Between your channel, and Dixie's, I went from only wanting to backpack to go fly fishing in the Smokeys, to deciding that my next big goal in life will be the 'triple crown', starting with the AT. I'll be closely following your PCT hike. I think I can get ready to thru-hike the AT by March / April 2019, and in the meantime, I am slowly acquiring gear, based on your videos, Dixie's, and a few others, so that I don't have to buy stuff twice. I plan to start my trail conditioning with weekly day hikes for now, and carrying all the gear I'm acquiring for the AT to get used to that load. Your ADVICE is INVALUABLE, and greatly appreciated. Blessings, and all the success on future endeavors.
About the dental floss: It's a must for me on the trail, too. To save weight, I just crack open the plastic dispenser it comes in and pop the little roll into the same ziploc as my toothbrush and toothpaste. A small knife or nail clippers are alway with me, anyhow, and work fine to cut off a piece of floss when I need it. About the water filter: I'm really loving the MSR trailshot, despite it being a bit on the heavy side. But it enables me to harvest water from very shallow or hard-to-reach places, without the need to struggle with scooping water. And another alternative to to Sawyer is the Katadyn BeFree. For long-distance trips with no resupply points (e.g. in Scandanavia) I aim to take BOTH the BeFree and the TrailShot along, using the BeFree as a backup or as a scoop-and-go solution when conditions are suitable. I have the Sawyer Squeeze and Mini, but don't like the stoop-and-scoop trouble they create, especially when water sources are shallow or hard to reach. Your idea of using a cut-off water bottle as a scooper is of course brilliant, but I still like the TrailShot better.
If you like the chest pouch you might want to go the extra mile and look at the Aarn bodypack concept. This uses front pockets integrated into the pack to counterbalance the weight on your back. It was developed in conjunction with an ergonomics lab and saves both energy and wear-and-tear on the body once you are carrying more than about 15 lbs. It's an innovative but well-proven alternative to a conventional pack. As well as balancing the load better you have everything you need to hand in the front pockets - I've sometimes walked from dawn to dusk without taking off the pack. I've found the combination of the Aarn with the PacerPoles has transformed my experience in the hills - I can walk for weeks on tough alpine trails without a single ache or pain. The only drawback is Aarn's implementation of the concept - the packs are light by most standards but for ultralight walking they're a bit heavier than they need to be. So I'm prototyping my own design at well under 1 kilo - if you can make your own gear this is an interesting project.
Great video Bigfoot! Much more organized and concise than many others out there. You have inspired me to do a post hike video of the gear I finished with 37 years ago. As an historical artifact, only. A base weight of 10.5 lbs? My knees ache in envy!
120cabrini I'd love to see it too! I've actually seen some old thru hike videos in RUclips. No sound. Someone in the early 80s had a color movie camera.
Hey man. Thanks for all the hard work in putting these videos up. I have found them to be one of the most useful resources in planning for my thru hike next year. Keep it up!
I appreciate you doing these videos, brother. I followed you while you hiked and was definitely a big part of why I'm hiking it this year. These videos are very helpful right now as it helps me further dial in my gear. I'll be starting with the masses on April 1st. Was hoping for an earlier start but found I needed the extra time to save up a bit more cash for the trail. Mostly due to going with zpacks for the big 3. Definitely worth it, in my opinion. Thanks and take care!
+Assaultlife5.56 Thanks assault for the kind words. I get so much energy from all when I hear how much my vids are helping everyone out. Good luck on your upcoming Thru-Hike!!!!!
BF-Great review!! You really did dial in your gear. Very informative appraisal of everything you took (or sent home as not necess) and you managed to pull off a very commendable base weight. Thanks for your vid, look forward to more.
On charges, if you are planing ahead, when you buy them online you can generally find the amp or watt rating (effective the same as the voltage is the same). There are no lack of multi port charges that put out good power to 2 or even 4 ports, but make sure the charge says it puts out at least 2A/10W to each port.
Thanks Loathomar. I started to realize this a little bit while I was on the Trail. Do you have any recommendations of a great lightweight powerful port that could charge a battery brick fast?
No problem. And I got that you had to do a trail fix, which was a good plan, but just wanted to note that others did not need to have 2 charges to get good charging speed. Anything that states that if puts out 2.1A or 10W from both port should be good from the standard USB micro cables to get max charge speed. There are some that put out 4.8A per port, but then I believe you need the Micro-B (the wide micro USB). I have not tried it but, the "OKRAY 3 Pack 2A 10W Colorful Portable Dual USB Travel Wall Home Charger Power Adapter Plug" on Amazon looks like they should be great and still have a 1oz weight. www.amazon.com/dp/B01E718WIO/ref=psdc_12557637011_t1_B01N1GQBQ2 The really fast charges seem to be a lot heavier. Generally around 4oz, so unless you really needed the speed, two of the normal fast would be lighter.
Really enjoyed this video. Very good stuff!! I think I'm getting the 20° bag just because it will be more useful in different seasons of the year for me.
Great video, Bigfoot! Your content is so clear and organized. Really like the info on what worked and what didn't after the fact. I got a kick out of your trowel--QiWiz ("Chee-wiz") and I are in the same backpacking club. :-)
+LynchMob42 I don't have a video around Food, but I will be making one. I have had quite a few requests for this so I'll probably be doing this vid sometime this month. Stay tuned and thanks for watching!!
+Morris Smith Thanks Morris. I got them at the MN state fair from a store that sells this stuff in the Edina Southdale Mall. I just can’t remember the name of the shop. Someone else inquired about them so, when I get a chance, I’m going to stop by the mall and get their website info so I can share.
Great video, Bigfoot. I feel like I learned a lot in my own preparation for a multi-segment hike this Summer. One question -- was your decision to go stoveless purely a pack-weight consideration? I can't imagine going without.
No. I went without because of my short time frame. I knew, based on my pre-hikes and doing the mileage on them that I would have to do on the A.T., that I would unlikely want to cook at the end of a day after hiking 25-30 miles. I actually rarely missed a stove while I was on the Trail. I was actually surprised by how many other hikers sent their stoves home because they just didn't feel like cooking after 2 months and rarely used it.
So, I'm 80% sure I'm going with the Tarptent Saddle 2 (41 oz w/everything in a double wall w/LOTS of ventilation), but the 22.5 oz camo weight Duplex just keeps calling to me. I'll carry a polycro or tyvek footprint for shelters regardless, so might as well extend the life of the tent too. Things that scare me about the Duplex, in order of importance-- 1. Noise. I roll around a lot trying to fall asleep, and I'll start with a S2S UL insulated mat instead of the more comfortable xlite for the noise factor (and the super easy pumpbag I already own and the deflate takes two seconds). Constant noise could be a deal breaker. 2. Free hanging/insecure groundcloth. I wish there were attachment loops at the base of the ground floor to help keep it more secure. Nitpicky, I know. Not a deal breaker, just a preference. 3. Condensation. 4. Transparency. Even w/camo, I know I'll want to sleep past dawn occasionally (I'm not on your insane/impressive 100 day schedule...I'm going to enjoy being voluntarily homeless for six months with $1000s of dollars in gear) 5. Price. Duh. But over 6 months, I can justify it if I really really love something. And spending $10 per ounce savings seems to be standard and well worth it. 6. Design. The duplex is no doubt smart (love the new Dutchware attachments on the fly) but the TT Saddle 2 design is fantastic. Henry is quite the engineer. If he sold that rainfly in cuben and kept the groundfloor in silnylon...whoa. Would be my percent tent. I'm well aware of all the amazing attributes of the Duplex (really love that cuben won't stretch and sag in wet weather overnight), but how was dealing with the crinkle of cuben every night? And what else did you just get annoyed by every so often, even if you obviously wouldn't get anything different the next time?
+Mike Murphy Hey Mike! As for the noise of cuben, non factor for me. I never even noticed it. I had the Xlite and that was a little noisy, but I cannot ever recall anything with the tent. I got annoyed with the amount of stakes needed to set up the tent, especially if it was hard ground. I loved how much space I had inside of the tent, but because of the big footprint, there were some areas that were hard to find enough flat ground to place the tent (mostly in the North). I am contemplating getting the flex tent upgrade for my duplex so it can be set up freestanding. Would be great to be able to set up anywhere and not be limited.
Sorry, that was unclear. The 10oz is in reference to the additional weight associated with the Duplex Flex Tent/freestanding option. You mentioned that in the north a free standing option would have been handy, and I was possibly thinking of starting without the flex tent (saving 10 oz), then having the freestanding poles sent to me once I sent home my R1 Hoody (12.7 oz) shortly after Damascus (all this assuming I decide to spend all my money on the Duplex). Sidenote: I will absolutely use your link to Zpacks should I go with that tent...least I could do for the personalized advice and well thought out [and edited] videos.
+Mike Murphy You probably don't need them in the South unless you want to pitch your tent on a rock slab with an amazing overlook. I would probably send it to yourself as you get into the New England section around Conneticut.
+dbkguy It can be expensive, however, there are a lot of options out there to save weight w/o breaking the bank. I did a video on an affordable gear challenge which I was able to achieve a 3 season thru hike gear list for under 1,000 and a base weight just over 14lbs. Here is the link: ruclips.net/video/7xRtzXveRL0/видео.html
Thanks Bigfoot for the video! Lots of great information! Quick question, are you sponsored or got free gear from Zpacks for your thur hike in exchange for the review? I ask because so many thur hike reviews are including the Zpack gear. Congrats on the awesome 100 day completion! See you on the trail!
+richola No sponsorship. I will be giving my honest opinions when I do each piece of my gear. Not having any ties to any companies gives me the ability to have bias and speak how I truly feel the gear performed!
I have enjoyed many of your videos, they are well thought out and done. I hope you do the PCT soon! One question, that $300.00 dollar backpack already had holes in it ? Will you have to buy a new pack every year? I use a heavy-duty backpack (Gregory Bartalo 75), for some 10 day section hikes on the PCT, and it still looks new. I know you would never use a pack that heavy, but it looks like its going to last me 20 years, not 6 months. Is the 3 lbs lighter worth it?
It has some damage but I will still be using it. I think it still has 60+days of Trail use out of it. I have a couple of Gregory packs that have held up really well but of course they weight about the same yours probably does. The way I see it, is I used my pack for the 100 days on the AT plus about 20 days on pre-hikes, so thats 120 days. All of my other gear that I have had for a long time (12+years) I might have about that many days on it and there is some wear and tear. For me, its worth the extra weight that you are shaving off because it is just so much more comfortable to hike in. For me, it was about the challenge of the hike and the experience of the hike. If I had a heavier pack and heavier gear, it would not have made the experience as enjoyable for me. I spent a lot of money to get this opportunity to do this and I wanted to maximize my experience and the comfort I had on the Trail so I could really enjoy it. That's just my opinion. Man, I wish I was on the PCT right now. Hopefully if things can work out with this channel and life, I can be on the PCT no later than 2019.
Follow Bigfoot, Congratulations on your awesome achievement: Completing the AT in under 100 days! To be able to hike, over uncertain terrain, for 30 miles per day...day after day, means that every ounce counts. What you carried had to be the lightest and most functional (including your food) because all that weight was coming down on your most vulnerable feet and ankles. You achieved your goal, I believe, because of paying attention to the weight at all times. I am studying your successful example, while saving up for the lightest gear. It is worth it to avoid injury.
+Tim Martyn Yes. I used it all the time to communicate with my Family and GF when I didn't have a signal on the trail. It also gave my Fam peace of mind. You can find lighter weight ones like the Spot but doesn't have the capabilities of texting like this one does where you can say anything. I would recommend to have some sort of GPS device.
I have a question for you concerning moisture management. Not from the weather but from sweating your ass off. You mentioned that you sweat a lot And I was wondering how you dealt with that issue.
just have to ask this question. I bought a pair of Brooks Calderas trail runners and since I've been wearing them on the trail hiking my feet are getting beat up on the rocks and roots. You said in your video about a rock plate in the shoes you wore in VT, NH, ME areas of the AT. Is this rock plate all ready built in the shoe or do you put it in? I'm looking for a light weight quick drying shoe that's why I ask. Thanks
+mrairborneranger87 Yes. I really liked the Altra long peak 3. This is what i used in the New Hampshire and Maine area. I would say most hikers prefer this as well. Here is a link to them: amzn.to/2kNSn37
2.0 out of 5 stars Don't fix what ain't broken: Bring back the 2.0/2.5's ByJwncon August 28, 2016 I have had the Lone Peaks 2.0 and 2.5. I loved them. I wore them out. I recently bought the new and 'improved' version. The 3.0's. The more I run in them, the less I like them. Here are the issues I have found so far. 1. I had to go up 1/2 size to be able to have a wide enough fit in the toe box. This is one of their main advertising points and why I was initially drawn to them. 2. On steep down hill's the insole slides forward and crams up into the toe box. These are trail shoes. The should be designed to handle terrain. 3. They do not drain. As I washed them out I did a little experiment. I filled them with water and left them. Five or 10minutes later I returned and they still had a lot of water pooled inside both shoes. Again...this is a trail shoe 4. The old lone peaks had an integrated rock plate. No rock plate in the 3.0's. Um, what can I say positive? Oh, more neutral color selection? I have less than 100 miles and I am already thinking about my next shoe and I am scanning the inter webs for old 2.5's till I can find a new brand that works.
The Arcblast appears to be in great condition. In contrast, Spielberg's Arcblast was falling apart after his summit. Same trail albeit your journey was much faster. Do you think time on the trail was the main culprit or did you encounter issues your your pack too?
+Scott Foster I think the time definitely plays a factor. I also encountered a similar issue with my carbon rod sliding out of its sleeve. You can see me talk about it on my trail video I did on my zero in Damascus. I have found if you don't put a lot of "Arc" on this pack it will be more likely to do this.
+MTMike Absolutely. When I find sometime I will be doing a review on each specific piece of my gear, with this being one of them. Hope to get this done in the next 2 weeks
100 days is that a record, what I noticed most is what you didn't bring like a stove or a chair I laughed every time the guy from my out door life says you need a chair, I wasn't sure about the stove I heard a rumour that there are some places where you can't have a campfire , not sure why everybody goes with smart water bottles I'm not sure it would make a big difference in price but I know that I can pick up a liter of soda at the Dollar tree for a buck and a quarter and I'm pretty sure the screw cap is a universal size I know the plastic is a lot thicker than your water bottles because you have to hold in the pressure of the carbonate soda so it probably would last longer just keep reusing the soda bottle
Good video. Thanks. Question. Did you find the Z-Packs stuff sack/pillow to be loud at night? It sounded sound in the video. Also, did the darn tough socks last the rest of the trail once you got them?
+Scott Spurgeon The Stuff sack was a little loud but I slept in my tent opposed to a shelter around people so the sound didn't bother me or anyone else. I had one pair that got holes in them from the N.O.C where i bought them to Green Lake, NY (I think that was the town I was around) where someone was giving brand New darn tough socks out as trail magic. I grabbed a pair and threw the other pair away.
Actually, you don't need thread if you have unwaxed dental floss and a large-eyed needle! (waxed attracts insects) And floss is stronger than standard sewing thread. Another good choice is a bit of upholstery or buttonhole twist thread, which are durable but glide easier than floss. (available at JoAnn Fabrics or similar store)
weird this one looks the same, diff brand, but seems to do metric too: www.amazon.com/Backlight-Display-Dr-meter-Electronic-Temperature/dp/B00XVB48E4/ref=cts_ap_3_vtp?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=2897711222&pf_rd_r=0P2PCPMQJX36G80YQ92F&pd_rd_wg=YiqKk&pf_rd_s=desktop-detail-softlines&pf_rd_t=40701&pd_rd_i=B00XVB48E4&pd_rd_w=dQcUO&pf_rd_i=desktop-detail-softlines&pd_rd_r=0P2PCPMQJX36G80YQ92F&_encoding=UTF8
+Warbeast911 I always kept about 100 bucks on me most of the time with about 10 dollars in ones (you never know when you will hit a vending machine 😊). Everything else I paid in plastic. Some places gave you a break in cost if you paid in cash.
Some tears in the backpack? Are you even kidding me and the rest of the viewers?! That pack is by from PCT worthy at this juncture! Zpacks makes great sleeping bags and the best tent for turn hiking on the market right now; however, a shabby and less than durable backpack not to mention to total and complete lack of padding, comfort, balance and support undermines it quality compared to its competitors. By far your worst piece of gear and it palpably shows in this video and you are minimizing its conspicuous weakness. Your reviews are usually very good but please be more candid in future when rating a piece of gear that has clearly not held up.
+Matthew Riddell This video wasn't a in depth review of every item, more an overview of what I ended with and what it looked like. Watch my review of the ArcBlast for a full in depth review on the pack.
Dustyn Tonks Hiking on the Appalachian Trail through all the rocks that your shoes come in contact with (and roots) wears down your shoes very very fast. Back home walking on concrete, payment or gravel, my shoes last for a couple years too. Shoe life expectancy is much different on the Trail than off the Trail.
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
Between your channel, and Dixie's, I went from only wanting to backpack to go fly fishing in the Smokeys, to deciding that my next big goal in life will be the 'triple crown', starting with the AT. I'll be closely following your PCT hike.
I think I can get ready to thru-hike the AT by March / April 2019, and in the meantime, I am slowly acquiring gear, based on your videos, Dixie's, and a few others, so that I don't have to buy stuff twice.
I plan to start my trail conditioning with weekly day hikes for now, and carrying all the gear I'm acquiring for the AT to get used to that load.
Your ADVICE is INVALUABLE, and greatly appreciated. Blessings, and all the success on future endeavors.
About the dental floss: It's a must for me on the trail, too. To save weight, I just crack open the plastic dispenser it comes in and pop the little roll into the same ziploc as my toothbrush and toothpaste. A small knife or nail clippers are alway with me, anyhow, and work fine to cut off a piece of floss when I need it. About the water filter: I'm really loving the MSR trailshot, despite it being a bit on the heavy side. But it enables me to harvest water from very shallow or hard-to-reach places, without the need to struggle with scooping water. And another alternative to to Sawyer is the Katadyn BeFree. For long-distance trips with no resupply points (e.g. in Scandanavia) I aim to take BOTH the BeFree and the TrailShot along, using the BeFree as a backup or as a scoop-and-go solution when conditions are suitable. I have the Sawyer Squeeze and Mini, but don't like the stoop-and-scoop trouble they create, especially when water sources are shallow or hard to reach. Your idea of using a cut-off water bottle as a scooper is of course brilliant, but I still like the TrailShot better.
+Scott Becker Thanks Scott, agree on the floss. I actually just started using the BeFree and took it on my last thru hike on the JMT last month.
If you like the chest pouch you might want to go the extra mile and look at the Aarn bodypack concept. This uses front pockets integrated into the pack to counterbalance the weight on your back. It was developed in conjunction with an ergonomics lab and saves both energy and wear-and-tear on the body once you are carrying more than about 15 lbs. It's an innovative but well-proven alternative to a conventional pack. As well as balancing the load better you have everything you need to hand in the front pockets - I've sometimes walked from dawn to dusk without taking off the pack. I've found the combination of the Aarn with the PacerPoles has transformed my experience in the hills - I can walk for weeks on tough alpine trails without a single ache or pain. The only drawback is Aarn's implementation of the concept - the packs are light by most standards but for ultralight walking they're a bit heavier than they need to be. So I'm prototyping my own design at well under 1 kilo - if you can make your own gear this is an interesting project.
Man how you organized this video was so good.
+acetheboss13 Thank you, wanted to make it easy to follow for everyone
Great to hear what worked and what didn't!
Great video Bigfoot! Much more organized and concise than many others out there. You have inspired me to do a post hike video of the gear I finished with 37 years ago. As an historical artifact, only. A base weight of 10.5 lbs? My knees ache in envy!
+120cabrini I'm so glad you enjoyed them. I would LOVE to see your video. Could you send me a copy of the link when you get it up?
Absolutely! Though it will be a while. I have to assemble all the stuff before it goes to the Smithsonian.
120cabrini I'd love to see it too! I've actually seen some old thru hike videos in RUclips. No sound. Someone in the early 80s had a color movie camera.
Great valuable information. Congrats on 100 day trek, simply awesome accomplishment.
Hey man. Thanks for all the hard work in putting these videos up. I have found them to be one of the most useful resources in planning for my thru hike next year. Keep it up!
+Jonathan Wooddy Thanks Jonathan!!!
Cool stuff. Planning my thru-hike for next year.
I appreciate you doing these videos, brother. I followed you while you hiked and was definitely a big part of why I'm hiking it this year. These videos are very helpful right now as it helps me further dial in my gear. I'll be starting with the masses on April 1st. Was hoping for an earlier start but found I needed the extra time to save up a bit more cash for the trail. Mostly due to going with zpacks for the big 3. Definitely worth it, in my opinion.
Thanks and take care!
+Assaultlife5.56 Thanks assault for the kind words. I get so much energy from all when I hear how much my vids are helping everyone out. Good luck on your upcoming Thru-Hike!!!!!
Thanks much for a great video! Your gear list is an inspiration - although I personally would add gear for hot food and drink.
BF-Great review!! You really did dial in your gear. Very informative appraisal of everything you took (or sent home as not necess) and you managed to pull off a very commendable base weight. Thanks for your vid, look forward to more.
On charges, if you are planing ahead, when you buy them online you can generally find the amp or watt rating (effective the same as the voltage is the same). There are no lack of multi port charges that put out good power to 2 or even 4 ports, but make sure the charge says it puts out at least 2A/10W to each port.
Thanks Loathomar. I started to realize this a little bit while I was on the Trail. Do you have any recommendations of a great lightweight powerful port that could charge a battery brick fast?
No problem. And I got that you had to do a trail fix, which was a good plan, but just wanted to note that others did not need to have 2 charges to get good charging speed. Anything that states that if puts out 2.1A or 10W from both port should be good from the standard USB micro cables to get max charge speed. There are some that put out 4.8A per port, but then I believe you need the Micro-B (the wide micro USB).
I have not tried it but, the "OKRAY 3 Pack 2A 10W Colorful Portable Dual USB Travel Wall Home Charger Power Adapter Plug" on Amazon looks like they should be great and still have a 1oz weight. www.amazon.com/dp/B01E718WIO/ref=psdc_12557637011_t1_B01N1GQBQ2
The really fast charges seem to be a lot heavier. Generally around 4oz, so unless you really needed the speed, two of the normal fast would be lighter.
Really enjoyed this video. Very good stuff!! I think I'm getting the 20° bag just because it will be more useful in different seasons of the year for me.
+swatsullivan Yeah, that's a good one if you are hiking different seasons throughout the year.
swatsulliva
I enjoy all your videos.Great job keep up the good work.
Great video, Bigfoot! Your content is so clear and organized. Really like the info on what worked and what didn't after the fact. I got a kick out of your trowel--QiWiz ("Chee-wiz") and I are in the same backpacking club. :-)
+Betsy Bender Thanks Betsy! Love his trowel!!!!
I would recommend a Qualcomm 3.0 charging block. Worth the weight (or less wait for the weight).
Can you do a video demonstration of using the Sawyer mini and your water system?
Bigfoot I totally trust you're trail exp. Thanks for all the info. Hike on.....
I'll look back through your other videos. I'm interested in hearing about your stove-free diet.
+LynchMob42 I don't have a video around Food, but I will be making one. I have had quite a few requests for this so I'll probably be doing this vid sometime this month. Stay tuned and thanks for watching!!
Bigfoot where can I get one of those t-shirts with the campfire, your state, and the hiking dude. It's awesome. Hope all's well.
+Morris Smith Thanks Morris. I got them at the MN state fair from a store that sells this stuff in the Edina Southdale Mall. I just can’t remember the name of the shop. Someone else inquired about them so, when I get a chance, I’m going to stop by the mall and get their website info so I can share.
Great video, Bigfoot. I feel like I learned a lot in my own preparation for a multi-segment hike this Summer. One question -- was your decision to go stoveless purely a pack-weight consideration? I can't imagine going without.
No. I went without because of my short time frame. I knew, based on my pre-hikes and doing the mileage on them that I would have to do on the A.T., that I would unlikely want to cook at the end of a day after hiking 25-30 miles. I actually rarely missed a stove while I was on the Trail. I was actually surprised by how many other hikers sent their stoves home because they just didn't feel like cooking after 2 months and rarely used it.
So, I'm 80% sure I'm going with the Tarptent Saddle 2 (41 oz w/everything in a double wall w/LOTS of ventilation), but the 22.5 oz camo weight Duplex just keeps calling to me. I'll carry a polycro or tyvek footprint for shelters regardless, so might as well extend the life of the tent too.
Things that scare me about the Duplex, in order of importance--
1. Noise. I roll around a lot trying to fall asleep, and I'll start with a S2S UL insulated mat instead of the more comfortable xlite for the noise factor (and the super easy pumpbag I already own and the deflate takes two seconds). Constant noise could be a deal breaker.
2. Free hanging/insecure groundcloth. I wish there were attachment loops at the base of the ground floor to help keep it more secure. Nitpicky, I know. Not a deal breaker, just a preference.
3. Condensation.
4. Transparency. Even w/camo, I know I'll want to sleep past dawn occasionally (I'm not on your insane/impressive 100 day schedule...I'm going to enjoy being voluntarily homeless for six months with $1000s of dollars in gear)
5. Price. Duh. But over 6 months, I can justify it if I really really love something. And spending $10 per ounce savings seems to be standard and well worth it.
6. Design. The duplex is no doubt smart (love the new Dutchware attachments on the fly) but the TT Saddle 2 design is fantastic. Henry is quite the engineer. If he sold that rainfly in cuben and kept the groundfloor in silnylon...whoa. Would be my percent tent.
I'm well aware of all the amazing attributes of the Duplex (really love that cuben won't stretch and sag in wet weather overnight), but how was dealing with the crinkle of cuben every night? And what else did you just get annoyed by every so often, even if you obviously wouldn't get anything different the next time?
+Mike Murphy Hey Mike!
As for the noise of cuben, non factor for me. I never even noticed it. I had the Xlite and that was a little noisy, but I cannot ever recall anything with the tent.
I got annoyed with the amount of stakes needed to set up the tent, especially if it was hard ground. I loved how much space I had inside of the tent, but because of the big footprint, there were some areas that were hard to find enough flat ground to place the tent (mostly in the North). I am contemplating getting the flex tent upgrade for my duplex so it can be set up freestanding. Would be great to be able to set up anywhere and not be limited.
Worth the ten ounces? Or maybe worth it once I hit Damascus and drop some winter weight?
Are you referring to dropping the other tent and going with the Duplex?
Sorry, that was unclear. The 10oz is in reference to the additional weight associated with the Duplex Flex Tent/freestanding option. You mentioned that in the north a free standing option would have been handy, and I was possibly thinking of starting without the flex tent (saving 10 oz), then having the freestanding poles sent to me once I sent home my R1 Hoody (12.7 oz) shortly after Damascus (all this assuming I decide to spend all my money on the Duplex).
Sidenote: I will absolutely use your link to Zpacks should I go with that tent...least I could do for the personalized advice and well thought out [and edited] videos.
+Mike Murphy You probably don't need them in the South unless you want to pitch your tent on a rock slab with an amazing overlook. I would probably send it to yourself as you get into the New England section around Conneticut.
Damn! 10.5 lbs. That's fantastic. Unfortunately the I have found the lighter you go, the more expensive it costs.
+dbkguy It can be expensive, however, there are a lot of options out there to save weight w/o breaking the bank. I did a video on an affordable gear challenge which I was able to achieve a 3 season thru hike gear list for under 1,000 and a base weight just over 14lbs. Here is the link:
ruclips.net/video/7xRtzXveRL0/видео.html
Thanks. I'll check it out.
You can buy the EXPENSIVE light shit and get BRANDED with all the spiffy logos. OR you can go less expensive! Don't get BRANDED.
Excellent... thank you!
Thanks Bigfoot for the video! Lots of great information! Quick question, are you sponsored or got free gear from Zpacks for your thur hike in exchange for the review? I ask because so many thur hike reviews are including the Zpack gear. Congrats on the awesome 100 day completion! See you on the trail!
+richola No sponsorship. I will be giving my honest opinions when I do each piece of my gear. Not having any ties to any companies gives me the ability to have bias and speak how I truly feel the gear performed!
I have enjoyed many of your videos, they are well thought out and done. I hope you do the PCT soon! One question, that $300.00 dollar backpack already had holes in it ? Will you have to buy a new pack every year? I use a heavy-duty backpack (Gregory Bartalo 75), for some 10 day section hikes on the PCT, and it still looks new. I know you would never use a pack that heavy, but it looks like its going to last me 20 years, not 6 months. Is the 3 lbs lighter worth it?
It has some damage but I will still be using it. I think it still has 60+days of Trail use out of it. I have a couple of Gregory packs that have held up really well but of course they weight about the same yours probably does. The way I see it, is I used my pack for the 100 days on the AT plus about 20 days on pre-hikes, so thats 120 days. All of my other gear that I have had for a long time (12+years) I might have about that many days on it and there is some wear and tear.
For me, its worth the extra weight that you are shaving off because it is just so much more comfortable to hike in. For me, it was about the challenge of the hike and the experience of the hike. If I had a heavier pack and heavier gear, it would not have made the experience as enjoyable for me. I spent a lot of money to get this opportunity to do this and I wanted to maximize my experience and the comfort I had on the Trail so I could really enjoy it.
That's just my opinion. Man, I wish I was on the PCT right now. Hopefully if things can work out with this channel and life, I can be on the PCT no later than 2019.
Great. Thank you!
Follow Bigfoot,
Congratulations on your awesome achievement: Completing the AT in under 100 days!
To be able to hike, over uncertain terrain, for 30 miles per day...day after day, means that every ounce counts. What you carried had to be the lightest and most functional (including your food) because all that weight was coming down on your most vulnerable feet and ankles. You achieved your goal, I believe, because of paying attention to the weight at all times.
I am studying your successful example, while saving up for the lightest gear. It is worth it to avoid injury.
+Follow Bigfoot great vid as usual. Did you find your gps unit an essential item to bring along considering its weight ?
+Tim Martyn Yes. I used it all the time to communicate with my Family and GF when I didn't have a signal on the trail. It also gave my Fam peace of mind. You can find lighter weight ones like the Spot but doesn't have the capabilities of texting like this one does where you can say anything. I would recommend to have some sort of GPS device.
Good vid. Thanks for sharing.
I have a question for you concerning moisture management. Not from the weather but from sweating your ass off. You mentioned that you sweat a lot And I was wondering how you dealt with that issue.
just have to ask this question. I bought a pair of Brooks Calderas trail runners and since I've been wearing them on the trail hiking my feet are getting beat up on the rocks and roots. You said in your video about a rock plate in the shoes you wore in VT, NH, ME areas of the AT. Is this rock plate all ready built in the shoe or do you put it in? I'm looking for a light weight quick drying shoe that's why I ask. Thanks
+mrairborneranger87 Yes. I really liked the Altra long peak 3. This is what i used in the New Hampshire and Maine area. I would say most hikers prefer this as well. Here is a link to them:
amzn.to/2kNSn37
2.0 out of 5 stars Don't fix what ain't broken: Bring back the 2.0/2.5's
ByJwncon August 28, 2016
I have had the Lone Peaks 2.0 and 2.5. I loved them. I wore them out. I recently bought the new and 'improved' version. The 3.0's. The more I run in them, the less I like them. Here are the issues I have found so far.
1. I had to go up 1/2 size to be able to have a wide enough fit in the toe box. This is one of their main advertising points and why I was initially drawn to them.
2. On steep down hill's the insole slides forward and crams up into the toe box. These are trail shoes. The should be designed to handle terrain.
3. They do not drain. As I washed them out I did a little experiment. I filled them with water and left them. Five or 10minutes later I returned and they still had a lot of water pooled inside both shoes. Again...this is a trail shoe
4. The old lone peaks had an integrated rock plate. No rock plate in the 3.0's.
Um, what can I say positive? Oh, more neutral color selection? I have less than 100 miles and I am already thinking about my next shoe and I am scanning the inter webs for old 2.5's till I can find a new brand that works.
#4 NO ROCK PLATE?! guess I'll look for 2.0's
The Arcblast appears to be in great condition. In contrast, Spielberg's Arcblast was falling apart after his summit. Same trail albeit your journey was much faster. Do you think time on the trail was the main culprit or did you encounter issues your your pack too?
+Scott Foster I think the time definitely plays a factor. I also encountered a similar issue with my carbon rod sliding out of its sleeve. You can see me talk about it on my trail video I did on my zero in Damascus. I have found if you don't put a lot of "Arc" on this pack it will be more likely to do this.
Can you do a review on your inreach gps.. I'm taking the same one and wanted to see how you liked it and how you used it??
+MTMike Absolutely. When I find sometime I will be doing a review on each specific piece of my gear, with this being one of them. Hope to get this done in the next 2 weeks
100 days is that a record, what I noticed most is what you didn't bring like a stove or a chair I laughed every time the guy from my out door life says you need a chair, I wasn't sure about the stove I heard a rumour that there are some places where you can't have a campfire , not sure why everybody goes with smart water bottles I'm not sure it would make a big difference in price but I know that I can pick up a liter of soda at the Dollar tree for a buck and a quarter and I'm pretty sure the screw cap is a universal size I know the plastic is a lot thicker than your water bottles because you have to hold in the pressure of the carbonate soda so it probably would last longer just keep reusing the soda bottle
Good video. Thanks. Question. Did you find the Z-Packs stuff sack/pillow to be loud at night? It sounded sound in the video. Also, did the darn tough socks last the rest of the trail once you got them?
+Scott Spurgeon The Stuff sack was a little loud but I slept in my tent opposed to a shelter around people so the sound didn't bother me or anyone else.
I had one pair that got holes in them from the N.O.C where i bought them to Green Lake, NY (I think that was the town I was around) where someone was giving brand New darn tough socks out as trail magic. I grabbed a pair and threw the other pair away.
Actually, you don't need thread if you have unwaxed dental floss and a large-eyed needle! (waxed attracts insects) And floss is stronger than standard sewing thread. Another good choice is a bit of upholstery or buttonhole twist thread, which are durable but glide easier than floss. (available at JoAnn Fabrics or similar store)
+M A Walker Thanks walker. I will be converting to floss in the future as I always have floss with me anyways
But in summary how much was your base gear when you finished the AT?
I did not see any wet wipes in your pack. ??
How did you eat/cook anything? Noticed you didnt mention that
+Coyote Tactical Solutions ruclips.net/video/Be64g9Fb0bk/видео.html
I did a video last week on this, check it out.
Thanks!
Sorry, boring question, but what's that scale you're using to weigh your pack? I want one (if it's not too expensive)!
also thanks for the vids, learning a lot
+bentropy hey, sorry I couldn't get back sooner. It's a decent scale but it does not do grams which you may want
+bentropy I can send you a link to another cheap one (like 10-15bucks) that I have and use that does grams
+bentropy amzn.to/2t3Ux1y
This is the other one that I have that does grams which is nice when you really are finding exact weights
weird this one looks the same, diff brand, but seems to do metric too:
www.amazon.com/Backlight-Display-Dr-meter-Electronic-Temperature/dp/B00XVB48E4/ref=cts_ap_3_vtp?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=2897711222&pf_rd_r=0P2PCPMQJX36G80YQ92F&pd_rd_wg=YiqKk&pf_rd_s=desktop-detail-softlines&pf_rd_t=40701&pd_rd_i=B00XVB48E4&pd_rd_w=dQcUO&pf_rd_i=desktop-detail-softlines&pd_rd_r=0P2PCPMQJX36G80YQ92F&_encoding=UTF8
You handled all methods to pay via plastic card?
I am more of a cash guy but hate the weight
+Warbeast911 I always kept about 100 bucks on me most of the time with about 10 dollars in ones (you never know when you will hit a vending machine 😊). Everything else I paid in plastic. Some places gave you a break in cost if you paid in cash.
Is Z-Packs your sponsor ?
Cool
Oh, I see: 10.5 lbs. . .ultralight, not too shabby!
I wear shoes for five years....
Some tears in the backpack? Are you even kidding me and the rest of the viewers?!
That pack is by from PCT worthy at this juncture! Zpacks makes great sleeping bags and the best tent for turn hiking on the market right now; however, a shabby and less than durable backpack not to mention to total and complete lack of padding, comfort, balance and support undermines it quality compared to its competitors. By far your worst piece of gear and it palpably shows in this video and you are minimizing its conspicuous weakness. Your reviews are usually very good but please be more candid in future when rating a piece of gear that has clearly not held up.
+Matthew Riddell This video wasn't a in depth review of every item, more an overview of what I ended with and what it looked like. Watch my review of the ArcBlast for a full in depth review on the pack.
Thrre pairs of shoes? Thats not hiking.
Thats sponsorshit.
Dustyn Tonks Hiking on the Appalachian Trail through all the rocks that your shoes come in contact with (and roots) wears down your shoes very very fast. Back home walking on concrete, payment or gravel, my shoes last for a couple years too. Shoe life expectancy is much different on the Trail than off the Trail.