikingdancer]

It was scary indeed

[@dniemi58]

“Florida is not made for hiking”? Really?

[@TheChantybb]

I loved to see you hiking again. FL is just not my place to hike, one of the reasons why I moved out of there 😂 just too humid and too many bugs.

[@hikingdancer]

It’s an Intense trail

[@hikewithmike4673]

I love the jungly green beauty of the Florida Swamps and trails!

[@hikingdancer]

It can be beautiful

[@valerie5152]

Hi Roadrunner!! Glad to see you back on trail,but I'm really glad You turned back ..I was getting nervous for you Around those swamplands.. ..

[@hikingdancer]

I am glad I turned around

[@Porrohman19]

Good to see you back on trail, but I don’t blame you, the Florida Trail wouldn’t be my idea of a fun hike, nice though the foliage is. I thought the same when Dixie did it!

[@hikingdancer]

The foliage was quite beautiful indeed

[@SasSaga]

There are still panthers there, and now, 12’ pythons….oh, and MOSQUITOES! And “that” was a shotgun shell…

[@hikingdancer]

Oh yeahhh

[@ciscokid1999]

Hi Roadrunner, so yeah the snakes are the water moccasin, we have them here in south Fl as well and of course alligators..lol I considered doing this trail but it can be nasty with bugs, muck and waist deep water. Best to do in the winter and the "purple" shell you found is a shotgun shell, but you might already know this. Keep the vlogs coming. Oh, if you can do a vlog on what software and how you create your content it would be appreciated. Tschuss

[@hikingdancer]

Oh yeah I need to

[@jeanetchrisGeocachingNL]

We visited Florida just after Ian, and there was a lot of water and Gators on places where there never would be if there wasn’t be a Hurricane! Please be safe!!

[@hikingdancer]

Oh yeah

[@joesoutdoorplaces]

I’ve read a book by a man who hiked this trail. I recall a lot of water in the book. Interestingly, he never filtered water, drinking it straight from swamps and rivers. I’ve kayaked among alligators quite a bit. It can be a bit unnerving.

[@hikingdancer]

It’s definitely an unnerving trail

[@susietopspin]

Great video. Florida trail is a hard no for me. Florida is lovely for many things but not hiking, IMO. Alligators freak me out more than anything you would encounter on the AT. Happy trails. 🤘🏻🥾⛰️

[@hikingdancer]

I’ll be determined to find a nice trail in Florida now

[@susietopspin]

@@hikingdancer go for it. Can’t wait. 😝

[@chuckmoseley1028]

I remember watching Dixie's series going through this trail. There's NOTHING about it that makes me want to consider hiking it. I think you did exactly what I would've done! But you probably went A LOT further than I would've made it! - lol! BUT - great video! :)

[@hikingdancer]

I went further than I should have

[@forkintherode8236]

Love the hat! I wouldn't mind hiking the FT but sleeping overnight? I don't know

[@sandrabonagura809]

Glad you left that trail! I went kayaking in FL and no thanks never again! It’s one big gator swamp can’t wait to see your new rain jacket. FL is a winter beach place 😂

[@hikingdancer]

Florida is definitely swampy

[@hindsfeetonhighplaces]

I did 25 miles on the floor the trail last week, and 16 miles this week. I’ve completed the Eglin Air Force Base section, now going home to my beloved White Mountains. Next time work brings me down here I’ll try and knock out some more miles

[@hikingdancer]

That’s too cool that you were here in FL

[@brucemartin2882]

Some people see beauty in Florida swamps and the ecosystem..Only the Amazon has a more diverse environment..

[@hikingdancer]

You are right

[@richardhatch1346]

I guess I'm a crazy guy because I would consider this trail. Someone else stated already that Dixie has done a review of an Atom she purchased. Well worth watching. Also.. you are an influencer! I recently purchased a ULA Om because of you and your channel. FOCS was talking about her ULA in one of your episode and I had never considered ULA... it kept rising to the top of my list. It was that or an Atom and it just didn't make sense to spend more money and increase my carbon footprint with more shipping. And one other thing... I can see you have been thinking about the methods of filming and have enhanced your production! Smiles... Richard

[@hikingdancer]

That’s so neat to know. Yes the ULA seems amazing

[@peggy_guice]

I'm a GA girl who now calls Florida home. I love hiking and backpacking, but I have NO desire to go slogging through knee deep water where there are gators and snakes. I don't blame you for turning back. Hiking is supposed to be fun, and if it's not there's always the next one.

[@luisahirsch5654]

Oh wow! I would be so afraid of the alligators too! I don't blame you. They can be dangerous! 😳 I had never heard of the Florida trail. I have to read up on it out of curiosity, but probably not one I would want to try. It was great to see you on a hiking adventure though and it was pretty what you caught on video! Take care and hope all is well! 😊

[@hikingdancer]

Yeah Dixie from Homemade Wanderlust did the FT. It’ll show you how crazy it is

[@luisahirsch5654]

@@hikingdancer I have seen some of her videos, but I haven't seen that one yet. I will have to check it out!

[@magicaltrails]

I wish there were a way to have t-shirts made on synthetic shirts that would be good for hiking and kayaking! I love my River Crossin' shirt, but I never wear it hiking, which seems ridiculous LOL.

[@hikingdancer]

Yeah I was thinking that it’s silly not to offer synthetic shirt options. Unfortunately my shirt partner only does cotton

[@RhodeTrip1]

Have never had an Atom pack; check out LiteAF packs, they usually have a sale in November. Have you considered the Long Trail, only need 3 weeks or so? No snakes or gators to worry about.

[@hikingdancer]

Ive looked at LiteAF packs too. That was my third choice for a new pack actually

[@RhodeTrip1]

If interested, LiteAF sale starts Monday

[@mikem5933]

What rain gear did you get? I’m trying to figure out what to buy myself. I have something from Bass Pro but it’s old & heavy, a carryover from my pre hiking days

[@tommygreist9560]

I love hiking...... It's so beautiful and Comforting. Music sounds like DMB-Beachball Acoustic.❤

[@hikingdancer]

Lik

[@johnmys5am]

Just finished the Foothills Trail. It's like a mini AT! You would love it if you're looking for about an 80 mile thru.

[@hikingdancer]

Yeah definitely a trail I want to do

[@harolddenton6031]

Wading through knee high water in Florida would be nerve wracking worrying about a big python grabbing me by my leg and trying to feast on me as their dinner. .

[@hikingdancer]

It was scary

[@lydiagould3090]

That's a spent cartridge, from hunters. We see a lot of them here (UK) where theres a lot of game bird shooting

[@hikingdancer]

Ok thank you

[@KrisKazmierski]

Great video! Keep making videos!

[@hikingdancer]

Absolutely

[@t5j6ut]

Don't give up on the FL Trail - I've been through all that area on day hikes, and it is sometimes dry! Now is not the best time to go through there, after Ian. But thanks for the views so that I now know to wait a few weeks before attempting any of it.

[@hikingdancer]

I would go with a hiking partner maybe, but it was pretty intense

[@t5j6ut]

@@hikingdancer Try the Joshua Creek Trailhead a little further N - it will be dryer around there.

[@marigaux22]

I'm shopping for a rain jacket and I really want to know which one you picked. Do a review or first look video soon?

[@hikingdancer]

Very soon. Waiting for a Florida downpour

[@audiosaurus6511]

I have a Atompacks Atom plus 40L. It is a great pack, solid build and feels great on your back. I am considering a mo 60 L, it has load lifters, Y strap etc. The only thing I don't like on the Atom plus are the detachable side pockets, they tend to come off, which would be a nightmare scenario on a true hike, because that is where you store your wallet etc.

[@hikingdancer]

Good to know. Thank you for the info

[@kfraserfwb]

The FT has different challenges than the AT. No mountains but swamps and mud. Both require the right mental attitude to succeed. I've been waste deep in water on the FT for miles and loved the challenge. Just like the folks the quite the AT, it's attitude not the trail.

[@hikingdancer]

You are not wrong

[@592movement]

Those are the two that I am considering too, ULA and ATOM, I just like the HMG for the side stretch pockets. I don't like the no load lifters like you said. I'm just 6'3 and 275, so most packs don't come in a tall.

[@hikingdancer]

Yes the stretchy side pockets were a big reason I liked the HMG, but they did rip rather fast.

[@paganed]

I 100% agree with you on walking through a swamp = Sucky Time Wet feet for days .. not drying out your feet for the next day .. and then the next Then there's Alligators ...

[@hikingdancer]

Gators 🐊 are not my favorite

[@Wondering_Fireball]

The Lite AF has some awesome ultra 200 DCF packs. I have 3 of them and love them all.

[@hikingdancer]

Yeah they are nice packs

[@EverlastingDream328]

Great video! You made the FT look pretty despite its current muddy conditions. Love the shot you did panning up to the orange blaze on top of the moss. Glad you were wearing your orange shirt during hunting season! Did you encounter any ticks? I hiked some parts of the FL Trail in Chuluota & some in Ocala (by Juniper Springs) in late January and it's definitely less buggy and swampy at those times. Water moccasins are deadly. I know Dixie hiked through those waters...idk how she does it.

[@hikingdancer]

Yeah not sure how she did it either. I guess it’s a bit more comforting when you have a hiking partner

[@anitamckenzie4895]

Great video. I have to say, the music and your narrative levels were perfect. I did not have to turn up the volume and turn down for music. Well done!! I agree, swamp hiking would not be for me. Hike on my friend!!

[@hikingdancer]

Thank you for the compliment

[@anitamckenzie4895]

@@hikingdancer welcome you are!!

[@floridology]

Maybe I'm biased, but this trail looks so beautiful to me. It's on my list now :)

[@hikingdancer]

It is beautiful, also a bit dangerous

[@ronrichardson6893]

Which one of the Atom packs do you want they have several types

[@hikingdancer]

I would want the Mo

[@truthbetold1377]

Exactly which section of the FT is this video from?

[@timbrown177]

Wow don't think I hike the Florida trail your bad ass. I think when you purchase a backpack your a AT thru hiker that's amazing and since you done it ask them you try it out I think you a company might help you out!! Thanks for sharing be safe

[@hikingdancer]

Thank you

[@david_W5QDF]

Glad to see our “River Crossing” girl back in the wilderness. Sorry that it was a wet gator possible spooky mess. 🥾🥾🥾

[@hikingdancer]

Yes it WAS

[@NateBuker]

Nice work with all those shots in crap conditions. What section were you in? Dixie from Homemade Wanderlust is a triple-crowner and seemed to absolutely love FT! LOL I get what you mean with gators and snakes but I'll take winter in Florida than Maine anytime!

[@hikingdancer]

I was in the central Florida Christmas area

[@charlesfrazier2908]

We appreciate the attempt. Live and learn. I'm surprised you didn't see a dinosaur come out of that tropical wonderland. Oh, and that was a 12 gauge shotgun shell. Its popular for hunting.

[@hikingdancer]

I was waiting for a dinosaur to come out

[@tomt9543]

Good decision! I didn’t see a single thing that made me want to ever hike that mess!

[@hikingdancer]

Not even a single thing?

[@tomt9543]

@@hikingdancer Well, YOU! But you’re not part of the trail! Ha! It was also comforting, at the end, when your car came into view! What a relief!! As in your AT posts, your constant positive attitude in the face of most any situation makes it such a joy to watch your channel! Please keep em coming! Loving it, in NC!

[@KrizAkoni]

I felt like I was going to get eaten by a gator just watching this…🐍🐊 I did a couple miles of the FT at Hwy 85 trail head…that part was kinda cool and not swampy when I was there.

[@hikingdancer]

Really? I need to check that area out then

[@joshuawilliams6321]

Im sure someone answered this already but if not, that is a spent shotgun shell. Don’t worry it won’t hurt you. :) have fun.

[@hikingdancer]

Thank you

[@fortheloveofgreenspace5161]

I agree! This would be the worst trail for me. My skin would be crawling 24/7. You spent more time on it than I would have!

[@hikingdancer]

It’s was a tough one

[@dniemi58]

17:32 “When do people choose to hike the FT?” All year round, day hikes between May and October, overnights November thru April

[@hikingdancer]

I see thank yiu

[@vibelife5133]

I'm with you, I don't hike flooded trails, but I've been on lots of completely dry trails in Florida, the FT has certain sections prone to flooding, especially after a good rain. Hiking in mud or water is not fun.

[@hikingdancer]

Very true

[@bigzoo55]

I have been Jonesing over the Atom Packs “The Mo”. Dixie liked it.

[@hikingdancer]

Yeah it looks pretty cool

[@mikeinthemountains]

It sounds like you’re a go for PCT in 2023!!

[@hikingdancer]

I wish! Funds and permit won’t allow this.

[@AThike]

Travel to Kentucky. We have the Red River Gorge and there are over 100 natural arches within the boundaries. I live 1.5 hours away and you can used my house as your base camp. Let’s hike!

[@hikingdancer]

Ok so I just quickly looked at this. Is there a particular trail that you are recommending? I’m a bit confused on the logistics and what would be the closest airport. I’m definitely intrigued to hike this one.

[@harrymathis4743]

Check out the Lite AF packs…cottage company in New Jersey. I love my 40L Curve.

[@hikingdancer]

That is my third option in packs

[@musingwithreba9667]

I'm with you Julianne! I don't get how the FT would be fun. It looks to me pretty much like all type 3. And then add the fear of gators, and nope! I'm out! I had panic attacks just watching Dixie's hike! 🤣 Plus, I detest heat and humidity. 🥵 You're brave just to do a day hike.

[@hikingdancer]

It’s much different watching Dixie and then doing it. I remember I watched her thinking “not so bad”. Then I did the hike and gained even more respect for her.

[@musingwithreba9667]

@@hikingdancer oh for sure! Not too many people finish the FT. Respect to anyone who does. I probably wouldn't even start 😕 😅

[@jessekane808]

To live and die for our girl Dixie

[@hikingdancer]

She’s amazing

[@kevinseversonandhisvizslas8287]

Come to South Dakota next year and hike our Centennial Trail it’s 111 miles in the Black Hills

[@hikingdancer]

I looked at this. Looks pretty cool. What time of the year is best to hike this trail?

[@jasoneskew1115]

@@hikingdancer I was there for the first time October 14-16 (end of a business trip). I did a short blue blaze near Mt. Rushmore that connects to the longer trails. I also explored the scenic vistas driving around the black hills. Definitely a place to go back to. The weather was pretty excellent during the day. Breezy, 70's. It got into the 50's at night. My co-workers up there tell me that they are getting ready for blizzard weather now though. So there's definitely a cut-off time to the good weather.

[@ChaoticDestiny1]

Good job on upping your editing game. Me personally...I don't F with bears, alligators, wolves, mountain lions,l spiders, moose when hiking. That is why I would never hike where you find these things. That cuts out most of the country.

[@hikingdancer]

Thanks for noticing the better editing. Agree. Don’t F with gators and snakes at all

[@joedygert4362]

im surprised its not worsted as we had 15 inch of rain from the storm

[@hikingdancer]

That’s true

[@tophatbanjo]

Oh, man--I've tried to hike some on the Florida trail system--I live up in the panhandle--but it's just too too TOO buggy, muddy, wet, moldy, humid, snakey, and alligator-y. No thank you.

[@hikingdancer]

It’s intense

[@benjaminbrewer2569]

Florida trail. It’s all river crossing. You got some great shots. You’re a happier being when you are outside.

[@hikingdancer]

Yes I am happier outside

[@benjaminbrewer2569]

@@hikingdancer 🌳😎🌲

[@stevenweber7252]

Hum I just noticed Homemade Wanderlust has a review of the Atom Packs in my sidebar.

[@hikingdancer]

Will check it out

[@crzyforaz6473]

Very nice photography.

[@hikingdancer]

Thank you